Newsletter 22nd May 2024

From the Principal

As we enter into the back half of this term, the staff group have noticed an increase in the number of students displaying the tell-tale signs of sustaining a continued focus and engagement with their learning, namely fatigue, irritability and not coping with minor set backs. To assist your children in navigating this time and being fully prepared to learn, it is essential that your children have a clearly set out routine at home. This should consist of a defined and enforced bed time - even on weekends - to ensure adequate rest is occurring, starting the day with breakfast - as it can be a long morning for little people when they haven't eaten – and ensuring that their screen time in the afternoon and evenings is reduced. Numerous studies have shown that these three areas are essential for children to experience a positive and engaging day of learning. 

This week we officially launch our school Strategic Plan.  Though it was officially endorsed by the School Board in Term One, it has gone through its final stages of creative development and publishing. 

I happily present the Strategic Plan to you, and it is the culmination of several reviews including our recent School Renewal and Improvement Process and collaboration with the Board and School Staff. This Strategic plan sets our school direction for the next four years and I look forward to leading the school towards achieving these goals.

From the APRE

 Be a Preppie for a Morning 

This week, we welcomed children who are eligible for Prep in 2025 for our fun and exciting ‘Be a Prep for a Morning’ sessions. Our last be a Preppie for a morning session is this Friday the 24th of May from 9am to 10:30am in the Prep classroom and playground. If you know anyone considering enrolling their child at St Monica’s next year, please encourage them to come along, visit our website or call the front office to communicate their interest. Places are filling up fast!  

National Simultaneous Storytelling 

Today, all classes joined in the National Simultaneous Storytelling event. 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 Masses 

Tomorrow, the 23rd of May, 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, the 26th of May. Families and parents are warmly welcome to attend. Our next class Mass in on Thursday the 6th of June, where our Year 2 and 3 students will attend a Mass on the Theme – Caring for Creation. 

National Reconciliation Week

Beginning next Monday the 27th of May, we recognise National Reconciliation Week.  The theme for National Reconciliation Week 2024, is Now More Than Ever. It is a reminder to all of us to stand up for justice and the rights of First Nations peoples by calling out racism wherever it is encountered, and to actively reinforce the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across this continent. During National Reconciliation Week we remember and recognise the people of the Stolen Generation and all those who were affected either directly or indirectly. Now more than ever, the work continues in treaty making, in truth-telling, in understanding our shared history, in education, and in tackling racism. To recognise this important week, Year 3 will lead a special prayer assembly next Friday the 31st of May. Students will also participate in the creation of a special Reconciliation Week banner which will be displayed on our front fence. 

Pajama Day - St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal

As part of their social justice work, Year 6 students in the Good Samaritan Group will be holding the annual ‘Wear Your Winter PJs to School Day’ on Friday, the 31st of May. The purpose of this day is to raise money and collect donations for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. The Winter Vinnies Appeal aims to provide emergency relief to people at risk and experiencing homelessness. We ask that students bring along either a gold coin donation, or a donation of new socks, gloves, beanies, scarves, blankets or non-perishable foods.

Sacramental Program 2024 – Reconciliation.

Preparation for children wishing to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation at St Monica’s Parish in 2024 will take place in Term 3. To be eligible to receive this Sacrament, candidates must already have been baptised.  At St Monica’s Parish, the Sacramental Program runs on a two-year cycle, meaning children who receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation this year, will be eligible to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Holy Communion (Eucharist) next year.  Further information and participation slips have been sent home this week.  

From the Classrooms

Prep

This term in science the Prep students have been exploring what things are made of. As a class we used recycled materials to make binoculars and went on an investigative walk through the school to identify different materials and their purposes. This was a fun and engaging way to explore everyday objects, what they are made of and why that material was chosen.

Year 1

This fortnight in the Year One classroom, we began writing procedural texts. We are learning that writing a list of materials and a set of instructions to follow is different to writing a story. Last week, we wrote a procedure for making a 'Pasta Person', and this week, we wrote one for washing our hands. Everyone is getting very good at identifying the verb in the instructions that tells us what to do.

In Maths, we have been learning about the properties of 2D shapes. Last week, we began using materials from our Maths caddies to measure the sides of 2D shapes. We identified objects around the classroom where we could see 2D shapes and measured these, too. This week, we will be comparing the properties of 2D shapes. We will also investigate where we can find shapes around the classroom and school and record our findings to compare with our peers.

Year 2

The Year Two’s have had a very busy two weeks getting started on our assessment. In English, we read the book “I’m Australian Too” by Mem Fox and we made self-connections to the story. We then did a writing assessment about our family and where they came from and where we live now. We did some amazing writing with lots of detail!

In Maths, we have been learning about measurement. We had the opportunity to measure lots of different items in our classroom and compare different sizes of objects. Next, we are going to learn all about what the equal sign means and how to make equal number sentences.

In Religion, we became ‘History Detectives’! We learnt about a specific thing from Jesus’ time and then we made a poster to share with our whole class. We learnt about food, fishing and boats, medicine and healing and synagogues. It was so interesting learning about all these topics and comparing them with what we have now.

In Science, we completed an investigation on what happened when we mixed different ingredients together. We saw all our ingredients (flour, salt, cream of tartar, oil, water and food colouring) and then had to predict what they made. Some of us guessed that we would make an explosion or cream and some of us guessed that we would make playdough. They were correct! We made a beautiful blue playdough! It was so fun completing this investigation and learning about how these materials mixed.

Until next time,

Lauren Grant

Year 3

Students have explored how the story of Jesus’ baptism is remembered through the Sacrament of Baptism and Confirmation in the Church.

They made observations, measured, and recorded lengths in millimeters, centimeters, and meters during Mathematics lessons.

Our HaSS lessons have included research on National Heritage sites in Australia.

During English lessons, students have been looking at how verbs can enhance the meaning of text. They read, explored the structure, and wrote stories with morals.

Last week students enjoyed the visit from author Zanni Louise who inspired them to be creative with their ideas. We are looking forward to the National Simultaneous Storytime next week and our Assembly presentation for National Reconciliation Week in Week 7.

Year 4A

Students have explored bible passages in the Gospels of Luke, Mark, Matthew, and John and made links between these stories and through the Sacrament of Anointing the Sick. This week they have begun to explore the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

In Mathematics, we have been exploring perimeter and area and this week, they will use these skills to complete an investigation task where they are required to redesign the Oakey Show.

God Bless

Mrs Anderson

Year 4M

What a wonderful time we had at the Cobb and Co science excursion last Friday. The students were very engaged, and hopefully, it sparked a passion for science, and there may be some budding scientists changing the world in the future!

As we enter into the colder weather, please ensure that your child comes to school in the correct school uniform (named) and that they have warm clothes if necessary.

We are starting assessments this week, and I am encouraging all students to remember to use their resilience when faced with challenges. It is an important life skill to be able to bounce back after a setback, dust yourself off and get back up and keep going.

We begin athletics rotations after lunch on Wednesday and Thursday in weeks 7 and 8.

Two notes have gone home in bags, please keep an eye out for them and return them as soon as possible.

Finally, we all get to come in our PJ’s to school on Friday 31st May for the St Vinnie’s Winter appeal. We will have boxes in the classrooms for any donations families would like to give.

Have a fabulous week.

Year 5B

Well, here we are already past the halfway mark of the term, and what a busy time we have had over the last couple of weeks! Our highlight was the excursion to the Outback STEM and Science Fair at Cobb and Co last Friday. The students had a fabulous time engaging with a wide variety of activities from patting snakes to designing futuristic transportation. This was a wonderful opportunity to broaden the students’ STEM skills and knowledge.

Another enjoyable experience for the students last week was completing an online workshop with Author/Illustrator Jess Racklyfett. Today, all students participated in the National Simultaneous Storytime and tomorrow our class will attend Mass and participate in some reconciliation activities to mark Sorry Day.

We welcome Brax as the newest member of the Year 5B class.

Have a wonderful week!

Year 5R

An exciting time was had by all at Cobb & Co Science Festival where 5R enjoyed exploring fascinating exhibits and hands-on activities. This week's assembly will feature special presentation by our class. Additionally, a friendly reminder to please return your High School Musical Empire Theatre Excursion permission form ASAP.

Warmest regards

Mrs. Roberts

Year 6

The Year 6 students have begun studying our class novel, Boy Overboard. They have been really enjoying engaging in the reading as a class and have participated in some fantastic conversations around human rights and character development. 

Next week we have Julie Inskip from St Vincents de Paul visiting our class to present a one-hour workshop on inclusivity with an emphasis on refugees. This workshop links perfectly with our Boy Overboard unit and learning in HaSS, and is a fantastic opportunity for the students to make connections to real world experiences

From the Library

Step into Stories 

This week sees the Step into Stories program happening across the Darling Downs.  Supported by QSLA (Queensland School Libraries Association) and organized through TCS (Toowoomba Catholic Schools), the program brings authors and illustrators into classrooms via virtual teams meetings and face to face visits. 

This year, Years 4-6 had a virtual visit with Jess Racklyeft, who illustrated the 2022 Children’s Book Council Picture Book of the Year, Iceberg. P-3 had a face to face visit with Zanni Louise.   I am attaching the links to these authors websites if you would like to discuss the visits with your child/ren, or find a title to add your home library! 

Speaking with an author has many benefits for our students, including discovering the details of the creation process and being able to ask thoughtful questions related to this.  Discovering high level vocabulary and how to weave truth into a story are also bonus things to ponder on! 

Jesses Mess | Illustrations by Jess Racklyeft 

Zanni Louise  

From Music & LOTE

Students in all Music classes have been busy working in groups to compose and rehearse using percussion instruments for their mini performances in class.

Preps and Year 1s have been recreating the sounds of a Storm; year 2 have created sound effects for Troll's Big Day Out;  Year 3 & 4 have been working in groups for Everyone Loves Saturday Night; and year 5& 6 have been creating Sound Stories to read to the younger members of our school.

During Indonesian lessons, students have been using finger puppets to practise simple conversational skills. Year 3-6 students are enjoying using the Languages Online website to reinforce their learning.

Choir members - please return your permission slips for Sing Out (Tuesday 4^th June) and Dalby Eisteddfod (Tuesday 11^th June).  A reminder that the bus for Sing Out (Tuesday 4^th June) is leaving at 7:40am.   Parents - please organise your own transport to the Empire Theatre for the evening concert.  Tickets are available from the Empire Theatre box office/online.  It is sure to be an amazing event!

Mini Monnie's Playgroup

Be Well at St Monica's

Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, failure, stress, challenges and trauma.  It is a skill that needs to be developed in childhood, as it helps children to learn coping skills and find solutions to problems. In the past, we had observed a lack of resilience in our students here at St Monica’s – struggling to cope with minor disappointments or giving up when work became challenging - and this was one of the key factors that necessitated the implementation of a whole school social emotional program. Resilience is one of the Keys to Success in the You Can Do It! Program. Our students learn that setbacks actually help them to become stronger and empowers them to prepare for future challenges.

Our younger students are introduced to Ricky and Rosie Resilience who encourage them to use positive self-talk to help them calm down and solve problems or face tricky situations.

Our older students learn to develop self-awareness and self-management by recognising and expressing emotions appropriately and explaining the influence of these emotions on behaviour, learning and relationships. They come to understand that resilience is a very important key that enables them to manage themselves in difficult and challenging circumstances in their lives, both at school and at home.

How can you help your children to develop resilience?

Here’s some suggestions:

• expose your children to challenges that require them to go outside their comfort zone, and to persevere and apply different strategies,
• guide and support your child to solve problems, rather than jumping straight in to fix things for them,
• talk about the lessons to take from setbacks and disappointments,
• model resiliency by demonstrating coping skills,
• look for the silver lining in situations, as optimism and resiliency go hand in hand,
• acknowledge that all feelings and emotions are important and reassure them that negative emotions usually pass.

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

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

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