TERM 1 - WEEK 9
Front Cover - 3/4 Morgado
HASS
This term the Years 3/4 CM as part of our HASS Lessons have been using the Inquisitive Program to learn about Civics and Citizenship. In this unit, the students develop their understanding of democracy, laws and citizens, diversity and identity. They draw on personal experiences and familiar contexts to understand that democracy is ruled by the people. They explore how individuals participate in and contribute to their community.
Leadership
Dear Parents, Caregivers, Students and friends of St Thomas More School community,
I am reaching out prior to the end of the first term to encourage and remind you all to book a COVID-19 vaccination for your child.
Over 50 percent of all children aged 5 to 11 have now received the first dose, with many now due for a second dose (eight weeks after the first). In particular, as we approach the school holidays and the weather cools down, it is important to take steps to minimise the impact of COVID-19. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect your child and the community.
The Department of Health website provides a number of resources with further information about seeking COVID-19 vaccination. Attached is a Fact Sheet that you could use to have a conversation with your child. Further resources are also available at: www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/who-can-get-vaccinated/children
Vaccines are widely available across the country at general practices, state-run clinics and Aboriginal Health Services. You can find a participating clinic and make an appointment by visiting the Vaccine Clinic Finder at: https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/booking
Thank you for your efforts to keep your child and the wider school community safe.
Staffing News
We inform you that our Director of Out of School Care & Vacation Care, Mrs. Kate Thede will be leaving the St Thomas More School community. Kate began at St Thomas More School eight and half years ago. During Kate’s time at St Thomas More School, she has established very good relationships with staff, students and families. On behalf of the St Thomas More School community, I would like to thank Kate for sharing her gifts and talents and extend our gratitude to her. I wish Kate every blessing and success in her new adventure. We will be advertising this vacant position.
Advice for Parents About Social Media
“Technology will only ever be used as well and as honourably as the motives of those pressing the buttons. Everyone needs to acknowledge its extraordinary power. The technology is out of the bag and we should respect it, but not fear it. Any threat from social networks comes not from the technology, but from those who use it.” (NZ Listener editorial August 27)
The best advice is to look at the way your child manages normal everyday interactions with family and friends. If this involves constant outbursts of emotions, hostilities, accusations and tears, then their online relationships are likely to be similar. A child who has happy, respectful relationships will usually enjoy using social media and have few if any problems.
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.
2023 RECEPTION ENROLMENTS
Places are available. If you have or if you know of anyone who has a child turning 5 before May 1, 2023, please complete and lodge an enrolment form at the Front Office.
2023 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, 2023, please complete and lodge an enrolment form at the Front Office.
Working in Partnership,
Leadership Team
Religion
The Season of Lent: Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving
Project Compassion – 20c Challenge’
‘Alms’ are what we give to people in need. Project Compassion is a great way of doing this. We thank you for the coins that you are continually adding to the Project Compassion boxes on the prayer space in your child’s class. In week 10 we will gather as a school community to see if we can outline the word ‘give’ with our coins in preparation for sending our proceeds to CARITAS Australia.
The story below is an example of those who are supported by the donations so generously provided through Project Compassion.
Anatercia 12, was struggling to cope with adult responsibilities after her father died. Then she participated in Caritas Australia- supported training and gained access to psychosocial supports.
Now, Anatercia can easily access clean drinking water, community members are able to grow healthy crops all year round, and there is enough nutritious food to eat. Anatercia feels better supported by her community, has more time to study and do her homework, and hopes to fulfil her dream of becoming a nurse.
Please donate to Project Compassion 2022 to help young people succeed in the future and bring stability to vulnerable youth like Anatercia.
Holy Week
You will notice the beginnings of our Holy Week display as you enter through the Crossing gates. Holy Week is during week 11 of this term and follows the story of Jesus entering Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, gathering with his disciples at the Last Supper on Holy Thursday and his dying and rising with Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
As we celebrate these events during week 11, we will gather for prayer and class sharing via Microsoft Teams with staff and students from St. Thomas More School and St. Mary Magdalene’s School.
Sacramental Program 2022
If you would like your child to be involved in the 2022 Sacramental Program, please see Melissa Musolino. Due to Covid, we are currently looking at the possibility of offering an online version of this program.
Installing SZapp
Please click on the link below for instructions on how to install SZapp on Apple and Android products.
Parent/Teacher Learning Conversations
Please click on the link below for further information.
Pupil Free Days
Canteen
Would you like to volunteer? Help is needed in the canteen for weeks 3 and 4 Term 2.
(17-20) & (24-27) May.
Please see Jane or the front office.
PRC and Stem Competition
Come and Try Events - Swimming and Football
Playgroup and ELY
Postponed until further notice
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.
Advance Notice
Every Tuesday
Parent Coffee/Tea chat 8:30am in Jubilee Hall - Postponed
ECC Playgroup 9:15am to 11:15am - Postponed
Principal's Tour (first Tuesday of the month) 10:00am - By appointment only
Every Wednesday
Early Learning Years (ELY) 9:15am to 11:15am - Postponed
April 2
World Autism Day
April 4-14
National Youth Week
April 7
World Health Day
April 10
Palm Sunday
April 11
Holy Thursday
April 14-25
Nature Play Week
April 15
Good Friday