Upcoming

Events

Friday 10 August Assembly led by R/1W

9am

School Disco Year R-2 5.30pm -

6.30pm Year 3-7 6.35pm - 8pm

Monday 13 August

National Science week

Tuesday 14 August Catholic Schools Touch

Carnival

Wednesday 15 August Year 2/3 Mass @ 10.15am

Friday 17 August

Special Persons Day 9am to 11.30am

Monday 20 August

Book Week

Wednesday 22 August Book Week Dress up day

Book Week Parade at 9am Jubilee Hall

St Thomas More School

Newsletter Term 3 Week 3 Thursday 9 August 2018 Website: www.sttmore.catholic.edu.au Email: info@sttmore.catholic.edu.au

St Thomas More School recognises and acknowledges that we are living on traditional Aboriginal lands and we offer our respect and appreciation to all Aboriginal people.

St Thomas More School

50 Yorktown Road

Elizabeth Park SA 5113

PO Box 2002

Elizabeth Park SA 5113

Telephone: 8255 1699

Fax: 8287 0241

OSHC: 8255 1626

0409551699

Principal

Mr Joe Blefari

Acting Deputy Principal

Mrs Sonia Kilmister

Acting APRIM

Mrs Leah Williams

Dear families,

As you may have read in a letter which was distributed by Dr. Neil McGoran, I will be concluding my time as

Principal of St. Thomas More School at the end of the year. This was a difficult decision to make however

after leading this community for the last eleven years, as Deputy for six years and as Principal for the last five

years, I felt the time was right for a new challenge.

I have won the position of Principal of Ridgehaven Primary School, which I am very excited about. I also leave

with the knowledge that the school is in wonderful hands, with dedicated staff and a wonderful leadership

team already in place. I have no doubt that the school community will continue to flourish and prosper into

the future. I also want to assure you that I am fully committed to fulfilling my roles and responsibilities during

the remainder of the school year and will ensure a smooth transition process for the next Principal. I look

forward to working with you all over the next two terms.

This is a friendly reminder that our Special Persons Day is being held next Friday 17 August at 9am. Children

are welcome to invite anyone who is special to them; parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins, grandparents,

friends – anyone! Children are also free to invite as many special people as they would like.

The outline of the day will be:

9:00-10:00am approx. – whole school Assembly in Jubilee Hall

10:00-11:00am approx. – special people to visit children’s classrooms/learning environments

11:00-11:30am approx. – morning tea provided for special people in Jubilee Hall

The day’s proceedings will conclude at the end of morning tea at approximately 11:30am. Please save this

date and encourage special people to come along. I’m sure our children would love to see them here and will

be excited to share their learning and achievements with them!

Special Person’s Day – Friday 17 August, Week 4

Principal’s Report

I am pleased to welcome the following new Reception children to St. Thomas More School; Rhyle Gardner, Jaylen Agius, Artin

Salehi, Orlando Wade, Grace Morphett, Ella Iteka, Jessabel Milton-Haughey, Molly Starrenburg, Liam Guab and Harvie Walter.

I hope they have a positive start to their primary school journey at STM and make many new friends. I also hope they are

engaged in their learning and feel a sense of fun and belonging to our school. During tomorrow’s Assembly they will be invited

to the front of Jubilee Hall to collect a school welcome certificate.

I’m pleased to share that Zoe Jackson (6/7E) has been selected to represent School Sport SA at the

forthcoming School Sport Australia 12 and under interstate soccer championships. These

championships will be held in Sydney, NSW from 16 to 21 September, 2018. This is an outstanding

achievement and we wish Zoe and the team every blessing and success. If you are aware of any other

student achievements please feel free to let me know so that we can continue to acknowledge

student’s special efforts, gifts and talents.

This is a friendly reminder to all families about the importance of children’s property. I strongly encourage you to label all of your child’s belongings, from stationery through to all school uniform items. There are a large number of school clothing items in our lost property area in the front office, most of which is not labelled. Can I also remind you to check that your child or children do not have someone else’s property, by checking clothing tags. As a parent I know how frustrating it is to purchase new uniform/stationary items only for them to go missing shortly after. Thanks for your support with this matter.

St. Thomas More School has a rich and proud history of sporting involvement and achievement. Below is an outline of the

events occurring throughout the term.

Catholic Schools Year 6/7 Soccer Carnival – Tuesday 31st July

SAPSASA Rugby League Tag Carnival – Friday 3rd August

Catholic Schools X-Country Carnival – Thursday 9th August

SAPSASA Athletics Carnival – Friday 25th August

Catholic Schools Year 4-7 Football Carnival – Wednesday 5th September

Catholic Schools Touch Carnival – Tuesday 11th September

Catholic Schools Year 4/5 T-Ball Carnival – Thursday 20th September

I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our staff and parent helpers for their organisation and support of such events.

Without our dedicated staff and wonderful parent helpers, we simply would not be able to offer these opportunities to our

students.

New Reception Children

Congratulations Zoe Jackson

Term 3 Sporting Opportunities

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Lost Property

Book Week provides us with an opportune time to remind ourselves about the importance of books and reading in our lives.

One of the most important things we can teach our children is an enjoyment for reading. Our teachers are working extremely

hard to provide a balanced Reading Program aimed at catering for the individual needs of each child in their respective classes.

If you haven’t already done so I would encourage you to have a conversation with your child’s teacher about their reading

progress and how we can all continue to do our part so that your child can reach his or her full potential.

The theme for Book Week this year is “Find Your Treasure”. Throughout the term classes will be reading the shortlisted books

for this year’s awards and as a celebration of reading we would like to invite the children to dress up as their favourite book

character on Wednesday 22nd August - Week 5. As has been the case in previous years, there will be a whole school Book

Week Parade in Jubilee hall from 9am on this day.

I invite you to get into the spirit of Book Week and encourage your children to dress-up and be involved in the day. Please

consider the weather conditions and ensure that your child is appropriately dressed and wearing suitable footwear (e.g. no

thongs). Students may wear hair colour and make-up, but it must be put on at home and not brought to school.

This is not a casual clothes day and therefore any student not wearing a costume must wear their correct school uniform.

It’s hard to believe but we are already planning towards 2019. Before we begin the process of looking at next year’s class lists it

is important to know who will not be returning to St. Thomas More School next year. If your child is not returning to St.

Thomas More in 2019, please write or speak to me as these places can be allocated to new enrolments and allow classes to be

finalised. Please use the proforma in this week’s newsletter and return to me as soon as possible.

Unfortunately we have experienced a few complications with the work associated with the new courtyard and sacred space.

I’m working hard in partnership with Catholic Education SA, the builders and our architect firm, to work through these issues as

quickly and smoothly as possible. I will continue to keep you updated as we progress through these matters. I hope to be able

to provide you with more specific information in the near future.

I look forward to seeing many of you at tomorrow night’s school disco.

Yours sincerely,

Joe Blefari

Book Week Dress up Day – Wednesday 22 August (Week 5)

Students not returning in 2019

Building Update

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Deputy Report

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Dear Parents/Caregivers

Last week I mentioned that Anne Mannella, Jayden Evans and I will be undertaking a 4 Stage Professional Learning Program

based on the Autism Spectrum, with the aim of this program to develop and implement a School Plan, enabling us to better

understand the processes and strategies that strengthen effective partnerships between home and school.

We have all begun our learning journey by participating in the online modules and I would like to share the following facts

with you:

There are many high achieving people who are on the Autism Spectrum

The most recent review of prevalence in school aged children in Australia estimated that autism affected one in 160

students between ages of 6 – 12 years. More boys are diagnosed with autism than girls. Ratios range from 1.33 boys

for every 1 girl, to as many as 16 boys for every girl on the spectrum.

When schools and families work together they can identify areas of need and prioritise what to work on together.

This can lead to improved learning outcomes for the child with an ASD.

Research indicates that effective family-school partnerships result in many positive outcomes. Some of the benefits include:

Student learning increases

Most homework is completed

Family / School partnerships

Student attendance rises

School has a closer relationship with the community and business

Teachers have a comprehensive knowledge of the students

Parents contribute more time and expertise to the school

Behaviour management problems of students are reduced

Parents are more supportive of school programs

Increased teacher morale

Fewer student suspensions from school

Increased student retention and graduation rates

Increased student enrolment in tertiary education

Teachers are more appreciative of parents and their skills

School enjoys a more positive reputation in the community

Parents more readily rally around to lobby for the school if required

Source: Public Education Voice. Newsletter of the Australian Council of State School Organisations: Schools and Parents in

Partnerships, 2004.

Positive Partnerships: The Austism Spectrum

Deputy Report

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Some high profile people who are on the Autism Spectrum are listed below:

Dan Ackroyd (American actor and comedian)

Susan Boyle (Singer from UK)

Darryl Hannah (American actor – famous for her role as a mermaid in ‘Splash’)

…and it is also commonly thought that Albert Einstein (world renowned theoretical physicist famous for his Theory of

Relativity), Emily Dickinson (famous poet and author) and Charles Darwin (Evolution Theory) were also probably on the

Autism Spectrum.

Our school is diverse and has many talented students on the Autism Spectrum and as educators, it is our greatest privilege

to work with families to support all students in our community to experience a warm, welcoming and inclusive education

maximising their potential into the future.

If you have a family member on the Autism Spectrum, this website is a wealth of useful information and resources: http://www.positivepartnerships.com.au/ and there will be a free family workshop that is coming up on Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th of September at the Barossa Valley if you are interested in attending. Flyers with all details are at the front office and have also been advertised on our Facebook page. Please see me if you require further information.

Kind Regards

Sonia Kilmister

Acting Deputy Principal

APRIM Report

Walk a Mile in my Boots

On Tuesday 18th September, we will be walking to support the Hutt St Centre. Hutt St Centre

is an agency that supports homeless and vulnerable people by clothing, providing meals and

hot showers for people facing homelessness. They also support those in need to achieve

secure housing and social inclusion.

To continue their support, they require our support. So on Tuesday 18th September we will be walking a mile in our boots. On

this day, students can wear their favourite shoes (remember we have a long way to walk, so make sure they are comfortable and

safe!). All we ask is for a gold coin donation which will go straight to the Hutt St Centre.

We warmly welcome you all. More information will be provided as we get closer to the date.

“Cultivate with love the seeds of goodness, beauty and truth that God sows in every new generation” – Pope Francis

May you always feel God’s love and presence in your life,

Leah Williams ACTING APRIM

.

Date Special Event

Wednesday 15th

August Year 2/3 The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin

Mary Mass

Wednesday 29th

August Year 6/7 E Father’s Day Mass

Wednesday 12th

September Year 6/7 J Mercy Mass

Week 9 beginning 17th

September

Mercy Week

Tuesday 18th

September Walk a Mile in my Boots

Friday 1st June International Children’s Day

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Last Tuesday 32 Year 6/7 students participated in the regional Catholic Schools Soccer carnival at Mofflin Reserve. The round rob-in competition allowed students to develop their skills and knowledge of the game.

On a beautiful winter’s day and a lush playing surface all students showed enthusiasm, discipline, team work and a high level of skill.

The girl’s team displayed excellent team work and shared the ball around extremely well. Whilst all players played their best, Zoe Jackson and Makayla Tsacos displayed great leadership skills.

The boys’ teams were extremely competitive in all games with both teams experiencing success. The boys managed to move the ball quickly to create many scoring opportunities with some great goals being scored and saved. Whilst all boys played extremely well, congratulations to Tyler Collie, Nathan Luppino, Jimmy Gray, Jakob Klun, Brandon Kerler, Blake Jordan and Michael Starren-burg who tried extremely hard to create many opportunities for their team mates.

All the boys and girls enjoyed the day and are to be congratulated on their fine sportspersonship. Thank you to Sarah Cooper, Mitchell Roberts and the many parents who attended for their help and support throughout the day.

Fabian Chevalier

PE Co-ordinator

Soccer Carnival 6/7

Sport News

What’s happening in the classrooms?

R1S– Morning Investigation

In R1 Stanley the kids have multiple table activities

to chose from including building blocks, playdough

art, collage, and a teacher’s area.

R1W– Morning Investigation

In R1 Walters their class also have the option to

complete different activities which are painting,

clay art, a shopping corner and building blocks.

R1CK– Morning Investigation

In R1 Carter and Kaczmarek these kids also take

part in multiple choice tasks such as, writing table,

science table where the kids can try to light a bulb,

a post office and a car corner.

2/3 C

In 2/3 Crossley these kids do reading and spelling

in the morning to help them with their grammar

and spelling skills.

2/3 MD

In 2/3 Mannella D’Occhio the kids have learnt

about how a seed forms into a plant. They have

also completed guided reading in groups and

spelling!

4/5 CB

In 4/5 Chevalier Bartholomeusz the kids are

learning procedure writing and how to write out a procedure.

6/7 E and 6/7 J-Genius Hour

In 6/7 Evans and 6/7 Jenkins we have been taking part in a subject called “genius hour” where we get a main question about a

topic of interest and research the answer to that question. We then have to execute our presentation.

These girls below from 2/3 MD and 2/3 C helped a small child on the play-ground and they were great role models.

By Charlie Proctor and Celina Evertz

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Media Committee

Dear Families

I am the counsellor at St Thomas More School, and I

have been part of the school community for the past 11 years.

In November 2014 my daughter lost her precious little girl to a devastating disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy

(SMA). The disease affects all the muscles in the body and eventually compromises the ability to breathe and

swallow. This is the childhood version of Motor Neurone Disease.

Infants diagnosed with SMA generally don’t live to reach their 2nd Birthday. Little Grace had the most serious form,

and tragically lost her battle at just 10 ½ months of age.

In honour of Grace, our family is desperate to raise awareness and promote further research into this disease. As a

result, we have created the ‘Grace Olivia’ Fund with money raised going to The Women’s and Children’s Hospital

foundation.

Funds raised will aid in the provision of advanced equipment and facilities for the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at

WCH. In addition, our aim is to raise awareness, support research, and education – in particular, clinicians with an

interest in Neurological Disease.

SMA Australia’s slogan is “Strong Hearts for Weak Muscles”. On Thursday 6th September (Week 6) we are inviting

students to come to school in ‘active wear’ clothing – (i.e. sports/football/netball/karate uniforms) for a gold coin

donation.

We are hoping to make this an annual event.

Your support is received with much humility and gratitude.

Sandy Ahearn

School Counsellor

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Enrolment Information

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****ENTER VIA SHILLABEER ROAD GATE ONLY****

This is a friendly reminder that our school disco is being held in Jubilee Hall on Friday 10 August. The Recep-

tion to Year 2 disco is from 5:30 – 6:30pm and the Year 3 to Year 7 disco is from 6:35 – 8pm. Entrance is $2

which goes towards covering the cost of the DJ.

School Disco

If you have a sibling ready to start school in 2019 or 2020 enrolments are now open.

Is someone you know interested in attending St Thomas More School—let them know about our

Principal Tours.

The best way to get a sense of our school community is on a principal tour. Tours will be held on

the first Tuesday of the Month (excluding school holidays).

Please call Principal Assistant Kerry Oates on 8255 1699 to register for a tour.

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School hours are Monday to Friday 8:50am—3:00pm except Wednesdays when students are dismissed at

2:30pm for staff meetings to take place.

The school yard is supervised every morning from 8:30am.

Children arriving before 8:30am or remaining past

3.15pm will be sent to Out of School Hours Care.

Out of School Hours Care

St Thomas More School provides the following:

Before School Care 6.30am to 8.30am

After School Care from school finish to 6.00pm

Vacation Care 6.30am to 6.00pm

To book your child into OSHC or Vacation Care please contact our OSHC Director, Kate Thede on

(08) 8255 1626 or 0409 551 699.

More information is available from the school office.

———————————————————————————————————————--

We are currently organising classes for 2019

PLEASE RETURN TO THE FRONT OFFICE IF YOUR CHILD WILL NOT BE RETURNING TO ST THOMAS MORE NEXT YEAR

My child/ren ____________________________ Class_____________________

____________________________ Class_____________________

____________________________ Class_____________________

are leaving St Thomas More to:

Move Overseas o Move Interstate o

Move to another Catholic School o Move to a Government School o

Please return the form as soon as possible.

School Hours Reminder