Filter Content
- Principal's Report
- RE Week 1 - Who do you say I am?
- Library News
- Upcoming Events
- National Pyjama Day - Friday 16 July
- Kinder Teddy Bears' Picnic - Friday 16 July
- Sports Days Term 3 2021
- Congratulations
- Canteen News
- Birthdays this Week
- Photos - Merit Awards Term 2 Week 10
- TeamKids Update
- Guitar Tuition
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome back for Term 3. I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable break. Whilst there are still a few restrictions in place (e.g. m2 per adult in a space etc), and we watch tentatively to what is happening in Sydney and Melbourne in regard to COVID 19, at present in the ACT we are being cautious but optimistic.
Health and Safety
I am receiving regular updates with the COVID 19 situation and we are doing everything we can to make sure that St Thomas the Apostle School is COVID Safe.
Unless there is a change in advice from the NSW and ACT Governments the following will be in place:
- Parents are welcome in the front office, remembering to maintain physical and using the hand sanitiser provided;
- Parents are also welcome into the school for excursions, class helpers,Community Prayer on Friday and Friendship Friday playgroup. Every adult (including staff) must use the check In CBR app and also the Compass Sign in station at the front office;
- Parents, carersand extended families are welcome to the Grade assemblies. As these are in the hall and only the classes presenting are there, we are not in breach of the m2 restriction for adults inside;
- Maintaining the regular hand washing and sanitising practices will continue;
- Door handles, high touch points and playground equipment will be regularly sanitised;
- Afternoon pick as ‘normal’.The pick-up zone along the side of the school is for car pick up only. If you are meeting your child in person, please do this at the stage. It is busy enough with all the children at the pickup zone without additional adults arranging to meet their children there;
- We ask that you socially distance when gathering in the playground;
- Preparation for the Sacraments of First Eucharist and Confirmation will continue.
If any student has any kind of illness, even if it is simply a light cold or flu like symptoms, (cough, runny nose, temperature etc) they are required to stay home and must not attend school. If a student is showing any signs of illness, their parents and carers will be asked to collect them as soon as possible.
Teaching and Learning
On Monday, the teaching staff participated in professional learning with Dr. Lorraine Hammond. We continued our work on High Impact Teaching Practices. Lorraine was to be with us in person but due to the unfolding COVID situation, the day was conducted online with Lorraine having a very early start to the day in Perth. Whilst we missed having her here in person, the day was excellent with the teachers continuing to be inspired by the material she presented to us. On Tuesday, teachers were videotaped enacting their learnings in Daily Review. These were then sent to Lorraine who then, on Wednesday, gave the teachers individual feedback both written and in a video call. It’s been a powerful week of learning, and it’s only Thursday! Next week myself, Ms Chant and Ms Barry were travelling to Perth to visit numerous schools who have been working with Dr. Hammond for many years. I am sure this will happen later in the year.
Grade Assembly Time
Last term because of the hall being used for Footsteps, we had to move our grade assembly to the morning. This proved to be a popular decision as we had more parents able to attend than we normally do. I spoke to quite a few parents who stated it was much easier to go into work a little later on an assembly day than it is to leave just after lunch. Therefore, from this term, we will have the parent presentation (the school watch later) of the assembly at 9:15am rather than 2:20 pm. This also gives parents and carer the opportunity to stay for a cuppa and a chat and the “Friendship Friday” which happens in the library straight after assembly. I hope this means that more parents and carers are able to attend their children’s assembly. There are two this term. Our first one this term is Yr 5/6 of Friday August 6th (Week 4), then Year 2 on Friday August 20th (Week 6).
Pyjama Day
We’ve picked a good day for Pyjama Day tomorrow, cold and wet. Students and staff are invited to wear their favourite pyjamas, onesies, oodies, dressing gowns and slippers (maybe runners and bring slippers would be best seeing it will be wet tomorrow). Gold coin donations are welcome to support this worthy cause. National Pyjama Day is in recognition of support for children in foster care to ensure children in foster care have the potential to live their dreams.
Ursula Jamieson
Principal
RE Week 1 - Who do you say I am?
Global School Partners
Eucharist
Thank you to the families who attended our Information Night last night. I was encouraged by your enthusiasm and engagement and am confident that the children will be well prepared for this important sacrament.
Home Nights begin this week at 6:30pm in the Library. Please check in on arrival and ensure that you arrive in time to start at 6:30pm.
Penny Vanzwol
REC
The best thing about holidays is definitely the ability to spend hours in the bookshop! As a result we have many, many new books! In the colder months, you are welcome to come into the Library in the morning before school and spend some time reading with your child. If you choose to do this, please make sure that you check in using the QR code.
This term in the Library we are focussing on stories about children who are making a difference in the world. This week in Years 3-6 we spoke about knowing what you believe in so that you don’t get pulled along by the crowd. Children who are strong in their values and beliefs are more able to navigate the complexities of Social Media.
Penny Vanzwol
Teacher Librarian
Date |
Event |
Friday 16 July |
Pyjama Day |
Monday 19 July |
Yr 2 Excursion (NGA) 9:40am - 1:00pm Eucharist Home Nights start |
Tuesday 20 July |
Boys Oztag Gala Day |
Wednesday 21 July |
Girls Oztag Gala Day |
National Pyjama Day - Friday 16 July
Our student representative council (SRC) are organising a pyjama day for this Friday 16 July.
National Pyjama Day is in recognition of support for children in foster care. Students and staff are invited to wear their favourite pyjamas, onesies, oodies, dressing gowns and slippers to ensure one more child in foster care has the potential to live their dream.
Gold coin donations are welcome.
Kinder Teddy Bears' Picnic - Friday 16 July
Kinder are having a Teddy Bears’ Picnic!
*** Please note that our school is strictly nut free and there are other allergies in Kindergarten, so if you are able to bring in a plate to share, please write the ingredients on the plate.
Kinder - Wednesday & Friday
Year 1 - Wednesday & Friday
Year 2 - Monday & Wednesday
Year 3/4 - Monday & Thursday
Year 5/6 - Tuesday & Thursday
The Noodle Cup is Back!
(But not as we know it)
The beloved noodle cup in a new and improved edition is back from next week.Made with my homemade chicken broth with lots of veggies and a little bit of fresh ginger to chase the winter germs away, I add fresh noodles for a filler.
It is $2 for a cup the size of a small coffee. I cannot put them in the lunch tubs, so they will have to be collected in the canteen. Online or cash pre-order, there will be a limited amount available for cash sales.
Winter Term is Pie Term
A full-size pie will be available from next week, to order for lunch online or as a cash pre-order.
It will be my homemade creamy roast chicken and pumpkin pie, with herbs.
Kind Regards
Victoria Town
Canteen Manager
Welcome back to Term 3!
This term TeamKids is back with another EPIC Term Challenge. Schools will compete again each other to build the biggest and most creative marble run. The most original design will WIN an end of term inflatable party!
Attached to this email is some images and further information. We’d love it if you could share this across your Newsletter and Parent Communication Portal.
If you have any questions or concerns please email me back.