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!
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-
[email protected]. 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 [email protected]
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.