Term 4 Week 6

We have now come to the halfway point in our last term for 2023. How has that happened?

The front of school playground is getting closer to completion. We have been informed that it will now be completed by 15 December, but we are negotiating one section of it being released early so that the Year 6s have a chance to enjoy this space before they finish their time with us at St Monica’s. It is looking amazing with the climbing scramble being finished this week, the roof has gone on the slide tower and the trampoline will soon be installed. I thank everyone (especially Reception J and the Year 6 class) for their patience with the noise and length of the project.

This newsletter is all about celebrations. We have had so many reasons for acknowledgements of great achievements in learning, creativity, being active and community kindness. At the assembly this week, our youngest students in Reception J led us in prayer and song and we welcomed a couple of special visitors who presented certificates to the students.

Gavan, representing the Rotary Club of Walkerville, came to our assembly to acknowledge students who have worked hard to improve in their literacy and numeracy skills and understandings. These awards are not about getting the top marks but recognising students who have demonstrated perseverance, resilience and taking risks in their learning. Each of the 18 students acknowledged received a beautiful certificate and a voucher to spend at Peggi Williams Book Store. We congratulate the following students: Sanav, Maggie, Alara, Josh C, Ariel, Kingston, Katniss, Riera, Amelia, Samyra, Ava B, Jacob D, Angus, Madeleine, Mahlie, Sebastian A, Evan and Annabelle. Thank you to Gavan and the Rotary Club of Walkerville for their support of learning and encouraging young people to continuously strive to do their best in all that they undertake.

We also welcomed Lucy Hood MP, to our assembly so she could present her Community Kindness Award. This award recognises young people in our schools and community groups who make a difference by demonstrating kindness, care and respect for anyone in their community. They make a difference in the lives of others. Ella V was the very worthy recipient of the award this year. Congratulations Ella! 

Whilst we had Lucy with us, we also asked if she could assist in presenting the Premier’s Be Active Challenge. Eleven students from St Monica’s completed the challenge of being active for at least 60 minutes on at least 5 days for at least 4 weeks. Congratulations to the following students: Harry, Olivia C, Joshua C, Elodie E, Amelia, Grayson, Zoe P, Leo D, Harrison E, Lucas K and Patrick H. We hope that we will have some more students involved in this positive initiative next year.

Another celebration for one of our students, Hanz, is being a winner in the Walkerville Council Christmas Card competition. Hanz’s colourful and festive card was one of those selected from many entries and will be printed by the council for their use and will be available for purchase. Congratulations Hanz!

St Monica’s has a rich and long history in the northeast of Adelaide. The foundation stone for the first building on the school’s current site was blessed by Archbishop of Adelaide Reverend Robert Spence in 1925. We will be able to celebrate one hundred years of community at our school site in 2026. Last week I had the absolute privilege of showing a past teacher around the school and to meet the students. For Anita Pahl, St Monica’s was her first teaching position in 1972 and she began her career teaching Receptions. Her last class at St Monica’s was in 1975 with a Year 2/3 class of 49 students. Now that is a big class. Anita shared with us that the only things that were still the same from her time here was the climbing tree in the playground and the church building. We are so glad that Anita was able to come and visit us. We hope to be able to reconnect with other past staff and scholars in the next few years as we start planning for our community celebrations.

Have a wonderful week ahead,

Emily Sayer

Principal

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.