Term 2 Week 1 2023

Welcome back to all students and families! I hope that you have had the opportunity to do nothing over the last two weeks or at least things that were just wonderful and lots of fun. The term break is an important time for all community members to catch their breath and go just that little bit slower. This is one simple way that we can look after our personal wellbeing and mental health. I was able to spend a couple of days in Robe with my husband. What a gorgeous, calming place it is. The sunsets were just amazing, Long Beach was long but beautiful and I supported the local economy in many many ways. It has been wonderful hearing all about the students’ holidays too this week.

School Crossing

I have some sad news that we must put a ‘pause’ on our crossing monitors for a short time. After a visit from a SAPOL officer at Staff Meeting so staff could undertake our training to monitor the crossing we were informed that currently our “Emu” crossing is not legal as there needs to be different markings on the road and the signage needs to be modified. 

I have been in conversation with James from Walkerville Council today, and he has been very supportive in working with the council’s contractors to organise a time for this to occur. We will be meeting next Tuesday to ensure that we have a clear understanding of what will be modified and I will share this with the community as soon as possible. James knows how important this is for our community and will be working quickly in this matter. Until these actions are complete, we are not allowed to use crossing monitors. I have shared this news with the children who have volunteered to be crossing monitors and they are (understandably) very disappointed, as am I.  I will let you know when we are able to recommence this important role and I thank you for your support of this important safety initiative and I apologise for this disappointment. 

ANZAC Day at Walkerville Memorial

It was a mild but clear morning for the Walkerville RSL Dawn Service for ANZAC Day this year. The attendance at this event by members of the community was admirable, especially the number of young people present. Richard Trotman-Dickerson AM, the Vice President of the Walkerville RSL, led the service eloquently and so respectfully. As he spoke to those gathered about the different elements of the service and their significance and importance, the sun rose very gently behind him. It was a beautiful reminder of the start of a new day and with a new dawn it brings new hopes and beginnings.

Megan P, Natalie B and Annabelle H proudly represented our school by laying a wreath on our behalf. The beautiful wreath was made especially for us by Belinda P, mum of Xavier and Leo T and we thank her very much for her help with this. To the senior students involved, and their families, thank you for your commitment to our school and the way you demonstrated leadership and respect at such an important event. I was so proud to be able to stand with you at the ceremony.

New Opening Time for OSHC

A reminder to all families that before school care now commences at 7am each day throughout the term. The change in the time is in response to feedback from families and we hope that this allows some more flexibility in families’ morning as they prepare for school and work. The cost of before school care will be a flat fee of $12 and if you attend before 8.00am, you can also enjoy a breakfast of toast with toppings, fruit and water. If you have any questions, please contact Jodie Byrne, our OSHC Director.

God’s blessings,

Emily Sayer

Principal

On our school closure day this week, while our students were enjoying their last day of holidays, our teachers were working hard at St Martin’s. Our two parish school staff’s came together to have rich dialogue about Assessment, specifically in the subject area of Religious Education. Our teachers brought work samples to moderate using newly developed performance standards. The day was such a huge success, plans for our next joint day are already being discussed. 

At vacation care we had the Daytona Twin Racers for the whole of the second week.

We also decorated some pots and made terrariums to add to our outdoor area.

Katniss and Rivers enjoyed creating their own cities with lego.

If your child completed a holiday activity which can be recognised as Children's University hours, please ask them to come and see me with their passports. A number of children have completed activities on the Children's University Portal, please send in their passports for stamping.  

During the holidays Harrison E completed many activities with the inspiration of the portal, including ANZAC biscuit cooking, a backyard Scavenger Hunt and a Visit Diary for his family holiday. Well done Harrison!

Remember to consider following Children’s University on Facebook and log in to the Portal for ideas.

All families are invited to attend our next P & F meeting on Wednesday May 10 at 7pm in the Hall. 

P & F welcomes new members who wish to attend, even on a casual basis. 

Kind Regards,

Carolyn Easterbrook 

Catholic Schools Parents SA – CSPSA  is hosting an incredible opportunity to listen to and be inspired by Dr Gill Hicks, a survivor of the London terrorist bombings. If you are interested in attending please follow this link to register.

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St Monica’s acknowledge the Kaurna People as the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live, learn and work. We acknowledge the continued deep spiritual connection and relationship of Aboriginal peoples to this country and commit to the ongoing journey of Reconciliation.