News and Info 

3/4 Excursion - Bendigo 

Last week out 3/4 Unit went on an excursion around Bendigo to align with our Term 4 Inquiry unit, 'Celebrations and Commemorations'. They visited the Golden Dragon Museum, Bendigo Military Museum, Sacred Heart Cathedral and Rosalind Park. It was a wonderful sunny day!

3/4T

Australian Mathematics Competition 

Congratulations to students who participated in the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) this year! Certificates of proficiency and credit were presented at assembly last week with distinctions going to Darby L and George. S!

This prestigious event challenges students with complex problems that test their mathematical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, and we are incredibly proud of everyone who took part. A special thank you to Mr Feeney for your guidance and support throughout the preparation process. We look forward to celebrating continued success and learning in mathematics!

Important Health Updates

We have been made aware of a small number of cases of chickenpox (shingles) and nits within our school community. Please take note of the following information regarding the exclusion periods for both conditions, in line with the guidelines set by the Victorian Department of Health.

Chickenpox (Shingles)

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause an itchy rash with fluid-filled blisters. While chickenpox and shingles are related, shingles usually affects adults or older children who have had chickenpox in the past. If your child is diagnosed with chickenpox, they must remain at home until all lesions have crusted over. This usually takes about 5–7 days from the onset of the rash.

Exclusion Period for Chickenpox:

• Until all blisters have crusted over, generally 5–7 days after the rash starts.
• Shingles: Children with shingles should also stay home until the rash has crusted over to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

Nits (Head Lice)

Nits are the eggs of head lice, which are tiny parasitic insects that live on the scalp. While head lice are common, they are not considered a health risk, but they can spread easily, especially in close contact environments like schools.

Exclusion Period for Nits:

• Children with nits are not required to be excluded from school unless live lice are detected.
• However, we encourage parents to treat head lice promptly, and children should return to school once effective treatment has begun.

Primary School Fee Concessions 2025

Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd (CESL) is pleased to inform Primary School families holding a valid Health Care Card (HCC) that you are eligible for a significant reduction in school fees for the upcoming year including all fees and levies. The discount will be automatically applied to your school fee account once you provide a copy of your HCC to the school office, complete a CSEF form, and set up a direct debit arrangement. If you've already submitted your HCC, completed the CSEF form, and have a direct debit in place, no further action is needed — the discount will be applied automatically.

We understand that many families have varying circumstances and in response to the rising cost of living expenses, we are committed to supporting those who need additional assistance.

Please be assured that this support is provided to ensure all students have the opportunity to thrive in our school community. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact the school office.

School Saving Bonus 2025

The following is information as provided by the Victorian Government as at 28/10/2024 and is subject to change.  All details are on the education.vic.gov.au website – click below.

School Saving Bonus Policy - Victorian Government Information

Summary

• The School Saving Bonus is a one-off $400 support for non-government school students who are enrolled in Prep to Year 12 in 2025 as at 18 October 2024 and who are receiving the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) in 2024.
• The School Saving Bonus is provided to help with the costs of uniforms, textbooks and school activities (including camps, excursions and incursions).
• The School Saving Bonus will be provided to schools and families in late Term 4, 2024. Payment date has yet to be confirmed.

School Saving Bonus eligibility

Non-government school students receiving a payment from the means-tested Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) in 2024 are eligible for additional support through the School Saving Bonus. There is no application required for non-government school students to receive the bonus.

Non-government schools will receive funding based on the number of families eligible for the CSEF in November 2024, and are responsible for managing the distribution of funds to eligible students to assist with 2025 education costs.

Refer to Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund for further information on eligibility criteria and the application process for access to the CSEF.

Actions for parents and carers 

Ensure your contact information is up to date with your school. Please email or see the office with any changes as soon as possible. 

See letter below from Jacinta Allen - Premier of Victoria

Parent Notified Absence 

If your child is going to be away, please remember to do a parent notified absence on Simon Everywhere App/PAM or phone the school office (even if you have mentioned the upcoming absence to the classroom teacher). If you are going to be away on a Friday and have placed a lunch order please let us know to cancel your order. 

If you need any assistance setting getting SimonEverywhere on your phone or logging in please see the office. 

We often send reminders via push notifications so if you would like to receive these please make sure your notifications are turned on for SimonEverywhere App. 

Hats 

We are a SunSmart School and hats will be compulsory for outside play in Term 4. 

Please make sure a clearly named hat comes to school and is kept at school or in your child's bag. 

If you need to purchase a new hat please click the link below to order through CDF Pay or pop into the uniform shop on Thursday afternoons or Tuesday mornings.

Fresh Fruit Friday

Thank you to Mckern Steel Foundation for our weekly delivery of fresh fruit. 

Canteen

Our last canteen day for 2024 will be Friday the 6th November 

Orders must be placed by 9am Thursday Morning on CDF pay or cash in lunch order bag and lunch order bags placed in class tub. 

Please note: the office cannot accept late orders over the phone. 

Absent on lunch order day 

If your child is going to to be away on a Friday and you have ordered a lunch order please call or email the office by 9.30am on Friday to notify of absence and to hold lunch order. 

Absences are not automatically communicated to the canteen so lunch orders get made and will be wasted.

Please remember to supply a lunch order bag/container when you place a lunch order. Students place these bags in the lunch order tub in the classroom by 9am Thursdays and their lunch order will be packed in it on Friday. Please make sure it is clearly labeled with students name and class. 

Lunch order wallets are available through the Uniform Shop for $12.

Uniform 

Term 3 is Winter uniform. 

Football/Netball Club hoodies are not part of our uniform. Please do not wear them to school. 

There are lots of bomber jackets in lost property both at school and YMCA after school care. Please check lost property and be sure to label uniform items clearly so they can be returned to owners. 

School Phone Numbers

It has been noted that calls from the school number are often coming up as unknown and are therefore going unanswered.

Please add both of these numbers to your contacts in some way to be St Monica's

(03) 5447 7832 and (03) 4433 2719.