Teaching and Learning
A Fun Science Visit - Little Critters
This week the students at St Monica's enjoyed a visit from Ranger Kristi and Ranger Sho' from the Mulligan's Flat Woodland Sanctuary. The Rangers visited Year 5 & 6 to talk about the habitat and ecology of ACT woodlands.
Equipped with an eye-catching digital presentation, the Rangers shared their knowledge of the different animals and plants found around Canberra. The talk was carefully linked with the science achievement standards for Years 5-6.
Science concepts such as flora, fauna, adaptation and habitat were explained in an entertaining and interesting way. The students learnt about the difference between native and introduced animals, why some species are endangered and how we can help protect and save our native wildlife.
The students found the presentation stimulating and engaging. The video of cute baby quolls prompted lots of 'oohs' and aahs' as well as some more thoughtful scientific observations. Our school's science inquiry approach certainly benefited from the visit.
Thanks Sho' and Kristi. You are welcome back at any time.
Maths Olympiad

APSMO Inc. has been operating since 1987 and approximately 64,000 children from all over Australia, New Zealand and other neighbouring countries took part in the Maths Olympiad in 2018.
The Maths Olympiad and Maths Games are an ideal complement to the school curriculum. They involve a series of 5 competitions that are supported with weekly sessions that
- Introduce students to important mathematical concepts
- Teach major strategies and develop flexibility for problem solving
- Foster creativity and ingenuity and strengthen intuition
- Stimulate enthusiasm and enjoyment of mathematics
- Provide for the satisfaction, joy and thrill of meeting challenges
The students had their first competition last week and they loved the challenge that it presented.
Thank you to Melinda Brown for coordinating this challenge.