Filter Content
Dear Parents/Carers,
Fete
Once again, St Thomas the Apostle School and Parish combined, have put on a magnificent fete. It was a cool day but was patronised by a strong crowd throughout the day. Of course an event like this doesn’t happen without the incredible work of a band of enthusiastic and dedicated people. This team has been working since February to ensure the fete is such a successful and community building event. Leading this team were Barb Miels Barrett from the school, and Kevin Polglase from the parish. They were supported with the brilliant and dedicated Fete Committee of, Mel Anrath, Bek Hamilton, Cheryl Garrett, Tia Giacomin, Fiona Glasby, Ceceilia Abbott, Elizabeth Wilson, John Wheeler, Elizabeth Moroney, Deb and Wayne Poulton and Luke Mooney as the school representative. Mel, with her events management expertise, introduced a new and successful layout for the fete stall positions. Many people commented on how good it was. The committee members were remarkable in their contribution of time and effort given to organising the fete. Thank you also to the stall holders who worked tirelessly on the day. This immense day in the life of our community could not be successful without the support of the St Thomas families and friends who came along and enjoyed all that the fete had to offer. We’re already talking about 2020 but we might let the committee bask in the glory of this one for a while first! Please see the school website for our full list of helpers and sponsors.
School Hours
I have been asked to remind parents and carers of the school hours as there in an ever increasing number of children coming late to school and being picked up early. Of course, there are the odd occasions, due to family circumstances or appointments, where this may happen. However, when it is merely occurring so as to avoid traffic at the busy times in a school day, that is sending a negative message to your child / children about the importance of what we do here. We value every minute that we have the privilege of educating your child/ children. When this time is constantly cut short, it is undermining and devaluing what we do as educators. Please be mindful if this habit is creeping into your everyday school drop off and pick up routine.
Annual Satisfaction Survey
Thank you to all the parents who responded to this survey. The satisfaction level across the school is very high. The feedback from the comments has given us some insights and suggestions as to how we can improve. Overall, they were positive and forward thinking and it was encouraging to read your considered and well-meaning ideas for our school community. We take these comments seriously and where we see we can make a positive change, we will.
Swimming
Our swimming program for Kinder to Year 4 commenced on Monday, and runs each day for two weeks. The students really enjoy these lessons but they are certainly very tired by the end of the program. Year 5/6 are taking part in a bicycle program for their Term 4 sporting activity.
We only have 5 weeks left of the year and we want to make them positive weeks for the students. We will be asking the children to be mindful of wearing the correct uniform, showing good manners and being thoughtful, engaged and safe every minute of every day.
May God bless you and your families,
Ursula Jamieson
Principal
Date |
Event |
Friday 15 November |
Class Mass (KR 3/4KP) 9.30am Mission Day Stalls |
Monday 18 November |
Prayer (5/6R) 9am Fete Wrap-up Meeting 6.30pm |
Misison Day Stalls
(run by Yr 5/6 students)
Friday 15 November
Open to all St Thomas students
All classes will visit the stalls
Stalls include games, chance skills, small treats, food
Students may bring coins (between $5 - $10)
All proceeds will go to Catholic Mission Australia
This week at Playgroup we will be having a Teddy Bear's Picnic. Please bring your teddy and something to share if you like.
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
The final Playgroup session for 2019 will be on Friday 6 December.
Kindergarten Excursion Note (National Zoo & Aquarium)
Strengthening kids’ self-esteem in a digital world
How do we develop and nurture our child’s self-esteem in a world where the likes, comments and followers are often seen as the social currency for popularity, confidence and self-worth?
It can be difficult to know what to say to your children when they are feeling worried, nervous or fearful. These 8 tips of what to say can be useful:
- I’m here with you. You are safe.
- Do you want to do some running or dancing to get rid of the worried energy?
- Tell me about it?
- Let’s draw it.
- What does it feel like in your body? Where is the worry? How big is it?
- Match your breaths to mine.
- Let’s think ups some endings for what could happen (anxious ones, goofy ones AND realistic ones).
- What’s something we could do to help you feel better?
What helps is of course different for each of us – helping children become aware of what their unique, favourite and safe ways are for feeling better, e.g. lego building, drawing, colouring, writing, shooting basketball hoops, is intrinsically worthwhile. Have fun creating your ‘self-soothing’ lists together.
Veronica Harris
Wellbeing Officer
Fete Wrap-up Meeting
Monday 18 November
6pm
Congratulations to Alana Horsfall (5/6KE) who has been selected to play cricket for ACT in the School Sports Australia carnival in Adelaide from the Friday 15th - Wednesday 27th November. We wish Alana all the best.