Newsletter 19th July 2023
From the Principal
Welcome back to Term 3. I hope that you all enjoyed the break.
I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being a Senior Education Leader, and supporting our system Principals, though it is great to back at St Monica’s and I’m looking forward to the term ahead.
This term is shaping up to be a very productive and engaging term with a lot of key events and activities for our students. From Catholic Education Week to St Monica’s Got Talent and everything in between, Term 3 will be an excellent term here at St Monica’s.
On Monday, all families who have a registered email with the school have been sent an invitation to complete the “Shaping our Future” survey from the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Office. This invitation was sent via Sentral and the Parent Portal. I ask that all families take the time to complete the survey (approximately 10 to 15 mins) to provide some useful feedback to the school. The surveys are an excellent way to let us know how we have been going in the last 2 years and what are some areas for improvement. When the school receives the survey data back, I will work with the school leadership team, staff and school board on incorporating the data and feedback into our future Strategic Plans. It would great if we could achieve an overall response rate of around 70%.
This parent community survey is very timely for us as we are completing our quadrennial school review from the 4th to 7th September this Term. Our last school review was conducted in 2019 and our current Strategic Plan was developed from this. In this review, a review team consisting of senior staff from TCS’s Education Services and a peer principal from another school in the Diocese, will visit the school for three days.
The aim is to assist us to strategically plan to improve teaching and learning here at St Monica’s. These reviews occur in all TCS schools. Through a process of appreciative inquiry, the review team members interview staff, parents/carers, students and community members. This is where your response to the Shaping our Future survey will be greatly appreciated.
As a result of the interviews and analysis of data, a report is provided to the school community and the review team share in this report, their findings and suggested improvement strategies. These findings and strategies inform the development of our new strategic and annual action plans.
More information about the process and scope of the review will be made available in the coming weeks, but I encourage parents to firstly complete the Shaping our Future survey and consider making themselves available for interviews.
Survey coming soon
Every two years we ask staff, parents and students in our schools to share their views, to ‘check in’ on how each school within our community, and as a group of 31 schools together, we are bringing to life our purpose: to enable full and flourishing lives. We do this by asking each of you to complete a perception survey. The Shaping our future – Toowoomba Catholic Schools perception survey will be sent via Sentral on the Monday 17 July, so keep an eye out for it.
For more information email: oakey@twb.catholic.edu.au
Survey Information
We encourage all of our parents to share their views in the Shaping our future – perception survey. This survey is being completed by parents, staff and students from our school and the other 30 schools that make up the Toowoomba Catholic Schools’ community. This 15 minute survey closes on Sunday, 6 August, 2023. Please check your email for a link to the survey.
For more information email: oakey@twb.catholic.edu.au
From the APRE
Catholic Education Week 2023
Celebrated annually in Week 3 of Term 3, Catholic Education Week is an opportunity for all 313 Catholic schools in Queensland to celebrate and promote their distinctive mission and ethos.
Catholic education strives to make a difference in the lives of those in our schools and in the wider community by challenging young people to live out the message of Jesus and to reach their full potential as compassionate, contributing, life-giving members of society.
Continuing from last year, the 2023 theme is ‘Communities of faith, hope and love’.
At St Monica’s, we will be celebrating Catholic Education Week with the following events:
Monday July 24 | Tuesday July 25 | Wednesday July 26 | Thursday July 27 | Friday July 28 |
Cathoic Education Mass at St Monica’s Parish at 9:00am All welcome Second Break Free BBQ Lunch (Sausage Sizzle & Zooper Dooper) | St Vincent de Paul Class Workshops led by Mrs Inskip Second Break chalk drawing competition | Grandparents Day. · 8:40am Assembly led by Prep · 9:00am Gradparents in classrooms · 10am Grandparents morning tea · School tours | Catholic School Netball and Touch Football Gala Day Years 5-6 | Bishop’s Inservice Day for School Staff Student Free Day |
2023 Catholic Education Week Awards
This year, we were thrilled to have one of our wonderful school officers announced as a finalist in the Spirit of Catholic Education Awards. Congratulations Mrs Rebecca Booth, and thank you for everything you do for the St Monica’s community. You are a winner in our eyes!
House Days – Fromelles, Kokoda and Beersheba
Today, students in Fromelles came together for a liturgy to reflect on the events that took place on the western front in Fromelles in 1916, the Australian soldiers who fought for freedom, and the value of mateship. On Monday the 31st of July, members from Kokoda will paricipate in their special liturgy. A reminder that students can wear their house shirt on their special day.
Parish/School Family Mass
The Term 3 Family Mass will be on Sunday the 13th of August at 8am. Reminder notes will come out closer to the date.
Term 3 Whole School and Class Masses
Listed below are the class and whole school Masses for the term. During these Masses, the students participate through singing, presenting the readings and Prayers of the Faithful, and participating in the offetory. All parents and families are warmly welcome to attend.
Date | Class | Theme |
Week 3 | Whole School | Catholic Education Week |
Week 4 | Years 4 - 6 | The Transfiguration of the Lord |
Week 6 | Prep – Year 3 | The Assumption of Mary |
Week 8 | Whole School | St Monica’s Feast Day |
Week 10 | Whole School | End of Term Thaksgiving Mass |
I-CAS Testing Dates
Thank you to all parents who have registered their children for the Term 3 I-CAS competitions. Below are the scheduled testing dates.
Monday 7th August: Digital Technologies
Wednesday 9th August: Writing
Monday 14th August: English
Wednesday 23rd August: Spelling and Science
Monday 28th August: Maths
Term 3 Key Dates
Thursday 20th July - Inner Downs Athletics Carnival
Monday 24th of July – Catholic Education Week Mass and BBQ
Tuesday 25th July - St Vincent de Paul Student Workshops
Wednesday 26th July – Grandparents Day
Thursday 27th July – Catholic Schools Netball and Touch Football Gala Day
Friday 28th July – Bishop’s Inservice Day/Student Free Day (no school)
Monday 31st July – Kokoda Day
Wednesday 2nd August - Pie Drive Orders Due to Office
Sunday 13th August – 8am Family Mass
Friday 18th August – Under 8s Day
Thursday 24th August – Book Week Parade
Friday 25th August – St Monica’s Feast Day Mass and St Monica’s Got Talent Competition
Thursday 31st August – Father’s Day Liturgy and P&F Father’s Day Stall
Friday 1st September – Consistency of Teacher Judgement (CTJ) Day/Student Free Day (no school)
Monday 4th September – School Renewal and Improvement Process (SRIP) begins.
Thursday 14th of September – End of Term Thanksgiving Mass and R U OK? Day
From the Classrooms
Prep
What a busy start to the term we have had in Prep!
This week we have celebrated 100 days of Prep. To mark this momentous occasion, we dressed as 100-year-olds, counted collections of 100, discussed what 100 looks like, took aged photos, and had a shared morning tea. It was wonderful to see the children embrace old age and to hear them share their favourite moments from school.
The fun and excitement does not end there. Next Wednesday the students will be presenting their Grandparents Day assembly, thank you to those parents who are helping their children to learn their speaking parts.
This term in English we are exploring Fairy Tales, we are examining all of their features and exploring what make a good fairy tale. The students are looking forward to writing our own Fairy Tale at the end of this term. In Math’s we are exploring numbers to 20. We are learning to make collections, count to and from any given starting point and write and recognise the numbers.
Don’t forget Friday the 28th is a pupil free day.
Wishing you all wonderful fortnight ahead.
Year 1
In English in the Year One classroom, we have begun exploring informative texts. We have discussed the differences between facts and opinions and are beginning to experiment with writing some facts about the animals we know. Please remember to sign your child's reading log so their readers can be changed on Friday.
Year 2
This week, Year Two participated in a retreat focusing on self-discipline. The students were guided through games, reflections and discussions aimed at deepening our understanding of this concept. I was thoroughly impressed with the student's willingness to contribute to the discussions and reflect on their strengths and weaknesses as a learner.
After the retreat, the class decided that an appropriate class goal for the week would was to be reliable, a term that was unpacked throughout the retreat. I am looking forward to watching as the students begin to apply their new knowledge in the classroom.
Year 3
Welcome back to another busy term. We hope everyone enjoyed their holiday and had a lovely relaxing time with their family. This term is already shaping up to be very exciting with our excursion to Cobb and Co as part of our HaSS unit. In the following weeks students will participate in a Year 3 retreat and lead assembly with a liturgy on The Transfiguration of the Lord. English and Mathematics groups are well underway to enhance student learning. Science will see the students explore some of the features operation of our solar system.
Year 4/5 AQ
Welcome back to a brand new term! I can't believe we are already in Term 3. I hope you had a fantastic break.
This term, our Year 4/5 class is venturing into the exciting world of the Gold Rush! We've already begun our journey by learning about panning for gold and will soon be writing procedures on this fascinating process. In Mathematics, we are continuing to consolidate our understanding of multiplication and division facts, adding fractions, and have started measuring angles. In Science we are exploring matter and will be conducting experiments to identify the difference between solids, liquids and gasses.
A quick reminder that homework is now due on Fridays and will be sent home on Mondays. Also, don't forget that Library borrowing day is on Mondays as well.
We can't wait to have a fantastic term of learning and growth together!
Year 4/5 B
We have had a great start to Term 3! Well done to our 4/5B athletes who participated in the Catholic Carnival last Friday and good luck to those who are competing in the Inner Downs Carnival this week. Over the next couple of weeks, the Year 5 students are joining with the Year 6s to train for the Catholic Touch and Netball Carnivals, which will take place next Thursday. This is just one of the exciting events that will take place during Catholic Education Week. Other activities include a Mass and BBQ, a Mini Vinnies workshop with Mrs Inskip and Grandparents Day. We are really looking forward to welcoming our grandparents into our classroom on Wednesday!
Have a great week!
Year 4/5 M
Welcome back!
We have started the term at full speed and are hoping to keep the momentum going! Congratulations to those students who participated in the Catholic Athletic Carnival last week, and good luck to those participating in the Inner Downs Carnival on Thursday. Today we are celebrating Fromelles Day and reflecting on the meaning behind the house name. We have been learning all about the Gold Rush and I am worried some of the students may take off to Ballarat and start panning for gold! Last week we celebrated Naidoc week and the students participated in some Indigenous games and art activities. The Year 5's will be practising for the Netball and Touch Carnival coming up next Thursday. Don't forget next week is Catholic Education Week and also Grandparent's Day on Wednesday. I am looking forward to seeing many Grandparents then!
Have an amazing week!
Year 6
Welcome to Term 3! It is hard to believe just how quickly this year is going. I hope you all had a safe and relaxing holiday break, and your children are feeling refreshed and ready for another exciting term ahead.
This term we welcome Mrs Kate Hughes into our Year 6 class on Thursdays as I step into the role of Digital Technologies teacher across the school. We are looking to working together to ensure the Year 6 class has a productive and successful term ahead. We also welcome Braxton to our class and trust the students will all make him feel welcome and part of the St Monica’s community.
From the Library
From Music and Lote
Wow! It's been wonderful to see lots of new recruits in Choir and Ukulele Club this term. Ukulele Club is each Tuesday lunchtime. Choir is each Thursday at lunchtime. We have a couple of events to perform at this Semester, more details will be given soon.
S.M.G.T (St Monica's Got Talent) - It is fantastic to see so many nomination forms for our annual talent show. Items are judged on 3 criteria:
- Confidence
- How polished the performance is
- Audience Appeal
Items can be group items or Individual items. Please ensure all entrants return the $2 nomination fee with their form - this is a fundraiser for year 5/6 Camp. All S.M.G.T nomiantion forms need to be returned by the end of next week. Auditions will be held in week 4. Have fun rehearsing!
Mini Monnie's Playgroup
Be Well at St Monica's
Let’s Get Physical
Modelling positive behaviours
We all want our children to grow up to enjoy physical and emotional health and wellbeing and the best path to achieve this is for parents to model these positive behaviours. Research shows that parental influence is powerful, as what you do acts as a template for your children, and they often imitate it. Queensland Health has called on parents to boost their children’s physical activity levels, with new research showing they are more likely to be active when the family is active, therefore parents can encourage an active lifestyle by modelling one themselves. The physical and emotional benefits continue throughout life, and those who are physically active in childhood are more likely to carry those good habits into adulthood.
There are other ways you can positively influence your children. At a time where technology is taking over our world, it is important to model healthy technology use to create a balance between screen and family time. This can be achieved by setting rules around technology in your home that everyone must follow (even you), eg. no technology at the dinner table. Modelling respectful and caring relationships teaches your children to do likewise. Let them see you demonstrating kindness, gratitude, empathy and tolerance, as this provides them with a very valuable lesson.
Being a positive role model for our children isn’t always easy, but remember they are always watching and learning from us, and this could be the motivation we need to change our own habits for the better. So ask yourself – what am I modelling to my children?
It is almost an automatic thing for parents to ask their children “How was your day?” and this is often met with one of two things – a one-word answer (end of conversation) or a recount of the one negative thing that happened in an otherwise really positive day. In order to encourage greater conversation why not try some of these questions instead:
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
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 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 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)
- School track top with embroidered crest (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 hat (Slouch hat style)
- 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 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)
- School Track top with embroidered crest (optional)
The uniform including the special school hat is available locally at Oakey Craft and Saddlery. If you are buying parts of the uniform elsewhere, please check that you are buying the correct style, colour, and material. 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.
NB: The school fleecy pullover must be worn first. The spray jacket may only be worn over the top of the pullover.
From the P&F
P & F Meetings
Thank to everyone who came to the monthly P & F meeting last month, it was a wonderful turn out!
There is a special meeting on Thursday 3 August at 4pm in week 4 at the school library, where the QLD Catholic P & F Association Brisbane will attend the P & F meeting to support and answer any questions the school community has. The P & F would really appreciate support for the school community to attend this meeting.
Tuckshop
A big thanks to Kylie, Leah and Marcie who did a wonderful job organising and ensuring that all children were served a warm sausage in bread, drink and Freddo for our Term 2 Special Lunch! Again, thank you to the parents and carers who supported the P & F for special lunch, this will likely become a regular special lunch at the end of each term.
There is NO Tuckshop in Week 3 due to the Pupil Free day on Friday 28/07.
The P & F would like to thank the following volunteers for their time in the tuckshop for Term 3
- Week 2: Mel Harper & Amy Phillips
- Week 4: Lisa Bach & Fiona Martin
Oakey Eats
The next Oakey Eats is Friday 25 August. The P & F have secured a stall for the event, stay tunned for more info...
If you would like to volunteer for the event please let Lyndell know in the office or email the P & F, oakpandf@twb.catholic.edu.au
Father's Day Stall
The P & F will again be running a Father's Day Stall at the school. Due to a pupil free day on Friday 1 September, the stall will be held on Thursday 31 August. The stall will run similarly to the Mother's Day stall with all items at the same price. If you would like to volunteer for the stall in any way please reach out to the P & F, oakpandf@twb.catholic.edu.au
2023 St Monica’s P&F Race Day
It is with great excitement that we can announce further details to our school community for the 2023 St Monica’s P&F Race Day. The committee welcomes any sponsorship enquiries, Meg 0423690197 or email oakpandf@twb.catholic.edu.au
- Race Day Event Saturday 7th October 4-11pm, Clifford Park Race Course Twmba
- Ticket release will open Week 4 to the St Monica's school community
Clothing Pool
Please send Tricia Brownsey a text on 0408 675 945 and she will be able to let you know if what you require is available. Tricia is also happ to package up orders and leave them in the school office.
Please only text Tricia, as she has work commitments.
Outside School Hours Care
