Term 4 Week 5

Remembrance Day

Yesterday I had the honour of attending the Walkerville RSL Remembrance Day service at the Memorial Rose Garden, Walkerville. Accompanying me were four of our senior students, William, Brock, Lily and Kiana. Together they laid a wreath to pay respect and to honour all service people who have given their lives in the service of our country. I was extremely proud of the way they represented our school community with a deep sense of respect for the occasion.

Fifty-four small white crosses placed on the grass in front of the memorial commemorated the lives from the Walkerville, Gilberton and Medindie districts of those who fell during World War 1. Such a simple symbol but such a strong reminder of the lives lost.

As we were waiting to be called forward to lay our wreath, my attention was drawn towards a very dignified gentleman whose chest was proudly displaying his service medals. He stood at attention the whole time and I could sense the importance of this occasion for him as he remembered those who had paid the ultimate price for peace. They may have been his friends or family members but in his quiet but proud stance he reminded me of how important it is that we take the time to remember those who lost their lives and for those who are still on active service.

Lest we forget.

Assistant Director of OSHC

We are currently advertising for an Assistant Director for Out of School Hours Care. If you know anyone who may be interested, please ask them to contact Annette Giacomelli for information about the position.

Diwali celebrations

Last week many of our families celebrated the festival of Diwali – Festival of Lights. I hope that all families who observe and celebrated this wonderful festival had a joyous time. May the light of your celebrations continue in the coming year.

Children’s Liturgy at St Monica’s and

St Martin’s Church

This month of November, we have started offering the Children’s Liturgy twice a month at both weekend Masses, St Monica’s and St Martin's. It’s a wonderful way for the children to have a better understanding of the Gospel of the day’s Liturgy and grow in appreciating the structure and the richness of the first part of the Mass.

Please encourage your children of school age to come forward right after the initial greeting by Fr Kym. The children will be accompanied by the Children's Liturgy Team to the Parish Hall and will return to join the family and the assembly at the presentation of the gifts of bread and wine, after the Prayers of the Faithful.

The team leaders will give each child a sheet which expresses something of the message of the Gospel. It is in view of helping the child in a conversation with the rest of the family.

Children Liturgy will be held next weekend 20 & 21 November; 4 & 5 December. The second gathering for the children in December will be the Christmas Story with Carols on the 24 of December.

We look forward to your support and involvement. Any parent or young person who is interest to be part of the Team please do not hesitate to make it known either to Sr Rita or give Rebecca a call in the Parish Office on 8261 6200.

The athletics carnival was fun and an enjoyable day. It was held on Wednesday 3rd of November, it started of as a rainy day but when the sun came out, we got started. High jump was nearly canceled but it was reopened as we thought. This day was a fun time that we would love to do again. We learnt  about our strengths like how to breath when we are nervous and how relax also how butterflies are a good thing as long as you control them. We found this day competitive and entertaining we did not get bored at all. We all encouraged and cheered on for not just for our school but others as well. Lots of us got ribbons but the ones that didn’t thought they could do better and try again next time and that’s how people learn. 

By Lara, Ella and Natalie

Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, for the second year in a row we were unable to take our year six class to Canberra. Instead the students travelled to Monarto for a two night, three day camp experience. Highlights included; making chimpanzee homes, night bush walks, a safari tour, 'behind the scenes' to see where the animal's food is prepared and even scooping up and disposing of bison scat! The students were very hands on, help the park rangers with a number of projects which will have a long lasting impact on the future development of Monarto.

We are so proud of the students who graduated from Children's University last week at Adelaide University's Bonython Hall. We had a largest group ever, with 28 students graduating. Children's university acknowledges all the learning that occurs outside of school hours and encourages students to self direcred learners.

Our year six class were privileged to spend time this week with presenters from the Abraham Institute. Two Muslim, a Jewsish and a Christian presenter all shared their knowledge about how they live out their faith here in Adelaide. Through an open dialogue the students were encouraged to ask questions and reflect on their own beliefs and faith practices.

Premier’s Be Active Challenge 2021

The Premier’s Be Active Challenge is about encouraging students to be more active more often and sets physical activity goals for students to achieve. Participants are rewarded with medals if they complete the challenge which is to do at least 60 minutes of physical activity on at least 5 days per week for at least 4 weeks.

Congratulations to the following students who were awarded Bronze Medals for completing this year’s Be Active Challenge –

Year 4

Sam A, Alexis B, Om G, Sienna M, Megan P, Aadvick S, Hellen T, Evan W, Lara W.

Year 5

Xavier C, Erik C, Brooke D, Daisy Dr, Yash S, Dorian Z

Our Year 4/5 Performance Choir are very excited about singing at next weekend’s Walkerville Christmas Fair, 3.10pm on the main stage. Families are invited to come along, enjoy the afternoon and support our choir who will be representing St Monica’s with great pride. 

On Monday November 1st, the Liturgy Leaders packed backpacks with some fun books and stationary for the refugees in Adelaide that came from Afghanistan.

People in Afghanistan are not safe because the Taliban took over, so many of them had to move to Australia. We are very proud to be with the community of St Monica’s because we get lots of opportunities to help others in need.

In total we have packed 40 backpacks of love. Small things can make big differences in people’s life and we hope these backpacks can bring a smile to a child’s face.

Ivy and Brahmi - Year 6

“Love in action”

Recently we had five of our St Monica’s students, Emily, Lachlan, Lily, Abby and Abi host a Halloween Stall to raise money for Ronald McDonald House. They managed to raise over $400 to purchase Christmas presents for the children and families at Ronald McDonald House. What an amazing effort from these precious children. We are so very proud of them.