Newsletter 22nd November 2023
From the Principal
Not long to go until the end of the year but with plenty still ahead, ranging from our whole of school Step Up day (tomorrow) and Swimming Carnival (Friday) this week, to our Ball Games carnival and end of year graduation and awards presentation.
Next Thursday night, we have our last official community function of the year, our Christmas Concert – The Animals’ Best Bush Christmas. All the students have been practicing hard in preparation for their performances. Thanks to all of the staff especially, Mrs Hughes and Mrs McGregor for preparing the students for the evening.
Thanks in advance to our parents for running of the BBQ. If you are available to assist with serving, cooking or cleaning, it would be greatly appreciated. If you haven’t RSVP’d to the evening, please do so by the end of the week. Link is available on Parent Portal and has been emailed previously.
This week, we received our completed School Renewal and Improvement report from the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office. There were many great findings and successes for us, and I once again would like to thank our community for taking part in the process and providing us with you feedback on how we are going as a school. The successes and Improvement strategies listed in the report will form part of our 2024 – 2027 Strategic Plan.
With the completed report, I received a letter from Dr Pat passing on his congratulations to the school community for our review.
Dear Luke,
I wish to congratulate you, the staff and community on the positive and affirming outcome in the quadrennial school review report for St Monica’s Primary School… It is apparent that St Monica’s is a place of learning that is inclusive, outreaching and focused on the total development of each child… The school community speaks highly of belonging and feeling welcome as distinctive feature of their experience at the school… Dr Pat Coughlan Executive Director: Catholic Schools
The report is available for viewing on our website via this link 2023 Oakey SRIP Report
As this is the final newsletter of the year, I’d like to thank all our families for their support of the school throughout this year. We couldn’t have achieved all the things we have done this year without your ongoing support and dedication to our school. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back for next year.
2024 promises to once again bring many great opportunities for our school, building on the successful work from this year. We end this year with an enrolment of 176 and look to commence 2024 with 190 students, 27 of whom are our Preps. 2024 sees us grow to 9 classes, with our Year 6 students moving into a new classroom (fit out over the break) in the St Moncia’s Parish Hall. I thank Fr Thomas and the Parish Council for their assistance in allowing this to occur. This space will allow us to continue to provide great learning spaces for our students into the future.
I’d like to thank all of our staff (teachers and school officers) for all of the work they do for the students. It has been a very productive, engaging and focused year. You have all worked so well and achieved great things with your students.
I would also like to thank our students for their work this year, especially around working towards and achieving the high expectations that we have set around academic performance. You should all be proud of your efforts. The staff certainly are.
To our departing Year 6’s students, we wish you all the best for your high school years and we thank you for your commitment to the school. You should all be proud of your efforts.
To our departing families, we wish you all the best and thank you for your time spent with us.
Thanks again everyone.
Enjoy the Christmas season. May God Bless you during this time.
Stay safe and we look forward to seeing you next year.
Raffle Tickets
Reminder all raffle tickets need to be returned to the office by Wednesday 29th November.
Tickets will be available for purchase at the Christmas Concert.
From the APRE
Advent
Next Sunday the 3rd of December marks the first day of Advent. Advent is such a busy time of year, and we so easily forget that—at its heart—it is a time of preparation, waiting and hope for the coming of Jesus into our world and lives. Advent invites us to a commitment to watch and wait, look beyond ourselves, expand our minds and hearts in order to open ourselves up to the needs of others, and the desire for a new world. Advent is also a time of prayer as we await the birth of Jesus at Christmas who is the way, the truth and the life.
A Prayer for Advent
Father,
in this season of Advent
we prepare our hearts for your coming.
You are the vine, we are the branches.
Come and tend to us.
Discard in us everything that does not bear fruit,
and nourish in us all that is life giving.
As we joyfully await the coming of Jesus,
nurture in us hopeful hearts, O Lord.
Cultivate in us a deep longing for you.
For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory,
throughout all ages and generations.
Come, Lord Jesus.
Come into our hearts.
Amen
The Advent Wreath
On each of the four Sundays of Lent, a candle is lit on the Advent Wreath. Three candles are the liturgical colour of violet which signifies a time of prayer, forgiveness and sacrifice. One candle is pink, as rose is a liturgical colour for joy. On Christmas eve, a white candle is placed in the middle and is called the Christ candle. White is the symbol of purity. The circular shape of the wreath, without beginning or end, symbolises God’s complete and unending love for us. The greenery symbolises life.
St Vincent’s De Paul Christmas Apeal
A reminder that students are currently collecting non-perishable food items to add to their class baskets to support the St Vincent de Paul Christmas appeal. Donations will be collected at our final assembly on Friday the 1st of December.
‘Step Up’ Morning
Tomorrow is ‘Step Up’ morning. During this time, students will experience a session in the year level they will be stepping into in 2024 and getting to know their new teacher.
Year 6 Graduation Mass
On Wednesday the 29th of November at 9:00am, all students and staff will be celebrating Mass to give thanks for the terrific year we have had together, and to celebrate our wonderful Year Six students. All Year Six parents and families are warmly invited to attend and join in a special morning tea afterwards hosted by the Year 5 students.
Christmas Concert
A remider that the 2023 Christmas Concert– The Animals’ Best Bush Christmas – inspired by Mem Fox’s Christmas Classic, Wombat Divine, will be held on Thursday the 30th of November at 6:00pm. The P&F will be hosting a BBQ beforehand from 5pm on the school oval.
Costumes
Students will need to wear their favourite Christmas themed clothes.
My New Gallery
Stalls
- Tickets for the St Monica’s multi-draw Christmas raffle will be on sale.
- Glow sticks will be on sale, with all monies going to the St Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
- The Year 6 students will also have some stalls set up at the back of the hall selling a variety of items they have made as part of their HASS: Economic and Business assessment. This has been a great real-world task for the students, and they are passionate about their products, so please consider bringing along some gold coins to support them in this endeavor. Proceeds from the Year 6 stalls will also go the St Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
End of Year Assembly - Prep Nativity Play and Awards Ceremony.
Our end of year assembly will be on the last day of school, Friday the 1st of December, at 11am. We will begin with our Christmas liturgy, led by the preppies, who will retell the story of the Nativity, and conclude with the announcements of the class awards, special Year 6 awards, and Term 4 Good Samaritan Awards.
A reminder that all classes finish after this assembly at approximately 12 noon.
Term 4 Key Dates
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).
All school lessons finish at 12noon.
From the Classrooms
Prep
Welcome to Term 4, week 8! Time flies when we are having fun.
We have two very busy weeks ahead with the swimming and ball games carnivals, the Christmas Concert, the grade 6 graduation Mass and the final assembly/ nativity play.
A reminder for this Fridays swimming carnival – all prep students are to arrive at school with their sun safe swimmers under their school uniform and are to have underwear, socks and shoes to change back into when we return to school. All Students require a hat and water bottle for the carnival.
A reminder for those students who have speaking parts in the nativity play to please practice, practice, practice for the big day.
Don’t forget all library books and home readers need to be returned ASAP.
Looking forwards to finishing the year with a bang.
Year 1
Welcome to Term 4, week 8!
We have two very busy weeks ahead with the swimming and ball games carnivals, the Christmas Concert, the grade 6 graduation Mass and the final assembly/ nativity play.
A reminder for this Friday's swimming carnival – all Year One students are to arrive at school with their sun-safe swimmers under their school uniform and are to have underwear, socks and shoes to change back into when we return to school. All Students require a hat and water bottle for the carnival.
Don’t forget all library books and home readers need to be returned ASAP.
Year 2
What a wonderful year we have had in Year Two. Congratulations to all students on their efforts and successes this year. I wish you all the best for Year Three. You are an amazing group!
A quick reminder, could Year Two please come to school with their swimmers under their uniform as they will be swimming first on Friday at the carnival.
Lastly, I would like to wish the St Monica's community farewell. Thank you for the privilege of teaching your children over the last 5 and a half years.
Year 3
What a wonderful year we have had. It been a pleasure to teach each child in my class and I am so proud of each one of them. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your child’s education as the rewards for teaching are in being witness to and being part of the educational growth and individual achievements of students during each day. For the rest of the term students are finalising classroom tasks and will be involved in many of the upcoming activities including, Step Up Day, the Swimming Carnival, Ball Games, our Christmas concert, and the Final Assembly next Friday.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and restful holiday filled with wonderful memories and thank you for your support this year. I look forward to seeing you all in the new year!
Year 4/5 AQ
As we approach the end of this remarkable year, I reflect on what a wonderful year we have had. It's been a joy to witness the growth, resilience, and achievements of each child in my class and I am so proud of each and every one of them.
Even though we're approaching the end of the year, we can't switch off just yet! We've got a bunch of exciting events lined up in our last few days: Step Up Day, the Swimming Carnival, Ball Games, our Christmas concert, and the Final Assembly next Friday.
A special shout-out to our Year 5 students! You're on the brink of an exciting journey into leadership, and I've already seen your leadership skills shining through. I have no doubt that you'll inspire and lead with excellence.
Wishing everyone a restful and rejuvenating holiday season filled with wonderful memories. I look forward to seeing you all in the new year with renewed energy and enthusiasm!
Cheers to a fantastic year and exciting times ahead!
Year 4/5 B
Well, it is so hard to believe that we have reached the middle of Week 8, with just over a week of school remaining. Thank you to the parents who were able to attend our Assembly presentation last week - the students did a wonderful job. Well done to the Year 5 girls who participated in the inter-house netball carnival and those who played in the Staff v Students match. There are a number of exciting events still to look forward to including the Swimming Carnival, Ballgames carnival, Christmas Concert, Graduation Mass and final Assembly. All library books were due back last Wednesday, however, a number remain outstanding. Could you please ensure these are located and returned as soon as possible.
Just a reminder that Secret Santa gifts need to be sent in by next Wednesday.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support this year and to wish you and your family all the very best for a wonderful holiday, a Merry Christmas and a fabulous 2024.
Year 4/5 M
Approaching the conclusion of this extraordinary year, I contemplate the many joys and achievements we've experienced. Witnessing the growth, resilience, and accomplishments of each student in my class has brought me immense joy, and I am truly proud of each individual.
As we near the year-end, there's no time to switch off just yet! Our remaining days are packed with thrilling events, including Step Up Day, the Swimming Carnival, Ball Games, our Christmas concert, and the Final Assembly next Friday.
A special acknowledgment goes to our Year 5 students! You stand at the threshold of an exciting leadership journey, and I've already seen your leadership skills shine brightly. I am confident that you will inspire and lead with excellence.
May everyone enjoy a restful and rejuvenating holiday season, filled with cherished memories. I eagerly anticipate reconnecting with you all in the new year, brimming with renewed energy and enthusiasm!
Here's to a fantastic year behind us and the exciting times that lie ahead!
Year 6
The Year 6 students have been busily planning and preparing their products which they will be selling at the End of Year Christmas Concert next Thursday evening.
The products for sale will include rocky road, chocolate covered lollies, decorated biscuits, scented Christmas candles, lucky dip bags and Christmas tree ornaments. There will also be a face painting service on the night. All money raised at the stalls will be added to our St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal donations. Make sure you get in early as I'm sure these will all sell out very quickly!
It is hard to believe that in a few short days the Year Six students will have completed their primary school journey. It has been an absolute pleasure teaching this year's cohort and I cannot wait to hear all of the incredible things that they are going to achieve in the future. To those families whose final year it is at St Monica's, I wish you all the best as you move into the next chapter.
I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season and a restful new year.
From the Library
From Music
A reminder to all those students in Choir and Ukulele Club who are leading the singing at the Oakey Historical Museum on Sunday Afternoon:
- please wear school uniform
- meet Mrs Hughes at the museum at 4:20pm
Parents are invited to bring a chair/picnic rug. Lions will be operating a sausage sizzle at the event.
Mini Monnie's Playgroup
Be Well at St Monica's
All I want for Christmas is …...
Health and Wellbeing
With just over a month until Christmas, the excitement is building as we approach the festive season. This is a wonderful time for celebration, gift-giving and connecting and celebrating with friends and family. For some people, however, it is a very stressful time. This may be due to family conflict, isolation, financial issues, work commitments, loneliness or physical or mental health issues. Helping Minds is an organisation that supports children, young people, adults and families that are affected by mental illness, and they offer the following tips to help make the festive season more manageable:
- Make a Christmas budget and stick to it.
- Stay connected – keep in touch with family and friends.
- Find gratitude, even if it’s just something small.
- Try not to overindulge. (Yes, that’s a tough one!)
- Drink in moderation.
- Stay active – exercise is a huge mood booster.
- Try not to put too much pressure on yourself.
- Make sure you get enough sleep.
- Find time to relax.
- Remember everything doesn’t have to be perfect.
- Have realistic expectations of family and friends.
- Get involved with the community – volunteer for a worthy cause or donate resources.
- Recognise your signs of stress and use techniques that help you relax.
- Let someone know if you are struggling.
Make a difference this Christmas
St Vincent de Paul, Lifeline, Tony’s Kitchen and Base Services for the homeless all provide wonderful services to assist those in need at Christmas time. Non-perishable items are being collected at St Monica’s to donate St Vincent de Paul. We encourage all families to donate to this worthy cause. Additionally, volunteers are always required for Toowoomba’s Christmas Wonderland lights in Queens Park, which raised much needed funds for local charities. If you can help out go to https://christmaswonderland.com.au/
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
Tuckshop
Thank you to our past weeks helpers: Leah, Meg, Kylie & Alice.
PLEASE NOTE: there will be NO TUCKSHOP on weeks
- Week 8: Swimming Carnival
- Week 9: Last day of school
Special Lunch- Term 4
Tuesday 28/11/23 second break is our Pizza Special Lunch, thank you to everyone who has brought in their return form already. A big thank you to Kimmi Bietzel & Meg Bullock who will run the special lunch.
Christmas Concert + P & F BBQ
We are again looking forward to an exciting Christmas Concert in 2023! The P & F will run the BBQ & Bar for the concert. Please see Mr Barrett's link on emails and Sentral for the online form to complete for catering purposes. This needs to be done ASAP if you haven't already done so.
Race Day Update
The Race Day Sub Committee is proud to announce a total of $33812.56 was raised at the Race Day 2023! The fans in the hall have been installed and are looking fantastic!
Raised Funds for 2023
The P & F is delighted to confirm that along with the Race Day earnings that purchased the fans for the multipurpose hall, the P & F contributes to the cost of all the buses used for various activities for students throughout the year, such as
- Yr 6 Leadership Camp to Emu Gully
- Sports Carnivals in to Toowoomba
- Empire Theatre Trips
- Western Safari Camp
- Swimming Lessons
- Oakey Air Base Museum
Your support of the P & F in all fundraising ventures is the reason why these financial contributions can happen. So, a big THANK YOU from the P & F for the past year and we look forward to doing it all again in 2024! If you would like to be a part of our amazing P & F in any capacity, please reach out on our email oakpandf@twb.catholic.edu.au or come and say hi at the Christmas BBQ.
AGM- 30/01/2024
The St Monica's P & F AGM will be held on Tuesday 30/01/24, week 2 of Term 1, 6.30pm at the Oakey RSL. If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else, please send all nominations through to the P & F email account, oakpandf@twb.catholic.edu.au. As usual, all positions are open, and we look forward to seeing everyone and meeting new people at the AGM.
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 Hours School Care
Outside School Hours Care
