NEWSLETTER

Term 2 - 19 April 2018

St. Monica’s Primary School 20 Robinson Street

Moonee Ponds 3039

Phone (03) 9375 1132 www.stmonicasmp.catholic.edu.au

Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Anthony Feeney Principal: Mr. Peter Moore

Parish Office: Phone 9370 5035

Mass Times: Saturday 6:30pm (Vigil), Sunday 8:00am, 9:15am in Italian, 10:30am and 5:30pm

OSHP Number 0412 616 491

Faith

Hope

Love

Alleluia

Alleluia

Dear Parents and Children,

It is wonderful to see the children back at school looking

refreshed after a relaxing holiday break. It was great to meet

& greet so many happy families on Tuesday morning. I

think that the smiles of parents as they delivered the children

to school were ‘extra’ wide, but I might have been

imagining it.

Yesterday all families received a letter calling for

nominations for a vacancy on the Parish Education Board.

This important group provides support and advice to me —

advice that I greatly value. I encourage you to read the letter

carefully and see if the role resonates with you.

In 2017 we were thrilled to welcome on board Mrs Mel

Caputo as our Tuckshop Manager. The improvements Mel

implemented were celebrated by parents and students alike.

Mel has decided to hang up her manager’s badge and I am

delighted to welcome on board Mrs Kate Farmelo who will

be our new Manager. I thank Mel sincerely for her vibrancy

and commitment to the role and warmly welcome Kate.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Moore Principal

It’s really important to keep your eye on the school’s Google Calendar

online, but…

Here’s Some Important Dates For Term 2

April 19th Confirmation Workshop for Parents (Senior Building)

24th David Vinegrad Workshop for Parents (Senior

Building)

25th ANZAC Day Public Holiday

26th Parent Info Meeting for Reconciliation (Church)

27th Senior Inter School Sport Commences

28th/29th Masses this weekend: Enrolment forms for

Reconciliation and Medals will be distributed for

Confirmation

30th Bishop Terry Curtin visiting Year Sixes (Confirmation)

May 1st Parents Association Meeting 7:30pm (Staff Room)

3rd School Photos (Full Winter Uniform)

9th Mothers Day Stall

11th Mothers Day Breakfast

18th Confirmation Ceremonies 5:30pm/7:30pm

24th Reconciliation Workshop (Senior Building)

25th Cancer Council Morning Tea 9:15am (Symons Centre)

25th Foundation Performance/ Evening Production (Hall)

27th Year 4 Family Mass 5:30pm

June 8th Feast of the Sacred Heart Mass 9:15am

11th Queens Birthday Long Weekend

19th/20th/21st First Reconciliations (Church)

23rd/24th Masses—Enrolment Weekend for Eucharist

24th Year 3 Family Mass 5:30pm

28th Parent/Teacher Interviews (evening)

29th Parent/Teacher Interviews—no school (day)

Please Note: These aren’t all the dates, but some ‘highlights’

that stand out. Please continue to check the online calendar.

Helping children achieve sustained school success - by Sharon Witt

The new school year is well and truly underway and thousands of kids

(and their parents) across the country are settling in for a full year

ahead. For some children, this year marks their first step into their

school journey, while for others it is a chance for new opportunities,

friendships and educational experiences. Here are some tips to help

your child navigate the school year ahead:

1. Communicate with school Communication with the school is important in aiding a successful school year for your child, whether they have just

started at the school or have been there for several years. Familiarise yourself with your child’s class teacher. If your child

has any specific learning or behavioral issues it is important to communicate these with their teacher early on in the year.

Don’t assume that all relevant information will be passed on from previous teachers. It is well worth sending an introduc-

tory email to a new teacher outlining any information that would be helpful in relation to your child, including any strate-

gies that have been successful in the past. Far from initiating ‘red flags’, this information is actually much more helpful

for teachers than having to find out themselves. Be sure to communicate any early concerns regarding your child’s expe-

rience at school to the class teacher as soon as you become aware of them. Teachers can only deal with information you

share with them, so by all means, call or email the school and make an appointment to discuss any issues. Avoid trying to

have a serious discussion with the teacher at the beginning or end of the school day as this is often the busiest time for

teachers. Booking an appointment time is desirable unless it is an urgent matter.

2. Give organisational tools to support success Children thrive on routine and being able to visually see what is happening in the school week ahead. Creating a family

calendar, whiteboard or wall chart that is visible to your child is helpful. Include important events such as camps, sports

days and excursions. It is also helpful to set up a communication tub or tray in the home where your child can place any

notices they bring home, forms that need signing or books that need to be checked or worked on for homework. When

children have a place for things it creates an environment that supports them gaining organisation skills and increased

independence. Having a place to put their school bag each afternoon and encouraging them to empty out their lunch box

and unpack notices is important.

3. Provide support with homework

Homework can be a struggle for both your child and yourself as a parent, especially when you are exhausted at the end of

a working day. To enable your child to complete any set homework, ensure your child has a well-lit space where they can

complete tasks, with the correct tools on hand – pens, rulers, whiteout, paper, etc. (a stationery tub or set of small drawers

is helpful for the home). Prioritise time to sit with them and guide them through their homework. If homework is becom-

ing burdensome in your home and causing extra stress to your child, communicate this to their class teacher.

4. Prepare for a successful day ahead

Ensure your child gets plenty of sleep. Children should be averaging around 8 to 12 hours of sleep each night. Make sure

they have a regular bed time and stick to it wherever possible. Reading before bedtime can be a helpful way to end the

day and set the scene for a good night’s rest. The best way to set up a successful day ahead is for your child to eat a

healthy breakfast and take a nutritious and balanced lunch with them, including plenty of snacks to keep their brain fo-

cused throughout the day.

5. Make time to chat about school Keep the lines of communication open with your child. Ask them questions about their day and look for any signs that

they might be experiencing any concerns, particularly social issues. Remind your child that you are always available to

listen. At the end of dinner time each evening you could ask each family member: "What went well for you today?"

6. Assist with friendships Making and maintaining friends is an important aspect of your child’s school life. Ask your child regularly about the

friends they are making at school, who they are playing with and how they are interacting with others. Get to know your

child’s friends where possible and look for opportunities to grow your child’s social experiences, particularly if you have

a shy child. If there are social concerns at school, make sure you communicate these as early as possible to the class

teacher.

April Thursday 19th Confirmation Workshop 5.30pm and 7.00pm in the Senior Learning Centre

Friday 20th Whole School Awards Assembly - in the Church

Tuesday 24th School Tours at 2.30pm for prospective families

David Vinegrad - Restorative Practices Parent Session 7.00pm Senior Learning

Centre

Wednesday 25th ANZAC Day - Public Holiday

Thursday 26th Class Mass 9.15am - 4G

Reconciliation Information Evening

Friday 27th Interschool Sport - Year 6s

Senior Assembly Years 3 to 6 - hosted by 3B

Saturday 28th Enrolment for Reconciliation and Medal for Confirmation at Mass

Sunday 29th Enrolment for Reconciliation and Medal for Confirmation at Mass - any Mass

May Tuesday 1st Parents Association Meeting 7.30pm

Thursday 3rd School Photo Day

Friday 4th Interschool Sport - Year 6s

Junior Assembly Foundation to Years 2 - hosted by 1C

Wednesday 9th Mothers Day Stall

Parish Education Board Meeting - 7.00pm

Thursday 10th Class Mass 9.15am - 1L

Friday 11th Mothers Day Breakfast 8.00am Symons Centre

Interschool Sport - Year 6s

Junior Assembly Foundation to Years 2 - hosted by 1S

Sunday 13th Mothers Day

Monday 14th David Vinegrad - Restorative Practices Parent Session 2 - 7.00pm Senior Learning

Centre

Thursday 17th Class Mass 9.15am - 5P

Friday 18th Senior Assembly Years 3 to 6 - hosted by 4G

Confirmation Mass 5.30pm and 7.30pm

Week Beginning Monday April 16

Friday 20th Jane Padden, Karina De Giusti, Jane Henderson

Week Beginning Monday April 23

Monday 23rd Narelle Monteleone, Julia Cusack

Tuesday 24th Simona Di Natale, Jenny Lirosi/Roberto Buseddu

Wednesday 25th ANZAC Day—Public Holiday

Thursday 26th Domenic Misale, Trish Baxter, Phoebe DeMaria

Friday 27th Jodie Mahoney, Michelle Wing, Skye Palmer

Week Beginning Monday April 30

Monday 30th Aneta Spicuglia, Lisa Miller

Tuesday 1st Larissa Cole, Fiona Kennedy

Wednesday 2nd Abbey Vandeloo, Olivia McKirdy, Brooke Odlum

Thursday 3rd Margaret Caccamo, Rita Jefferies

Friday 4th Julie Durling-Landa, Annmaree Carmichael, Susie Christian, Michelle Christian

NOTICES

ICAS entries 2018 Dear parents, this is a quick reminder that ICAS entries close next Tuesday, 24th April at 4pm. Thank you

Unallocated Fee We received an on line payment on 23rd February for $1,700.00 with no surname as a reference. If you

paid this amount last term and have not yet received a receipt, please contact the school office as this may

be your payment.

School Fees First instalment school fees and levies are to be paid immediately as these are overdue and were payable by

28th February.

The second instalment fee statement will be issued next week via e-mail (where an e-mail address has been

provided) or hard copy via your child. The second fee instalment is due by 30th May. See the schedule of

fees by instalment below.

Families unable to meet their school fee commitment are to contact Mr Peter Moore or Father Tony.

Total Family Fee & Capital Cost Is $3,485 and can be paid in instalments.

Due as follows:

1st Instalment $1155 due 28th February

2nd Instalment $1165 due 30th May

3rd Instalment $1165 due 29th August

All other levies can be paid at any time throughout the year prior to the event occurring.

For your convenience our banking details are:

EFT School Banking Details Are As Follows:

St. Monica's School General Account

BSB 083 347 Account No.69868 9654

National Bank.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO INCLUDE YOUR FAMILY NAME.

NOTICES

Program Update

Dear Parents and Families, Welcome back to another school term and I hope everyone had an amazing break over the holidays. This

week we have been getting back into the footy spirit nearly every afternoon and by continuing our footy

tipping competition. At the present we have a two way "sibling battle", with Michael and Josephine

leadng the way.

We still have a large number of items in our OSHClub Lost Property at the present. Feel free to come in

and have a look if your child is missing any of their property. Lost Property is located within our OSH-

Club office, in the white cabinets. Take care,

Jess

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YOU CAN GET YOUR KIDS TENNIS LESSONS DONE WHILST THEY ARE AT AFTER-

CARE! ST. Monica’s Tennis Club Contact – Steve Riley – Club Professional

0403 433 750 or steve@rileytennis.com.au

BOOK IN FOR A FREE HOTSHOTS TENNIS LESSON Just inform your OSHClub Co-ordinator about

your tennis lesson (day & time)

OSHCLUB DROPS OFF AND PICKS UP KIDS FOR THEIR TENNIS LESSONS!!!

(Children must be booked into After Care session to be dropped off and picked up.)

OSHClub News Before School / After School Care Program

Next Week’s Activities…

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Before Care

Activities

-Poppies -Silentball

-Medal craft -Tiggy

ANZAC

DAY

-Slouch hat -Wink murder

-wreath -Chinese whispers

After Care

Activities

-Poppies

-uno -Soccer

-Goal Shooting

-Medal craft

-lego build-

ing

-Cricket

-Numbers

basketball

ANZAC

DAY

-Slouch hat

-Footy jumper creations -Running races

-Wreath

-Silent ball comp -Skipping

Parent Information

OSHC program phone: 0412 616 491 (Operating hours are from 7.15am-9.00am and 3.30pm-6.15pm)

Coordinator: Jess

Assistants: Mel, Nairy, Maddie, Andrew & Anthony

OSHClub Head Office: 03 85649000

All families must be enrolled to attend the program, remember this is Free!! Please create an account

online at www.oshclub.com.au all bookings and cancellations can also be managed via your online ac-

count. For on the day bookings please contact the Coordinator direct at the program.