Dear Parents

God, who created everything and everyone, we ask you to be with us now in this place. Send your Holy Spirit upon us that we might pray well and bless your name. Help us to care for "the seeds which are the Word of God", the living words your Son shares with us. Let the hard work of sowing and tending be crowned with an abundance of life. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Competitive Swimming Carnival 

Our school swimming carnival is booked for Wednesday 19 February. Our swimming carnival is for competitive swimmers and all Year 6, as part of their leadership role, to assist on the day. The move to a carnival for competitive swimmers is due to the number of children not able or interested in entering into the events for consideration for selection for ACT School Sport Competitions. All children remaining at school will participate in fun sporting activities.  

Attached is the permission note for the swimming carnival. A paper copy will be sent home tomorrow to children interested in competing at the carnival.

2020 Student Residential Address and Other Information collection notice

Please read carefully. This notice is from the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment (the department), to advise you that the department has requested that your child’s school provide a ‘statement of addresses’, in accordance with the Australian Education Regulation 2013 (Cth) (Regulation).

Carmel Maguire

Principal  

What a wonderful start to the 2020 school year we have all had at St Monica’s. Our school theme of ‘Growing Together’ is really setting the scene for a school year where we are going to enliven our school vision even further.

St Monica is always by our side, guiding us all through her example of Prayer, Perseverance, Patience and Praise. This term, we are ‘Growing Together’ through ‘Prayer’. All classes are busy investigating our focus of ‘Respect’. Respect for ourselves, respect for others, respect for our learning and being respectful when we pray as a class, as a school and as a school parish. Last Friday we celebrated our Opening School Mass, and WOW! everyone was respectful, celebrating the beginning of the school year. 

Being guided by God’s word is at the heart of what it means to be a Christian. This year we are exploring God’s message for us in the Parable of the Sower in the Gospel of Matthew. Over the coming weeks, I will be breaking open this parable. I will end with a question…

What kind of soil are you?

"Let us ask ourselves if our heart is open to welcome with faith the seed of the Word of God.”

Pope Francis, 2016

Religious Education Curriculum

All schools in the Canberra-Goulburn Archdiocese are working through a process of Curriculum renewal in Religious Education. As a school community, we are accessing the resources of the Brisbane Archdiocese’ Curriculum. A key element of their approach is seeing Religious Education as two overlapping circles encompassing Religious Curriculum and the Religious Life of the School. 

A teaching strategy 

World of the Text

Our teachers use a wide variety of current best practices in teaching and learning. One core focus is using ‘3 Worlds of the Text’. Essentially 3 Worlds of the Text is a way to ‘unpack’ any piece of writing but in Religious Education we focus on using it for Scripture. The 3 ‘Worlds’ we explore are: The World Behind the Text, The World of the Text and the World in Front of the Text.

World Behind the Text - is the environment in which the piece of writing was written. We learn about the context of the community, who they were and why they wrote it.

World of the Text – we examine the literary style of the text. What are its key features and how is an understanding of this text influenced by its type and structure?

World in Front of the Text – how should we read this text today? Are there any challenges or nuances that we bring to this text because of our own cultural context?

You may have noticed some signs around St Monica’s outdoor areas and wondered what they are about. These signs help to remind us how we can resolve relationship problems when they occur on the playground, or in the classroom.

Restorative Practices assists teachers, students and parents to build, maintain and restore relationships. Restorative Practices helps us at St Monica’s build capacity to enable students to self to regulate behaviour and contributes to the improvement of learning outcomes.

 To find out more visit https://www.restorativepractices.org.au

Sports Carnivals and Gala Days at St Monica's 2020

Welcome everyone to a new year of sport at St Monica's. We have many exciting opportunities and events for students to participate in throughout the year. As in previous years, we will require parent and community support. 

School Carnivals

Swimming: Wednesday 19 February (Week 3 Term 1). This carnival is for competitive swimmers in Years 2-5 and all of Year 6. 

Cross Country: Monday 30 March (Week 9 Term 1)

Athletics: Thursday 7 May (Week 2 Term 2)

From these carnivals, students (aged 8-13) will have the opportunity to progress to the Belconnen region and ACT carnivals.

Sport Clinics

We have several sports clinics booked in already and will be looking at further opportunities later in the year:

- Orienteering sessions for Years 2 and 3 (4 weeks in Term 1)

- Gymnastics for Kinder- Year 4 (A whole term in either Term 1 or 2

- Tennis for Year 6 in Term 1 and Year 5 Term 4

Gala Days

As a school, we are committing to the following gala days for Years 3-6. These gala days will be during the school day and will require parental involvement. These decisions were made based on parents who completed the sport survey in 2019, student interest, previous carnival opportunities, our school calendar and giving students multiple experiences across all areas of the curriculum. Please note that there is no longer a Catholic Schools Soccer or Netball Carnival. 

Soccer: Thursday 4 June (Term 2 Week 6) Years 3-6

Oz Tag: Date TBA (Usually held in Term 3) Years 3-6

Boorowa Touch and Netball Carnival Friday 23 October (Term 4 Week 2) Years 3-6

School Sport ACT

Students in Year 5 and 6 are invited to trial for ACT representation in a variety of sports. ACT School Sport is currently in the process of updating their website. I am also attending a meeting next week so will be able to update you with how to register in next weeks newsletter. These trials are generally held after school and require parents/carers to transport their child. 

If you have any further questions or require assistance with anything sport-related, please get in touch with me through email- ryan.matchett@cg.catholic.edu.au or telephone the front office 6258 5105. 

Children are permitted to bring in their iPads provided they have signed  and returned both IT agreements 

Week 3 - Year 3 optional program, 4 & 5

Week 4 - Year 6

 In 2020, the BYODD program will continue being implemented in Years 4-6.

Should the purchasing of an iPad place a burden on a family’s finances please speak to Carmel Maguire, as soon as possible. We do have a small bank of iPads available for use by families experiencing difficulties in Years 4 to 6.

Year 3 students will have access to a bank of iPads to be shared throughout the week. As we did this year the students in Year 3 will have an option to bring their own device if they wish however this will not be required until early Term 1 following a parent information session. Students in the multi-age will be given the opportunity to access an iPad regularly to complement the class program, should they opt not to bring their own device. Parents will need to discuss this option once the class lists are published.

What are the technical requirements of BYODD at St Monica’s?

The following fees were approved by the St Monica's Council effective from the commencement of Term 1 2020.

Before School 

Permanent  $18.00    Casual   $20.00

After School 

Permanent $30.00      Casual  $32.00

Vacation Care - $75.00

Hours of operation

7.30am – 8.45am (Before school care)
3.10pm – 6.00pm (After school care)
8.00am – 6.00pm (Vacation care)

School Fees for Term 1 will be invoiced next week.

Happy Birthday to the following students - 

Amelia B, Esther L, Dallas M, Anthony M, Lachlan B

Meet Your Council Members for 2020

Canteen News 

The Community Council are thrilled to have Mrs Wendy Regan as our new Canteen Manager. We look forward to assisting Mrs Regan in continuing to provide a viable healthy canteen service.

Parent Volunteer Survey

The survey was sent out through the Schoolzine app and to parents who subscribe to receive messages via email, earlier this week. We hope you consider what volunteer opportunities you'd like to/are able to partake in this year.  We appreciate the donation of your time and skills to enrich our school community. We are especially looking for some parents/grandparents who would be interested in assisting looking after our vegetable and herb gardens. Thank you to the parents who have responded to survey.

See next newsletter item for the survey link. 

Here at St Monica's we are fortunate to have a great community of students, teachers and families who provide a caring, enthusiastic and positive place for our children to learn, grow and shine. We invite you to get involved in our community!

We have found one of the benefits of volunteering at St Monica's has been the opportunity to connect with others. Many of us have experienced lasting friendships and connections made in this precious learning environment. Getting involved provides parents/siblings/grandparents an opportunity to engage and connect with students and other families who are also supporting and enriching the education of our children.

Additionally, if you're involved in helping at school, research shows that your child will do better. When your kids see you volunteer at school, they see firsthand how much you value their education, and their school. You also receive a better sense of the total education picture, and see what is happening in their lives.

We understand that families have busy lives at work, at home and with other communities that they are part of. As such, we have a varied number of opportunities for involvement with differing levels of time commitment - we value them all. We also take this opportunity to give a heartfelt thanks to all our current and past volunteers who help make this community function and thrive - THANK YOU!

Please consider this an invitation. If you are looking to connect, improve your sense of wellbeing and your child/ren's happiness, we invite you to consider volunteering and complete the form below. Spending a little time volunteering at St Monica's may be your best-spent time yet!

Please don't hesitate to contact us via email if you have further queries or ideas. Council.StMonicas@cg.catholic.edu.au

We would love to hear from parents/carers, grandparents and older siblings. We encourage existing volunteers to list the activities they are already involved in.

Raffle Tickets for our fete have been sent home with the eldest child today. 

Our new Canteen Manager, Wendy Regan, will commence officially next week. For her first week, Wendy will be organising the menu, setting up the canteen and completing the required training. We are planning to start up online ordering for lunches from Monday 24 February.

Zooper Doopers on sale at lunchtime 14 February - 50c 

  

Samantha Cox has kindly offered to continue as School Banking Coordinator for this year. School banking will be done on a Friday.

All parents volunteering at our school must have a current WWVP card.  When your card is due for renewal please ensure you have your updated card copied at the Front Office.

DANCECORE -  Dance classes are held on Wednesday’s at lunchtime in the school hall, forms are available at the Front Office. Contact Cassie 0417 442 750

CHESS -  Chess classes are held in the library on Monday's at lunchtime, forms are available by contacting Sydney Academy of Chess (02) 9745 1170

GUITAR - Guitar lessons with Geromy on Thursday's, please contact Front Office for Geromy's contact.

PIANO - Piano lessons with Lis O'Daly, please contact Front Office for Lis' contact.

Instruments- Small group intstrumental lessons for Year 2 - 6 available on Tuesdays throughout the day. Enrolment fliers can be collected from the school office.

School Choir & Japanese Choir - Children self nominate to attend choir led by St Monica's teaching staff. 

Come along to Melba Oval this Saturday and sign up for the 2020 rugby league season with the Sharks.

Team age groups start from Under 6’s and there is even a Baby Sharks Team for children turning 4 or 5 this year who want to join in and have some fun.

If you can’t make it on Saturday registrations can be made online at playrugbyleague.com

Details of all school and regular services are available online for parents and students to begin planning their journeys.

School routes and services remain unchanged for 2020. Transport Canberra is here to support the safe passage of students to and from school using public transport and active travel options.

To assist in planning school bus travel, use our handy tips and checklist below.

Routes and timetables:

Check the details of services required for your child to and from school, also making sure your child is familiar with the times and stops. If your child is new to school or changing schools, please check available school services or regular bus timetables information.

Journey Planner:

The Transport Canberra Journey Planner includes school services, allowing you to plan out the most convenient mode of transport for your trip to school. Use Transport Canberra’s journey planner to plan your travel, and use NXTBUS to track your awaited service.

MyWay cards:

MyWay is the cheapest and easiest way to travel with Transport Canberra services. A student MyWay card can be purchased online, over the phone, or at a MyWay Recharge Agent. Adding travel credit is even easier with the options of B-Pay or Autoload direct debit, attracting an additional 5% discount on all fares. Students can also top up their MyWay card or purchase a single or daily ticket at Transport Canberra’s new ticket vending machines, available at selected bus stations and Light Rail stops.

When travelling on Transport Canberra services, it is important for students to carry their concession entitlement in addition to their MyWay card as Customer Service Officers regularly check concessions.

Fares:
A single trip school student MyWay fare is now $1.22 on school days and a single trip school student cash fare costs $2.50. All information about MyWay and cash fares are available online.

Public Transport Safety:
If your child is new to public transport or a regular user, don’t forget safety is a top priority. Make sure your child is familiar with the safety rules for inside and outside their chosen bus or light rail service. For further information on Transport Canberra travel safety, please visit the Etiquette and Safety and Staying Safe sections on our website.

Further information:

Pick-up and set down guidelines, tips for parents, tips for staff/volunteers, tips for students, safe driving, safety tips, safe school travel plans and travel congestion information can be found under the School Safety Tips on the Transport Canberra website.

Staying up to date:
To keep up to date with Transport Canberra news and important service information, sign up for our email alerts or follow us on our social media channels: Email Alerts  Facebook  Twitter

Further information can be found under the FAQ’s section on our website. For all other enquiries, please contact us on 13 17 10.

WODEN VALLEY YOUTH CHOIR
Woden Valley Youth Choir has provided a music education to hundreds of students from ACT and surrounding region for over 50 years. WVYC offers a dynamic choral programme for young people aged 8 to 25 years and we are proud to provide so many positive benefits to our members: the value of learning to sing with confidence, positive self-esteem, and performance skills, which will hold them in good stead for the rest of their lives. WVYC is a not-for-profit community choir with a strong music education programme. We don’t just sing – we become musicians.

OPEN DAY AND AUDITIONS
WVYC will hold an open day on Tuesday 18 February. Auditions will follow, for those interested, on Saturday 22 February. We have vacancies in all choirs although quite limited places in our high school/university age treble voice choir. We are especially keen to audition more young men for our changing and changed voices choir, Centauri Voices. For more information on open day times and auditions please go to http://wvyc.org.au and download an application form or email info.wvyc@gmail.com or phone 1300 599 655.