Newsletter 19th June 2024
Athletics Carnival
What a wonderful time we all had at the 2024 St Monica’s School Athletics Carnival. The students all showed great resilience, persistence, and sportsmanship throughout their events. Congratulations to Kokoda who were the winning house, and to Fromelles who won the house spirit award.
Congratulations to all our St Monica’s School Athletics age champions and runners up!
9 Years Girls Age Champion- Lacey, Runner Up - Emily
9 Years Boys Age Champion - George, Runner Up - Nullatai
10 Years Girls Age Champion - Lilian, Runner Up - Aida
10 Years Boys Age Champion - Alex, Runner Up - Mason
11 Years Girls Age Champion - Arabella, Runner Up - Isla
11 Years Boys Age Champion - Blair, Runner Up - Jack C
12 Years Girls Age Champion - Charlie, Runner Up - Elsie
12 Years Boys Age Champion - Brock, Runner Up - Julian
From the Principal
Congratulations and thanks to everyone for a fantastic Athletics Carnival last Friday. It was a great day out - perfect weather, wonderful crowd atmosphere and well-prepared competition surface. I was extremely impressed with the level of sportsmanship, persistence and resilience on display by all students. Thanks again to all of our staff and volunteers for your assistance throughout the day. Special thanks to Mrs Bruggemann for her work in preparing the students through our PE program and in organising the carnival. A number of students have gained selection for the Catholic Athletics Carnival and the Inner Downs Trials. These carnivals will be held within the first few weeks of next term. Information will be sent out to the students involved.
In other news, we say a special thank you and all the best to Mrs Thelma Bain. Mrs Bain has announced her retirement from St Monica’s after 20 plus years involvement with our school community. Mrs Bain has been a part of the school in different roles ranging from School Officer, Administration Officer and P&F Treasurer. On behalf of the school, I’d like to thank Mrs Bain for her wonderful dedication to our school and wish her all the best in retirement.
As we finish off this semester, I’d like to congratulate our students on all of their great work. There has been some tremendous work produced as well as some fantastic growth in our Key Learning Areas. You can all rest up and feel proud of your work this semester. I’d like to thank our hard-working teachers and school officers for all of their time and dedication over the semester. You should be proud of what you and your students have achieved. I’m looking forward to Term 3 and building on these successes. School reports will be issued this afternoon and will be available via the Sentral Parent Portal app and your email address.
From the APRE
Last call for St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal Donations
A reminder that this Friday, St Vinnies representatives will be attending our final Term 2 Assembly to collect all donations for the Winter Appeal. Please give all you can to help those less fortunate than ourselves.
Term 3 Key Dates
Week 1
Monday July 8 – Student Free Day (student free day - no school)
Tuesday July 9 – First day of Term 3
Wednesday July 10 – NAIDOC Celebration Day
Friday July 12 – Catholic Schools Athletics Carnival for qualifiers
Sunday July 14 – Family Mass at 8am. Celebrating the baptisms of 8 of our students.
Week 2
Wednesday July 17 – 100 Days of Prep Celebration
Friday July 19 – Fromelles Day
Week 3 - CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK
Monday July 22 – Catholic Education Week Mass and BBQ
Tuesday July 23 – St Vinnie’s Workshops
Wednesday July 24 – Grandparents Day
Thursday July 25 – Catholic Schools Netball and Touch Football Gala Day
Friday July 26 – Bishop’s Inservice Day/Student Free Day (student free day - no school)
Week 4
Wednesday July 31 – Year 3 Excursion
Week 6
Friday August 16 – Under 8s Day & National Day of Action Against Bullying
Week 7 - BOOK WEEK
Friday August 23 – Book Week Parade after assembly
Friday August 23 – Sacrament of First Reconciliation at 6pm in the Church
Week 8
Wednesday August 28 – Father’s Day Assembly 8:45am in the hall
Thursday August 29 – St Monica’s Feast Day (Mass at 9am, BBQ lunch and St Monica’s Got Talent Competition at 1:30pm)
Friday August 30 – Consistency of Teacher Judgement (CTJ) Day (student free day - no school)
Week 9 - NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION WEEK
Week 10
Tuesday September 10 – Parent Teacher Interviews 3:20pm – 6:00pm
Thursday September 12 – End of Term Thanksgiving Mass
Friday September 13 – Recognising R U OK? Day
Friday September 13 – Last Day of Term 3
Thank you and happy holidays
A big thank you to all the students, staff, parents and volunteers for making this another wonderful term at St Monica’s. Next term we look forward to celebrating together special events and great journeys in learning. Enjoy a restful and safe Winter break, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Tuesday the 9th of July, noting that Monday the 8th is a student free day.
From the Classrooms
Prep
Congratulations! We have reached the halfway point of the year.
We have had an amazing year so far and the students have achieved so much. I am very proud of everyone and what they have accomplished in such a short amount of time. Last week the students completed their first athletics carnival. It was wonderful to hear how much fun they all had and that everyone tried their best.
A reminder that over the holidays, students won’t have paper homework, but they will be able to access DRA online to continue with their reading.
Finally, I would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday. I hope you have lots of rest and relaxation.
Year 1
It’s been a busy couple of weeks in Year One, as we have gotten to know one another. Pleased to report that it has also been a happy and productive one as well. The students have completed some assessment tasks for Miss Smith and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of constructing their Magnificent Things. In addition to this, we have continued with Maths and spelling, exploring addition to ten and learning about contractions. I look forward to returning to complete the school year with the class in term three and wish you all a happy, restful and safe holiday.
Year 2
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I can’t believe we are halfway through our school year already! What an amazing time we have had so far, and I can’t wait to continue our amazing learning next term! I have included photos from Term 2 of some of the wonderful learning opportunities we've had!
I hope everyone has a happy and safe break and comes back well rested next term! The Year 2’s have definitely deserved this break.
Until next time,
Lauren
Year 3
Students have worked very hard this term and are ready for a well-earned holiday. Regular lessons will continue until the last day of the term.
Congratulations to all students who have planned and created Oakey’s best park that is inclusive to everyone as part of our HaSS unit.
After studying heat during our science lessons, students might like to investigate sources and conduction further during this cooler winter season.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a relaxing, happy, and safe holiday. I look forward to catching up with you all for Term 3.
Year 4A
I would like to thank the Year Four students for the effort they have put into their schooling during Semester One. It has been wonderful to see the academic growth achieved by all during this time. I look forward to a fabulous Semester Two.
I will not be responding to emails, over the holidays, until Wednesday of the second week. I would like to wish you all a happy and safe break from the school routine.
God Bless.
Mrs Anderson
Year 4M
What a semester! I am so proud of each and every student for the growth they have demonstrated this year so far. Whether that is creatively, socially, musically, sporting, academically or emotionally - each child has grown. I am looking forward to what the next two terms hold! Have an amazing break and see you next term.
Year 5B
It is so hard to believe we are in the final week of the term! This Friday is our class Assembly presentation, commemorating Refugee Week, and it would be wonderful if you could join us for this special occasion. I was very proud of all of the students' participation, persistence and sportsmanship displayed at the Athletics Carnival last week. Congratulations to Lil and Blair on winning Age Champion and Aida and Mason on Runners Up.
What a wonderful experience it was for our footy-loving students to attend the State of Origin fan day yesterday. The joy on the students' faces seeing their heroes in the flesh was certainly heartwarming.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your support throughout the semester. I hope the students have a relaxing, safe and enjoyable holiday break and I look forward to welcoming them back in Term 3.
Happy holidays!
Year 5R
What a great term we have had in 5R! The students have worked so hard this term in all learning areas and should be commended for their efforts.
I would like to wish all families a restful break and I look forward to seeing everyone back in Term 3 for another term of learning and fun.
Year 6
It is hard to believe we are already halfway through the year! The Year 6 students have been commended on their fantastic efforts throughout this semester and their dedication to extending their knowledge in all subject areas. It has been wonderful to see them developing confidence and independence towards their learning as they begin to prepare for high school next year.
I hope you all have a safe and relaxed holiday break and I look forward to another great term of learning and fun in Term 3.
From the Library
Dashboards
Accessit has created a number of dashboards that have been added to our database. They contain some interesting information and sites for students to visit. To access these, use this link to our Accessit - St Monica's School (accessit.online)
Please bookmark this page if you wish to use it regularly.
To log in, students will need to enter their username@twb.catholic.edu.au, then their password, which will log them in to their Microsoft 365 account. At school, this will happen through Single Sign On (SSO).
When students have logged in, click the dashboard tab to select which to explore.
I hope students make use of this wonderful resource!
Please contact Mandie Tindall in the library if you have any difficulties.
From Music & LOTE
Last Tuesday, 16 dedicated members of the St Monica's Choir competed in the Dalby Eisteddfod. Competition was tough, but the students managed to achieve 2nd place in both the Folk Song section and the Hymn section. All Choir members were outstanding representatives for the school with their exemplary behaviour.
We look forward to welcoming year 3 students to our Choir next Semester. Rehearsals are held each Thursday at lunchtime in the Music Room.
The highly anticipated S.M.G.T (St Monica's Got Talent) is back again this year! Students from year 1 - 6 can enter as individuals/pairs/small groups to showcase their talent. Nomination forms will be available from the school Office next term. Auditions will take place early in Term 3 and then Semi-Finals will be held in preparation for the Grand Final of S.M.G.T on Thursday 29th August.
Watch this space for more information next term.
Mini Monnie's Playgroup
Be Well at St Monica's
Make it a Hiking Holiday!
As we prepare to head into the winter school holidays, why not get the kids and the adults together to enjoy some quality time in the great outdoors? Hiking is a fantastic pursuit to enjoy during the winter months in Australia. With cooler temperatures and milder weather, it's the perfect time to explore the breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty that the country has to offer. From lush rainforests to rugged mountain ranges, there are countless trails and hiking routes to suit all skill levels and preferences. The crisp air and clear skies of winter create an ideal setting for outdoor adventure, allowing hikers to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. So, lace up your hiking boots, pack some snacks and water, and set off on a winter hiking expedition to discover the wonders of Australia's natural beauty.
Bushwalking can help increase the strength of the cardiovascular system, help lower the risk of heart disease, help maintain a healthy blood pressure and also maintain a healthy body weight. For individuals who suffer from heart disease, obesity or type 2 diabetes, bushwalking is the perfect exercise to minimise future risk and keep yourself fit and healthy. Bushwalking also helps improve the mental state of individuals. It allows the opportunity to interact with an engaging visual setting, plus all the sights, smells and sounds you love of the great outdoors generates excitement for your workout. 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 of hiking for your children these school holidays include:
- it gets them out of the house and off screens,
- it helps them connect with nature,
- it allows them to use all their senses,
- it is a free activity that helps to bond as a family,
- it helps build life-long skills.
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 the Bunya Mountains, 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
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
As we come to the end of term 2, the P & F would like to extend our sincere thanks for the continued support from our school community. Moving forward this year, we are focused on aligning our fundraising efforts with specific needs outlined in the school's long term plan. In order to do this, we welcome any new ideas to help support our kids and this wonderful little school.
The upcoming events for term 3 will include the annual pie drive and the Father's Day fundraiser. If you would like to put forward an agenda item for our next meeting, please get in touch by email at Oakpandf@twb.catholic.edu.au. The next P & F meeting will be held on the 9th July at 6pm in the school library. Please accept this as a warm invitation to anyone who would like to come and see what the P & F is all about. If you have any questions, please get in touch with the P & F email or see Lyndell in the office
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
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