TERM 2 - WEEK 9
Front Cover - Rec Theodosi
In the Reception class, we prefer to work in small groups for all curriculum areas. Working in pairs or in small groups enables children to discuss the set task and work towards a specific outcome. The results are always different, as children need to work together to solve problems, discuss, modify, and explain their calculations or designs. After every task, the children share their work with the class which helps them become confident public speakers. In the photos, the children created patterns in pairs or small groups and were very proud of their work.
Malama Theodosi, Reception Teacher
Leadership
Dear Parents, Caregivers, Students, and Friends of St Thomas More,
Welcome to Week 9. The term is almost over and it’s astounding to know that we are halfway through the year.
Semester One Student Achievement Reports
Using the Learning Management System SEQTA, all Catholic Education South Australian schools will have a new reporting format this year. This CESA initiative will ensure consistency across all Catholic primary schools with regard to reporting practices. All teachers have spent a great deal of time, care, and effort to teach, assess and collate information before writing each child’s academic report. They have also had to learn a new system for entering assessments and reporting information. We are grateful for the work, dedication, and enthusiasm shown by them throughout this process. Your child will bring home their Semester 1 School Report on Thursday 6 July. If you have not received your child’s report by Friday 7 July, please contact your child’s classroom teacher.
NAIDOC Week 2023
National NAIDOC Week celebrations and activities are held across Australia in the first week of July (2 – 9 July). This year’s NAIDOC Week theme ‘For Our Elders’ pays respect to all Elders, honouring the significant role they play as cultural knowledge holders and leaders in the wider community. NAIDOC Week is a time to reflect and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of the First Nations Peoples – recognising them as the Traditional Owners of the land. Next week at school our students will be provided with opportunities to engage in learning more about this significant week for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We honour all the Elders and their families, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people for their ongoing connection and protection of Country and dedication to nurturing strong communities.
Year 3 - 6 Electives
Throughout this term, students in Years 3-6 classes have participated in the Electives Program held on Friday afternoons. The students have engaged in one of the electives of their choice for this term and will have the opportunity to engage with a different activity they have chosen for next term. The Elective activities include Sports, Dance, Art, Cooking, Photography, Lego, and Chess. The Elective Program provides students with the opportunities to further develop skills in the activity they are participating in, build connections with students from other classes and year levels and further develop their social skills. The students have been keen and motivated to attend the activities and look forward to continuing with this program next term. A big thank you to the staff for their excellent planning and facilitation of the activities.
End of Term and Casual Day
School concludes for Term Two on Friday 7 July at 3.00 pm. To celebrate our last day of term, students can come to school dressed in casual clothes. A gold coin donation is appreciated, which will go to the charities we support. School resumes for term three on Monday 27 July and we look forward to seeing you again then.
We wish you all a very happy and safe holiday.
Shaping our future together
Leadership Team
Uniform Shop
The front office will be open for uniform purchases during the school holidays. This provides you with an opportunity to collect/purchase uniforms before the beginning of term 3.
The times are as follows:
Tuesday 18th July 2023 - 10 am – 2 pm (Sara)
Thursday 20th July 2023 - 12 pm – 4 pm (Olivia)
Religion
NAIDOC Week
‘For our Elders’ is the theme for NAIDOC Week celebrations this year. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders hold the stories that make up the oldest living culture in the world! This year's NAIDOC theme, 'For Our Elders', is an opportunity for all Australian schools to ensure our young people are learning from our Elders' knowledge and perspectives, and that these continue to be passed down through generations for millennia to come. Mr. O’Leary will lead us in community prayer via Microsoft Teams to celebrate this week.
You might like to explore the link below to find out about the activities and events held in SA next week.
STM Feast Day
Last week our Reception – Year Two students gathered to celebrate the Feast of St. Thomas More with a liturgy. Fr. Santosh gathered with the Year 3-6 community to lead our first Eucharistic celebration for the year. Students from across the year levels assisted with different parts of the Mass and the celebration was enjoyed by all.
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.
Eucharist Session for Parents and Candidates
Term 2 Week 9 Saturday, July 1, 9.00 am – 11.00 am St. Thomas More Church
Classroom Learning
Miss Maiello’s Year 1/2 class has been thinking about their connection with God. Last week they created some prayer bracelets to help them stay connected with, and pray for those they love.
St Vincent de Paul
As the weather gets colder, we invite you to think about those in our wider community who may need our help this winter. St Vincent de Paul provides clothing, shelter, and food to those who need it most. We will be supporting the work of St Vincent de Paul over the remainder of the term by collecting donations of clothing (especially any winter items you may have grown out of) and blankets. You can place these items in the bins located on our school grounds from Week 9 onwards or pass them on to Melissa.
Liturgical Calendar Information
Special celebrations that we focus on during classroom and whole school prayer throughout term 2 and those that come up in our liturgical calendar include:
July 2–9 – NAIDOC Week
Humans of St Thomas More School
I barrack for Sydney Swans, much to some of the student’s disapproval. But don’t let that discourage you from reading the rest of my profile.
My name is Olivia Marshall. I have been working in the Front Office here at St Thomas More School since Term 2 this year.
Having attended St Thomas More School myself from 2003 -2011, I have absolutely loved returning to my old stomping ground.
The school community was, and continues to be incredible, and so welcoming. On my first day here, I was greeted by all the staff. It was especially nice to reconnect with my old year 1 and 2 teachers from when I attended. They are fantastic teachers and knowing the students here get to be taught with the same level of passion for education that I did is amazing.
“Always treat others how you’d like to be treated”, because you never know what the other person is going through. I feel like continuing to circle back to this quote helps me to be the best version of myself in my role here in the Front Office.
Canteen
Just a Reminder
If your child/children are going to be away and they have a lunch order, please contact the front office to cancel the order by 9:00 am. The order can not be transferred to another day if it is not cancelled. Thank you for your understanding.
Installing SZapp
Please click on the link below for instructions on how to install SZapp on Apple and Android products.
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
July 2-9
NAIDOC Week
World Youth Skills Day
Donate Life Week
Raising Hearts and Minds
