Newsletter 14 May 2025

From the Acting Principal

We are blessed with a wonderful community

As we move through second term, I am continually inspired by the dedication and enthusiasm of our entire school community. Our students have been excelling in various fields, from academics to sports and the arts, and it is a joy to witness their growth and achievements. Our staff have been engaging in various professional development opportunities, and continue to go above and beyond to create rich and meaningful learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom, including social clubs, sports training sessions and assisting with community events. It is also fantastic to see so many parents involved in the school, including attending events such as the Mother’s Day breakfast, class Masses, assemblies and helping in tuckshop. How blessed we all are to be part of this fantastic community!

Learning disposition of the week

Last week and this week, the students are focusing on the school learning disposition of organisation. In Prep, students meet the character Oscar Organisation, who explores with them the skills of being ready to learn, managing time, looking after equipment, resources and the environment, and following directions straight away. Being organised is a crucial lifelong skill that benefits us all in every facet of our lives.

Signing students in and out.

A friendly reminder that students arriving late to school must be signed in at the front office before heading to class. Likewise, if a student is being picked up early, or throughout the day for an appointment, the parent must go to the office, not the classroom, to sign the student out. The student will then be called to the office with their bag. It is also helpful, where possible, to notify the class teacher that a student has an upcoming appointment. That way the teacher can ensure that the student does not miss any key learnings, experiences or assessments.

Prep Interviews for 2026.

This week and next week we are conducting our second round of interviews for 2026 Prep students. If you have a child, or know someone who is coming, or considering coming to St Monica’s for their primary schooling, please contact the school office to organise a tour and/or complete an enrolment form through the school website. We very much look forward to welcoming new students and their families to St Monica’s. Our next round of interviews will take place towards the end of this term.

Be a Preppie for a Morning

In Week 6, on Monday May 26 and Thursday May 29, children who are eligible for Prep in 2026 are warmly invited to participate in our fun and exciting ‘Be a Prep for a Morning’ sessions. They run from 9am to 10:30am in the Prep classroom and playground. All are welcome to attend. RSVP to the front office on 4691 1067.

National Simultaneous Storytime

At midday, next Wednesday the 21^st of May, all classes will join in the National Simultaneous Storytelling. This is an event held annually by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 25th successful year, this event aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6. This Year, our story is The Truck Cat, written by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by Danny Snell.

Confirmation with Bishop Ken Howell

On Friday of next week (May 23) at 6:00pm, students in sacramental program will be making their Confirmation with the Bishop of Toowoomba, Bishop Ken Howell. Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments in the Catholic Church. It is a rite of passage that strengthens a person's faith and deepens their relationship with God. During the ceremony, the bishop anoints the candidate with chrism (holy oil) and blesses them with the Holy Spirit. This is a special time in the students’ spiritual journey, and all are warmly invited to attend.

We have a new Pope!

On Friday of last week, we marked a historic moment with the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born and Augustinian Pope. His deep commitment to missionary work and service to the poor offers a powerful example of leadership rooted in humility and compassion.

He greeted the world with the words "Peace be with you all", followed by the hope filled message - “God loves us, God loves all of us, and evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Therefore, without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, let us go forward.” 

We join with Catholics the world over to pray for Pope Leo XIV that he be strengthened in his ministry preaching the Gospel message, seeing and responding to the needs of people.

Thank you for not smoking on or near school grounds

A reminder that there is no smoking permitted on the school grounds, within 10m of outdoor playgrounds (including footpaths and car park spaces), and 5m of the school boundary fences. This is in line with the laws in QLD, and we ask that all abide by them to ensure our students remain in a smoke free environment at school. 

From the Classrooms

Prep

Welcome to week 4, Term 2.  As the saying goes, time flies when your having fun. I would like to congratulate all the students for the wonderful job they did with Mass and Mother’s Day.  We worked very hard to make our gifts and cards and we hope all the mother figures enjoyed them.  I would also like to thank the Prep H parents for supporting their students when learning their lines for assembly.  We did a fantastic job, and I was very proud of everyone. Just a reminder to all parents to provide fresh fruit or vegetables for fruit break, this includes on a Friday if your child is having tuckshop. Finally, I have included a few key dates to remember for the remainder of the term.

 Wishing you a wonderful fortnight ahead. 

Year 1

This fortnight in the Year One classroom, we have been busy learning about the structure of a recount for our English unit. As a class, we worked together to identify the structure and then wrote a class recount for our focus text, 'The Listening Walk'. As a class, the students participated in a Listening Walk around the school grounds and will now individually plan and write a recount to share their experience. 

This week's Math lessons involved revisiting our 'friends of 10' using tens frames and other visual representations. We also began to explore the properties of 3D shapes.

In Science, we have been learning about the observable features of varying materials. The students enjoyed investigating different objects and manipulating them to determine what types of movements would change their appearance. Like true scientists, they recorded their observations and shared them with the class. 

Year 2

What a busy fortnight we have had in Year 2!! We have been busy practicing our assembly this week which is all about the Golden Rule. We are so excited to share our reading parts and do our fun dances for everyone.

In English, we started our unit by learning where everyone was born and where our families grew up. It was so interesting to learn about where everyone’s ancestors grew up!

In Maths, we have been learning all about how to read and write 3-digit numbers. We have also been focusing on repeated halving with objects and numbers!

This week we have also started our reading tests. It is so exciting seeing how much growth we have all made in just a term!

Just a reminder that new DRA logins were sent home this week. DRA is a great online platform to practice reading and sounds at home! If you have any problems or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Until next time,

Lauren Grant

Year 3

In Maths, the Year 3 students have been investigating number lines and using them to order large numbers. They used smaller numbers as they explored the use of increments to help space out the numbers, ensuring we were estimating and not just guessing. They then used this knowledge and applied it to larger numbers. There were some great conversations that challenged peoples thinking on the way to success.

A reminder that next Friday, the Year 3 class will be presenting on assembly on Mary, Our Lady Help of Christians, Feast Day. Students have received their scripts and are encouraged to practice it daily to build up confidence and fluency. Parents are invited to attend the assembly presentation next Friday morning. 

Year 4

Can you believe Week 4 is almost over? We have certainly had a busy few weeks. Next week, the Year 4s, along with the rest of the school, will participate in National Simultaneous Storytelling. This engaging activity promotes the value of reading.

Over the past few weeks (and into next week), I have been testing the students' reading levels and have been impressed with the growth they have shown in their reading and comprehension skills. We will also be completing our whole school spelling tests. During this time, it is important to remember to have plenty of rest and healthy food choices. It can be difficult to complete tasks successfully if our bodies are not well-rested and don’t have the fuel we need.

Don't forget your child’s sentence writing homework and brain teaser are due back at school every Thursday, and online homework needs to be completed by Friday. Homework is an important task to help your child revise the important concepts already learnt. If your child is having difficulty completing their homework, Mrs Malone offers a homework club every Thursday morning from 8am.

God Bless and have a great week.

Year 5M

Term 2 is off to a fantastic start in 5M!

In English, we’ve been exploring procedural texts. Using their Aussie knowledge, students crafted a recipe for fairy bread, then followed their own instructions, step by step, to make and enjoy it. This hands-on approach helped highlight the importance of clear and precise language when writing directions.

In Humanities, we’ve been diving into the history of the Australian Gold Rush. Did you know the largest gold nugget ever found weighed a staggering 72 kilograms? It was discovered in Victoria in 1869—an incredible moment in history!

For Health, we’ve been learning about the "monkey mind"—the part of our brain that signals danger but can sometimes lead to anxiety, overthinking, and self-doubt. We've explored ways to manage it, including good sleep, exercise, positive thinking, visualization, and maintaining a growth mindset.

Lastly, a quick reminder: please turn in your camp behavior agreements if you haven’t already.

Year 5R

Welcome to Term 2, 5R!

Welcome back to another exciting term at our wonderful school! I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable break, and are ready to dive into the fantastic learning adventures we have planned for Term 2.

In our literacy studies, we will be focusing on using and writing procedures. Get ready to become experts at giving clear instructions and following them to achieve great results! We will also be discovering historical recounts, where we will explore fascinating stories from the past and learn how to recount them in our own words.

Our Mathematics lessons will continue to build on our understanding of key concepts. We will be working together to solve problems, think critically, and develop our mathematical skills. Collaboration will be key as we help each other learn and grow.

In Science, we will be exploring the intriguing topic - 'What is Matter?' Through hands-on experiments and investigations, we will discover the properties of different materials and how they interact with each other. It's going to be a term full of curiosity and discovery!

We will also be delving into the history of our great nation by discovering significant events that have made Australia 'The Lucky Country'. From the Gold Rush to the ANZAC spirit, we will learn about the moments that have shaped our country and made it the wonderful place it is today.

Throughout all our subjects, we will be having fun, working together, and expanding our curiosity. Let's make this term a memorable one filled with learning, laughter, and growth.

Looking forward to a fantastic Term 2 with you all!

Year 6

Welcome to Week 4. We have certainly been busy in Year 6!

The Year 6 students were invited to enter an artwork into the art competition for the Hampton Arts Festival this weekend. A big thank you to Mrs Conneely for helping us create some amazing artworks on the theme of ‘Peace’. This ties in really well with the novel we are studying in English this term.  ‘Boy Overboard’ is a novel about family, refugee displacement and having hope and faith. It is a great read for all ages. We have Mass on Thursday for St Isidore the Farmer, patron saint of farmers and labourers. Please remind students about the proper wearing of the school uniform. As leaders, badges need to be worn, as well as the appropriate shoes and socks for either formal or sports uniforms. Have a great week!

From Music

Members of our school choir have been busily preparing for their performance at Dalby Eisteddfod on Thursday 12th June at 9:30am. Parents are welcome to attend as audience members. A permission note will be sent home in the near future. 

Next Friday May 23rd, our school choir will perform a couple of their items as part of weekly assembly. This is a fabulous chance to perform in front of an audience prior to the Eisteddfod. Parents are warmly welcome

Library

Sports News

Be Well at St Monica's

Wula Wula Wadgi

The indigenous lunch group today looked at the Aboriginal flag. The students learnt that the Black is the top and represents the people and the vastness of Australia.

The red is on the bottom half and represents the land and their spiritual connection to the land. The yellow is for the sun, our constant source of renewal for all.  Then we made Aboriginal flag biscuits which we enjoyed.

Today's new aboriginal greeting is from the Gudang People of Cape York area in north Queensland. 

From the P&F

Tuckshop Helpers
We are currently seeking extra tuckshop helpers for 23rd and the 30th May.  The shift normally goes from 8:30am - 2pm, however, if you can spare even a few hours for a split shift please let us know.  There is plenty of guidance if you haven’t done it before.  

We encourage all Mums, Dads, Grandparents, family and friends to volunteer as it is a great opportunity to meet other parents and make new friendships.  The smile on the students’ faces is also a wonderful reward.
If you can help out, please get in contact with the school office as soon as possible.    

Look what the P&F have achieved! 

This year, the P&F have generously bought for the school, 30 new desks and 2 classroom surround sound speakers. Being able to purchase items like this for our school benefits all our students. We have also provided busses for all the Term 1 and 2 excursions and sporting events. Thank you to everyone who has worked at our school P&F BBQs and events, and bought tickets to P&F trivia nights, ordered from the pie drive, worked at the tuckshop etc to raise this money. By working together, we can ensure that our students have every opportunity.

We are always looking for new members, so please come along to our next P&F Meeting or let the front office know if you are keen to assist or get involved. Many hands make light work.

Uniforms

School uniforms are now available at School Locker online theschoollocker.com.au 

Research has shown that one of the real advantages of an education at a Catholic School is that a special and unique pride is developed. One significant way to foster such pride is the enforcement of strict uniform guidelines.  All children are expected to wear the school uniform as listed below:

School Uniform - Years 1 to 6

Girls – Formal - Monday, Wednesday & Thursday

• St Monica’s School Dress Uniform
• Dress: Pattern, Sutton no 346(B)
• Dress: Fabric, Check 8021
• Collar: Cesarella 1301, Zip: Birch 265 Bottle Green
• St Monica’s School green school bucket hat
• Short white socks – (no ankle socks)
• All black shoes – may be leather or jogger.

Girls – Sports - Tuesday and Friday

• St Monica’s School Sports Shirt Yr.1 to Yr.5
• St Monica’s School Leader Shirt Year 6
• St Monica’s School Navy Blue Skort
• St Monica’s School green school bucket hat
  
• Short white socks
• White sandshoes/joggers

Winter Variation

• As Above
• St Monica’s School Bottle Green Fleecy Pullover with embroidered crest
• Green fleecy track pants with sports uniform only.
• Navy Blue Tights (optional)

Boys – Formal - Monday, Wednesday & Thursday

• St Monica’s School Dress Shirt with tartan collar
• Shirt: Pattern, Simplicity 5581
• Fabric: Bottle Green Poplin 8021
• Shorts: Navy Blue Long Shorts (Ruggers)
• St Monica’s School green school bucket hat
  
• Short navy-blue socks – (no ankle socks)
• All black shoes – May be leather or jogger.

Boys – Sports - Tuesday & Friday

• St Monica’s School Sports Shirt Yr. 1 to Yr. 5
• St Monica’s School Leader Shirt Year 6
• St Monica’s School Navy Blue Shorts (Stubbies)
• St Monica’s School green school bucket hat
  
• Short white socks
• White sandshoes/joggers

Winter Variation

As Above

• St Monica’s school Bottle Green Fleecy pullover with embroidered crest
• Green fleecy track pants with sports uniform only.
• Long navy-blue pants - Ruggers – Formal uniform (optional)
  

It is expected that the correct and clean school uniform will be worn at all times.  A school uniform can help instil in the students a sense of pride and identity. It also signifies unity and equality.

Prep students wear the sports uniform 5 days per week – Monday to Friday

All Students

Hair:             Collar length hair or longer must be tied back with a green band or green ribbon. Natural hair colour is expected. Rat’s tails and tracks are not permitted.

Earrings:             Girls: Sleepers and plain studs are the only acceptable earrings.

                                Boys: No earrings.

Other:                   Clearly mark all clothing with your child’s name.

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