NEWSLETTERTerm 2 Issue 7 May 28th 2015 

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

Phone (03) 9375 1132   www.stmonicasmp.catholic.edu.au 

 

Parish Priest: Rev. Fr. Anthony Feeney Principal: Mr. Peter Moore Parish Office: Phone 9370 5035 Mass Times: Saturday 6:30pm (Vigil), Sunday 8:00am, 9:15am in Italian, 10:30am and 5:30pm OSHP Number 0412 616 491

Faith Hope Love

Dear Children, Parents and Caregivers, You will no doubt know that our school motto is “Faith, Hope & Love” and in the life of our school, we actively encourage the expression of these values in all we do. I get to see a lot happening around the school. This week I

witnessed these values in action in the following ‘snapshot moments’ of my day: A busy Mum offered to help another busy Mum to organise dinner for her

family that evening. Even though the offer wasn’t taken up, the genuine offer was still there. Families supporting each other is a visible sign of the care and concern of people who willingly invest time and effort into relationships within this community.

A big brother walked along the footpath one morning, arm extended over his little brother who looked like he’d had a bad start to the day. In this gentle, but supportive movement, I witness great love, care and compassion.

I heard that one generous Mum organised another family’s ‘luck dip’ casual clothes day prizes for another family when she heard that one of the parents was unwell. This kind gesture shows how our families look out for each other and take action.

It is always a privilege to witness these moments; simple gestures that characterise this generous community.

Congratulations to Cathy McNeill for organising a truly spectacular version of Australia's Biggest Morning Tea. I do not know anyone who hasn’t been touched by cancer in some way, so all efforts to fundraise for a cure are enthusiastically received. Well done Cathy and your generous supporters.

]tÖâ| tÇw ]ÉáxÑ{Ëá jxww|Çz

2:00pm at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church 183 Hope Street Brunswick West

Corner of Hope St and Melville Road

On Tuesday night the Year Six students attended a very informative session on the changes that everyone experiences during puberty and adolescence. Mums, Dads and students all appeared engaged in this session which encouraged lots of family discussions about the uniqueness of each child and the common changes that are a part of growing up. I thank Mrs. Turville for organising this session and to Mrs. Biondi, Miss Morgan and Mr. Conway for using this session as a springboard for a future unit of work. Thank you to all the families who made time to come along. Miss Assouad is spending a few days this week preparing for her wedding on Saturday. We wish Jaqui and Joseph all the best as they prepare for the big day. Miss Assouad will be away for two days of next week, but will be back on Wednesday. She will be taking some Long Service Leave later in the year in order to have an extended break for her honeymoon. If you would like to take a peak at Miss Assouad in her wedding dress, she would be delighted to see our school families on her wedding day. Here are the details:

Anti-Bullying Week & Harmony Day At last week’s Assembly, we celebrated the culmination of Anti-Bullying Week. The children took it in turns to share some of their learning from across the school. I was pleased to hear that the students had experienced activities that ranged from writing & drawing - to dance and rap. Congratulations to Mrs. Michelle Lawlor-McNamara (our Student Wellbeing Leader) who took the responsibility of organising the week and put together the arrangements for the assembly on Friday. It was great to be able to use the church and I thank the families who attended to support the children in their creative expression of learning. It was a fun assembly with an important underlying message.

Paella Night

Thank you to the organisers of the Parish Paella Night.

A job superbly done once again.

Paella Night

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

Spectacular Swimmers

On Sunday 24th May – 3 Students from St Monica’s completed their 3km swim at Paul Sadler – Essendon. That’s a huge 120 laps of the PSS Pool! James Smith (3K) – Connor Van Der Linde (4C) – Charles Saunders (4C) are all pictured below. Dante Juhasz (pictured right) also completed a big swim. He is pictured with his 1km medal.

At our recent Confirmation ceremony, I was delighted to see so many of our generous Altar Servers supporting our Parish (some of them serving for the very first time). At last week’s assembly, I was pleased to see Parishioner and Grandparent, Mrs. Con-nors (pictured below left). She witnessed not one, but three grandchildren receiving their ‘Student of the Week’ Awards! Ellen-Nora is pictured with son-in law John, daughter Nora, son Dermott and daughter-in-law Linda.

HARMONY DAY Thank you to our wonderful S.R.C Representatives for the planning and organizing that was done to arrange the Harmony/ Anti Bullying/ Standing Together assembly on Friday. Congratulations on a very successful assembly.

A big thank you to the teachers for arranging the buddy activities during the week, to the grade level presenters and performers who shared their experiences with the whole school and parent community. Whilst arranging the day I did not STAND ALONE and I received enormous help from Mr Di Nuzzo, Miss McPherson and Mrs Mifsud – my sincere thanks. To all the children who prepared ‘a foot’ for the church display – stay tuned to see where your feet will take you! Miss Michelle Student Services and Wellbeing Leader

School Captains: Matthew Lynch & Caitlyn McDonald Deputy Captains: Joseph Romero & Connor Joyce, Lilianna Morgan & Nicole Eshak Social Justice Captains: Georgia Padden & Peter Elasmar Social Justice Deputy Captains: Talia Motta & Gabi Barresi, Jonah Phelan & Lachlan Mason

MATHEMATICS AT HOME – Week 2 All that you read about these days in education suggests that learning and thinking cannot be separated from each other. Reflective thought (or active thinking) is an important aspect of how we teach in the classroom and a greater amount of time each day, than in the past, is placed on students discussing what they know, how they know it and how they might apply this in other situations. This understanding of how children learn means that we spend less time focused on rote learning - a focus on the acquisition of specific skills, facts and the memorizing of information, rules and procedures. Take learning multiplication facts as a point in case. In the classroom we would focus our learning more on how the learner processes information, concepts, ideas and how they develop a network of connected ideas in order to think. All of this is done to foster divergent and creative thinking. Teaching strategies help reduce how much children have to commit to memory and reduces the cognitive load. There are 100 Facts to be learned. Through using strategies we reduce the amount learnt to 21. We then encourage children to use what they know, to help with what they don’t know. For example 4X7 can be 2X7 doubled 3X7 can be 2X7 and 1 more group of 7 6X7 can be 5X7+7 or double 3X7 If you know two or three times a number you can work out 4 or 6 times the number by simply doubling. 5 sevens THINK: half of 10 sevens, 35 9 eights THINK: less than 10 eights, 1 eight less than 80, 72 Does this mean we shouldn’t spend time rote learning facts? No it just means that this type of learning is probably better as a focus at home. Using speed tables or other timestable charts but still always encouraging children to use what they know. Learning is about building on what the learner already knows rather than focusing on what they don’t know. Growth Mindset in Math In general, a growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and ‘smartness’ can also be learned and that the brain grows from experience and effort. The opposite, a fixed mindset, is the idea that you are smart, or you are not. In math, that translates into “some people are good at math, and some are not.” Did you know that praising efforts rather than intelligence or results can impact your child’s ability to persevere in challenges?! The goal is to have children thrive on challenges and see failures, not as a sign of low intelligence, but as a learning opportunity. Brain research tells us that making mistakes actually wires more connections into the brain! When a person has a growth mindset, they accept challenges, see their efforts as worthwhile, and are open to learning from mistakes. Students with a growth mindset achieve at higher levels than those with fixed mindsets. How can you help? Some simple ways: Adding “yet” when they claim they are “not good at this” (Respond: “You are not good at this… yet.”) Ask questions that focus on their effort and choices and get them to reflect on satisfaction of that effort e.g. What did you learn today? What mistake did you make that taught you something? What did you try hard at today? Model this yourself as you share about your day.

Caught in the Act

Look out for more photos in the coming weeks and the launch of the ‘Caught in the Act’ site!

Mr. Di Nuzzo Deputy Principal/Numeracy Leader

ST. MONICA’S PARENTS ASSOCIATION

As always it’s been a busy time for the Parents Associations and we wanted to give you a quick re-cap on some of our events and to update you on some important dates coming up. Mothers Day Stall: the Mothers Day stall was a big success! It was lovely to see the children choosing their gifts with such thoughtfulness and care. We hope you loved your gift! The stall raised about $1500 so big thanks to Silv Pane and Andrea Palmieri for organising. Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea: Many thanks to all those who came along to help make our Biggest Morning Tea such a special morning. Please see the notice from Cath McNeill in this newsletter. Casual Clothes Day: The casual clothes day has ensured we have an ENORMOUS amount of gifts for the Lucky Dip stall at the fete! Thank you to all parents for helping with the purchase of gifts and a special thanks to the many teachers who also contributed a gift. Congratulations to 1S who bought in the most gifts, we hope you enjoyed your special treat!

Saturday 6th June: Bunnings BBQ. Need something at Bunnings? You should plan to pop into the Maribyrnong store (just up from Highpoint on Rosamond Road) on the June long weekend and grab a sausage while you’re there. Thanks to Mark Blackmore who is organising this BBQ.

Saturday 15th August: Parents Function. We have booked a night of Bogan Bingo! This is a chance for parents to dress up (or down, depending on your view of the world) and have a load of fun. Thanks to Julie Bibby & Renae McElligott who are organising the night.

Saturday 21st November: The FETE!!! This is the biggest event for the year so make sure it’s on the family calendar. Contact the fete coordinator Jess Lothian with any questions.

The next Parents Association meeting is next Tuesday 2nd June at 7:30pm in the Staff Room. We would love to see some new faces come along, particularly from the junior year levels, it really is a great way to keep informed of what is happening around the school. We hope to see you there. Thanks, Ange Horton & Cathy McNeill President & Vice President Parents Association

Student of the Week Certificates will be presented at assembly on Friday 5th June at 3.00pm, Whole School Awards Assembly (Location: Senior Yard) Samuel Bongiovanni FM For working hard to complete tasks during the given time and for helping others on his table. Well done! Thomas Fleming FM For writing an exposition about something he likes and dislike and explaining a reason for this using the word 'because'. Well done! Pia Caruso FR For retelling the story of Abraham and Sarah. Well done Pia! Alessio Pianta FR For using blocks to model different ways to make 10. Well done Alessio! Paul Smith FT For his excellent work identifying vowels during reading session. Keep up the great work Paul! Chantel Staberhofer FT For being a wonderful and caring friend to others. You are wonderful Chantel! Emily McCLeave 1B For her outstanding participation in our Mathematic lessons on place value. Fantastic work for challenging herself by working with three digit numbers. Luca Visalli 1C For trying to do his best work at all times. Alessandro Scarpino 1S For his amazing work ethic across the curriculum, always striving to do his very best and for being a great role model in Year One S. Well done! Alexander Nguyen 2A For his wonderful, thoughtful contributions to our class discussions. Well done! Isla Prentice 2D For her fantastic efforts in all areas of learning. Well done Isla! Melba Hughes Schwab 2M For her thoughtful and interesting contributions to class discussions. Lachlan Monger 3K For using amazing strategies to solve addition problems. Well done Lach! Anthea Gollant 3L For her fantastic work in reading and writing. Well done! Zane Raciti 3M For being an engaged learner who contributes great ideas to classroom discussions! Shivnan Bailey 4C For being a good role model to his peers with his self motivated and focussed work ethic. Max Caputo 4D For investigating enthusiastically measurement tasks and for making connections during class discussion. Maddison Komljenovic 4P For being focused on the task at hand and completing it in the set time. Isaac Abdilla 5C For his outstanding effort preparing his colonial Australia museum exhibit. Celia Abbenante 5G For always giving us a new perspective on topics or issues. Olivia Eaton 5M For her excellent work in writing, including excitement and drama in her narrative. Mercedes Pell 6B For her valued contributions to small group and whole class discussion. Well done! William Garvey 6C For his excellent presentation of his Confirmation Saint PowerPoint. Guy Furina 6M For frequently offering to share his thoughts and ideas with his peers in all subject areas.

ICAS Science The ICAS Science competition for all Year 2-6 students who entered will be held next Wednesday, 3rd June, at a time to be decided by the class teachers. Janet Dobson ICAS Coordinator

Important Dates May Friday 29th Year 6 Interschool Sports Year F - 2 Assembly 3.00pm - Hosts FR Sunday 31st Year 4 Family Mass - 10.30am Year 3 Students attend Mass to receive their prayers

June Tuesday 2nd Parents’ Association Meeting - 7.30pm Wednesday 3rd ICAS - Science Thursday 4th Special Food Day Class Mass 1C Friday 5th Whole School Awards Assembly Year 6 Interschool Sports Saturday 6th Parents’ Association - Bunnings BBQ Monday 8th Public Holiday - Queen’s Birthday Wednesday 10th Parish Education Board Meeting 7.00pm Friday 12th Whole School Mass - Feast of the Sacred Heart Year 3 - 6 Assembly 3.00pm - Hosts 3L Thursday 18th Class Mass 5G Friday 19th Whole School Awards Assembly

Tuckshop Week Beginning 25th May Friday 29th Maria Pricone, Serena Smith, Jocelyn Alajaji, Melissa Humann Week Beginning 1st June Monday Lisa Osborne, Emily Devers, Tereza Barun, Angela Cashin, Jude Cassidy Tuesday Gianna Willoughby, Gianna Ripa, Tania Lewis Wednesday Josie Russo, Mel Moore, Tracey Larobina, Serena Pegus Thursday Silv Pane, Vivian Scarpino, Carol Moudoukoutas, Michelle McMenamin Friday 5th Julie Durling-Landa , Michelle Christian, Annmaree Carmichael, Abbey Vandeloo, Di Abdo Week Beginning 8th June Monday PUBLIC HOLIDAY - QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY Tuesday Lynn Garvey, Tania Pamment, Nicole Donegan Wednesday Kellie Jeffery, Ann Stevens, Natalie Richards, Lisa Miller Thursday Jodie Kukuljan, Kate Farmelo, Sharron Paravizzini Friday 12th Jaklina Visalli, Franca Abbenante, Cathy McNeill, Melissa Moran If you are unable to work on your rostered day would you please arrange a swap. Alternatively please contact the office.

Children’s Liturgy Children’s Liturgy for Term 2: 7th June - 5.30pm Mass 14th June - 10.30am Mass 21st June - 10.30am Mass All children, pre-school to grade 6 are welcome to join us for Gospel related craft and activities. Parents welcome to come along.

AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST MORNING TEA THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, On behalf of the Parents’ Association, I would sincerely like to thank the following people for donating all their wonderful time and food to the biggest morning tea:

Nigel Haynes from Bakers Delight – Milleara Mall Sky Page – Bella Cupcakes Alma Kennedy – Paul Kennedy and Savour Chocolate and Patisserie School

I would also like to thank all those people who made donations either on the day, via the website and also all those who sent money via the school office. Thank you to all those helpers who helped set up the Symons Centre and also clean up at the end of the day. A break up of donations received is as follows: $523.50 via school office $976.80 on the day $420.00 via the Website page Which means we raised a grand total of $1920.30 Thanks again to everyone for the wonderful support we have had during this fundraising event. Ange Horton and Cathy McNeill

Sam Merrifield Library in Moonee Ponds. Following on from their success earlier in the year, we are running our cartooning and chess workshops again, and are fortunate to now be running a regular Lego club as well. All of these events happen on a Monday afternoon 4-5pm. Cartooning- Monday 22nd June 4-5pm Lego Club – Monday 29 June 4-5pm Chess- Monday 13 July 4-5pm. Please see attached fliers for more information.

St Monica’s Parish Newsletter The new and improved St Monica’s Parish Newsletter is on its way, and we are looking for talented parishioners to join the newsletter crew! We are searching for budding

Graphic Designers Photographers Writers

We are also hoping to find a local publishing business that may be able to assist in the newsletters production. If you or someone you know are interested please feel free to contact: Jacqueline Le Grand-Condello Mobile: 0439558309 or jlegrandcondello@bigpond.com Joanne Barrett Mobile: 0419117399 or joanne_barrett@bigpond.com

St Monica’s Ladies Tennis Our St. Monica’s Ladies C Grade tennis team needs players for next season (Tuesday night comp). If you are interested in joining this team please let me know. Contact Kelly Clark on 0417 144 263 or mail@clarkaustralia.com

OSHClub News Before School / After School Care Program

Program Update

Dear parents and families, An exciting week planed at OSHClub! We will be continuing our look into what we can do to help Orangutans in the wild. Along with lots of other fun activities and games! 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. - Emma Note: Our menu for the week is displayed in our program room on the whiteboards. Feel free to pop in to see what we’re eating ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

YOU CAN GET YOUR KIDS TENNIS LESSONS DONE WHILST THEY ARE AT AFTERCARE!

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

- Pom Pom Making - Table Tennis

- Tissue Paper Butterflies - Octopus

- Minecraft Masks - Red Light, Green Light

- Kite Making - Silent Ball

- Straw Rockets - Footy Skills

 After Care Activities

- Rainforest Project - Fruit Salad

- Rainforest Project - Soccer

- Bird Seed Collages - ‘Knock Out’ Game

- Orangutan Craft - Giants Treasure

- Bubble Painting - Musical Bobs

Parent Information

OSHC program phone: 0412 616 491 Coordinator: Emma Assistants: Jyoti, Sarah, Maranda, Vanessa, Melissa 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 cancellations can also be managed via your online account. For on the day bookings please contact the Coordinator direct at the program.