What a vibrant and productive period of growth Term 2 has been for our school community! After the mega cold front that crossed the Southeastern states yesterday the sun is out and shining. Although it is cold the fresh, crisp air fills our lungs and awakens our senses, gently reminding us that we are alive and that God's presence surrounds us in every breath. Huge congratulations to all the students who made their First Eucharist last weekend. It was a privilege to attend the 5pm and 10am Masses at St Monica’s.

Staffing News - Despite staff absences due to illness or leave, we have been able to ensure consistency in student learning through effective internal coverage. We are very blessed to have a committed and flexible team of educators who support one another and prioritise continuity for our students. Next term we have several teachers taking planned leave and I am pleased to announce the cover for the following classes:

Many of you will know that Ms Kayla Larkins is heading off on Maternity Leave at the end of this term. Ms Larkins’ last day with her class will be Thursday 3 July. I know that you will join me in wishing Kayla and Lachie all the best for their impending arrival! I am pleased to advise that Mrs Kathy French has been appointed to the role of Classroom Teacher, in a full-time capacity, for the remainder of this year. Mrs French is an experienced teacher who has worked in several schools within the Catholic Education Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn, as well as the ACT Education Directorate.

Mrs Mira Lustica is heading off on LSL from Weeks 1 – 5 next term. I am pleased to announce Mrs Kim Todd will cover 4M during this time, with Mrs Houghton continuing her one day per week teaching load.

Mr Jacob Burridge is taking leave for Weeks 1 – 3 next term. At this stage, we are not finding a replacement languages teacher. Rather, Mr Ryan Matchett will be covering Jacob’s teaching load, to give classroom teachers their release time.

Enrolment Update - Earlier in the term we held our annual Open Days and School Tours for prospective families looking to enrol their children at St Monica’s. We have 43 Kindergarten students enrolled so far and Catholic Education have confirmed we will have 2 Kindergarten classes next year. Maggie Lloyd and I have been conducting Kindergarten interviews these past few weeks and it has been an absolute delight meeting our K26s (Kindergarten 2026 students) and their families.

Positive Partnerships - Last week we held Parent-Teacher interviews across the school and these proved to be a valuable opportunity for families and staff to come together in dialogue about student progress. I sincerely thank all of my Classroom Teachers who go above and beyond to prepare for these interviews. I trust this experience was positive and one where you were able to celebrate your child’s achievements, identify any challenges, and set future learning goals. Thank you to our parent community for understanding the importance of a strong partnership between home and school. We know that student outcomes are most positively impacted when parents and teachers work together in genuine collaboration.

School Council News - I am always grateful to the School Council and our wider community for the ongoing generosity and support of our school. Last night, the council met to discuss a number of items as well as commitments to the fundraising efforts from the Fete and recent pie drive. At this meeting the following commitments were approved:

• Sets of class novels in Years 3 - 6
• Decodable readers in K – 2
• Non-Fiction book upgrades for the Library
• Purchase of shelf dividers for the Library
• Front of School – garden and landscaping upgrades
• Annual Donation from the Council to the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal

Welcome: Congratulations to the Swan family, especially big sister Ava in KW, who welcomed a beautiful baby boy, Kobe.

Peace and winter blessings,