Woo hoo it’s Week Seven, Sabbath Week! 

Sabbath Week in schools is often spoken of as the “Week off Homework” and whilst this is an important part of the week is it not the only component. Sabbath Week is a time for families to rest, recuperate and re-energise. I personally look forward to Sabbath Week where there are no meetings, it’s an opportunity to make things a little low key for the week, a time for reflection to leave work that little bit earlier to be able to go for a walk with my family. This week, I even went one step further and didn’t set my alarm in the morning! Allowing our bodies to wake up naturally has proven benefits such as helping your body get off to a relaxing start to a more energised day!

If you do need an alarm though, there are some tips and tricks to help your body wake up without the shock of sudden activity: 

• Try and wake up to music rather than a loud beeping sound
• Don’t get up straight away. Breathe deeply, loosen and stretch out your arms and legs from your fingers to your toes
• Think of a positive thing that you will be doing that day
• If you can, step outside for a minute. Sunshine is one of the best ways to tell your body to wake up
• Make sure you eat breakfast! Foods that are low in fat and high in protein will provide energy that lasts a long time.

The other thing you can try is to go on a Sabbath Walk. A Sabbath walk is a walk without any purpose. For a period of time walk slowly – preferably outside in nature – without trying to get anywhere. Let your senses guide your walk; allow yourself to smell, touch or thoroughly observe whatever is available to you. Do not hurry, as there is no place to go. Take your time.  (Taken from Sabbath Rest: Restoring the sacred rhythm of rest. Wayne Muller)

I always feel refreshed during and after Sabbath week as it allows me to catch up on bits and pieces and think about slowing down a little. Normally I am so busy rushing around trying to get things done; I sometimes miss out on the wonderful things that are happening around me.

Catholic Schools’ Enrolment period - This week I have started meeting with the children and parents for our 2023 Kindergarten cohort. I am receiving wonderful feedback during these interviews about the Year 6 leaders, who impressively led the school tours, and also about how postively our parent community speaks about our great school! We are now accepting enrolments, in all year levels, for Semester 2 places. If you hear of families who are considering a transition to St Monica's please encourage them to give the school a call and book in a time to have a tour.

Lockdown and Evacuation Procedures – it is a CECG policy for schools to conduct an evacuation and lockdown procedure every term. Yesterday we conducted a Lockdown Drill so that our staff and students are familiar with what to do in the event the school needs to go into lockdown or a lockout. 

Lil MonStars Playgroup – Our inaugural session last Wednesdays saw 11 families join the playgroup and there were 6 families this week. 

Save the Date: Online Booking for Parent/Teacher Interviews - Parent / Teacher interviews will take place from Monday 27 - Wednesday 29 June (week 10) Booking times for these interviews will go live on the Compass Portal next Friday, 17 June. 

Peace and blessings to all,