Filter Content
Message - Deputy Principal: Inclusive Education
BUILDING CULTURE
As we begin the 2022 school year, our focus is building our St Thomas the Apostle culture where, as a community, we are committed to ensuring every student is known, respected, safe and engaged.
This begins from enrolment right through to their graduation and beyond.
Engaging in conversations at the front gate in the morning, I have had the privilege of hearing some of our students’ perspectives as they begin 2022.
Daren, who just loves his new school stated 'This place is awesome, huge but awesome!'
Aaron, another new student to St Thomas' said 'I am really impressed with the pickup system. And I love how I can see my name on the car as Mum drives up. It's so great'.
Alara really loves her new community and how she is making new friends so quickly. She really likes her new teacher.
Jasneet stated 'The principal is the best one I've ever met and the teachers are amazing (this is true and I am not seeking brownie points!)
These are just a few anecdotes I remembered to write down but each one emulates our 'known, respected, safe and engaged', the St Thomas Way model.
Next week we continue to build our culture through our Parent/Teacher interviews where the partnership between home and school is strengthened further. Please take up the opportunity to book a time with your child’s classroom teacher to share any information that will enhance your child’s experience of school. The more we know, the more we can meet their needs. If there are any allied health reports that have not been shared as yet, please use this time to discuss these as well as any other additional needs.
We look forward to working with you in 2022.
Kindest regards,
Jen Gulavin
Deputy Principal: Inclusive Education
The Information Nights for First Reconciliation have now taken place. Our prayers are with the families that have chosen this sacrament for their children as there are about seven weeks of preparation now. Each week they will be given ‘Share Sheets’ to go home from Mass and use to spark conversation and learning around Reconciliation.
Lent is the perfect time to be preparing for Reconciliation. Lent is all about looking inward, reflecting on how we can grow and become better people. This beautiful season in the liturgical calendar begins on Ash Wednesday (2nd March).
Want to know about the season of Lent? A quick exposé of Lent and Ash Wednesday… click here to watch this YouTube video
Andrew McDermott
Religious Education Leader
Shalom World
A free Internet based channel that offers Catholic faith-based movies, documentaries and series. Check it out for some very wholesome and inspiring material.
Dear Families,
During the term we will be profiling our new staff members to the school community.
This week I would like to introduce two of our wonderful Foundation Teaching staff:
Mr Ben Dixon and Ms Crystal Campoverde.
Heya, my name is Ben Dixon and I am the new Foundation teacher for Yellow Room (00D). I have recently moved from a school in Leongatha, and am very much looking forward to meeting all the friendly faces at STAPS. If you find me on the yard, or floating around the school, I am always up for a conversation or a game. My favourite topics to talk about are Maths and Animals. I live on a small farm but have a large assortment of animals, including three dogs, a cat (named Kitten), lots and lots and lots of chickens, loads of ducks, a few woolly sheep and three little cows (and soon to be piggies). Can't wait for the year ahead with you all!
I'm Crystal Campoverde (Camp-over-day). This is my second year at STAPS. I teach Foundation this year! I am originally from Orlando, Florida. Afterschool, I love practising yoga and playing with my 1 year old golden retriever puppy, Bear Bear! Fun facts about me include I speak Spanish fluently and danced ballet growing up. I am ecstatic to see how much our STAPS learners grow in their learning and friendships this year!
Parent Teacher Interviews 22/23 February 2022
On Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd February families are invited to meet online with their child's teacher.
Please go to your PAM account to book a ten minute slot.
The purpose of these meetings are:
For families and teachers to see one another (all be it online!).
For teachers to share how each child has commenced the school year.
For families to share how they feel their child has settled in to a new class.
A general chat about the year ahead.
POLITE REMINDER - School finishes at 3.15 and all children MUST be collected by 3.30.
Thanks for your support in this area.
Basketball Court Pick Up:
Thanks to all the parents who are picking up from the basketball court and walking home or walking to their parked car. How great is our new covered basketball courts for those hot or wet days? Can we suggest that you stand in a special spot each day to help your child spot you. Also once you have collected your child please head off as soon as practical to keep the crossing and playground safe!
Car Line:
Can you be a CAR LINE HERO? Please pop your child's name on a piece of paper and attach to your sun visor. This will help speed up the car loading!
Dear Families
We have been asked by the Department of Education and Training to participate in the Primary Care Vaccinations in Schools to offer onsite COVID-19 vaccinations to our enrolled students aged 5-11 years.
This vaccination clinic will be held at school on:-
Saturday 19th February
10am to 5pm
Medical staff from the Cranbourne Medical and Skin Clinic will be administering the vaccinations.
Please find attached a letter explaining the process and also a copy of the Consent form that you may like to complete prior to attending on Saturday 19th February. (do not return this to school)
St Thomas the Apostle is offering our premises as a venue to allow for easy access for our school families should they wish to take up this offer; vaccinations are not mandatory.
Should you have any questions about the vaccinations themselves, please contact Cranbourne Medical Centre on 9789 0108.
Nicola Saunders
Administration Officer
School Drop Off/Pickup
Dear Parents
When driving into the school enter via Gate 1 (closest to Ferrari drive) and either turn right to park or continue with the car pick up loop, and EXIT only at the first gate (closest to Berwick Cranbourne Rd)
Staff will instruct anyone trying to enter/exit the wrong gate to use the correct gate.
Please see the attached car park diagram.
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.
If you are unable to access PAM please contact the school for further assistance
Uniform Reminders
Hats are compulsory until the beginning of May and then from the 1st of September.
Please note that due to government health regulations the school cannot provide spare hats to the students.
NB: Please clearly label your child's items of clothing so they can be returned to your child if handed to lost property.
Reminder - Medical details
Please update your child/rens medical details via the Parent Access Module(PAM).
This will enable the school to have to most current and relevant information related to your child/rens medical needs and requirements.
Cybersafety
Cybersafety’, the parent evening is coming up soon. We want as many parents as possible to come along to gain essential knowledge about keeping your child safe. Very few people are experts in this field, as the landscape is always changing, and to think that we’re already across it and we don’t need to come along, is quite misguided. This night is able to be run face-to-face, and for this reason alone, I’m looking forward to it!
Title: Raising Kids In a Digital World
When: 2nd March 6:30pm
Where: St Thomas the Apostle PS, Bethany Hall
Scholastic Book Club