Dear St Monica’s families and friends,

The countdown is on until the end of the school year. There are 12 school days to go with the last day for students on Monday 16 December 2024. It is at this time of year that we say our goodbyes, we celebrate the many occasions that have brought us joy, and we give thanks to the amazing people who have journeyed with us in the Footsteps of St Monica.

On Tuesday night we held our last Community Council meeting for the year. I thank the Council Executive for their service in 2024 and in assisting the school to see some big projects come to fruition. The council, through its major fundraising efforts over the past few years, has assisted the school to land the design and plans for two significant projects -  the Kindergarten Playground Naturescape project and the sound and light projector upgrade for the School Hall. I am incredibly grateful for the $75,000 contribution from the School Community Council (of which all parents belong) to enable these two projects to happen. Next year funds raised by the Council will be going towards the purchasing of Class sets of Novels to assist with the delivery of the 3 – 6 English Curriculum and Decodable Readers for our K – 2 classrooms.

I wish to particularly thank the following outgoing members from the council executive - 

Alicia Prest – Council Chair. Alicia has served on the Council for the past 6 years, with her last 3 years as Council Chair. Alicia’s leadership has been a shining example of what it means to give back to a community. Through your tireless efforts, as former Fete Coordinator and as Chair, you have helped create a welcoming and supportive environment where parents, staff, and students have felt connected and valued. While your term as Chairperson comes to an end, we know your presence and support will continue to enrich our community in so many ways. Thank you, Alicia.

Sarah Clarke – Parent Representative. Sarah has served on the Council for the past 3 years and has assisted with the many smaller fundraising events at the school. The Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls and the 2024 pie drive were made possible through Sarah’s careful planning and commitment to making a difference in the community. Sarah remains committed to helping out around the school in various other ways. Thank you, Sarah.

Hannah Dwyer – Parent Representative. Hannah has served on the Council for the past 2 years and has provided a broad perspective, advocacy and wisdom to making parent engagement within our community stronger. Hannah has been a key driver of welcoming new families to the school and communicating the various events on the school calendar. Hannah remains committed to helping out around the school in various ways over the next few years. Thank you, Hannah.

Melinda Gowty – Parent Representative. Melinda has served on the Council for the past 2 years and was instrumental in the process of assisting the school move from a School Based Out of Hours School Care to the current external provider TeamKids. Melinda’s ability to see things from different perspectives ensured she was a voice for the wide variety of families in the school. Thank you, Melinda.

We will publicly thank these outgoing Council Members at the Community Carols on Thursday 12 December.

Last Day of Term 4 – Monday 16 December is the last day of Term 4 for all students. TeamKids OSHC is available from Tuesday 17 – Friday 21 December 2024 for any families who need this service.

End of Year activities – There is lots on for everyone! Hoping you can make it to as many of these events as you can…

Friday 6 December

• St Vincent De Paul Giving Mass – 9:30am

Monday 9 December

• Year 6 Graduation and Awards Ceremony – 9:30am

Wednesday 11 December

• Meet your 2025 Classroom Teacher/s – 9:30am
• Kinder – Year 2 Nativity – 2:00pm
• Reports home to families – 3:30pm

Thursday 12 December

• Wear Christmas clothes to school
• Community Carols Evening – 6:00pm

Friday 13 December

• Passing of the Light and Final Awards Assembly – 9:15am