It is hard to believe that we are already at the end of Week 2. Our students are well and truly into back-to-school mode and adjusting quickly to the routines and structures of their new classrooms.

Tomorrow is the February Census for all schools and this timely update, on the demographics of our community, tells us that we have started the year with a total of 384 students, 43 Kindergarten students, 258 families and 45 staff members.At St Monica’s, we hold the partnerships between home, school and the wider local community in the highest regard. Staff, parents, Fr Mick, parish, TeamKids, neighbouring schools, childcare centres, shopping centres and local business; all play a vital role in the nurturing of your children and contribute to a warm and inviting school climate we are able to offer. This is not a random occurrence, it is something that takes planning, hard work and consistency and I thank each and every person who has made a contribution to our school, no matter when or how big or small.

On Tuesday night we welcomed families to our Parent Information Night, and I sincerely thank the teaching staff for their preparation of the information packs, presentations and overviews for families in their grade level. If you couldn’t make it on Tuesday night, please make sure you have been given a copy of the information that was handed out. It was lovely to mingle with many of you afterwards, when we gathered in the courtyard over light refreshments. Thank you for taking the time to chat with me and my staff and sharing your stories with us.

Tomorrow, You’re Invited to our Opening School Mass. This important event officially launches the 2024 school year and our theme ‘Flourishing in the Footsteps’. Staff and students will be blessed, our Kindergarten and new students warmly welcomed and our Year 6 students commissioned as the Student Leaders of our school. Join us at 9.30am for this important celebration. Special thanks to Mrs Stratford and Mr Mass for their careful preparation for the Mass and to the Year 6 teachers for readying the Year 6s for their important role this year.

I wish each and every one of you a happy association with the St Monica’s school community in 2024 and I look forward to catching up with each and every one of you, in person, at some point throughout the year.

Dates for your diaries:

• Friday 9 February: Opening School Mass and Year 6 Leadership Commissioning Ceremony 9.30am 
• Wednesday 14 February: Ash Wednesday Mass 9.30am
• Monday 19 February: School Swimming Carnival *NB: change of date from the printed calendar.
• Monday 19 – Wednesday 21February: Get to Know you Meetings                                                     
• Tuesday 19 March: School Photo Day
• Friday 29 March – Monday 1 April: Easter Long Weekend
• Saturday 6April:  St Monica’s School Fete
• Wednesday 10 April:School Athletics Carnival

Peace and blessings to all families,