TERM 2 - WEEK 7
Front Cover - R/1 Zolotovs
Reconciliation Week
As part of Reconciliation Week, R/Z have been learning about the importance of reconciliation and making impactful steps to help build a more unified future.
In addition to Reconciliation week, we have also been focusing on the question in our HASS unit, ‘How do Indigenous Australians take care of country?’ Students have been unpacking this question and deepening their knowledge through engaging activities, discussions, and Acknowledgment of Country.
Leadership
Dear Parents, Caregivers, Students and friends of St Thomas More,
The colder mornings are certainly upon us and it really is that much harder to get out of a warm bed. With this in mind, I remind parents that regular attendance at school is very important. Going to school every day and getting there on time reinforces for children, that school is a significant experience. I cannot stress enough the value of arriving at school on time. Most classroom teachers set out the day’s routine, lunch orders, prayer, news, notes for the office, learning intentions and work expectations for the day. Missing out on these routines sometimes means that when a child arrives late, they are playing catch up for the remainder of the morning and are unsettled and unsure. If this happens regularly children can become anxious or even casual in their approach.
It is also important for children to attend school regularly. Allowing children to stay home without a good reason sends a message that learning can be interrupted and isn't important. When children attend regularly, the teacher is able to build a sequence of learning for each child and children develop a sense of increasing success. Attending school regularly also supports a child’s sense of belonging to the class, the school and helps them maintain friendships. I know that the cold mornings make for a slower start to the day; however, I ask that families make the extra effort to be on time.
Mid-year Reports
Wednesday 30 June (Term 2 Week 10) you will receive your child/ren’s Mid-Year Report. These will be given to your child in a sealed envelope. We do this to protect your child’s privacy and so that you (the parent/s) will be the first to read the report and discuss it with your child. These reports are a descriptive summary of your child’s progress for this year and should also point out to you and your child, the specific areas needed for ongoing learning improvement. It is essential to your child’s ongoing learning that both you and your child know of the achievements that they have made and what they need to do to continue this progress.
If there is anything in the report that comes as a surprise to you or your child, or you do not understand some of the comments made, then please make an appointment to see your child’s teacher.
I strongly urge you to take this opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher and the Specialist Teachers (if necessary) to discuss personally how your child is going, where they are at and how they can be supported to achieve successful outcomes.
Reception Induction
Last Tuesday, we held our first transition morning for our new Reception students to begin their school journey at St Thomas More School, in Term 3, 2021. We had excited and eager students who seemed to be delighted by their morning. The children were still beaming with excitement when their parents picked them up. While the children were busying getting to know one another, parents also gathered during this time to meet one another and begin (for some) their involvement in the St Thomas More School’s community. Parents have commented on how welcoming the other students have been towards the new students. This is one of the special qualities of St Thomas More School. Staff have also been delighted by the new students’ enthusiasm and how quickly they settled into their new environment. Further Reception transition dates are Tuesday 15 and Tuesday 22 June.
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data
Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data for students with a disability (NCCD). This is an opportunity for schools to reflect on the adjustments they are making for students with a disability so they can access and participate at school in line with legislative requirements. Teachers work in collaboration with families to plan, review and monitor the adjustments for students with a disability. These adjustments are recorded in a Personal Plan for Learning. If your child has a disability or if you suspect that your child has a disability we ask you to work in partnership with us. For further information regarding the NCCD please see the parent letter with this newsletter or speak to a member of the leadership team.
Information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au) or see PDF below.
Covid Update
As we reflect on the COVID outbreak in Victoria it is important that we remain prepared to respond to the fast-changing nature of the pandemic. We need to remain vigilant with our hygiene. As a community, we will continue to follow the advice from SA Health. It is very important that you continue to check in each day using the COVID SAFE CHECK-IN QR code displayed at each entry gate and in the front office.
2021 TERM 3 RECEPTION ENROLMENTS
Places are available. If you have or if you know of anyone who has a child turning 5 before October 31, 2021, please complete and lodge an enrolment form at the Front Office.
2022 RECEPTION ENROLMENTS
Places are available. If you have or if you know of anyone who has a child turning 5 before May 1, 2022, please complete and lodge an enrolment form at the Front Office.
2022 TERM 3 RECEPTION ENROLMENTS
Places are available. If you have or if you know of anyone who has a child turning 5 before October 31, 2022, please complete and lodge an enrolment form at the Front Office.
Working in Partnership,
Chris Platten, Vicki Rubino, Leah Williams, Melissa Musolino
Religion
World Environment Day 2021
World Environment Day, a day established by the United Nations in 1972, aims to make us more aware of our responsibility to respect and better protect our environment. The focus this year is Ecosystem Restoration.
Pope Francis calls on us to build a better world.
What is one action you can do this week to care for and better protect our environment?
The Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ
On Sunday we celebrated the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. This is a day of gratitude for the gift of the Eucharist. Each time we gather at Mass, we listen to God’s word. We pray for the world and for the church, and we give thanks to God with bread and wine. Then united with God and with one another, we share the bread and wine which have become the Body and Blood of Christ. Christians have promised to do this every Sunday in memory of Jesus.
Society of St. Vincent De Paul
Vincent de Paul lived in France over 400 years ago. He was born into a poor peasant family, but after he became a priest, he came to know some of the richest and most important people in France. Vincent was well known for his work among people who were poor, sick, abandoned, and in prison. Today the St. Vincent de Paul Society helps people just as Vincent did.
This term we are working to support the St. Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. From week 8 until week 10 you will see two donation bins on our school site. We are collecting winter clothing and blankets to support those in need.
Please see the flyer included in the newsletter this week.
Your donations are greatly appreciated.
Sacramental Program 2021
If your child is currently involved in the Sacramental Program for 2021, please take note of the following dates:
Week 8: Celebration of Reconciliation at St. Thomas More Church
Friday, June 18 – 5pm to 6pm
Saturday, June 19 – 10am to 11am
Sunday, June 20 – 11.30am to 12.30am
Catholic Schools Netball/Soccer Carnival
On Thursday 27th May, 56 year 4-6 students participated in the Regional Catholic Schools Netball/Soccer carnival at Argana Park. The round-robin competition allowed students to develop their skills and knowledge of soccer and netball.
On a beautiful autumn day, all students showed enthusiasm, discipline, teamwork, and a high level of skill to produce some great results.
The Netball teams started confidently, passing the ball around with accuracy and scoring some fantastic goals. Students showed excellent teamwork in defence to make many intercepts and displayed great teamwork to transfer the ball from defence to attack. As the day went on all teams grew in confidence and worked well to achieve many successful results. Well done everyone!!
The Soccer teams were extremely competitive in all games with all three teams experiencing success. The boys managed to move the ball quickly to create many scoring opportunities with some great goals being scored and saved. We also had two girls join the Catherine McAuley girls’ soccer team and acquit themselves extremely well. It is fantastic to see the schools working together to create opportunities for students to showcase their skills in a friendly environment.
All the boys and girls enjoyed the day and are to be congratulated on their fine sportspersonship during all matches. Thank you to Ms. Swann, Miss Morrison, Miss May, Mr. Scott, Mrs. Steer, and the many other parents for their help and support during the day. We were also lucky to have a former student (Emma Timmermans) assist with umpiring at the carnival. Emma did a remarkable job to not only umpire many games but to also share her knowledge and experience with players.
.Fabian Chevalier
PE Teacher/Co-ordinator
Canteen Specials
OSHC Vacation Program
Elizabeth Community Connections
Playgroup and ELY
Brain Teasers
Can you solve them?
Out of School Hours Care
Daily: 6:30am to 8:45am and 3:00pm to 6:00pm Wednesday: 2:30pm to 6:00pm
School Access
8:30am to 8:50am
Access via the main front courtyard gate at the school crossing.
8:50am to 2:45pm
Access via green front pool gate in front of the administration building. You will need to lift the pool gate lock at the top of the gate to open and please ensure the gate is closed securely.
2:45pm to 3:15pm
Access via the main front courtyard gate at the school crossing.
Children dropped off before 8:30am and not collected by 3:15pm will be sent to OSHC and caregivers will be invoiced for the service.
School Banking
School Banking at our school is on Wednesdays.
For every deposit made at school, students will receive a silver Dollarmites token. Once students have individually collected 10 tokens they can redeem them for an exclusive School Banking reward item in recognition of their regular savings habits.
School Banking is also a great fundraiser for our school. Our school receives a Regular Savers Contribution of $5 for every 10 deposits processed per student as well as an Annual Contribution which is based on the number of students who made at least one School Banking deposit in the prior year.
If your child has lost their book, please contact your School Banking Co-ordinator for a replacement or visit any CommBank Branch.
If you would like to know more about School Banking, please ask for a 2020 School Banking program information pack from the school office or visit www.commbank.com.au/sbc
Advance Notice
Every Tuesday
Parent Coffee/Tea chat 8:30am in Jubilee Hall - Postponed
ECC Playgroup 9:15am to 11:15am
Principal's Tour (first Tuesday of the month) 10:00am - By appointment only
Every Wednesday
ECC Early Learning Years (ELY) 9:15am to 11:15am
School Banking
June 12
Global Wellness Day
June 14
Queens Birthday Public Holiday
World Blood Donor Day
June 18
Autistic Pride Day
June 20
Refugee Week Begins
Raising Hearts and Minds
