Principal message
Dear community of St Monica’s,
Welcome back to term 2. We are blessed to be surrounded by our beautiful Autumn colours around our school yard. We are well prepared for the events of term 2 including our school review. Monday staff unpacked the nine domains against which we will identify future plans. The nine domains are:
- An explicit improvement agenda
- Analysis and discussion of data
- A culture that promotes learning
- Targeted use of school resources
- An expert teaching team
- Systematic curriculum delivery
- Differentiated teaching and learning
- Effective pedagogical practices
- School community partnerships
The review is a wonderful opportunity to set up our new strategic direction and I invite parents to sign up for the parent session on Tuesday 23rd May at 2.45-3.15 so if you are available we would love to have you here.
Volunteering opportunities
There are a number of events that will require family support this term. We will have a sign up session on Monday morning after assembly. If you can come and chat about how you can become involved we would love to see you. If you are unable to be here in person you may like to sign up online. There are a number of places to do this. See the P&F page for how you can support Mother's Day events.
Canteen volunteers can sign up on the parents and friends page.
We are also looking for new members to join the School Advisory Council. If you have one evening a term that you could spare to attend a meeting we would love to have you. The next meeting is on Tuesday 2nd June at 6.30 in the staffroom.
If you are a current prep parent and would like to attend a meeting to provide feedback regarding our transition program please come on Monday morning in the staffroom as we will have an opportunity for feedback at this session. We are also looking for a parent to attend the prep information night on Monday 8th May to answer any questions new parents may have from a parent perspective. You can sign up at the link below.
https://signup.com/go/BgHVBbm https://signup.com/go/NeajeTh
https://signup.com/go/XiHbUUQ https://signup.com/go/yHyQHpH
Catholic Education week/enrolments open
You may have seen and heard the advertisements for Catholic education on the tv and on the radio this week. This is due to the fact that enrolments are now open for Catholic schools. If you are intending to enrol your child please complete the forms found on the school website. If you know of anyone wanting a place next year in prep please direct them to our school website.
Uniform update
As you are aware there have been some major delays in uniform supplies. Our suppliers have been held up by a number of factors and we only now have uniforms trickling in. We are working behind the scenes to improve this situation and hopefully we can get our uniforms back on track. Apologies for the inconvenience this has caused and the disruption to your family.
Oval update
During the holidays I met with a a company called Nature Play to discuss our plans for the oval. They will get back to me in the next few weeks with a concrete plan and timeline.
Welcome new families
We welcome a number of new families to St Monica's this term and if you see a new face please say hello.
FIRE covenant
Lauren Adcock will be working closely with CES Indigenous officers to put into action our FIRE covenant. Look out for information on how you can help this program.
Staff news
Nicole K will commence her maternity leave on Thursday 4th May.
Rachelle C (3/4CT) will commence her maternity leave on Wednesday 31st May. Kim Townrow will work 4 days and Sue Ellen Warren will teach on the fifth day.
Sacramental program
Our sacramental program starts this term in year 3/4. All of our students participate in the program as part of their Religious education classes. Families of candidates for the sacrament are invited to attend the Sacramental formation night on Wed 3rd . See RE page for further information
Student achievements
Congratulation to Miley B who competed in the 50m Butterfly and 50m Backstroke at the State swimming championships today. What an amazing achievement!
Next week we have 80 students from grades 3 - 6 competing in the Division Cross Country event at the Bendigo Racecourse. We wish them all the best of luck.
Reflection
Presence
When I come into your presence, O Lord, I know I am in the presence of my Creator. You created me out of Love. You even know the number of hairs on my head. Your presence, O Lord, is the greatest of all.
Freedom
If God were trying to tell me something, would I know? If God were reassuring me or challenging me, would I notice? I ask for the grace to be free of my own preoccupations and open to what God may be saying to me.
Consciousness
Knowing that God loves me unconditionally, I look honestly over the last day, its events and my feelings. Do I have something to be grateful for? Then I give thanks. Is there something I am sorry for? Then I ask forgiveness.
Ms Fiona Dearn
Principal
