Newsletter 11 June 2025
From the Acting Principal
Semester 1 Report Cards
Over the next few weeks, our teachers will be finalising student report cards. When teachers make a judgement about a child’s progress, they use a variety of methods including work samples, observations, questioning, and discussions.
Report cards provide an opportunity for parents and children to reflect on the learning and growth that has been achieved over the semester. A reminder that a ‘C’ grade on the report card means that your child is demonstrating the expected level and necessary skills and understandings for that part of the curriculum. As well as considering the grades attained, parents are also encouraged to look for personal progress both academically and behaviourally and recognise the importance of effort and improvement.
An e-mail is also being sent home today to explain the change to the report card format from this year. Most notable changes are the descriptions provided in the A-E scale for achievement and effort, and comments being restricted to general comments section.
Report Cards will be uploaded to the Parent Portal by Thursday the 26th of June. If you have any trouble accessing the parent portal, please make contact with the front office for assistance. A reminder that if, at any time, you would like to discuss your child’s progress, please email your child’s teacher and arrange a meeting.
From the Classrooms
Prep
What a wonderful fortnight we’ve had in Prep. We have been working so hard on assessments over the past few weeks, and the students should all be so proud of their hard work and dedication. We combined our design and technology assessment with our HASS unit and the students weaved Indigenous baskets. We had a lot of fun. Looking forward to another wonderful fortnight ahead.
Year 1
We've continued to be very busy in the Year One classroom! In English, we worked as a class to write a procedure for washing our hands. We also began reading our new focus text, 'The Most Magnificent Thing' by Ashley Spires. Using our text as inspiration, the students will now plan to create their own Magnificent Thing. Once they have decided what it will look like and what materials they will need to make it, they will write a procedure for their creations. Over the next couple of weeks, I have asked the students to begin collecting recyclable and craft items from around their homes that they can use. I will send further communication about this task next week.
In Science, we conducted an exciting investigation on heating and cooling materials. We discussed varying ways of heating and cooling materials and then used our senses to explore frozen fruit. Once the students had tasted some frozen berries, we used the microwave to heat them, and then, using our senses, we explored how applying heat to the fruit had changed its appearance, texture, smell, and taste. The students particularly enjoyed the fruit once it had been heated!
Year 2
I can’t believe we are already in Week 8 of Term 2. For the last two weeks, we have been busy at work doing lots of assessment and tests.
In English, we have been learning all about poetry. We have been focusing on the different rhyming patterns in our favourite rhyming books. For our assessment, we got to innovate on the book “I’m Australian Too” and create our own character and page for our own version. We are so excited to join these into our own book and share them with the rest of the class.
In Maths, we have been learning about comparing and ordering duration of events. This week we did an investigation to see how many claps it would take our partner to complete an activity e.g. run around the tree or slide down the slide. It was so fun!
In Religion, we have been learning what life was like in the time of Jesus. We have learnt about fishing, food, medicine and healing and synagogues. The Year Two’s became history detectives around one area and made a poster and presentation for the class. We loved learning about what life was like and comparing the similarities and differences to our lives now!
Everyone has been working so hard to complete their assessment and we are so close to being finished! You should all be very proud of the effort and commitment your children have put into their learning this year!
Until next time,
Lauren Grant
Year 3
As part of their HaSS and Design Technology learning, the Year 3 students have been busy planning and designing "Oakey's best park." It has been wonderful so see the excitement as they use their imaginations, thinking about all the different features that they would like to include and how they could make them.
This week they have been making final decisions about what materials they will use and have considered how they plan on constructing the individual features as well how they will adhere it to the base of their park. They then reflected on their choices and made final edits to their plans to ensure their park design met the needs of the local community.
The students are very eager and excited to begin the construction phase of their parks today. I can't wait to see what they will create!
Year 4
This week we have been consolidating the concepts we have learnt throughout the term and have been putting the final touches on our assessment tasks. I congratulate the students on the effort they have put into these tasks. I have been pleased to see the progression in their knowledge and understanding in each of the Key Learning Areas (KLA’s).
We are still collecting items for the St Vincent De Paul Winter Appeal, I would like to encourage everyone to continue to bring in items if you are able.
I wish all the students in the choir, particularly the 14 year 4 students, all the best at the Dalby Eisteddfod this Thursday.
God Bless and have a great week.
Year 5M
Can you believe it's already Week 8? The Year 5 students have been working incredibly hard!
In English, we're developing our spelling and vocabulary skills by studying the etymology of words. Learning how to break words apart into their smallest meaningful parts not only helps us spell them correctly but also deepens our understanding of their meanings. In History, we're learning about Australian bushrangers and researching the infamous Ned Kelly. Writing information reports about his life and impact has been an exciting way to explore this fascinating period of history. In Religion, we've been learning all about the Holy Spirit—what scripture tells us, how the Holy Spirit moves in our lives, and the ways it guides us in faith and understanding. It's been an inspiring journey, helping us see the presence of the Holy Spirit in everyday moments. In Health, we’ve been talking about the value of resilience focusing on the importance of staying positive, having a growth mindset, and developing strategies to overcome challenges. Learning how to navigate difficulties and approach obstacles with confidence is a valuable life skill that will help us now and in the future.
This Thursday, many of our talented 5M choir students will be performing at the Dalby Eisteddfod, showcasing their hard work and dedication in music. Do not forget that on Saturday, June 14th at 10:15, Students from St Monica's have been invited to perform three songs that they have learned in music class at the Oakey Historical Museum QLD Day Celebration. We can't wait to see you there and hear their beautiful voices in action!
Year 5R
Year 6
Over the past fortnight our Year 6 students have been diligently working on their assessment pieces, showcasing their understanding of key concepts for the term. Alongside their assessments, students continued to dive into class novel, 'Boy Overboard.' To review the story creatively, students have also begun making 'Bloom Balls' where they will answer 12 comprehension questions and put them together to create a soccer ball - an item cherished by the main character, Jamal. Many of the students have enjoyed a different way of approaching assessment and an opportunity to showcase their artistic abilities.
Our Science Morning last week was another highlight, where students explored the fascinating world of matter and observed how it changes through exciting experiments. It was wonderful to see their curiosity and enthusiasm shine during these hands-on investigations.
From Music
Our dedicated Choir students have been doing some extra rehearsals leading up to the Dalby Eisteddfod tomorrow. Students will be performing a folk song, a hymn, a parts song and an own choice piece. Many thanks to Mrs Malone for being our conductor.
Parents are welcome to watch the performances as audience members. Our section commences at 9.30am at Kavney Hall (Dalby State School). A reminder for Choir students to be at school by 8:30am tomorrow (Thursday June 12th). Choir students need to be presented neatly in their formal uniform including navy tights for girls and long navy trousers for boys.
SINGERS WANTED THIS SATURDAY
All students from Prep- Year 6 are invited to sing at the Oakey Museum this coming Saturday, June 14th. This is part of the Qld Day celebrations at Oakey Museum. Wear Queensland Maroons colours if you have them, or just something warm. Mrs Hughes will meet you there at 10:00am.
Sports News
Be Well at St Monica's
From the P&F
Just a reminder for those in the St Monica's Community who ordered pies in the Pie Drive - they will be available for collection from 2-4pm on Thursday 12 June (tomorrow) at the Tuckshop.
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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