Dear St Monica’s families and friends,

Tomorrow, Friday 17 February, is “Random acts of Kindness day!”

I see random acts of kindness every single day at St Monica’s Primary School, between the students, staff and students, parents with staff and students. One single act of kindness not only brings great joy to person receiving, but to the giver too!

• “Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” (Mark Twain)
• “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” (Aesop)
• “Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” (Scott Adams)
• “Kind words and actions can seem so small, but their effects are truly endless.” (Author Unknown)

Kindness FAQs….

What is the most important element of being kind? There are many elements to kindness such as patience, honesty, and being a good listener. However, one of the most important characteristics of a kind person is that when they do something for someone, they don’t expect anything in return.

Can kindness be learned? Yes. While some people seem to be born with a kindness gene, others develop the ability to show kindness later in life. So, kindness can be innate and learned.

How do I teach my children kindness? One way to teach children kindness is to demonstrate it in your daily life. Let them see you showing kindness to others. Include them when you volunteer or help a neighbour, and acknowledge their acts of kindness. You don’t have to reward them, but you can let them know you thought what they did was kind.

Some Random Acts of Kindness to try….

• Pay for the coffee or meal of the person in front of you in line.
• Leave a kind note for someone, no explanation needed.
• Share words of encouragement. You never know who might need them.
• Drop off a load of groceries at the local food pantry.
• Mail a “thinking of you” card to someone you’ve not talked to in a while.
• Order a bouquet of flowers to be delivered to anyone in the hospital. That means, call the florist and tell them to pick a hospital or nursing home and deliver flowers to the person at the front desk and they can deliver to someone they think needs them the most. It could be a sick child, an elderly person with no family, or someone who is down on their luck.
• Send a thank-you note to the local emergency services personnel.
• Just smile.

School Council News - Last night our School Community Council met for the first time this year and it gives me great pleasure to welcome on to the Council - Hannah Dwyer, Madeleine Taylor, Melinda Gowty and Fr Mick MacAndrew. I look forward to working and walking with all of our Council members, as representatives of all parents, and their families, at St Monica’s Primary School.

I am pleased to announce the Executive member of the council this year:

• Chairperson: Alicia Prest
• Deputy Chairperson: Katherine O’Sullivan
• Secretary: Madeleine Taylor
• Treasurer: Kate Carey

St Monica’s Fete - “It is no joke” April 1^st is the date for our school fete!! The organisation of it is now in full swing and I thank Kirralea Thompson (Fete Coordinator) for taking on this important fundraising role for our school. Information as to how you can help at the fete has been sent home to families in the past week. Please follow and like the St Monica’s Fete Facebook Page and share this wonderful community event with your families, neighbours and friends!

Dates for your diaries:

Sacramental Program General Meeting – this is for all families who will be registering their child to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist & Confirmation. Tonight, Thursday 16 February, 6.00 pm, at St Monica's Church.

Star Awards - Tomorrow, Friday 17 February, 9.10 am, in the Hall

School Swimming Carnival – (Years 3 – 6 & competitive Year 2 students) Monday 20 February, Gungahlin Leisure Centre.

Ash Wednesday Mass - Wednesday, 22 February, 9.30 am, in the Church

Get to Know You Meetings - Next week, please check COMPASS for booking availability with your child's classroom teacher.

Peace and blessings always,