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- Message - Deputy Principal - Inclusive Ed
- Religious News
- Queen Elizabeth II
- 2023 Intentions
- Book Day Parade
- Young Archie Competition
- St Kilda Football Club
- Yr 5 Buddy program
- Nude Food Competition Winners
- Ride Safety these Holidays
- Communication
- Opportunity for children who experience elevated anxiety in grades 2 - 6
- Village OSCH
- Community News
- Calendar - Term 3
Message - Deputy Principal - Inclusive Ed
Dear Families and Friends of St Thomas the Apostle,
This week we recognise National Child Protection Week in our school community. This year, 2022, National Child Protection Week embraces the overarching message that
‘Every child, in every community, needs a fair go’.
In particular, this year we have been shining a light on children growing up safe and supported.
Children and young people thrive when they grow up safe, connected and supported in their family, school, community and culture.
They have the right to grow up in environments that support them according to their needs, now and into the future.
This year there is a particular focus on how we create a supportive environment for every child. As a staff we are currently looking at what works to keep our students safe and supported… we listen to what students are telling us… what families are telling us… what the evidence is telling us… and how to translate this knowledge into action.
One particular action that has been introduced to our students is to identify 5 trusted and safe people (using the model of a hand and 5 fingers) they feel comfortable to talk to about concerns and worries they may have.
They name each person and match them to a finger/thumb. These are the people they have identified as a safe person and someone they can trust to talk about their problems or fears, challenges or worries. This strategy enables our students to have a voice and to communicate effectively what they need to feel safe and connected.
Another way we acknowledge ‘student voice’ is by recognising ‘R U OK’ day which was held yesterday across our nation where we are reminded as Australians that every day is the day to ask, ‘Are you OK?’ and start a meaningful conversation whenever they spot the signs that someone they care about might be struggling with life.
There are four steps to asking if someone is ok:
Please click on the link below for more details.
https://www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask
Have a lovely week everyone and remember to check in to see those around you are ok.
Jen Gulavin
Deputy Principal: Inclusive Ed.
Baptism – how we start a Christian journey
The Galilee Community (Foundation) are learning about Baptism right now. It’s quite an abstract concept for this age group to learn and luckily, we have some pretty down-to-earth symbols that help us understand this sacrament.
Our young Foundation learners were able to identify that water is used for so many different things. It’s used for cleaning our clothes, cleaning our food before we eat it, cleaning ourselves, sustaining life and most importantly keeping us alive with hydration. It is for these reasons that we recognise water as being the key symbol of baptism. The students will go on to learn that water, being the life giving and cleansing compound, symbolises for us the life giving and cleansing that we need to become followers of Jesus. This is why the priest pours water over the head of someone who becomes a Christian.
Ask And You Shall Receive - Jericho Mass
The theme of the Jericho Community Mass (year 6s) on Wednesday was ‘Ask and You Shall Receive’.
If we look at this theme on the surface, it looks like we could just put our hands together and ask for all of our heart’s desires! Imagine it… just like Aladdin’s lamp…what could you wish for? A bunch of cash? A Ferrari? A lifelong holiday to the Bahamas? Does prayer work like that? Does stuff like this truly make us happy? We know that the richest people in the world are often the least happy – so it’s not material things that we need.
The year 6 students learnt through the scripture of this week that ‘Ask and You Shall Receive’ is more like #godknowsusbetterthanweknowourselves and we get what we need. Sorta like the song by the Rolling Stones “you can’t always get what you want…you get what you need!”
The thing is, we need to get off our behinds and be active in asking for the things we need. Let’s remember in the New Testament, that the blind didn’t necessarily have their sight restored when they sat where they were, and the lame didn’t begin walking by staying put. Time and time again we see in the Gospel stories that they seek out Jesus and their faith is what inspires the miracle.
When we pray, we should be ready to receive what God knows we need, not what we think we want.
Today the students marked the passing of Queen Elizabeth the Second with a minute's silence. Our flags will fly at half mast until further notice.
Kate
2023 Intentions form
As Kate advised recently in the Spear, we are already preparing for 2023!
To help us prepare for class structures next year we are asking families to advise their intentions if your child/ren are moving schools next year.
If you know already that your child/ren are going to be attending Year 1 to Grade 6 at a different school for 2023, could you please click on the link below and complete the information.
Please DO NOT complete the form if your child is currently in Year 6 now and going to Secondary college next year.
Congratulations to our 3 superstar artists who are finalists in the Young Archie Competition:
Alexa - Grade 1
Ashton - Grade 3
Jerusha - Grade 4
Their artwork is framed and in the art gallery at Bunjil Place until October 14th.
Click on this link for more information: https://www.bunjilplace.com.au/events/young-archie-bunjil-place
We had a special visitor drop by school on Tuesday 30th August. Jack Sinclair from the St Kilda football team answered questions from the senior Saints fans and our Yr 6 football team. Jack spoke to the students about the importance of focusing on your goals, on expecting that things will go wrong and to keep trying. When asked how you manage when people try to stir you up Jack spoke about the importance of being able to calm your mind and focus on your game.
Aiden asked what letters that Jack writes on his hand for each game were: E for edge (be ready, be keen and focused), W for want the ball and D for demand (demand more of self and team mates - to lift the whole team). There were many questions ranging from growing up to best moments.
The Year 5 students have begun a “buddy programme” with the Foundation students. Each of the Year 5 students were partnered with a Foundation student. We began with an introductory session whereby the Year 5 students read a book and then the students had lunch together. This allowed the students time to get to know one another.
Last week the Year 5 students supported the younger students to log on to their ipads and began supporting them with coding. These collaborative sessions will continue into Term 4 when we will have a focus on reading and writing. We look forward to sharing these experiences with families early in Term 4.
Looking for a fun and safe place to ride your bike these school holidays? Consider riding at one of the 22 Council designed and constructed bike tracks. You can also ride at one of Casey’s 14 skate parks. To stay safe, we ask that you remain on paths and avoid using informal tracks. While the creation of dirt jumps may seem like harmless fun, they have been associated with reported cases of serious injury. We have an obligation to ensure the safety of our community and must remove any jumps when built on Council and crown land. Everyone has a part to play in looking after our parks, reserves and amazing native wildlife. To find your nearest BMX track or skate park, visit www.casey.vic.gov.au/bmx-tracks-skate-parks
Think UV not heat
Summer Uniform
As we head into warmer weather, and as per our School Uniform Policy, students will be required to wear their summer uniform in Term 4 .
A reminder that the No Hat, No Play rule will be effective immediately. Students will be required to wear hats when outside (e.g recess, play breaks, lunch, sport and excursions). If a student is not wearing a hat they will be required to stay in an undercover area during these times.
Uniforms can be purchased from PSW located in Hampton Park
Please note that due to government health regulations the school cannot provide spare hats to the students.
Opportunity for children who experience elevated anxiety in grades 2 - 6
Hello families!
Monash University is currently offering children, aged 8-11 who experience elevated anxiety, to participate in a free study delivering anxiety management strategies to children!
The program invites your child to complete a 30 minute, one off, online session that is designed to support feelings of anxiety. Delivered through a web page or social robot (decided at random), the session is then followed up at the 2 & 4 week mark with a short questionnaire.
The study has been approved by Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (MUHREC): 29370
If this is something you and your child may be interested in participating in, please register your interest by scanning the QR code on the flyer below!
Warm Regards,
Emily Maher
School Counsellor