Term 1 Week 3 2025

I hope that you survived the past week of heat. The students and staff were absolute troopers with restrictions needed for play and sport times. I must admit we were all very grateful for our airconditioned learning spaces. Bless the clever engineers who invented these wonderful creations.

I would like to draw your attention to a link on webpage called “Child Safe Environments” which can be found in the “Our School” section. Within this space parents can access important information about child protection matters in the Adelaide Archdiocese. One of the links is a powerful commitment statement concerning the safeguarding of our children and young people. I have included the link and encourage you to take some time to explore the Child Protection policies and other helpful links. https://www.stmonica.catholic.edu.au/our-school/child-safe-environments

Thank you to all the parents who were able to join us for our Open Classrooms Evening on Wednesday 5 February. It was exciting that close to 90 of our 150 families attended the general session before moving to the classrooms. I very proudly shared the upcoming building program for St Monica’s where we will upgrade our lawn area with a covered outdoor learning and play space and make the back play space more of a nature play focus. I will share the information and images again at our upcoming AGM on Monday 17 February at 6.30pm in the Mary MacKillop Resource Centre (school library).

All families will be sent a link to a survey monkey to seek your feedback about our Open Classroom Evening this week. This was a different approach this year to the beginning of year information sharing process and we are keen to hear your thoughts, questions and suggestions.

You may have noticed that our diligent and committed crossing monitors are back on the job. I cannot thank these students, and their families, enough for the service that they are providing for our school so that all can cross the road safely. I remind parents and caregivers that we set the best and greatest example by our own actions. Please using the crossing if you do need to cross Brunswick St and you are near the crossing. Those little eyes are always watching for the example we set for them.

Could I also remind you that our “Kiss and Drop” zone is for 2 minutes only and the driver must stay within the car? If your child needs help to get in or out of the car, I encourage you to go a bit further in either direction to find a carpark. Our neighbours are very patient with us but when they can’t get out of their property because a parent has parked across or in their driveway, their frustration is understandable. I thank you for your support in this matter.

Have a gentle week ahead and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Emily Sayer

Principal

Loving God,

Thank you for the gift of each day. Help us to see your presence in our ordinary moments and to grow in faith, love, and service.

Bless our Josephite community with your grace. Give us strength to be kind, courageous, and compassionate.

May we find the extraordinary in the ordinary, always remembering the love and light of Christ.

Amen.

Moving through the Church year

We are currently in Ordinary Time, which is distinct from the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. It focuses on Jesus' teachings and ministry rather than specific events in His life.

Green, the colour of Ordinary Time in the Church, symbolises growth and new life. This period is a call to live our faith deeply and extraordinarily in our hearts, families, and communities. Embracing the spirituality of Ordinary Time helps us connect with the core of our everyday Christian lives.

In Week 6 we will move into the season of Lent, starting on Ash Wednesday. Lent is a season of preparation for Good Friday and Easter, highlighting Christ's passion and resurrection. Lent symbolises Jesus' 40-day fast in the wilderness.

In these last few weeks prior to Lent starting, I would encourage you to try one or more of these suggestions.

• Ask God regularly in prayer, “asking "What does my soul need?", it's like asking what will make that special part of you feel better. It could need more kindness, time to think quietly, or just feeling loved and safe. It's a way to understand how to make yourself feel peaceful and strong inside.
• Ask God, “What about my life makes you happy?” Yes, when God looks at your life, some parts of it—perhaps many aspects of it—bring joy to God’s heart.
• We can always open our lives a bit more, let go of more stuff, listen better, and do more to help others out and bring God’s Kingdom to earth.

Learning and Inclusion - Learning Disabilities

Gone are the days when teachers planned one lesson, and all students were expected to learn at the same pace and in the same way. Teachers are more aware than ever about the different learning needs of their students, from EALD to Gifted learners and those with learning disabilities. Students have more agency in how they learn best, and teachers use strategies to differentiate learning to accommodate the unique learning profiles of their students.  In this newsletter, we will be looking at some of the more common learning disabilities seen in the classroom.  Some students have a formal diagnosis, whilst others are imputed (undiagnosed but presumed).

The terms 'learning differences', 'learning difficulties' and 'learning disabilities' are often used to mean the same thing. However, there are differences between these terms.

Learning differences — are the different ways and speeds at which people learn for example, some babies start crawling at 6 months, whilst others will crawl at 12 months.
Learning difficulties — are things other than learning differences or disabilities that may affect someone's ability to learn. For example, poor attendance, illness and trauma.
Learning disabilities — are usually specific learning disorders and do not respond to typical interventions for example dyslexia, an impairment in reading.

It is important to remember that students with learning disabilities are usually of average or above average intelligence. They do not have an intellectual disability.

Learning disabilities affect how you learn in a specific area, some of the most common are:

dyslexia — specific learning disorder with impairment in reading.  Approximately 1 in 10 children are dyslexic.
dysgraphia — specific learning disorder with impairment in written expression
dyscalculia — specific learning disorder with impairment in mathematics
dyspraxia - a neurological (brain) and developmental condition. It affects about 1 in 20 primary school- aged children. It’s also called developmental coordination disorder (DCD).
ADHD - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder that begins in early childhood. ADHD used to be called attention deficit disorder (ADD). Around 1 in every 20 Australians has ADHD. While ADHD is more common in boys — it’s under diagnosed in girls and adults.

A specific learning disorder can affect how you take in, remember, understand or express information.  More information about learning disabilities can be found at:

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/learning-disabilities

Fullarton Community Centre is hosting a free parent information night run by Mark Le Messurier

‘Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia and ADHD—understanding how these needs can be met for our children’s sake.’

See flyer further into the newsletter or book via the link: https://www.unley.sa.gov.au/Eventbrite/FP-25-03-Parent-education-seminars-Mark-Le-Messurier-The-BIG-5-learning-difficulties-1218722464699

Congratulations to Student Voice 2025!

We will officially welcome the group of students at our next assembly on Monday 17th February.

1/2B - Airlie and Addy

1/2G - Klara and Gia-Rose

1/2M - Mila B and Eloise

3/4V -Alisha and William

3/4P- Samara and Celestine

4/5M - Olivia and Leo T

6MR - Patrick, Sophie and Shivansh

We started our Book Buddies this week, Year 6s and 1/2M shared reading time, to nurture their love of reading and develop connections with each other. 

Book Week 16th-23rd August – ‘Book an Adventure

Scholastic Book Club – Issue 1 2025

Issue 1 Book Club has closed, and orders should be received at the school in the next 2 weeks. They will have your child/children’s names on them and will be given to the class teachers to distribute.

Twice a term the Book Club catalogue will be sent home with a different selection of books for all ages, however there is never any obligation to order.

The best gift any parent can give a child is the love of books and the joy and benefits of independent reading for fun. Children who read at home, or are read to, have a head start on reading success in school. Owning your own books is something special!

Scholastic Book Club also benefits our school. For every Book Club order placed, Scholastic gives back 20% of the money spent to our school to spend on valuable education resources via its Scholastic Rewards program. This order has earned $130 for the school.  Thank you for your support of the Book Club.

Adelaide Festival – Young Readers Day – Sunday 2nd March 9.30am-4pm.

This event is FREE

WHEN

Sun 02 Mar, 9:30am

WHERE

Pioneer Women's Memorial Garden
Torrens Tent and North Stage

Young Readers' Day

Kids' program in the Torrens Tent | Middle Grade & YA on the North Stage

Adelaide Writers' Week

Dive into a world of wonder and imagination this Young Readers' Day!

WHEN

Sun 02 Mar, 9:30am

WHERE

Pioneer Women's Memorial Garden
Torrens Tent and North Stage

Whether your child is enchanted by beautifully illustrated picture books, thrilled by dynamic graphic novels or swept away by epic tween adventures, our Kids’ Program has something for all bookworms to explore!

In the Torrens Tent

9:30AM | Yanga Mother Cheryl Leavy
10AM | Can You Teach a Fish to Climb a Tree? Jane Godwin
10:30AM | Guess What We Are Doing Today? Luke Springer and Chris Kennett
11AM | Story Trove: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Tooth Fairy (and Some Things You Didn’t)
11:30AM | School of Monsters Sally Rippin and Chris Kennett
12:15PM | Aggie Flea is NOT a Liar! Tania Ingram
1PM | Leo and Ralph Peter Carnavas
1:45PM | Wurrtoo Tylissa Elisara
2:30PM Bravepaw Lili Wilkinson
3:15PM | Brightest Wild Tania Crampton-Larking
4PM | The Raven’s Eye Runaways Claire Mabey

Our YA readers can explore a variety of genres with writers of thrilling dystopias, heartwarming romances and thought-provoking fantasies – something for everyone. This day promises exclusive access to the voices you love and new ones you’ll adore.

On the North Stage

9:30AM | Is My Phone Reading My Mind? Dr Matt Agnew with Dr Lisa Bailey
10:45AM | The World Between Blinks Amie Kaufman with Audrey Menz
12PM | Unhallowed Halls Lili Wilkinson with Claire Mabey
1:15PM | Talking About Love Sophie Gonzales and Erin Gough with Anthony Nocera
2:30PM | The Order of Masks Alina Bellchambers with Audrey Menz
3:45PM | Immortal Dark Tigest Girma with Jessica Alice

 9:30AM - 1PM | Nature Play SA Activities’

Participants 

Cheryl Leavy is from the Kooma and Nguri nations in western and central Queensland. She is an award-winning poet and writer who loves to tell stories that celebrate First Nations culture, history and Country. Yanga Mother is her first picture book. Her second, For You Country, will be published in 2025. 

Luke Springer, known by his online followers as internationally renowned internet teacher sensation, Mr. Luke, is a beloved teacher based in Adelaide who teaches children in their first year of school.  With almost a decade of teaching experience under his belt and a passion for plants, Luke shares his experiences and the joys of being a male junior primary educator through engaging content online. 

Chris Kennett has been drawing ever since he could hold a pencil (or so his mum says). But professionally, Chris has been creating quirky characters for just over 20 years. He's best known for drawing weird and wonderful creatures from the Star Wars universe, and his School of Monsters and Nerd Herd series. 

Peter Carnavas writes and illustrates books for children. He has made many picture books, such as The Children Who Loved Books, Last Tree in the City and A Quiet Girl. His novel The Elephant won a Queensland Literary Award and was shortlisted in four other national awards. He has won an Australian Book Industry Award and a SCBWI Crystal Kite Award, and his books have been published widely across the world. Peter's latest book, My Brother Ben, won the 2022 Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children's Literature at the NSW Premier's Literary Awards, was shortlisted at the 2022 Speech Pathology Book of the Year Awards, longlisted for the 2022 Australian Book Industry Award's Book of the Year for Younger Children, and was a 2022 CBCA Notable. Peter lives on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, with his wife, two daughters, a dog and a cat. 

Tylissa Elisara is a children's social worker who lives and works in Meanjin (Brisbane) with her husband and children. She descends from the Narungga, Kaurna and Adnyamathanha people of South Australia and was born and raised on Mamu Country in Innisfail, Queensland - a heritage, alongside her Irish ancestry, that she proudly regards as a long legacy of storytelling. Tylissa is studying a Master of Writing, Editing and Publishing at the University of Queensland. Wurrtoo is her first novel. 

Tania Crampton-Larking is a proud Mirning woman who writes to inspire others to connect with Nature's vibrant, timeless beauty. She seeks to promote caring values that are opposed to destructive ignorance and racism. She is passionate about fighting for the preservation and restoration of Earth's healthy natural systems, and for a future that is safe, magical and sacred for all. 

Claire Mabey is a writer, founder of literary organisation Verb Wellington and is the current books editor at The Spinoff. She has worked at many arts and book festivals over the past 15 years and still feels passionate about the role of festivity in our lives. Her first novel is The Raven's Eye Runaways and is  a middle grade adventure novel about the magic of books, the importance of friendship and the secrets buried deep in families. Claire is mum to Charlie and lives on the wildly beautiful south coast of Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington. 

Alina Bellchambers grew up in her family’s bookstore and spent a childhood immersed in fantastical worlds. She now writes romantic fantasies featuring fierce female protagonists, morally grey characters, magic and seductive court politics. She has a psychology degree from Flinders University.

Erin Gough is a Sydney-based writer whose award-winning novels for young adults have been published internationally. Her first novel, The Flywheel, won the Hardie Grant Ampersand Prize, and her second, Amelia Westlake, was winner of the Readings Young Adult Book Prize and the NSW Premier's Ethel Turner Prize for Young Adult Fiction. Erin’s short fiction has appeared in journals and anthologies including The Griffith Review, Kindred: 12 Queer #LoveOzYA Stories, and Best Australian Stories. Into the Mouth of the Wolf is her third novel. 

Simultaneous Storytime – Wednesday 21st May

Book Week 16th-23rd August -This year’s theme is ‘Book an Adventure’.

Premier’s Reading Challenge – runs until 7th September.

Premier’s be-active Challenge – runs until 26th September.

More information about these exciting activities will be in future newsletters.

We encourage all our students to dress up in their favourite costume or in colourful clothes and they will be decorating masks at school for them to wear on the day.

We will begin the day with an assembly and a parade, then there will be a variety of activities and gelato. It is a wonderful festival celebrated throughout Italy and the world before Lent. Everyone wears costumes and masks, and each region of Italy has its own special way of celebrating, with parades, floats, pageants, balls, orange battles, food and fireworks.

This year, Carnevale at St Monica’s will be in Week 6:

TUESDAY MARCH 4

More information and order forms will be sent out to all families next week.

The parent community has established a private group on Facebook that facilitates the trading of second-hand uniform items.

Please visit www.facebook.com/groups/stmonicasbuyswapsell and request to join the group if you are interested.

The page is ideal for selling items in good condition that your child has outgrown, or to sell items if your child is moving on. Simply post images and your contact details. Alternatively, you can join the group to take advantage of the pre-loved items that become available.

For those of you who are not on Facebook, please contact the P&F pandf.stmonicas@gmail.com and they will assist you with the sale of items.

Please note the sale of old-style uniform items is not allowed. St Monica's Parish School does not manage this page and takes no responsibility for any private sales.

We acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the land upon which St Monica’s learn, work and play.

May we walk gently on this land acknowledging the Kaurna people's deep spiritual connection with their country.

We pay our respects to Kaurna elders past and present and commit to the ongoing journey of Reconciliation.