Newsletter 28 August 2024
From the Principal
I’d like to start this fortnight’s newsletter by thanking and congratulating everyone on a very successful Oakey Community Under 8’s Day. It was a wonderful morning out and I’d like to recognise the efforts of our teachers from St Monica’s and Oakey State School for putting on another great event. Both schools are very thankful and grateful to the number of community groups who came along to support the day. Our Oakey Under 8s children were very blessed with a great morning of activities and fun. We look for to another great event next year at Oakey State School.
Tomorrow, we look forward to watching our student finalists compete in our annual St Monica’s Got Talent event. To all of our students who auditioned, you should all be proud of your efforts and your commitment to having a go. Thanks to Mrs Hughes for all of her time in putting this event together. It is a great addition to our Arts Calendar for the year. We look forward to the competition tomorrow.
From the APRE
Sacramental Program – Reconciliation
Last Friday night, the students in the 2024 Sacramental Program made the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. Congratulations to all the students on this important milestone in your spiritual journey.
St Monica’s Feast Day Celebration
A reminder that tomorrow, on Thursday the 29th of August, we will celebrate the feast day of our school patron, Saint Monica. Students will attend Mass at 9am. All are welcome to attend. Students will then enjoy cake together at morning tea and a free BBQ picnic on the oval accompanied by old fashioned games. In the afternoon beginning at 1:30pm, all students will go to the hall for the annual ‘St Monica’s Got Talent' competition. Best of luck to all students who are competing.
Pupil Free Day this Friday for CTJ Day
Please note that this Friday the 30th of August is a pupil free day for the annual Consistency of Teacher Judgement (CTJ) Day. On this day each year, teachers from different schools meet with other teachers on the same year level to compare units of work and assessments to ensure that standards of achievement are consistent across schools.
National Child Protection Week
Next week is National Child Protection Week, which aims to engage, educate and empower all Australians to understand the complexity of child abuse and neglect and work together to prevent it.
This year’s theme is ‘Every Conversation Matters’. It reminds us that conversations are powerful tools to keep children and young people safe and well. Conversations can help us understand issues, craft solutions, value community knowledge, and build the brains and social connections of children and young people. This National Child Protection Week all are invited to speak up – and speak together – about what needs to change for every child in every community to have a fair go.
As part of National Child Protection Week, students will participate in the award-winning Australia’s Biggest Child Safety Lesson (ABCSL) on the third of September, presented by the Daniel Morcombe Foundation. It delivers important safety messages to children, and this year is focusing on the topic of consent as well as reviewing the 3 Rs of recognise, react and report.
Students will also begin the Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) lessons which are part of the Australian Health and Physical Education (HPE) Curriculum. These lessons will be continued in Term 4 during Day for Daniel Week. More information about the content of these lessons can be found in a letter that has be sent to each parent via the parent portal.
Visit to CWA House
Based on the feedback from our 2023 School Review, it was communicated that there was a strong desire for the school to reestablish its connection with the CWA House in Oakey. This will begin next week with the ukelele club and choir performing for the elderly residents. We look forward to many more visits in the future for all our students to experience intergenerational connection and relationships.
International Day of Peace
On September 6th, the Year 6 students will be celebrating the International Day of Peace on assembly. This is an annual celebration across the globe which aims to draw all peoples together to highlight the cause for international peace. This is a United Nations General Assembly initiative which continues to grow yearly in strength and participation. This year we especially remember people suffering the effects of war, particularly in the Ukraine and Middle East. We are called to remember that peace begins with each one of us – the words we choose and the actions we choose can either build or break relationships. May we all work together to be peacemakers in our world.
Week 10 Parent Teacher Interviews
In Week 10, classroom teachers will be conducting parent-teacher interviews. This is an opportunity to meet and discuss your child’s progress and individual needs. However, a parent need not wait until these formal events to have an interview with a teacher. Please do not hesitate to make contact with your child’s teacher if you ever feel there is a need. It is with effective parent/teacher relationships that our students will thrive both academically and socially. Please not that 5B parent teacher interviews will take place in Week 1 of Term 4.
From the Classrooms
Prep
What a wonderful fortnight we have had in Prep!
The students had a spectacular time at Book Week last week. Thank you for all of the effort that went into their amazing costumes. We have another few busy weeks ahead of assessment, Father’s Day and St Monica’s Feast Day.
Don’t forget this Friday is a Pupil Free Day, I hope you all have a wonderful long weekend.
Year 1
Preparing for our Fathers’ Day assembly and assessment have been the main focus in Year One of late. With our units of work nearing completion, it is pleasing to see our class numbers rise, as the assessment process begins. Thank you to those who have made a big effort completing homework tasks, as this practice of concepts at home, has been reflected in some children’s improved results. We are noticing a huge improvement in sight work recognition, which is very pleasing, as we attempt to get as many of our Year Ones as possible to the end of year benchmark and beyond.
Please keep up the good work - week nine marks the end of homework tasks, as the students are growing tired but please keep up the routine of nightly reading and sight word recognition for some.
Year 2
Hello Parents and Carers,
What an amazing fortnight we have had in Year Two! We have been working so hard in all learning areas and achieving some amazing success.
In English, we have been working hard at persuasive writing. This week we have started our assessment. Our task is to advertise our favourite toy by creating a description, persuasive paragraph, slogan and more. All of this will then be displayed on a poster. We are so excited for this!
In Maths, we spent all last week focusing on doubles. We looked at doubles addition and that we can also swap a number sentence to make it subtraction. This week we are learning about 2-digit subtraction.
In Science, we did an investigation to see what happens when we make a force stronger. We used car launches to test this prediction. It was so much fun. We found out that using a greater force makes an object go further but if too much force is used, it just flipped our object.
Just a reminder that homework goes home every Friday and is due back Thursday! Home readers also need to be signed in order to be swapped over.
Until next time,
Lauren Grant
Year 3
Students are continuing to develop their fluency and comprehension during reading groups. They are using a variety of text types to locate parts of speech and recreate select text types. You may notice students are beginning to join some letters with their handwriting as we start to practice cursive writing with selected letter patterns.
During Mathematics students are working at developing their understanding of multiplication and division facts. They are continuing to practice speed and accuracy with all four operations and place value. Science lessons include investigations into what occurs as a result of the interaction between the Sun and the Earth, as well as the reason for the seasons.
Year 4A
We are now heading into the final weeks of Term Three, this term has certainly gone very quickly. The Year Fours are busy completing assessment tasks in all Key Learning Areas (subjects). We will be working on assessment tasks, in all subject areas, over the next couple of weeks. They are all working to the best of their ability and should be congratulated for their effort.
Don’t forget next Friday, 6 September, is the Year 4 excursion to St Helena Island and our sleepover at the hall. Please bring all the items they will need for the sleepover to the hall, after school on Thursday 5 September. Also, a reminder the bus will leave St Monica’s at 6am on Friday morning for our excursion. All information will go home this week, please keep an eye out for it.
God Bless
Mrs Anderson
Year 4M
We have a hectic week with the Father's Day liturgy and assembly on Wednesday morning for everyone and St Monica's Day on Thursday. We have some students who have made it through to the finals of St Monica's Got Talent, so that should prove to be an entertaining afternoon! Please come along if you can.
Next week, we will be working through tasks to finish the term's learning, and then on Friday is our very exciting excursion to St Helena Island and the Year 4 sleepover. More information regarding this will be sent home during this week. The sleepover is a great opportunity for students to have some experience of sleeping away from home in preparation for the Year 5 & 6 camps, and it is an expectation that all students participate in this. Have a fantastic week!
Year 5B
We have certainly had a busy couple of weeks! Congratulations to Aida and Blair who represented Inner Downs at the Darling Downs carnival last week - we are very proud of your efforts.
Our students enjoyed the fun of Book Week and looked fabulous in their costumes.
On Monday, the Year 5s went on their excursion to St Vinnies, a valuable real-world lesson about sustainability and the importance of recycling.
We are looking forward to celebrating the feast day of St Monica tomorrow and seeing our talented students competing in St Monica's Got Talent competition.
A reminder that Mrs Dau will be teaching in our classroom in Weeks 9 and 10 and I am sure she will a wonderful time working with the 5B students.
A reminder that our assembly presentation will take place on Friday of week 10 (the last day of the term). I am looking forward to seeing everyone in Term 4.
I would like to wish all of our St Monica's dads a wonderful Father's Day on Sunday. I hope you are deservedly spoilt by your children.
Year 5R
In 5R we have been investigating Time, working collaboratively and putting the base coat on our monster creations.
Year 6
As the end of term fast approaches, school attendance is incredibly important. Not only are students working through assessment items for the term, but they also have many learning opportunities taking place in and out of the classroom.
Next week is a very busy week for the Year 6 class. On Tuesday they will be attending their excursion to the New Acland Mine where they will participate in a tour and presentation to link in with their learning in Science. On Wednesday, students will participate in an online workshop delivered by Headspace which is focused around the topic of High School Transition. This will be a valuable session for the students as they begin to prepare for next year. On Friday the Year 6 class will be presenting on assembly for International Day of Peace. Following this, they will engage in a class retreat focusing on the Benedictine Values of Peace and Justice.
From the Library
Sports News
Congratulations to Aida, Blair, Emily and George who represented Inner Downs at the Darling Downs Track & Field Carnival last week. To qualify for this carnival is a wonderful achievement and we are very proud of your efforts. This is the most Inner Downs representatives we have had from St Monica's for many years. Congratulations to you all!
From Music & LOTE
St Monica's Got Talent (aka S.M.G.T):
Only one sleep to go!
Contestants, students, staff and our guest judges are all looking forward to our highly anticipated annual talent show which starts at 1:30pm tomorrow (Thursday 29th August).
Who: CHOIR; UKULELE CLUB, students in our middle year marimba ensemble; year 2 class and S.M.G.T GRAND FINALISTS!
Where: St Monica's school hall
When: 1:30pm-3:05pm
Why: to showcase the talent here at St Monica's
See you there!
Mini Monnie's Playgroup
Be Well at St Monica's
What’s For Lunch?
A healthy diet is not only important for growing bodies but can also impact your child’s learning and academic achievement. We are concerned with the amount of processed food in some students’ lunchboxes, therefore, it is timely to discuss the importance of nutritious school lunches. Some of our students have difficulty staying focused in class and following directions, and this has a negative impact on their learning. Research indicates this could be the result of a poor diet. Nutrition has also been associated with a number of issues including chronic health problems such as diabetes and heart disease, tooth decay, obesity, poor sleep, lack of concentration, low energy levels and poor academic performance.
Most pre-packaged and processed foods have very limited nutrients. Whilst we appreciate these can be an easy option to include, with no preparation required, we are concerned with the number of these items in some students’ lunch boxes. Most pre-packaged and processed foods are high in sugar – and it all adds up. There are more than six teaspoons of sugar in a single serve of some products such as apricot bars, cakes and sports drinks, and some products marketed as being healthy – such as muesli bars and on-the-go breakfast products – are surprisingly high in sugar. This can significantly impact students’ ability to concentrate, engage in learning activities and achieve success.
Tips and inspiration for busy parents
- Include something from each of the 5 food groups: fruit, vegetables/legumes/beans, dairy, grain (cereal) foods, and lean meats/poultry/fish/eggs etc
- Limit snacks that are high in sugar and/or saturated fats e.g. cakes, chocolate, donuts, biscuits
- Consider snacks like chips as a ‘sometimes’ food, not a regular lunchbox item
- Look for grain-based snacks with whole grains and high fibre
- Pick whole fruit over fruit juice – the vitamins, minerals and fibre make it more filling and nutritious
- Pack water as a drink
For healthy lunchbox ideas and recipes visit the following sites:
https://www.healthyliving.nsw.gov.au/im-helping-my-kids-and-family
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
Father’s Day Fundraiser
Thank you to all of our St Monica’s families for supporting the Father’s Day fundraiser. Treat bags for Dad will be distributed to students on Thursday afternoon.
If you missed out on ordering, we will have some delicious butterscotch popcorn bags available for purchase on Thursday at the office for $5 (cash only). Limited quantities available so first in best dressed!
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
School Crossing Supervisor Scheme 40-Year Anniversary
Queensland’s School Crossing Supervisor Scheme is celebrating four decades of operation this year. The Department of Transport and Main Roads will be celebrating this milestone across the state during Queensland Road Safety Week (26-30 August 2024).
Celebrating Queensland's School Crossing Supervisors for 40 years of service
This year, Queensland’s School Crossing Supervisor Scheme celebrates 40 years of keeping kids safe as they travel to and from school.
We'd like to say a big thank you to our wonderful School Crossing Supervisor/s, John, Donna and Sarah, for everything you do for our students and school community! You do a great job keeping our students and other pedestrians safe as they cross the road in peak drop-off and pick-up times.
Why not say a big thank you the next time you see them on duty! You can also show your appreciation for School Crossing Supervisors by slowing down, following directions and being courteous while travelling in our school zone.
Did you know?
- The School Crossing Supervisor Scheme is operated by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
- There are more than 2000 school crossing supervisors who operate over 1300 crossings at more than 700 Queensland schools.
- There has not been a single fatality on a supervised crossing since the scheme started in 1984.
