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Dear St Monica’s families and friends,
Advent – Last Sunday marked the beginning of Advent and whilst this is an incredibly busy time of year I always try to take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the season. The Advent season is the four-week period before Christmas which celebrates the anticipation and coming of Jesus. The origin of "advent" is from the Latin word adventus, which simply translates as "coming" or "arrival." Not only is the Christian meaning for preparing and celebrating the coming of Jesus Christ and his birth at Christmas, but also to celebrate the new life and the anticipation of Jesus returning.
2025 Class Structures – I am pleased to announce the class structures at St Monica’s next year. We have received a number of new enrolments to the school which has necessitated a 4th class for our Year 5 cohort! Next Wednesday at 9.30am will be an opportunity for your child/ren to meet their teacher/s for next year.
In 2025 we will have:
- 2x Kindergarten classes
- 2x Year 1 classes
- 2x Year 2 classes
- 3x Year 3 classes
- 2x Year 4 classes
- 4x Year 5 classes
- 2x Year 6 classes
The creation of the class lists has been a thorough and thoughtful process and I want to assure you that the decisions made have been based on careful consideration of the needs of all our students. Each teacher at St Monica’s brings their own unique strengths, expertise, and dedication to the classroom. I have the utmost confidence in the ability of every member of our teaching staff to provide your child with a rich, supportive, and engaging learning experience.
We understand that changes in class groupings or teachers can sometimes lead to disappointment. If your child is feeling unsure or upset about their class for next year I encourage you to use this as an opportunity to help them develop resilience and a positive outlook. Talk with them about the benefits of new experiences, making new friends, and embracing challenges. As parents, your confidence in their ability to adapt and thrive is incredibly powerful and reassuring.
Please note that the class lists are final. With careful planning and significant collaboration we have made every effort to ensure balanced classes that will best support all students in their learning. Thank you for your ongoing support and trust in our school. Together, we will continue to nurture and inspire your children to achieve their best, grow in their faith, and shine as part of the St Monica’s community.
Staffing News – After a successful application and interview process I congratulate the following St Monica’s staff who have been appointed to the roles of Acting Coordinator.
Ms Laura Frogley will be Acting Coordinator for 12 months whilst Liz Foster is on transfer to another CECG school for next year.
Mrs Alisssa Pearson will be Acting Coordinator for 12 weeks whilst Ryan Matchett is on Parental Leave for Term 1.
Community Events - We look forward to welcoming you to several end of year community events!
Tomorrow we have our St Vincent de Paul Giving Liturgy. This will happen at 9.15am in the St Moncia’s Church. Thank you to all families who have donated to the Christmas Hamper Appeal and to the School Community Council for their generous donation of $2000 in support of this wonderful organisation.
On Monday 9 December our Year 6 cohort will graduate from Primary School. In celebration of this important milestone the students will be treated to a special lunch and party. Huge thanks to the Year 5 parents for coordinating this special event for our Year 6 students.
I can’t wait to see our families at the Community Christmas Carols next Thursday evening 12 December. Please bring along picnic rugs, camp chairs, supper and snacks and… your best singing voices! The carols begin at 6.00pm and the canteen will be open for light refreshments.
On Friday 13 December at 9.15am we have the Passing of the Light ceremony. This special handing over of student leadership liturgy will take place in St Monica’s Church. At 10.00am we will be in the hall for our final Awards Assembly and to farewell those who will be leaving the St Monica’s community at the end of the year.
Last Day of Term 4 – Monday 16 December is the last day of Term 4 for all students. TeamKids OSHC is available from Tuesday 17 – Friday 21 December 2024 for any families who need this service.
End of Year activities – There is lots on for everyone! Hoping you can make it to as many of these events as you can…
Friday 6 December
St Vincent De Paul Giving Liturgy – 9.15am
Monday 9 December
Year 6 Graduation and Awards Ceremony – 9.30am
Wednesday 11 December
Meet your 2025 Classroom Teacher/s – 9.30am
Kinder – Year 2 Nativity – 2.00pm
Reports home to families – 3.30pm
Thursday 12 December
Wear Christmas clothes to school
Community Carols Evening – 6.00pm (School Oval)
Friday 13 December
Passing of the Light – 9.15am (St Monica's Church)
Final Awards Assembly - 10.00am (School Hall)
A reminder to please attend to any unexplained absences via COMPASS as these absences will reflect on your child's report. Reports are being sent out next week.
Many thanks to our teachers who continue to work tirelessly preparing the Semester 2 reports for the students. This semester student reports will be supported with classroom teacher comments which will outline student success and areas for development.
Student reports will be released via Compass on Wednesday 11 December (Week 9). It is recommended that you print your child’s report out, particularly our Year 6 students.
To access your child’s report please go to the Compass app and click on the image of your child in the top left-hand corner. Select the Reports tab in the top right-hand corner and then select 2024 - Semester Two to view their report.
Please be mindful that the A-E scale is very different to what it looked like years ago. Our Kindergarten students will receive an alternative scale to A-E as outlined below.
Please take some time to familiarise yourself with the guidelines for assessment and reporting.
Kindergarten Scale of Assessment
Engagement with Learning
|
Consistently |
Displays thorough knowledge, understanding and application of the content, processes and skills in this area |
|
Usually |
Displays engagement with learning most of the time |
|
Developing |
Is beginning to display knowledge, understanding and application of the content, processes and skills in this area |
|
Needs Improvement |
Is yet to display knowledge, understanding and application of the content, processes and skills in this area |
Kindergarten Grade Scale
|
Above Expectations |
The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills in most situations |
|
Meeting Expectations |
The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills |
|
Working Towards Expectations |
The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills |
|
Experiencing Difficulty |
The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills |
Year 1- Year 6 Grade Scale
|
Outstanding |
The student has extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations |
|
High |
The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills in most situations |
|
At Standard |
The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills |
|
Partial |
The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills |
|
Limited |
The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills |
Year 1 – Year 6 Achievement Scale
|
A |
The student has extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations |
|
B |
The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills in most situations |
|
C |
The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills |
|
D |
The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills |
|
E |
The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills |
When a student receives a ‘C’ grade it means they have demonstrated the quality of learning described in the Achievement Standard based on the content studied in the reporting period. If a student receives a ‘C’ in both semester 1 and 2 reports it indicates that the student has made progress and learned new knowledge and skills based on the new and more challenging material studied.
A student’s report will list a grade for each subject studied.
The following A-E descriptors will appear on the report:
- A demonstrating outstanding achievement of the standard
- B demonstrating a high achievement of the standard
- C demonstrating achievement of the standard
- D demonstrating partial achievement of the standard
- E demonstrating limited achievement of the standard.
Congratulations to the following children who have been acknowledged by their teachers for displaying Growth throughout the term. Great effort!
|
Class |
Term 4 |
| K Maroon | Harry C |
| K Maroon | Mason M |
| K White | Angeth A |
| K White | Bailey S |
| 1 Maroon | Vincent A |
| 1 Maroon | Maddison T |
| 1 White | James D |
| 1 White | Zara P |
| 2 Blue | Oscar S |
| 2 Blue | Lily S |
| 2 Maroon | Charlotte C |
| 2 Maroon | Armaan S |
| 2 White | Dulce G |
| 2 White | Archer P |
| 3 Maroon | Ethan C |
| 3 Maroon | Ainslea S |
| 3 White | Ella F |
| 3 White | Archer S |
| 4 Blue | Hamish C |
| 4 Blue | Sierra G |
| 4 Maroon | Billy B |
| 4 Maroon | Alexandra S |
| 4 White | Elizabeth D-H |
| 4 White | Alessandro S |
| 5 Maroon | Eleanor M |
| 5 Maroon | Imogen S |
| 5 White | Mitchell C |
| 5 White | Nicholas M |
| 6 Blue | Lucas B |
| 6 Blue | Taylor H |
| 6 Maroon | Iyin A |
| 6 Maroon | Evie L |
| 6 White | Charlie G |
| 6 White | Elyse S |
| Music & Choir Award | Lachlan P |
| Music & Choir Award | Cooper T |
| Music & Choir Award | Ciresa K |
| Music & Choir Award | Marissa den H |
| Music & Choir Award | Sienna B |
Pride Badge Awards for Week 9 will be given out at our final Awards Assembly on Friday 13 December at 10.00am in the School Hall
Term 1 - Tuesday 4 February - Thursday 10 April Term 2 - Tuesday 29 April - Thursday 3 July
Term 3 - Tuesday 22 July - Thursday 25 September
Term 4 - Tuesday 14 October - Thursday 18 December
Please note there are 2 Pupil Free days each term next year being the first and last day of each term
Advent
Tomorrow we will gather at 9.15am in St Monica’s church for our Whole School Prayer on the theme of Advent. It will be a joyous occasion with all classes involved and you are warmly invited to join us. We will also be presenting St Vincent de Paul with our donations for the Christmas Appeal and Giving Tree gifts.
As we continue our Advent journey, we now turn our attention to the theme of Joy. This week we light the third candle on our Advent wreath known as the Candle of Joy. It symbolises the happiness and delight that fill our hearts as we prepare for the celebration of Christmas.
What is Joy? Joy is a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. It is more than just a moment of laughter, it is a deep sense of contentment and cheerfulness that comes from within. During this season joy reminds us to celebrate the good things in life and to share our happiness with others.
We encourage families to find moments of joy together. Share stories, play games, and enjoy each other's company. Talk about what makes each of you happy and how you can bring more joy into your lives. This can be a wonderful way to strengthen your family bonds and create lasting memories.
Let us embrace the spirit of joy this week and spread its warmth to everyone around us. Together we can make this Advent season a time of happiness, love, and celebration.
Sacramental Programme Coordinator Position Vacancy
Our Lady of Perpetual Parish is seeking applications for the position of Sacramental Programme Coordinator. The position is a paid one for permanent five hours per week. The responsibilities revolve around clerical work to assist in the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation. For a job description and application, please email Fr Mick Mac Andrew - mick.macandrew@cg.org.au.
Children’s Mass at Christmas
Practice for the children to act out the Christmas Nativity Gospel during the Christmas Mass will be held as follows. All costumes will be supplied.
St Michael’s Church Kaleen - Christmas Mass 6.00pm Christmas Eve
Practice times in St Michael’s Church Kaleen is Tuesday 10 December and Tuesday 17 December between 3.30pm and 4.30pm (afternoon tea will be supplied).
St Monica’s Church Evatt - Christmas Mass 7.30pm Christmas Eve
Practice Times in St Monica’s Church Evatt is Wednesday 11 December and Wednesday 18 December between 3.30pm and 4.30pm.
For more information, please contact Fr Mick - 0419 010 870.
Sacrament of Confirmation 2024
Congratulations to all the Confirmation candidates and God’s blessings to you on this special occasion.
2025 Sacramental Program – for students who are baptised and will be in Years 4-6 in 2025.
Sacrament of Reconciliation will be celebrated in Term 1, 2025. Information Evening will be held on 13 February 2025. Retreat Day and Parent Prayer Night will be held on 20 March 2025. Sacrament will be celebrated on 25, 26 and 27 March 2025.
Sacrament of First Communion will be celebrated in Term 2, 2025. Information Evening will be held on 1 May 2025. Retreat Day and Parent Prayer Night will be held on 12 June 2025. Sacrament will be celebrated on 22 June 2025 (Corpus Christi).
Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated in Term 3, 2025. Information Evening will be held on 31 July 2025. Retreat Day and Parent Prayer Night will be held on 4 September 2025. Sacrament will be celebrated on 10 and 11 September 2025.
For further Information – please contact the Sacramental Program Coordinator at sc.belconnennorth@cg.org.au or check the parish website at www.cg.org.au/belconnennorth
Happy Birthday to the following students celebrating their birthday this week
What a wonderful morning yesterday creating Christmas memories together. A great turnout with lots of catching up - wow our children have grown so much this year. Next week we are continuing the celebrations and hope to see you there!
Coerver Coaching Holiday Camps offer a fun filled soccer experience for boys and girls aged 3 - 16+ years. Each day will include Ball Mastery, 1v1 attack and defence, receiving and passing, small sided Coerver games and mini Coerver Cup tournaments.
Players who attend a Coerver® Coaching ACT Holiday Camp receive:
- 9 hours of programmed Coerver ® Coaching sessions delivered by Coerver® Diploma accredited coaches
- Coerver® Coaching training Shirt
- adidas training football
- Coerver® Coaching Home Study Program
- Coerver® Coaching Home Study Program Online Support
- Coerver ® Coaching certificate of attendance
Dates: Southside – Wednesday 15 January – Friday 17 January. Northside – Monday 20 January – Wednesday 22 January.
Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm each day
Venue: Northside – University of Canberra, Bruce. Southside – Trinity Christian School, Wanniassa.
Registration Link: https://coerveract.com.au/holiday-camps