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- Principal's Report
- RE Week 2 - Be still and know that I am God
- Partners: Parenting Ideas
- REMINDER - School Photos - Friday 23 October
- Awards Term 4 Week 2
- Swimming Program Term 4
- Will Lipscombe Award
- Late Arrivals and Early Departures
- Canteen Menu Term 4
- October Birthdays
- Harry Laing (Author) visits Year 3/4
- Photos - Book Week
- Photos - More Book Week
Dear Parents/Carers,
Today we celebrate book week with the theme of “Curious Creatures, Wild Minds ” and that is certainly what turned up at school today! Although we couldn’t have the normal parade with all extended family welcome, we still did have a spectacular parade by the students (and staff) with some wild and wonderful characters on parade. A selection have been included in the newsletter today and a post will be made on our school Facebook page (featuring those with Facebook permissions). More than anything, we cherished the fact that we could have all the students outside together. We have now decided that we can assemble in the mornings outside with a different set up arrangement that prevents the students from being in too close a proximity to each other. Children will be able to line up in their class line, around the stage and prayer and announcements will be made from the stage rather than in front of the stage. This will be adhering to COVID safe restrictions in place at this time. We will start next Monday. Yay!
Judy Egan Departing
It was with mixed feelings that I announced on Friday that Judy Egan will not be returning to St Thomas the Apostle School next year. We are sad to see her go as she has been such an integral part of the St Thomas the Apostle Community for 10 years. She will be sorely missed. However, it is marvellous that she has been recognised for her leadership qualities and has been appointed as a school principal. Our loss will be St Michael’s Kaleen gain. Congratulations Judy!
Satisfaction Survey
This year, the ‘Parent Satisfaction Survey’ was distributed to all parents via email from Catholic Education. The information gather from this is used for us to understand parent, student and staff perceptions and to assist us for planning for the future.
The parent satisfaction survey was undertaken in August 2020. 135 of the 410 parents completed the survey (33% completion rate is considered good).
Below are the parent results:
The colour indicates the level of satisfaction with green being highly satisfied. It is affirming for all in the community, to see the level of satisfaction surrounding our school. The teachers work very hard to ensure that our children are happy, safe and learning whilst at school.
End of Year events
It is too early to say how these annual events will look in regard to adult attendance. With restrictions easing over the coming months, we do hope to have parents and carers attend events. At this stage, we are letting you know the dates and as we get closer to the time, we can update you on who can attend and how that will look,
- School musical
- Wednesday night - 25th November
- Thursday night- 26th November
- Kinder Nativity broken into two sessions
- Monday 14th December - 10:00am
- Tuesday 15th December - 10:00am
- Year 6 Graduation - Wednesday 16th December
- 9:00 am Mass
- 6:00pm Mass
- Student disco at 7:30 pm
- No dinner/food this year due to current COVID Restrictions
- Candle ceremony (handing on of leadership) - Friday 18th December - 12:00pm
Class Placements for 2021
It is hard to believe, but it is coming up to the time of the year when teachers will commence planning class groupings for 2021. When they do this they discuss at length with their colleagues, the best placements for each student and they consider the following when doing this.
- gender balance;
- learning styles;
- learning difficulties;
- enrichment needs;
- work habits;
- social needs;
- health considerations;
- emotional needs;
- behaviour considerations and
- other relevant issues.
I would also like to make the following points:
- We aim for an equal spread of both positive and challenging characteristics;
- Every care will be taken to ensure that your child is placed in the best situation to enhance learning and social development;
- Part of life is having to deal with people and situations we may not like. We need to build resilience in children, so they can face the reality of life;
- Where appropriate, advice will be sought from the Classroom Support Teacher, School Counsellor, School Welfare Officer, etc during this process;
- Teachers should already be aware of any issues you have;
- Teachers have the main responsibility for placing their current students in the most appropriate class for next year;
- As announced last year, from this year on students will not be asked to name friends they want to be with; it actually creates more anxiety for students. Teachers know their students and what is best for them going forward;
- All staff will examine the draft lists to highlight any concerns; and
- As Principal, I will make the final decision on all class placements.
Students will be informed of their class placement for 2021 in week 10 at a ‘Meet the teacher and class” session, where they will spend some time with their new class teacher and classmates.
I understand that there may sound reasons as to why parents and carers wish to have a particular placement considered for their child. I would ask that you email me directly on ursula.jamieson@cg.catholic.edu.au if this is the case. This needs to be done by Friday, November 6h to be considered. The final decision on classes sits with me.
School Photos
These will be taken tomorrow with all children in their Sports Uniform. We are intending to have them taken outdoors weather permitting.
May God bless you and your families,
Ursula Jamieson
Ursula Jamieson
Principal
RE Week 2 - Be still and know that I am God
This week we listened to a piece of scripture from John. "The word became flesh." We realise that Jesus is the perfect example of God's word. We ponder on what God's word is and what it means. God created all of us out of love and Jesus teaches us to love God and love one another. We look at ways we can love others throughout every day. We also learnt this week that God created us in his image. We were created with a purpose and we are created to be like God.
How can you live a life of love?
Reconciliation
Thank you to the parents who attended the reconciliation information night yesterday. It was a positive night of prayer and community. We look forward to working with you as you commit to preparing your children to receive the sacrament of reconciliation.
We look forward to seeing you at the presentation masses on the weekend and the home nights which begin next week in the library at 6:30pm.
Our community continues to pray for you.
Geoff Ryan
REC
REMINDER - School Photos - Friday 23 October
School Photo Day
Friday 23 October
Sports Uniform
If you have not returned the photos envelopes, including envelopes for sibling photos,
please send them in tomorrow.
this week. Photos will be included in the next newsletter.
Kinder | Jesse Jongue, Charlie Anderson Ariana Nehme, Ahmed Al Shamari |
Year 1 |
Zac Clynch, Bonnie Bryce |
Year 2 | Georgie Kneeshaw, Sofia Pearman Zoë Adcock, Rufus McNally |
Year 3/4 | Poppy Statton, Alice Warren Kalari Boney, Lana Albheisi Gabby Friend, Maeve Wilson Caitlyn Hamilton |
Year 5/6 |
Sophie Cameron, Logan Berry |
Cultural Award |
Jayden Le |
Principal's Special Award |
Liam King |
Permission Notes and Enrolments
due by Monday 26 October
Swimming lessons for K-4 students will be taking place in Weeks 5 and 6. It is crucial that notes are returned and online registration is done ASAP. Reminder that there is a specific code for each group, so please do not use the same code for siblings in different classes. The sooner all students are enrolled, the smoother the lead up will be. Further reminders will be sent out closer to the date.
The notes are also available on the school website:
Late Arrivals and Early Departures