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THE CAR PARK
The Challenge
This last week has proven to be the most popular with cars. But this is not something to celebrate. We are now at the point where grid-locks are happening frequently. There has been a steady increase over the years in the number of people who prefer to drive their children to school and it is not necessarily out of necessity.
The Solution
I used to walk to school back in the day. But I am going to assure you this is not one of those pieces of writing that wreaks of ‘back in my day'. Rather, this is about choice and feeling safe about your choice. Here are the reasons why my parents got me to walk to school:
- It was healthy to walk
- From the age of seven, I was physically and socially capable
- It let me build independence and autonomy
- 2.8km was doable (I did a quick Google maps to find out the route from David Ave, Cranbourne to St Agatha’s PS)
The kicker here is that my mum was able to drive me but it would have done nothing for my growth. She even taught at St Agatha’s where I went to school, but who wants to get to school that early?!
Where To From Here?
I look back and thank my parents for empowering me in this way. Sure, I had to take an umbrella sometimes, and I may have grumbled on a really hot stinking day, but in the end, it is what was best for me.
Every family has to decide what is best for their children. But knowing the children here at St Thomas’, there are plenty of our students who could be walking or riding to school. This would ease the congestion in the car park, ease the heavy traffic on Fiorelli Blvd, and even better, would be better for the growth of our children. I urge everyone to give it some thought. Ultimately, it would make our school safer with fewer cars on site too. Heavy traffic often induces reckless choices.
If you’ve got any thoughts on this or questions, please email me: amcdermott@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au
Andrew McDermott
Religious Education Leader
Caritas Boxes
“The fulfilled ones are the ones who dare to forget themselves and offer up their heart.”
Johann Baptist Metz
Caritas boxes will be coming home soon for our yearly effort during Lent. In fact, Bishop Greg will be launching the appeal from St Peter’s Cranbourne West campus on Tuesday 1st March. Caritas, is the Catholic organisation that works with communities around the world to help them achieve their developmental goals and builds a hopeful future. I love that they don’t just hand over money, they actually work hand-in-hand with the communities to build capacity.
One of the St Thomas the Apostle Pillars is Service. The Caritas fundraiser is one of those ways in which we can enact ‘Service’ and our Catholic Social Teachings. The students learn about what Caritas does so they can see where their fundraising is going. It’s not an empty hand out.
Caritas coincides with Lent, because it is at this time of the liturgical year that we make a concerted effort to ‘Be more and not have more’.
Hello again!
I’m Milla Pocza and I am in Grade 2 with you this year.
Some of my favourite things are; reading, playing with my little brother, Asher, playing dress-ups, going to the playground and watching my favourite TV show ‘Miraculous Ladybug’.
I also LOVE listening to music and dancing, so, I am just like you and enjoy many of the things that you do but it might take me a little longer to do them. Please give me the chance to do things on my own. If I am still finding it hard to do something I might need to ask for help or you could offer to help me ☺
I have Cerebral Palsy. This means my body doesn’t always listen to my brain, which affects my balance, my ability to speak and everyday movements like eating and walking.
My body isn’t as strong and fast as yours but every week I go to therapy to help me get stronger and better at doing things on my own. I still use a special walker to get around most of the time but I can also walk short distances without a walker or with a little help from nearby tables and chairs (or by holding someone’s hand).
My Cerebral Palsy also means that I can’t talk like you. Instead I use sign language and a communication device called a Dynavox. My family and friends call it a ‘talker’ because it’s like my voice and can communicate what I want to say.
I am really excited about being in Grade 2 with you and becoming good friends.
From Milla
Note: Please don’t worry if your child asks questions that may seem inappropriate. We understand that kids are just curious and mean no harm. It is important that your child understands they can talk and play with Milla just like they would with their other friends.
We had a fun day talking about the number two and wishing one another a happy TWOSDAY this week!
Please welcome to the school community Mrs Alison Gracie
Hello Everyone,
My name is Alison Gracie. I have joined the team at STAPS to be one of the teachers in Year 6, and the Community Learning Leader of Jericho.
My previous school was St Anthony’s in Noble Park - and it is so nice to see so many familiar faces around the school yard and catch up on their news.
My family is very important to me, my husband and I have 5 sons and we now have 3 grandchildren as well. I spend a lot of time after school keeping up with all of their lives. We also enjoy taking our 2 dogs, Honey & Dora for a walk to try to stop them from barking too much! I like to catch up with friends, take long walks, go caravanning and holiday in new places, read lots of books, and bake.
I have really enjoyed my first weeks at STAPS and feel like I have been here forever already! It's nice to feel so welcome!
Thanks to all the families who have added your child's name to your sun visor or windscreen at pick up. It is very helpful!
Polite Reminder
If you are dropping your child by car and you wish to walk them to the gate you MUST park in the car park.
Please do not exit your cars in the car line to walk children to gate.
Sibling Erolments 2023
Dear Families,
Applications for 2023 sibling enrolments are to be completed and returned to the office no later than March 18th. If you have not received an application for enrolment please contact the school office on 59989293 or via email enrolment@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au
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.
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