Filter Content
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.
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.
A reminder that Assemblies will now commence at 2.30pm
(even weeks)
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
RE Week 1 - Energised Through the Soul
This term we will focus on the Holy Spirit moving within our souls, energising us to be joyful evangelisers. When we open our lives to God, He enlivens a divine spark in each of us that inspires us to share our gifts and talents and to be all we can be.
We can learn to recognise God’s divine spark in our lives by learning about how this spark has shaped the lives of others. Our Monday prayer will focus on some of the many stories in the Bible that describe how people responded to the call of God.
When we are energised through the soul we;
- Recognise the Holy Spirit alive in our lives
- Share our gifts freely
- Listen and respond to God
As a school we will journey with the Year 5/6 students as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. During Module Prayer, we will learn about how the Holy Spirit inspires lives.
Heavenly Father,
You created each of us as unique individuals. You call us to listen and respond to your loving presence in our lives. Open our souls to recognise the Holy Spirit alive within us and inspire us to use our gifts to make the world a better place.
We ask this prayer through Jesus your Son who sent the Holy Spirit to guide us and be with us always,
Amen.
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22
Sacraments
Students in Year 3 will be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation next Wednesday. Students in Year 5/6 will be receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation at the end of this term. Please keep these students in your prayers.
Global School Partners
Date |
Event |
Friday 26 July |
NAIDOC Mass (Yr 5/6R) 9:45am |
Monday 29 July |
Monday Prayer (3/4LE) 9am Reconciliation Retreat 9am – 1pm |
Tuesday 30 July |
Yr 5/6 Excursion (Questacon) 9:15am – 2pm |
Wednesday 31 July |
Sacrament of Reconciliation 6:45 – 7:45pm |
Friday 2 August |
Assembly (Yr 1) 2:30 – 3pm please note the time change |
Seasons for Growth participants are working their way through the season of Autumn over the next two weeks. We discuss how life is like the seasons and change is a part of life.
“Autumn can deliver some vivid reminders that our world is constantly changing. It is a time of passage from the light and warmth of summer to the dark and cold of winter. We witness the change from the fullness of life to the bareness of winter. Some grieve the loss of summer, whilst others welcome the solitude of winter. Autumn isn’t the beginning or the end of anything – only the beginning of a new beginning.” Anne P Graham
Grieving is a process,
Like the changing of seasons.
There is a significant symbolic link.
Thank you to the children who are courageously participating in Seasons for Growth this term and for those who support them.
Veronica Harris
Wellbeing Officer
This week’s article is written by Michael Gross and he outlines how we can help our children tolerate discomfort. See link below for details.
Athletics Carnival
The 2019 St Thomas the Apostle Athletics Carnival is scheduled to be held on Friday 9th August 2019 (Week 3). A note is below outlining all the details for the day. If you are able to assist on the day, please fill out the attached form or send an email to Mr Ryan (geoffrey.ryan@cg.catholic.edu.au).
This year we are trialling online race nominations. Please follow the link below and fill in the form for each of your children.
Boorowa Touch Footy and Netball Carnival
Thank you for sending back notes for the Boorowa Touch footy and netball carnival. Teams and coaches will be organised and allocated over the coming weeks. If you have any questions about the carnival please talk to Mr Ryan.
Thank you to the Ordanic and Jarrett Families for looking after our chickens during the school holidays. Much appreciated.
Congratulations to Deema Ablahd (5/6R) who was presented with the Gai Brodtmann “Little Legends” award at assembly last term.