Dear Parents
As we enter the last weeks of the school year the teachers are busy preparing reports, following up on notes explaining a child's absence, and calling back all classroom reading books and library books in preparation for our end of year stocktake. Please return all books as soon as possible. Our lost property boxes are bursting with jumpers, hats and lunchboxes not claimed at the end of each day. We will endeavour to return items that are clearly labelled.
Over the last few weeks, I have noticed a general lack of respect across the school in the way the children are dealing with one another and their manners towards the staff. While I know everyone is tired - children, parents and staff - we need to be vigilant and consistent in our expectation of the children regarding how they speak and treat others.
Signing In/Out Children
There has been a big increase in the number of children being signed in and out during the school day, especially from 2.30pm on. Due to COVID restrictions, parents are still not allowed to walk through the school to collect their child/ren. As a consequence, the office staff are spending much of the afternoon collecting children and are then not available to answer parent enquiries.
Please ensure your child knows to come to the office by notifying the class teacher via a note first thing in the morning. This would improve the efficacy of the office.
Afternoon Pick up
Please refrain from collecting a child prior to the bell if you do not have an appointment that requires an early departure. School finishes at 3.10pm.
We will continue to provide drive-through for the remainder of the term with a trial commencing the pick up from 3.10pm, just as the bell rings. Mr Donnelly and I have noticed that the number of families using this option has reduced dramatically, so we are currently evaluating if we will continue drive-through in 2021.
Chomley Street
Today I discovered that Cholmley Street has become the new pick up zone for a lot more families. The teachers have raised concern over the number of children they see walking around the cars and playing in the area. Once again I do reminder families to avoid congregating and to social distance correctly. Any parent who feels they cannot collect their child by 3.20pm should be directing their child/ren to be picked up at the front of the school. We need to cut back on the length of time teachers are providing supervision at the Chomley Street pick up point.
The Semester Two reports are currently being prepared and will be sent home on Wednesday, next week. Comments will be included on this report due to a request from many parents across our school System.
Year 6 End of Year Farewell Celebration
The Year 6 end of year celebrations will be occurring on Tuesday 8 December in the St Monica's Church at
9:30am for 6M, 10:30am for 6H and 11:30am for 6FC.
Ceremonies will run for half an hour. We would like to remind you that only parents will be allowed to attend the Liturgy as the church can only hold a maximum of 100 people.
Following the Liturgy in the Church, ONLY the children will gather in the hall from 12:30 – 2:00pm to cut the cake and have a photo. This will be followed by lunch which is organised by the Year 5 parents. The information has been sent home to Year 6 and Year 5 parents.
A Canteen Christmas Morning Tea Picnic - 16 December - Reminder
In order to celebrate the upcoming Christmas season and holidays, the canteen will host a special Christmas celebration picnic morning tea for the children on Wednesday 16 December 2020. The menu is attached and is available for order via Qkr from Wednesday 25 Nov 3:30pm - Friday 11 Dec 2020 3:30pm.
Copy_of_Canteen_Christmas_Picnic_16_Dec_20_Menu.pdf
Last lunch orders for the year will be Friday 11 December 2020. Any remaining stock will be available for Qkr! orders and counter sales at recess and lunchtime on Thursday 17 and recess only on Friday 18 December 2020.
2020 Online Australian School Teams Chess Championships
Best of luck to our girls competing in the National Primary Girls Division representing the ACT on the weekend - Mary D-H, Sarah D-H, Charlize S, Annalene L and Zarah L. Thank you to Evelyn David Hoole for her dedication, passion and commitment to keeping chess alive at St Monica's.
Continue to stay safe and healthy.
Principal
