Dear Parents,

Welcome back to all families for Term 3. Last term Mrs Jamieson wrote about our Annual School Plan and the way we have been focusing on Inquiry Learning. For many years Kath Murdoch https://www.kathmurdoch.com.au/ has been a big influence in best teaching practice for Inquiry Learning. Over the next few weeks I want to share with you how our teaching staff have been inspired by the work of Kath Murdoch and other educational experts. We have developed 6 key learning assets which we believe are fundamental to quality teaching and learning at St Thomas the Apostle.

The first asset; I am a Disciple is core to our School Vision and Mission. It encompasses living like Jesus not only in our school and parish but in the world. As disciples we can make clear decisions guided by faith and carried out in action to be courageous followers of Jesus Christ. We can live our faith with integrity because we know that God is always with us, giving us the strength we need. Our community is welcoming and respectful, we value prayer and worship and believe that we share, celebrate and grow together as a Christ-centred faith community.

The Yr. 5/6 children developed the symbol of a red heart as a visual reminder of this asset with the word Disciple. We would love you to talk with your children about this asset, what does it mean in your family? How does it challenge you? Being a true disciple of Jesus is not easy but building kindness, forgiveness and compassion in our school and homes is a great way to start.

Cultural Champion Award

St Thomas the Apostle is committed to ensuring our school is an inclusive place where students, families and staff of all race and culture, feel accepted, valued and connected to their school. Respectful relationships, fair and equitable processes and embracing diversity are core values which underpin St Thomas the Apostle School. As part of our commitment to cultural diversity teachers will be nominating students for a Cultural Awareness Award each fortnight to be awarded at Assembly beginning in Week 2 this term.

Annual School Survey

An annual satisfaction survey of parents, students and staff will be conducted on behalf of all Catholic schools in the Diocese this term. The surveys are designed to gather feedback from parents, staff and students about our school and will be used to inform school improvement. Responses are confidential and individuals can not be identified. 

The surveys will be launched via email on Monday 29 July and close on 9 August 2019 using the email addresses supplied to the school. If you do not receive an email with a link to the survey, you can access and complete the survey at the following link. 

Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) St Thomas’ Parent Survey

Parents/carers are invited to complete the Out of School Care Survey which was sent home on Tuesday July 23. The purpose of this survey is to gain community feedback with regard to applications for the Tender Process for our After School Care Providers. The survey closes on Sunday July 28. The link is attached below

I hope this term brings good health, happiness and wonderful growth for all our families and friends at St Thomas. Great news that Marleigh Fisher is home for a short time and preparations for a Diabetes Dog are going well, Kate and Geoff Fisher send their love and thanks to everyone in the community who have supported them. 

Many blessings
Judy Egan
Acting Principal