Dear Parents/Carers,

Fete

Once again, St Thomas the Apostle School and Parish combined, have put on a magnificent fete. It was a cool day but was patronised by a strong crowd throughout the day. Of course an event like this doesn’t happen without the incredible work of a band of enthusiastic and dedicated people. This team has been working since February to ensure the fete is such a successful and community building event.  Leading this team were Barb Miels Barrett from the school, and Kevin Polglase from the parish. They were supported with the brilliant and dedicated Fete Committee of, Mel Anrath, Bek Hamilton, Cheryl Garrett, Tia Giacomin, Fiona Glasby, Ceceilia  Abbott, Elizabeth Wilson, John Wheeler, Elizabeth Moroney, Deb and Wayne Poulton and Luke Mooney as the school representative. Mel, with her events management expertise, introduced a new and successful layout for the fete stall positions. Many people commented on how good it was. The committee members were remarkable in their contribution of time and effort given to organising the fete. Thank you also to the stall holders who worked tirelessly on the day. This immense day in the life of our community could not be successful without the support of the St Thomas families and friends who came along and enjoyed all that the fete had to offer. We’re already talking about 2020 but we might let the committee bask in the glory of this one for a while first! Please see the school website for our full list of helpers and sponsors.

School Hours

I have been asked to remind parents and carers of the school hours as there in an ever increasing number of children coming late to school and being picked up early. Of course, there are the odd occasions, due to family circumstances or appointments, where this may happen. However, when it is merely occurring so as to avoid traffic at the busy times in a school day, that is sending a negative message to your child / children about the importance of what we do here. We value every minute that we have the privilege of educating your child/ children. When this time is constantly cut short, it is undermining and devaluing what we do as educators. Please be mindful if this habit is creeping into your everyday school drop off and pick up routine.

Annual Satisfaction Survey

Thank you to all the parents who responded to this survey. The satisfaction level across the school is very high. The feedback from the comments has given us some insights and suggestions as to how we can improve. Overall, they were positive and forward thinking and it was encouraging to read your considered and well-meaning ideas for our school community. We take these comments seriously and where we see we can make a positive change, we will.

Swimming

Our swimming program for Kinder to Year 4 commenced on Monday, and runs each day for two weeks. The students really enjoy these lessons but they are certainly very tired by the end of the program. Year 5/6 are taking part in a bicycle program for their Term 4 sporting activity.

We only have 5 weeks left of the year and we want to make them positive weeks for the students. We will be asking the children to be mindful of wearing the correct uniform, showing good manners and being thoughtful, engaged and safe every minute of every day.

May God bless you and your families,

Ursula Jamieson
Principal