St Monica's Primary North Parramatta Newsletter

Term 1 Week 2

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2021.  As we begin this year, the parish community welcomes our new families and staff who have joined our beautiful school.  

The first few days of the school year have been incredibly busy, yet focused and determined.  Students and teachers are loving the new learning environments and are taking great pride in the bright and inviting spaces.  We acknowledge the support of Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta in funding the new learning spaces.  We have also installed a new sign on the corner of Church Street and North Rocks Road - our school is looking fabulous!

We are excited to show our new look off to you at our Information Evenings next week.  These meetings will follow our COVID-safe plan and you will be required to register using our QR code.  As per current NSW Health and CEDP guidelines, these meetings will be limited in time and we thank you in advance for complying with all requirements. 

Our new Kindergarten students have transitioned with ease and we thank their parents for preparing them so beautifully for big school.  We are grateful that you are trusting us with your children and we look forward to a long and successful partnership.

This year, we are going to be brave enough to be bad at something new.  I’ve heard so many things so far from our students, from learning how to hula hoop, to doing somersaults on the trampoline, to reading a chapter book.  I challenged parents to also be brave enough to be bad at something new and I can’t wait to hear all about it!  Learning to read and write and do maths is hard work, so if we model, as adults, that learning new skills is hard, but through perseverance and lots of practise, we get better at it, then our children will know that even if they are not so good at something at first, they will get better!

If you have any questions or I can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Kind regards,

Lisa Crampton
Principal

Welcome

Welcome back to all our staff, students and families for 2021. 

We welcome to the St Monica’s community new students in Kindergarten and in other grades and our new staff members Mr Andrew Baker, Miss Hayley Anschau and Mrs Robyn Withford.

We hope you enjoy your time here!

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

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.  

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.

Skoolbag

Parents are advised that all communication is delivered via the Skoolbag app. If you have not yet downloaded the Skoolbag app, please do so immediately as this is our primary source of communication with parents. 

Once you have download the app, please go to GROUPS and select the class groups that your child/children are in so that you do not miss any notifications.   Skoolbag

Parent Information Sessions - Tuesday 9 February (Week 3)

On Tuesday 9 February, we will be hosting Parent Information Sessions on-site and via zoom. If you are unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join us via zoom.  The links will be shared on Skoolbag on Tuesday.

Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2:            5:00-5:30pm

Stage 2 and Stage 3:                                  5:30-6:00pm

As per our COVID-safe plan, all parents will need to register their attendance via the QR codes at any of the stairwell entries and students will not be permitted to attend.  Gates will open at 4:50pm for a prompt start at 5:00pm.  If you are unwell or displaying any flu-like symptoms, please do not attend.  

St Monica’s Sacraments - Confirmation

Registrations will take place on the 20th/21st February 2021 after Mass.  (The child is eligible to receive this sacrament if he/she has received the sacrament of First Holy Communion and is in year 5 or above )

** REGISTRATION 
After Mass on 20th/21st February -  to register please bring to Mass a copy of the Baptism certificate along with a copy of the First Holy Communion Certificate (if completed at another parish) and a cash donation of $30 payable at the time of registration.

For all enquiries please contact stmonicasacraments@gmail.com

Welcome Mass

Our Welcome Mass for 2021 will be held on Friday 12 February at 11:30am.  Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, parents will be unable to attend.  We will, however, stream the Mass on YouTube, with the link provided on the day, via Skoolbag.

New Electronic Sign

Uniform and Grooming

Uniform requirements can be found below:


GIRLS


BOYS

Summer

Short-sleeve School Polo Shirt

Skorts/Culottes

Navy Socks

Black School Shoes

Summer

Short-sleeve School Polo Shirt

Navy Blue Shorts

Navy Socks

Black School Shoes 

Winter

Short-sleeve School Polo Shirt

Long-sleeve School Shirt (optional)

Culottes / Long Navy Pants

Navy Sloppy Joe (optional)

School Jacket (Fleecy or Soft Shell Jacket)

Navy Winter Stockings

Black School Shoes

Winter

Short-sleeve School Polo Shirt

Long-sleeve School Shirt (optional)

Long Navy Pants

Navy Sloppy Joe (optional)

School Jacket (Fleecy or Soft Shell Jacket)

Navy Socks

Black School Shoes

Sport

Short-sleeve School Polo Shirt

Sports Shorts

Tracksuit Pants/School Jacket (Fleecy or Soft Shell)

White Socks

Joggers (predominantly white)

Sport

Short-sleeve School Polo Shirt

Sports Shorts

Tracksuit Pants/School Jacket (Fleecy or Soft Shell)

White Socks

Joggers (predominantly white)

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

Hairstyles

Hair is to be clean and neatly cut.  The following guidelines for students apply:

Girls

  • Shoulder length or longer hair must be tied back.

  • Ribbons or scrunchies in school colours only must be worn.

  • Hair colouring is not permitted.  This includes streaks, colour, dyes or excessive gel. 

  • Decorative headbands are not permitted.

Boys

  • Neat and simple haircuts.

    • No undercuts, shaved heads, number ones, rat tails or ponytails
    • Hair colouring is not permitted.  This includes streaks, colour, dyes or excessive gel.


      Jewellery

      Girls

      • One pair of simple gold/silver stud earrings only.

      • No other forms of facial rings are permitted.

      • Watches and medical bracelets are the only wrist accessories permitted.  NB: Smart watches that send/receive messages are not permitted.

      • Jewellery such as bangles, bracelets or anklets are not permitted.

      • Coloured nail polish or make-up is not permitted.

      Boys

      • No form of facial rings are permitted
      • Watches and medical bracelets are the only wrist accessories permitted. 
        NB: Smart watches that send/receive messages are not permitted.

      Mathematics Assessment Interviews

      Thank you to all parents and carers who were able to bring their child for a Mathematics Assessment Interview last week. These one-on-one encounters with the class teacher are a valuable experience for teachers to get to know their students right from the beginning of the year.  They also help each child to settle more quickly into the routines of the new year as they have already had individual time with their teacher and have seen their new learning space.

      The Mathematics Assessment Interview provides insights into children's current mathematical thinking. It is a tool that can be matched to the teacher’s professional knowledge about the expected course and rate of each child’s learning. The interview framework is a research based learning trajectory that teachers can use to establish where students are and where to next. They contain major checkpoints in children's mathematical thinking and use of strategies.


      The Interview provides growth points which are useful because they help teachers:

      • Understand how children learn;

      • Assess and monitor children’s growth in understanding;

      • Identify children who are at risk;

      • Identify the zone of proximal development (ZPD) in children’s learning;

      • Plan & target teaching so that teachers can identify the experiences that will most effectively help children achieve the next growth point in their mathematical learning.


        Mrs Mary-Anne Stenning
        Assistant Principal

      Students attending MAI

      2021 School Photographs - Thursday 25 February (Week 5)

      All children are expected to wear FULL SCHOOL SUMMER UNIFORM.

      Parents who have NOT GIVEN CONSENT for their child to have photographs taken at school WILL NOT BE PHOTOGRAPHED for individual portraits or class group photos by the Advancedlife Photographers.

      *** EVERY CHILD NEEDS TO COME TO SCHOOL PREPARED TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED IN THEIR HOMEROOM GROUP EVEN IF YOU CHOOSE NOT TO PURCHASE PHOTOGRAPHS.

      Envelopes for ordering are being sent home today. 
      Preferred method of payment is ONLINE.  If you are unable to pay online see the instructions below or in the envelope that has been sent home.

       * ONLINE PAYMENTS  (preferred method of payment)

      For online payments please go to: www.advancedlife.com.au   
      Online Code:  FEF 88K ZMQ

      PARENTS WHO PLACE THEIR ORDER ONLINE DO NOT NEED TO RETURN THE ORDER ENVELOPE TO SCHOOL.

      * PAYMENT BY CASH  (Envelopes are to be returned to school on Photo Day)

      ●                    Please enclose correct money as no change is available.
      ●                    Please refer to your envelope for instructions.
      ●                    Students ordering photographs by cash/cheque must return their envelope with the correct money inside on photo day.

       * PAYMENT BY CHEQUE / MONEY ORDER      (Envelopes to be returned to school on Photo Day)

      ●                    Make all cheques payable to advancedlife
      ●                    Complete bank name and cheque number on the Order Envelope.
      ●                    Write your name and address on the back of the cheque.
      ●                    Allow 60 days for your cheques to be finalised.

      You may still make cash/cheque payments for siblings in one envelope, but the other envelope must be returned empty with the name of the child, selected package, the name of the sibling and the homeroom where the payment can be found. 

      SIBLING PHOTOGRAPHS (envelopes available from the school office)

      ●  Sibling/family photos may be ordered online using the 9-digit code or via the envelope.
      ●  Online orders for sibling/family photos will be cut off at 11:59 pm on the day prior to school photos however you may still order sibling photos after this cut-off time by collecting an envelope from the school office.

      ●  Envelopes/correct money must be brought to school on photo day. 

      ●  Sibling photographs apply only to children enrolled at St Monica’s.  

       ** PLEASE NOTE THAT NO CHANGE WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE SCHOOL OFFICE ON PHOTO DAY

      Visas

      If you or your child have been on a Visa and the status of that Visa has changed, please advise the school office as soon as possible so that your records can be updated.  

      Dealing with playground issues

      Please contact your child's teacher via the school office when an issue arises concerning your child and another student.  Let matters relating to children be dealt with at school by our staff.  Please do not approach children or parents when an issue occurs.   Approaching someone else's child translates into a Child Protection issue that can be avoided if the issue is brought to the attention of the child's teacher or a member of the School Leadership Team.

      2021 School Term Dates


      Term 1Friday 29 January to Thursday 1 April
      Term 2Monday 19 April to Friday 25 June
      Term 3Monday 12 July to Friday 17 September
      Term 4Tuesday 5 October to Friday 17 December
      (Last day for students is Wednesday 15  December)

      Term 1 - Ice Blocks

      Ice Blocks will be available for sale during Term 1 commencing on Monday 8 February (Week 3).

      Zooper Doopers (Monday - Thursday)          50c each   (lunchtime)

      Icy Poles  (Fridays)                                            $1 each     (lunchtime)

      Sport Days - Term 1

      All students will wear their sport uniform on Tuesdays and Fridays during Term 1.  

      Students will be participating in the Dance Fever Athletics program.

      Medical Action Plans (including Anaphylaxis, Asthma and Allergies)

      Medical Action Plans are required to be updated every year by your child's doctor.  

      Parents who have advised that their child has Asthma, Anaphylaxis or Allergies are required to provide the school with an Action Plan from their doctor.  Please note that a doctor's signature is required on all Actions Plans. 

      Parents must also provide Epipens, Ventolin Puffers and Allergy medication for their children if required.  It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that all medication provided to the office is within its expiry date. This is especially important for children who require Epipens, Ventolin or allergy medication such as antihistamines.

      All medications sent to school are kept in the school office. 

      Medication

      The taking of medication at school should be absolutely avoided unless essential.

      Unfortunately, the school office is not able to keep and administer Panadol to children. If Panadol is required throughout the day it needs to be sent in with a completed "Administration of Medication During School Hours Form" and must contain a pharmacy label with the child's name and dosage instructions.

      Staff are under no legal obligation to administer medication or supervise the administration of medication.  If medication is required to be administered, an "Administration of Medication During School Hours Form" must be completed.  This form can be found under School Notes on the website.

      All medication brought to the office for administration must have a pharmacy label with the student's name and dosage details attached.

      Congratulations

      Congratulations to the Abi-Daher family on the safe arrival of their baby son Elijah, who was born in December.  A new baby brother for Noah. 

      LIBRARY TIMES: Borrowing begins in Week 3  

      Monday:         YEAR 1         Morning & Recess 

      Wednesday:   Stage 2      Morning & Recess 

      Thursday:        ES1            Morning & Lunch

      Friday:              S3              Morning

                                YEAR 2      Lunch

      Morning Borrowing from 8.30am - 8.50am

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

      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 Semester 1 library monitors will be chosen this week (Week 2)

      These 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
      Library Assistant/Teachers' Aide

      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. 

      Water bottles

      Please ensure your child has a water bottle every day. 
      A number of students are still forgetting to bring in their water bottle each 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.

      Happy birthday!

      Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who celebrated birthdays in January!

      Siria MArchie LCody CAlicia Y
      Aiva BChristian ACaleb CIryssa A
      Margarita SMason NWilliam SJoshua C
      Jadon KPablo J

      Staff:  Miss Chahine, Mrs Rebello, Mrs Samaha and Miss Machado (IT Trainee)


      Happy Birthday to the following students and staff who celebrate birthdays in February!


      Aarna JPhilopateer TGiselle HSarah V
      Jessica KMathew DAnnria JLucas S
      Tiffany DScarlett SJonathan CKeiralee C
      Noah AJade SWill M

      Staff:  Mr Baker and Mrs Skamvougeras

      Student Banking

      Student banking will return in Week 3.  Students are to bring their bank deposit books to school on Wednesday. 

      School Banking is processed on Wednesday mornings.  Thank you.

      Counsellors Corner by Madeline Patrick (Student Wellbeing Counsellor)

       "1-2-3 Magic: Discipline that works with 3-10 year olds".

      Registration is now open for Parramatta/Holroyd Family Support’s term 1 parenting group, which will be: “1-2-3 Magic: Discipline that works with 3-10 year olds.

      A 4-session course for parents/carers with a 3-10 year old child in their care. Learn strategies to manage unwanted behaviour, encourage good behaviour, and strengthen your relationship with your child.

      Wednesday mornings, 3 - 24 March in Pendle Hill

      FREE childcare is available for this group (places limited)

      Bookings are essential. Due to COVID-19 and to enable social distancing, places are strictly limited. 

      Please  contact Emma or Wendy directly on 9636 8437 to register for the group. 

      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

      At St Monica's our expectations for students are to be safe, respectful learners. 

      Students are able to earn “bee” tokens on the playground when they display these expectations.  Students work towards reaching the line on the “bee box” where they receive a whole class/grade/stage reward.

      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. 

      School Fees

      First instalment for School Fees will be issued in the coming weeks. 

      If you have any questions please 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.

      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. 

      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).

      Welcomeasy Summer Menu

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

       Menu

      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