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- Principal's Report
- Information from ACT Primary Principals
- RE Week 5 - Energised Through the Soul
- Upcoming Events
- SZapp - for School Information
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- Book Week
- Wellbeing Wall
- ICAS Testing
- Playgroup
- Book Week Photos
- Kinder STEM Class Photos
- Year 2 Assembly Photos
- Yr 5/6 Science Week Activity
- Fresh Tastes - Takeaway can be a healthy option
Dear Parents/Carers,
Thank you to our generous community
I just want to acknowledge the generosity of our community in regards to recent events including supporting the Fisher family to raise funds to purchase Marleigh’s Diabetes Dog (just over $300) and the efforts to support our Global Schools Partnership School to buy books ($1,000). Thank you to all families who made contributions. It makes such a difference when we can show our support for others. The Book Character Parade this year was the best ever, thank you parents/carers and students for your amazing creativity. Thank you to all our school staff (who we know have amazing hidden powers!), a great day of fun for all!
Learning Assets
This week I want to share with you asset number 5, “I am a communicator” This is no doubt one of the key questions in any job interview is; how do you see yourself as a communicator? We are teaching children that effective communication is key to developing as a successful learner. Good communicators are confident, responsive, respectful, share ideas, listen and interact. The children used the speech bubbles in this image to show that communication is two-way and relies on respectful relationships. Our children learn to communicate their needs and desires from an early age. Teaching them how to communicate respectfully, takes time, patience and consistency. We want to encourage our children to express themselves but we also want to give them an understanding of acceptable and respectful society norms.
Relief Teachers
Currently across Canberra, there is a shortage of relief teaching staff. We are very fortunate at St Thomas’ to have several relief teachers who we call upon. Lately some of our relief staff have also succumbed to winter colds and bugs. If the class teacher is ill and there is no relief teacher available, the children are cared for across the school with activities provided by their teacher.
MATES Lunch
Congratulations to our latest group of children receiving blue bands. It was great to share MATES lunch today!
Many blessings and thank you for your continued support,
Judy Egan
Acting Principal
Information from ACT Primary Principals
Future of ACT Catholic School Soccer and Netball Carnivals
Regretfully, this year is the final year for the ACT Catholic School Soccer and Netball Carnivals. This decision was carefully considered and was made unanimously at the recent ACT Catholic Primary Principal’s Meeting.
Although these are great community days and have been going for many years, the huge workload on staff, increasing costs, complexity of indemnity and insurance and a lack of volunteers to assist has necessitated the decision to no longer host these events.
Schools are rostered on to coordinate, run and volunteer these events and are run, entirely, by the host school, irrespective of the school size. Parents volunteer on the day and staff work all weekend on these events. In the past few years, some executive staff have worked nearly fulltime in the lead-up to pull off these carnivals, along with many staff who commit their time to support the planning and preparation, all of which is impacting on the teaching and learning agenda of the host school.
ACT Principals acknowledge that there may be some parents and students disappointed by this decision, however, we have agreed that the future of hosting and leading an event such as this is untenable.
This year, Holy Rosary Watson will host the final ACT Catholic School’s Netball Carnival.
ACT Primary Principals
RE Week 5 - Energised Through the Soul
Monday Prayer and Module Prayer
It is always beautiful to see families at Monday Prayer and Module Prayer. I believe that we have a unique community in the sense that all families embrace our vision and mission in such heartfelt and authentic ways. The invitation to attend these celebrations is always open to everyone. This week our focus was on our mission to create heaven on earth. We looked at examples of children making a difference in the world and acknowledged all we do to create heaven on earth here in Kambah. I continue to remind the children that in his latest document, the Pope reiterates that the youth are the NOW not the future. There are many important and simple ways that we can live out our faith, beginning with a smile. I shared a lovely quote with staff this week which reads;
Date |
Event |
Monday 26 August |
Monday Prayer (5/6G) 9am |
Wednesday 28 August |
Tuggeranong Athletics Carnival |
Friday 30 August |
Assembly (Yr 3/4) 2.30pm |
SZapp - for School Information
Protecting Your Child’s Privacy On-Line
While sharing pictures on-line has become a way of life, children’s privacy and safety can easily be compromised. These practical tips will help to ensure children’s safety comes first.
What an amazing day we had on Tuesday. It was wonderful to see everyone embrace the spirit of the day. Thank you also for your generous donations to our partner school. The money raised will make a huge difference to the children. We look forward to meeting with Simon again to see the results of our donations.
In Weeks 5 & 6 participants complete their spring sessions.
During this time we look at ways of caring for our feelings, remembering the good times and making good choices.
Spring is time of new birth and new beginnings.
There is evidence of a ‘coming to life’ in the world.
In colder climates the buds begin to open, there is more daylight, many animals bear their young, the world is coloured with new growth.
While spring can bring freshness and hope to life, it can also be a changeable season with remnants of winter still being experienced.’
Anne P Graham
Veronica Harris
Wellbeing Officer
We will endeavour to run the ICAS tests on the following dates for those students who have registered (registrations have now closed):
Tuesday September 3rd Digital Technologies
Thursday September 5th Science
Tuesday September 10th Writing
Thursday September 12th Spelling Bee
Tuesday September 17th English
Thursday September 19th Maths
Any queries can be directed to Mrs Anne Barbic (anne.barbic@cg.catholic.edu.au)
This week at Playgroup we enjoyed Super Hero activities. Next week there will be activites for Father's Day.
The St Thomas the Apostle Playgroup is held every Friday between 9:15am and 11am. Parents and Carers with children from 0-4 are welcome to come along.
Parents and Carers are required to sign in at the Front Office before Playgroup.
For more information, please contact Nicole Joyce, our playgroup convenor, or the Front Office on 62314144 or by email office.sttapkambah@cg.catholic.edu.au