Newsletter 6th August 2025
From the Principal
Well, it is wonderful to be back at St Monica’s. I’d like to thank everyone for their warm welcome back. My secondment to St Thomas More’s School was not only a great opportunity for me to support one of our other TCS primary schools and to apply my leadership learnings in another setting, but it was also an opportunity for members of our school to further enhance their leadership and to develop others on their leadership journey.
I cannot thank our wonderful staff enough for all their work over this secondment period. From taking on extra duties and supporting the leadership team, I thank you for the role you played in making the school run so smoothly. I’d like to publicly thank and express my gratitude to Mrs Rebecca McGregor for her exceptional leadership over these past few months. Her leadership has consistently been marked by kindness, respect, and empathy. Thanks, Mrs McGregor, for your commitment and dedication you’ve shown to our wonderful community during this time.
NAPLAN 2025:
This week, students in Year 3-5 will receive their individual NAPLAN reports for the tests they undertook in March this year. The front page of the student report provides general information about the tests and an explanation of how to read the report. The second and third pages show the student’s result in each assessment area. The results are classified into one of four proficiency levels:
Exceeding: the student’s result exceeds expectations at the time of testing.
Strong: the student’s result meets challenging but reasonable expectations at the time of testing.
Developing: the student’s result indicates that they are working towards expectations at the time of testing.
Needs additional support: the student’s result indicates that they are not achieving the learning outcomes expected at the time of testing and are likely to need additional support to progress satisfactorily.
The report shows the student’s achievement against the national average for their year (shown as a black dot) and the range of achievement for the middle 60% of students in their year level (shown as a light shaded rectangle). The final page of the report provides a brief summary of the skills typically demonstrated by students at each proficiency level.
These results help the school shape our Teaching and Learning priorities for the rest of the year and into early 2025. Overall, our Year 3 & 5 students showed some strong results and improvement in our focus areas of Writing, Reading and Numeracy. Across the 5 domains, our Year 3s were 8.8% above the State Mean and 5.7% above the National Mean. Our Year 5s showed improvement and growth in all domains from their Year 3 results. Well done students on your results.
Recently, you would have received an important email from Toowoomba Catholic Schools regarding the 2-yearly survey titled "Shaping the Future" which opened to parents on Monday 21 July for 2 weeks.
This important survey is a perception survey about St Monica’s School. All Catholic schools in the Diocese are currently participating in the survey. School Leadership will receive feedback from the survey in the coming weeks and this will inform our decision-making for the future. We look forward to sharing this important data with our community.
Shaping our future survey link
We are aiming for a response rate of at least 70% in order for this to be considered valid data. We managed this number two year ago and I’m sure we will hit that target again. The survey closes today, Wednesday, 6th August.
From the APMI
Special Community Event
This Saturday night, the P&F have organised a fabulous community event – The St Monica’s School P&F Trivia Night. This is a great opportunity to get to know other school families while helping to raise funds for our wonderful school.
This year’s theme is ‘Where in the World?’ Tickets are $70 and can be purchased from the front office. Tickets include all food, trivia and a lucky door prize ticket. Drinks will be available for purchase at the bar.
We hope to see many of you there supporting this event and thank you to the P&F for all their hard work and enthusiasm in making this event happen.
Saint Mary MacKillop Feast Day
Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop's feast day is celebrated this Friday, August 8th. This day commemorates the life and legacy of Australia's first saint, Mary MacKillop. Mary MacKillop founded the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart, the first religious order for women to be founded in Australia. She dedicated her life to educating poor and marginalized children, establishing schools across Australia and New Zealand. To mark this special day, the Year Two students will be retelling her story through drama on assembly.
Mary MacKillop’s Prayer
Ever generous God,
You inspired Saint Mary MacKillop
To live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christ,
and constant in bringing hope and encouragement
to those who were disheartened, lonely or needy.
With confidence in your generous providence
and through the intercession of Saint Mary MacKillop
We ask that you grant our request…
We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spirit
so that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust and openness.
Ever generous God hear our prayer.
We ask this through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Upcoming Class Masses
This Thursday, August 7, 9:00am. The Transfiguration of the Lord. Years 4-6 attending.
Next Thursday, August 14, 9:00am. The Assumption of Mary. Prep – Year 3 attending.
All parents, families and friends welcome to attend.
Oakey Community Under 8s Day
Next Friday the 15th of August, students in Prep to Year 2 will be walking to Oakey State School to participate in the Oakey Community Under 8’s Day from 9am to 11am. Children will engage in a range of fun activities and receive a free sausage sizzle.
Bullying No Way: National Week of Action.
The National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence now has a new name—Bullying No Way: National Week of Action.
This year it occurs from Monday the 11th of August to Friday the 15th of August. It is Australia’s key bullying prevention initiative and connects schools and communities to find workable solutions to prevent bullying. The theme for 2025 is ‘Be bold. Be kind. Speak up.’ It takes courage to spark change. Bullying is everyone's responsibility. It takes a community to be brave and address bullying behaviours, within and beyond the school gate.
Students can be bold, kind and take a stand to support others being bullied. While parents and teachers are there to support children and young people learn how to behave in a positive way. In our community and in our school, we want a place where everyone can belong, a place that celebrates everyone, and where bullying is never accepted.
This Bullying No Way Week, we're asking students, schools, families and communities to be bold and say something, be kind and support someone, and be proud to take a stand against bullying.
Purple is the colour representing Bullying No Way: National week of action. By wearing purple on Friday the 15th of August, we show our united commitment to standing together against bullying.
Getting Ready for Book Week 2025
Book Week 2025 is fast approaching. This year’s theme is ‘Book an Adventure’. As part of this event, we will be holding the annual Book Week Costume Parade on Friday August 22 at approx 9:10am after assembly. We look forward to seeing all the students (and teachers) dressed as their favourite book characters.
I-CAS Competittions
This term we begin our I-CAS Competitons. Please find below the dates of each competition.
Week 4, Monday 4th August – Digital Technologies
Week 4, Thursday 7th August –ICAS Writing
Week 5, Monday 11th August –ICAS English
Week 6, Wednesday 20th August –ICAS Spelling
Week 6, Monday 21st August – ICAS Science (please note this change of date)
Week 7, Monday 25th August – ICAS Mathematics
Week 4
Thursday Aug 7 ICAS Writing Competition
Friday Aug 8 Year 3 Excursion to Cobb and Co, ‘Take a Look Captain Cook’, Interactive learning expo.
Week 5
Wednesday Aug 13 Indonesian Cultural Day
Thursday Aug 14 Author Visit - Greg Dreise
Friday Aug 15 National Day of Action Against bullying – Wear PURPLE
Friday Aug 15 Community under 8s Day
Week 6 BOOK WEEK
Tuesday Aug 19 Inner Downs Athletics for students who qualify
Wednesday Aug 20 ICAS Spelling Competition
Thursday Aug 21 ICAS Science Competition
Friday Aug 22 Book Week Parade after Assembly
Saturday Aug 23 Family Mass at 6pm
Week 7
Monday Aug 25 ICAS Maths Competition
Friday Aug 29 St Monica’s Feast Day (Mass at 9am, Free BBQ lunch on the oval, Old Fashioned Games and St Monica’s Got Talent Competition at approx. 1:00pm)
Week 8
Tuesday Sep 2 Wellbeing visit from Head Space – Years 5 & 6
Parent & Teacher Session from 3:20pm – 4:20pm in the library.
Wednesday Sep 3 Special Father’s Day Assembly in the hall at 8:40am.
Wednesday Sep 3 Oakey Sing Out. Activities during the day & evening presentation at the Oakey Cultural Centre.
Thursday Sep 4 Year 6 excursion to New Acland Mine
Thursday Sep 4 Year 4 excursion to St Helena Island and Year 4 Sleepover
Friday Sep 5 Consistency of Teacher Judgement Day (pupil free day - no school)
Week 9 NATIONAL CHILD PROTECTION WEEK
Parent Teacher Interviews throughout this week
Tuesday Sep 9 Year 4 Touch Football Gala Day
Friday Sep 12 R U OK Day. Special Assembly
Friday Sep 12 Year 2 Excursion – Significant Places in Oakey (Historical Museum, Australian Army Flying Museum, Train, Station, RSL, War Memorial and the Bernborough Statue)
Week 10
Thursday Sep 18 End of Term Thanksgiving Mass
Friday Sep 19 Last Day of Term 3
From the Classrooms
Prep
Wow!! What a busy start to the term we have had in Prep! Starting with 100 days of Prep. The students looked very clever in their smart cookie tee shirts. They were very interested in seeing what 100 looked like using different materials. Last week was Catholic Education Week with many activities to keep us occupied. Students started with a cupcake for morning tea and a barbecue lunch on Monday. Tuesday morning Prep students were engaged in a St Vinnie’s Workshop with Julie Inskip to learn what we can do to be a good Samaritan and help others. On Wednesday Prep students led assembly with their special message to all grandparents. It is incredible to think that these students have only been at school just over 100 days by the way they read and presented their song. Well done to everyone. After assembly we returned to the classroom to show our grandparents where we sit and what we have been leaning. Thursday saw some of the students compete in the chalk drawing competition to deliver the message of ‘Faith, Hope and Love’. We wish Mrs. Shellshear all the best for her new position and welcome Mrs. Barsby to Prep CS. We are looking forward to continuing our learning journey this term!
Year 1
This fortnight in the Year One classroom, the students have engaged in lots of hands-on experiences during our Maths lessons. Our focus last week was on measurement. The students compared the length of objects using informal measuring tools such as blocks, arms, or hands. It was wonderful to see the students working together to measure and compare varying classroom objects. This week in Maths, we focused on data collection and representation. The students were introduced to picture and bar graphs as a way of displaying data. In English, we have been learning about the structure of informative texts. We discussed the types of pictures and information found in informative texts and collaborated to illustrate a text with relevant drawings and appropriate colours.
Year 2
Wow! What a fantastic fortnight we have had in Year 2!
We loved celebrating Catholic Education week last week and welcoming our Grandparents into the classroom.
In English we talked about different categories toys fall into and then completed a “hot potato” brainstorm and think of as many toys as we could. It was so much fun!
This fortnight we have unfortunately said goodbye to two amazing members of our classroom. Eliana and Charlotte will be greatly missed by the whole school community however we wish them the best of luck in their future adventures!
This week we welcomed Oliver into our classroom! It has been great watching the Year 2’s be so warm and welcoming and Oliver has slotted in perfectly.
Year 3
The Year 3 students have been enjoying hands on learning in Maths over the last week as they explored angles in their environment. After creating angle measuring tools, they worked in pairs to identify if angles on a shape were smaller than, the same as, or bigger than a right angle. We then went out into the playground to find examples of each. The students thoroughly enjoyed this, and a lot of great observations were made.A reminder that this Friday Year 3 is heading to Cobb and Co Museum for an excursion. Students must be at school by 8:15 with the bus departing at 8:20 sharp. We are looking forward to a wonderful day of learning!
Year 4
The Year Four Students enjoyed all the activities they participated in for Catholic Education Week Activities. I would like to extend a thank you to all the grandparents who attended Grandparents Day, it was a great morning.
This week, we have started to get back into the normal school routine. In English, Religion and HaSS we are investigating the Early years in Australia, including the reasons that The Europeans came to Australia, the voyage of the First Fleet and the establishment of the Catholic Church in Australia. We are also exploring the impact this had on traditional Indigenous Australians culture and those who arrived at this time.
God Bless and have a great week.
Year 5M
Term 3 has kicked off with incredible energy in 5M. Last week was Catholic Education Week, and it was a beautiful celebration of faith, community, and connection. We began the week with a joyful Mass on Monday, On Tuesday, we participated in a workshop from Vinnies, where students learned about the inspiring service work, they do to support people in need. Wednesday was Grandparents Day, and in 5M, we welcomed our grandparents into the classroom and made imaginative monsters, took on a toothpick and clay design challenge, interviewed our grandparents and turned their stories into biographies, and played games that bridged generations. In class, our learning has been just as exciting. We’ve been diving deep into descriptive writing, exploring the power of metaphors, similes, personification, and imagery to bring our ideas to life. The creativity on display has been outstanding. Here’s an exceptional excerpt from one of our talented writers:
"The house at the end of Wren Hollow was not empty, although everyone said it was. Its windows were clouded like old memories, its chimney sagged like a tired neck, and the garden had long surrendered to wild ivy and spiteful thorns. But the house breathed. If you stood still enough on the crooked sidewalk, you could hear it inhale through the cracks and exhale through the broken shutters."
Year 5R
Graphing our Data
Year 6
What a fantastic week we had last week! We celebrated Catholic Education Week. Well done to all the students who took part in the Netball and Touch Football Carnival – your teamwork, sportsmanship, and energy were amazing! Grandparents Day was a beautiful celebration. It was so special to see so many grandparents visiting our classrooms and sharing in our learning. Friday was also Principal’s Day and we celebrated with Mr Barrett and Mrs McGregor on Monday. Thank you helping to build communities of faith, hope and love in our school.
On Thursday the Year 4–6 students will attend Mass together – a lovely time to reflect and pray as a school community. Please feel free to come along and join us. ICAS Testing begins this week – good luck to everyone taking part!
Looking Ahead to Next Week – on Wednesday: Get ready for Indonesian Cultural Day! We’ll explore food, language, and traditions – it’s going to be a fun and colourful day! On Thursday we welcome author Gregg Dreise for a special visit. He’ll be sharing stories and inspiring us with his creativity. Friday is the National Day of Action Against Bullying. Let’s all wear purple to show we stand together for kindness and respect.
Please ensure that all social media usage by students is monitored closely by parents to help keep the children safe.
Have a great week!
From Music and L.O.T.E
During L.O.T.E (Languages Other Than English) lessons recently, students were fascinated to discover that before the Internet, information about countries, flags and the world were gained through the use of an atlas. Students from Prep-year 6 were curious about the world and were able to identify flags and countries while using the atlases. Preparations are well underway for our Indonesian Cultural Day next Wednesday, August 13th. Students will have opportunities to learn about the country of Indonesia through tactile and engaging experiences. Please advise Kate.Hughes@twb.catholic.edu.au if your child is unable to eat mie goreng (fried noodles) or nasi krim (creamed rice).
Ukulele Club occurs on Wednesdays at lunchtime this term. Students who have their own ukuleles are encouraged to bring them. There are also ukuleles for students to use in the Music room. We have a small group of dedicated and enthusiastic young students that are part of Ukulele Club. Hopefully ukulele club will be performing at S.M.G.T (St Monica's Got Talent) on Friday 29th August.
Choir occurs each Thursday at lunchtime this Semester. Mrs Malone & Mrs Hughes are thrilled to have dedicated choir members from years 3 - 6 who are preparing for the inaugural Oakey Sing Fest on Wednesday September 3rd at 6pm at the Oakey Cultural Centre. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend. Please see the link with this newsletter for purchasing tickets.
It has been wonderful to see the variety of talent displayed during auditions for S.M.G.T (St Monica's Got Talent). Congratulations to those students who were successful and are now going to take part in the Semi-Finals of S.M.G.T on Wednesday 13th August. A reminder that the judges are looking for CONFIDENCE, how POLISHED the performance is and AUDIENCE APPEAL. Please have any props/costumes needed ready to go. Good luck and happy practising!
Sports News
Inner Downs Athletics
On Tuesday 19 August, sixteen St Monica’s students will be participating in the Inner Downs athletics trials at O’Quinn Street Oval, Toowoomba. We congratulate them on qualifying for the trials and wish them all the best for a successful day. Parents/carers, please ensure the nomination fee is paid by the due date.
Catholic Netball and Touch Carnivals
On Thursday, 31 July the Year 5 and 6 students participated in the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Netball and Touch Carnivals. It was pleasing to see the improvement shown throughout the day and to hear all of the wonderful reports about our students’ participation, behaviour and sportsmanship.
PE Lessons
All students from Prep-Year 6 have participated in two orienteering lessons with Mrs Felicity Crosato from Orienteering Queensland and have two remaining lessons in the programme. It has been wonderful to witness the engagement and positivity as students participate in this sport for the first time and continue to develop their navigational and problem-solving skills.
12 Years Rugby League Darling Downs Region Primary Schools Challenge
Notes regarding the 12 Years Rugby League Darling Downs Region Primary Schools Challenge sent home yesterday. This will be held at St Mary’s College on Wednesday 20 August. Please complete and return the permission as soon as possible.
From the Library
Book Week will be here in Week 6 of this term! This year is the 80th Anniversary of the CBCA Book Week. The theme is Book an Adventure. The Dress Up Parade will be on Friday August 22nd , at the beginning of the school day as usual. Students are able to dress as their favourite book character and stay in costume all day. Grown ups are very welcome to attend the parade and there is always lots of photo opportunities. Students must wear closed in shoes during the school day but may wear costume footwear during the parade. This means they bring their runners to school for after the parade. Our Book Fair is being held in this week also. Please feel free to contact me via email at mandie.tindall@twb.catholic.edu.au or via the school if you have any questions.
Book Week 2025 The theme for this year’s CBCA Book Week is ‘Book An Adventure’. St. Monica’s will again be celebrating with a Book Fair to be held in the Parish Room from Monday the 18th of August through to Friday the 22nd. Times: Mon - Thursday – 8.05 - 8.30am & 3.05 - 3.35pm Friday Morning - 8.05 – 8.30am On the morning of Friday 22nd we will be holding our Annual Dress Up Parade, where students get to dress up as their favourite book character. We encourage all students to get involved and make costumes from bits and pieces they have at home. The winner from each class will receive a book voucher from the Book Fair. |
Wellbeing
Bullying No Way! The Bullying No Way: National week of action will be held from 11 – 15 August.
The national definition of bullying for Australian schools says:
Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.
Bullying can happen in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (for example, through sharing of digital records). Bullying of any form or for any reason can have immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.
Behaviours that do not constitute bullying (but still need to be addressed and resolved)
include:
- mutual arguments and disagreements (where there is no power imbalance)
- not liking someone or a single act of social rejection
- one-off acts of meanness or spite
- isolated incidents of aggression, intimidation or violence.
Signs a parent may look out for in their child:
- doesn't want to go to school
- changes their method or route to school or are frightened of walking to school
- changes in sleep patterns
- changes in eating patterns
- frequent tears, anger, mood swings
- unexplained bruises, cuts, scratches
- missing or damaged belongings or clothes
- arriving home hungry.
Bullying no way works to educate schools and families about understanding, responding to and preventing bullying. For further information go to https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/
From the P&F
P & F Trivia Night
The P & F are looking forward to seeing everyone at the Nutrien Trivia night this Saturday! Remember the theme is ‘Where in the World’ so come dressed to impress! There will be prizes for best dressed table, best dressed individual and best table decorations. Doors open at 6:30pm. We can’t wait to see you there!
Thank you to all our Sponsors
Uniforms
School uniforms are now available at School Locker online theschoollocker.com.au
Research has shown that one of the real advantages of an education at a Catholic School is that a special and unique pride is developed. One significant way to foster such pride is the enforcement of strict uniform guidelines. All children are expected to wear the school uniform as listed below:
School Uniform - Years 1 to 6
Girls – Formal - Monday, Wednesday & Thursday
- St Monica’s School Dress Uniform
- Dress: Pattern, Sutton no 346(B)
- Dress: Fabric, Check 8021
- Collar: Cesarella 1301, Zip: Birch 265 Bottle Green
- St Monica’s School green school bucket hat
- Short white socks – (no ankle socks)
- All black shoes – may be leather or jogger.
Girls – Sports - Tuesday and Friday
- St Monica’s School Sports Shirt Yr.1 to Yr.5
- St Monica’s School Leader Shirt Year 6
- St Monica’s School Navy Blue Skort
- St Monica’s School green school bucket hat
- Short white socks
- White sandshoes/joggers
Winter Variation
- As Above
- St Monica’s School Bottle Green Fleecy Pullover with embroidered crest
- Green fleecy track pants with sports uniform only.
- Navy Blue Tights (optional)
Boys – Formal - Monday, Wednesday & Thursday
- St Monica’s School Dress Shirt with tartan collar
- Shirt: Pattern, Simplicity 5581
- Fabric: Bottle Green Poplin 8021
- Shorts: Navy Blue Long Shorts (Ruggers)
- St Monica’s School green school bucket hat
- Short navy-blue socks – (no ankle socks)
- All black shoes – May be leather or jogger.
Boys – Sports - Tuesday & Friday
- St Monica’s School Sports Shirt Yr. 1 to Yr. 5
- St Monica’s School Leader Shirt Year 6
- St Monica’s School Navy Blue Shorts (Stubbies)
- St Monica’s School green school bucket hat
- Short white socks
- White sandshoes/joggers
Winter Variation
As Above
- St Monica’s school Bottle Green Fleecy pullover with embroidered crest
- Green fleecy track pants with sports uniform only.
- Long navy-blue pants - Ruggers – Formal uniform (optional)
It is expected that the correct and clean school uniform will be worn at all times. A school uniform can help instil in the students a sense of pride and identity. It also signifies unity and equality.
Prep students wear the sports uniform 5 days per week – Monday to Friday
All Students
Hair: Collar length hair or longer must be tied back with a green band or green ribbon. Natural hair colour is expected. Rat’s tails and tracks are not permitted.
Earrings: Girls: Sleepers and plain studs are the only acceptable earrings.
Boys: No earrings.
Other: Clearly mark all clothing with your child’s name.
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