Principal's Message

Dear Parents

We have almost reached the end of another term. I know many families are hoping to get away so hopefully the borders north will be open to visitors from the ACT. I know many holidays plans are once again in disarray. Please stay healthy and safe over the break. Thank you for your ongoing understanding as we cope and manage the never-ending changes including Compass, COVID restrictions and finding a balance between a focus on learning and reintroducing general school activities.

This Friday we will be issuing our Pride Badges for Term 2 and a number of awards. We are planning to hold the assembly in the courtyard however if it is wet parents who know their child is to receive an award (check the newsletter) are invited to come into the library to capture the moment from 2.30pm. Please enter by the front office if wet to check-in.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Feast Day

This Friday we will be celebrating the Parish feast day with various inside activities, now the day is forecast to be very wet. Following our liturgy in the church, the children will be provided with a yummy tasty treat at morning tea to celebrate the day. Wendy Regan, our canteen manager will also be providing alternatives for our children with allergies or food intolerances. Only those parents whose children are involved in the liturgy are permitted to attend the liturgy and must use the CBR app on the church door.

Mother of Perpetual Help, you have been blessed and favoured by God. You became not only the Mother of the Redeemer, but the Mother of the redeemed as well. We come to you today as you loving children. Watch over us and take care of us. As you held the child Jesus in your loving arms, so take us in your arms. Be a mother ready at every moment to help us. For God who is mighty has done great things for you, and his mercy is from age to age on those who love him. Our greatest fear is that in time of temptation, we may fail to call out to you, and become lost children. Intercede for us, dear Mother, in obtaining pardon for our sins, love for Jesus, final perseverance, and the grace always to call upon you, Mother of Perpetual Help.

Amen.

Staffing

This week Luke Donnelly has taken Long Service Leave and was hoping to attend a two-day conference in Brisbane. Ryan Matchett will be attending a two-day Religious Education conference in Canberra with Michael McFadden covering the class for the next two day. We have had several staff off sick this week; many thanks to Jodie May and Bundy Toth for stepping in to ensure we have not had to split classes as has occurred in many schools over the last few weeks.

Our SMOOSH Director, Molly Uelese, has elected to give more time to her studies and so has decided to resign from her position. Molly will be with us until 23 July to allow time to advertise the position. I wish Molly all the best in her future studies.

Medication

A reminder to families that all medication should be sent to the office, first thing in the morning, with clear instructions so that a staff member can supervise and record it has been taken. Medication should be provided in its original packaging. This is a serious safety issue should another child find the medication in a child's bag and self administer.

Allergies

As we have a number of children with serious allergies I ask that nut-based products not be sent to school. This especially includes peanut butter sandwiches and nut-based food bars.

Pupil Free Day

Monday 12 July is a Pupil Free Day. Children return to school on Tuesday 13 July.

Year 6 Expression of Learning

Tomorrow the children will be treated to a special performance by the Year 6 students. Attendance at the matinee and evening performance is via ticketed entry due to a restriction on the number in the hall to 140, as indicated in our COVID plan. Year 6 are to be at school tomorrow evening at 5.30pm, dressed in black!

Absentees

Please make sure all absences are accounted for with a note via Compass, an email to the office or a written note. The class roll is an official electronic document and must reflect why a child is not at school. Parents can check via the Compass Parent Portal.

Compass Parent Portal and School Reports

Please register with the Compass Parent Portal if you have not already done so. Please ensure your email address is correct for registration to go through. If you are having difficulties with registering please contact the Front Office. Reports were released today via Compass Parent Portal.

Chess news

Congratulations to the following players who represented St Monica’s at the ACT Primary Open Schools Chess Championship Belconnen Zone on Thursday 17 June: Annalene L, Brando B, Jett S, Michael H, Sarah D-H, Rohan G, Zarah L and Emannuel S. Both our 2 teams have earnt a place in the ACT Primary Open Schools Chess Championship Finals.

Community Council News from Evelyn David Hoole Chair

On Wednesday 16 June the School Council met. At the meeting, we discussed a SMOOSH survey, swimming lessons and school funding. We are planning on convening a meeting early in term 3 to share some of the findings and seek parent views.

Annual Parent Survey

Thank you to the 74 parents who responded to our Annual Parent Survey this year. I look forward to providing feedback on several of the issues raised, early next term.

Special Prayers

Please keep the Bogaart family in your prayers a Lachlan's (5MM) grandfather passed away late last week.

Continue to stay COVID safe and may God's blessing be with everyone.

Carmel Maguire

Principal