Dear Parents

Listening to the news daily I am so grateful to be living in Canberra. Please continue to observe physical distancing around the school during drop off and pick up so we can provide a safe environment for everyone. We are all in this together and we are doing a great job, thank you. 

Annual Survey

An annual satisfaction survey of parents, students and staff will be conducted on behalf of all Catholic schools in the Diocese this term. The surveys are designed to gather feedback from parents, staff and students about our school and will be used to inform school improvement. Responses are confidential and individuals can not be identified. 

The surveys will be launched via email on Friday 7 August 2020 using the email addresses supplied to the school. If you do not receive an email with a link to the survey, please contact the Front Office directly. 

Information for parents regarding payment of Term 3 fees

Catholic Education is committed to continuing financial assistance into Term 3 to support families who have been financially impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The position of Catholic education is that no child will be denied a Catholic education because of financial circumstances.

Where your family is experiencing financial stress due to job loss, being stood down, reduction in work hours, business downturn or closure resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, full or partial fee relief are available for Term 3 only. To apply for fee relief, you are asked to indicate the level of assistance you feel you need at this time by completing a one-page fee assistance form available from the school office  (The COVID-19 Fee Assistance Request Form)   Your level of fee support will be confirmed as soon as possible. Your family is an important part of our school community. Your financial circumstances will not compromise the place of your children at our school. If you are experiencing any difficulties, I will confidentially ensure your child is not disadvantaged.

Tough Call

Over the last few days, it has been necessary to confiscate iPads from several students due to breaches of our school BYOD usage code. Several children have been caught accessing social media sites that are not age appropriated or accessing content on another child's device. Parents, please take a few moments to speak to your child about the dangers of accessing sites not age-appropriate. 

Families Leaving 

To help with class planning for 2021 please advise the school in writing if you do not intend returning to St Monica's in 2021.

It is that time of the year when children are to wear their hats at morning tea and at lunchtimes. Hats are available for purchase at the office if required. Please ensure you label your child's hat.

Continue to stay safe and healthy. 

Principal  

St Monica's and Catholic Education continue to take advice from health authorities in relation to COVID-19. The Catholic Education Office has a team that is actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it develops, paying particular attention to local hotspots and organising support for schools where required. St Monica's is practising all safe hygiene practices in line with government advice. We understand that the situation is fairly fluid and we will communicate directly with you should there be any important changes in relation to our school operations in the coming weeks. We remind all families: 

·       If your child is unwell, they should not attend school.

·       Please ensure that anyone who presents with COVID-19 symptoms in your family is tested.

·       Parents should avoid routinely entering the school where possible but can attend scheduled school events and meetings with teachers where required (physical distancing and hygiene measures still apply).

Should you have any questions in relation to our school and COVID-19, please feel free to contact our office.

Catholic Education COVID-19 Website - Click to open web updates

This weekend is the 19^th Sunday in Ordinary time. Ordinary time is the time in the Church’s liturgical calendar that is outside the special times like Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter. Your child’s classroom will have a green prayer cloth as a symbol of the time in the Church’s calendar. This prayer cloth will change colours as the seasons change. Each family was given a Liturgical calendar in the Family Prayer Bags that were handed out at the beginning of remote learning. You could use this to talk about the special seasons throughout the year.

The Gospel reading this weekend is from Matthew chapter 14:22-33 Jesus walks on water

In this account, we read that Peter takes a big risk and hops out of the boat to walk on water to Jesus. But when a big wind blows by, Peter is frightened and begins to sink. When Pete calls out to Jesus to save him, Jesus reaches out his hand.

When reading this reading with your family, discuss what it means to have faith when taking risks. The risks could be when learning something new, for example trying a new math’s strategy for the first time, trying out a new sport skill in a game situation, or presenting a speech when you are nervous. But Jesus is always there for us! He will encourage us to stay strong, reaching out his hand. All we have to do is call out.

Who else is there for you? Who will reach out and encourage you to be remain strong in faith? St Monica’s is a community that grows together, reaching out to those in need, encouraging everyone to remain courageous during difficult times and celebrating times of success and happiness!

Today we posted a video to our Facebook page that was created by some of our aspiring news presenters in Year 5 to explain how the Assessment Waterfall and Bump it up Walls are being implemented at St Monica's. 

Next week we will look at how Learning Intentions are used to support students in understanding what they are learning.

Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.

Everyone experiences the ups and downs of mental health. But what happens when it’s down?

Anxiety, depression and suicide affect millions of people around Australia, impacting how they connect with family and friends, thrive at work, and live productive and meaningful lives.

People of all ages, backgrounds and cultures are asking themselves “how can I feel better?” and “will I feel like this for the rest of my life?”

Beyond Blue is here to help people in Australia understand that these feelings can change. We want to equip them with the skills they need to look after their own mental health and wellbeing, and to create confidence in their ability to support those around them.

Our vision is for everyone in Australia to achieve their best possible mental health. Through our support services, programs, research, advocacy and communication activities, we’re breaking down the stigma, prejudice and discrimination that act as barriers to people reaching out for support.

Take the time to explore the resources and information at Beyond Blue

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

CatholicCare Canberra & Goulburn is pleased to announce the launch of our new program, Stepping Stones. We know that an estimated 2.5 million Australians (13%) have experienced adverse childhood experiences and that if untreated, these can adversely impact social and physical health outcomes later in life.

 In launching Stepping Stones, children in the ACT aged 12 and under who have experienced trauma will have access to free therapeutic support. Trauma may include a single incident like a car accident or assault, or it may relate to repeated traumatic incidents such as abuse, neglect or witnessing family violence.

Utilising a trauma-informed multidisciplinary team approach, Stepping Stones will support children and their families to recover from the impacts of adverse childhood experiences (trauma) with a particular focus on the child’s mental health, well-being and development.

As part of Stepping Stones, children will receive psychological treatment for the symptoms of trauma which may include; behavioural changes, nightmares, anxiety, grief and low mood. They may also receive support to develop skills that have not developed properly due to being in a traumatic situation. Families and carers play an integral role in supporting their child’s recovery and as such, they will also play an integral role in the treatment process. Families and carers will be supported to understand the impact of trauma on their child, assisting them to develop strategies to support the child’s recovery and onward development.

Children can be referred to the service by another health professional (such as their GP or Paediatrician) or another service provider. Families can also self refer to the service. Referrals to the program can be made via the CatholicCare website www.catholiccare.cg.org.au or by calling our team on 02 61637600.

Happy Birthday to the following students 

Zachary H, Brian H, Cooper R, Jake W, Maeve J, Caelan A, Sophie C, Alexander H, Phoebe D, Alex A, Elliott B

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

Rhee Taekwon-Do - Martial Arts Lessons

Rhee Tae Kwon-Do is an effective affordable martial art for all ages. 

You improve personal confidence, fitness, discipline, self-control, co-ordination and respect.

Classes held at St Monica’s Primary School, Moynihan Street, Evatt on  Monday and Wednesday nights

Monday - 6:30 – 7:30pm, Wednesday - 6:30 – 7:30pm

For more information contact Lee on 0412 406 359 visit: http://rheeact.com.au/classes/evatt

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.