TERM 1 - WEEK 5
Cover Page - 5/6 May
Camp
Last week, the 5/6 classes went on camp to Narnu Farm on Hindmarsh Island for 3 days and 2 nights, enjoying the warm weather and participating in multiple interactive hands-on activities giving the students an up-close and personal experience.
We fed some very friendly farm animals, including Jemima the pig, goats, calves, amazing fluffy chickens and an emu. We were also lucky enough to see a few baby chickens hatch while in their incubator on our last morning. The students had an adventurous ride on the vintage truck, visiting the horses around the paddocks and feeding them carrots. Horse riding was the most popular activity by far, with the helpful staff and friendly horses who guided us on a lovely walk along a bush trail.
The students explored the history of Narnu Farm, learning about the old farming machines, how they’ve changed over time, and even tried out an old hand ploughing machine. We also learnt about blacksmithing, butter making and wheat grinding and met 12 Australian native animals with Animals Anonymous.
The 5/6’s would like to say thank you to all staff involved in organising and running the camp activities, they had a great time! Take a look below at some photos of the students getting involved in camp activities.
5/6 May camp photos
Leadership
Dear Parents, Caregivers, Students and friends of St Thomas More School community
Classes are in full swing with our students seeking to build on the success of the beginning of the School Year. From the beginning of the term, we have continued to develop our emphasis on a strong learning culture where everyone strives to achieve their personal best.
While our teachers do a remarkable job in staying abreast of the latest educational trends and implementing them into their daily practice, your assistance is also vital. You can never underestimate the impact of parents in developing a learning culture.
The following pointers from www.education.com provide some useful tips for parents to assist in their child’s educational potential:
How Should I Help My Child with Homework?
- Show that you think education and homework are important. If your child knows that you care about what is happening at school, he or she will have a good reason to complete work on time.
- Set a regular time for homework. The best schedule for homework is what works best for your child and your family. Your child’s outside activities, such as sports or music lessons may mean that you need a flexible homework schedule.
- Provide an area for your child to do homework. Make sure the area is well-lit and has minimal distractions.
- Ensure that there are no distractions. Discourage your child from making and receiving social telephone calls during homework time.
- Turn off the television if it is keeping your child from doing his or her homework.
- Provide supplies and identify resources. Have pencils, pens, erasers, writing paper, a dictionary, or other supplies that may be helpful available.
- Help your child use everyday routines to support the skills he or she is learning. Teach your child to play word and math games.
- Help your child look up information about something in which he or she is interested.
- Look over completed work before it is handed in. Discuss with your child the learning that they experienced in completing the work.
- Talk about school and learning activities in family conversations. Ask your child what was discussed in class that day.
- Show your child that the skills he or she is learning are an important part of the things adults do.
- Let your child see you reading, writing, or using math.
- Talk to your child about what you do at work.
- Attend school activities. If you can, volunteer to help in your child’s classroom or at special events
Andrew Chinn
Thursday, 18th March, Australian religious songwriter and singer, Andrew Chinn, will be visiting our school to share his songs with our children. Andrew’s songs, such as “These Hands”, “Rainbow”, “An African Blessing” and “Rise Up!” are used in classrooms and liturgies around Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada.
School Hats
During Term 1 & 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. Please remind your child to ensure they have their CORRECT SCHOOL HAT.
Uniform
The uniform policy of St Thomas More School addresses the total appearance of the student while at school. The uniform is seen as an internal and external statement of the quality education offered at St Thomas More School. In effect, it presents to the public an image that is in line with the school ethos. In addition, the uniform is a means of helping to develop unity and pride within our community.
The uniform policy is developed by the school community and approved by the School Board. It is an expectation that all students will comply with the policy in all its requirements. Indeed, enrolment at the school is dependent upon parents accepting and supporting the school’s uniform policy and rules.
As we approach the end of the first term it is time for new uniform reminders. Generally, the students are wearing the correct uniform and look very smart. Please enquire at the front office if you are unsure about any aspects of the winter uniform.
The uniform must be purchased through the QKR App.
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, Melissa Musolino, Leah Williams
Come and Try School at St Thomas More
TUESDAY 9 MARCH - 9.30am to 10.30am
All welcome to join us for a morning to familiarise children Under 5 years & their parents/caregivers with the primary school environment in a nurturing and supportive way.
Cost & obligation FREE. Bring your hat, water bottle & morning tea.
Religion
First Sunday of Lent
This weeks Gospel reading from the Gospel of Mark was telling us that Jesus was fasting in the desert for forty days. He was preparing Himself for his special work. There was something that happened when He was in the desert that showed us that He had to decide between right and wrong just like we do.
Lent is a time when we look at our lives and what we’ve done. We try to make our relationship with God better. We say sorry to God for what we have done wrong and we try to make a change to our lives to make the world a better and fairer place. This isn’t easy. Sometimes we’ll be tempted to do the wrong thing, just like Jesus was in the desert, but we have to dig deep inside ourselves and try to find the strength to do the right thing.
What changes will you make to your life this Lent?
Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday
Shrove Tuesday was a huge success with staff, students and families gathering to share pancakes before school. A big thank you to all staff involved in preparing and serving pancakes.
Ash Wednesday services took place in individual classes throughout the day on Ash Wednesday. We now move into the season of Lent. In the Gospel Reading on Ash Wednesday we were all reminded that fasting, prayer and giving to others are very important during the season of Lent and that we should not do them to show off or gloat about it to others. Instead, when we take the time to pray, fast and give to others, we should do it because we know we are doing the right thing for others and by God.
2/3 Lenten Initiative
Year 2/3 Gosling are joining with the Aussie Bread Tags for Wheelchairs organisation during the season of Lent. They are collecting as many bread tags as they can over the next 6 weeks.
Please see your child’s class teacher for further information
Elizabeth Catholic Parish Sacramental Program
The Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist form the Sacraments of Christian Initiation. On Friday, February 26 from 5.30pm – 6.30pm, the Elizabeth Catholic Parish will hold a Parent Information Session for the 2021 Sacrament Program. If your child is 9 years of age (or older) and would like to be involved in this program, please contact Melissa Musolino for more information.
mmusolino@sttmore.catholic.edu.au
Elizabeth Community Connections
Playgroup and ELY
HIPPY
Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters
Brain Teasers
Can you solve them?
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
March 1
World Compliment Day
March 5
Schools Clean-Up Day
March 8
Adelaide Cup Holiday
March 9
3/4 Maiello & 3/4 Morgado Class Mass
March 12
Pupil Free Day
March 15-21
Harmony Week
March 17
St. Patrick's Day
March 18
Andrew Chinn
March 19
St. Joseph's Day
March 28
Palm Sunday
Raising Hearts and Minds
