TERM 2 Week 5 2025

This week we celebrate Reconciliation Week by reflecting on the theme of Bridging Now to Next. This theme focuses on the ongoing connection between the past, present and future, encouraging us to reflect on what has occurred in the past and how we can work together as a united community for a better future. We can learn so much from the past and the stories of those who have gone before us. Let us be one voice who creates change and we strive to be a voice of hope and reconciliation.

We are certainly underway with our Stage 1 works! I do want to acknowledge that some of the temporary changes that we have had to make to keep the students of St Monica’s safe and still be able to engage with their learning and play, has caused some concerns. If you have had any experience in a building project, you will know that there are challenges about areas being out of bounds, extra noise and dust and the unforeseen and unplanned that tend to appear at these times. The access at the back of the school will be different for a period. It is planned that we have this space handed back to us before the end of Term 3 and then we can go back to our usual practices. I appreciate your patience and understanding with these changes. When moving around the school, please be mindful of any potential hazards and if you have or see and concerns, please let me know about them so they can be addressed.

A huge congratulations to Mahlie and her U14 div 1 West Adelaide teammates for finishing 3rd at State Champs. They have qualified for the prestigious Basketball Australia National Club Championships. 

This tournament is invite only and brings together the absolute best 24 U14 teams in both girls and boys in a week long tournament. This year’s tournament will take place in Perth from the 27th September to 3rd October. This is a massive achievement for this young group, and we wish Mahlie and her team the best of luck competing at the highest possible level.

If you would like to support Mahlie and her team play in Perth, fundraising details are attached. Any help, big or small would be much appreciated. The link is: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CWN5e4hW1/

Recently, I have had to have some time away from school due to health reasons and then attending the South Australian Catholic Primary Principals Conference. In my absence, the two Assistant Principals, Rachael and Sarah, led the school just as I would have done. I would like to thank them for taking extra leadership tasks so that St Monica’s continued to run smoothly and successfully. To the rest of the staff, I would also like to thank them for the little ‘extras’ that they do quietly such as extra duties. We are blessed to have the wonderful team that we do at St Monica’s.

Have a wonderful week ahead. God's blessings,

Emily Sayer

Stories of Hope: A Celebration of Our Catholic Education Heritage

On Friday, 16th May, Emily and I had the privilege of attending the Stories of Hope event alongside three of our Year 6 representatives: Lucy, Elisia, and Hargun. This inspiring day brought together students and staff from Catholic schools across South Australia to celebrate the theme of this Jubilee Year: Pilgrims of Hope.

Held in honour of the 180th anniversary of Catholic education in South Australia, the event invited us to reflect on the incredible legacy of our founding religious orders—their charisms, their sacrifices, and the hope they planted in generations of students.

The theme, Stories of Hope, served as a powerful reminder of the challenges and triumphs that have shaped our shared history. Through storytelling, song, prayer, and reflection, we were encouraged to look to the future with faith and optimism, while holding close the rich traditions that continue to guide us today.

The day was made even more special by the presence of religious community members, clergy, school leaders, student representatives, and Catholic Education Office staff. Together, we paused to acknowledge our past, celebrate our present, and walk with hope toward the future of Catholic education in South Australia.

Bridging Now to Next: Whole School Mass for Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week

On Friday, 23rd May, our school community came together to mark the beginning of National Reconciliation Week and National Sorry Day with a whole school Mass themed "Bridging Now to Next."

Hosted by our wonderful Year 3/4P class, the Mass was a meaningful and moving opportunity for reflection. We were joined by Father Matthew, who helped lead us in prayer and reminded us of the importance of acknowledging the wrongs of the past and committing to walking together in love, truth, and harmony.

The theme invited us all—students and staff alike—to consider how we can build bridges from our past to a better, shared future. It was a powerful way to begin Reconciliation Week, encouraging us to be people of hope and healing in our own school community and beyond.

We are grateful to 3/4P for their thoughtful preparation and leadership, and to Father Matthew for joining us in prayer and reflection on this significant day.

Soup Donations for Moore Street Outreach

As the colder months settle in, we’re once again supporting the important work of Moore Street, an outreach service that provides meals and care to those in need.

We are currently seeking donations to help make warm, hearty soup that will be delivered to the Moore Street Centre. Items such as vegetables, soup mix, stock, tins of tomatoes, and other non-perishable soup ingredients would be greatly appreciated.

If you’re able to contribute, please drop donations off at the front office. Every little bit helps, and together we can offer comfort and nourishment to those doing it tough this winter.

Thank you for your generosity and support!

Da Vinci Decathlon

On Tuesday 20th May, a group of students from Years 5/6 participated in the Annual

Da Vinci Decathlon held at St Peters Girls.  There competed against 23 teams in 10 different categories including: Engineering, Maths, Art and Poetry, Ideation and Code Breaking.  The team worked collaboratively under pressure to problem solve and apply critical thinking across a range of disciplines.  Congratulations to Sophie, Hitansh, Flynn, Harrison, Naksh, Jack, Leo and Annabel.

Digital Technology

Last term the Year 6s worked with Mr M develop their coding skills through the program SCRATCH to create an interactive game about the Zones of Regulation. Jack and Hitansh shared their very clever designs with the School Board last week.  They explained the purpose of the task as part of their Digital Technology and Health units. All the Year 6s worked in the Junior Primary classes to explore the Zones of Regulation through these interactive games.

Parent Information Evening  with Madhavi Nawana-Parker

The Parent Information Evening on Emotional Regulation and Resilience is quickly approaching.  This is a free event, please book via the form sent home or office.  A creche is available for Primary School students – bookings essential.

 St Monica’s Lacrosse Hits the Ground Running This Winter!

Our Winter Lacrosse season is off to a flying start, thanks to the momentum from a fantastic Summer Indoor Lacrosse tournament in Term 1. We’re thrilled to have 15 enthusiastic St Monica’s students representing our school across three teams!

In partnership with our local club, East Torrens Payneham Redwings, we’re proud to field three students in the Under 11 Girls team, six in a dedicated Under 11 Boys team, and five in the Under 13 Boys team. It’s been wonderful to see so many of our students getting involved and giving it their all.

Training sessions on Thursday nights at the Felixstow clubrooms have been full of energy and excitement, and our players have been bright-eyed and ready to go for their 8am Saturday morning games.

While the scoreboard hasn’t always reflected our effort, the players continue to develop their skills each week and have been demonstrating incredible teamwork, determination, and growth on the field.

A special highlight this week - each player was thrilled to receive their very own brand-new Lacrosse stick, generously donated by East Torrens Life Member, Robert Farmer. A huge thank you to Robert for his support and commitment to growing the game!

Want to Join the Fun?

It’s not too late to get involved! The Winter season runs until late August, and we’d love to welcome more players into the St Monica’s Lacrosse family.

For more information or to register your child, please contact Simon Gill at 0413 898 203 or email schools@redwingslax.com.

Let’s go, St Monica’s Redwings!

Results Rounds 1-4:

Round 1:

Under 11 Boys: St Monica’s Redwings 3 drew Blackfriars 3

Under 11 Girls: St Aloysius College 7 def St Monica’s (ETP) 5

Under 13 Boys: Glenelg Blackhawks 15 def St Monica’s (North Wings)  1

Round 2:

Under 11 Boys: St Monica’s Redwings 5 drew Eagles 5

Under 11 Girls: Burnside 10 def St Monica’s (ETP) 5

Under 13 Boys: Glenelg Seahawks 18 def St Monica’s (North Wings) 2

Round 3:

Under 11 Boys: St Monica’s Redwings 10 def Eagles 6

Under 11 Girls: St Monica’s (ETP) 6 def Wilderness 2

Under 13 Boys: Brighton 16 def St Monica’s (North Wings)  3

Round 4:

Under 11 Boys: Burnside Maroon 9 def St Monica’s Redwings 2

Under 11 Girls: North Adelade 9 def St Monica’s (ETP) 8

Under 13 Boys: Blackfriars 13 def St Monica’s (North Wings)  4

Simon Gill
Schools Liaison Officer
East Torrens Payneham Lacrosse Club
m     0413 898 203
e      schools@redwingslax.com
www.redwingslax.com

 Book an Adventure

National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS) took place at St Monica’s on Wednesday 21st May

St Monica’s Students along with thousands of other students across Australia and New Zealand enjoyed the reading of the NSS book for 2025 The Truck Cat, written by Deborah Frenkel and illustrated by Danny Snell. This is a heartwarming story about cats and humans, immigration and identity, and homes lost and found.

Shadow Judging Book of the Year Awards 2025

Year 4/5M are participating in the Shadow Judging of the 2025 Shortlisted books in the Early Childhood and CBCA Award for New Illustrators categories. Last Friday, Kathryn Beilby former President of the Children’s Book Council of South Australia and presently the Shadow Judge Co-ordinator visited Year 4/5M and to explain the process. Kathryn was impressed by the enthusiasm and politeness of the students.

 Premier’s Be Active Challenge 2025

Congratulations to all the students who have already completed the 2025 Premier’s Be Active. Completed forms can be returned to the library at any time. Further information about the Be Active Challenge can be found at https://pbac.sa.edu.au

Premier’s Reading Challenge 2025

This term would be a good opportunity for all our students to complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge which consists of reading 12 books, 8 from the Premier’s Reading List and 4 of their own choice. Further information about the Reading Challenge can be found at www.prc.sa.edu                            

 Book Club Issue 4 – Orders close Friday 16th June 2025

The Book Club Issue 4 pamphlets will go home next week. Thank you for your ongoing support of the Book Club which helps provide additional resources for the students.

Overdue Library Books and Readers

There are many readers and Library books overdue. Could you please check at home and in school bags and return books found as soon as possible.  Thank you.

Dates to remember

Book Week 16th-23rd August -This year’s theme is ‘Book an Adventure’.

Premier’s Reading Challenge – runs until 7th September.

Premier’s be-active Challenge – runs until 26th September.

More information about these exciting activities will be in future newsletters.

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.