Newsletter 30th August
St Monica's Got Talent Winners
Congratulations to Brock Cherry, Gabriel Fermino and Nate Hure on winning the final of
St Monica's Got Talent!
From the Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
I begin by offering my congratulations to all of our students who took part in this year’s St Monica’s Got Talent event. From our finalists to all students who auditioned, you should all be proud of your efforts. At St Monica’s, we focus on shaping our students around the Five Key to Success as outlined by the You Can Do It program and these keys (qualities) were definitely on display throughout the event. The staff and audience were extremely impressed with the high levels of Confidence, Resilience and Persistence on display. As we move into Term 4, we will be sharing with our school community, our new and updated St Monica’s Keys to Success. These keys also link to our reviewed and updated Positive Behaviour matrix and School behaviour expectations.
Thanks to Mrs Hughes for all of her time in putting this event together. It is a great addition to our Arts Calendar for the year. We look forward to seeing what our students (and staff) put together next year.
Next week, we will be completing our quadrennial School Review as part of the Toowoomba Catholic Schools’ School Renewal and Improvement Process. Thank you to all our parents who have put themselves forward to participate in the interview process. We are looking forward to the process, celebrating what we have achieved over the past four years and learning about where we need to head for the future. Once we have received the final report from the interview panel, we will share the findings with the school community. These findings will help shape our new Strategic Plan for 2024 – 2028. Upon review of our current Strategic Plan, I can confidently say that we have made great progress at St Moncia’s over the life of the plan and I am looking forward to the next phase of our school‘s journey.
From the APRE
Father’s Day Liturgy
Tomorrow, Thursday the 31st of August at 8:40am is our Father’s Day Liturgy, which will be presented by the Year One students. We hope that all the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, big brothers, or male carers who have been father figures to our students are able to attend and have a wonderful Father’s Day on Sunday.
Consistency of Teacher Judgement (CTJ) Day
This Friday the 1st of September is a student free day. On this day, teachers from St Monica’s Oakey and St Anthony’s Toowoomba will be travelling to Our Lady of the Southern Cross College Dalby to participate in CTJ Day. On this day, teachers will compare student work samples to ensure consistency of teacher judgement. Teachers will also be participating in a workshop unpacking the Australian Curriculum Version 9: Mathematics, which will be implemented in our school in 2024.
National Child Protection Week
Next week, from the 3rd to the 9th of September, is National Child Protection Week. National Child Protection Week is a campaign held annually across Australia to raise awareness of child abuse prevention. In 2023, the annual message that ‘Every child in every community needs a fair go’ will be complemented with the theme ‘Where we start matters’. During the week, students will revisit the 3 Rs – Recognise, React and Report, discuss who the trusted people in our lives are that we can go to for help, and explore how to stay safe online. Further information about Child Safety Week can be accessed at https://www.napcan.org.au/. Child Protection is everyone’s responsibility!
Free Dress for Missions
Next Friday the 8th of Septemeber is a Free Dress day to raise money for Missions of Mercy, a charity very close to the heart of our Parish Priest Fr Thomas Areekuzhy. Students are asked to bring in a gold coin donation on this day. A reminder that all free dress needs to be sun safe and students need to wear fully enclosed shoes.
Parent Teacher Interviews.
On Tuesday the 12th of September (Week 10), all teachers will be conducting parent teacher interviews. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher to discuss student strengths and next steps in learning. We know that effective partnerships between home and school is one of the greatest influences of student achievement, so we look forward to meeting with you all. Bookings can be made on the parent portal of Sentral and interviews will be held in the Sports hall.
Term 3 Key Dates
Thursday 31st August – Father’s Day Liturgy
Friday 1st September – Consistency of Teacher Judgement (CTJ) Day/Student Free Day (no school)
Monday 4th September – School Renewal and Improvement Process (SRIP) begins.
Thursday 14th of September – End of Term Thanksgiving Mass and R U OK? Day
Friday 15th September - Last Day of Term 3
Term 4 Key Dates
Tuesday 3rd October - First Day Term 4
From the Classrooms
Prep
What a wonderful fortnight we have had in Prep!
Firstly, I would like to congratulate the students on completing their first oral presentation. It can be quite daunting to stand in front of your peers and speak, but they did a wonderful job. Thank you to those parents who assisted their students and practised with them at home.
Secondly, I would also like to thank the parents for the amazing effort they put into costumes for the Book Week parade, you certainly made the judges job a lot harder.
Finally, I would like to congratulate the students on how well they did at ‘St Monica’s Got Talent’, they all did a fantastic job of their poem, and it was wonderful to watch.
A reminder this Friday the 1st of September is a pupil free day!
I would also like to take this opportunity to wish our fantastic fathers a very Happy Father’s Day!
Looking forward to another exciting fortnight ahead in Prep!
Year 1
It's hard to believe we only have two weeks left of Term 3! The Year One class have been busy little bees this fortnight. We have almost finished our Australian animal informative texts and are ready to move on to planning and creating our creek habitats. A reminder that our class is on assembly this Thursday morning. We can't wait to share our hard work with you
Year 2
This week, students have begun to write their drafts as part of their Best Toy Ever persuasive unit. We have unpacked various writing samples and created our Bump It Up wall to help students to identify how to make improvements to their writing.
In Mathematics, students worked to complete an open-ended maths challenge. The prompt was to see how many different ways 36 could be shared equally.
Firstly, this involved developing an understanding that there was no one correct answer or correct way to complete the task. It was great to see students work in different ways to test and record their findings. I was most impressed with the persistence demonstrated to keep trying to find all possible answers.
Year 3
Students have been busy with consolidating their knowledge and understanding of concepts taught this term. We have been working on our speed and accuracy with operations during money activities in Mathematics. Students are focusing on skills of literal and inferential comprehension when reading. During Science lessons we have been exploring how the Earth, Sun and Moon interact and how the rotation of the Earth on its axis causes regular changes, including night and day and the pattern of the seasons. The You Can Do It program has included calming strategies and students have been looking closely at how our thoughts impact emotions.
Year 4/5 AQ
Welcome to week 8, a short 4 days. In English, our students continued our persuasive writing unit, creating compelling arguments on the topic of mining licenses during the Gold Rush. In Mathematics, the focus has been on budgeting, teaching the children valuable skills for managing money. In Science, our young scientists have been hands-on with experiments, exploring the fascinating world of matter and how it changes states. A quick reminder about important routines: Homework is due back on Fridays, and Library books need to be returned by Mondays. As we approach Term 4, I would encourage the parents and caregivers of Year 5 students to start looking at the packing lists for the upcoming camp and a reminder that all camp forms need to be returned to the school office this week.
Lastly, I just wanted to extend a big congratulations to all the participants of St. Monica's Got Talent! We were all treated to such a wonderful afternoon of talent. I hope you have a blessed week.
Year 4/5 B
Well, the term is certainly flying by and it's hard to believe we are up to Week 8 already. Week 7 was an exciting week, with the Book Week dress-up and St Monica's Got Talent (SMGT). I commend all of the 4/5B students on engaging enthusiastically in these events and congratulations to Brock on being a member of the winning SMGT act. We still have a number of activities to look forward to this term. On Tuesday, 12 September, the Year 4s will be attending a Touch Football Gala Day at Kearney's Spring, Toowoomba. Information regarding this event was sent home last week. Next Friday, 8 September, will be our Assembly presentation. We hope you will be able to join us on this special occasion. Just a reminder that this Friday is a Pupil Free Day.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our St Monica's Dads a very Happy Father's Day for Sunday. Thank you for all you do to support your children.
Year 4/5 M
Welcome to Week 8! Two weeks to go. Congratulations to the students who participated in the St Monica’s Got Talent show on Friday. It takes a lot of courage to get up in front of an audience and put it all on the line. We also had bookweek last week and the array of costumes was very inspiring and creative. The Year 4 students will taking part in a Touch Football gala in Week 10. Information was sent home last week regarding this. Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday - a big thanks to the P&F for organising the stall. Don’t forget that there is a pupil free day on Friday while staff are participating in a consistency of teacher judgement day in Dalby.
Have a great week!
Year 6
The Year 6 students have had a busy couple of weeks in the classroom as they continued to explore the topic of Natural Disasters. In Science, students have been researching and developing information reports about a chosen natural disaster. In English they have been enjoying learning about the various language features used within narratives as they explore the Jackie French Natural Disaster series and have been reading about these real-life natural disasters within reading groups.
They have been thoroughly enjoying this learning and are enjoying learning about these real-world concepts. Throughout the remainder of the term, students will continue to explore these natural disasters and will develop models to simulate these weather events.
From the Library
From Music
Our annual talent show, S.M.G.T was held last Friday afternoon. The audience was treated to a range of performances, including beat boxing, instrumental solos, poetry and dancing. Students demonstrated our You Can Do It values of organisation, confidence & resilience. Congratulations to the winning trio: Nate Hure, Brock Cherry & Gabriel Fermino. Congratulations also to Sophie Scheuerle who was awarded Runner Up and to Bella Meacham & Flossie Johns whose talents were recognised with Highly Commended certificates.
Mini Monnie's Playgroup
Be Well at St Monica's
Let’s Get Physical
Take a Hike!
Getting out in the great outdoors and enjoying some fresh air is well known to have a positive impact on wellbeing. Bushwalking is a great activity to do as a family and the benefits are significant. Walking is one of the easiest and best forms of exercise that anyone can do but taking it to the next level of bushwalking and hiking, can be so beneficial to your mental health and physical wellbeing.
Bushwalking can help increase the strength of the cardiovascular system, help lower the risk of heart disease, help maintain a healthy blood pressure and also maintain a healthy bodyweight. For individuals who suffer from heart disease, obesity or type 2 diabetes, bushwalking is the perfect exercise to minimise future risk and keep yourself fit and healthy.
Bushwalking also helps improve the mental state of individuals. It allows the opportunity to interact with an engaging visual setting, plus all the sights, smells and sounds you love of the great outdoors generates excitement for your workout. Working out in the Australian environment has been proven to be good for the body and soul. Beyond Blue has advocated bushwalking as an activity for managing moderate depression and anxiety.
Additional benefits for children include:
- it gets them out of the house and off screens,
- it helps them connect with nature,
- it allows them to use all their senses,
- it is a free activity that helps to bond as a family,
- it helps build life-long skills.
Within the Toowoomba region there are a number of walks and trails, as well as National Parks, that offer participants everything from a leisurely stroll to a challenging hike. Some of these are located in nearby areas such as Cooyar, Kingsthorpe, Highfields, Toowoomba, Westbrook and Crows Nest. For more information on walk and trails, go to the Toowoomba Regional Council’s website.
http://www.tr.qld.gov.au/facilities-recreation/sport-recreation/walks-trails/227-where-to-walk
In challenging times, help is just a phone call away! Who can you call 24/7?
Lifeline 131114, Kids Help Line 1800 551800, Beyond Blue 1300 224636
Uniforms
Research has shown that one of the real advantages of an education at a Catholic School is that a special and unique pride is developed. One significant way to foster such pride is the enforcement of strict uniform guidelines. All children are expected to wear the school uniform as listed below:
School Uniform - Years 1 to 6
Girls – Formal - Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
- St Monica’s School Dress Uniform
- Dress: Pattern, Sutton no 346(B)
- Dress: Fabric, Check 8021
- Collar: Cesarella 1301, Zip: Birch 265 Bottle Green
- St Monica’s School green school hat
- Short white socks – (no ankle socks)
- All black shoes – may be leather or jogger.
Girls – Sports - Wednesday and Friday
- St Monica’s School Sports Shirt Yr.1 to Yr.5
- St Monica’s School Leader Shirt Year 6
- St Monica’s School Navy Blue Skort
- St Monica’s School green school hat
- Short white socks
- White sandshoes/joggers
Winter Variation
- As Above
- St Monica’s School Bottle Green Fleecy Pullover with embroidered crest
- Green fleecy track pants with sports uniform only.
- Navy Blue Tights (optional)
- School track top with embroidered crest (optional)
Boys – Formal - Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
- St Monica’s School Dress Shirt with tartan collar
- Shirt: Pattern, Simplicity 5581
- Fabric: Bottle Green Poplin 8021
- Shorts: Navy Blue Long Shorts (Ruggers)
- St Monica’s School green school hat (Slouch hat style)
- Short navy-blue socks – (no ankle socks)
- All black shoes – May be leather or jogger.
Boys – Sports - Wednesday & Friday
- St Monica’s School Sports Shirt Yr. 1 to Yr. 5
- St Monica’s School Leader Shirt Year 6
- St Monica’s School Navy Blue Shorts (Stubbies)
- St Monica’s School Green School Hat
- Short white socks
- White sandshoes/joggers
Winter Variation
As Above
- St Monica’s school Bottle Green Fleecy pullover with embroidered crest
- Green fleecy track pants with sports uniform only.
- Long navy-blue pants - Ruggers – Formal uniform (optional)
- School Track top with embroidered crest (optional)
The uniform including the special school hat is available locally at Oakey Craft and Saddlery. If you are buying parts of the uniform elsewhere, please check that you are buying the correct style, colour, and material. It is expected that the correct and clean school uniform will be worn at all times. A school uniform can help instil in the students a sense of pride and identity. It also signifies unity and equality.
Prep students wear the sports uniform 5 days per week – Monday to Friday
All Students
Hair: Collar length hair or longer must be tied back with a green band or green ribbon. Natural hair colour is expected. Rat’s tails and tracks are not permitted.
Earrings: Girls: Sleepers and plain studs are the only acceptable earrings.
Boys: No earrings.
Other: Clearly mark all clothing with your child’s name.
NB: The school fleecy pullover must be worn first. The spray jacket may only be worn over the top of the pullover.
From the P&F
Race Day
Race Day tickets are out! Please use the QR code on the posters at the school gate, around town or alternatively go online to try bookings and type into the search bar 'St Monica's Oakey Race Day'. We are thrilled with the number of tickets already sold and urge everyone to get in ASAP if you want tickets.
Thank you to everyone who has purchased tickets in the raffle, there are some great prizes to be won with a $10 ticket!
Tuckshop
Thank you to our past fortnight's helpers; Alice, Melissa, Leah & Marcie.
A reminder, there is NO Tuckshop this week due to the pupil free day
And a big thank you to this fortnight's helpers
- Week 9: Kellie Cherry & Meg Bullock
- Week 10: Kylie McCormack, Amanda Scheuerle, Meg Halter
Special Lunch
Special Lunch is on again this term and will be very similar to last term. More information will follow in the coming weeks.
Pie Drive
A big thanks to all who participated in this year's pie drive through Oakey's Great Country Pies! This is a wonderful fundraiser for the P&F and goes towards much needed funds for buses for all our students.
Fathers Day Stall
Thank you to our P&F members who manned the Father's Day Stall today, it was a great success!
"Happy Father's Day" to our school dads.
If you would like to get involved in the P & F, please accept this as a warm invitation and welcome. If you have any questions please get in touch with Meg Bullock on the P & F email or see Lyndell in the office. oakpandf@twb.catholic.edu.au
Clothing Pool
Please send Tricia Brownsey a text on 0408 675 945 and she will be able to let you know if what you require is available. Tricia is also happy to package up orders and leave them in the school office.
Please only text Tricia, as she has work commitments.
Outside School Hours Care
Community Announcements
