Principal's message

Knowledge Society

We are a week into our behaviour routines, which has seen a focus placed on student movement and voice routines, while continuing on with a cue to start, entry and exit routines. These expectations and structures are allowing all learners at St Monica's to have known and predictable routines in all learning spaces with all staff. This initiative is part of our Sandhurst Magnify journey, and it is exciting to be on board. Our learners and staff already have high expectations of routines, expectations, and learning, and this allows a refined and unified process across the school.   

Athletics Day 

Our Athletics Day was a fantastic celebration of teamwork, sportsmanship, and school spirit! Students from all year levels participated with great enthusiasm across a range of track and field events. The day provided valuable opportunities to develop gross motor skills—such as running, jumping, and throwing—as well as fine motor skills through coordination and precision. 

It was especially heartening to see our students displaying excellent sportsmanship: cheering each other on, showing respect to competitors, and celebrating each other's efforts.

A huge thank you to our staff, especially Lauren Miller, and volunteers for helping the day run smoothly, and to all the families who came along to support.

Congratulations to our age group champions and to McAuley on the being the Athletics House Champions this year.

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 from 9.05am. We will gather on the lower grassed area. Families are invited to attend and view from the raised area under the trees along the 5/6 buildings. Students are encouraged to come to school dressed as their favourite book or novel character.  All families are invited to attend.  

The Science of Learning - Save the date - Parent Opportunity

We are excited to invite parents to an upcoming session exploring the Science of Learning, presented by renowned educational neuroscientist Dr Jared Cooney Horvath.  Dr Horvath led an impactful Diocesan professional learning event earlier this year and continues to influence our Magnify learning journey.

Session will be held on: 

Monday September 1, 2025:

• Sleep, Tech and Stress

This sessions will be valuable for any parent seeking to better understand how children learn and how to support them, both academically and emotionally.

More information will be circulated to parents later in the term.

2026 Enrolments

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.

Grades 1–5 PSG Meetings

Scheduled for Thursday, September 11 and Friday, September 12

Personalised Support Group (PSG) meetings for students in Grades 1 to 5 will be held on the dates above.

If your child is scheduled for a PSG this term, you will be contacted in the coming weeks to arrange a meeting time.

REMINDER: 

Parking – Station Street 

We understand that parking on Station Street is limited and can be challenging during busy times. Bendigo Council has asked families to park legally in the allocated bays and to respect all parking signs. We also ask that families are considerate of our school community during pick-up and drop-off times, and that student safety remains the highest priority. Thank you for your continued cooperation.

Supervision Hours 

Please note - the school yard is unsupervised before 8:30am.  There are many children on the grounds prior to this time.  For the safety of your children, I am asking that they are not dropped off at school before 8:30am.

Staff Spirituality day

One final reminder to families: St Monica's will have a school closure day on Wednesday, 13th August, for staff spiritual growth. 

We thank families for making alternate arrangements on this day.