Prayer for Lent
Heavenly Father,
As I enter our Lenten journey, guide me to the path that leads to you.
Fill my heart with gratitude, patience, strength, and peace as I strive to become the-best-version-of-myself, honestly admitting my shortcomings and sins. Help me to accept others, showing them your great love instead of casting judgment.
Help me develop discipline and generosity through fasting and almsgiving, and come closer to you through prayer this Lent. In your name I pray,
Amen.
Important Dates
2024
Monday 12 February - Swimming Trails Y3-6
Tuesday 13 February - Shrove Tuesday (Pancakes)
Tuesday 13 February - Project Compassion Launch
Wednesday 14 February - Surf Lessons Y5 & 6
Wednesday 14 February - Ash Wednesday Liturgy 9 am
Monday 19 February - Morning Gathering 8:45 am PP - Y6
Tuesday 20 February - Advisory Council 7 pm
Wednesday 21 February - Surf Lessons Y5 & 6
Wednesday 21 February - Parish Buddy Mass Y5 & 1 @ 12:30 pm
Friday 23 February - P & F Sundowner (parent only event)
Monday 26 February - Morning Gathering 8:45 am PP - Y6
Wednesday 28 February - Surf Lessons Y5 & 6
Wednesday 28 February - Parish Buddy Mass Y3 & 4 @ 12:30 pm
Friday 01 March - STPS Swimming Carnival Y3 - 6
Friday 01 March - Speech Screening PP
Monday 04 March - Labour Day Public Holiday
Wednesday 06 March - Surf Lessons Y5 & 6
Wednesday 06 March - Speech Screening PP
Wednesday 06 March - Parish Buddy Mass Y6 & 2 @ 12:30 pm
Thursday 07 March - Interschool Swimming Training @ 7:30 am - 8:15 am
Friday 08 March - Interschool Swimming Training @ 7:30 am - 8:15 am
Monday 11 March - Morning Gathering 8:45 am PP - Y6
Monday 11 March - Speech Screening PP
Wednesday 13 March - P & F Meeting
Wednesday 13 March - Friday 22 March - NAPLAN - Y3 & Y5
Thursday 14 March - Interschool Swimming Carnival (HBF Stadium)
Monday 18 March Morning Gathering 8:45 am PP - Y6
Monday 18 March - GRIP Student Leadership Y6 Leaders
Wednesday 20 March - Harmony Week
Wednesday 20 March - Celebrations Liturgy @ 9 am
Friday 22 March - Y6 Assembly @ 9 am
Monday 25 March - Holy Week
Monday 25 March - Morning Gathering PP - Y6
Tuesday 26 March - Parent/Teacher Meetings K, Y1, Y3 & Y4
Tuesday 26 March - Advisory Council 7 pm
Wednesday 27 March - Surf Lessons Y5 & 6
Wednesday 27 March - Parent/Teacher Meetings PP, Y2, Y5 & Y6
Thursday 28 March - Stations of the Cross 9 am
Thursday 28 March - Term One Concludes
Please remember dates of events can be subject to change
(Full 2024 term dates at the end of this newsletter)
Welcome to the start of the 2024 school year. I hope you had an enjoyable holiday break with your family and friends. To all our new families, welcome. We know you will be very happy as we work together to create a positive and dynamic learning environment for your child/children.
As I write this newsletter, I marvel at the joy that I have just experienced with the Year 6 students at the Ern Halliday Recreation Camp in Hillary’s, north of Perth. The smiles and the happiness of our students as they shared their favourite experience of the camp this far: caving, high ropes, archery, beach activities, ‘lost pilot’ an orienteering experience, and so much more. The experience of Camp for the year 6 students is not only a team building exercise, but an opportunity to develop character, independence, resilience, confidence, relationships, social skills and a strong connection between teachers and their students. More detailed information on the benefit of camps can be accessed HERE.
FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL
It was so lovely to greet the children as they arrived at school last week. There were lots of smiles, laughter, and a few nerves for those starting for the first time. Thank you for assisting your child/children to have a smooth transition into the school year. Our ‘Welcome Cuppa’ on the first day provided the opportunity to meet new parents and catch up after the holiday break. The whole school Mass last Friday, was a perfect way to celebrate the beginning of the school year. Thank you to the Year 6 students for leading us in prayer and to our amazing Choir for leading us in song.
STAFFING
This year we have a number of new staff joining our St Thomas' team. We welcome Mrs Nicole Wills our Music Specialist, Miss Phebe Harvey our Year Teacher, and Education Assistants Mrs Anita Carlisle and Miss Jordana Scarvaci.
YEAR OF COMPASSION
2024 at St Thomas' is the Year of ‘COMPASSION.’ We show compassion to our students by greeting them by their name, asking about their interests, and showing them that we care about what is happening in their lives in and out of the classroom. Showing compassion does not mean you're a student's friend—it means you care about their progress and are invested in their future. Compassion is one of our school values and is an important focus in our school improvement plan and well-being initiatives. More details below in Mr Nankivell’s column.
LENT
Next Tuesday we commence our preparation for the season of Lent. Lent is an important period of reflection, growth, and new beginnings in the Christian calendar. Christians use this special time to show their devotion to their faith, draw closer to God, and prepare for Easter.
Our P & F have organised for students to enjoy pancakes on Shrove Tuesday at school. Many thanks to all our parent helpers. Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Shrove Tuesday was the last opportunity to use up eggs and fats before embarking on the Lenten fast, and pancakes are the perfect way of using up these ingredients.
ASH WEDNESDAY
On Ash Wednesday, students will be participating in a Mass with the Parish at 12.30pm. All parents and families are welcome to attend this Mass. Ash Wednesday is a time to gather our thoughts as we prepare for our journey during the Lenten period. At Mass, students were sprinkled with some ashes. This is an expression of our faith and a sign that we are asking God for forgiveness during this Lenten period.
Ash Wednesday also marks the beginning of the annual Project Compassion Appeal. A Project Compassion box will be distributed to each family today. We encourage you to put your compassion into action this Lent through your prayer, fasting and almsgiving by supporting this worthy cause. Donations to Project Compassion, allow Caritas Australia, the Catholic agency for International Aid and Development, to work with local communities around the world to alleviate poverty, hunger, oppression, and injustice.
BEFORE SCHOOL PROTOCOLS
From 8.15am to 8.25am, teachers will be preparing activities in the classroom. Any students arriving between 8.15am and 8.25am will need to gather outside the undercover area at the top of the limestone steps for supervision purposes. Please do not walk your child to their classroom at this time, unless you have a pre-arranged meeting with the teacher.
Before 8.15am there is no staff supervision. If you bring your child to school before this time, you will be required to wait with them at the top of the limestone steps until a staff member arrives.
P & F WELCOME SUNDOWNER
St Thomas’ P & F have been busy organising a 'Welcome Sundowner' on Friday 23 February 2024. Tickets are $30 each and include dinner and drinks. This is a great opportunity to gather at the start of a new year and welcome our new parents. Please join us by clicking on the QR code in the flyer below.
Date: Friday 23 February 2024 Time: 6.30 pm - 9.30 pm
Venue: St Thomas’ Primary School Hall.
Tickets: $30 RSVP: Mon. 19 February 2024
FROM MY READINGS: ‘Making sleep a priority’
Research shows that making sleep a priority is important for parents who want their children to succeed in school. Recently staff have noticed that many students are returning to school on Monday after the weekend tired. Sleep experts say that a lack of sleep reduces cognitive abilities and impairs school performance. Sleep needs vary by age. For school age children aged 6-12 years the National Sleep Foundation recommends 9-11 total hours of sleep per day.
We ask for your support in ensuring that your child arrives at school each Monday morning refreshed and ready to learn. More information can be sourced on this topic in the article ‘Improve your child’s school performance with a good night’s sleep.’
FATHER WAYNE
Father Wayne is grateful for your prayers and well wishes. He is currently very unwell in hospital. Please keep him in your prayers.
Thank you and God bless.
Natalia Thomson
Principal
2024 - THE YEAR OF COMPASSION
As discussed above, this year the school focus value is 'Compassion' - a feeling that makes us help others. As we did last year with our focus value of 'Excellence', each term we will focus on an element of how we can incorporate Compassion into our lives. By prompting students with information, ideas and examples, we hope to elevate awareness and form common understanding of this important value in the lives of our students. In Term One we focus on Self-compassion - being helpful, showing kindness to yourself, especially when things don't go well. This links to our Highway Heroes concept of 'Supa-Thinking'. At the first gathering of the year, I spoke with students about the importance of self-compassion, identifying the need to: take action (see something, do something), adopt a growth mindset, make healthy choices, and be kind. I look forward to sharing other elements of Compassion across the year.
NAPLAN
National Asessment Plan - Literacy And Numeracy wll take place for all Year Three and Year Five students in Australia between 13 March and 22 March. A parent information sheet will be distributed to parents Thursday of this week. During this week it is important for us to support students as well as not place undue pressure on those involved. Teachers will alance ensuring the students are prepared content-wise as well as with how to respond to the different types of questioning the tests present.
COMMUNICATION BETWEEN PARENTS AND THE SCHOOL
There are many forms of communication used at St Thomas’. In all our interactions, we strive for open, honest and respectful dialogue. The child remains at the centred of our decision making and discussion. Please see a list below of the various forms, so you know where to look and what to expect:
SMS - for urgent, time-sensitive information and reminders
Emails - for day-to-day communications between staff and parents, during business hours (8am-5pm)
Website - links such as parent planners, staffing, fortnightly newsletters and parent planner (as well as information for prospective parents)
SeeSaw - for class based information and individual student digital learning portfolio access
Phone calls and face to face meetings - for 1:1 conversations regarding specific matters
Microsoft Teams - upon an invitation link for school meetings (e.g. P&F meetings) and scheduled teacher-parent meeting days.
STUDENT IMAGE USE
At or soon after enrolment, parents are given the opportunity to grant or deny image use for their children whilst at St Thomas’. The school uses social media, as well as school and CEWA system websites and publications to promote and inform the community of events and activities. For parents of students who were present last year, you may restate or change your intentions by completing the form HERE.
ROWE PARK
From time to time, students at St Thomas’ may access Rowe Park, a short walk from the school. Rowe Park offers a larger space to move and participate in activities requiring a larger space than we have at the school. This usually occurs during upper school sport, including the preceding lunch break, particularly involving the Year 5 and 6 classes. Students are always supervised by staff walking to and from Rowe Park, crossing roads and whilst at the venue. Medical kits are also taken and teachers wear high-vis vests so students can easily identify them. If you have any information that school staff should be aware of to keep your child safe whilst at Rowe Park, please communicate with your child’s teacher.
TEACHER PD AND PREPARATION DAYS
During the Monday and Tuesday of last week (prior to school beginning for students) staff took part in preparation activities in readiness for the 2024 academic year. I commend staff on their engagement to aligning our school vision with research as well as identifying how this applies in our context at St Thomas’. Staff also took part in CPR training as well as some online training courses. This has set the school up for an exciting 2024!
TERM ONE CLUBS
Co-curricular activities are places where students can mix with like-minded students for other year levels, learn new skills and take part in activities they are interested or passionate in. The Term One clubs offerings will be distributed to parents by the end of the week.
Mr Heath Nankivell
Assistant Principal
SCHOOL FEES
School fees were issued to parents/caregivers this week. If you have not received your account, or you have any questions regarding your account, please contact Mary Courtney on finance@stthomas.wa.edu.au. Mary is still assisting us with our finances until our new Finance Officer has been appointed.
Sports News
Years 3-6 Swimming Trials – Friday 12 February 2024
This year we are having swimming trials on Monday 12 February from 12 noon until 3pm. Below are the following times for each year level:
Years 4 and 5 – 12 noon until 1.30pm
Years 3 and 6 – 1.30pm – 3pm
Please ensure students have appropriate swimming gear, a towel, goggles and appropriate footwear to wear to and from the pools. Faction swimming caps will be provided on the day. Students will change at school and no thongs to be worn to school.
To be selected for the Championship points for the St Thomas Carnival and Interschool Swimming team, students must swim in 50m events at the trials.
Thank you to all parents for submitting the permission forms.
More details will be corresponded directly to families via a SEQTA email, later in the week.
UPCOMING SPORTING EVENTS
St Thomas’ Swimming Carnival Years 3-6 – Friday 1 March
Interschool Swimming Carnival – Thursday 14 March
Return it WA - Containers for Change
Thank you to all the children and families who have supported this incentive of how we recycle and make our world more sustainable over the past few years.
Last year we ceased having the purple bins at school, however you can still recycle your containers and support our school.
Please use the St Thomas PS Member number C11166766 or the QR Code below and the money will support our green team and other initiatives our children would like to use the funds for.
SPORTING COMMUNITIES
Please see the flyers below for the following opportunities children can participate in community sport this year.
AFL Football – If you would like to child to participate in AFL football for Claremont Junior Football Club registrations are open and you may also contact www.claremontjuniorfc.com.au
State Schoolboys and girls 12 Years & Under AFL Team Nominations – April Holidays
Trials for this year's State Team’s which will take place during the April School holidays.
Please note that only players turning 11 and 12 years of age in 2024 are eligible to nominate.
This year's championship will be in Geelong, Victoria from August 4 – 10. The trial dates can be found on the School Sport WA website (Boys 12s – SSWA (schoolsportwa.com.au) ).
Nominations for the trials please see below:
https://www.schoolsportwa.com.au/product/afl-boys-12s-interstate-nomination-form/
https://www.schoolsportwa.com.au/interstate/afl/girls-12s/
Please also be aware that School Sport WA sends teams interstate for other sports as well. To nominate students simply follow the same process as above. Below is a list of sports and their travel dates. Nomination details can be found on the same website ( Interstate – SSWA (schoolsportwa.com.au).
SPORT CHAMPIONSHIP DATES LOCATION
Basketball 27 July - 1 Aug Carrara, Qld
Cricket 30 Nov – 6 Dec Adelaide, SA
Cross Country 23 - 26 Aug TBC, Vic
Diving 10 - 16 Aug Oaklands Park, SA
Football (Soccer) 13 - 18 Oct Lark Hill, WA
Golf 10 – 14 Nov Kiama Downs, NSW
Hockey 18 - 23 Aug Cairns Qld
Netball 7 - 13 Sept Melbourne, Vic
Swimming 24 - 31 July Gold Coast, Qld
Tennis 17 - 24 Aug Darwin, NT
Touch Football 20 - 25 Oct Brisbane, Qld
Further queries to Alex.McLennan@education.wa.edu.au
Sharon Seaman
Physical Education Specialist Teacher
Drama @ St Thomas' Year 5 & 6
The Drama Club application form is now available. Please check your emails. Link available here: DRAMA CLUB
Only available to Years 5 & 6 students.
St Thomas' Primary School
Email: admin@stthomas.wa.edu.au
Website: stthomas.wa.edu.au
Location: 8 Warden Street Claremont WA 6010
Phone: (08 9286 9500
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stthomasprimaryschoolclaremont
Twitter: @StThomasCPS