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Dear Parents/Carers,
This week is Reconciliation Week and we are marking this very important time on Friday with our own Reconciliation Day. Our two Annes, Mrs Barbic and Mrs Gowen, have planned a day of reflection and contemplation based on the National Reconciliation Week theme of “In this together”. The day will include each class having Dadirri Time. Dadirri is an Aboriginal Word meaning inner, deep listening and quiet, still awareness. It is a 'tuning in' experience with the specific aim to come to a deeper understanding of the beauty of nature. They will also be introduced to our School Indigenous Yarning Circle. A yarning circle, or dialogue circle is an important feature within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. It is a place where problems are discussed and stories shared. The yarning circle has been used by Indigenous peoples for centuries to learn from a collective group, build respectful relationships, and to preserve and pass on cultural knowledge. Our Yarning Circle has been created from the trees in our grounds that were cut down earlier in the year. The trunks were cut into segments to make discs. These were formed into a Yarning Circle and will be in the back playground for teachers to use with their class.
Reconciliation is a journey for all Australians – as individuals, families, communities, organisations and importantly as a nation.
Drop off and Pick up
Thank you for your cooperation with the drop off and pick up arrangements. They are working well. There are a couple of reminders to keep them running efficiently.
1) Kiss and Drop in the morning is for a quick drop off. If you need to get out of your car to help your children, please park and do this. You may think it will only take a minute, but in that short time, the cars behind you quickly get backed up to the road.
2) Don’t arrive at school before 3pm. We are coming out 10 mins early so that the children are there ready as cars arrive and we keep the flow of traffic moving. Arriving early compromises that flow.
For the most part though, people have been cooperative and considerate. The next test will be a wet weather day pick up!
Actively Back At School Day
Now that we are well and truly all back at school, our Student Representative Council have organised a celebration. Next Friday, June 5th will be “Actively Back At School Day”. The SRC and House Captains are organising a circuit of fun and energetic activites for all the students to participate in. Students are invited to wear active wear on the day (track suits, lycra etc) The SRC will send out more information on this next week.
Roll Marking
We have recently moved to the Student Management System, Compass. From now on, I ask that all absences are submitted via the Szapp and that this is done first thing in the morning. Jodie will be adding all absentees to the class rolls, so please avoid sending email notes to teachers regarding absences as this creates double handling of information.
We have the first of two long weekends coming up. I hope you get to have some fun and also relaxation over the weekend and enjoy a sleep in on Monday.
May God bless you and your family,
Ursula Jamieson
Principal
RE Week 5 - Be still and know that I am God
This week during Community Prayer we will engage with another Lectio Divina. The excerpt from Philippians gives us direction for living a life that nourishes our soul and adds kindness to the world. It speaks of the peace of God that extends beyond human understanding. I encourage you to find some time to pray the Community Prayer as a family.
Community Pantry
Our Community Pantry is an important part of our school charism. We have many families in need at present and would love donations of home-cooked meals. Your support is always appreciated.
Penny Vanzwol
REC
Please be reminded that St Thomas the Apostle School is a nut free school. If your child/ren consumes nut products before coming to school please ensure they wash their hands and brush their teeth thoroughly. This is vitally important as some of our children have allergies that are so sensitive that just the transfer of nut products will cause a reaction.
Due to a child in Year One also having allergies to chickpeas and lentils and having to administer an EpiPen and call an ambulance to the school twice in the last two weeks, all of Year One is now a chickpea and lentil free zone. This includes hummus. Please ensure your child in Year One does not bring any nut, chickpea or lentil products to school.
In both instances of the anaphylactic reaction, the cause was transference and not consumption.
Please read the ingredient labels on all packaged products sent to school. Your vigilance in these matters would be most appreciated.
National Reconciliation Week Activity
Friday 29 May
A day of reflection and contemplation in our new Indigenous Yarning Circle
This week the children will bring home a list of books they may still have at home. Please have a look for any outstanding books your child may have. Under the couch and under the bed are good places to start to look!
Reading Challenge
2PT and 5/6 G are leading the way in the reading challenge with Jackson Koch and Mikayla Giacomin leading the individual challenge. Please encourage your child to continue reading and recording their efforts. New recording sheets are available from the library if needed.
Penny Vanzwol
Happy Birthday to the following students/staff who are celebrating a birthday this week
Poppy Statton | Isabella Ferdinand | Georgia Meffert | Harlen Greene |
Patrick Fogarty | Karen Bruce |