NEWSLETTER Term 4 November 30th 2017

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

Reminder: Tomorrow is a School Closure Day. There is no school for the children.

Dear Parents and Children,

It’s hard to believe, but in a few days we will celebrate the first weekend of Advent. To remind us of the

coming of Christ at Christmas, we received this lovely Advent Wreath from Grace’s Grandmother, Patrice

Duggan. It was a generous and kind thought. It has reminded me that the Season of Advent is about giving.

It is timely that I announce with gratitude that our Parents Association, through the hard work of the fete

Committee have raised $65,000 for our school. This amount represents twelve months of hard work—that

culminated in the Twilight Fete. Although the amount is staggering (and it will be put to very good use), it

is a drop in the ocean compared with the priceless spirit of the community that worked to fundraise it. My

heartfelt thanks to you all for adding such significant value to our annual budget. You will see the shade

structure appearing in the Middle Yard. Things like this can happen due to your generous support.

Light the

Advent

Candle One

Now the

waiting has

begun

We have

started on

our way

Time to think

of Christmas

Day

ADVENT

Christmas Carols 2017

Wednesday, December 13th - 6.30pm

You are invited to get into the Spirit of Christmas by

joining the children in singing Christmas Carols.

Bring a picnic rug, fold-up chairs, a picnic and your singing

voices to the Senior Yard for an evening of community

Christmas celebration.

The children are asked to wear Christmas-themed clothing

eg red, green, Christmas clothes, tinsel in hair, Santa hats,

angel wings… etc.

(Adults are welcome to ‘dress up’ too.)

The Carols will conclude at approximately 7.30 with the

arrival of a Special Guest!

YEAR 1 FAMILY MASS

YEAR 1 FAMILY MASS

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

Over the weekend Emeliyan performed in his dance concert which he has

been counting down to since the start of the school year. Emeliyan is always

dancing and singing for Foundation T in Croatian and was so proud that Miss

Tess was able to attend his concert.

Congratulations to

Madeleine Moody (5B)

and Sophie Kukuljan (3O)

who competed with their

team at the Victorian Southern Cross Classic in

Geelong. They placed 3rd overall and

are Champions on floor, 2nd on bars and 2nd on

beam. GO NIDDRIE!

On Wednesday morning we were very excited to hear the news that Thomas and Ryan have been selected

in the U12 Representative Cricket Team for the North-West Metropolitan Cricket Association. On January

8th 2018, the boys will play a two week Carnival against other associations. We wish them luck!

Annual Christmas Appeal for the

St Vincent De Paul Society

We have come to that time of the year again where we are calling out for donations in

support of the St Vincent De Paul Society.

This year we have received a request for non-perishable food items as well as some

Christmas themed food items to create some hampers.

Students and families from each year level are asked to donate some specific items. This

is a guideline and not limited to the listed items, all donations welcome.

Please send these items along to your child’s classroom

We will be preparing the hampers on THURSDAY DECEMBER 7th

If you are available to assist with this day please leave a message at the school office.

“Many hands make light work!”

Year Level Items required

Foundation Christmas pudding, custard powder, tins of non-perishable food items

Year 1 Shortbread, Milo, tea, coffee, long life milk packets of non-perishable

food items

Year 2 Pasta, cous cous, pasta sauce chocolates tinned fruit and vegetables

Year 3 Cereal, tinned fruit ,Christmas bon bons,

Year 4 Tinned fruit and vegetables, biscuits, gingerbread, soup

Year 5 Cereal tinned fruit, Christmas themed foods, canned ham

Year 6 Canned ham, lollies, snack foods e.g. chips pretzels etc.

Please note that any donations that are not past or close to their use by date are

gratefully received.

The power of gratitude for a happier life More than just a nice feeling, gratitude is integral to happiness. If we can inspire and cultivate gratitude in our children, we’re

doing so much more than teaching them to be polite by saying 'thank-you'. We’re helping them develop a strength that will

positively affect their mental health and wellbeing over a lifetime. It’s that powerful. Remember how many times you had to

remind your kids to use their manners all those years ago? I know, probably too many! Still reminding? You're not alone! In

the same way good manners eventually become a part of daily life, sincere gratitude will too. It’s worth persevering.

Benefits of a grateful mindset

The science tells us that compared with those who don’t, people who practice gratitude are more enthusiastic, more

determined, perform better at school, are more likely to avoid risky behaviours, experience less depression and envy, are

more kind and helpful, sleep better and are 25 per cent happier. Adolescents with a grateful mindset are more optimistic and

experience greater social support, which is essential to their health and happiness. They experience more fulfilling friendships

and family relationships, are more content in themselves and with their school, have higher grades and are less focused on

material possessions.

There's simply no down side!

Practicing gratitude is a sure-fire way to boost happiness, something we absolutely want for ourselves and for our children. In

addition, teaching our children genuine appreciation helps them develop strong relationships over the course of their lives,

and we know that strong relationships are critical to our overall happiness. Gratitude isn't just good for the giver either. It's

wonderful for the recipient too. Do you remember how you felt the last time sincere gratitude was expressed to you? It lifts

our spirits, boosts our mood and inevitably strengthens our relationship with the person expressing their thanks.

Where do I start?

The best way to teach gratitude is for us as parents to role model it. When you're feeling grateful, tell your kids and explain

why. If you do something kind for someone to thank them for helping you, share your story over the evening meal. Like all

values we want for our kids to embrace, it's 'monkey see, monkey do'. Different families teach gratitude in different ways.

The trick is to introduce a gratitude practice that doesn’t feel like a chore. Even if there’s a little resistance at first, don’t give

up. It feels good to be grateful, so it should eventually become something that doesn’t need too much of a nudge.

Supporting your child to become more grateful begins with teaching three fundamental ideas:

1. Awareness that someone has purposefully done something to benefit them.

2. Awareness that taking action to provide you a benefit cost that person in some way.

3. Understanding that the benefit of that person’s actions is valuable to them.

There are loads of fun ways to practice gratitude. Here are a few to get you started:

- Regularly express sincere gratitude to your partner and to your children, explaining why.

- Prompt your kids to note things they’re grateful for in colourful textas on poster paper on the fridge.

- Paint a wall in chalk paint for your family to artistically (or not!) express their gratitude using chalk.

- Ask each family member what they’re thankful for each evening at dinner.

- Stop to savour and appreciate the little things like a beautiful flower or a colourful sunset.

- Find the silver lining in difficult circumstances.

- Relive happy moments together.

- Hold hands at the dinner table and thank the person who prepared the food.

- Ask the kids to take photos of the things they’re grateful for.

- Keep thank-you notes at the ready and let the kids know when you write one and why. Encourage them to do the same.

- Encourage a contribution from your kids' pocket money towards something they want.

- Start a gratitude journal and invite the kids to make contributions.

- Encourage your kids to help others.

- Help your kids reflect on what they're grateful for, last thing at night.

- Start a gratitude jar and each weekend spend time reading over the notes within.

It’s really about finding the right fit for your family. You may need to try a few different ideas. You don't even have to do it

everyday, even just a few times a week works well, though it is good to get into a routine with it.

Lastly, Associate Professor Jeffrey Froh, a leading authority on gratitude in young people, tells us that "the deepest sense of

gratitude in life comes from connecting to a bigger picture, to an issue that matters to others, and doing things that contribute

to society down the road.”

Knowing this we can also be on the lookout for opportunities to fan the flames of our childrens' passions and yearnings to

make a difference in the lives of others. Step-by-step, day-by-day, we can raise grateful young people who are happier

because of their perspective, and who lead rich and fulfilling lives because of what they do for others.

Sensitive Santa: Northland's sensory shopping days for children

with autism

It was recently reported in The Age Newspaper that Northland Shopping Centre held its first ever Sen-

sory Shopping Day on Sunday 11th November.

For children with autism, being in a big shopping centre like Northland can be a sensory overload due to

the bright lights, noisy environment and bustling crowds. The shopping experience can be a highly anx-

ious one as a result.

Northland Shopping Centre has teamed with AMAZE, the peak organisation for people with autism, and

Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre to give people the chance to shop without a sensory overload.

On the Sensory Shopping Day, the Centre opened early, lighting was partially reduced, music was

turned off and staff were told to greet customers non-verbally.

There was also a sign at the cash registers telling people to maintain a metre-wide distance to give more

space to customers.

Also on hand was 'Sensitive Santa', a Mr Claus trained specifically to interact with children on the au-

tism spectrum. Families could book in for a 10-minute slot with Santa - without having to queue up.

Northland Shopping Centre will have Sensitive Santa every day

from November 19 to 24; and from November 27 to

December 1 from 8am to 9am.

2018 Parents Association Positions

The Parents Association will hold its AGM on Monday 4th December at 7pm. At the AGM

the election of positions for 2018 will take place.

The Parents Association helps to build a sense of community in the school & parish by

hosting and organising functions, supporting school activities and raising funds for the

school.

It would be great if all parents could seriously consider nominating him/herself or another

parent for an elected position. There are many positions available and it really is a great

way to get involved in the school and to contribute your time and ideas.

Nominations can be made by filling in the slip below and returning it to the school office

by Friday 1st December. If you would like to discuss any of the roles please feel free to

contact Abygaile Cukavac (0421 503 253).

_________________________________________________________________________

St Monica’s Parents Association Election of Positions Nomination Form

I propose ___________________________________

(name of person being nominated) for the 2018 position of (please circle)

President Vice President

Treasurer Assistant Treasurer

Secretary Assistant Secretary

School Advisory Board Liaison Special Food Day Coordinator

Class Rep Coordinator Year F-3 Class Rep Coordinator Year 4-6

Name of person nominating the candidate _______________________

Signature of Candidate ______________________________________

Date _____________

Student of the Week Certificates will be presented at assembly on Friday December 15 at 3.00pm. Whole

School Awards Assembly (Location: Senior Yard)

Flynn Cassidy FC For always being so kind and helpful in our classroom. Well done, Flynn.

Joann Sijo FC For her wonderful retelling of the story Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

Fantastic, Joann.

Evie Cullen FS For her increased confidence to add more detail to her writing. Well done,

Evie!

Noah Peverill FS For his initiative in the classroom, always thinking that extra step ahead .

Well done, Noah!

Emeliyan Dechnicz FT For trying his best to do his work to the very best of his ability! Great

work, Emeliyan.

Sienna Stipanic FT For her wonderful writing and drawing. Keep up the great work, Sienna!

Thomas Whale 1C For the insightful comments he shares during reading discussions.

Allena Paulose 1L For exemplary behaviour and consistent willingness to apply herself to all

tasks.

Ruby Rockes 1S For her confidence in Mathematics to solve division problems using the

language of equally and left overs! Fantastic work, Ruby!

Jye Raciti 2D For showing great improvement in writing tasks. Well done, Jye!

Ava Toscano 2M For working hard in reading and writing. Well done, Ava.

Hamish Lambeth 2M For being a fantastic role model for others and always working hard.

Violet Adams 2T For her amazing work in Mathematics and her friendly nature.

Poppy Maxey 2T For her excellent manners and being a good friend.

Elizabeth Burke 3B For outstanding effort to improve her spelling and editing.

Ned O`Farrell 3B For his fantastic improvement in the presentation of his written work.

Michael Morabito 3B For improvement in his presentation of written work.

Sienna Taylor 3M For her diligent and persistent approach towards the many challenges in

Mathematics has been wonderful. Keep it up!

Madeline Berlingeri 3MFor being such a positive member of the 3M classroom. Her smile and

kindness is appreciated by everyone. Congratulations!

Alannah Vaxalis 3O For always presenting her work to a high standard. Her organisation and

dedicated approach to her learning is brilliant.

Oliver Bourke 4D For his enthusiasm and commitment through all learning in our History

unit, ‘First Contacts’, and for his application in completing all research

tasks well.

Xavier Malcolm 4G For gaining confidence in sharing his ideas in small group work.

Hannah Ryan 4P For showing resilience, confidence and a positive mindset towards her

Mathematics learning.

Bridget Lavery 5J For setting an excellent example for her peers both in class and in the

wider school environment. She should be proud of her motivation and

work rate.

Bailey Coningsby 5M For the excellent presentation of his report on Spain.

James Smith 5M For being an excellent problem solver and making great suggestions.

Mia Mecca 6C For consistently being a positive member of 6C.

James Lavery 6K For representing St Monica`s with great success and pride at the recent

‘Hot Shots’ tennis tournament.

Olivia Berlingeri 6M For participating enthusiastically at the Athletics Carnival and encouraging

others.

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NOTICES

School Fees Thank-you to those families who have paid their overdue accounts. For

those families who have not yet paid their outstanding school fees refer

below to our school's policy for collecting unpaid school fees. If any family

is unable to meet their school fee commitment contact Mr Peter

Moore immediately.

I appreciate you pay all outstanding school fees within the next week.

STEPS FOR COLLECTING UNPAID SCHOOL FEES 1. Invitation to discuss fee commitment with the school

2. If payment is not received within the specified time-frame, use of an external debt

collector or legal action will follow

3. Court proceedings may be initiated

Swimming Costs Foundation to Year 2 For any family who has made a swimming CASH payment this week and has not yet received a receipt,

can you please contact the school office.

St Monica's Netball Club Grading Day for Season 2018 – Sunday 10th

December All players both new and old who would like to be placed in a team in 2018 are invited to attend the rele-

vant session for their age group listed below. Grading will take place in the St. Monica’s Primary School

Senior Yard (Hutcheson St). Please come prepared with a water bottle, and wearing sunscreen and ap-

propriate dress and footwear for netball!

8:45am – ‘SET’ or 9/Under Players (Children in Yr. 3 2018, or the year level

above who are new to netball)

9:15 – 11/Under (Yrs 4 and 5 in 2018)

10:15 – 13/Under (Yrs 6 and 7 in 2018)

Everyone attending grading are required to have paid their 2018 Netball Vic-

toria Membership (which covers player insurance) before December 10th. To

do so, go to the Essendon District Netball Association's website

(essendondna.vic.netball.com.au), click on the ‘NV Registrations header’ and follow the instructions. If

you are registering for SET, you will be taken to a NetSetGo page. Please ignore the details describing

the Saturday ‘GO’ competition, and proceed to ‘getting started’.

Once you have paid, please email a copy of your confirmation email to stmonicasnetball-

club@gmail.com. A separate club registration fee will be also be payable, with further details to follow.

Please email us with any queries. We look forward to seeing you on December 10th!

Swimming Carnival 2018 Nomination Forms

Once again event nominations for the House Swimming Carnival will be submitted via a nomination form

only. Following the School Sport Victoria (SSV) district qualification format, all 50m races on Swimming

Carnival day will still be carefully timed as well as judged by place officials. This will allow eligible stu-

dents from Year 4-6 the best possible opportunity to qualify for the District Swimming. As always the fo-

cus for the carnival will be on participation, enjoyment and House team spirit.

Where possible can you please ensure you fill in all relevant information on the Swimming nomination

forms, as all submitted details will be used to help place your child into the appropriate race for each indi-

vidual event. It is important that if your child has achieved a Swim & Survive level, is in a Swimming

Club/Squad and has a personal best time for his/her selected events that these are all clearly specified on

the form. If the submitted nomination form has no additional relevant information for a particular stroke

then your child will be placed randomly into a race for that stroke, applicable to his/her gender and age

grouping.

Please note that individual event changes will not be permitted after this form is submitted nor on the car-

nival day itself, can you please ensure your child is nominated for the correct events at this stage. Thank

you for your cooperation and understanding. Mr McGuinness.

NOTICES

Key Dates

Term 4 December 2017 Friday 1st School Closure Day

Friday 8th 3.00pm Assembly Years 3 to 6 hosted by 6M

Monday 11th Whole School Social Justice Presentation 2.30pm

2018 Foundation Orientation 9.15am

Wednesday 13th End of Year Christmas Carols - 6.30pm

Friday 15th Whole School Awards Assembly - 3.00pm

Monday 18th Year 6 Mass and Graduation

Wednesday 20th End of Term 4

2018 Term 1

January Monday 29th Staff Commence

Tuesday 30th Half of each Foundation Class 8.50am to 1.00pm

Foundation individual testing 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Years 1 to 6 individual interview appointments

Wednesday 31st Half of each Foundation Class 8.50am to 1.00pm

Foundation individual testing 1.30pm to 3.30pm

Years 1 to 6 individual interview appointments

February Thursday 1st Whole School commences

Wednesday 7th No Foundation students - testing by appointment

Thursday 8th Beginning of 2018 Whole School Mass 9.15am

Friday 9th Welcome Evening BBQ - Senior Yard 5.30pm

Wednesday 14th Ash Wednesday - Mass Year 3 to 6

No Foundation students - testing by appointment

Friday 23rd Foundation and New families luncheon 12.00pm to 3.00pm

Week 9 Beginning December 4

Monday 4 - December Anne Ryan

Kate Farmelo

9.30 - 11:30

9.30 - 11:30

Tuesday 5 - December Suzie Christian

Vikki Barresi

10.00 - 11:30

9 - 11:30

Wednesday 6 - December Leanne Redl

Jess Lothian

9:30 - 11:30

10:00 - 11:30

Thursday 7 - December Michelle Christian

Lisa Saunders

9.00 - 11:30

9.00 - 10:30

Friday 8 - December Jane Henderson

Kim Murphy

Lyn Garvey

Anne Ryan

9:30 - 11:30

9:00 - 11:30

10:00– 11:30

9:00 - 11:30

Week 10 Beginning December 11

Monday 11 - December Volunteer Needed 10:30 - 11:30

Tuesday 12 - December Mary Marcaccio

Caroline Theraski

9 - 11:30

9 - 11:30

Wednesday 13 - December Danny McBride

Marie-Anne Zlatkovic

10:30 - 11:30

9:30 - 10:30

Thursday 14 - December Mariya Saril

Nina Ieria

9 - 10:30

10 - 11:30

Friday 15 - December Kim Murphy

Jane Henderson

Michelle Thomason

9:30:11.30

9:30:11.30

9:30:11.30

OSHClub News

Program Update

Dear Parents and Children,

We will be running a school closure day program on Friday December 1st (this Friday). Bookings can currently be

made online, under the ASC Tab. Please make sure your child brings a hat, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

Holiday program Bookings are also now open online and can be made through your OSHClub accounts. These

holidays we will be running between these times:

Thursday 21st Dec- Fri 22nd Dec 2017

Monday 8th Jan-Monday 29th Jan 2018

Some of the fun planned for these holidays includes: Melbourne Museum excursion, trip to the movies, Bowling

excursion and Build a bear incursion.

As we are now coming into the hotter months of the year it is important that all children bring a hat to wear if they

wish to participate in outdoor activities. Unfortunately, if children are without a hat for either BSC or ASC they

will have to remain inside for that session.

We have a large number of items in our OSHClub Lost Property at the present. Feel free to come in and have a

look if your child is missing any of their property. Lost Property is located within our OSHClub office.

Take care,

Jess

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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

-Christmas craft -everybody's it

-Christmas

craft -four corners

-Christmas

craft -silent ball

-Christmas craft -Octopus

-Christmas craft -Fruit salad

After Care

Activities

-Christmas craft -Uno -Cricket

-Christmas

craft -Snap -Skipping -Soccer

-Christmas

craft -Twister -French Cricket

-Christmas craft -Lego -Four square -Hockey

-Christmas craft -Jenga -One bounce

Parent Information

OSHC program phone: 0412 616 491 (Operating hours are from 7.15am-9.00am and 3.00pm-6.15pm)

Coordinator: Jess

Assistants: Mel, Nairy, Maddie & Shannon

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.