Achieve - all that you can

Jesus said therefore

‘What is the Kingdom of God like?  And to what shall I compare it?  It is like the mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches’.    

Luke 13: 18-20

St Monica - A Model of Perseverance

Family - Responsibility, Perseverance & Inclusion

Dear Parents,

We have almost reached the mid point of the term, I hope everyone enjoyed the extra day last weekend despite the change in the weather. 

Reconciliation Week 

This week the children have been sharing a range of stories and activities to make Reconciliation Week. It is important to remember at the heart of reconciliation is the relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. In its broadest sense, ‘reconciliation’ means 'coming together'. In Australia, 'reconciliation' refers to bringing together Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders and other Australians. Reconciliation is not something that one decides to ‘do’ – it is a process, at the end of which there may be reconciliation, but this can never be guaranteed. Reconciliation has elements of truth, justice, forgiveness, healing, reparation, and love.

Staffing 

Commencing on Tuesday 11 June, Ryan Matchettt will be accessing leave for the last four weeks of the term. His leave will be a combination of paternity leave and long service leave to enjoy the arrival of baby Matchett into the world.  During the four weeks, Monika Richards will take 4MR from Monday to Wednesday and Denise Duck on the Thursdays and Fridays. Brendan Hague will provide Technology release to the Year 3 and 4 teachers during this time, with Jodie May taking his class for the day. 

Last week proved challenging as we had to split a number of classes when we were unable to employ relief teachers when teachers were sick. At St Monica's we refer to this as 'Day Away'. Children are assigned to the care of another teacher for the day. While the children are provided with activities to work through during the day they may join in a class groups activity. As a consequence activity booklets may go home with work not completed. Turn the booklet into a home activity. 

Grandparents Day

Next week we welcome the extra special people who support and spoil our children. Hope the children have sent on their invitations to our gathering and morning tea on Friday 7 June.  

Interviews

Special thanks to the teachers for their effort with the parent interviews. This is a wonderful opportunity for parents to learn how their child is progressing and areas for growth. If you have not met with your child's teacher, please make contact with the school to arrange a time. 

God bless and stay warm

Carmel Maguire 

A Fun Science Visit - Little Critters

This week the students at St Monica's enjoyed a visit from Ranger Kristi and Ranger Sho' from the Mulligan's Flat Woodland Sanctuary. The Rangers visited Year 5 & 6 to talk about the habitat and ecology of ACT woodlands.

Equipped with an eye-catching digital presentation, the Rangers shared their knowledge of the different animals and plants found around Canberra. The talk was carefully linked with the science achievement standards for Years 5-6.

Science concepts such as flora, fauna, adaptation and habitat were explained in an entertaining and interesting way. The students learnt about the difference between native and introduced animals, why some species are endangered and how we can help protect and save our native wildlife.

The students found the presentation stimulating and engaging. The video of cute baby quolls prompted lots of 'oohs' and aahs' as well as some more thoughtful scientific observations. ​Our school's science inquiry approach certainly benefited from the visit.

Thanks Sho' and Kristi. You are welcome back at any time.

Maths Olympiad

This year 56 students from Grades 3-6 have been selected by their classroom teachers to participate in the APSMO Maths Olympiad and Maths Games which is being used as part of our Maths Enrichment Program.

 APSMO Inc. has been operating since 1987 and approximately 64,000 children from all over Australia, New Zealand and other neighbouring countries took part in the Maths Olympiad in 2018.

The Maths Olympiad and Maths Games are an ideal complement to the school curriculum. They involve a series of 5 competitions that are supported with weekly sessions that

• Introduce students to important mathematical concepts
• Teach major strategies and develop flexibility for problem solving
• Foster creativity and ingenuity and strengthen intuition
• Stimulate enthusiasm and enjoyment of mathematics
• Provide for the satisfaction, joy and thrill of meeting challenges

The students had their first competition last week and they loved the challenge that it presented.

Thank you to Melinda Brown for coordinating this challenge.

Our Home Learning Review Survey is currently live. At this stage, we have had 60 responses but we would love to have many more. The survey will be closed on Tuesday so that the Home Learning Review Committee can meet to go over the results before our workshop on Monday 17 June.

Have your say in the future of Home Learning at St Monica's by taking 5 minutes to complete the survey below.

HOME LEARNING REVIEW - PARENT SURVEY

Term 2 School Fees have been invoiced and full payment of school fees is due by Friday 7 June. 

If you have a Direct Debit arrangement in place no additional payment is required. However, please ensure you have sufficient funds in your account for the debits to take place successfully. In the event one of your debits is refused, you are required to make a separate payment to cover the missed payment.

As always, please contact the School Finance Officer should you need to discuss your school fees account.

End of May is Hats Off Day and all students can leave their hats at home or replace it with a beanie as we enter in the low UV June and July winter months. Beginning of August is Hats On Again.

Hockey

Congratulations to Olivia S (6E) who has gained selection in the ACT Under 12 Girls hockey team. Olivia will compete at the National Championships in Bendigo in August. Well done Olivia!!

The Australian Dance Crew Championships were held last Saturday in Canberra. The Playdance Agency Play Junior received 1st Place. Congratulations to Sienna H (6M), Olivia S (6E) and Annie R (6M).  Well done girls, a wonderful achievement!!

Happy Birthday to the following students -

Chelsea A, Arabelle S, Grace B, Marissa den H, Ante P, Shaye S, Ana L, Sian S

Canteen Roster  - Term 2, Week 6

Monday - June Manning

Tuesday - Evelyn David-Hoole

Wednesday - Alyson Barnes, Rachele Pentes

Thursday - Vacancy

Friday - Jenny Fulivai, Wilma Hird,  June Manning, Wendy Regan

Samantha Manning - Canteen Manager - 62584687

 If you have any ideas or concerns please email them through to our Secretary Fiona Steinberg at Council.StMonicas@cg.catholic.edu.au

Woolworths Earn & Learn is back for 2019.  Please collect your Earn & Learn Stickers and send them into the Front Office. There are many exciting prizes available this year for our school to earn ranging from musical instruments to maths equipment, and from sporting gear to science kits.  This year there is also a Bin located at Woolworths Belconnen Store for St Monica's School.