Term 1 Week 9
Earlier this week, I attended a national summit in Hobart entitled, “Teaching Matters”. It was hosted by Catholic Education of Tasmania with representatives coming from overseas and all states and sectors of education. The overarching focus was on the science of teaching with a particular focus on the science of teaching reading and maths. Some clever mathematician worked out that we have a student with us at school for close to a million minutes between Reception and Year 12. Therefore, the imperative for each educator and school, is not to waste one minute of a student’s time. During the staff meetings in Term 2, I will share more about the current research with our wonderful educators and what families can do to further enhance our educative partnership we have. I look forward to sharing these learnings with you.
Something that was frequently mentioned, and is not new to us, is the importance of using the data we have for each child about their learning journey. During Week 7 and 8, our students in Years 3 and 5 undertook the NAPLAN assessments. Whilst we don’t receive the results of these tests until October, we were very proud of our students engaged with them. For the Year 3s it was their first time participating in a test experience that is not normal for them. They strived to do their best and that is all that we can ask of them. I would like to thank all the staff who supported the students during this time and to the rest of the community who demonstrated support through changing of timetables and play spaces.
During Week 10 we are holding our first formal Parent Teacher Conversations for 2024. Booking information was sent home to each family via SEQTA Engage but if you have had any difficulty with this, please come and speak to Annette or myself and we will be able to assist you with this. These conversations are an important part of our partnership with families. They provide an opportunity to share information about your child’s learning including celebrations and future areas of growth. Please ensure that you have made a booking to speak to your child’s teacher.
Over the last two weeks, two St Monica’s families have welcomed new members to their family. Marko, little brother to Giselle (RCB) and Zaliah Rose , little sister to Oliver (3/4V) and Hudson (RCB) arrived safely. We offer both families all the love, prayers and support of the St Monica’s community.
This week our whole school has paused and taken time to gather to pray and reflect on the significance of Holy Week. It is a time to pause and consider the powerful message that the crucifixion of Jesus gives us. During Lent have we taken the time to go without so that others may have more? During Lent have we taken the time to pray for those who are marginalised and voiceless in our community? During Lent have we seen something that is wrong, unfair or unjust and used our voice or influence to create change? Holy Week is the narrative of Jesus’ final days with his family and community but it is not the end. After his death, comes the hope of new beginnings at Easter. However your family celebrates this important time in the Christian church calendar, I offer you my blessings and prayers and may Easter give you a time of renewal and new beginnings.
God’s blessings,
Emily Sayer
Holy Week
This week we reflected on one of the most important weeks in the Catholic Church’s calendar – Holy Week. Each unit was allocated a significant day to share with other classes while our Liturgy Leaders – Angus, Norin, Archer, Charlotte, Aaliyah and Harrison led the liturgies.
On Tuesday afternoon in the Church, the beautiful Reception classes dramatised Palm Sunday. As mentioned last newsletter, Palm Sunday is the final Sunday of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week. It commemorates the triumphant arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem, days before he was crucified.
It was a great opportunity for all Reception students to be involved in the re-enacting of this Gospel passage. They contributed by acting as Jesus, or a disciple or a donkey, or being part of the crowd who waved their palm leaves and cloths as Jesus walked pass them. Students shouted out ‘Hosana! Hosanna! Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord.’
On Wednesday afternoon on the back courts, the year 1/2s role played the Gospels of Holy Thursday – The washing of the feet and The Last Supper. This liturgy was a lot more sombre than Palm Sunday, as Jesus knew this would be his last meal with his disciples.
The Thursday before Jesus died, he celebrated Passover with his closest friends. We call this celebration the Last Supper because it is the final meal before Judas turned Christ over to the chief priests for crucifixion.
At the celebration, Christ humbled himself by washing the disciples’ feet before they shared a meal. During dinner, Christ offered them his body and blood, marking the beginning of two major sacraments: the Institution of the Eucharist (First Communion) and the Institution of the Priesthood (Holy Orders).
Thursday’s liturgy was hosted by our Year 5/6 unit who shared with us the Stations of the Cross. This is the most solemn day of Holy Week as it is the day Jesus walked carrying his the cross, which he was eventually nailed to and died at Golgotha.
The 5/6s shared a symbol for each of the 14 stations.
Station1
Jesus is condemned to death - A very lonely time for Jesus – String
Station 2
Jesus carries his cross - Jesus knew this journey was going to be hard- Cross
Station 3
Jesus falls for the first time - The cross was so heavy Jesus struggled to carry it - Band Aid
Station 4
Jesus meets his mother - Mary showed Jesus an unconditional love - Picture of Mary
Station 5
Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus - Despite risking getting told off by the soldiers Simon helped Jesus - Hand
Station 6
Veronica wipes the face of Jesus - Like Simon Veronica risked getting told off to help Jesus - Towel
Station 7
Jesus falls a second time - Despite getting weaker Jesus didn’t give up - Band Aid
Station 8
Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem - Jesus stopped to talk to the women, always thinking of others - Tissues
Station 9
Jesus falls for the third time - The soldiers laughed at Jesus in pain - Band Aid
Station 10
Jesus is stripped of his garments - The soldiers enjoyed humiliating Jesus - Cloth
Station 11
Jesus is nailed to the cross - The soldiers nailed Jesus to the cross - Nail
Station 12
Jesus dies on the cross - The sky turned black and Jesus dies - Crucifix
Station 13
Jesus is taken down from the cross - A soldier pierced Jesus’ side to make sure he had died - Arrow
Station 14
Jesus is laid in the tomb - Jesus was laid to rest in a tomb – Rock
I wish everyone a safe and relaxing Easter break. While this a wonderful time to spend with family and friends and enjoy the extra days off work and school, it also a time to remember Jesus and the sacrifice that he made for all of us to live as we do today.
Katie Downie
Congratulations to Oliver who won the Student Voice’s Guess the Easter Eggs! Oliver guessed 73 eggs and was spot on! Proceeds go to Project Compassion.
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.
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