Dear Parents

Kinder Orientation

Next Tuesday, 29 October, is our Kindergarten Orientation Day. We will be welcoming 50 new children along with many new families. The children will spend time engaged in a range of activities while their parents will hear about all the wonderful opportunities open to families at St Monica's. The morning commences at 9.15am and will conclude by 12.00pm. 

Thank you to the current Kindergarten families who have kindly offered to help with setting up the hall and providing food for the Morning Tea. A great tradition to welcome families.

Families Leaving at End of 2019

As planning for 2020 has commenced please advise in writing, as soon as possible, if your child/children will not be returning next year. 

Class Groups for 2020

Much care and deliberation occurs when forming our class groups. Teachers are highly professional and have the main responsibility for placing their current students in the most appropriate class for next year. Over the next two weeks, the teachers will be observing friendships to assist with class groupings.  

While forming class groups we aim for an equal spread of both positive and challenging characteristics when forming a class group. Every care will be taken to ensure that your child is placed in the best situation to enhance learning and social development.

Class Formation for 2020

Confidential concerns should be brought to my attention in writing, by Friday 8 November, even if raised in previous years.  Please email directly to carmel.maguire@cg.catholic.edu.au. General concerns should be raised with your child's teacher. As Principal, I will make the final decision on all class placements. Late requests are very difficult to consider once groups are finalised.

End of Year Diagnostic Assessment

Over the next few weeks, the children in Years 2 to 6 will complete several online PAT diagnostic assessments including Mathematics, Reading, Spelling and Social and Emotional Wellbeing. These assessments provide valuable data on student understandings and progress when compared with results from assessments completed in February. Children in Years 3 to 6 should ensure their iPads are charged and ready for use. Teachers will engage in the assessment based on the optimal time for their class group.

World Teacher's Day

On Monday we will celebrate World's Teachers Day (official Australian date is the last Friday in October). We have amazing teachers at St Monica's, dedicated to their profession of making a difference in the lives of every student they encounter.  Help make the teachers feel valued and special. Please refer to Evelyn's suggestion from Council. See attached - A_letter_to_my_teacher.pdf  

Next Tuesday Ms Tara Cheyne MLA, Member for Ginninderra will be visiting St Monica's between 1.30pm and 3.00pm. She is keen to visit schools in the local area and learn about our community and meet the children. 

I will be away from school this afternoon and Friday. I will be attending a Principal's Retreat in Galong. Carmel Rheinberger and Liz Foster will be points of contact in my absence. 

Tonight our Year 3 students preparing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and their parents will be required to participate in a preparation evening at St Michael's at 6.00pm. I wish you all well on this journey.

Best of luck to our teams heading to Boorowa on Friday. Luke Donnelly, Ryan Matchett, Bob Fletcher and Michael McFadden will be providing teacher supervision during the carnival. Travel safe as it is a big day.  

May God's blessing be with you

Carmel Maguire

Principal