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Dear Parents and Carers,
Today we are officially halfway through the term. Whilst we have not been able to have excursions, carnivals, assemblies or even parents at school, we are having a very successful term of Teaching and Learning experiences in the classrooms. At the beginning of the term, the teachers spent a day looking into vocabulary and building it both orally and in the students writing. Teachers are noticing a difference in the use of a broader vocabulary in the children’s writing. Today I overheard a kinder student telling Naomi in the front office that he felt ‘disgusting’ after eating his lunch. I thought that was a most descriptive word for a kinder to use and shows he has a good vocabulary.
Lent
On Wednesday we began the journey to Easter with a beautiful Ash Wednesday liturgy. It was to be a mass outside but due to the weather, we stayed in our classrooms and commemorated the occasion with Fr Praveen over TEAMS. While it wasn’t quite the same as being all together, it was meaningful, and the children were respectful and reverent.
At this time of Lent, we are asked to be reflective of our lives, to fast and to give up something that we don’t really need, although we may want it. This year Pope Francis has given us some ideas for fasting that not only support us as people but also to those we meet in our daily lives. I will share a couple of these with you each week. They are good to discuss with the family at night over dinner.
In the words of Pope Francis…
*Fast from hurting words and say kind words
* Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Polar Fleeces with full zips
I have been in contact with Lowes and unfortunately, the maroon full zip polar fleece jackets have been delayed.
They were due for delivery originally at the end of January, but now aren’t expected until 31/3/22.
The royal sport jacket is from a different supplier and arrived at the end of the last year. They have placed another order of these to cover winter and that order is expected by 27/3/22.
Harmony Day
On Friday Week 8, March 25th we will be celebrating Harmony Day. For the past 2 years we have successfully combined that with Grandparents Day but understandably, we will hold off our Grandparents Day until later in the year. We will make sure you get plenty of notice so grandparents who would like to attend from out of town, will have time to organise this.
School Fees
Term 1 fee payments are now due. Thank you to the families who have already settled their accounts. Payment can be made using the Compass Pay, credit card, Bpay or EFTPOS. Many families have opted for fortnightly or monthly direct debits which can help with budgeting. As always, if you are experiencing difficulty paying the fees, please do not hesitate to contact me.
May you have a relaxing weekend.
Yours in partnership,
Ursula Jamieson
Principal
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season. Fr Praveen reminded us that we have three things to focus on during Lent.
- Prayer: Spend time in prayer and strengthen your relationship with God.
- Fasting: Refrain from negative choices and live simply.
- Almsgiving: Give to others, especially those in need. This includes our gifts and talents as well as fundraising for those less fortunate than us.
Project Compassion
Throughout Lent, students can either bring money to school to donate to Project Compassion. You can donate via Compass Pay. If you pay online via Compass Pay, please put Project Compassion as the reference for your donation.
We have a very generous community at St Thomas the Apostle. Donating to Project Compassion is a simple way we can help others and show solidarity. If you would like to find out more about Project Compassion you can visit the website.
Lent 2022 with the Catholic Guy Bruce Downes
Be inspired, Be refreshed, Be renewed!
For 40 days you will receive a short, practical and inspiring video in your inbox every morning to help you make this Lenten journey more powerful and prayerful. This program is FREE and you can sign up here https://BruceDownes.org/Lent22 or call 1300 734 880 for more information if you are interested.
Geoff Ryan
REC
A big thank you to parents for helping with covering student and teacher resources over the last few weeks. Please contact me at leah.bayin@cg.catholic.edu.au if you would like to volunteer or if you have any general suggestions or feedback for the library.
As the children in Year 3-6 are borrowing every fortnight it is essential that students try to return their books and borrow on their nominated library days. Books can be returned at any time, but it is a little more difficult to guarantee borrowing on other days. To make it a little easier, here is a friendly reminder for the classes that need to return and borrow next week:
Tuesday 8th March: K-2, 3/4J
Wednesday 9th March: 3/4C, 5/6KM, 5/6B
Leah Godfrey
Teacher Librarian (Term 1)
Happy Birthday to the following students and teacher who will celebrate a birthday this week
Michael Giacomin
I am the Treasurer of the SCC, which involves keeping the school’s financial detail up to date and presenting this to assist the council with decision making. I have one current child at school, one former and one future!
My role as treasurer has been for a number of years and while it takes some time, I enjoy seeing the benefit to the school in assisting a positive future for all attending children.
A wonderful opportunity for prospective families to see the College in action, meet our students and attend the Principal’s Address, Year 7 and 11 Information Evenings and lots more.
We are enrolling now for 2023 and beyond!
Please visit www.merici.college for all dates and information for our Open Day, Be a Merici Girl Days and Talk and Tours. Register online now!
Open Day, Principal’s Address and Year 7 2021 Information Night: Tuesday 3 May
Be a Merici Girl Days: 29 April, 2 and 9 May
Talk and Tours: 30 March, 7 May, 20 August, 22 October