TERM 2 - WEEK 1

Front Cover - 5/6 Carritt

In Term 1, 5/6SC learned about how migration has shaped Australia’s multicultural society.  We used our knowledge to write balanced arguments discussing whether people should migrate to Australia and whether migration is necessary for Australia’s economy. 

We started by researching the advantages and disadvantages of migration and used this information in our discussions.

Is migration necessary for Australia’s economy?

Between 2017 and 2019, there have been 6 million migrants migrating to Australia. Because of this, there is much debate about whether migration is necessary for Australia’s economy. Many defenders of migration believe migration is necessary for Australia’s economy because migrants pay taxes and bring many skills. However, antis say that it is not necessary for Australia’s economy because pollution will increase, and resources will be limited.

On the one hand, it is believed that immigration is necessary for Australia because migrants pay taxes. The reason for this is that taxes are the money that pays for many buildings, roads, and hospitals. For example, Adelaide Woman and Children’s Hospital was paid for by taxes. Additionally, many people say that migrants bring many skills and talents. This is due to migrants being very talented in areas such as building and cooking. This is why some people believe migration is necessary for Australia’s economy.

On the other hand, it is believed that migration is not necessary for Australia’s economy because of the limited resources. This is because some resources, like water, are very scarce in Australia due to droughts, which dry up the lakes and rivers making it harder to collect water to sell. With water being harder to collect, it will be a lot more expensive. For example, when more migrants come to Australia, they will need more water causing water sellers to collect more water from rivers and lakes. In addition, it is thought by climate activists that more migrants coming into Australia, causing more pollution. According to many researchers, migrants will buy more cars, causing more pollution. For example, many climate activists say that 20% of pollution is from cars. This is the reason why some people think migration is not necessary for Australia’s economy.

To conclude, there are numerous convincing reasons why migration is not necessary for Australia’s economy. However, I believe that migration is necessary for Australia’s economy because migrants will pay taxes and can bring many skills and talents.

Chloe

Should people migrate to Australia?

Each year there are 190,000 permanent migrants arriving in Australia on average. Therefore, there is a large amount of debate about whether people should migrate to Australia. Supporters of migration believe it is beneficial since migrants pay taxes and bring multiple skills. However, others argue Australia does not have the resources for migrants and that migration could ruin the nature and environment.

On the one hand, it is believed migration is necessary because migrants pay taxes. This is because taxes contribute by paying workers and infrastructure. For example, the state library was built using money from taxes. Furthermore, some people argue that migrants bring many skills to Australia. This is due to many migrants being skilled in cooking food from where they originally lived. This is why some people believe that people should migrate to Australia.

On the other hand, it is believed that migration is not necessary because Australia has limited resources. This is because there is not enough water for the increasing population in Australia. For instance, Australia suffers from frequent droughts like the Millennium drought which lasted for about 12 years. Additionally, it is thought by many people that due to a large amount of people migrating to Australia, it will damage the environment. This is due to nature being destroyed to build houses. This is why some people believe that people should not migrate to Australia.

In conclusion, there are multiple convincing reasons why migration is not necessary for Australia. However, I believe it is necessary because migrants pay taxes and have different skills.

Daniel

Should people migrate to Australia?

In the last year, there have been numerous people that have migrated to Australia. It is estimated that 100,000 people have decided to migrate to Australia. Considerable debate has taken place in the press recently as to whether migrating to Australia is a good choice. While some believe that migrants spend more money here and migrants pay taxes, others believe there is more competition for jobs and Australia is getting too crowded.

On the one hand, it is believed people should migrate to Australia because migrants pay taxes. This is because taxes help Australia's current economy with buildings, roads, train stations, and hospitals. For example, the metro train station was built with the help of migrant tax. Furthermore, some people argue that migrants bring many skills to Australia. This is due to migrants being skilled at cooking. This is why some believe that people should have the right to migrate to Australia.

On the other hand, it is believed that migration is not necessary for Australia’s economy because Australia has limited resources. This is because Australia has a scarce amount of water due to the droughts where there is less rain. For example, there are over 20 million people in Australia, but the droughts make Australia’s land incredibly dry and causes the floor to start cracking and leaves Australia with a scarce amount of water and resources. Additionally, it is thought by many that Australia’s increased population leaves more opportunities for the environment to get destroyed. This is due to people chopping down forest wood and leaving less resources. This is why people think that migration is not necessary for Australia, and it should be banned.

To conclude, there are numerous convincing reasons why migration should be banned. Nevertheless, I think Australia should allow migration because migrants bring many good skills and help the current economy.

William

Leadership

Dear Parents, Caregivers, Students, and friends of St Thomas More,

Welcome to the beginning of Term 2. I hope the children enjoyed their break and are feeling refreshed and re-energized. I have been impressed by the way children have settled back into school life for what promises to be an exciting term full of learning and extra-curricular activities.

Catholic Education Week

Catholic Education Week will be celebrated in South Australia from May 15-21, 2023 (Week 3, Term 2). Catholic Education Week is about education – celebrating quality teaching and learning across Catholic Education SA.

Catholic Education Week is an opportunity to:

• celebrate the excellent teaching and learning that happens in our Catholic schools every day
• reflect on and highlight what makes our Catholic schools so special
• increase awareness of the Mid-Year Reception Intake
• celebrate with the recipients of the Catholic Education Awards.

In 2023, we’ve got a particular focus on highlighting what students and staff love about their Catholic schools.

During Catholic Education Week, schools will engage in prayer and social justice actions that build on welcoming others into their school communities, and that reflect the virtues of compassion and kindness.

This week is an opportunity to reflect on and share all the things that we love about St Thomas More and what makes our community special.

Join us on social media during Catholic Education Week in sharing Facebook posts about the reasons you love our school and being a part of our community, using the hashtag #LoveMyCatholicSchool.

Annual General Meeting (AGM) 

Monday 15 May in the Administration Building at 6.00 pm

Each year we have an Annual General Meeting (AGM) where the School Board and School reports on the progress and achievements of the previous year are presented, discussed, and celebrated. I extend an invitation to families of the St Thomas More School community to attend.

School Board Nominations

We are currently calling for nominations for St Thomas More School Board for 2023. Here is an outline of the Board's responsibilities:                                    

• To work in a spirit of partnership for the development of policies that nurture the Religious and Community dimensions of the school
• Further develop the relationship between the school and the local Church
• Financial Stewardship
• Support the administration of the school
• Pastoral care of the school community
• Promote community development and involvement within the School

The School Board meets on a Monday evening, with 2 meetings per school term.   

If you would like more information feel free to contact the Front Office.

It is now widely recognised through research done on schools where students are happy and doing well, that the partnership that exists between teachers and families is crucial in bringing about the ‘excellence in schooling’ that is our goal. Please continue to be involved in your child’s schooling and let your child’s teacher know about the positive ways that your child is learning and also if there are any concerns. We want your child to be happy coming to school so that they can learn to the best of their ability. Please keep in mind that we are partners – we can do this better by working together!

Please consider being an ‘active’ member of the St Thomas More School community by nominating to be on the School Board, canteen, or volunteering to assist in any way.

Medical Care Plans

If your child has a medical plan can you please ensure that the Front Office staff have a copy of this. It is also important that the medical plans we have are current and up-to-date. Thank you for your support with this important health matter.

Term 3 Reception Intake

This is a reminder that we have a Term 3 Reception intake each year. The criteria for starting Reception on the first day of school in Term 3 is that the children will have turned 5 on or before 31 October of that particular year (i.e. 2023 this year). If you have a child who is eligible for this intake, please make a time for an enrolment interview with a member of the Leadership Team. If you are aware of another family who has a child who is eligible to begin in Term 3 and is considering St. Thomas More School, please feel free to encourage them to make an enrolment interview time.

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.

I hope all mothers have a wonderful Mother’s Day on Sunday 14 May.

Shaping our future together

Leadership Team

Religion

Welcome Back!

I hope you have enjoyed a restful break and are ready for an exciting term ahead! 

We welcome Fr. Santosh to our school community this term and look forward to working in partnership with him and the wider parish community. The following information introduces Fr. Santosh and was taken from the most recent Elizabeth Catholic Parish bulletin. If you would like to read more about his journey, please see the link below.

‘I landed in Adelaide on 11th July 2019. After serving St Francis Xavier Cathedral parish for 7 months, I was appointed to Salisbury Catholic Parish as the assistant priest from 14th February 2020. The time in Salisbury Parish was one of learning and growing. I was very much loved, accepted, and appreciated by the parishioners. I could also make use of the God-given gifts for the growth of the community. It was totally a memorable time, and I was very happy as an assistant priest. It’s then the call comes to move to another beautiful place Elizabeth Catholic Parish. I have begun my ministry as the Parish Priest here on the 16th of April 2023. I have not come here with many plans, but I always trust in the providence of God. As God leads me so I will follow, in consultation with the right people and committees, we journey together. Currently, I am the youngest Parish Priest in the Archdiocese of Adelaide. But I have enough experience in both being a pastor and administrator. My pastoral experience comes from my very being a priest and all the more the experience as the assistant priest in various above-mentioned parishes. My administrative experience comes mostly from being Provincial Secretary of a province having about 250 priests and over a hundred seminarians, working in about 10 countries. My working style is being available, exceptionally pastoral, and gentle but firm. I am humorous too because I basically believe in ‘Be Happy and Make Happy’. Santosh means Happy! Looking forward to a great journey together. God Bless. Live Jesus. Fr Santosh Pereira MSFS.’

https://elizabethcatholicparish.com.au/

Classroom Learning

Our overarching theme for classroom learning in Religion during term 2 is Connection. Our big question is: How do we experience connection? As we focus on connection throughout the term, we will focus on our mercy values of respect and compassion in our everyday words and actions, with each other, with our students, and with ourselves.

We have a few staff members completing their Graduate Certificate in Education. This requires extra study and assignments on top of their normal workload. I invite you to keep Rebecca Arnold, Jasmine Fisher, and Katelyn Jessop in your prayers as they complete their study.

Stephanie Maiello will begin involvement in a CESA-led Collaborative Inquiry Project about Assessment & Moderation in Religious Education. Stephanie will work with our staff in this area later in the term as we explore assessment and moderation practices in Religious Education.

Classroom teachers will focus on leading Christian Meditation at least once a week beginning this term.

The World Community for Christian Meditation says Christian Meditation is a universal spiritual wisdom and a practice found at the core of all the great religious traditions, leading from the mind to the heart. It is a way of simplicity, silence, and stillness. It can be practiced by anyone, wherever you are on your life’s journey. Practicing Christian Meditation is a way to deepen our personal relationship with God.

Elizabeth Catholic Parish Sacramental Program

For those families whose child/ren are involved in the 2023 Sacramental Program, please be aware of the following dates for Term 2.

Reconciliation Session for Parents and Candidates

Term 2 Week 3 Saturday, May 20, 9.00am – 11.00am St. Thomas More Church

Celebration of Reconciliation

Term 2 Week 4 Friday, May 26, 5.00pm – 6.00pm OR Sunday, May 28, 11.30am – 12.30pm OR Term 2 Week 5 Saturday, June 3, 11.30am – 12.30pm

Eucharist Session for Parents and Candidates

Term 2 Week 9 Saturday, July 1 9.00am – 11.00am St. Thomas More Church

Humans of St Thomas More

The students call me Miss Jessop! This is my second year here at St Thomas More School, and in both years I have taught 3/4s and loved every minute of it!

I love that this school is so welcoming. When I transitioned to this school from my previous one, I found the transition smooth, I was welcomed with open arms and smiling faces from the whole community! It was a beautiful experience and definitely settled my nerves.

My motivation has been and always will be the students. I love working alongside my parents and caregivers to shape students to become kind, thoughtful, compassionate, and caring people. Everything I do at work; I do for my students.

When I am not at school, you’ll often find me completing puzzles, building Lego or even playing on my PlayStation. I am completely obsessed with the new Hogwarts game!

Before I was a teacher, I spent 7 years working in a cinema as a manager. It was the coolest experience ever! Being able to make the popcorn, use the movie projectors and even get to see how an old film would run before everything went digital. Was the best job to have growing up!

Sport Report

At St Thomas More we are committed to providing a diverse range of sporting opportunities for our students from Reception to Year 6 to complement the current Physical Education program. Below is an overview of sports that students will have the opportunity to participate in this Term 2 (depending on their grade level)

These include events such as SAPSASA district events, SACPSSA district events, and SACPSSA Northern Area events. In term 2 we have the following opportunities. 

• SACPSSA Northern Area Soccer and Netball Carnival Years 4 to 6- Thursday 25^th of May (Week 4) 
•  SACPSSA Northern Area Basketball Carnival Years 5-6 Monday 5^th of June (Week 6) 
• SACPSSA Northern Area Football Carnival Years 4-6 Thursday 29^th of June (Week 9) 
• SAPSASA Winter Carnival Friday 26^th of May 2023 
• Kelly Sports Programme after school hours. 

I would also like to congratulate the following students Xavier Dempsey, Tyrell Agius, and Cruz Ramsell for being selected in the Playford District Australian Rules Football Squad to compete at the State Carnival from Wednesday 17^th May to Friday 19^th of May 2023 at Barratt Reserve, West Beach. Well done boys!

Installing SZapp

Please click on the link below for instructions on how to install SZapp on Apple and Android products.

Playgroup and ELY

Postponed until further notice

Out-of-School Hours Care

2023 OSHC runs daily: 6:30am to 8:30am and 3:00pm to 6:00pm       

School Access

8:30am to 8:45am

Access via the main front courtyard gate at the school crossing.

8:45am 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

Principal's Tour  - By appointment only

May 8

World Red Cross Day

May 9 - 15

Mental Health Awareness Week

May 14

Mother's Day

May 15

International Day of Families

AGM

May 14 - 21

Catholic Education Week

Raising Hearts and Minds