NEWSLETTER

Term 1 Issue 6 March 10th 2016

St. Monica’s Primary School 20 Robinson Street Moonee Ponds 3039

Parish Priest: Principal: Rev. Fr. Anthony Feeney Mr. Peter Moore Parish Office: Phone 9370 5035 Mass Times: Saturday 6:30pm (Vigil), Sunday 8:00am, 9:15am

Faith Hope Love

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Children, As we approach the Long-weekend, we also celebrate the beginning of Catholic Education Week. The theme of this year’s celebrations is: “Be the Face of Mercy”. Some of our children’s artwork has been selected for inclusion in the Annual Art Show and today I proudly show each of the creators with their framed artworks, ready for hanging at the Catholic Leadership Centre. Well done to: Matthew, Olivia (pictured below), Luisa, Anton, Darcy, Nam, Alyssa and Paul (who did his work last year and is now in year 7). Moonee Valley City Council Throughout the past week, MVCC Parking Inspectors have ‘stepped up’ their presence in our school vicinity and have begun to photograph cars who are not complying with local road laws. I take this opportunity to remind parents: That the drop-off zone (marked in

pink) is a no-standing area. You cannot come at 3:00pm or even 3:15pm and park there ‘to be first in the queue’ at pick up time. Every car that was parked there on one particular day was fined $76. This rule begins at 3:00pm. Only cars that arrive close to 3:30pm will not be fined.

Our school community is not allowed to create a giant line of cars that halts traffic in Robinson Street. MVCC Inspectors suggest that everyone leaves home at 3:25pm and then the traffic that arrives will actually flow as the children come out. If you are in the line and it is stationary then all cars can be fined for ‘double parking’. The fine is $91.

The Parish welcome Mass on Sunday was a wonderful opportunity to embrace all new families in our school. Some of the Grade Six Confirmation Candidates received their copy of the Creed and a young baby was welcomed into the community. The Mass showed the diversity in our community; young and old alike!

Let Your Light Shine No-one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all

in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and

give glory to God in heaven. Mt. 5:15-16

introducing DARCY MCGRATH

Congratulations to Hamish, Myles and Isla (above) who all competed in the Bendigo Tryathlon last Sunday 6th March. Well done to Noah (right) who served at Sunday’s Welcome Mass (all by himself) and did a magnificent job.

School Closure Days I remind all families that the first two days of term two are School Closure Days. This has been in the Newsletter numerous times and is in the School Calendar. It will be Easter Holidays before we know it, and the School Closure Days will flow straight into the holiday period.

Have a wonderful week ahead.

Regards,

Peter Moore

Principal

Next Friday, 18th March is the National Day of action where we STAND TOGETHER to pledge as one community and say ‘BULLYING NO WAY’!

All children will participate in a variety of activities throughout the week concluding with two assem-blies on Friday the 18th March. Foundation to Year 2 at 10.30am and Years 3 to 6 at 3.00pm. Assem-blies will be held in the hall.

All families are invited to join us and sign our pledge as a commitment to our ongoing responsibility to developing positive partnerships.

Well howdy ya’all !! There is definitely a buzz in the air in the middle school with our Year 3 and 4 children learning songs, scripts and busily getting costumes organised and ready for their Production “The Lonestar Cowboy.” On Thursday 17th March the children will spend most of the day rehearsing, acting and putting the finishing touches to the show. The children and their families will return later that evening where they will be required to arrive in full costume. All children will need to be at school no later than 5:30pm, and seated with their class by 5:45pm. The show will begin at 6pm sharp.

Please don’t hesitate to contact either myself or Suzanne Wawrzon if you have any questions. Looking forward to a fun night with ya’al. Rosa Leone

March 2016 Thursday 10th Confirmation Workshop 5.30pm or 7.00pm Friday 11th Year 6 Gala Sports Day Year F - 2 Assembly - Hosts 2T [in the hall] Monday 14th Public Holiday - Labour Day Tuesday 15th Enrolments for Foundation 2017 open Wednesday 16th Open Day - School Tours 9.30am, 12.15pm and 2.30pm Thursday 17th Class Mass 6M Friday 18th Year 3 - 6 Assembly - Hosts 5H [in the hall] Saturday 19th Foundation Family Picnic - Easter Egg Hunt Queens Park Wednesday 23rd Special Food Day - Details to follow Thursday 24th Class Mass 4D Whole School Assembly 3.00pm - End of Term 1

April 2016 Monday 11th School Closure Day

Tuesday 12th School Closure Day

Wednesday 13th Parish Education Board Meeting - 7.00pm in staffroom Thursday 14th Class Mass 3L

Tuckshop

Reminder - all lunches need to be ordered via QkR. Week Beginning 7th March Friday 11th Sandra Gaunt, Julie Wibrow, Kim Murphy Week Beginning 14th March Monday 14th Public Holiday Tuesday 15th Mary Marcaccio, Larissa Cole, Carmen Richardson Wednesday 16th Kate Lloyd-Regis, Julie Farrugia, Linda Mantello Thursday 17th Rebecca Jones, Peta Goodear, Ange Horton Friday 18th Julie Durling-Landa, Michelle Christian, Annmaree Carmichael, Abbey Vandeloo  Week Beginning 21st March Monday 21st Ann Staberhofer, Kate Leonard Tuesday 22nd Tracey Van Der Linde, Rowen Hanna, Sanja Scher Wednesday 23rdMelissa Khoury, Lisa Saunders, Laureen Hornibrook Thursday 24th Silv Pane, Vivian Scarpino, Carol Moudoukoutas, Michelle McMenamin  

 If you are unable to work on your rostered day would you please arrange a swap. Alternatively please contact the office.

Reminder...this is coming up after the holidays!

WELLBEING

On Tuesday 23rd February, Psychologists Melissa Juzva and Deirdre Brandner presented a workshop for parents titled “Solutions for Anxiety”. We were overwhelmed by the interest and attendance of our school community who came along to hear about practical solutions to assist in managing anxiety in our children. The presentation began with an overview of anxiety as it presents in children, giving us some insight into the way anxiety manifests itself in primary school aged children. We learnt about developmentally appropriate worries and fears and the distinction between these and anxiety disorders. The majority of the presentation focussed on practical tools and strategies, which Melissa and Deirdre term “solutions” that are easy to implement and evidence based, leaving our parents with the confidence that these “solutions” will actually work. A breakdown of how anxiety presents in terms of behavioural signs, physical symptoms and cognitive (thinking) errors enables parents to gain valuable understanding in the myriad of ways anxiety can present itself. The “solutions” were demonstrated in a way that enables any parent to implement them and feel confident that they do not need to be an expert to be able to assist their child to manage anxiety and feel better. We also heard about the role parents play in either aiding or abetting a child’s anxiety. Here are some of the tips: Be supportive without hovering Acknowledge and recognise your child’s anxiety without being dismissive, avoid using

statements like “You’ve got nothing to worry about, you’ll be fine”. Help your child to accept that less than perfect is ok, do this by rewarding effort and attempts rather than successful outputs Assist your child to build trust with others and model that you have trust in others

Prepare children for change, children benefit from visual aides to assist them in preparing for change, visual calendars work well

Develop and implement a coping step plan All the of the tools and strategies discussed at the presentation are available for purchase in the “Solutions Satchel”. The solutions satchel is available to support families with an anxious child. Please find order forms attached or collect one from the school office.

Student of the Week

Certificates will be presented at assembly on Thursday 24th March, Whole School Awards Assembly (Location: Senior Yard) at 3.00pm Amy Catania FK For her valued contributions during shared reading time and for always taking pride in her work. Xavier Sharkey FK For being an enthusiastic learner and for confidently presenting his Show and Tell to the class. Thomas Wibrow FS For always bringing his manners to school, and being an enthusiastic member of Foundation S. Well done! Ai-Linh Vu FS For always listening and being a thoughtful and supportive friend. Excellent work Ai-Linh. Olivia Whale FT For being enthusiastic about learning new things and trying her best with all her work. Keep it up Olivia! Callum Pangrazio FT For settling well into the class routine and trying to always do the right thing. Keep up the great work Callum! Chiara Ferraro 1B For confidently sharing her writing about ‘Peppa Pig’ in front of the class. Keep up the wonderful work! Tadhg Jones 1C For his recall of the symbol of Baptism. Ottavia Cole 1S For reading confidently in her reading groups and applying herself to all class tasks. Well done Ottavia! Alexandra Kelly 2C For her enthusiastic approach to learning especially in Reading and Writing. Alexander Barlow 2D For being such an enthusiastic learner. Well done Alexander. Michael Lilikakis 2T For carefully listening to directions and working hard to complete all tasks. Sabrina Kirk 3B For displaying a positive attitude to challenging tasks during Mathematics. Henry Smith 3L For always displaying good listening skills in Reading and Writing. Bailey Miller 3M For his excellent independent work with Place Value in Maths. Aysia Hanna 4D For her beautiful, descriptive writing in her piece about Derek Redmond and for co-hosting our assembly so professionally. Charlie Goodear 4P For his outstanding attitude and care he displays to others in need. Alexandra Sabljak 4T For demonstrating enthusiasm during Production rehearsal and singing loudly. Reese Kelic 5G For excelling in work associated with responding to reading activities. Ally Grima 5H For always contributing to classroom discussions and offering assistance when needed. Well done Ally! Luke Farmelo 5M For using excellent sentence starters throughout his persuasive text. Eloise Sexton 6B For her fulfillment of her role as Volleyball Captain—very well done! Sophia Licciardello 6C For her emotive and evidence filled persuasive writing. Olivia Bourke 6M For being an active participant and answering many questions on our excursion to Parliament House and the Treasury Building.

Thursday, 10th March, 2016

Dear Parents of Year 2-6 students,

The International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) is an independent, quality skills-based as-sessment program which rewards and recognises achievement. ICAS gives you broad insights into your child’s performance across English, Mathematics, Science and Spelling. ICAS (sometimes referred to as the UNSW as-sessments) has been developed by Educational Assessment Australia (EAA) since 1981.

Each student receives:

an engaging and challenging full-colour test booklet

an individual diagnostic report highlighting strengths and weaknesses and year to year progression

login details to access their online results which can be analysed and downloaded

a High Distinction, Distinction, Credit, Merit or Participation Certificate acknowledging their level of achieve-ment

the chance to receive an individually-engraved UNSW medal for the highest scoring student in each year level for each subject.

Help your young ‘spelling bee’ succeed

The early years set the stage for lifelong learning. From 2016, Year 2 students will be able to sit an ICAS Introduc-tory Spelling paper. This paper will help your little ‘spelling bee’ succeed by measuring their spelling ability and, importantly, identifying very early in their schooling where your child may need some extra help. This paper is the only Spelling paper available in advance of Year 3 NAPLAN testing.

The decision to introduce a Year 2 Spelling paper is based on 30 years’ experience in school assessments, which have allowed EAA to identify some common difficulties that children face in Year 3. This paper will help every child get the best start.

You can learn more about common spelling problems faced by Year 3 students and the new ICAS Year 2 Spelling Paper at: www.eaa.unsw.edu.au/icas/spelling-introductory-paper

To learn more about ICAS go to www.eaa.unsw.edu.au/icas/about Remember, EAA has some very helpful tools to help your child prepare. You can access practice assessments at www.eaa.unsw.edu.au/icas/preparation

To enrol your child in ICAS, please complete the registration form below and return it, with your entry fees, to the school no later than Friday, 22nd April, 2016. This is six weeks away from today.

PLEASE NOTE - NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Kind regards,

Janet Dobson

(ICAS Co-Ordinator)

PERMISSION FORM

2016 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS)

Permission Form

Please return this form to school in a clearly labelled envelope via your child’s tote box.

Please complete an entry for each of your eligible children.

I give permission for my child, ______________________________ of _______________________ [Child’s name] [class] to participate in the following 2016 International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS).

Please select the subjects you would like your child to enter by highlighting or circling:

Students must sit on the official sitting date for each subject to be eligible for UNSW medals. However, your school may choose to sit at another time to fit in with other school activities and routines.

Please find enclosed total entry fee paid by cash, cheque or credit card.

Cheques to be made payable to ‘St Monica’s Primary School’.

Entries Close Friday 22nd April at the close of the school day.

Name of Parent/Guardian Date

__________________________________________________ _______________________

Signature of Parent/ Guardian

Subject/Paper Official Sitting Date Entry Fee, incl. GST Fee 

Enclosed Science 31 May 2016 $8.80

Spelling 15 June 2016 $12.10

English 2 August 2016 $8.80

Mathematics 16 August 2016 $8.80

TOTAL

OSHClub News Before School / After School Care Program

Program Update

Dear parents and families, Spots are starting to fill up during our upcoming Holiday Program, especially for our two exciting excursions to Bounce, Essendon and the Melbourne Zoo. Check out what we’ve got planned, and book in online www.oshclub.com.au -Jyoti ***Important Reminder***: Please remember to book in for Before and/or After School Care if you know in advance. It helps us to ensure we have enough staff rostered on, and also for catering purposes. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.)

Next Week’s Activities…

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday  

Before Care Activities

Labour Day Public Holiday

- Friendship Bracelets - Silent Ball

- Up-Cycled Crayons - Zap!

- Easter Egg Baskets -Everybody’s IT!

- Volcano Exper-iment - 4 Corners

 After Care Activities

Labour Day Public Holiday

- Frozen Yogurt Bites -Footy

- Marble Paint-ing -Soccer

- Easter Egg Ornaments - Gaga Ball

- Paper Helicop-ters - Ship to Shore

Parent Information

OSHC program phone: 0412 616 491 Coordinator: Jyoti Assistants: Abdi, Leonie, Jarrah, Maranda 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 cancella-tions can also be managed via your online account. For on the day bookings please contact the Coordinator direct at the program.

Registrations Are Open! Welcome to Season 2016! Auskick is a great way for Boys & Girls to learn Football Skills and follow in the footsteps of their AFL Heroes. Visit www.aflauskick.com.au, click REGISTER and type St Monicas If you have any problems/queries, please email to aflauskick@afl.com.au Once registered and paid, your Auskick Sports Pack will be delivered (to your address) around March. Register and pay ASAP to receive 4 Complimentary AFL Tickets to a selected match (while stocks last)! Best Regards Vince Leone 0421 054 140 or Rosa 0402 279 094

St Monica’s Auskick Co-ordinator

ST. MONICA’S AUSKICK

If you have a Centrelink Health Care Card/ Pension Card you may be eligible for CSEF. Application forms are available from the school office. Application close on Friday 24th June 2016.