Principal's Message
Dear Parents,
St Monica's was transformed into an amazing space hub of learning to celebrate Science Week. This year's theme Destination Moon: more missions, more science is a way for teachers and students to discover past missions to the Moon and space programs that have solved some of the seemingly unsolvable problems—and current and future space programs, operations and missions. Many of these use big picture thinking in science to solve problems, and technology, engineering and mathematics to design new solutions. This will help forge our future paths in the areas of space operations, space science, Earth observations, positioning systems and communication. Thanks to Monika Richards who coordinated the event with the help of our Year 6 students. St Monica's was successful in receiving a National Grant to support the many activities enjoyed by the children.
Some of the questions answered today.
How do telescopes work? What are lenses and how can you make a telescope? Find out at the Telescope Table
What’s it really like in space? Come and find out at our Virtual Reality table, where you can experience space in 3D!
Have you ever wanted to know what it feels like to be an astronaut? Try out our fun science experiment and have fun racing against your friends! But there’s a twist - you only have 2 minutes to beat your opponent. If you do win you can pick something from our lucky dip and win a special prize. GOOD LUCK!!!
Do you want to see 3 Year six girls get humiliated as ice cold water splashes over their heads? Or will they???? Witness centrifugal force first hand!!
Don't forget to enter our design a rocket competition to win a Moon Telescope. See flyer for details. Entry is due Monday 19 August.
Staffing
Just a reminder that I will be taking leave from Monday 26 August until the end of the term. I will be undertaking a pilgrimage "The Walk of St Paul" through Greece with several other ACT Catholic Principals. During my absence, Luke Donnelly will be Acting Principal and Liz Foster will be Acting Assistant Principal. Emma Russell will be covering 2RD for most of the days as Luke will be released from his teaching commitments. Miriam Hilton will provide Liz foster with an additional day to fulfil her administrative duties during the 5 weeks.
Council Meeting
Last week Council approved the purchase of an amazing set of African drums for $1550 to support our classroom music program. This term the children will engage in an African Drumming Incursion planned for Thursday 29 August, the cost is covered by the Curriculum Levy.
The Council have very kindly agreed to purchase 20 gym mats to replace our very old and worn-out mats. This was at a cost of $2780.00
Neighbourhood Walkathon - Four weeks to go!
Thank you to all the families who have begun seeking sponsors and collecting money. As of Tuesday this week we had raised $530.65. Our first incentive goal is an extra afternoon of classroom sport when $1000 has been raised. If you would like to walk with your child’s class on the day, please let your child’s teacher know. All adult walkers will need to have their WWVP card. Keep bringing the pledge card in to school each Tuesday to allow class totals to be updated. We will announce the school total at the Wednesday morning’s Courtyard Gathering each week.
Years 5 & 6 Movie Night
Thank you to Lisa Simpson and volunteers for all your effort in organising the Movie Night for our Year 5-6 students. The children had a wonderful time.
God bless
Carmel Maguire
Principal