Filter Content
Dear Parents/Carers,
Community Surveys
The time to submit this survey has been extended by a week. If you haven’t had a chance to do it yet, I would encourage you to do so. The feedback we get and the information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Thomas the Apostle School.
The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You are able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using the link that was provided via Compass.
Pie and Footy Night
It was a good turn up for the ‘Pie and Footy Night’ on Wednesday. Victoria made scrumptious Butter Chicken, Shepherds and Mexican pies. The gents who came along enjoyed the food, friendship and of course, the footy! Thank you to Geoff Ryan for organising the event and to Victoria for making the pies. As we say here, we enrol a family, not just a child and Wednesday night was a classic example of the great community of people we have here.
Enrolments
Speaking of enrolling, we are still taking enrolments for 2023 as it seems in the busyness of life there are some families with kindergarten aged children for next year who haven’t yet enrolled. If you or anyone you know would like a tour of the school, please ask them to call the front office and we will gladly book them in for one. Enrolments are completed online through a link on our website.
Family Week
This week is Family Week and an opportunity for spending time with family and friends without the added commitment of meetings or homework! We have Family Week in Week 7 of each term as the ‘seventh’ is traditionally observed as the Sabbath or a day of rest.
June long weekend followed by a Pupil Free Day
This weekend is an extra-long weekend for families. Monday June 13th is a public holiday and Tuesday June 14th is the second of our pupil free days, granted to schools by Catholic Education. The ACT government schools are also having 2 extra pupil free days this term. This is to support schools as we navigate the shortage of teachers who are off sick and to give time back to teachers who are missing out on their release time for programming and assessing. Thank you for the messages of support we have received from you as we know that it can be an inconvenience to families to cater for these days. TEAMKIDS are running a holiday program next Tuesday for families who need care for their children. Please contact TEAMKIDS if you need to book your child/children or click the link below (further details are also attached to the newsletter). All staff will be here on Tuesday and the office will be open normal hours.
Hats off months
As we are now into the winter months the children don’t need to wear their school hats for the months of June and July. Being SunSmart is all about being “smart” when spending time outdoors in the sun, this includes having an understanding around the balance between UV exposure, sun protection and vitamin D.
During the summer period, maintaining vitamin D levels should be relatively easy for children who are active and spend time outdoors most days of the week, even with sensible sun protection. In Canberra, we have already started to witness daily UV levels decrease to what is considered “low” levels (under 3), during the morning and afternoon periods. In Canberra UV levels drop and remain under 3, all day, around the June and July period. The body should be able to store your summer vitamin D levels over the winter period, however by leaving your hat at home during this low UV period and getting some winter sun exposure to your skin you are more likely to maintain adequate vitamin D levels during this cold period of the year.
In winter, by exposing some skin most days of the week during the lunchtime period (the middle of the day is best because UVB will be present), students and teachers should be able to maintain the bulk of their summer vitamin D. Of course, there will be groups in the population that are at higher risk of having vitamin D deficiency. To read more about vitamin D visit Cancer Council ACT’s website.
I hope you enjoy the long weekend.
Yours in partnership,
Ursula Jamieson
Principal
RE Week 7 - Our Common Home - Connecting with Each Other
Our school focus this term is connecting with others. Today we launched the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. This is a concrete way that we can support others in our community and work together to make a difference in people's lives.
We encourage you to talk to your children about donating and pray for those in our community who are doing it tough. You can donate gloves, socks, jackets, beanies, blankets, sleeping bags and non-perishable food. You can either drop donations to the office or your child's classroom. Secondhand items will be accepted if they are in good condition. Donations will be accepted until the end of the term.
Geoff Ryan
Date |
Event |
Monday 13 June |
Queen's Birthday Public Holiday |
Tuesday 14 June |
Pupil free day |
Wednesday 15 June |
ACT Cross Country |
Reconciliation week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. During library time last week many students borrowed dreaming stories and books about Indigenous history. Some classes read books and discussed the history of reconciliation in Australia.
We also had a chance to complete and share our animations as a class. I am so proud of their work. Some of the best videos will be chosen to be shared with the community.
As there is a pupil free day next week only some classes will have their lesson. However, the library will be open during recess for any students who would like to return and borrow.
Mrs Leah Godfrey
Teacher Librarian
(Semester 1)
Happy Birthday
to the following students and staff
who celebrated a birthday
in the last few weeks
Congratulations to Bonnie Bryce for being chosen to audition to represent the ACT in Calisthenics dance in the Sub Juniors team. Her team will compete in the virtual Nationals competition on the Canberra Theatre stage on Sunday June 26. We wish her the best of luck!
TeamKids have another amazing WINTER Holiday program planned!
- Learn new skills and make new friends
- Qualified and REMARKABLE Educators
- Digital detox with our no screens policy
- Delicious and nutritious morning and afternoon snack
- CCS approved care
Head to teamkids.com.au to secure your spot!
We're Hiring
We have some further exciting news – we are hiring new Casual Educators to work with us over the Winter Holidays!
This is a great opportunity for Teachers, Student Teachers, and Support Staff to make some extra money over the holidays, gain valuable experience, and have fun.