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Message - Deputy Principal (Teaching and Learning)
Dear Families,
It’s been another busy week of learning at St Thomas the Apostle. Our teachers continue to design learning which engages our children and which responds to their learning needs. We could not be more proud of the energy our students bring to their learning, making the most of every day and every opportunity.
Meeting the learning needs of each student requires a clear understanding of where the student is in their learning at any point in time. Assessment is the key tool that all of our teachers use to identify what students know, understand and are able to do. Assessment is important for tracking progress, planning next steps and for reporting. It provides evidence of learning and supports the professional judgements that our staff make when planning each student’s next steps.
Assessment is carried out across the school year as required with key times being March, June and November. At St Thomas the Apostle we view the school/ parent relationship as a partnership and encourage you to speak with your child’s teacher if you would like to discuss your child’s progress.
For those families with children in Year 3 or Year 5 please note the dates for NAPLAN which is scheduled between the 10th – 13th May. This has also been placed into the calendar for parents and a more detailed information sheet was sent out to families as well.
International Women’s Day 2022
On Tuesday we acknowledged and celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD). The theme of the day was #BreakTheBias. The Catholic Social Teaching – Dignity of the Human person is what calls us to acknowledge and celebrate days such as these. No human being should have their dignity or freedom compromised independent of ethnicity, creed, gender, sexuality, age or ability. Through our faith we are called to remove the bias from our communities, workplaces, schools and universities. We can do this by becoming conscious of our thoughts and our actions and by being agents of change so that all girls and women experience opportunity and equity.
In the spirit of equality and celebrating the contributions that women have made and continue to make, to various fields of study, I wanted to highlight the work of mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani, the first woman and first Iranian to win the prestigious Fields Medal. Popular Science’s fourth annual “Brilliant 10” listed her as one of the top 10 young minds who have pushed their fields in innovative directions.
It is believed that the theoretical nature of her work could have impacts concerning theoretical physics and how the universe came to exist. In mathematics, her work has implications for the study of prime numbers and cryptography. We celebrate her work and look forward to the opportunity for all girls and women to realise their full potential, to pursue careers and life opportunities which give them purpose and a sense of fulfilment.
A reminder that the school is closed tomorrow and our staff will be engaged in professional learning. Out of school hours care is available for those families who require it. Our staff will be continuing our work around School Wide Expectations and building a community founded in Safety, Respect and Learning.
Wishing you all a wonderful, long weekend.
Best wishes,
Peta Overbury
Deputy Principal- Teaching and Learning
“Love is the Glue that Holds Everything Together”
The Reconciliation Parent/Child Workshops were facilitated, in person, on the school grounds this week. Not only was it a very engaging two nights, it was a special and much anticipated, re-introduction of having parents onsite. Many thanks to the Damascus (Year 3) teaching team for supporting the workshops.
The most important aspect of the evenings was the learning experience. It was inspiring to hear from the students and parents about their experiences and how it relates to the sacrament of Reconciliation. One response, in particular was absolute gold – “the love in a family is like the glue that holds everything together.” It really expresses that reconciliation is a healing experience.
Project Compassion
Thanks to the families who have already dropped in their Project Compassion boxes. Just getting in early that we need them all returned to the school, full or empty, in the last week of the school term (Monday 4th April).
St Thomas the Apostle Parish Mass Times
† Weekday 9:30am Mass (at St Peter’s College Clyde North Chapel entrance via MacKillop Way)
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 9.30am
No Mass on Monday, Wednesday & Saturday
† Sunday Masses (celebrated at St Peter’s College Clyde North 2nd level entrance via Heather Gv)
† Saturday Vigil Mass: 6:00pm
† Sunday 9:00am Mass & 10:45am Mass
Term 2 School Closure Day Update
Dear Parents,
Please note that Term 2 school closure day on May 9th has been cancelled and rescheduled for June 10th 2022.
Before School Drop Off
Dear Parents,
The school gates do not open for student supervision until 8:25am. Students should not be dropped off or arrive before this time. Village OSCH is available for before school care if early drop off is required.
Early Pick Up
Dear Families,
Occasionally, there are times when you need to pick up your child early from school. It might be an appointment or due to an emergency, but these things happen.
To help you in these situations and to minimise the impact on school logistics, we ask that you adhere to a window of time that is most convenient for everyone.
We request that if you are picking up your child early, to do so:
[before the lunch break -1:45pm] or [after the lunch break- 2:30pm] and before 3:00pm
Avoiding the lunch break and before 3pm will be quicker for you, especially when time is of the essence. We hope this can ease the task of getting to an appointment or dealing with an emergency.
Thankyou for your consideration.
Term1 Fees
School fees for Term1 are due on 11th March. Please refer to page 2 of the fee statement regarding details of which fees are due by end of term.
If you are experiencing any difficulties with fees throughout the year, please do not hesitate to contact me. All conversations are treated with confidentiality and we are here to assist.
Kind regards
Nicole Saunders
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
Scholastic Book Club
Early Bird $5 Off*
$5 Early Bird voucher to use on orders placed before midnight, Friday 11th of March.
This week the Grade 6 students have been attending Kings swimming centre in Clyde for lessons each afternoon. They are really enjoying their time in the pool each day and responding well to the learning and experience. Well done Jericho community!
Dear Families
A lost property box will be placed outside the school office from next week. If your child has misplaced a hat/ jumper/ jacket or any item , please remind your child to check the box for lost items.
NB: Please clearly label your child's items of clothing so they can be clearly identified and returned if found.
STAPS Student Running Club - Wednesday Mornings!
Mr O'Rourke reported lots of happy and enthusastic runners attended this week and he is hoping for even more next week!
Thanks to the wonderful volunteers who have covered over 300 books in just ten days! It's not too late to help as we have many more!
Please contact Sarah schappell@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu if you can help. Video tutorial here - How to contact books