St Monica's Primary North Parramatta Newsletter

Term 4 Week 2 (21 October 2020)

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you sincerely for all of your well wishes and congratulations.  Dylan and I had an amazing Wedding Day surrounded by our family and friends. 

Term 4 has started smoothly with everyone in their new learning spaces with a renewed vigour around learning.  Book Week has been fantastic so far, with a visit from our very own published author Andrew Levins (Archie’s dad), a “Curious Creature” design competition and the release of our Book Week 2020 video on Facebook.  If you haven’t seen it yet, make sure you like, comment and share!  On Thursday, we will be streaming our Book Week Parade live on YouTube.  What will the staff of St Monica’s be dressing up as this year?

Last term, I mentioned some of your feedback from the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) survey and what we were doing to address your concerns.  Thank you to those parents who requested interviews with their child’s teacher - these have been a huge success.  Our first assembly for the term, presented by Stage 2, was also fantastic.  We look forward to sharing more of our learning with you throughout the term.

Next Friday is World Teachers’ Day.  The teachers at St Monica’s are incredibly dedicated, hardworking, caring and committed.   I would like to thank each and every one of them for what they do for our students.  They are an asset to our community and we appreciate them greatly.

Yours sincerely, 

Lisa Howell
Principal

Congratulations Mrs Crampton!

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 4 

Fri 30 October (W3) World Teachers' Day
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.

Counsellor’s Corner By Madeline Patrick (Student Wellbeing Counsellor)

How can parents help with their child’s social- emotional growth?

We all want our children to thrive socially and emotionally, however that is easier said than done.

Here are some tips from Linda Stade and her article “Raising Whole Humans” (Oct 2020).

1. Sit with discomfort…yours and your child’s

Emotions aren’t good or bad, they are comfortable or uncomfortable. Emotions are physical experiences. For example, anxiety is a high-energy uncomfortable feeling. The heat it generates, the rise in pulse and adrenaline all enable us to take physical action if required, but it feels awful.

When we are able to recognise and sit with the emotion it will pass through us and end. No feeling lasts forever. If we deny the feeling or push it down, it will fight to be recognised. As parents, we also have to sit with the discomfort of seeing a child we love and want to protect feeling bad. It’s not easy! We can support them, but we can’t take these perfectly human experiences away from them. These are important growth moments.

2. Connect

Tune in to your child. While you can’t take feelings away, you can be supportive. You can acknowledge that this feeling is uncomfortable or ‘yucky’ and that we all feel like this sometimes. It’s human and they are not alone.

3. Give them broad emotional language

For all the language we give children, most have a surprisingly small emotional vocabulary. Give kids words to describe feelings from a young age. Don’t be worried about big words. If a five-year-old can name 18 different types of dinosaur, they can use words like ‘frustration’ and ‘furious’. Research tells us that the broader a child’s emotional vocabulary, the greater their chance of understanding their own emotions

4. Reflect on the experience when they are calm.

Help your child look back on the experience and try to understand it more - what were the triggers? What were they thinking about? What did they do? What can they learn from it? You will need to base the questions on their developmental age and what they can cope with.

5. Accept and allow feelings

We need to cultivate from a young age the understanding that we are a safe space for our kids. They should be able to share their vulnerable feelings without the fear of us telling them to ‘pull yourself together’ or ‘don’t be silly’. All feelings are valid.

6. Calm

Even though all feelings are valid, all behaviours are not. We can coach kids to express emotion but never to damage themselves or others in the process. This can be difficult for a child in the grip of strong, uncomfortable emotion. They need us to be calm, empathise, and diffuse, not throw in more grenades. Don’t buy into the emotion, defuse it.

7. Problem solve

Problem-solving requires a cool head. It may take hours or days for your child to reach a point where they can talk to you logically about the next steps. That’s okay. Try not to give them solutions, help them to problem-solve themselves. Even if they only get a little way towards solving their own problem, it’s a start.

It is likely your child will need a lot of encouragement, as they may already be feeling disempowered. They will also be wary of sounding silly. This is your chance to build them up and show your faith in them. Don’t be afraid to give examples from your own experiences. It will help your child to know you’re a work in progress too.

Book Character Parade tomorrow

Our Book Character Parade (in accordance with social distancing guidelines) will be held tomorrow, Thursday 22 October 2020, commencing at 9:00am.   

The event will be livestreamed for parents on YouTube.  The link will be shared on Skoolbag in the morning.  

  • Students may wear their costume to school and remain in their costume all day.  
  • Appropriate footwear must be worn. 
  • Students may bring their favourite book to parade with.
  • Following the parade all accessories/props will be kept in your child’s tub/bag until dismissal time.
  • Any students who are not wearing a costume must wear their school uniform. 

Book Week Activities at St Monica's

St Monica’s has been celebrating Book Week with lots of surprises and some exciting activities for our students

Monday 19th October:          Book Week Video (see our school Facebook Page)  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=450621425906486

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)

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

Mr Andrew Levins visits St Monica's!

Book Week 2020

Stage 2 Fizzics Incursion

This Term, Stage 2 is exploring our Space unit, learning about the Sun, the Moon and the relationship they have with our Earth.

To support us in our learning we will be participating in two incursions. 

Week 3:  Wednesday 28th October:    Earth, Sun & Moon

Week 5:  Friday 13th November:         Geology Rocks! 

Orientation Days for Kindergarten 2021

Kindergarten 2021 Orientation Days will be held on Thursday 19 November, Thursday 26 November and Thursday 3 December 2020.  Under the new COVID-19 guidelines, children will be able to attend in person for the Orientation Days (small groups) which will be held over three weeks. 

Due to COVID-19 restrictions however, the Parent Information Evening will be held via Zoom on Tuesday 24 November 2020 commencing at 6:30 pm

An email has been sent to all ES1 2021 families today with details regarding the Orientation Days as well as the Zoom link for the Parent Information Meeting.

New Religious Education Curriculum

Dear Parents and Carers,

This term all of our classes will be participating in another Learning Cycle from the New Draft Religious Education Curriculum. 

Early Stage 1 will be exploring the inquiry question "How is God the Father present to all in our world?", where they will be looking at how God has created us all for a purpose and that God is revealed through us in our interactions with others.

Stage 1 is answering the question "How can we care for Creation?", and are learning about how God made the world and everything in it and how we have a responsibility to care for the gift that God has given us. The children will also be learning about how part of stewardship is caring for each other because we were all created in the image of God.

Stage 2 is asking the question "Why are people hungry in a world full of plenty?". They are learning about how there are broken communities in the world and how, by ‘breaking bread’ and ‘sharing a meal’ we can begin to help these communities to heal.

Stage 3 is thinking about the question "How do we find hope and joy?" They are investigating how authentic hope and joy lead to human  flourishing and particularly, where we can find this hope and joy.

We are looking forward to sharing our learning with you over the coming weeks. Please keep an eye out to see how our learning is progressing.

Kind regards,

Therese Coutinho
Religious Education Coordinator

Parent Survey Results: Draft New (Religious Education) Curriculum

Dear Parents and Carers,

In Week 8 of Term 3, 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 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. 

Therese Coutinho
Religious Education Coordinator

Refurbishment Update

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

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

Happy Birthday!

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


Elijah CoreraJoshua BoutrosLiam SzymanskiOlivia Brooke
Dariuz AlleyYiannis KeranisMateo NabuaOlive Duffy
Tahlia BrohierOlivia NguyenBaydon AlleyAryana Erskine
Kenzh Munda CruzEvan MichaelManson LuMia Henderson
Grace Lim
Staff: Mrs Bagnall

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

Merit Awards

Congratulations to the following students who received awards at our recent Assembly.

ES1

Baydon Alley and Dominic Perera
Year 1Kyra Adlakha, Caesar Metierre, Koey Mwangi and Sarah Triantis
Year 2Mariah Boutros, Liam Forsyth and Rafaella Santos, 
Stage 2James Ahn, Mia Henderson, Calista Soriano, Allegra Jammo and Lydia Sun
Stage 3Theresa Huynh, Zi Han Lin, Noah Day and Charli Meldrum

Sympathy

Deepest sympathy is extended to the Haddad family (Maureen S3A) on the passing of Maureen's great grandfather (Mrs Haddad's grandfather). 

Please keep the Haddad family in your prayers during this sad time in their 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.

Term 4 Summer Uniform

All students should now be wearing their Summer Uniform

School uniform requirements are listed below.  

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 Sleeve School Polo ShirtShort Sleeve School Polo Shirt
Skorts/CulottesNavy Blue Shorts
Navy SocksNavy Socks
Black School ShoesBlack School Shoes
Sport UniformSport Uniform
Short Sleeve School Polo ShirtShort Sleeve School Polo Shirt
Sport ShortsSport Shorts
Tracksuit Pants/School Jacket
(Fleecy or Soft Shell Jacket)
Tracksuit Pants/School Jacket
(Fleecy or Soft Shell 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

St Monica's Lifesavers

Thank you to our Lifesavers!

For Weeks 1 and 2, we would like to thank: Sanoy, Michael, Ashleigh, L’Lysse, Charbel, Lola, Simon, Kobe, William, John, Maureen, Charlize, Abbi, Ryan, Ashton, Kristian, Riana, Menuk, Max, Nika, Nathan, Evan, Noah, Liam, Aaliyah and Theresa.

Therese Coutinho, Ivana Algeri and Kellee Bagnall
Stage 3 Team

TERM 4 CHANGES TO LIBRARY TIMES:

Monday:            YEAR 2           Morning & Recess 

Tuesday:            YEAR 1           Morning & Lunch 

Wednesday:      STAGE 2        Morning & Recess

Thursday:           STAGE 3        Morning & Lunch 

Friday:                ES1                 Morning

Morning Borrowing from 8.30am - 8.50am.

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

Mrs Rita Davino, 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

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!

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.

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

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.

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. 

Please be patient and mindful that only one parish carpark gate is opened at the moment.  This may cause delays when exiting the carpark.  

NEW Building Child Safe Communities - Volunteer 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 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).

Welcomeasy Winter Menu

Welcomeasy's new Winter Menu is now available. 

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

 

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