St Monica's Primary North Parramatta Newsletter

Term 1 Week 6 2021

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Last Sunday’s Gospel portrays the scene of the Transfiguration.  It was an experience shrouded in mystery and difficult to capture in words.  The Gospel of the Transfiguration reveals to us the importance of having a group identity. The two ancestors of Jesus’ kinship, Moses and Elijah, represent two important pillars of a faith community - the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah). As we move further into our Lenten journey let us reflect on our identity in our Christian faith community and ways in which we can deepen this understanding of our kinship in Christ. 

At St Monica’s, we have a strong sense of community and belonging. Our Christian, parish community helps us to build our connection to Jesus and his mission. Our recent Parent Involvement Committee meeting, where so many parents responded by sharing a common mission to create opportunities for our children is one such example of how our community strengthens that identity of service and belonging.

This week, our teachers have met with many parents and students to discuss their goals in reading and multiplicative thinking. If you were unable to meet this week, please reach out via the school office email and your child’s teacher will contact you to arrange a goal-setting conference with you and your child.

Next week is Catholic Schools Week, where we celebrate and acknowledge the contribution Catholic education has made, and continues to make, in the lives of our children at St Monica’s.  We would like to invite you to join us virtually for a Catholic Schools Week Liturgy, on Thursday 11 March at 1pm, streamed live on YouTube.  We look forward to welcoming parents and carers back to St Monica’s in the near future, once restrictions are lifted further.

Please pass on to family and friends that our Open Day Tours for prospective families are on Thursday 11 March at 3:30pm and 4:15pm. Registration of attendance is needed via our school website. 

As we continue to follow our Lenten journey, may the Spirit of Jesus be with us as we transform our lives and our world.

Lisa Crampton
Principal

Qkr! app for cashless purchases is here!!

Parents are advised that the school is no longer able to accept cash. All payments to the school will now be accepted via the Qkr! app.

Introducing Qkr! (pronounced 'quicker') by Mastercard, the secure and easy way to order and pay for school items from your phone at a time and place that suits you.

Please follow the instructions carefully when downloading the Qkr! app.   

Parents are requested to download the Qkr! app in readiness for our Fun Food Day which will be held on Friday 19 March (Week 8).  Cash will not be accepted as payment for the Fun Food Day. More details to come.

Instructions to download the Qkr! app can be found here.

How to access the school Google calendar

To keep informed of upcoming events, parents may subscribe to the School Google calendar.  The Google calendar will be the primary source of information about school dates in the future.

Go to our School Website and scroll to the bottom of the calendar.

Click  “subscribe" near Parent Calendar.

2022 Kindergarten Enrolments are now open

Kindergarten 2022 Enrolment Application packs are available from the school office.  Enrolment Forms must be submitted by Wednesday 31 March 2021.

Kindly let your family and friends know that we are now accepting enrolments for Kindergarten next year.

Enrolment Forms may also be downloaded from our  website www.stmonicasparra.catholic.edu.au

Due to COVID-19 restrictions , completed Enrolment Applications, together with all supporting documentation, may be emailed to the school email address stmonicasnparra@parra.catholic.edu.au

Please note that the original Enrolment Application, together with original supporting documentation, will need to be submitted at a later date.

Our Open Day for prospective families will be held on Thursday 11 March 2021.

There will be two school tours for families: 

  • 3:30pm-4:00pm 
  • 4:15pm-4:45pm

Please note that due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 2 members per family may attend the toursBookings are required

Please register your attendance at the school tours:  schoolinterviews.com.au and use the code f7vfe

Reviews of our School

Families looking to enrol at St Monica’s always look at Google, or our Website and Facebook page.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could add a Review on our Facebook page and/or Google, highlighting a positive aspect of our community

St Monica’s is certainly a beautiful community to be part of and we would love to see your affirmations. 

Facebook Review

Google Review

Mrs Mary-Anne Stenning

Assistant Principal

Goal Setting Conferences Reminder

Goal Setting Conferences for students in Years 2-6 are continuing this week. 

A reminder that Year 1 Conferences will commence in Week 7 (starting Monday 8 March). 

Kindergarten parents will be notified shortly regarding booking Conferences for their children later in the term. 

Sacramental Information 2021

Sacrament of Confirmation (students in Year 5 or older)

These dates were published in the newsletter in Term 1, Week 2. Registration has already taken place in February. 

Sacrament of First Holy Communion (students in Year 4 or older)  

  • Registration: 29th/30th May
  • Lessons: 8th June - 14th August
  • Sacrament: 22nd August

Sacrament of Reconciliation (students in Year 3 or older)  

  • Registration: 31st July/1st August
  • Lessons: 17th August - 31st October
  • Sacrament: 3rd, 4th OR 5th November

Please note: These dates are subject to change and will be confirmed in the Parish Bulletin at a time closer to the weekend for registration. 

For all enquiries please contact stmonicasacraments@gmail.com

RCIA 

Are you or your child interested in becoming a Catholic? Adults and children (7 years or older) are invited to become part of the Catholic Church through receiving the Sacrament of Baptism as part of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Depending upon the age of the child, they can also participate in the relevant Sacraments for their age. This will take place later in the year.
Please email Mr Baker via the school office to register your interest: stmonicasnparra@parra.catholic.edu.au

Sacrament of Reconciliation for Students in Year 4 or above: 

Due to COVID-19, some students may not have completed the Sacrament of Reconciliation in 2020 for various reasons. 

For students who are in Year 4 or above who wish to complete the Sacrament of Holy Communion this year and HAVE NOT COMPLETED the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please email Mr Baker via the school office stmonicasnparra@parra.catholic.edu.au as soon as possible to register your interest in catching up on Reconciliation before the Holy Communion dates.

Thank you to those parents who have already contacted Mr Baker.

Project Compassion Boxes

Dear Parents,

To make it easier for the Parish to provide you with a receipt, please return your Project Compassion boxes to the Church when you attend Mass at Easter.  You may also return the boxes to school in the first week of Term 2. 

Mr Andrew Baker
Religious Education Co-ordinator

Mothers' Day Helpers

Thank you to the many parent helpers who have volunteered to assist with Mothers' Day this year.  Thank you to also Victoria Elias who has offered to co-ordinate the Mothers' Day event.  Parents will be contacted shortly with more details.   Thank you!

School Fees

School fees have now been issued to your mailing address.

Flexible Payment Plan (Direct Debit) is offered with your first instalment. For those families that do not accept Flexible Payment Plan, your first instalment payment is due on 17th March 2021.

Any families that haven't received their first Invoice are requested to contact Mrs Lata Rebello in the school office on 8832 4100. 

Mrs Lata Rebello
Senior Finance Officer

Busways - School Bus 5007 AM Service

Consultation Period – 01/03/2021 to 12/03/2021

Dear Parents and Students.
Busways are in the process of reviewing selected bus services in your area, and as a result we are proposing some changes to the school bus service as detailed below.

Morning School Bus 5007 will no longer operate to St Monica’s Primary School.

There will be no further changes to School Bus 4003.

Please provide your feedback on the above proposed services by emailing infoline@busways.com.au or by contacting Busways Customer Service on 1300 692 929.
Busways Blacktown Pty Ltd

Scholastic Book Fair - 8th-10th March (Week 7)

To celebrate Catholic Schools Week, St Monica’s will be holding a Scholastic Book Fair. 

There will be a wonderful selection of books for families to purchase - with every sale contributing to the purchase of new reading and learning resources for our school!

A newsletter with online payment details has been sent home with each family this week but CASH will also be accepted from students wishing to purchase books themselves at school next Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday

Students will  be able to “sneak-peek” walk-through of the book fair for a preview this FRIDAY - 5th MARCH.

 From this they can bring home a “wish-list” of books that they are interested in.

Keep an eye out for photos of the available books and their prices on our Skoolbag app for parents/carers and their children to look at together over the weekend before the book fair begins on Monday 8 March. 

Mrs Rita Davino
Teachers' Assistant / Library Assistant

Merit Awards

Congratulations to the following students who have recently received Merit Awards!


Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten)Charlize A, Anaira B, Josip D, Samuel S
Year 1Oliver C, Noah D, Matina H, Giada L, Will M, Lottie S, Sam D
Year 2Noah A, Olive D, Hugh G, Maxine I, Elyse P, Christos C, Alexandra C, Oceann G, Evangeline H, Caesar M
Stage 2Mariah B, Juo C, Amelia C, Mathew D, Atticus S, Lydia S, Zachary D, Elijah E, Olivia C
Stage 3Gabriela A, Helen E, L'Lysse P, Sara Y, Riana A, Ava C, William P, Alicia Y


PRC - any volunteers?

Parramatta Diocesan Swimming Carnival

Congratulations to the following students who will participate in the 2021 Parramatta Diocesan Swimming Carnival which will be held on Tuesday 9 March at the Blacktown Aquatic Centre. 

Lucas A      Bai Rui Z
Alessia L    William P
Pare N       Ashton D
James A     Aiden F
Liam F       Braxton C

We wish you all the best of luck!

Student Absence Requirements

NSW Health and CEDP have issued us with further guidelines and restrictions to ensure the health and safety of our students, staff and Community.

A standard email will be sent to all families who have children absent from school. 

If your child is absent from school, one of the following must be done BEFORE they may return to school: 

If they displayed flu-like symptoms during their absence or were sent home with flu-like symptoms:

Return a negative COVID-19 test and be symptom free.   Provide us with a copy of the NSW Health or COVID-19 Testing Centre correspondence (e.g. SMS screenshot or email).

If they were suffering from a medical condition without flu-like symptoms:

Provide us with a Medical Certificate or Letter from a Medical Practitioner, clearly detailing medical condition and clearance to return to school.

If they were absent due to a non-medical reason:

Provide us with a detailed description of the absence.

If they were absent due to ongoing medical symptoms

  • In circumstances where children have other medical reasons for recurring symptoms, a letter from their treating doctor is sufficient to negate the requirement for a negative COVID-19 test. 


Thank you for your support and understanding as we continue to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community.


LIBRARY TIMES
MondayYear 1Morning & Recess
WednesdayStage 2Morning & Recess
ThursdayES1Morning & Lunch
Friday 

Stage 3

Year 2

Morning

Lunch

Morning Borrowing from 8.30am - 8.50am

Students who want to borrow will go upstairs with Mrs Davino at 8.30am.

Please encourage your children to come & visit the library (located at the back of Stage 3) during their class’s borrowing time.  

We have a great range of books to borrow and a “class bee” is given when books are borrowed and then another when it’s returned!

Our library monitors & Mrs Davino are in the library during these borrowing times to help any students.

The St Monica’s message bag or a material/cloth bag can be used to protect borrowed books.

Mrs Rita Davino
Teachers' Assistant / Library Assistant

Bookworm of the Term

Each term we will be looking for the student in each class/stage who borrows & reads the most books from the library.

That student will be crowned the “Bookworm of the Term”

These students will win a prize and have their name & face displayed on our Bookworm Farm in the Library.

Mrs Rita Davino
Teachers' Assistant / Library Assistant

Term 1 - Ice Blocks

A reminder that Ice Blocks are on sale at lunchtime during Term 1.

Zooper Doopers (Monday - Thursday)          50c each  

Icy Poles  (Fridays)                                            $1 each 

Sympathy

Sympathy is extended to Miss Jowelle Chahine (ES1 teacher) on the recent passing of her grandmother.   

Sympathy is also extended to the Abi-Daher family, (Noah, Year 2) on the passing of Noah's great grandmother. 

Please keep Miss Chahine and her family  and the Abi-Daher family in your thoughts and prayers at this sad time in their lives.


Early Arrivals

Parents are reminded that morning supervision commences at 8:20am
Students ARE NOT supervised before this time.
It has been noticed that a number of students have been arriving at school well before 8:20am. 

If you need your child/ren supervised before this time, please contact COSHC.  (Details below)

Phone: 0429 990 179
Email:  COSHCStMonicasParra@parra.catholic.edu.au  
Morning 6:45am to 8:45am            Afternoon 3:00pm to 6:30pm

NO SHARING OF FOOD

We remind students that there is NO SHARING OF FOOD at St Monica's. 
Parents are requested to please send only healthy food options for your children to eat at recess and lunch. 

Chocolates, lollies and lollipops are treats for home and should not be sent to school.

Thank you for your support. 

Please LABEL everything!

Please ensure that every item of your child's clothing, lunch boxes and drink bottles etc have a clearly marked name label.

It is easy to return items that are clearly marked with a child’s name. 

We thank you in advance for your support. 

Water bottles

Please ensure your child has a water bottle every day
As the bubblers are not in use, it is most important that students bring at least one bottle of water each day so that they are not dehydrated.

NO glass bottles please.

PBS4L Reward System at St Monica’s

 “We are SAFE, RESPECTFUL LEARNERS”

CLASS JARS: Students are continuing to work hard in class to earn "bees" from teachers acknowledging the appropriate behaviour they see. 

 Each grade/stage is rewarded with a fun classroom game or an extra 5 minutes of play as soon as they fill their class jar with these green bees.

Students encourage each other to contribute to the class jar so a whole class reward can be enjoyed 

 Bees are given out freely and frequently so students can contribute to and enjoy a whole class reward often.

Bees can also be earned in the library when borrowing & returning books and even when students visit the office and display respectful behaviour.

The grade/stage is rewarded as soon as they fill the jar 

Some of the class rewards that can be earned are:

  • 5 minutes early playtime at lunch
  • 5 minute game of Heads Down,Thumbs Up 
  • 5 minutes free choice sport
  • 5 minute game of 4 Corners/ Kahoot

PLAYGROUND CASES: Safe, respectful playground behaviour is also acknowledged with a white “bee” given out by teachers. 

Students place these bees into the class boxes in the playground which are then closely monitored by students to see who will be the next winner and what fun activity they will get to enjoy

Some great ideas for reward time might be

crazy sock day/jersey day/crazy hat day/class party/movie afternoon

CONGRATULATIONS to STAGE 3 - this week’s winners of the Playground reward!!      Stage 3 will choose their reward shortly!

Mrs Rita Davino on behalf of the PBS4L Committee

Our Lady of Mercy College Parramatta Open Day Sunday 7 March




You are warmly invited to the OLMC Parramatta Open Day on Sunday 7 March from 10am – 2pm.

Discover how OLMC is transforming learning and meet the new College Principal, Ms Lucie Farrugia.

Register for Open Day at www.olmc.nsw.edu.au

Emails

For all urgent enquiries, please contact the school office on 8832 4100 or stmonicasnparra@parra.catholic.edu.au as teachers do not always access their emails during the day. 
Please do not email teachers directly unless it is a specific enquiry related to learning.

Kiss and Drop- please drive safely!

Parents are requested to drive safely and slowly through the Kiss and Drop Zone.  To ensure the safety of our students please observe the speed limit and drive safely. 

Building Child Safe Communities - Volunteer/Contractors Undertaking

Dear Parents/Carers 

All Volunteers/Contractors who now visit St Monica's School must have a BCSC number before they will be allowed to enter the school grounds.

In Catholic Education Diocese Parramatta (CEDP), we see parents and carers as partners in your child's learning journey. Parents and carers are encouraged to become involved in our schools in many important ways such as supporting classroom learning, being part of advisory groups, mentoring programs, coaching sporting teams and supporting other extra-curricular activities, canteen support and other kinds of help.

Please see the link below for more details.

CEDP has launched a new Building Child Safe Communities form and online training module that all volunteers/contractors are required to complete

ALL Volunteers/Contractors  will require a  BCSC status that is APPROVED to provide services to our school.

  • You must provide your BCSC number to the school prior to assisting at an event. (Please forward the automated email to the school email address stmonicasnparra@parra.catholic.edu.au or provide a hard copy)
  • No Volunteer/Contractors (parents included) will be granted permission to assist with a school event without a valid BCSC number. 

Uniform Supplier

Oz Fashions supply all our student uniform requirements. 

115-127 Parramatta Road, Granville  (Corner of Parramatta Road and Good Street)

Phone:  9897 3121         Fax: 9897 3222

Email:  mail@ozfashions.com.au

Website:  www.ozfashions.com.au

Opening Hours

Monday—Friday 9:00am-5:30pm

Saturday 9:00am-4:00pm

Sunday CLOSED

Feedback and Complaints

We always welcome feedback and ideas from the parent community.

Please note that at any time that you would like to make a complaint/grievance in regards to any school matter, a form is available on our school website or you may request a copy from the school office. 

All matters brought to our attention will be attended to under strict confidentiality.

Please note: St Monica's North Parramatta follows the CEDP Complaints Handling Policy

Welcomeasy Summer Menu

Parents can order student lunches online.  Lunches are delivered to school each  day.

 Menu

The SkoolBag app is the easiest way keep up with school events, last minute notices, newsletters and all school communications.