Principal's Report
Dear Parents and Carers,
At this time of the year there is always a lot of change, with students graduating primary school and families moving away from Canberra. It’s hard to say goodbye to the friends we have made and the people we have grown to love. One of those very special people in our community, is Veronica Harris. We have been ever so blessed to have Veronica as our Wellbeing Counsellor for the past two years. Student, family and staff wellbeing are something that she has nurtured in abundance over this time. Veronica and her husband Bede will be moving to Albury before the end of the year, where Bede will continue his work with Charles Sturt University. On behalf of the St Thomas the Apostle Community I sincerely want to thank Veronica for the love, care, compassion and concern she has shown to us. People like Veronica are a blessing and we are going to miss her terribly. We wish her all the very best for the future and we know that she will stay in touch. Veronica’s last day with us is next Tuesday, December 10th. We will be farewelling Veronica at the morning assembly.
Cultural Champion Award
This year at St Thomas the Apostle, we have introduced a Cultural Inclusion Award. Throughout the second semester, a number of children and Year groups have been identified as taking a proactive approach to embracing and celebrating Australia’s Cultural diversity, but more importantly our rich traditional Australian history. This has been through story-telling, art, games and research. Australia is the home of the oldest living culture and it is important that at schools we provide the opportunity for all Australian children to truthfully learn about the richness of the traditions and history of this culture, to understand the culture and keep it alive for future generations. It is also vital to break down barriers that exist because of a lack of truth, respect and understanding.
Tomorrow, at our last assembly, we will be announcing the overall winner for the year and they will be presented with the “St Thomas the Apostle 2019, Cultural Champion Trophy”. This is named after and will be presented by one of our parents, Mr Dion Devow, who was the 2018 ACT Australian of the Year. The recipient of this award has been identified as demonstrating integrity and respect for cultural differences and inclusion.
Thanksgiving Liturgy
This is on next Monday 9th December in the hall at 9.00am. You are all most welcome to join us for this special liturgy.
Thank You Morning Tea
This is for anyone who has helped out at the school in any way at all throughout 2019. The morning tea will follow on the Thanksgiving Liturgy next Monday 9th December at about 9:45am and will be held in the library. I hope that all of our helpers are able to make this morning tea as it is our simple way of saying “thank you” for your assistance and support of the school over this past year.
Carols Night
The SCC will be hosting our annual end of year Carols Night. This will be on Thursday Night Week 9 – December 12h starting at 6pm and will include a School Picnic and Sausage Sizzle. This will be a fitting occasion to celebrate together, the end of a great year at St Thomas’. A note has gone home with all the details (see below). Families are welcome to bring a picnic dinner, however, a sausage sizzle will be available for a gold coin donation (per family). This means a night off in the kitchen, so will be welcomed by the cooks in the family!
To make sure we cater appropriately, please let us know how many sausage sandwiches your family will need. You can let us know by filling in the electronic form by clicking this link
Please note: if you have an android phone you will need to copy the link into your browser.
Soft drinks and water will also be on sale for $1 per can. During the course of the evening, each year level will sing two carols and the choir will perform and lead us in the singing of some of the traditional Christmas Carols. The evening will wrap up at about 8pm, so all our beautiful students can be tucked up in bed by 8:30pm!
May you find joy and peace in this season of Advent,
Ursula Jamieson
Principal