Filter Content
Dear St Monica’s families and friends,
The above image is taken from Charlie Mackesy's book, "The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse" There are a number of messages in this book and Charlie's imagery and writing style is a unique way of presenting these messages. At times we are called upon to apologise and this takes great courage. During this time of Lent, we can look deeply into our inner self and ask what we are apologising for. If we are being kind to ourselves and one another perhaps the need to apologise can be alleviated.
TO APOLOGISE OR NOT TO APOLOGISE! by Michael Herbert
The courage to apologise is a powerful life skill that can have amazing benefits for not only our relationships but also for our wellbeing. But that’s not the end of the story. We all probably remember times when we have said sorry for something just to keep the peace, even though deep down we knew we should not be apologising. Knowing the things for which we do not need to apologise is just as important as knowing when we should apologise.
The benefits of an apology... It is said that saying you’re sorry is a potent medicine for the giver and the receiver. It tells the receiver that you know what you did was wrong, you are not proud of what you did, and it won’t happen again.
For the receiver; it is an acknowledgement of being treated in an unfair way; the dignity has been restored for the person who has been hurt.
For the giver; Learning to apologise teaches us to be more sensitive and attuned to others, resulting in improved insight and self awareness. When we apologise, we repair a broken connection, avoiding an escalation of the conflict. An apology is an acknowledgment of our personal responsibility, demonstrating humility towards the other person.
No need to apologise for...
- Our feelings
- Being clear about our boundaries
- Saying ‘no’ if it is something we should not do or do not wish to do
- Not agreeing with someone
- Expressing emotion or tears
- Refusing to be a slave to our phone by not answering if we don’t want to
- Replying to emails according to unreasonable time frame
- Letting go when we need to
- Asking for clarity when we do not understand
- Needing some ‘Me’ time
- Changing at a pace that works for us, not as other’s might require
- Recovering from situations at our own pace
- How other people behave
- Putting our wellbeing first
Important: Term 2, return to school information.
Monday 25 April: ANZAC day public holiday.
Tuesday 26 April: Pupil Free Day (SMOOSH has places available on this day)
Wednesday 27 April: Students return to school
Class parent representatives
The St Monica’s School Council is looking for a Parent Representative from each class to enhance the quality of relationships and the communication channels between teachers, parents and the children. The role is voluntary, has no formal structures and is not meant to be an arduous task. We are just hoping to build a strong Catholic Community. If you are interested in the role, please fill in the attached expression of interest note. This note has also come home in bags this afternoon. Sincere thanks to Erin Gilligan, Council Parent Representative, for co-ordinating this initiative for our school.
St Monica’s Open Days – Thursday May 12 and Tuesday May 17
I am pleased to announce the dates for the St Monica's School Open Days. Word of mouth is always the best advertisment for prospective families looking to enrol their child into a school. Please share the good news about our school and invite people to come for a visit in May. The flyer below will be used to market our school in the coming weeks. A letterbox drop and advertising campaign is currently being organised in preparation for the Catholic Schools Enrolment period.
COVID19 Updates - RAT distribution
The ACT Government is making some changes to the way rapid antigen tests (RATs) are distributed to school communities for the remainder of Term 1.
RATs will continue to be available through our school, but will be provided to students and volunteers as needed, or if there are increased cases in our school.This change will ensure school communities continue to have ready access to RATs, which is one of the many measures that have supported a safe return for students and staff to on-site learning in Term 1.
This week, families who require additional RATs can request them by phoning or emailing the school office.
RATs can only be collected from school or sent home with students. If your child is not attending school at the time, or your family is in quarantine, we can make arrangements with you to have a relative, neighbour, or another student collect the RATs on your behalf.
Happy Birthday to the following students celebrating a Birthday this week
Lewis M, Elizabeth D-H, Willem A-C, Guneet T
Holy Week at St Monica’s
Next week, even though Holy Week will still be a week away, we will be walking with Jesus from Palm Sunday to his death on Good Friday. Fr Loi will introduce our liturgy, and beginning of our Holy Week journey, on Monday afternoon. On Friday of Week 10, we will physically walk the stations of the cross. Year 6 will lead our journey with Jesus and Fr Loi will offer words of thought and reflection as we prepare for Holy Week and Easter in the holidays.
What is the Easter Triduum?
In Jewish custom the day is counted from evening to evening. On that basis the Paschal Triduum begins on the evening of Holy Thursday and concludes on the evening of Easter Sunday. The three liturgies commemorating the Lord’s Supper, Passion and Resurrection form an organic unity. As if through a prism the light of the one paschal mystery is refracted into three beams. The Eucharist and Vespers of Easter Sunday bring the Triduum to a close.
After your children experience Holy Week liturgies at school next week, they may ask to attend the liturgies during the Easter Triduum. Every parish will have these liturgies or ceremonies that you can attend. Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, which we belong to, offer the Holy Week Ceremonies at the following times:
Weekly Tweet from Pope Francis
Today’s tweet from Pope Francis reminds us about what the season of Lent invites us to – a conversion to a change in mindset.
Parish Sacramental Program 2022
If you have a child in Years 3, 4, or 6 in 2022 this is 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 Parish 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.
Parent Formation Evening
The parent formation evening will be held on Thursday 31 March 2022 at 6pm via zoom at https://cgcatholic.zoom.us/j/62414099856
Registration for the Sacrament of First Eucharist
Registration must be made via the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Qkr! App (NOT the school app).
Registrations will open on Monday 4 April 2022 and will close by Friday 29 April 2022.
No late registrations 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 and Sunday 8 May
There will be no additional commitment masses beyond these dates.
Purchasing a stole for First Eucharist
Purchasing a stole is optional and is not compulsory. If you wish to purchase a stole please make a payment of $20 through the Qkr! App and then send an email to sc.belconnennorth@cg.org.au and arrangements will be made for delivery/pickup.
Confirmation will be celebrated in Term 3, 2022.
Reconciliation will be celebrated in Term 4, 2022.
For further Information regarding the Sacramental Program – 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
| Class | Student | Focus |
| KB | Josephine F | Myself |
| KB | Ava F | Myself |
| KRD | Flynn P | Myself |
| KRD | Kashvi R | Myself |
| KSH | Lincoln L | Our Surroundings |
| KSH | Amity W | Others |
| 1BC | Alison C | Our Surroundings |
| 1BC | Owen D-C | Myself |
| 1RC | Lucy D | Others |
| 1RC | Toby H | Our Surroundings |
| 2E | Quinn A | Myself |
| 2E | Tony R | Others |
| 2L | Henry C | Myself |
| 2L | Juliana D | Others |
| 2MD | Polly D | Others |
| 2MD | Liam W | Myself |
| 3CG | Bailey D-C | Others |
| 3CG | Saskia H | Myself |
| 3R | Lucas C | Others |
| 3R | Isreal O | Myself |
| 4C | Felix R | Myself |
| 4C | Adelina S | Our Surroundings |
| 4LG | Adeline B | Others |
| 4LG | Marisa den H | Myself |
| 5FM | Eamon J | Myself |
| 5FM | Jake W | Myself |
| 5H | Gus O | Myself |
| 5H | Massimo S | Others |
| 5M | Cooper D | Others |
| 5M | Sienna R | Our Surroundings |
| 6J | Mia D | Myself |
| 6J | Emilia H | Our Surroundings |
| 6J | Nathan M | Others |
| 6M | Jack G | Others |
| 6M | Anna V | Myself |
| Miss Melville | Harriett B | Others |
| Mrs Harris | Drew G | Others |
Thank you to all the families for your generous donations for the Easter Hampers. We have received some lovely items.
Reminder that all raffle tickets and donations are required by tomorrow, Friday 1 April 2022
NRMA Road Safety Demonstration
Yesterday we had Phoenix from NRMA road safety present to all of our students. The presentations focused on:
- science demonstrations to ensure children can understand how the forces they experience whilst in motion can injure them in a crash AND why safety equipment, seatbelts and bike helmets, are essential to their safety.
- exploring inertia (Newton’s first law of motion) and showing how seatbelts are the only way to stop occupants from being ejected from a car in a crash.
- friction in terms of the traction of bicycle and car tyres on the road surface and how different conditions can hinder grip.
- explicitly teaching students how to correctly fit their safety equipment and why correct fit is essential to their safety.
Please see the attached document for more information and tips on what to talk to your child about.
ACT Swimming
Congratulations to Nikolas H (4C) and Joel M (6J) who have qualified for the ACT swimming carnival to be held at the AIS early next term. All the best boys!
ACT Representation Opportunities
Golf
ACT 12&U and 13&O Golf day (Boys and Girls) on Monday 9 May (Term 2, Week 3). Entries close on Wednesday 4May (Term 2, Week 2). This day will also be used as a trial for the 12&U and 18&U Golf Championships, therefore only students with a Golf Australia Handicap will be eligible to compete.
Tennis
ACT Primary Tennis Day (Boys & Girls) This event is part of the SSACT 18&U Tennis team selection process. Date: Friday 6 May Venue: Canberra Tennis Centre. Entries Close: Friday 29 April.
Please contact Ryan Matchett if you want more information regarding these two trials.
Cross Country
Save the date- School Cross Country Carnival Friday 6May (Week 2 Term 2) to be held at school. Belconnen Regional Carnival Thursday 26 May at Stromlo.
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
