Newsletter 24th April 2024
From the Principal
As our first official newsletter for Term 2, I’d like to welcome you all back. I hope that you all had an enjoyable and restful holiday.
Term 2 is always a fairly busy term with a number of short weeks to work with as well as a number key events such as our Prep mornings, excursions and the Athletics Carnival.
The entire staff were impressed with the way in which all of the students engaged and got straight back into their learning last week, demonstrating organisation for their learning and a positive attitude of getting set for the term ahead. Well done students, let’s keep up the fantastic effort.
Tomorrow, we gather as part of the Oakey Community to join in the commemorations for ANZAC Day. We look to have over 80 students who have indicated that they will be marching with the school which will be a great representation of the school. If you haven’t returned your attendance slip, you are still welcome to come along and march with the school.
Every year, our students conduct themselves well and represent the school with pride. I look forward to once again marching with our students and showing our school’s commitment to the memory of the ANZAC Spirit.
I’d like to thank Miss Keleher and the Year 6 leaders who led us in our school ANZAC Day Liturgy today. It was a very prayerful, respectful and reflective liturgy. I’d also like to thank Mrs Martin from the Oakey RSL Sub Branch for attending our Liturgy and presenting the school with some books and a cash donation towards our ANZAC Day resources.
It is important that we encourage our students to observe and commemorate these days as they will share the responsibility of remembering our service personnel’s commitment and sacrifice into the future.
From the APRE
Easter
Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! These are the words spoken at mass on Easter Sunday, and the traditional Easter greeting. Easter is an exciting and joyful time where we celebrate Christ’s resurrection as a sign of new life and new beginnings, hence the symbol of the egg.
At Easter, we remember the glorious resurection of Christ. As Easter people, we are called to go forward and spread the Good News of Christ in our everyday lives, by living the Gospel values and treating others with kindness, compassion and love. By doing this, we too can find new life.
Last week we remembered that first Easter morning with a special Easter liturgy presented by our Year 6 students.
ANZAC Day
A reminder that tomorrow, Thursday, April 25, is ANZAC Day. The ANZAC spirit plays an important role in our school traditions as evident by our school memorial, names of our houses and interactions with the RSL and Army Aviation Base.
All students are invited to walk with the school as part of the Oakey ANZAC Day march. We will meet at the Oakey Railway Station at 9:15am, ready to march down the main street at 9:30am sharp. We will then stop at the Oakey War Memorial in Bicentennial Park on the corner of Campbell and McDonald Street for the Anzac Day Commemoration Service. The service will go for approx. 1hour. Students need to be in their formal school uniform with their hat. The school will provide water for the students on arrival at the Oakey War Memorial.
Year Level Mass
Our first year level Mass for the term will be held next week by the Prep and Year 1 students on Thursday of next week (May 1) at 9am in the church. The theme of this Mass is ‘Family’. Parents and friends are very welcome to attend.
I-CAS
A reminder that all student I-CAS tests need to be purchased on the I-CAS Parent Portal and the permission slip returned to school by the 6th of June to be eligible to sit the tests. Our school code for the I-CAS parent portal is BKG947.
From the Classrooms
Prep
Over the Lenten period the Prep students completed a Kindness Tree. All the students completed activities to help and support. We were overwhelmed by the number of leaves returned. Our final product was this beautiful masterpiece.
Year 1
What a busy and exciting couple of weeks in the Year One classroom!
Our first English unit this term has had us working on our listening skills and writing about the sounds we hear around us. In Maths, we have been learning about combining numbers using manipulatives and pictures and writing number sentences to accompany them. In HASS, we have begun exploring past, present and future definitions. We have been investigating materials in Science and are excited to explore how we can manipulate and change these in our Science lessons this term.
Thank you.
Year 2
What a great start we have had to Term 2 in Year 2! The Year 2’s have already jumped straight back into learning and are focusing very hard on all topics so far.
In English and HASS, we have started learning about where everyone in our class is from. We have looked at where we were born and where our ancestors grew up. It has been so fun looking at all the different places in Australia and the world.
In Maths, we have started learning about halving and doubling. We have had the chance to double and halve groups of Year 2’s as well as objects such as shoes and counters.
This week we have been learning all about ANZAC day and why this day is so important. We have had the opportunity to make a class wreath for our liturgy and make some poppy craft. We are so excited to commemorate ANZAC day on Thursday and march with pride.
We have also started looking at our class assembly item for next week, Friday the 3rd of May. The Year 2’s have been doing a great job of practicing in class. Just a reminder to please keep practicing our words at home to develop fluency and confidence.
Until next time,
Lauren Grant
Year 3
Welcome back! I hope everyone had a relaxing, safe, and happy Easter break.
I take this opportunity to congratulate Mrs. Ah Quay on the arrival of her second son Rafferty. Thank you for the warm welcome I received. I look forward to working with your children while Mrs. Ah Quay is on maternity leave.
The students are settling back into routine and are keen to build on their current knowledge and skills. Our You Can Do It lessons are looking at the values of a good character and putting that into practice. Placing whole numbers on a number line, counting collections of coins, and representing amounts of money in multiple ways will be the focus during Mathematics lessons. Reading groups and homework will start this week with a focus on self-monitoring.
Year 4A
During Term Two, the students in Year Four exploring narratives and writing their opinion on a narrative of their choice. The students have impressed me with the progression of their writing, and experimentation with different sentence types, during Term One and I am keen to see them continue this improvement.
Homework will be sent home Friday of this week, I will be including a weekly brain teaser. I encourage you to try to work these out with your family – no googling the answer. Don’t forget to encourage your child to read aloud for, at least, five minutes each night and practise their spelling each night using – Look, Say, Cover, Write, Check. It is also important for them to practise their times tables in written form and verbally.
I am looking forward to sharing a great term with you and your child.
God Bless
Year 4M
Last week 4M completed our science unit from last term. We had to make bridges that could withstand force, while looking appealing and being well designed. Mr Barrett was our guest judge. Homework will be sent home on Friday. Please encourage your child to complete and return this weekly as we will be having a picnic in the park with those students who have brought back their homework every week this term. Remember homework club runs on Thursday mornings for those students who need some extra support or time to complete.
Have a great week.
Year 5B
What a great start we have had to Term 2! The 5B students have enjoyed reconnecting with their classmates and sharing their holiday adventures. We have commenced our English unit on Biographies which ties in nicely with our HASS unit about explorers. In Maths, we have been learning about multiples and factors and solving equations. This Thursday is the annual Anzac Day March and I look forward to seeing many of our students and their families at this event. Some of our students will be attending the Inter-school Chess Competition on Friday and they are very excited to represent St Monica’s.
Have a great week!
Year 5R
Hello and welcome back. I hope this newsletter finds you all well and excited for the new term ahead! Year 5R has been buzzing with energy as we dive into Term 2 headfirst. We've already had some fantastic experiences, including participating in Indonesian Cultural Day and will commemorating ANZAC Day with reverence and respect.
In the classroom, our students are fully immersed in a variety of engaging subjects. From learning about early explorers to delving into the lives of significant Australians through captivating biographies and research, our curriculum is both diverse and enriching. Additionally, we're exploring the fascinating world of botany and discovering how plants adapt to survive in different environments.
But that's not all! In an effort to enhance engagement and facilitate seamless learning, 5R is trialling a new online homework platform. This platform aims to promote active participation while providing Mrs. Roberts with valuable insights into each student's progress. Look out for further information, and sign on sheet this week.
Thrilled with possibilities this new term brings.
Warmest regards
Mrs. Brenda Roberts
Year 5R Teacher
Year 6
The Year 6 students have had a busy start to the term practicing and presenting the second part of our Easter Liturgy as well as the ANZAC Day Liturgy. They should be proud of their efforts in sharing these important messages to our school community in such a respectful and confident manner.
From the Library
Sports News
Inner Downs Representatives
Congratulations to Year 6 students Charlie Bach and Brock Cherry who recently competed in Darling Downs school sports competitions. Charlie represented Inner Downs in Hockey, while Brock participated in the Touch Competition.
Cross Country
The annual St Monica’s Cross Country was held at the end of Term 1. Kokoda House took out the competition. Well done to all students on their efforts on the day and congratulations to our Age Champions.
U9 Lacey Martin George Graham
U10 Lilian Walsh Mason Long
U11 Arabella Long Nash Groves
U12 Charlie Bach Julian Rixon
Good luck to our students who qualified to compete at the Inner Downs Carnival – Mason Long, Alex Meacham, Lilian Walsh, Brynee Graham and Julian Rixon.
From Music & LOTE
Students in all year levels had a wonderful time at yesterday's Indonesian Cultural Day. It was an opportunity for students to explore craft, food and cultural experiences in a tactile environment. The sensory table filled with rice and artefacts was very popular, as was the mask making. Some students chose to taste lumpia (spring rolls) and nasi kelapa (coconut rice). Thank you Mrs McGregor and Mrs Gillam for being our chefs!
Members of our School Choir are busily preparing for Sing Out and Dalby Eisteddfod. Parents are invited to watch the students perform on the Empire Stage - date to be advised. The date for our performance at the Dalby Eisteddfod is yet to be announced also. More information will be given closer to the time.
Please note that Ukulele Club is taking a break this term to allow Choir students extra rehearsals in preparation for Sing Out and the Dalby Eisteddfod. Ukulele Club will return in term 3.
Mini Monnie's Playgroup
Be Well at St Monica's
5 WAYS TO WELLBEING
There are five simple and effective ways to improve your psychological and emotional wellbeing, according to extensive international research. These are: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Learn and Give. A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body for your overall wellbeing. Like physical fitness, you can strengthen your psychological health in lots of small day-to-day ways. This will help you live a happier and a longer life as well as help you to cope with stress.
CONNECT
Make time today to spend with your family, speak to someone new today, switch off the TV and computer games tonight and play a game with your family, or just talk, visit a friend or family member who needs support or company, phone or email a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while.
BE ACTIVE
We all know exercise is good for our bodies, but it is also good for our minds. Take the dog for a walk, go outside and play a family sports game, do some stretches or exercises while watching TV, park your car further from school/work and walk the rest of the way, go for a family bike ride, walk up the escalator instead of standing still, enjoy a walk during your lunch break or team up with a friend to walk after school/work.
TAKE NOTICE
Being mindful of what is going on in our bodies and minds is an important skill for staying mentally healthy. By paying attention to the present moment and using all of our senses, we might enjoy things more and even notice things we would have otherwise missed. Meditate, eat mindfully - enjoy every mouthful, be in the moment, pay attention to your breathing, take the time to stop and do nothing, put down your phone, spend time in nature, be aware of your emotions, participate in yoga or tai chi.
KEEP LEARNING
Lifelong learning keeps our brains healthy, and the sense of achievement we get from learning something new can be great for our mood. Try something new or rediscover an old interest. Learn to cook a new dish, be curious, visit a gallery or museum, learn a new art or crafting skill, get the kids to teach you how to play their computer game, learn to speak a new language.
GIVE
Evidence shows that helping others is beneficial for your own mental health and wellbeing too. It can help reduce stress, improve your emotional wellbeing and even benefit your physical health. Give to others and help yourself at the same time! Donate to charities, do a random act of kindness, ask a colleague how they are and really listen to the answer, offer to lend a hand if you see someone struggling, volunteer your time to help others.
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
School uniforms are now available at School Locker online theschoollocker.com.au or Intersport in Ruthven St Toowoomba.
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 bucket 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 bucket 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)
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 bucket hat
- 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 bucket 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)
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.
From the P&F
Mothers Day
A reminder that Mother's Day forms and cash need to be returned to the office prior to Thursday 9th of May, in preparation for the flowers to be ordered from our supplier. Flowers will be distributed to students at the end of the day, in time for Mothers Day on Sunday 12th of May.
Tuckshop
We are still looking for tuckshop helpers for May and June. A reminder that our tuckshop can only stay open if we have enough volunteers. Your help is greatly appreciated!
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 the P&F email or see Lyndell in the office. oakpandf@twb.catholic.edu.au
Clothing Pool
The clothing pool is currently located in the OSHC, if you require anything please contact the school office or see Lauren in OSHC room near the Prep Classroom.
Outside School Hours Care
Community News
