Term 4 Week 5

It is so good to be back in the wonderful St Monica’s community and I felt so blessed to receive so many “Welcome Back Mrs Sayer” from the students. I did miss them (and the staff and families) a lot and took every chance to share stories of our community whilst in Glasgow and Singapore. One of my highlights was to connect with another St Monica’s community which was in Glasgow. Martin Broadley the Head Teacher, welcomed me into the school community and the students were fascinated to learn more about St Monica’s in Adelaide. We have a lovely connection with them now and I am planning on sending them some special Christmas messages from the students here.

I would like to thank Susanne Harding for looking after the school so well in my absence. In our hand over conversations, Susanne was so impressed by the welcome she was given.

During the last two weeks our students have been very busy.  We have celebrated our wonderful Grandparents and special friends, gathered to together to acknowledge and reflect upon Remembrance Day, the Year 3/4s participated in a tennis carnival, our Year 1/2s went on an excursion to Urrbrae, we welcomed our new 2025 Reception students for their first transition visit, had students celebrate their first Reconciliation and today our Year 6 students spent the day at their senior retreat reflecting and celebrating the end of their  primary school journey at St Monica’s.

The next few weeks promise to be just as busy including our Children’s University students graduating at Bonython Hall in Adelaide on Monday after completing the required hours of extra curriculum activities. One of our most important community gatherings is also drawing near, our End of Year Community Celebration. I am looking forward to seeing you all on the 6 December at Kildare College and celebrating the artistic talents of our students.

In 2025, we sadly will be saying goodbye to several members of the two important school parent groups – the School Board and the Parents and Friends Committee. For many this is their last year of primary school, and we thank them for their service to our community. We will formally undertake this at the End of Year Celebration. I would invite each family to consider being a member of either of these important bodies. The time commitment if not onerous and what each person brings to the conversation is invaluable to making St Monica’s an even better community. I have had some parents say they don’t have the skills set or capabilities to be a board member or a contributor to the P and F but each of you do because of your passion for children’s learning, development and wellbeing is so strong. Please consider nominating when the forms are sent home in early 2025. If you would like further information or have a question, please email or call me.

A gentle reminder that all volunteers must complete their 2 hour online updated training for RRHAN-EC if they wish to help in any way at St Monica’s in 2025. We are not allowed to have any helpers who have not completed this training update. If you need further information, please see Annette for assistance.

Our school year ends on Wednesday 11 December for the students. Staff return to school on Thursday and Friday to share important information about students with their 2025 teacher. OSHC is available on these two days and through the Christmas holiday period. The last day before the Christmas Holiday closure is Friday 20 December and we will reopen the service on Tuesday 7 January. Vacation Care booking will be released by Jodie Byrne soon.

God’s blessing and peace be with you in the coming weeks,

Emily

Brunswick Street is looking a bit brighter and more interesting since local artist, Travis Cox, has installed his latest stobie pole art work. The beautiful mosaic of sunflowers which stand for the brightness and happiness of our children is just gorgeous. We were so pleased to work with Travis whilst he was developing his concept for the artwork. For more information about Travis' work in and around the Walkerville Council area, please go to his instagram page @mosaictrav.  

Remembrance Day

This week our prayer focus was around Remembrance Day. Students thought about the different values the soldiers displayed whilst at war, while other students researched a soldier who had died in the was, offerings prays of gratitude for their sacrifice.

Loving God,

today we come together in gratitude for the sacrifices of so many. Help us keep their memories alive through our actions and words. May we always remember that our shared history unites us and that by honoring the past, we bring hope for a better future. Bless us as we gather to remember and honor. Amen

On Monday at 10am we gathered in the Church for a Remembrance Day Liturgy led by our Liturgy Leaders. During the liturgy we remembered all those that have sacrificed their l ives for us and to ensure we continue to experience the wonderful lives we have. The students and staff were very reflective while listening to the Last Post and while pausing for a minutes silence.

On Thursday 14 November, four of our students began their journey of completing the Sacraments of Initiation by celebrating their Reconciliation. The Sacrament of Reconciliation reminds us that God loves us freely and without fail and is ready to forgive us even before we know we are in need of forgiveness. God’s love for us is expressed in mercy, compassion, love and forgiveness. When we celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation, it reminds us that we are part of God’s family. We must try and live our life in peace and love.

We congratulate these students on celebrating their Reconciliation and we ask they you keep them in your prayers as they work towards celebrating their Confirmation.

Upcoming Dates – St Monica’s Parish School

Advent Mass                                         Friday, 29 November   9am   St Monica’s Church

Graduation Mass                                 Tuesday, 10 December  1:30pm  St Monica’s Church    

End of year return of Library Books

Please note that all library books are due back by Friday 29th November.

Scholastic Book Club

Thank you for your support of the Book Club this year. This has enabled the students to purchase books of their choice and additional resources for the classrooms and library.

Remembrance Day Service - Walkerville Memorial Gardens 11th November 2024

Our students who represented St Monica’s and attended the Remembrance Day Service at the Walkerville Memorial Garden on Monday, received a book from Ian Pascoe. Ian’s mother, Rena Pascoe who passed away in 2000 in her 100th year, served in the WRAAF (Women’s Royal Australian Air Force during World War 2.

Each ANZAC and Remembrance Day service at the Walkerville Memorial Garden, Rena Pascoe laid a book alongside the wreaths and flowers, in remembrance of those who served our country during times of war and who have passed on. After the service, the book would be given to a different school group. Rena Pascoe’s family are continuing her tradition by this year donating the book, ‘Life on Earth’ by David Attenborough, to our Library.

LEST WE FORGET

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.