Much care and deliberation occurs when forming our class groups. Teachers are highly professional and have the main responsibility for placing their current students in the most appropriate class for next year. Over the next three weeks, the teachers will be observing friendships to assist with class groupings. 

When forming class groups we aim for an equal spread of both positive and challenging characteristics. Every care will be taken to ensure that your child is placed in the best situation to enhance learning and social development.

Proposed Class Formation for 2022

Confidential concerns should be brought to my attention in writing, by Friday 29 October, even if you have raised concerns in previous years.  Please email directly to carmel.maguire@cg.catholic.edu.au. General concerns should be raised with your child's teacher. As Principal, I will make the final decision on all class placements. Late requests are very difficult to consider once groups are finalised.

All our return to school measures are consistent with advice from ACT Health, the ACT Government, the ACT Education Directorate and Catholic Education. We hope this will give you confidence in your child’s return to school as we welcome students back onsite.

The ACT Government provided a pathway for the return to on-campus learning to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff. A reminder that Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 6 are planned to return physically to school on Monday 25 October with Years 3, 4 and 5 the following Monday on 1 November.

Thank you to the 120 families who responded to the St Monica's Return to School Planning survey and raised several concerns. I am endeavouring to speak with families who have raised specific issues to provide further clarity. Where families have not responded I am assuming your child/ren will be returning on the expected date.  

Some information/reminders for all:

1. There are to be no parents on the school site, except for emergency situations (please contact the school first);
2. Until the end of this week parent drop-off and/or pick-up will occur via our school drive-thru area. Please wait in your car or stand well back from the foyer entry;
3. From Monday 25 October we will operate our afternoon drive-thru for pick up at the front of the school and we will provide supervision for children being picked up at Chomley;
4. Signage will be displayed when students return to remind all;
5. We will minimise unnecessary physical interaction between students on school grounds and ensure that students learn and play only with those in their cohort, wherever possible. Arrangements include - splitting the play and eating arrangements during the day so cohorts do not share common areas when playing, opening up the blacktop as a supervised play area, cohorts will only come together for meetings in outdoor locations, canteen orders will be delivered to the classrooms and no over the counter will be available;  
6. We have spoken with our cleaners and organised extra cleaning supplies. We have arranged for extra cleaning schedules and resources onsite during the school day to wipe down and disinfect high-touch areas, including classrooms and common spaces, in addition to regular daily cleaning;
7. Outdoor playground equipment will only be available for use if cleaning can be arranged to occur in the mornings;
8. There will be frequent announcements and increased signage around the school to ensure that children are practising good personal hygiene. This means covering mouths and noses when coughing and sneezing, frequent hand washing, not sharing food or drinks, minimising physical contact and practising social distance techniques where possible;
9. No child is to attend school if they are showing any COVID-19 like symptoms (e.g. fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath). They must remain at home and follow all ACT Health directions in relation to testing and/or quarantine instructions. Children will be asked to wear a mask if they present to sickbay coughing;
10. The use of masks is one part of a suite of measures to reduce COVID-19 transmission.  All staff, volunteers and visitors who are onsite must always wear a mask and students in Years 3–6 are encouraged, though not mandated, to wear a mask. The advice provided concerning Preschool to Year 2 students is that they should not wear masks as they are likely to be worn incorrectly and may present a choking hazard. Staff, students and visitors are expected to provide their own masks.

Please know that we are ready to talk with you about any concerns you have regarding your child. As always, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher, or myself. We will also take special care to ensure children feel safe and supported, whether they are learning at home or at school.

Uniform Shop

Order to be submitted via Qkr. Orders processed by Thursday night will be filled on a Friday morning and sent home. Thanks to our wonderful uniform team, they are very generous with their time. 

Medication at School

As it is that time of year where hayfever is prevalent some children are needing to use their ventolin as a one-off.  Children are required to send their puffers to the Front Office.

It is that time of year when I am required to submit our expected enrolment numbers for 2022 to Catholic Education. If you are aware your child will not be returning to St Monica's in 2022, please advise via email as soon as possible.