We have just entered the season of Lent, a season of grace, in which our hearts can be softened. It is a time for us to turn radically back to God and to experience true conversion and repentance. Most of ‘give something up’ or fast. However, this only one of three things we can focus on throughout Lent. The other two, prayer and almsgiving, are very much about ‘taking something up’.

Yesterday we came together as a Parish & School Community for Ash Wednesday Mass. Special thanks to Fr Mick, Fr Kose and Mrs Stratford for their preparation of Mass. It was very special to sit amongst OLPH parishioners and participate in a most reverent and respectful way to begin our Lenten journey.

Parent opportunity to Meet your child’s Teacher

Next week, is an opportunity for all parents to meet their child’s teacher. I am confident that every staff member at St Monica’s has the capacity to meet your child’s needs. When parents and teachers work well together, everyone benefits.

Parents and teachers can provide each other with unique insight and different perspectives about the same child, culminating in a more complete understanding
of that child, their abilities, strengths, and challenges. The teacher will know much more about the curriculum and the school culture, while you know more about your child's personality, tendencies, and family life. A successful parent-teacher partnership also shows a child that an entire team of adults is on their side.

For parents and teachers alike, the goal is to play active roles in your child's life and to work towards forming a real bond. The child's best interest is always served when they have lots of people supporting them and all the pieces of their life fit together. A
strong home-school connection will set the stage for a child who will grow up with a love for learning

Your child’s classroom teacher is the first point of contact for all learning, social, emotional and well-being needs. You are always welcome to contact them, via email or phone call to the school, and we look forward to working in partnership with you, to grow your children. Bookings are open on COMPASS and will close tomorrow Friday 16 February.

School Council News

On Tuesday evening we had our first School Community Council meeting for the year. I am very grateful to all parents who have offered their service to our school and know that you will support them in their endeavours to make our school great. The council continues to have great aspirations for our school and to make these a reality, they continue to need the support of the wider community. Expression of interest & Nominations for 5 new sitting members is now open. We know that a number of parents are keen to support the school but struggle making it to meetings or think they shouldn’t be on the Council because ‘that’s for other people in the school’.  Please consider nominating and fill in the form which can be found in the Council Clippings section of this week’s newsletter.

Dates for your diaries:

• Monday 19 February: School Swimming Carnival Stromlo Leisure Centre
• 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,