TERM 4 - WEEK 5
Front Cover - Rec/1 Carter
Class library lessons continue to be a fun and engaging part of our learning where we investigate different texts. Ms. Swann reads a story to us and we talk about its genre, does it have a message, whether we relate to the story and many other questions. We also look at how books are illustrated and do amazing activities with a variety of materials based on what we have read. Maybe some of us will be an author or illustrator when we grow up. We look forward to the library and what our next task will be.
Here are some photos from a range of classes with their work.
Reception/Year 1
Library Classes
Leadership
Dear Parents, Caregivers, Students and friends of St Thomas More,
National Skin Cancer Action Week 20 - 26 November 2022
National Skin Cancer Action Week (20-26 November) highlights that we need to do more to promote sun protection. Often called our 'national cancer', Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with approximately two in three Australians diagnosed with skin cancer during their lifetime.
Despite improvements in melanoma rates amongst Australians under the age of 40, skin cancer remains Australia’s most common cancer, the most costly and one of the most preventable. It is estimated that there have been over 15,000 deaths since the last national skin cancer awareness campaign 14 years ago.
In order to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, all Australians need to use the five forms of sun protection when the UV level is 3 or higher:
- Slip on sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
- Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF30 (or higher) sunscreen. Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and every two hours afterward.
- Slap on a hat – broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears.
- Seek shade.
- Slide on sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards
School Reports
Teachers are preparing to write Semester Two reports for students in their care. Our Semester Two reports are individual and extremely detailed and provide an excellent summary of each child’s progress. They will be distributed to students during week 9, this term. They will include information regarding each child’s class for 2023.
Students Illness
We have had a number of students with serious illnesses over the past weeks. This reinforced the importance of children not attending school when they have an infectious illness because of the risk of infecting others. In particular, it is very important that children with vomiting or diarrhea stay at home until they are completely well. Please also reinforce to children the importance of personal hygiene especially washing hands. It seems that resistance is low as the year comes to a close and children become more susceptible to disease.
Thank you to parents for keeping us informed about their children’s health.
School Hats - Reminder
During Term 4, hats are compulsory for all playtimes and learning activities outdoors for all children and staff. No Hat - No Play will apply to children not wearing a hat for playtimes and they will also have to be under shelter or in the shade during outside activities.
School Uniform
We have noticed some children not wearing the correct school uniform, in particular, incorrect jumpers over and under the School polo top.
Please make arrangements to ensure your child is prepared to wear the correct uniform in Term 4 and beyond.
A list of St Thomas More School’s uniform requirements is available from the Front Office if you have any concerns.
St Thomas More School uniform items can only be ordered and paid for using the St Thomas More School QKR app. Ordered items will either be left at the school front office for you to pick up or we will have them delivered to your child’s classroom.
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.
End-of-Term Arrangements
Year 6 students – Monday 12 December 2022 at 1.30 pm
Reception to Year 5 students – Wednesday 14 December 2021 at 2.30 pm
Working in Partnership,
The Leadership Team
Religion
Liturgical Events and Special Celebrations
On November 11 we held a Remembrance Day Service. Students in Year 4/5 assisted with leading this service. Students reminded us that this was an opportunity for us to stop and remember all those who have died in wars and conflict. They said: ‘In our world today, life is difficult and there is still conflict in places such as Ukraine. We pray that we value the freedoms that we enjoy today and commit ourselves to create peace in our world by recognising that peace begins in our own families, classrooms, schools and communities. Peace really does begin with us.’
Universal Children’s Day will be celebrated on November 20. This is a day to promote international togetherness, and awareness among children worldwide, and improve children’s welfare. World Children’s Day offers each of us an inspirational entry point to advocate, promote and celebrate children’s rights, translating into dialogues and actions that will build a better world for children.
On Sunday, November 26 we celebrate the feast of Christ the King. This feast brings the church year to a close. It invites us to consider ways to achieve the things that make for peace. The Kingdom that Jesus proclaimed was so different from what was expected. His Kingdom was about serving others, showing justice, mercy and peace to others, and caring for the poor, the weak, the lonely and the rejected. He calls us to build his kingdom here on earth.
Let us pray today that we can be kingdom builders.
You may have seen our ‘We Remember’ display in the front office. We thank you for allowing us to ‘remember’ with you as you think about your loved ones who have passed away.
Sacramental Program
The Sacramental Program for 2022 is now complete. If you would like your child to be involved in the Program in 2023 or would like more information about the program, please email Melissa Musolino.
mmusolino@sttmore.catholic.edu.au
Classroom Learning
Made in the Image of God, Human Sexuality Curriculum
As part of our learning this term, students have been engaging with The Made in the Image of God, Human Sexuality Curriculum.
The Made in the Image of God (MITIOG), Human Sexuality curriculum is mandated for South Australian Catholic Schools, for Years R-12. Each year our students engage with age-appropriate curriculum content regarding sexuality through this curriculum.
You will receive a letter outlining the content to be taught in your child’s particular year level. If you have any questions, please see Melissa Musolino.
Sports Day
Last Friday, staff and many parents celebrated Sports Day at St Thomas More. It was great to see students demonstrating their, agility, coordination, speed and strength to the best of their ability in the windy and at times wet conditions. To see everyone having so much fun and striving to gain points for their team was a highlight.
Thank you to all the teachers, administration staff and parents for their help and support throughout Sports Day. I would also like to thank the many parents for coming along and supporting their child/ren. They appreciated your encouragement and enthusiasm.
I would like to especially thank Ms. Swann for organising each team’s song and movement. It was a great effort by all teams. Also, a big thank you to Mr. Scott for helping set up, pack up and take on the role of starter for the day. Thank you to all the Sports Captains for their help and support in preparing for and assisting on Sports day.
Congratulations to the BARRY team on winning the Vin Davies and BARRY on winning the Spirit Cup.
Final Results
Vin Davies Shield Spirit Cup
Barry - 1490 Barry - 800
McAuley - 1295 McAuley - 680
MacKillop - 1285 MacKillop - 580
Coolock - 1205 Coolock - 350
Well done to Riley Kirkbright and Grace Sandery on winning the Championship Sprint.
Excellent Effort Everyone!
Sports Co-ordinator
Fabian Chevalier
Sports Day Photos
Sports Day Photos
Parenting Courses
Installing SZapp
Please click on the link below for instructions on how to install SZapp on Apple and Android products.
Canteen
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
November 1 -30
National Novel Writing Month
Movember
World Vegan Month
November 20
Christ the King
November 22
2023 Reception Transition Visit & Parent Meeting
November 23
Years 3-6 Catholic Schools Athletics Carnival
November 25
Whole School Assembly
November 27
First Sunday of Advent
November 29
2023 Reception Transition Visit
December 4
Second Sunday of Advent
Raising Hearts and Minds
