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Message - Deputy Principal ( Inclusive Education - Learning Adjustment Leader )
Dear Families,
This week we launched our new sticker system based on our school wide expectations of SAFETY, RESPECT and LEARNING. Our senior students did an incredible job of articulating the purpose of the stickers at our Monday morning assembly stating what each of our expectations looks like, sounds like and feels like and how we can identify these in others and in ourselves.
While stickers can be a form of reward, our focus here at St. Thomas the Apostle is on feedback and motivation. Research tells us that positive feedback boosts intrinsic motivation, promotes student’s engagement and increases a students’ sense of belonging.
‘When students are engaged, they show more attention and task-related behaviour and are less distracted from their work, with positive outcomes, both academically and socially (Cents-Boonstra, 2021).
This week we have witnessed an increased sense of motivation from our students in demonstrating the school wide expectations. I have had multiple conversations at the front gate with students this week displaying their stickers proudly and articulating clearly why they have one.
Akain:
RESPECT: ‘My friend had no one to play with. I felt happy because if I was my friend I would want someone to ask me to play.’
Ann:
LEARNING: ‘We were doing our morning routine and I was focusing to get my work done. I felt happy because when I do my work, I am able to get it finished on time and feel proud.’
Aidan:
RESPECT: ‘When we were at Sport, I was showing respect through good sportsmanship and encouraging my friends to have a go in the lesson.’
Kiera:
SAFETY: ‘There were chairs in the way in the middle of the classroom and I decided to clear them away so everyone had somewhere to sit on the floor. I wanted everyone to be safe and not trip over them.’
Alvin:
RESPECT: ‘I bumped into my friend and then I said ‘sorry’ to make it all better.’
Michael:
RESPECT: ‘When I was playing, there was a boy who had magnets and I asked to play with the magnets in a nice way. The boy said ‘yes’. I love magnets.’
Next Monday morning we will continue to provide feedback and motivation to our students through the presentation of certificates. These will be announced and handed out by Mrs Dourley for students who are trying their best to demonstrate our school wide expectations consistently. These will be handed out on a weekly basis starting on Monday with students from our Year 3-6 classes. The following week, our Foundation -2 students will receive theirs.
Have a lovely week everyone.
Kindest regards
Jen Gulivan
Community Masses
As restrictions have eased somewhat, our school has been able to resume our plan to celebrate a Mass each week, in learning communities. The Mass is such an important aspect of Catholic school life, as it is such an essential relationship builder with Jesus. All students at St Thomas the Apostle can participate, regardless of faith background.
Unfortunately, parents are still unable to come onsite for such events, according to our current COVID rules. We are however, eagerly awaiting the resumption of parents coming to our Masses, as these special events are cherished by students.
A senior choir has been preparing for Masses for some time now. These students volunteered to be part of the choir and have been rehearsing every Wednesday at lunchtime. They have been very enthusiastic about being able to contribute to the celebration and now that Masses are resuming, they are feeling like their calling is finally being met! Their voices are sounding beautiful in rehearsals and they are ready to step up. I told the choir the famous quote from St Augustine – that “singing is praying twice”. I do love this quote as you can see how beautifully children respond to singing at Mass.
We will keep you updated as soon as we know that parents can come onsite for the celebration of the Mass.
Parent Notified Absences (PAM)
Parents should notify the school of any absence by 9.00am. This can be done via PAM or alternatively by contacting the school by phone. If you are unable to log into your PAM account please contact the school for further assistance.
Health Care Cards
If you have recently become eligible for a Health Care Card, please contact the school for a Camps, Sports, Excursion Funding (CSEF) application form. The Government provides funding for families with an eligible HCC which also entitles eligible holders to a fee concession. If this applies to you please ensure that all paperwork is submitted by the 1st August.
Uniform Reminders
Winter Uniform will be required to be worn from Term 2. Uniforms can be purchased from PSW located in Hampton Park.
NB: We have a number of unnamed items in lost property. Please clearly label your child's items of clothing so they can be returned to your child if handed to lost property.
Illness
Dear Parents
If your child is unwell, has a fever or has been vomiting or have had gastroenteritis, they must stay at home until they are symptom free for 24 hours. If they are not completely symptom free eg: runny nose, cough they will need a medical certificate to confirm they have recovered and are not contagious in order to attend school.
Change of Clothing (Foundation – Junior students)
Accidents happen, from muddy puddles to tummy troubles; there may come a time when your child needs a change of clothes. Please ensure your child has a spare set of clothing in their bags at all times in the event they are needed.
CALENDAR - TERM 3 IMPORTANT DATES
Friday Aug 6 |
Celebration -100 days of Prep Interschool Winter Sports - Re instated
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Tuesday Aug 10 | First Communion Parent Child Workshop ( 7-8pm) |
Wednesday Aug 11 | Ephesus Community Mass - 9:15 am |
Friday Aug 13 | Interschool Winter Sports - Re instated |
Wednesday Aug 18 | Jericho Community Mass - 9:15am |
Friday Aug 20 | Interschool Winter Sports - Re instated |
Thursday Aug 26 | Seniors attending St Peter's Musical Production |
Friday Aug 27 | Book Week Whole School Dress Up Day |
September | |
Wednesday Sept 1 | Jerusalem Community Mass -9:15am |
Friday Sept 3 | Father's Day Breakfast |
Thursday Sept 16 |
Footy Sports Teams Day Last Day of Term 3 |
Friday Sept 17 | School Closure Day |
October 4 | TERM 4 Begins |