TERM 3 - WEEK 5
Front Cover - 2/3 Gosling
Compassion
Doing something for someone in need, not just feeling sorry for them.
In 2/3 G we have been learning about what compassion is. We chose Compassion as our theme for our Mass with our RZ buddies in week 4.
We looked at all the Mercy values and could see Compassion in all of them as you can see by our pictures.
Compassion Pictures
Leadership
Dear Parents, Caregivers, Students and friends of St Thomas More,
BOOK WEEK 2021 - “OLD WORLDS, NEW WORLDS, OTHER WORLDS”
DRESS UP DAY – Wednesday 25th August
Book Week provides us with an opportune time to remind ourselves about the importance of books and reading in our lives. One of the most important things we can teach our children is the enjoyment of reading. Our teachers are working extremely hard to provide a balanced Reading Program aimed at catering to the individual needs of each child in their respective classes. If you haven’t already done so I would encourage you to have a conversation with your child’s teacher about their reading progress and how we can all continue to do our part so that your child can reach his or her full potential.
The theme for Book Week this year is “Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds”. Throughout the term, classes will be reading the shortlisted books for this year’s awards and as a celebration of reading, we would like to invite the children to dress up as their favourite book character on Wednesday 25th August - Week 6. As has been the case in previous years, there will be a whole school Book Week Parade in Jubilee Hall on this day.
Unfortunately due to COVID-19, restrictions will apply and family and friends WILL NOT be able to attend.
I invite you to get into the spirit of Book Week and encourage your children to dress up and be involved in the day. Please consider the weather conditions and ensure that your child is appropriately dressed and wearing suitable footwear (e.g. no thongs). Students may wear hair colour and make-up, but it must be put on at home and not brought to school.
This is not a casual clothes day and therefore any student not wearing a costume must wear
their correct school uniform.
Staffing News
We inform you that Ms. Shannon Goulding will be leaving the St Thomas More School community. Shannon began at St Thomas More School as a co-educator and has also worked at our OSHC service. During Shannon’s time at St Thomas More School, she has established a good relationship with staff, students and families. On behalf of the St Thomas More School community, I would like to thank Shannon for sharing her gifts and talents and extend our gratitude to her. I wish Shannon every blessing and success in her new adventure.
CORRECTION: In the previous newsletter I wrote that Ms. Leeanne Fisher will begin her Long Service Leave (LSL) on Monday 9 August and return Monday 23 August, when in fact Leeanne will be on LSL from Monday 16 August to Monday 30 August. We wish Leeanne a safe and enjoyable break with family and friends and look forward to her return.
Life Skills Hub – Partners in Practice
Part of Catholic Education’s Students with Disability Review recommendations was developing partnerships with allied health specialists to strengthen skills in ensuing that students with disabilities receive effective adjustments that meet the functional impact of their disability. Our school has been successful in receiving funding to develop this partnership with Life Skills Hub.
Last week we welcomed Ellen from Life Skills Hub to our school community. We have developed a 12-month partnership with Life Skills Hub where staff will be working with Barb who is a Developmental Educator and Ellen who is an Occupational Therapist to further develop strategies in supporting student’s engagement and wellbeing. Through this partnership, we will be working with staff from St Mary Magdalene, Catherine McAuley and St Brigid’s schools.
Students Not Returning in 2022
It’s hard to believe but we are already planning towards 2022. Before we begin the process of looking at next year’s class lists it is important to know who will not be returning to St. Thomas More School next year. If your child is not returning to St. Thomas More in 2022 (other than Year 6 students), please use the ‘Class Preparation for 2022’ form in this week’s newsletter and return it to the Front Office by the due date.
As some of our classes are at, or near, capacity for 2022, if you are aware of other families or friends that are considering enrolling their child or children at St. Thomas More School in 2022, they are strongly encouraged to contact the school and make a time for an enrolment discussion as soon as possible.
In the coming weeks, we will begin the process of class placements taking into consideration the varying needs of each child within the school. We believe it is important that we have as much information about each child, to ensure that all their needs are fully considered throughout this process. As such, we give parents an opportunity for input regarding the placement of students for the following year. This exercise is about considering your child’s educational needs. I would like to stress that this is not an opportunity to select your child’s class teacher. It is also our belief that the class teacher is the person in the best position to make judgments about children’s educational needs. The school is consultative in this matter; however, the final decision rests with the St Thomas More School staff.
If you think there is some aspect of your child’s learning needs that requires further consideration, please put your thoughts in writing and return to the Front Office, addressed to Chris Platten. I can assure you that these needs will be considered when class placements are finalised. All letters need to be submitted to the Front Office by Friday, 3 September. If you would like to discuss any related matter with me in person, please feel free to contact me.
School Uniform
We have noticed incorrect school uniform items are being worn, especially in regards to items such as jumpers and pants. If students are not wearing the correct uniform, a uniform note is sent home from the class teacher identifying the uniform area to be addressed. All St Thomas More School students are required and expected to wear the correct uniform. Please ensure your child is in the CORRECT SCHOOL UNIFORM.
St Thomas More School uniform items are to be ordered and paid for using the St Thomas More School QKR App. Ordered items will be delivered to your child’s classroom.
Community News
From time to time we hear news involving members of our school community. As a community, we care about both the joys and sad events in each other’s lives. Not all of this news reaches the school office but we would like to include a regular section in the newsletter entitled ‘Community News’. We hope you will contribute to this by letting Leeanne know – personally with a written note or by email – news about yourself or others. We hope this will enable us to better support each other in times of sadness and join in celebrating times of joy.
Class Preparation for 2022
Each year in Term 3, staff begin class structures for the following year. To assist us with this very important and time-consuming task, please complete the form available from the front office if your child/ren (other than current Year 6) WILL / WILL NOT be returning to St Thomas More School in 2022.
Your co-operation is greatly appreciated.
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
Liturgical Events and Celebrations
This week we celebrate the feast of the Assumption of Mary. After Mary died, she was taken up to heaven to be with God.
In the Gospel reading for this feast, we hear Mary’s song of praise for the wonderful things God has done for her in making her the mother of Jesus. Mary’s life and death were a wonderful example of praise and thanksgiving to God.
I wonder…
Is there anything about Mary’s life, which could help me to be a better follower of Jesus?
Students have been learning the Hail Mary, a prayer of praise for and petition to the mother of God. You might like to share this as a family this week.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace,
The Lord is with you!
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death.
Amen
Sacramental Program Dates
Celebration of Confirmation
Week 7 Wednesday, September 1 at St. Ann’s Church
Week 8 Wednesday, September 8 at St. Ann’s Church
Celebration of First Eucharist
Week 8 Saturday, September 11 at St. Thomas More Church, 6pm
Week 9 Sunday, September 12 at St. Thomas More Church, 10am
Week 9 Saturday, September 18 at St. Thomas More Church, 6pm
Week 10 Sunday, September 19 at St. Thomas More Church, 10am
Calling Old Scholars & Families
As part of our pupil-free days, we will be looking at the history of our two schools and sharing our memories about St Thomas More and St Mary Magdalene's. We will also be creating a history walk for staff.
Do you have any memorabilia from St Thomas More School? We would love to see it.
If items for either school could be sent in by Wednesday 11/8/2021, it would be greatly appreciated.
We also have an old scholars form on our website.
COVID - Check-in
Book Week
The theme for this year is:
OLD WORLDS, NEW WORLDS, OTHER WORLDS.
Dress up parade - Wednesday 25th August - Week 6.
Canteen Specials
Elizabeth Community Connections
Playgroup and ELY
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
August 21 - 27
Book Week
August 31
Class Mass—TBC
September 1
Wattle Day
September 8
Feast of Mother Teresa
Raising Hearts and Minds
