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- School Theme Term 3
- Principal's Message
- RE News - Haley Stonham
- Parish Sacramental News - Confirmation
- K/1 Literacy Support for Parents
- Child and Family Centres ACT - Emma Russell
- Star Awards for Week 9 - Forgiveness
- Naidoc Art Competition - Ryan Matchett
- COVID-19 Updates
- Parent Corner
- School Counsellor
- Happy Birthday
- Community Council News - Evelyn David-Hoole
- Passion & Purpose Dance Academy
- Irish Dancing
- Working With Vulnerable People Card
- Community News
Dear Parents
The Spring weather and blossoms around the school have brought a brightness to life considering the challenges we have faced with COVID-19 over the last six months. As we formally move into our summer uniforms in Term 4 I encourage families to ensure you are ready. Do not forget that shorts can be worn all year rounds, should your child ask to start wearing shorts to school now.
As mentioned in last weeks newsletter the results of the Annual Parent Satisfaction Survey have been returned. Thank you to 143 parents who contributed to the survey with the following graph indicating the number of parents in each year level who contributed to the survey.
The following table summaries the overall results
As with all surveys we reflect on the results and comments and look for ways we can improve as a school community. As always, we aim for green across all areas. There are a few aspects to note and clarify. Obviously, these surveys are anonymous, so hopefully, I can address several of the key concerns via the newsletter over the coming weeks.
The school report is designed and implemented by Catholic Education across all Archdiocesan school, not just St Monica’s. The changes implemented this year were an attempt to respond to the difficult circumstances experienced by schools due to COVID-19. The teachers reached out to parents via phone calls during remote learning and provided an opportunity for parents to discuss their child’s progress during the mid-term Zoom parent-teacher interviews. I have advised Catholic Education of your many concerns relating to the current school report.
Many parents once again expressed the need for a fence around the school. I am currently waiting on the results of my recent submission to Catholic Education to extend our oval boundary, as far as possible, and acquire the land on the corner of Copland Drive and Moynihan Street to increase the play area. If approved, we would then formally apply to the ACT Government.
There appears to be a misconception regarding class sizes. We have never had any class groups at 30+. Our current Year 4 cohort is our largest class groups with 29 with all other classes below 26. The number of classes a school is permitted each year is determined by Catholic Education and based on a school’s enrolment numbers. It is then the responsibility of the Principal, in consultation with Catholic Education, to look at the structure of the school which may include multi-age class groupings.
Further comments in next week’s newsletter.
Carmel Maguire
Principal
A great photo capturing our wellbeing day on Friday.
Year 3 Reconciliation
Last week Year 3 candidates received the sacrament of Reconciliation. It was such a beautiful, reverent and peaceful experience as each candidate met with Fr Loi. We could see the renewal of each heart as the candidates and their families left the church because each of them left with a huge smile.
Thank you to the Year 3 teachers - Mrs Lustica, Mrs Caswell, Mr Donnelly, Mrs Godshalx, Mrs Brown, and each family for preparing and supporting the Year 3 candidates.
Sacramental Program – Confirmation 2020
Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated on:
Tuesday 10 November in St Michael’s Church
Wednesday 11 November in St Monica’s Church
Thursday 12 November in St Monica’s Church
Tuesday 17 November in St Monica’s Church
Registration for the Sacrament of Confirmation can be made via the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Qkr! App and will close by 25 September 2020.
Parent Information Night
The Parent Information night is on 17 September 2020 via zoom at https://cgcatholic.zoom.us/j/99770997965
Commitment Masses
Students and parents must attend one of the Masses listed below to make their commitment for the sacrament.
Please remember to make a booking for the Mass in advance, through the parish website.
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September
Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October
There will be no more commitment masses beyond these dates.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is available in 2020 for the School of Religion. Any queries can be made to sc.belconnennorth@cg.org.au
Over the past few weeks the Kinder and Year One teachers, with the help of Mr Donnelly and Mrs Vaughan, have been posting videos on how to support children with their literacy development at home. This is a new initiative to respond to our current circumstances and the challenges that come with a face to face workshop. We thought we would share some of these resources with our whole school community.
Here are Mr Donnelly's three top tips for improving reading:
Families with young children (birth to 8 years) are welcome to call the Child and Family Centres (CFC) and talk with an experienced Child and Family Worker about supports available for your family. Parents and carers can access a range of parenting groups and supports which are offered face-to-face and are also available via telephone and on-line platforms.
Child and Family Centres services are available Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm.
- Gungahlin Child and Family Centre: (02) 6207 0120
- Tuggeranong Child and Family Centre: (02) 6207 8228
- West Belconnen Child and Family Centre: (02) 6205 2904
There are many services available including: Drop-In Parenting Support
Parents and carers are invited to visit their local Child and Family Centre to chat with a trained professional about parenting, ask questions and to get information. This can lead to ongoing, one-to-one support with Child and Family Workers.
Staff are available to speak with parents and service providers, either in person or by phoning your local Centre — about a range of issues including:
- general parenting
- adjusting to being a parent
- family relationship issues
- your child’s behaviour.
Visit www.communityservices.act.gov.au/ocyfs/children/childandfamilycentres
| KB | Billy B, Brooke D |
| KCH | Charlotte T, Liam W |
| 1E | Lola B |
| 1R | Joseph F |
| 2CP | Lucas B |
| 2RR | Felix R |
| 3CD | Millie W |
| 3GB | Isabelle J |
| 3LK | Nicholas P |
| 4MF | Sophie S |
| 4R | Mitchell B |
| 5E | Michael H |
| 5SM | Dylan J |
| 5W | Zoe O |
| 6FH | Clancy P |
| 6H | Aurelia S |
| 6M | Geordie T |
In celebration of this year’s NAIDOC Week theme “Always Was, Always Will Be,” young artists aged 6-16 years old are invited Australia wide to create an original artwork that shares their culture, ceremony and spiritual connection to country. The entry that best reflects the theme will receive a $500 Bundarra voucher and have their design printed as a limited edition Bundarra collection. Follow the link below for more information and how to enter. https://paint4.bundarra.org/
Parents and carers are welcome to contact the school to make an appointment with our School Counsellor if you have any questions and/or concerns about your child’s emotional wellbeing. Please contact your child's teacher or Carmel Maguire for a referral form for your child. Our counsellor works every Tuesday and for a morning every second Wednesday (odd weeks).
Happy Birthday to the following students
Elsie F, Sophie P, Lachlan P, Evan L, Layla H, Zoe K, Lucas M, Lola B, Matthew M
If you have any ideas or concerns please email them through to our Secretary Fiona Steinberg at council.stmonicas@cg.catholic.edu.au
Passion & Purpose Academy is Canberra’s fastest growing dance school with the most affordable hip hop classes for 3 - 17 year olds. To arrange a free trial at our Melba Copland Secondary School studio, please enrol online at www.passionandpurpose.com.au
Details below for upcoming Holiday Program.
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.
