Dear St Monica’s families and friends,

Yesterday was Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Ashes were distributed to all students within their classrooms via a sprinkle on their heads after being blessed by Father Loi.

The first day of Lent is one of the most important seasons in the Church’s liturgical year. It was lovely for the children to participate in an online Liturgy, where they were encouraged to develop their relationship and become closer to God. I have encouraged the children to think of things they could do to achieve this.  Some simple suggestions are things like being able to have a conversation with God or a good deed they can do for others, without expecting anything in return.

For me, Lent is about making sacrifices. Giving up my biases and prejudices, or perhaps some obsessions and addictions (social media or TV shows). Giving up being quick with my judgements or working on showing inclusivity more and supporting those around me. When we do these things, we can strengthen our relationship with God. I thank Haley Stonham, who has worked so hard in challenging conditions to still deliver this important event on the Church’s calendar, to our students.

          

Prayers

I am so saddened to see the devastating events unfolding in Ukraine. I pray that they remain safe during this time and that compassion can shine through.

Can we also please keep in our prayers, people from Queensland and NSW who have been affected by flooding. 

Thank you

For the outpouring of kind words, love and support of me following the death of my father Steven Najdecki. I am in awe of this wonderful community and I feel very comforted knowing your thoughts and prayers are with me at this difficult time. The celebration of Dad's life is next Monday, 7 March.

Principal's Retreat

Next Wednesday - Friday I will be attending our annual Archdiocesan Principal's Retreat in Bowral. I thank Maggie Lloyd, Assistant Principal, for willingly stepping up so that I can attend. Members of the executive team will be released to assist Maggie during my absence.

COVID19 updates

Thank you one and all for supporting our school with the Covid restrictions. I appreciate the efforts you have gone to when testing your children using the RATs supplied, as well as following the procedures when a student has tested positive or showing symptoms. We appreciate your continued support in this area and are hopeful that restrictions will continue to ease.

Lisa

Happy Birthday to the following students  celebrating a Birthday this week 

Selina L, Kushi R, Lincoln L, Cody M

Parish Sacramental Program 2022

If you have a child in Years 3, 4, or 6 in 2022 this will be a Sacramental year.

This also applies if your child is in Year 5 and he/she has previously missed the Sacraments of Reconciliation and/or First Eucharist.

Sacrament of First Eucharist will be celebrated on the weekend of 18 and 19 June 2022 (Corpus Christi Sunday) across the four Sunday Masses.

6pm - 18 June at St Monica’s Church – Evatt

8am - 19 June at St Michael’s Church – Kaleen

10am – 19 June at St Monica’s Church – Evatt and

5.30pm – 19 June at St Michael’s Church – Kaleen.

Registration for the Sacrament of First Eucharist

Registration must be made via the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Qkr! App.

Registrations will open on Monday 4 April 2022 and will close by Friday 29 April 2022.
No further registration will be accepted after the closing date.

Commitment Masses

Students and parents must attend one of the weekend Masses at either St Monica’s Church (6pm Saturday or 10am Sunday) or St Michael’s Church (8am or 5.30pm Sunday) on one of the dates listed below to make their commitment for the Sacrament -

Saturday 30 April and Sunday 1 May
Saturday 7 May and Sunday 8 May

There will be no additional commitment masses beyond these dates.

Confirmation will be celebrated in Term 3 2022.

Reconciliation will be celebrated in Term 4 2022.

For further Information – please contact the Sacramental Program Coordinator at sc.belconnennorth@cg.org.au or check the parish website for updates at www.cg.org.au/belconnennorth

School Photo Day is Monday 21 March 2022. Envelopes have been sent home with children today. Payment can be made online. Please record your receipt number on front of envelope. Cash payment is also allowed. 

Due to the nature of restrictions in place relating to Covid there will be no Family Photos taken this year. 

Kindergarten Health Check questionnaires are due back to school tomorrow Friday 4 March 2022.

Morning Supervision - Morning Supervision starts at 8.25am, students should not be on the school grounds before this time. SMOOSH has places available for families who require before or after school care.

Bell times - The school day begins at 8.55am. We have noticed an increasing number of students arriving after this time. We understand that mornings at home can be busy. However, if your child arrives after this time, you need to come into the office and sign them in. It is important that students start the day together, as this is the time where the teachers go through important information and the disruptions of late arrivals can make the delivery of this information difficult.

• If your child will not be attending SMOOSH due to abscence or leave arrangements. We kindly ask that you let Kamaljit know by calling the SMOOSH office or sending an email. 
• PLACES AVAILABLE.... are you back to work in the office? Would you like to book at place for your child at SMOOSH? Give Kamaljit a call and enrol your child. The SMOOSH team have lots of fun activities planned for you child before and after school. Please check the school website for updated SMOOSH information.

Volunteers for Book Covering

School Carnivals and Gala Days

With COVID restrictions still in place we are unable to confirm any dates or involvement in gala days and school Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals. As restrictions begin to ease we will communicate with the community about these days. A reminder to please get your ACT Swimming Carnival nominations in to me asap. 

School Sport ACT Scholarships

After three long years in the making, School Sport ACT is very pleased to announce the launch of the SSACT Scholarship Fund.

The attached document contains the Application Form and information, including;

• The School Sport ACT Scholarship Fund aims to provide assistance to families that may choose not to have their child trial for selection or accept the selection of their child to an ACT representative team, as they are unable to meet the financial requirements of competing.
• The Scholarship Fund is open to applications from students travelling interstate to attend a School Sport Australia Championship. Students attending an ACT hosted Championship are not eligible.
• To be considered, each application must be endorsed and signed by the student’s Principal. This will include a confirmation of enrolment status, attendance and endorsement for each applicant.
• To be eligible to apply, the applicant must be able to demonstrate financial need by providing evidence, of a minimum of ONE, of the listed items.
• In its inaugural year, the fund will support 25 Scholarships of $500 each.
• Assessment of applications and the allocation of funds are to be spread across the year so students from all 17 sports have fair access to assistance.

Representation for ACT teams will be sent out when trials are taking place. Alternatively, please follow the SSACT Facebook Page or check their website https://schoolsportact.org.au/.

Please contact me on 02 6258 5105 or ryan.matchett@cg.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions. 

I would love to welcome more new volunteers into the canteen. We work hard but have a lot of fun and your children love to see you. Please join us and enjoy a cuppa, biscuit or even lunch. You just need to have a current WWVP card and show your double COVID vaccination certificate. Here is the link if you would like to select a time that works for you.

volunteersignup.org/3P9AJ

To sign up, just follow the instructions on the page. It only takes a few seconds to do. Thank you for volunteering!

MERICI COLLEGE ENROLLING NOW CAMPAIGN

A wonderful opportunity for prospective families to see the College in action, meet our students and attend the Principal’s Address, Year 7 and 11 Information Evenings and lots more.

We are enrolling now for 2023 and beyond!

Please visit www.merici.college for all dates and information for our Open Day, Be a Merici Girl Days and Talk and Tours. Register online now!

Open Day, Principal’s Address and Year 7 2022 Information Night: Tuesday 3 May

Be a Merici Girl Days: 29 April, 2 and 9 May

Talk and Tours: 30 March, 7 May, 20 August, 22 October