Principal's message

Dear Families,

Welcome back to Term 3! I hope the school holidays provided a chance for some rest, reflection, and a break from the usual routines. It’s been wonderful to see the energy and enthusiasm as students return, ready for another term of learning and growth.

Term 3 is often a time of real momentum in schools. Routines are well established, relationships are strong, and both staff and students are able to dig deep into rich learning experiences. We have plenty to look forward to this term — from athletics and Father's Day celebrations to to classroom projects and St Monica's Feast Day.

Thank you for your ongoing support and for the many ways you contribute to the life of our school. We’re excited about the journey ahead this term and all it will bring.

Learning Conversations 

As an important part of our Assessment and Reporting Policy, these conversations provide a valuable opportunity for families to celebrate the wonderful progress their children are making.  If you haven’t yet booked a time, please take a moment to make an appointment online through Simon Everywhere.

NAPLAN (Years 3 & 5)

Hard copies of 2025 NAPLAN results will be available today and sent home with your child. Please check their bags.

Pupil Free Days

The remaining Pupil Free Days for this term are - Friday 1 August (Learning Conversations) and Wednesday August 13 (Staff Spirituality Day).

Please note that Wednesday August 13 will be a Pupil Free Day for all Catholic Education Sandhurst Limited (CESL) schools across the Diocese including St Monica's.

This day has been set aside for our Staff Spirituality Day, a significant opportunity for all staff to come together in reflection, formation, and renewal of our shared mission in Catholic education.

Athletics

St Monica's Athletics carnival will be held on Friday 8th August @ the Flora Hill Athletics Track.  All students are encouraged to wear their house colours on the day to support their team. 

Any parents able to assist on the day can find further information and a sign up sheet in the Sports section of the newsletter.

School Advisory Council

Our next School Advisory Council meeting will be held on Tuesday August 19.  We thank our Council members for their ongoing commitment and contribution to the life and direction of our school community.

Book Week

Book Week 2025 will be held from August 15-23 with the theme 'Book an Adventure.'  

Our Annual Book Week Parade will be held on Monday 18th (Time TBC) in the school grounds.  Students are encouraged to come to school dressed as their favourite book or novel character.  All families are invited to attend.  

CESL Magnify Podcasts 

If you haven't already listened to any CESL podcasts, I encourage you to take the time to listen to the following podcast... 

From the rollout of evidence-informed programs like MultiLit, Ochre and Classroom Mastery to the introduction of Steplab and the new Source of Life curriculum, this episode unpacks what’s working, what’s changing and what’s coming next.

2026 Enrolment

We are beginning the planning for 2026 school set up and would appreciate families, who may be leaving St Monica's, to let us know as soon as possible.  This advanced notice supports not only our organisation for 2026 but the transition of students to other settings. 

Our Foundation 2026 enrolments are being finalised at the moment with interviews taking place this term.

REMINDER: Parking – Station Street

We understand that parking around St Monica’s can be difficult, particularly during drop-off and pick-up times. However, it’s important to keep the designated Disability Parking spaces on Station Street (in front of the school) available for those who genuinely need them. These spaces are used by school staff, families, and St Monica’s Parishioners with valid permits. We kindly ask that only those with the appropriate permits use these spots, to ensure access and support for all members of our community.

With the commencement of Term 3, our service would like to remind the school community to ensure that school parents are adhering to speed limits and safe parking during school drop off and pick up times.

Our school crossing supervisors continue to report concerning driving behaviour and illegal parking being performed by parents and carers around schools during these peak periods. The message our service continues to promote is that ‘road safety is everyone’s responsibility’. This is particularly important around primary schools. The driving behaviours children witness today will shape their driving habits in the future. Setting the right example is crucial.

Jenny Tobin

Acting Community Services Senior Coordinator