St Monica's Primary North Parramatta Newsletter

Term 3 Week 10 (23 September 2020)

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Earlier this term, we asked for your feedback and the response was outstanding.  Some of your feedback was very affirming and we humbly thank you.

“Thank you for your dedication.”

“The learning environment is great and I believe kids feel safe and loved when they come to school everyday which is great!”

“We have felt welcomed at the school and are very happy here.”

“The teachers really take the effort to get to know each child in the school.”

“Proud to be part of this community.”

“I love the spirit of unity, harmony and camaraderie amongst students extending to each and every family member.”

“Fair, thoughtful, engaging, welcoming, forward-thinking.”

“My child is happy and loves school.”

“Thank you for setting high standards, and for keeping the students safe and motivated during this uncertain time. You are all our hidden heroes!”

Some of your feedback has shown us where we need to improve.  One area is around communication.

“More communication between teachers and parents.”

“There could be more effort made to positively engage with families.”

“As a parent I would like to be informed on all education activities.”

“Could provide more information of weekly activities and/or changes.”

“It would be great to have the odd quick catch up call with teachers since we never bump into them in person anymore.”

We are listening.  

  • Today, we will share with you a Term 4 calendar so you can see an overview of what is happening at St Monica’s next term.  Any changes to this calendar will be communicated via Skoolbag.

  • We would like to invite you to meet with your child’s teacher in Weeks 1 and 2 next term via zoom.  If you would like a meeting, please send an email to the school office stmonicasnparra@parra.catholic.edu.au and your child’s teacher will organise a time with you.  Please do not email teachers directly.

  • Next term, our assemblies will look a little different.  Each fortnight, a stage will showcase their learning from their learning space.  Merit Awards will continue to be presented at these assemblies.

    • Week 2 - Stage 2

    • Week 4 - Kindergarten

    • Week 6 - Stage 3

    • Week 8 - Stage 1

  • Have you seen the St Monica’s Facebook page?  This is a great way to see what’s going on when you can’t physically be at school.  It’s also a fantastic conversation starter with your child. https://www.facebook.com/StMonicasParra

  • Parent Involvement Committee Meeting - Wednesday 21st October at 7pm via Zoom.  If you are interested in attending, please send an email to the school office stmonicasnparra@parra.catholic.edu.au and we will send you the zoom link on the day.  If you have an item you would like added to the agenda, please include this in your email.

We hope these changes will strengthen our connection to parents and the community, while restrictions make it difficult to meet face to face.

I will be on Long Service Leave during Week 1.  Mrs Stenning will be available for any concerns or questions during that time.

Wishing you and your family a safe and restful holiday.  

Lisa Howell
Principal

Congratulations Miss Howell



Our best wishes to Miss Howell and her fiance Dylan on their upcoming wedding.  

We congratulate them both on this happy occasion and wish them well for their future together. 


Mrs Mary-Anne Stenning
Assistant Principal

School Starting time

School start time is 8:50 am.  Parents are advised that the gates will be closed after the morning bell at 8:50 am. 
Students arriving after 8:50 am will need to be signed in at the office via Daking Street.  


Important Dates

Term 3
Fri 25 September (W10)       Staff Development Day 

Term 4 

Monday 12 October (W1)    School resumes
Fri 6 November (W4)            Staff Development Day
Thurs 17 December (W10)  Staff Development Day
Fri 18 December (W10)        Staff Development Day

Student Absence Requirements

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.

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

Staff Development Day

A reminder that this Friday 25 September (Term 3 Week 10) is a Staff Development Day. 

Students DO NOT ATTEND school on this day.

Parent Survey Results: Draft New (Religious Education) Curriculum

In week 8 of this term, all parents of students involved in the Term 3 “Test Runs” of the Draft New Curriculum in Religious Education, were given the opportunity to share their feedback and insights. Thank you to all parents who were able to do so. Over 450 parents from across the Diocese have responded and there has been a positive response with the majority of parents agreeing to each of the statements listed below:

  • My child has been enabled me to think about their faith

  • My child has connected what they have learned to their life

  • My child has responded positively to their lessons

  • My child has spoken about their lessons at home

Important insights and points of feedback were also provided which, along with feedback from students and teachers, will be read and reflected on by Mission leaders as they continue to refine the Draft New Curriculum.

Refurbishment Update

We have moved!  On Friday, Midson Constructions will commence preparatory work for Stage 1 of the refurbishments.  Thank you to the St Monica’s staff who have made the move seamless for our students and who have continued to focus on quality teaching and learning.  We anticipate that this stage of works will be completed by January 2021. 

We are excited to share photo updates in the coming months via our Facebook page! 

Kiss ‘n’ Ride will still operate as normal next term, however, more care will be needed to ensure our students’ safety at all times.

Our new Learning Spaces!

Congratulations Mrs Harrison


Congratulations to Mrs Harrison and her husband Mitch on the birth of their second child Xavier.    

We are all so excited and happy for you at this wonderful time in your lives. 

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.

Welcome Miss Armani Barakat

We welcome Miss Armani Barakat who will be working in Year 1A during Term 4.  

Dear Parents and Carers of 1A,

My name is Armani Barakat and I am your child’s classroom teacher for the remainder of the 2020 school year. I am writing to formally introduce myself and reassure you that your child’s learning and wellbeing is in safe hands. I have met your child and I look forward to guiding and improving their learning in Term 4. 

I look forward to speaking with you in Term 4.  Thank you for your cooperation and understanding during this transition.

Miss Armani Barakat

Thank you Miss Josefine Baek


Thank you to Miss Josefine Baek who has been working in Year 1 during Term 3. 

We wish you all the best and thank you for all that you have done during your short stay with us. 

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. 

Anaphylaxis - Nut and Eggs

Anaphylaxis is a serious and rapid allergic reaction usually involving more than one part of the body. St Monica’s currently has students who can suffer severe allergic reactions (life-threatening) through contact with nuts and eggs.

As we endeavour to provide for the different needs of all our students your co-operation is invited to assist the school in supporting and catering for the needs of these particular students, and any future students, by providing your child only with foods that are NUT FREE.

EGG AWARENESS:  There are a number of students who have EGG ALLERGIES at St Monica's.  Parents are requested to be mindful and aware of this when preparing your child's lunch.

Hair Accessories


A limited supply of hair accessories are for sale in the school office foyer, including headbands, clips and elastic bands.

Orientation and Transition for Kindergarten 2021


Due to advice received today from the NSW Government, Orientation and Transition for 2021 Kindergarten will be held in Term 4. 

More information will be sent to families early next term.

Term 4 - Ice Blocks and Popcorn

Ice Blocks and Popcorn will be available for sale during lunchtimes in Term 4.

Zooper Doopers (Monday - Thursday)          50c each

Icy Poles  (Fridays)                                            $1 each

Popcorn (Monday to Friday)                            50c each

Happy Birthday!


Happy birthday to the following students and staff who celebrate birthdays in October!


Staff 
Mrs Farrelly, Miss Barakat, Mrs D'Silva, Mrs Gardoni and Mrs Patrick

Lana SalicMia FernandesBai He (Bella) ZhangElyssa Ekert
Lola SloaneSimon ForsythIsla SiemsenKeira Filgate
Nina TaltyTiara ArredondoRiana ArredondoRuby Graham
Menuk GunawardenaManuela SalibElijah EsseyEvangeline Hbeiche
Parinika Thamisetti



Merit Awards

Congratulations to the following students who received Term 3 End of Term Awards at our recent Assembly.


Being SafeBeing RespectfulBeing a LearnerSt Monica's Award

ES1

Baydon AlleyDomenic GalatiPablo JimenezKeira Filgate
Year 1Caesar MetierreOceann GanGabrielle DavidOlive Duffy
Year 2Mia FernandesAmelia BavellMadalena SarantakosElijah Essey
Year 3Ruby EliasZiyang LinMaan PatelAllegra Jammo
Year 4Nina TaltyOlivia HekeikEva SentasGeorgia Fernandes
Year 5Lola SloaneRyan MalatagWilliam PatersonAbbi Meale
Year 6Madeline SmithKenzh Munda CruzYiannis KeranisTheo Choi

Sympathy

Deepest sympathy is extended to the following families who have recently lost loved ones.  Please keep these families in your prayers during this sad time in their lives. 


  • Abi-Daher family (Noah, 1B) on the passing of his grandfather
  • Toman family (Elizabeth, S3A) on the passing of her great aunt. 

Term 4 Summer Uniform

Term 4 commences on Monday 12 October 2020 and students are to return to school wearing their Summer Uniform. 

Please ensure that every article of your child’s uniform is labelled to avoid lost property. 

  • The School Jacket with crest may be worn at any time throughout the year.
  • The School Hat with crest is a compulsory school item to be worn every day.

 

GIRLSBOYS
Summer School UniformSummer School Uniform
Short-Sleeved School Polo ShirtShort-Sleeved School Polo Shirt
CulottesNavy blue shorts
Navy socksNavy socks
Black school shoesBlack school shoes
Sport UniformSport Uniform
Short-Sleeved School Polo ShirtShort-Sleeved School Polo Shirt
Sport ShortsSport Shorts
Tracksuit Pants/School JacketTracksuit Pants/School Jacket
White socksWhite socks
Joggers (predominantly white)Joggers (predominantly white)

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

Sport at St Monica's

Term 3

On Mondays at St Monica’s, students were able to enjoy Tennis lessons from professional coaches provided to us from Tennis Australia. They were able to demonstrate some amazing new skills.

Thankyou to Tennis Australia for providing this for us.

Term 4

On Mondays at St Monica’s, from week 1 to week 6, students will get the privilege of participating in netball lessons from professional coaches provided to us from Netball Australia.

We look forward to seeing what they can achieve by the end of the term. 

Lauren Hartz 

Leader of Learning and Sports-Coordinator

                                   LIBRARY TIMES  


Monday-Thursday: 8.30am-8.50am  (OPEN TO ALL CLASSES)

Extra Borrowing Times for Classes:

Monday:     YEAR 2  Recess 

Tuesday:    YEAR 1   Lunch 

Wednesday: STAGE 2 & YEAR 5 Recess

Thursday:   ES1 & YEAR 6 Lunch (storytime)

We have a great range of new books in the library to suit all age levels

Please encourage your children to come & borrow - 
a ‘bee’ for their class reward jar is given when a student borrows a book and then another given when the book is returned!

Mrs Rita Davino, Library Assistant

Book Week

St Monica's will be celebrating Book Week in Term 4 Week 2(19th-23rd October) with some exciting activities!


Monday 19th October: Book Week Video launch 

Tuesday 20th October: Andrew Levins - author talk

Wednesday 21st October: Design your own “Curious Creature’ Display

Thursday 21st October: Book Character Parade
(live streamed for parents/carers to enjoy - more details to follow)

Friday 22nd October: Gabriel Evans - author/illustrator workshops

A big CONGRATULATIONS to Archie Levins in Year 1 who recently competed the MS Readathon. 

Archie read a very inspiring 51 books and raised $2130 for this worthy cause. 

Well done Archie!! 

Bookworm of the Term

CONGRATULATIONS to our Term 3  ‘Bookworm of the Term’ 

ES1 - Giada La Macchia

Year 1 - Archie Levins

Year 2 - Jadon Kim

Year 3 - Juo Choi

Year 4 - Manuela Salib

Year 5 - Charlize Cooper

Year 6 - Theo Choi

These are the students who have borrowed the most books in their class this term.

They have won a book prize and will now have their name & face  displayed on our Bookworm Farm in the library until next term! Well Done!

Mrs Rita Davino
Teacher Assistant / Library Assistant

PBS4L Reward System at St Monica’s

“We are SAFE, RESPECTFUL LEARNERS”

Students have been working hard to earn "bees" from teachers acknowledging the appropriate behaviour they see in the classroom and on the playground. 

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. 

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

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

The outdoor bee boxes are closely monitored by students to see who will be the next winner and what fun activity they will get to enjoy. 

Mrs Rita Davino on behalf of the PBS4L Committee

Playground Bee Boxes

Congratulations to Year 1 and Stage 2 who were the winners of the Playground Bee Boxes today for being safe and respectful.

The outdoor bee boxes are also being closely monitored by students to see which class will be the next winner and what fun activity they will get to enjoy!

St Monica's Lifesavers

Thank you to our Lifesavers!

For Week 9, we would like to thank:  
Parmida, Charbel, Manson, L’Lysse, Kobe, Evan, Monica, Ryan, Theo, Yiannis, Abbi, Theresa, Zi Han, Andrew, Siria, Parmida, Nathan, Samuel, Nika and Ashleigh.

Therese Coutinho, Ivana Algeri and Kellee Bagnall

Stage 3 Team

School Fees

School Fees 3rd Instalment

School Fee statements have now been sent out by the Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta.  Kindly advise Mrs Rebello in the school office if you have  not received your statement or if you have any concerns regarding school fees. 

School Fees Relief

Thank you to those families who have paid their fees. We understand that many families are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of loss of income. Please do not hesitate to contact us as there are many ways that we can provide support to families. 

Fee Relief information and procedures to apply for Fee Relief can be accessed by clicking this link.

Alternatively you may contact Mrs Lata Rebello, School Finance Officer on 8832 4100 who will be able to assist you.   All conversations will remain strictly private and confidential.

COVID-19 Bulletin Updates - Keeping families and children well

Information provided for schools, child care services and family day care services in Western Sydney.  Provided by Western Sydney Local Health District's Munch & Move and Live Life Well @ School teams.

The bulletins contain helpful information and resources on current COVID-19 topics, as well as practical ideas to keep everyone healthy and active during this time.

Issue 16: Monday 14 September 2020

Issue 17: Monday 21 September 2020

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. 

NEW Building Child Safe Communities - Volunteer Undertaking

Dear Parents/Carers 

All Volunteers have until 30 September 2020 to submit a new Undertaking in the new system. 

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 are required to complete. 


Volunteers - BCSC Number

If you wish to assist with school events, it is a mandatory requirement that you complete the new Building Child Safe Communities (BCSC) form and Online Training Module prior to assisting.  

Once your form has been “Submitted”, the system will generate an automated email to  confirm the status of your submission within 24 hours. From 1 October 2020 ALL Volunteers need 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 (parents included) will be granted permission to assist with a school event without a valid BCSC number. 

Lost Property

Has your child lost clothing at school?  It is easy to return items that are clearly marked with a child’s name but we have many items where the name is not very clear and some which do not have any name on them at all.

Please check that all your children’s belongings are clearly labelled so that they can be returned to your child (including lunch boxes and drink bottles).

Dine. Scan. Win.

'Dine, Scan, Win’ campaign is designed to encourage people to dine and shop at local restaurants, cafes and takeaway shops. There are over 60 local businesses participating in the campaign along the Parramatta Light Rail alignment. Each week one lucky customer has the chance to win a $100 voucher from a participating business.  All you need to do is scan the QR code at a participating business.  The more times you scan the more chances you have to win.  You can find out more by downloading the ‘Activate Parramatta’ app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Shop. Scan. Win.

The diverse range of businesses along the future Parramatta Light Rail alignment are showcased in a ‘shop local’ campaign by Transport for NSW , ‘Shop. Scan. Win.’

With over twenty businesses from Carlingford to Camellia featured as part of the campaign, all listed on the ‘Activate Parramatta’ app that can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play.  The campaign is giving one lucky shopper a chance to win a $100 voucher from a participating shop each week.  The more times you scan the more chance you have to win.

Welcomeasy Winter Menu

Welcomeasy's new Winter Menu is now available. 

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

 

Download the SkoolBag App

https://moqproducts.com.au/skoolbag/installation-instructions/
The SkoolBag app is the easiest way keep up with school events, last minute notices, newsletters and all school communications.

St Monica's Primary North Parramatta