As we move further into this school year I am continually reminded of how fortunate we are to be part of such an amazing community. The dedication, support, and enthusiasm that each of you brings to our school is truly inspiring.

The St Monica’s students are thriving because of the collective efforts of our parents, teachers, staff, and all community partners. Whether it's through volunteering, attending events, or simply supporting your children at home, your involvement is what makes this school a special place to learn and grow.

Today we celebrated the Assumption Feast Day with a whole school mass. The Assumption (15 August) refers to the Blessed Virgin Mary being assumed body and soul into heaven. The Church officially recognises this belief as a true and necessary part of our Catholic beliefs about Mary. Like all beliefs about Mary, they illuminate our most treasured beliefs about her Son. The Assumption illustrates to us the truth about Christ’s promise of eternal life and the resurrection of the faithful.

The mass today was a beautiful celebration and we thank Father Mick and the students for their engagement and reverence.

Disco

A massive thank you to all the parent volunteers, especially Angalea Turnbull, for her amazing organisation! Thank you also to all the teachers and Team Kids volunteers who will be assisting on the night. What a fun opportunity for our students to have a little dance on Friday evening.  Please refer to communication about the disco which is included below in this newsletter and was sent out via COMPASS.  

Book Week

The students will participate in a book week parade in our courtyard on Thursday 22 August in the morning. The theme this year is Reading is Magic. Thank you to Mrs Melville for all her work to develop activities, host amazing authors and share stories relating to this year’s theme. It is always essential to highlight the importance of reading to all our students.

Hats

Now that we are getting closer to Spring (woohooo) please ensure that your child has a labelled hat in their school bag.  It is essential that we keep sun safety in mind and as a school we are reminding everyone about the importance of wearing hats.  We understand that sometimes hats can be forgotten. If this is the case, the students will be asked to play in one of our shaded areas so they are still protected from the sun.   

St Monica’s Feast Day and Walk-a-thon

A reminder that we celebrate our School Feast Day on Tuesday 27 August. We will then be walking in the footsteps of St Monica for our annual school walk-a-thon. Thank you to all those families for filling their pledge cards and returning these to school. If you are able to volunteer for our walk-a-thon please fill in the volunteer section via COMPASS. We are still looking for some helpers to assist with our check points. Please note - Pledge Cards are due back to school by 30 August.

Important Dates

As we progress into the middle of Term 3, I encourage everyone to be sure to check important dates that you are invited to attend.

Week 5:

Thursday 22 August -  Book Week Parade

Week 6:

Tuesday 27 August - Feast Day and School Walk-a-thon

Friday 30 August - Father’s Day Donuts and the famous footy kick off

Week 7: Sabbath Week

Week 8: Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 September - Years 3-6 School Musical

Week 9: Tuesday 17, Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 September - Sacrament of  Confirmation

Have a wonderful weekend

Maggie

2024 Parish Sacramental Program – for students who are baptised and in Years 4-6 in 2024.

Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on:

Tuesday 17 September at 6pm in St Michael’s Church, Kaleen;

Wednesday 18 September at 6pm in St Monica’s Church, Evatt; and

Thursday 19 September at 6pm in St Monica’s Church, Evatt.

Registrations are now closed.

ALSO – Please get in touch if you haven’t specified a Saint’s name or a sponsor by emailing sc.belconnennorth@cg.org.au

Trybooking – Is now open to book the date for your child to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

Fr Mick has capped each mass at 25 candidates.

PLEASE NOTE: There is only one spot for the candidate celebrating the Sacrament. (If you have two children, only book ONE spot and put both names on it). Each family will be allocated 1 pew in the church.

TRYBOOKING OPENS at 8am on Thursday 15 August and will close on Wednesday 21 August at 6pm. See links on parish website – www.cg.org.au/belconnennorth

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

We are so excited to be holding the upcoming St Monica’s school disco tomorrow night. It will be a wonderful opportunity for our students to come together, enjoy music, dance, and create lasting memories.    

Time:

Infants-6.00pm -7.15pm

Seniors-7.30pm -8.45pm

Student Drop Off and Pick Up

Parents not volunteering will be asked to drop their children off at the glass sliding doors at the side doors of the hall and pick up will be at the back of the hall (door facing the carpark). Please be assured there will be adequate supervision and you will be notified if your child needs to be picked up early.

Ticket Information

If you have not purchased a Value Ticket you can pay for entry on the night. Entry is $4.00. Children will have the opportunity to purchase extra glow sticks on the night.

Food

A canteen will be available on the night (no dinner is provided). However the value ticket comes with a juice box/water and a packet of chips. Available for purchase will also be icecreams, lollies (zappos or a lolly bag), chips and drinks.

Mobile Phones and Behaviour Expectations

To ensure a safe and respectful environment we kindly request your cooperation in adhering to the following guidelines: 

No Phones at the School Disco: Students are not bring their phones to the school disco. This measure is taken to encourage face-to-face interactions, enhance the overall experience, and prevent distractions during the event. 

Encouraging Social Interaction: The school disco is a fantastic opportunity for your children to engage in face-to-face interactions with their peers. Dancing and socialising in a real-world setting can help build confidence, communication skills, and lasting friendships.

Parents please drop your child off and be punctual for pick up. We ask that only volunteers remain in the hall throughout the disco times. Restricting access to school grounds helps maintain a secure environment for students and staff and ensures that only authorised personnel are present. 

By adhering to these guidelines we aim to create a positive and enjoyable atmosphere for all attendees. We appreciate your understanding and support in helping us maintain a safe and respectful environment. Please discuss with your children the St Monica’s behaviour expectations. 

Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to a fantastic school disco! 

Our lives are becoming more fast-paced and hectic. We are encouraged to be busy, to multi-task, and to be as productive as humanly possible. When our minds are speeding, it is hard to be a mindful parent to our children.

When we choose to slow down, we can avoid unnecessary stress and burnout, create opportunities to take care of your physical and emotional health, and prioritise what matters. Slowing down is a conscious choice, and not always an easy one, but it leads to a greater appreciation for life and a greater level of happiness.

Here are some ideas to start slowing down.

1. Do less. Make a conscious choice to do less. Focus on what is really important, what really needs to be done, and let go of the rest. Put space between tasks and appointments, so you can move through your days at a more leisurely pace. Set boundaries – say NO, let others do their jobs.
2. Be present. When you find yourself thinking about something you need to do, or something that has already happened, or something that might happen … gently bring yourself back to the present moment. Focus on what is going on right now. On your actions, on your environment, on others around you.
3. Disconnect. Spend less time on your device. Learn to leave it behind when possible.
4. Focus on people. With conscious effort you can shut off the outside world and just be present with the person you are with. Look at the person’s expression, find delight in the interaction.
5. Appreciate nature. Take the time to go outside and observe nature, take a deep breath of fresh air, enjoy the serenity of water and greenery. Feel the sensations of water and wind and earth against your skin.
6. Eat slower. Learn to eat slowly. Be mindful of each bite. Appreciate the flavours and textures.
7. Drive slower. Make it a habit to slow down when you drive. Appreciate your surroundings. Make it a peaceful time to contemplate your life, and the things you are passing.
8. Find pleasure in anything. Whatever you’re doing, be fully present … and also appreciate every aspect of it, and find the enjoyable aspects. For example, when washing dishes, instead of rushing through it as a boring chore to be finished quickly, feel the sensations of the water, the suds, the dishes.
9. Single-task. The opposite of multi-tasking. Focus on one thing at a time. When you feel the urge to switch to other tasks, pause, breathe, and pull yourself back. 
10. Breathe. When you find yourself speeding up and stressing out, pause, and take a deep breath. Take a couple more. Feel the air coming into your body, and feel the stress going out. By fully focusing on each breath, you bring yourself back to the present, and slow yourself down.

Read more:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/click-here-for-happiness/202302/how-to-slow-down-in-life

https://zenhabits.net/the-10-essential-rules-for-slowing-down-and-enjoying-life-more/

CARRYING CHILDREN SAFELY IN CARS
​Ages and Stages

REAR-FACING Up to 3-4 years* (Legally - until at least 6 months) It is recommended that children stay rear-facing for as long as possible: until at least 12 months of age and over where possible. Restraint types: Infant carrier, rear-facing 0-4/0-8 years car seat

FORWARD-FACING Up to 8+ years* (Legally - until at least 4 years) It is recommended that children stay in an in-built harness for as long as possible. Restraint types: Forward-facing 0-4/0-8 years car seat, forward-facing car seat with in-built harness up to 8 years+*, convertible booster seat with in-built harness

BOOSTER SEAT Up to 10+ years* (Legally until minimum of 7 years) It is recommended that children stay in a booster seat for as long as possible. Restraint types: Cushion booster**, dickie seat, integrated booster seat, untethered booster, tethered booster, tethered booster to 10 years* all with either a lap/sash seatbelt or with lap-only belt with external/h-harness**

NO CAR SEAT ​10+ years*  (Legally from a minimum of 7 years) It is recommended that children do not move to the seat of the car until they no longer fit in a Car Seat or Booster seat and when they meet the 5 step test.