Newsletter 8th May 2024

From the Principal

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Queensland Catholic Primary Principals Conference. This is a biannual conference where Principals from across the five Catholic Queensland Dioceses come together to network and to hear from very engaging speakers across the educational and leadership landscape. 
I shared with the students yesterday my takeaways from one of the keynote speakers, Jacqui Bell, who is an ultra-marathon runner. In 2018, Jacqui became the youngest female to conquer the “Racing the Planet’s 4 Desert Slam" which covered 250 kilometres across four of the world’s toughest deserts. Jacqui is also the youngest person to complete an ultra-marathon on all seven continents.  I shared with the students Jacqui’s story of resilience and determination when she was training and competing. Jacqui spoke of the importance of regular positive self-talk when things were getting tough and how that positive mindset helped her when obstacles or setbacks crossed her path. 

In sharing this message with the students, I connected them back to our Learning and Behaviour statements of resilience and persistence and that we should try to approach everything we do with positive self-talk and determination.

In the coming weeks, we will be hosting our “Be a Preppie for a Morning” events. Families that are looking to enrol into Prep for 2025 or 2026 are encouraged to come along and experience the fun and excitement of the Prep classroom. We look forward to welcoming students from C&K, Kids Patrol and Little Champions to our school. 

Wishing all of our mothers and mother figures a very happy Mother's Day on Sunday - I hope you enjoy your day.

From the APRE

Mother’s Day

With joyful love and gratitude, we celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday. We honour our mothers, and all who are like mothers to us. Through the love they show, the way they nurture and care for us, mothers help us to understand God’s love. 

A Mother’s Day Prayer 

Loving and faithful God,

We thank you for our mothers  
and the women who show us the way to you. 
They nurture us, care for us and love us just as you do. 
We place our mothers in your tender care 
and ask you to help us to support them when they are weary, 
to show them compassion and kindness when they need it, 
and to show them constant love and gratitude. 
 
We ask this in Jesus’ name.  
 
Amen 

Mother’s Day Assembly and Morning Tea 

A reminder that our Prep students will be presenting a special Mother’s Day Assembly this Friday the 10th of May at 8:40am in the hall. This will be followed by a special morning tea for mums, grandmas and all the special women in our student’s lives. Please return the slip that went home last week if you are able to attend for catering purposes.  

Highly Accomplished and Lead Teacher Summit 

This Friday the 10th of May is the Australian HALT summit for teachers who have gained the prestigious National accreditation as a Highly Accomplished or Lead Teacher. Our wonderful Learning Support Teacher Mrs Elizabeth Smith gained her accreditation while working in the Northern Territory and last year was successful in passing her re-accreditation. We are so honoured to have Elizabeth at our school and we wish her a great day of learning at the summit.  

Step into Stories 

On Wednesday the 15th of May, all students will participate in the ‘Step into Stories’ program, facilitated by the QLD School Library Association. This year, the Prep to Year 3 students will participate in a workshop with author and illustrator Zanni Louise, and the Year 4-6 students will participate in a workshop with Jess Racklyeft, author of award winning book Iceberg and Australia: A Country of Colour. 

Outback STEM Roadshow and Science Fair  

On Friday the 17th of May, students in Years 4-6 will be attending the Outback STEM Roadshow and Science Fair hosted by the QLD Museum at Cobb and Co Toowoomba. A reminder that all permission slips must be returned to school as soon as possible.  

Be a Preppie for a Morning 

In Week 6, on Monday May 20 and Friday May 24, children who are eligible for Prep in 2025 are warmly invited to partake in our fun and exciting ‘Be a Prep for a Morning’ sessions. They run from 9am to 10:30am in the Prep classroom and playground. All are welcome to attend.  

National Simultaneous Storytelling 

On Wednesday 25 May at 12noon, all classes will join in the National Simultaneous Storytelling. This is an event held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 24th successful year, this event aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6. This year, our story is Bowerbird Blues, written and illustrated by Aura Parker. 

Class Mass 

Last week our Prep and Year 1 classes joined Father Thomas for a special Mass on the theme of Family.  

Our next class Mass will take place in Week 6 on the 23rd of May, where our Year 4, 5 and 6 students will come together for a Mass focused on unity and forgiveness, to mark National Sorry Day, which is celebrated the following Sunday.  

From the Classrooms

Prep

This week in Prep we have been busy preparing for our Mother’s Day Assembly.  We have been working very hard to honour all the amazing women, who play a pivotal role in raising us to become the very best we can be.  We look forward to seeing those who can attend our Assembly. 

Year 1

We have been learning about the structure and language features of recounts in English. Last week, the students went on a Listening Walk and recorded what they heard and the sounds they made. Everyone really enjoyed our Listening Walk! The students then had to use their knowledge of letters and sounds to write the sounds they heard. This week, each student followed the structure of a recount to write about their Listening Walk. Everyone has enjoyed sharing these with their classmates. 

Year 2

What a busy 2 weeks we have had in Year 2!

Last week the Year 2’s presented their 5 keys of success assembly and did an amazing job. They all spoke and performed so well. You should all be very proud of them.

In English, we have been learning all about different cultures around the world. We have been reading some amazing books to help us learn about other people’s lives. It has been so interesting reading these books and comparing their lives to ours.

In Maths, we have been focusing really hard on number and place value. We have been doing lots of hands on activities to show our learning and knowledge.

In HASS, we have been learning about how suburbs may be named about things that are around them as well as the meanings of street names in towns. We also had the chance to create our own town based on things that we love. It was lots of fun.

In Health, we are learning about relationships and the values we need to show. We did a questionnaire to see what value is our strength and what we could work on. It was very interesting to see everyone’s answers.

Just a reminder that homework, library books and home readers are all due back every Thursday. Make sure to sign your child’s home reader sheet after they have read the book to ensure they receive a new book. If the sheet is not signed, we will not change books.
 
Until next time,
Lauren Grant

Year 3

During English students are identifying the text structure and purpose of fables. They are locating key words, sequencing events, and summarising during reading group activities. During Mathematics students have been looking at the connection between division and multiplication of tens and fives. Our 'You Can Do It' lessons are focused on ‘Getting Along Thinking’ such as, accepting everyone, following the rules and thinking first. The focus of Science lessons is heat and students have been sorting and classifying various heat sources. HaSS lessons have included Dreamtime stories. During Religion lessons the students have been learning about Peter as a leader of the early church. I would like to wish all our wonderful mums a Happy Mother's Day; may your day be filled with lots of love and laughter.

Best wishes

Mrs Conneely

Year 4A

Welcome to Week 4! Next week is an exciting week for the Year 4’s. On Wednesday, we have Step into Stories and on Friday we spend the day at the Cobb and Co STEM fair. It’s great we get to participate in these learning opportunities.

As we are getting into our assessment tasks at school, it is important to remember your child needs plenty of rest and healthy food choices. It can be difficult to complete tasks successfully if our bodies are not well rested and don’t have the fuel we need.

Don't forget homework is due back at school every Thursday. Homework is an important task to help your child revise the important concepts already learnt. If your child is having difficulty completing their homework, Mrs Malone offers a homework club every Thursday morning from 8am.

God Bless and have a great week.

Mrs Anderson

Year 4M

Welcome to Week 4!

There are a couple of exciting events happening in the next two weeks. Firstly, we will be hosting our assembly item this Friday about the Ascension of Jesus. It will be a combined Mother's Day assembly, so make sure you come along! Next week, we have Step into Stories on Wednesday and the Cobb and Co STEM fair on Friday. As we are coming into assessment season, it is a great time to reflect and chat with your child about screen time, getting a good night's sleep and eating healthy foods. It is very challenging for children to complete assessments to the best of their abilities if they are not firing on all cylinders. Don't forget homework club every Thursday morning from 8am.

Have a great week!

Year 5B

It is hard to believe we are already up to Week 4! In English we have been focusing on biographies and the students have enjoyed learning about explorers, along with other prominent individuals. In Religion, we have been learning about the history of St Monica's Parish and the individuals who make up the parish community.

I would like to commend some of our Year 5B students who have represented St Monica's recently - Cathryn and Arabella participated in the Inter-School Chess Competition, while Lilian and Mason competed in the Inner Downs Cross Country. Congratulations on your achievements and well done on being such wonderful representatives of St Monica's! Next Friday, the Year 4-6 students are very fortunate to be attending the excursion to Cobb & Co for the STEM Fair. It is sure to be an awesome day!

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of the mums a very Happy Mother's Day. I hope your children make you feel extra special on Sunday.

Year 5R

Peer editing and shared writing are invaluable tools for refining one's writing skills. Through  collaboration, our young writers gain fresh perspectives, identify blind spots, and improve clarity. Constructive feedback fosters growth, encouraging these writers to hone their craft and develop a keen eye for detail. Ultimately, it cultivates a community of skilled, caring writers.

Yours in education
Mrs. Roberts & 5R

Year 6

Over the last week in English, the Year 6 students have been completing pre-reading tasks in preparation for the study of Boy Overboard by Morris Gleitzman. This included making predictions based on the cover and blurb, and then researching background information which will help further develop their comprehension whilst reading the novel. The students are very eager to begin reading the text which follows the journey of two soccer-loving children whose family flees war-torn Afghanistan in the hopes of safety and freedom. 

From the Library

Premier’s Reading Challenge 2024

St Monica’s has registered for the Premier’s Reading Challenge again this year.  Students will all be given a form on which to record their reading.  Participation is optional for students but we certainly encourage them!  Reading is a vital part of their education.  The reading period begins on May 7, and finishes on August 23.  Students record on the sheet the titles they have read. Prep to Year 4 need to read and record 20 books, while Years 5-6 only need 15, due to the greater complexity of their reading.  Early years reading can be where someone shares a book with them.  Please contact Mrs Tindall or Mrs Paige in the library if you have any questions.

From Music & LOTE

During Music lessons, classes have been using percussion instruments to explore tempo & dynamics. Last week students enjoyed listening to the sound effects in the story ‘The Very Noisy Bear’ by Nick Bland. Year 5 & 6 students are working on their sound stories; year 3s & 4s are creating their own rhythms inspired by the book ‘Saturday’ by Oge Mora; Preps, Year 1s & 2s are determining which instruments can re-create the sounds of a storm. 

Choir members have been busily preparing for Sing Out on Tuesday 4th June and for the Dalby Eisteddfod (date yet to be confirmed).

Mini Monnie's Playgroup

Be Well at St Monica's

 Collective Effervescence

Collective effervescence is a concept coined by sociologist Emile Durkheim, referring to the shared energy and excitement that arises when individuals come together in a group setting. This phenomenon has been observed in various social contexts, from sporting events to music festivals, and has been found to have positive effects on individuals' wellbeing.

When we participate in collective activities such as singing, dancing, or even just sharing a meal with others, we experience a sense of connection and belonging that can boost our mood and overall sense of happiness. This shared experience of joy and camaraderie can help alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common contributors to mental health issues. 

Research has shown that engaging in collective activities can also have physical health benefits, such as reducing stress levels and boosting immune function. The sense of unity and support that comes from being part of a group can help individuals cope with life's challenges and build resilience in the face of adversity.

In today's fast-paced and often isolating world, it is more important than ever to seek out opportunities for collective effervescence. Whether it's joining a sports team, attending a community event, or simply spending time with loved ones, finding ways to connect with others can have a profound impact on our wellbeing.

So next time you're feeling down or disconnected, consider reaching out to others and engaging in a shared activity. You may be surprised at the positive effects it can have on your mental and physical health. Let's harness the power of collective effervescence to cultivate a sense of community and wellbeing in our lives.

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

We would like to thank everyone for supporting our Mother's Day fundraiser.  We had such a great response and appreciate the support for this new venture. 

Wishing all of our mums and mother figures a very happy Mother's Day!

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.

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

Outside School Hours Care

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