We are now halfway through Term Two, the days are getting shorter and the darkness is lasting for longer. Winter is coming!! Isn’t it funny how during the long hot days in summer we wish for it to be cooler, then the cooler season arrives and we can’t wait for it to be warm again!

As we enter the colder months, it is inevitable more staff and students will be afflicted with coughs, colds and other ailments. If your child is unwell, please keep them at home where they will be snug and warm and have a better chance at recovering quickly.

It is important for our community that we limit the spread of illness and infections. By staying home when we are sick we protect the vulnerable members of our community, we reduce outbreaks and most importantly resting and recuperating allows your body to recover more effectively and shorten the duration of your illness.

Please encourage your child/ren to practise good hygiene  - cover your mouth / nose with a tissue or elbow when you cough or sneeze, dispose of tissues in the bin, wash hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitiser.

Kindergarten 2025 interviews - Interviewing our incoming Kindergarten students and their families is one of my favourite times of the school year. We have several children ready for big school next year and it is great to welcome them officially to the St Monica’s community.

I thank our parent community for spreading the good news about St Monica’s and the opportunities we provide our students. The official enrolment period closes tomorrow but we can accept enrolments for all grade levels, including Kindergarten for next year, at any time. If you know of someone who wishes to enrol but think they’ve missed the deadline, please reassure them there is still time and to contact the school.

Rostrum Finals - Yesterday, alongside Mrs Lloyd and Ms Moir, I had the privilege of adjudicating the Rostrum final for our school. I was so impressed with the caliber of speakers this year, who wowed us with the topics ‘Bad Advice’, ‘A new Olympic Sport’, ‘So Exhausting’, ‘Think Big’ and ‘Let it Snow’.

Our school winner was Kushi, who convinced her audience to “Think Big” just like the Wright Brothers, Alexander Graham Bell and Alan Turing who changed the world! Congratulations Kushi, who now goes on to the Quarter Finals of Rostrum in a few weeks. We also congratulate Zander and Phoebe who were our Runner-ups!

School Uniform & Jewellery - Thank you for sending your children into school wearing the correct uniform each day. We have noticed however, a number of additional accessories being worn at school. Wristbands, bracelets, beads, rings, coloured scrunchies and headbands and dangly earrings are not part of the St Monica’s uniform and are to be saved for the weekend. A small pair of stud or sleeper earrings, fine chain with a crucifix and a watch may be worn at school. Smart watches, that are able to receive text messages or make phone calls, must come to the Front Office with phones for safe keeping.