Filter Content
Dear parents, students and families,
We are basking in a little bit of summer weather now. It is nice to feel the warmth of the sun and hear the children's voices.
Our new playgrounds officially launched this week and many children are testing their skills on the new fitness track and the cubes. The challenge of the cube and slide had brains and motor skills working in tandem.
The school is working on a new MasterPlan which will help guide our improvements to the physical environment over the next four years. The students and parents (via the School Advisory Committee) have given input towards this project.
A quick question - does your child know their name? And perhaps what the first few letters of their surname is?
Do they know their surname/last name (they need to know both terms)?
Do they know their first name?
When children come late or to the sick bay they will be asked for their surname to help identify them on the student management system. It is very challenging when they do not know.
It seems simple but your child may not have mastered this and you may be unaware.
Journey to the Sacrament of Reconciliation
It was lovely to see all the families who are choosing the Sacrament of Reconciliation for their children. It is a beautiful sacrament and a sign that your child is coming to new understandings about relationships (with friends, family and God). Reconciliation is all about nurturing relationships!
We had our Information Nights via Google Meet and we are soon to come together for the Parent/Child Workshop. We plan to meet in person for the next part of the journey, as you will see below.
As a reminder for these families, here is a summary of what is coming up for Reconciliation. Place these dates prominently on the fridge!
- 2nd March 7pm – Parent/Child Workshop for Jericho families (at school)
- 3rd March 7pm – Parent/Child Workshop for Ephesus families (at school)
- 20th March 10:30am – Celebration of the Sacrament for Jericho families (St Peter’s Lyons)
- 20th March 12:00pm – Celebration of the Sacrament for Ephesus families (St Peter’s Lyons)
Please note that dates and times could change at any time, depending on current COVID restrictions.
Andrew McDermott
Religious Education Leader
Newsletter
Our newsletter 'The Spear' comes out fortnightly. It will contain useful information, communication and reminders. It also will showcase photos and events from the school. Important communication will still be sent to parents via email and PAM.
PAM
Parents please access the new Parent Access Module (PAM). You were sent an email asking you to create a login. This is where all excursion forms will be submitted, where you complete your child/ren's medical profiles, log your child/ren's absence and many more features.
If you are experiencing problems accessing the PAM module, please contact the school office for assistance.
Parent Notified Absences
Parents should notify the school of any absence by 9.00am. This can be done via PAM or alternatively by contacting or emailing the school or your child/ren's teacher.
Please note that any email sent to your child/ren's teacher regarding absences must be sent before 8:00am.
SeeSaw
St Thomas' uses an online platform 'SeeSaw' for parents to have a window into their child's class. Teachers will upload work, share events and experiences so that you can stay connected with your child's experiences in the classroom. Teachers may communicate with you around work on SeeSaw.
It is better for you to contact your child's teacher through email rather than using SeeSaw.
2022 Enrolments
Our 2022 sibling enrolment applications will be sent home on Monday 15th February with your child already attending St Thomas. Please complete your form and return to the office with the required supporting documents. If you do not receive an application please email enrolment@cranbourneeast.
Lost Property
There are a number of items in lost property. If your child is missing an item, please advise your child to check lost property as all unclaimed items will be sold at the end of term.
NB: Please clearly label your child's items of clothing so they can be returned to your child if handed to lost property.
DROP OFF AND PICK UP ETIQUETTE
When bringing a vehicle onto school grounds to drop off or pick up your children please remember the following important points:
Speed limited to 10km and please watch at all times for small children
No telephone should be used while in a moving vehicle unless through a bluetooth/handsfree device
Follow the path of travel along Denis Lane, around the roundabout, returning back along Denis Lane before turning in front of the school
During mornings drop off can be in either lane (you may be directed to one to improve traffic flow). At least the first 4 cars should be letting students out. Please do not wait to get to the front of the line.
Parents should encourage students to be independent, to be able to get their bag out and close the door. We ask that parents have farewelled the child before letting them out.
Pick up
Children whose surname begins with A-K will be collected from the lane closest to the school building.
Children whose surname begins with L-Z will be collected from the lane closer to Fiorelli Blvd.
For families with children with surnames in both groups our past practice is that the eldest child's surname is the group that all those children will be in. Please email your children's class teacher and let them know which pick up group your child needs to be in (if it is NOT their normal surname letter).
While we appreciate that in hot and wet weather you are concerned about your child being left in the weather please know that they are kept under shade/shelter and that the teachers will keep an eye on the wellbeing of all children. Please remember that the teachers however will be out in all weather for 40 minutes and therefore abuse and unnecessary complaint will not be tolerated.
During this term we are looking at methods of improving the speed of pick up and will continue to communiciate that with you.
Celebrating National Safety Internet Day
It takes a whole family to be safe online.
A family tech agreement is a set of rules about how devices, like smartphones, tablets, computers, TVs and gaming consoles are used in your home. It is written down and agreed to by all family members and kept in a place where everyone can see it (such as on the fridge).
This agreement is designed to help your family have a smoother time around technology in your home and promote safer online experiences.
Attached is a sample of a family tech agreement. It is important for parents and carers to agree to some of the rules, as how you use technology provides a model for children to follow. You can also decide which rules are appropriate for children of different ages.