Principal's Message
Dear Parents
It has been really lovely seeing all the children returning to school so settled, focused on their learning, reconnecting with friends and welcoming the many new children who have joined our community. Everyone is most welcome.
On Friday the children and staff will come together for an opening school Mass. Unfortunately due to current COVID restriction parents are not permitted to join us. While disappointing this will be the first time the school has gathered in the church for almost 12 months.
School Counsellor
Our new CatholicCare counsellor commences next week. St Monica's have been allocated 3 days a fortnight. With the increase in the time provided by Catholic Education, we have had a change to our counsellor. Next week we will welcome Ryoko Garner who will be available every Thursday and alternate Wednesdays. Families wishing to make an appointment with the counsellor can ring the school or email carmel.maguire@cg.catholic.edu.au. Parents are then provided with a form to complete that is provided to the Counsellor. I am just waiting to confirm that our current booking form meets new protocols. It is a CatholicCare requirement that parents sign the request form. Where parents are separated it is a requirement that both parents give formal consent.
Silence is Deadly Workshop for Year 5 & 6 Boys
Next Wednesday the boys in Years 5 & 6 will engage in a 50 minutes presentation titled Silence is Deadly. The presentation is for young males and focuses on the importance of seeking help when times get 'tough' and not trying to do it alone. Silence is Deadly aligns with the Australian Curriculum’s Personal and Social Capability learning outcomes that encourage students to recognise and regulate emotions, develop empathy for others, make responsible decisions and handle challenging situations. The presentation is offered to schools within the ACT and surrounding area at no charge. Silence is Deadly is delivered by Menslink staff. During the discussion portion of the session, presenters illustrate the importance of seeking advice and how to look after one’s friends through the sharing of personal stories and experiences. Presenters will give advice on how participants can develop their mental fitness now, as a way to prepare themselves to better deal with future problems. Should you have any question or concerns regarding the presentation please contact Luke Donnelly.
Please check the school has an updated medical plan if your child suffers from asthma or requires an EpiPen. All medication should be current. Please contact Mrs Flynn on Monday should you need to update your plan or provide a new EpiPen.
Nut and Egg Free School
We have a number of children who are highly allergic to nuts (various types) and eggs. Please avoid packing sandwiches or snacks that contain nuts and eggs. We have a no sharing protocol at St Monica’s, please remind your child.
Lollies
Several years ago the School Council supported the proposal of no lollies or chocolate at school particularly as a birthday treat to be shared with other children. Parents may elect to pack a small treat for morning tea or lunch as long as it is not shared with other children.
BYODD Year 4 – 6
The children are not required to bring in their iPads for the first week. The children will be required to review their technology contacts with their class teacher/s before they can use a device at school. Parents will be required to discuss the contact and sign as well. Information regarding the apps required by the school can be found later in their newsletter. Forms will come home on Thursday for parents to discuss and sign.
Parent Meetings and Goal Setting
I am very aware that parents like to connect with their child's teacher early in the year to develop open communication regarding a child's learning. This year we are offering parents a short 10-minute interview next week to replace the parent workshops we have offered in the past. This will allow parents to share any concerns and to identify a key learning goal for the coming weeks. We are offering either zoom or a face to face session to accommodate your needs. Bookings open today and booking instructions are attached below.
Media Update Permission
An increasing number of organisations are now using various forms of Social Media to promote events or their businesses. This is also a practice encouraged by Catholic Education for schools. With the use of various communication programs and apps, including the St Monica’s Facebook page, parents and carers are once again asked to confirm the permissions you want the school to apply regarding the use of your child’s image in photos, videos and the use of their work.
It is prohibited to publish or transmit student or staff work or images, which may or may not include identifying material, without permission from the staff member concerned or the person with parental responsibility for the student. When publishing student information only the first names will be used (unless authorised by the parent/carer to publish surname). In general, images of children, where it is not possible to identify the individual, ie their face is not seen, are considered acceptable.
Throughout the school year St Monica’s Primary School and various media organisations eg. Canberra Times, Catholic Education Media Division, The Catholic Voice, Television stations etc. will report on special happenings or events. As part of the story coverage, a child/children may be interviewed and/or photographed working at school or participating in an activity while on a school excursion. In giving permission you are authorising the photos to appear on any form of electronic media – television, the internet (Social Media), journals, radio etc.
Before we can permit anyone to photograph your child or record their voice, we require your consent. Should an existing family like to change their current arrangements please print off the note or ask your child to collect a note from the office.
Kinder Assessment Arrangements Planned – the first 3 weeks
Kinder children attend full days except for Wednesdays for the first three weeks. The Wednesdays are designated as rest/assessment days for the Kinder children. No care is provided by the school or our SMOOSH care program on the Wednesdays. Should this be a major issue please advise me as soon as possible.
Parents will be required to nominate, on a schedule that will be available on the first day of school, a 50-minute time slot when they can bring their child for their assessment on Wednesday 3, 10 or 15 February.
On the Wednesdays, the teachers will conduct the assessment in their classrooms. Please enter the school via the office and sign in as a visitor. COVID protocols must be followed – if unwell do not enter the school, use hand sanitiser as you enter the school, physical distance others by 1.5m. Parents will be permitted to wait outside their child’s internal classroom door prior to their appointment time. Parents are not to remain in the classroom or the library during the assessment. Tea and coffee will be available for parents in the staffroom, while you wait for the assessment to be conducted. Feedback will be provided later in the term once all assessment is completed.
Piano, Guitar, Musicorp and Chess
All private lessons will comment next week. Any parents interested in their child participating should contact the school office for contact details.
Punctuality to School
It is vital that parents ensure children are at school on time each day. Late arrivals are a distraction and delay the start of the morning session. Children arriving after 8.55 must enter via the front office to collect a pass to be given to their teacher
WORKING WITH VULNERABLE PEOPLE Cards
Individuals working or volunteering in 'Activities or Services for Children' must hold a Working with Vulnerable People Card. All volunteers considering helping in our classrooms and around the school in any way ie our classroom helpers, canteen helpers, those coming in to help with art or craft, those parents/grandparents/carers who help out at our sports carnivals must register. All helpers should view the Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) card like holding a licence to drive. All volunteers are required, under the Act, to carry their WWVP card when working with children. Have you checked your card is current?
Continue to stay safe and healthy and may God's blessings be with everyone.
Carmel Maguire
Principal
