We are now halfway through Term 2, the days are getting shorter and the darkness is lasting long. Winter is on its way! Isn’t it funny how during the long hot days in summer we want it to be cooler, then the cooler season arrives and we can’t wait for it to be warm again! As we enter the colder months it is inevitable more staff and students will be afflicted with coughs, colds and other ailments. If your child is unwell please keep them at home where they will be snug and warm and have a better chance at recovering quickly.

This week is Reconciliation Week and it is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving Reconciliation in Australia. The theme for this year “Bridging Now to Next” invites us to reflect upon and continue building momentum towards reconciliation in our schools and early learning services, workplaces and broader communities. It also highlights the ongoing connection between past, present and future. Please join us for Whole School Prayer tomorrow morning where 5M will open our eyes to the true meaning of Reconciliation Week.

Athletics Carnival

What a beautiful day it was last Tuesday for our annual St Monica’s Athletics Carnival. Whilst this is always a team effort, I wish to express my sincere thanks to Mrs Alisha Barrett for her smooth coordination of the day. Thanks also to those parents who were able to assist us with timekeeping, place judging, starting, recording and marshalling. I am so appreciative of your time and goodwill to help us out. We cannot run successful and fun days without the support of our parent community. Thank you!

Thanks also to the teachers, spectators and of course Merici College for their generous offering of the oval for the day. Last but not least, a carnival would not be successful if we didn’t have enthusiastic students participating in all the events. Every single St Monica’s student gave it their all, whether it was tunnel ball, the parachute game, in the long jump pit or a running race, there were smiles all round!!

Regional Cross Country Carnival

Last Thursday I had the pleasure of taking the St Monica’s representatives to the Belconnen Region Cross Country Carnival. It was a cold, rainy and windy day but that didn’t stop our students from giving it their all. Congratulations.

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent Belconnen at the ACT Cross Country Championships in June -

Lucas C - 12 Years Boys, Milla F - 12 Years Girls and Jack R - 9 Years Boys.

Baby News

Congratulation to the Pantano family, especially big brother Leo in KW, on the birth of their daughter Sienna.

Peace and Autumn blessings,