St Monica’s Primary School - Evatt eNewsletter

Friday 17 September	Last day of Term 3 - All over for another term
Tuesday 5 October	Term 4 begins - Remote Learning begins again

Dear Parents

Thank you so much for your support over the past few weeks as we have transitioned to remote learning as part of the ACT’s health response to COVID-19.

Following advice from the ACT Government and Chief Health Officer, remote learning will continue for all Catholic Education primary school students during the first four weeks of Term 4 which begins on Tuesday 5 October.

Catholic Education will be working over the school holidays to develop further plans for a phased return to on-campus learning in Term 4 when it is safe to do so. Any plans will of course be completely subject to health advice, including in relation to case numbers and vaccination rates.

While I know this news is disappointing, the Chief Health Officer has made this decision based on what we know about the COVID-19 outbreak in our community. The health and safety of students, staff and their families, is our number one priority.

During remote learning, our school will continue to remain open for children who need to attend school. Those students will be supervised as they access the same remote learning program as their classmates.

Please remember the most important thing you can do is support your child’s wellbeing. Keep in mind that children can express their feelings in many ways. I encourage you to speak openly with your children about how they are feeling.

If your child requires extra help and assistance, counselling is available through CatholicCare. To access the service, a booking request may be made by contacting (02) 6162 6100.

You can keep up to date with the latest health information and advice on the ACT’s COVID-19 website www.covid19.act.gov.au

Please contact me if you have any feedback about remote learning, or if you have any concerns.

Please continue to monitor our school communication via the Compass Parent Portal over the holidays. To help with our planning for school supervision during Remote Learning in Term 4 I will send out a brief survey, at the commencement of the second week of the holidays, to gauge the number of children who will require supervision at school. Parents may opt for one to five days a week depending on a family's circumstances. Many teachers will also continue to work from home to minimise staff contact at school.

I hope your family is able to spend some time together relaxing during the upcoming school holidays and can step away from the screen and enjoy the sunshine that comes with our Canberra springtime.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the St Monica's staff for their amazing dedication and commitment over the last five weeks. They have worked tirelessly to deliver the best programs possible, considering our circumstances. I know they have reached out to many families and provided additional check-in to offer support.

Several general reminders

Please send through any outstanding absentee notification via Compass, if your child has been sick
There will be a changeover to the Summer uniform in Term 4.

Families Leaving

It is that time of year when I am required to submit our expected enrolment numbers for 2022 to Catholic Education. If you are aware your child will not be returning to St Monica's in 2022, please advise via email as soon as possible.

My special wish for the coming term is that we do get the opportunity to come together so I can say goodbye to the children, staff and wonderful families of the St Monica's community.

Continue to stay COVID safe and may God's blessing be with everyone.

Carmel Maguire

Principal

Saint of the Week

Name: St Kateri Tekakwitha

Birth/death: Birth:1656 Death: 1680

Patron Saint of the environment and ecology

Feast Day: July 14

Bio: St Kateri Tekakwitha is the first Native American to be recognised as a saint by the Catholic Church. She was born in 1656, in the Mohawk village of Ossernenon. Her mother was Algonquin, who was captured by the Mohawks and who took a Mohawk chief for her husband.

Kateri contracted smallpox as a four-year-old child which scarred her skin. The scars were a source of humiliation in her youth. She was commonly seen wearing a blanket to hide her face. Worse, her entire family died during the outbreak. Kateri was raised by her uncle, who was the chief of a Mohawk clan.

Kateri was known as a skilled worker, who was diligent and patient. However, she refused to marry. When her adoptive parents proposed a suitor to her, she refused! They punished her by giving her more work to do, but she did not give in. Instead, she remained quiet and diligent. Eventually they were forced to relent and accept that she had no interest in marriage.

At age 19, Kateri converted to Catholicism. This decision was unpopular with adoptive parents and their neighbours. To avoid persecution, she travelled to a Christian native community south of Montreal. Legend has it that Kateri was very devout and prayed for her fellow Mohawks to follow her and convert to Christianity. Kateri’s baptismal name is “Catherine” which in the Haudenosaunee language is “Kateri”.

Kateri brought her indigenous worldview to her newfound faith that involved relationships built on reciprocity, respect and responsibility that extended to the entire natural world. It is a world view of giving thanks daily for the life and the world around us. She would often be found in the woods alone, speaking to and listening to God through nature.

Kateri health started to deteriorate, probable due to her childhood illness. Sadly, just five years after her conversion to Christianity, she passed away at the age of 24. She is also known as the “Lily of the Mohawks” and the “Beautiful Flower Among True Men”.

Kateri is recognised for her heroic faith, virtue, and love of God and people, in the face of adversity and rejection, as well as her close connection with the natural world around her.

Quote:

“Be assured that you are pleasing in the sight of God and that I shall help you when I am with Him”

– St Kateri Tekakwitha

Sacrament of Confirmation – Change of Dates

Due to the current COVID-19 lockdown in the ACT the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation has been postponed until Term 4.

Dates will be advised as soon as they are finalised and will be published via the school bulletins and on the parish website at www.cg.org.au/belconnennorth

Saint’s Name and Sponsor

If you have not indicated this information on your registration form, could you please send an email to sue.coll@bigpond.com with the information as soon as possible.

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Parent Information Night

Will be held on Thursday 7 October via zoom -please note this is the first week of school in Term 4.
The zoom access for this meeting is https://cgcatholic.zoom.us/j/66013617186 and this link will also be listed on the parish website at www.cg.org.au/belconnennorth in the week of the meeting.

The Sacrament will be celebrated on 9, 10, 11 November 2021 (additional information will be advised via the school bulletins in Term 4 and on the parish website).

Registration for the Sacrament

Registration opened on 13 September and will close by 25 October 2021. Registration and payment must be made through the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Qkr! App (NOT the school’s app).

Purchasing a stole for the Sacrament of Reconciliation is optional and is not compulsory. If you wish to purchase a stole, the cost is $20 and this can also be done via the Parish Qkr! app.

Commitment Masses

Dates will be advised once more information is available regarding lockdown restrictions.

Further Information – please contact the Sacramental Program Coordinator at sc.belconnennorth@cg.org.au or (sue.coll@bigpond.com (during lockdown)) or check the parish website for updates at www.cg.org.au/belconnennorth

During the School Holidays – please check the parish website for updates regarding the Sacramental Program at www.cg.org.au/belconnennorth

Everyone loved the show - a fabulous and fun wellbeing treat that was enjoyed by everyone.

Resource for Families

Thank you to Ms Moir who sent me this site last week. If you are looking for some extra activities to do during the holidays or next term, this is a great site to access as a family to explore and solve problems. http://vmc.global2.vic.edu.au/

Term 4 Planning

Over the coming weeks teachers will be busy planning programs for term 4. We will continue to work with Chris Higgins from Catholic Education who is supporting us in our Catalyst journey. Teachers will be preparing for all scenarios in regards to returning to school, and planning appropriate work for whatever mode of learning we will be engaging in. As always, if there is anything I can do to assist your family with Mathematics, please do not hesitate to get in touch via email ryan.matchett@cg.catholic.edu.au

Sport and Wellbeing

Now more than ever, it is extremely important to look after our physical and mental wellbeing. With the holidays coming up and the glorious spring weather, it is a perfect time to get outside and get our bodies moving. See below some information about how we can address our physical health.

Physical activity: why it’s good for children

Physical activity is vital for children’s health, wellbeing and development, now and in the future. Physical activity has lots of health benefits for children. It:

- strengthens children’s bones, muscles, hearts and lungs
- improves children’s coordination, balance, posture and flexibility
- helps children stay at a healthy weight
- reduces children’s risk of getting heart disease, cancer and type-2 diabetes later in life.

Physical activity also boosts children’s wellbeing. For example, active children are more likely to:

- be confident and feel like they belong
- be relaxed and sleep well
- concentrate better at school
- get along with others and make friends easily
- share, take turns and cooperate.

Physical activity is an important part of play and learning. When children do physical activity with you or other people, it can be a great way for them to build relationships in your family and community. Physical activity is also just good fun for children.

Children aged 5 years up to 18 years should do at least one hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity plus several hours of light physical activity each day. At least three days a week, this should include activities that strengthen muscles and bones.

Creative Writing Competition

The Orana Steiner School is holding The Creative Thought and Reflection Literary Award (Ctrl+A) celebrates the creativity, ideas and literary expression in the children of the Canberra region. They have opened the competition to all school aged children in Canberra. The theme for the writing is the CBCA Book Week theme of “Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds” The short stories, poems or one page graphic novel creations will be collated and published in the Orana Anthology of Creative Thought 2021. The writing will be judged by Jackie French and Harry Laing. There is a $5.00 entry fee. Further details can be found at https://www.oranapandf.com.au/s/stories/ctrla-2021

35th Anniversary of Animalia by Graeme Base Competition

The Children's Book Council of Australia in partnership with the Royal Australian Mint are running a competition to celebrate the 35th anniversary of Animalia. The Royal Australian Mint have created a coin and would like you to combine it and your favourite page from the book and a few amigos and let your imagination run wild as you recreate a page from Graeme Base’s book. Then build, draw, video or photograph your creation. Details can be found at CBCA

Happy Birthday to the following students celebrating a Birthday this week and throughout the school holidays

Oscar G, Ellie T, Elsie F, Lachlan P, Sophie P, Naomi A, Evan L, Layla H, Lucas M, Lola B, Matthew M, Audrey M, Archie N-H, Ante B, Neili J, Timofei S, Paddy P, Lisia F-J, Elijah L, Beatrice O, Natalia S, Joseph J, Jack P, Mia D

Congratulations to the following children who have been acknowledged by their teachers for their engagement throughout the term. Great effort!

Class	Term 3	Reason
KB	Ryan W	For his outstanding engagement with remote learning. I love your enthusiasm and willingness to complete each task promptly. You are a champion at navigating Seesaw tasks!
KB	Archer S	For always trying his best in every task he undertakes during remote learning. You should be extremely proud of your effort and all you have accomplished during this time.
KCH	Ella C	For showing focus and enthusiasm during small group sessions online. Ella is working very hard at home when completing her school work and is growing in confidence each day.
KCH	Ethan C	For his amazing efforts in completing his writing tasks with detail and very neat writing. What a clever, careful learner you are!
1BH	Liam W	Liam is an enthusiastic and respectful worker who takes pride in all school tasks and completes them to the best of his ability.
1BH	Brooke D	Brooke is a nurturing and caring member of 1BH who consistently shows respect for her work, her peers and her surroundings.
1R	Hamish C	For being engaged and challenging himself when completing tasks during remote learning. What a super star!
1R	Charlotte G	For her engagement during small groups and putting in her best effort to complete tasks during remote learning.
2E	Eliana D	For the way you creatively engage and demonstrate your understanding using your SeeSaw skills in remote learning tasks. You are doing a wonderful job and growing each day as a learner. Well done!
2E	Lachlan P	For all your wonderful work efforts with remote learning tasks. You are doing a great job with your handwriting in tasks and sharing your work on SeeSaw. Keep up the great work!
2RR	Joseph F	For always being well organised and ready to learn in all our Teams meetings. Your positive attitude and enthusiasm have been a winning combination this term. Well done!
2RR	Sophie A	For demonstrating a positive attitude to all her remote learning and bringing a helpful and "can do" attitude to all the class Teams meetings. Well done!
3CF	Natalia S	For her positive attitude and enthusiasm during remote learning. She is always organised and ready to contribute to our class meetings.
3CF	Jesse S	For demonstrating a positive attitude and always bringing great knowledge to share with his classmates during small group sessions.
3LG	Kobe B	His positive attitude during remote learning. He is always organised and ready to contribute to our class meetings and support others.
3LG	Lachlan P	His positive attitude during remote learning. He is always ready to contribute and support others in class meetings.
4M	Nicola B	For the hard work and resilience she has shown during online learning this term. Can't wait to see your face again next term Nicola!
4R	Bol K	Demonstrating the footstep of engagement - working hard on every remote learning task! Amazing effort! - Miss Rheinberger
4R	Sarah R	Demonstrating engagement throughout remote learning - giving everything her best effort always. Congratulations - Miss Rheinberger
4R	Jake W	Demonstrating engagement through his active participation in every class meeting and remote learning activity! Congratulations - Miss Rheinberger
4SG	Marianna R	Being a role model for 4SG during remote learning and showing great engagement, resilience and respect.
4SG	Cooper A	Setting a great example for others by showing resilience throughout Term 3. I'm very proud of you Cooper!
5EM	Indiana H	For the positivity and support that she brings to all our online work. Indie is always willing to answer her peer's questions and congratulate them for their answers! She makes the class a happier place!
5EM	Grace B	For her consistent work and the high level of effort that she puts into all her learning. Grace has worked hard to make sure that her online work has been of the same high standard as her work at school!
5EM	Mitchell B	For the hard work he puts into his learning and his supportive and positive attitude. Mitchell is always willing to engage in conversation and to help the rest of his class with their learning- online or at school!
5MM	Grace R	For taking the time to ask great questions about her work and ensuring that everything she does is the very best it can be! Her inquisitive spirit often helps other people to understand their own work better.
5MM	Nathan M	For his high level of engagement in all areas of remote learning. He is to be commended for his efforts in all curriculum areas and engaging with all tasks with enthusiasm.
6H	Lauren F	For your hard work and dedication to attending meetings and completing tasks during remote learning. Keep it up!
6H	Shaye S-A	For completing tasks to a high standard and helping guide others through the remote learning process. Awesome work.
6J	Jesse F	Being part of the St Monica's community whether it is at school, by participating in numerous extra duties, or during remote learning platforms.
6J	Sophie V	Engaging with remote learning positively, completing work to a high standard and helping make whole class or small group sessions fun.
6M	Joshua Mc	For engaging positively and with great commitment during remote learning to produce high quality work.
6M	Emma S	For her consistent engagement in all remote learning activities and producing work to a high standard. Well done!
6M	Anica P	For being a proactive, engaged and independent learner, consistently striving to do her best in all areas. Well done!

If you have any ideas or concerns please email them through to our Secretary Noel Chan at council.stmonicas@cg.catholic.edu.au

As we come to the end of the term, we are so pleased to share some examples of the feedback the staff have given the students during our 5 weeks of remote learning. We look forward to continuing to give quality feedback to the student during remote learning in Term 4.

Reminder all families:

Catholic Education COVID-19 Website - Click to open web updates

insights_in_praise_of_fathers_the_place_of_the_modern_dad _pdf 195.71 KB

insights_riding_the_covid_waves.pdf

insights_riding_the_covid_waves _pdf 182.75 KB

insights_building_resilience_during_the_covid_pandemic.pdf

insights_building_resilience_during_the_covid_pandemic _pdf 213.14 KB