Principal's message

As we reach the midpoint of the term, we look forward to a well-earned long weekend on Monday and the excitement of the upcoming footy and netball seasons.

Last week was the beginning of the Easter season beginning with Shrove Tuesday and officially starting on Ash Wednesday.

Shrove Tuesday is also the day when Caritas Australia launches the Project Compassion fundraiser. This is the most significant fundraiser for the organisation and one that we collectively support as we unite against poverty. I encourage everyone to give generously if you are able to do so. 

Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent and the traditional period of fasting that leads us to Easter. Pope Francis calls on us to be synodal and to walk in the footsteps of those who may need greater support and understanding.

"It would be a good Lenten exercise for us to compare our daily life with that of some migrant or foreigner, to learn how to sympathize with their experiences and in this way discover what God is asking of us so that we can better advance on our journey to the house of the Father." Pope Francis 2025

Parent Handbook

The 2025 Parent Handbook will be accessible to all families via PAM and our new school website. It provides essential information about our school and outlines day-to-day operations to support families throughout the year.

Sports equipment

I have spoken to several students about leaving their personal sports gear (netballs, basketballs, footballs etc...) at home. While I understand the excitement of bringing new equipment to school, there is a strong possibility that it could be lost over a fence or end up on a school roof, making it unretrievable. To ensure everyone has access to quality sports gear, the school has invested in a wide range of equipment for student use this year.

New school website

We are close to launching our new school website.  Designed to keep you informed and connected, our site is easy to navigate, up to date, and user-friendly. Here, you’ll find important school information and policies, and everything you need to stay involved in your child’s learning journey. 

We’re excited to share this redesigned platform with you soon! 

Student reporting

With the launch of Magnify Sandhurst, we will be making adjustments to the way we report to families. Student portfolios will no longer be provided at the end of each term. Additionally, the Semester Student Reports will be reformatted to ensure clear and concise communication of student growth and achievement. Our goal is to provide families with a more effective and streamlined way to stay informed about their child's progress.

Parents are always welcome to meet with classroom teachers throughout the year to discuss their child's learning. We encourage open communication to ensure families stay informed and involved in their child's progress.

Additionally, Simon Everywhere will be the primary communication platform for classrooms.  All class information will be sent out via this system.

At St Monica’s, the calm and focused atmosphere in our classrooms has led to a noticeable reduction in behavioral issues during lessons, allowing our staff to effectively teach and support every child. Our students are engaged, following routines, and embracing challenges, even when tasks become difficult. 

I am incredibly proud of both our students and staff for wholeheartedly embracing these programs and adapting their teaching and learning with such enthusiasm. Having experienced these teaching methods over the past few years, it is inspiring to be part of a team working together toward a shared vision.

I encourage you to continue conversations with your children about their learning—ask them about the books they’re reading, the handwriting they’re practicing, and the mathematical concepts they’re exploring. When we all engage in the learning journey together, we help deepen their understanding and achievement.

School Advisory Council

We are seeking volunteers to be part of the School Advisory Council.  If you are interested in helping shape the direction for St Monica's Primary, please contact me in the office. 

Our first meeting is scheduled for Monday 31st March.