Newsletter 13th September 2023

From the Principal

As we finish off this term, I would like to take the time to commend our students on all of their work. It has been a busy term, full of many extra-curricular and important events. You have all done an amazing job at being focused on your learning and aiming for success every day.  The entire staff are constantly impressed with your dedication towards your learning and the persistence you show in growing as learners.

I would like to thank our amazing staff for their work in helping our students achieve this daily success. You have all put in a magnificent effort this term and you should be proud of what your students have achieved. I am very blest to work alongside such a fantastic group of people.

Last week, we participated in our school review. It was a busy three days for the review panel, but extremely worthwhile as the overall process has been highly informative and affirming for the school. I would like to thank everyone for taking the time to make themselves available for either a phone or in person interview with the panel. Your insights were greatly appreciated. We were fortunate to have our “Shaping our Future” survey data back which has formed part of the feedback for the review. Again, I would like to thank all our families who completed this, 77 families in total - which was the highest response rate in the Diocese, 66% of parents. Well above our other schools.

Once the report is finalised it will be made available on our school website for families to read. I will also be working with members of the School Board, P&F and staff to draft up our new strategic plan and future direction for the school based on the recommendation and commendations from the review.

In conjunction with the School Review, was my summative Principal review. I thank everyone for their feedback and insights around my role as the Principal of St Monica’s. I am very privileged to have the opportunity to lead such a wonderful school community and being in a position to help shape the future direction of our school.

I hope that everyone enjoys their Term 3 break. I hope that you manage some rest and reconnection. I will be heading off on a Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with other members of the Toowoomba Catholic Schools during the break. I will be taking in the sites and history of the Holy Land. I have also planned a side trip during my time to visit the World War 1 battle site and Australian War Memorial at Beersheba.

I look forward to seeing everyone back ready to work in our final term of the year. These final 9 weeks will go fast, particularly when we have events such as Year 5 & 6 Camp, swimming lessons and our end of year events but there will also be plenty of opportunities for our students to build on their learning from this term and to finish off the year on a high.

Uniforms

As we head into the break and into Term 4, we wanted to keep parents updated around some possible upcoming changes to our school uniform provider. We have been working with an external vendor to put together a package for managing and maintaining our uniform stock. Once the details of the contract are finalised, we will inform parents of the process moving forward. In the meantime, stock can still be purchased through our current provider as well as some small amounts through our Second-hand store.

Go for Gold

Earlier this term we were successful in receiving funding for Round 1 of the Go for Gold Funding from the Queensland Government. 

We received $5000, which went towards providing sporting equipment for our early years students and the PE program. Many of the resources were used as part of our Gymnastics PE lessons this Term. We are very grateful to the program in providing us with this.

From the APRE

What a wonderful Term Three we have had. Together, we have all achieved so much. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and peaceful Spring break, and special time with famiy and friends.

The Hope of Spring

Dear God, thank you for Spring

and the hope of warmer, longer, brighter days.
Thank you for all the things that are coming awake in the world.

Thank you for the gift of new life.
We remember, that on the last day of creation,

 you rested and told us to do the same.

Give us rest from our routine during this Spring Break.

Fill us with joy. Keep us safe and be with us,

as we play together and enjoy the gifts of creation.

With faith, hope, love and peace we pray.

Amen.

Term 3 Key Dates

Friday 15th September - Last Day of Term 3

Term 4 Key Dates 

Week 1

Monday, Oct 2:Public Holiday – King’s Birthday

• Wednesday, Oct 4: Prep Student Screeners
• Saturday, Oct 7: St Monica’s P&F Raceday

Week 3

• Sunday, Oct 15 – Friday, Oct 20: Year 5/6 Western Safari camp
• Friday, Oct 20 – Loud Shirt Day for Hearing Impairment Awareness Day

Week 4

• Wednesday, Oct 25: Socktober Celebration for Children’s Mission Day
• Friday, Oct 27: Day for Daniel (Wear Red)
• Friday, Oct 27: World Teachers Day

Week 5

• Friday, Nov 3: Year 4 Sleepover

Week 6

• Tuesday, Nov 7 – Melbourne Cup Hat Parade
• Wednesday, Nov 8: St Monica’s Annual Spelling Bee
• Thursday, Nov 9: Prep Transition Day 1
• Friday, Nov 10: Remembrance Day Liturgy
• Sunday, Nov 12: Family Mass

Week 7

• Wednesday, Nov 15 – Friday, November 17: Swimming Lessons
• Thursday, Nov 16: Prep Transition Day 2

Week 8

• Thursday, Nov 17: School Step Up Day and Prep Transition Day 3
• Friday, Nov 24: Swimming Carnival

Week 9

• Monday, Nov 27: Year 6 End of Year retreat
• Tuesday, Nov 28: Ball Games Carnival
• Wednesday, Nov 29: Graduation Mass
• Thursday, Nov 30: Christmas Concert
• Friday Dec 1: Final liturgy (Prep Nativity) and End of Year Awards assembly (11am).

School lessons finish at 12noon.

From the Classrooms

Prep

Wow, Welcome to term 3 week 10, and what a term it was! 

Our Fairy Tale Banquet was a hit, what a wonderful way to finish off the term.  It was so exciting to see all the students dressed as their favourite characters.  It has been an action-packed term and the students have achieved so much.  We are all looking forward to a few weeks of rest and relaxation.  Thank you for all your help and support in what has been such a busy term. 

Don’t forget Special Lunch and Final Assembly are this Friday. 

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday, ready to bring on term 4.  

Year 1

And just like that, we've reached the end of Term 3! 

I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your support and active participation in our class projects this Term. Undoubtedly, the crowning achievement of this term has been the magnificent creek habitats that the students brought to life. I'm sure they have now found a special place in your homes. I hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday, and I look forward to seeing you all next term.

Year 2

Year Two have been busy working towards the completion of their Best Toy Ever unit. They have since written their good copy, typed their text on the computer and created an engaging poster to help advertise their toy.

The last part of the assessment is to present their poster and script to their peers. All students have been busy practicing using eye contact and demonstrating confidence when speaking in front of others. 

Year 3

Thank you to those parents who came to interviews to discuss their child’s progress.  These meetings are very important, and I enjoy catching up as well! 

Students have worked very hard this term and are nearly ready for a well-earned holiday.   Regular lessons and small group activities have continued this week as students have been working on consolidating concepts in both English and Mathematics.   

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday and I look forward to seeing you all next term. 

Year 4/5 AQ

I can’t believe we are at the end of another term, I am so proud of Year 4/5 AQ for the amazing term we have had. 

Our Year 4 students had an absolute blast at the recent Catholic Schools Touch Gala Day. It was a day filled with sportsmanship, teamwork, and lots of fun under the sun, I am so proud of the students for giving it a go and representing St Monica’s with pride.  

It was an absolute pleasure to meet with many of you during our parent-teacher interviews on Tuesday. Thank you for making the time to meet with me and I value the insights and feedback you shared. For those who couldn't schedule a time this term, please don't hesitate to reach out via email, and we will arrange a suitable time to connect during Term 4. 

I wish you and your families a safe and restful holiday. I look forward to welcoming our students back for what promises to be an exciting and fulfilling Term 4.  

Year 4/5 B

Last Friday, we presented our Assembly liturgy celebrating the Feast Day of St Teresa of Calcutta. I was so impressed with the students' confidence and enthusiasm displayed during this presentation - they certainly did a fabulous job. It was wonderful to see so many parents and grandparents there. Thank you to everyone who attended. Well done to our Year 4s who participated in the Touch Gala Day yesterday. They are to be commended on their sportsmanship and behaviour and, for the many students who hadn't played touch before, their willingness to try something new. Thank you to the parents who took the time to meet with me yesterday. It was great to be able to discuss your child's great efforts and growth this year.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all the very best for a safe and enjoyable holiday break. I look forward to welcoming the students back for Term 4, which will be chockablock full of exciting activities includes the Year 5/6 Western Safari, the Year 4 sleepover, the Swimming and Ballgames Carnivals and the Christmas Concert.

Year 4/5 M

Welcome to the final week of Term 3!

 Our Year 4 students have shown off their sports skills at the Touch Carnival Gala Day! This event was a great opportunity for our students to compete and work as a team.

It's time to shine! Our talented 4/5M students are preparing to impress with our International Day of Peace assembly. Please join us on Friday for the final assembly for the term.

A big thank you to all the parents who took the time to attend the recent Parent Teacher interviews. Your dedication and involvement in your child's education are truly appreciated. The valuable insights and open communication from these interviews show how strong our partnership with parents is. Thank you!

We would also like to thank all parents who participated in the interviews and surveys for the SRIP process. Your feedback and insights have been incredibly valuable in shaping the school's future. Together, we are working towards providing the best education possible for our students.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday, and I will see everyone in Term 4.

Year 6

It's hard to believe the end of term 3 is already upon us. The students have had a fantastic term of learning particularly focusing on the topic of natural disasters. 

On Thursday Mrs Hughes has organised a fantastic culminating day for HASS where the year 6 students will share their research on their chosen Asian country. This will involve presenting their information to students from other classes and then they will get to sample a selection of foods from the various countries studied.

Please ensure you are beginning to look at the packing list for camp to make sure your child will be well prepared. 

Have a safe and restful break! 

From the Library

From Music

During Music lessons this term, students have been listening & responding to Carnival of the Animals by Saint-Saëns. Students are becoming more familiar with the Elements of Music including pitch, tempo, structure and dynamics. Students enjoyed moving scarves in time with the legato (smooth, well-connected) Aquarium music and bouncing around in time with the (staccato) Kangaroo music.

Ukulele Club (Tuesdays at Big Lunch) and Choir (Thursdays at Big Lunch) will continue next term. It has been wonderful to have committed & enthusiastic members in these groups!

Mini Monnie's Playgroup

Be Well at St Monica's

Put a Spring in your step

Spiring is the season of change and new growth. As the weather warms up and flowers blossom, it is hard not to be inspired to feel more optimistic and joyful. Spring has been proven to have a positive impact on our physical and emotional wellbeing and it does in fact put a ‘spring in your step’.

Studies show that during winter, an increased level of the sleep hormone melatonin in produced causing us to feel more lethargic. In Spring, however, the warmer temperatures and increased hours of daylight boost our energy levels and our mood, leaving us feeling more alert and energised. This is the perfect time to get back to nature and enjoy the great outdoors. If Summer is too hot for you and Winter is too cold, that makes Spring just perfect for outdoor exercise which has been proven to have greater impact on physical and mental wellbeing than sweating it out inside.

As we break for the school holidays this Spring, why not take the opportunity to get the whole family outside and active. Bushwalking, for example, 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. 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 getting them out of the house and off screens, connecting them with nature, allowing them to use all their senses, it is a free activity that helps to bond as a family, and it helps build life-long skills.

So, put a Spring in your step these holidays! 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)

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

Ticket sales close for the Race Day on Wednesday 27/09. Get your friends together and come along to have an enjoyable time at the races!

Special Lunch

Special lunch this Friday $6 for sausage in bread, popper and zooper dooper. No normal Tuckshop.

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

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