Prayer
Lord God,
your spirit of wisdom fills the earth
and teaches us your ways.
Look upon these teachers.
Let them strive to share their knowledge with gentle patience
and endeavour always to bring the truth to eager minds.
Grant that they may follow Jesus Christ,
the way, the truth, and the life,
forever and ever. Amen.
Saturday 21 September – School Parish Mass (Year 5)
Monday 23 September – Extra Long Gathering + Y5 & 6 First Aid Incursion
Thursday 26 September – Interschool Athletics Carnival
Friday 27 September - Catholic Day + Start of School Holidays
Monday 14 October - Pupil Free Day
Tuesday 15 October – First Day Term 4
Dear St. Thomas' Community,
It is an exciting time here at St Thomas’ as this week we announced the Principal who will lead this community into the future. I take this opportunity to welcome Mrs Natalia Thomson and know she will serve our school, our parish and our community to the fullest. Natalia is currently the Principal at St Matthew’s Primary School in Narrogin and has begun the handover process to learn the history, tradition and strengths of our school so she can shape the future. The school community will have an opportunity to meet Natalia before the end of the year.
Opportunities at St Thomas’
I am overwhelmed at the opportunities offered to our children here at St Thomas'. Our students are blessed to be able to develop their gifts and talents through so many channels such as the sports carnival, debating, Catholic Performing Arts festivals, excursions, aboriginal culture incursions, meetings with famous authors, Science extravaganzas, ICAS competitions, cricket and rugby clinics, Oracy, and so much more. This is all in the last two weeks and is on top of the outstanding teaching and learning programs offered. Thank you to the hardworking staff of St Thomas’ who support these opportunities at our school.
NAPLAN
On Wednesday the 25th of September parents will be sent their child’s NAPLAN results. This will also include information on how to read to the document and further information about the test itself. As always, if you would like to discuss your child’s learning for any reason, please make a time to sit with their classroom teacher. Please be reminded that the NAPLAN test is only one small snapshot of your child’s learning and their true gifts and talents.
IT in the home
Parents are reminded to be vigilant in the home when supporting your children using devices. Please refer to the last newsletter for links to support you in helping to protect your children. The school is continuing to work with our children to understand how technology supports our learning but also highlights the dangers of searching the internet unrestricted. We will be checking devices for inappropriate content and if you have any further queries please contact the school.
Student Free Day
Parents are reminded that Friday the 27th of September is a Student Free Day. We look forward to welcoming back your children on Tuesday the 15th of October.
God Bless
Mitchell Bristow
CEWA Policy Development
The Director of Catholic Education, Dr Debra Sayce invites parents for Catholic Schools in Western Australia to have their say in developing policies that shape our schools and our children. Please read below.
An Invitation to Have Your Say
The Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia (CECWA) is reviewing our system policies supporting our 75,000 students and 12,000 staff in 162 schools.
We invite all students, parents, CEWA staff and members of your community to help by telling us: What makes a good Catholic school?
Facilitated sessions will take place at our Leederville office. You can book your preferred session time online and choose from:
* Early Years LOFT Sessions (for Pre K - Year 4 Students and their Family)
* Open LOFT Sessions (Years 4 - 12 Students, Families, Staff and Community)
During the school holiday sessions, participants will also help to create a mural alongside local artist Linzi Carter. This is an evolving creation, whose form will develop with each session.
We welcome you to participate in this unique opportunity to have your say on the future of our schools.
For more information and to register for a session, see: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/loft-catholic-education-western-australia-20262532767
Safety on Public Transport
As some our older students use public transport to get to and from school it is important that safety is their priority. If a child feels unsafe for any reason while waiting for, or whilst on public transport they are strongly encouraged to call 131 444. This is the Police Assistance dedicated line and is used to report any disturbance or antisocial behaviour. Please ensure your children are aware of the number and if they carry a mobile phone add this to their contact list.
School Fees
If you are experiencing any financial hardship please contact Leanne Hancock or Mitchell Bristow on 9286 9500 to arrange for a confidential meeting to discuss payment options.
ST THOMAS' ATHLETICS CARNIVAL 2019
We had perfect weather for our Athletics carnival on Friday 6th September and it was great to have so many families supporting the event. We were proud of the high level of participation and effort shown by the students who participated in various athletics and novelty events. Thank you to all of the staff, parents and community members who arrived early in the morning to help staff with the setting up of the bays and for their assistance throughout the day.
Congratulations to Forrest who were our overall winners and to Sheridan winning the ‘Spirit Award’ for 2019.
All of the results and records broken on the day have been attached to the email link sent to parents with this newsletter.
Thank you for a wonderful day!
Sharon Seaman
Extend Before & After School Care
What’s on Next week?
Monday- AM:Yoga session PM:Origami, Soccer, Pretend Play, DIY- Amazing crafts out of recyclables
Tuesday- AM: Colouring in, Drawing PM: Frozen Fruit Smoothie making, Tag Games, Reading Time
Wednesday- AM: Animal Paper Plates & Cups PM: Playdough, Honey Joys Cooking, Treasure Hunt
Thursday- AM: Balloon Blow-up Science Experiment PM: Sponge Painting, STEM Challenge- Plastic
Cups Stacking, Outside Day/ Games - Last day mini party
The Extend Superstars are…
Amelie Goodall - For being a happy, kind and gentle friend to all and for working cooperatively with the group. Your creativity in arts and crafts is admirable. Thanks for inspiring us all Amelie!
Vivienne Simek - For having such a great attitude towards work, especially when finishing the apron project for our Open Day exhibit. The effort you put into learning how to sew is incredible! Well- done Vivienne!
Thank You!
We would like to thank all the amazing parents and teachers who came to see our apron project and to those who participated with the kids in sewing demonstration during the “Open Day”. We also enjoyed serving the Chocolate Chip Cookies and Shortbread Biscuits the children made with Juliana. It was a huge success indeed! We really appreciate all the positive feedback you have given us both verbally and in our reflections of our day’s journal. We look forward to next term’s Open Day.
What’s Been Happening?
Over the past two weeks, we have been busy finishing up our apron project for the Open Afternoon. We also had fun in the kitchen making pizza, chocolate chip cookies, shortbread biscuits and chocolate brownies. We celebrated Joshua’s Birthday by having a picnic, bubble blowing and games outside.
Music Lessons
Keyed Up Music will be running Piano and Drum lessons at St Thomas Primary School during the day Term 4. Prices start at $22.55 for per lesson.
To enrol go to www.keyedupmusic.com.au/enrolment-form or for more information please contact Therese 1300 366 243.
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