What a beautiful day it was on Monday for our St Monica’s Athletics Carnival. Whilst this is always a team effort, I wish to express my sincere thanks to Mrs Liz Foster for her smooth coordination of the day. Thanks also to those parents who were able to assist us with timekeeping, place judging, starting, recording and marshalling. I am so appreciative of your time and goodwill to help us out. We cannot run successful and fun days without the support of our parent community. Thank you!

Thanks also to the teachers, spectators and of course Merici College for their generous offering of the oval for the day. Last but not least, a carnival would not be successful if we didn’t have enthusiastic students entered into events. Every single St Monica’s student gave it their all, whether it was tunnel ball, the parachute game, in the long jump pit or a running race, there were smiles all round.

Special Prayers

Please keep the O'Connor family - Gus (5FM), Molly (2E) and Lucy (ex St Monica's student) in your prayers as their grandfather passed away this week. Please keep the Sureda family - Jett (5M) and Sonny (2MD) in your prayers as their grandfather passed away last weekend.

Protected Industrial Action

I wish to thank families for their understanding around the Protected Industrial Action that is taking place on Friday. I want to reassure you, that St Monica’s Primary School will be open but operating with limited supervision on this day. We will only have 15 teaching staff on-site and depending on student numbers we may need to combine classes. Where possible, I have asked families to make alternative arrangements for their child/ren.

End of May - Hats Off Day

In Canberra sun protection is required for part or most of each day between August and May. The end of May is ‘Hats Off Day’ whilst the beginning of August is ‘Hats On Again’ for all of us. As such, the children will no longer be required to wear their hats beginning Week 7 (30 May).

Pupil Free Days

Tuesday 31 May, Friday July 1 and Monday 18 July (Term 3) are pupil free days for all St Monica's students. On these days staff will be involved in teacher collaboration, planning and programming and focusing on our wider system Catalyst priorities.  SMOOSH will offer out of school care on all of these days. Enrolment for the 31 May date is still open. Enrolment for SMOOSH on Friday 1 July and Monday 18 July will be included in the School Holiday Vacation Care enrolment form.

Tell Them From Me Surveys

Parents, Teachers and Students in Years 4 - 6 are invited to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process. Earlier this week, I sent out an alert via Compass, inviting you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey.

We value the role of parents and carers within our school community, and we would appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership, to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Monica’s Primary School. The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You are able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device through URL link that was sent out via Compass. Information about the Student Survey has been sent home to the families of students in Years 4 - 6.

Peace and blessings to all,