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- Principal's Report
- RE Week 8 - Be still and know that I am God
- Partners: Parenting Ideas
- Library News
- Today 10th September is R U OK? Day
- Walk Safely to School Day - Friday 11 September
- Awards Term 3 Week 8
- Lunchtime Clubs
- School Photos - Friday 23 October
- Working Bee - please return the slip if you can help
- September Birthdays
- Father's Day Photos
- Yr 56 Skipping Photos
- TeamKids Spring Holiday Program
- Guitar Tuition
- Basketball ACT Programs
Dear Parents/Carers,
Next Wednesday and Thursday evenings, 29 of our children will be receiving the Eucharist for the first time. It has been heartening to observe the children over the term as they have developed their understanding of this blessed Sacrament.
Working Bee
The Toilet Project
Progress for this major refurbishment of our 4 inside toilets is coming along well. The SRC created a submission to Bunnings asking for support for materials. This included a letter of explanation and a video where they interviewed some of the students. Bunnings, in response, put together a consignment of paint, rollers etc. This was worth nearly $500 and they are also following up with their Taubmans rep to see if they can acquire more paint, as quite a lot will be required. The team of Year 6 parents who are coordinating the project will be shouting out in the next couple of weeks for parent help for different jobs that need to be carried out. The plan is to complete it all over the upcoming school holidays. Please take a look at the video made by the SRC, they did a great job.
Safeguarding – National Child Protection Week 6-12 September
This week as we celebrate National Child Protection Week we are mindful of the importance of prioritising the safety and wellbeing of all children in our St Thomas the Apostle community. To grow up well, children need to feel safe and loved, to feel that they have a voice that is heard, appreciated and acknowledged.
By supporting family-friendly practices and building connected communities, we can help to give our children the best start we can. National Child Protection Week is all about celebrating the many ways that we can make a difference in the life of a child. This National Child Protection Week (6 – 12 September), NAPCAN are making it easier than ever for everyone to get involved in creating better lives for children. Visit the NAPCAN website for information on webinars and resources.
Protecting children from harm and abuse is a job for everyone in our school community. We can all look out for children, believe them, speak up if something is unsafe and educate ourselves about how to create a child safe community.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. All children have the right to be safe all the time. Every individual engaged with any activity of the Catholic Church has a responsibility to do their part to keep children safe. Responsibility for taking action to prevent child abuse and to raise concerns must be understood and accepted by everyone.
The National Catholic Safeguarding Standards were formulated and published in 2019 in direct response to issues emerging from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The National Catholic Safeguarding Standards are designed to be implemented by all Catholic entities, ministries and organisations across Australia.
Together let us celebrate and treasure the gift of children, a gift to be nurtured and kept safe.
“Families need to know that the Church is making every effort to protect their children. They should also know that they have every right to turn to the Church with full confidence, for it is a safe and secure home.”
A letter from His Holiness Pope Francis to Presidents of National Bishops’ Conferences and Superiors of Religious Orders across the world, 2 February 2015.
Prayer for Stronger communities, safer children
Gracious God you said let the children come to me.
The hurt felt by those wounded by abuse weighs heavily upon us.
Often trust has been eroded when institutions failed to appropriately respond to their needs.
Lord, we as your Church stand in need of your healing and help.
We ask you God to strengthen and guide all in our Catholic communities.
Grant us wisdom in our time to make decisions that protect children and the vulnerable.
May our families and communities, through love, generosity, commitment and patience build stronger communities safe for children.
Let your grace and love fall gently upon our children giving them the inner strength, peace and resilience they will need for their life’s journey.
We ask you God to help our Catholic communities to be resolute in building a community where our children both flourish and are safe.
Amen
National Catholic Safeguarding Standards Edition 1, 2019 Indicator 3.5.1
(thanks to Anne Gowen, School Wellbeing Counsellor for this information)
May God bless you and your families
Ursula Jamieson
Principal
RE Week 8 - Be still and know that I am God
Tomorrow the Year 4 students will participate in a Retreat Day to prepare them to receive Eucharist for the first time next week. All Year 4 students will take part in the day. Please keep these children in your prayers as they prepare for this very special day.
Celebration of Mass for First Eucharist
On Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 September Mass begins at 6pm.
Please ensure that your child is at the church by 5.45pm, at the latest, dressed in their white gown.
Community Prayer
Our Community Prayer on Friday will focus on what Eucharist means in the Catholic faith.
Eucharist is possible because God loved us so much that he gave us His Only Son. When Jesus died and ascended into Heaven, he left us the gift of Eucharist. Because of this gift, we are NEVER alone. GOD IS WITH US ALWAYS.
Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. It is the source because our faith comes from the belief that through Eucharist we receive Jesus in a very special way. This belief makes our Catholic faith unique. It is the summit because it is the most important, most wonderful thing we do as Catholics. It is the highest point of our faith.
Most importantly, during the Mass, Jesus is present in each of us. We become one with Him. We are called and nourished to live a life of love and compassion.
Penny Vanzwol
REC
Next week I will be sending home overdue notices for outstanding library books. Please have a good look on your shelves and bedside tables and return any library books you may have.
When we think about the theme for Book Week this year, Curious Creatures, Wild Minds! , perhaps we could consider the many youth whose “wild minds” have led to extraordinary inventions. For example, at age 14, Easton LaChappelle built his first robotic hand using Lego parts, tubing, and electrical tape. He is now producing high quality, low cost robotic limbs and making a huge difference in the lives of many children.
Penny Vanzwol
Teacher Librarian
Today 10th September is R U OK? Day
We can all make a difference in the lives of others around us by having meaningful conversations about life’s ups and downs. If you recognise a change in someone you know; start the conversation and ask “Are you OK?”.
In our efforts to support wellbeing this week at St Thomas’ the Year 5/6 students welcomed Michael from Menslink and Emily Egan with her “Confidence, Gratitude, Purpose” Program. The children in all classes will be coming home today wearing a wristband and teachers will be sharing age-appropriate resources to support mental health and well-being.
Walk Safely to School Day - Friday 11 September
On Friday, 11 September 2020 St Thomas will be participating in the 21st annual National Walk Safely to School Day. This initiative aims to inspire children to lead a healthy, active lifestyle by walking to and from school. For an added incentive to walk (or ride) to school, children who participate will receive 5 house points.
Please encourage your children to walk safely and you are welcome to accompany them to school.
this week. Photos will be included in the next newsletter.
Kinder | Everleigh Sedatitis, Alex Lorenzato Gabriele Pearman, Lucas Donaldson |
Year 1 |
D'arcy Keefe, Delilah Costanzo |
Year 2 | Eva Rosette, Nixon Dean Amelia Anyon, Kiaan Kapoor |
Year 3/4 | Verity Bryce, Benjamin Boban Patrick Bartlett, Darcie Jenkins Luke Taylor, Amelie Harris Cameron Le |
Year 5/6 |
Alana Fraser, Ashleigh Fuller |
Cultural Award |
Ielyn Shaji |
Principal's Special Award |
Rodrigo Win |
School Photos - Friday 23 October
The photo envelopes were sent home this week, including envelopes for sibling photos.
Please return the photos envelopes to your class teacher either on or before the photo day.