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- Reflection
- Principal's Message
- STM Achievers
- Carols on the oval at St Thomas More's
- P&F AGM & Raffle
- 2022 School Fees and Payment Arrangements
- Piano needing a home
- Author visit - Dr Sarah Jane Moore
- Return of Library books
- Grade 6 Book Club
- Primary Schools Music Program gallery
- Wakakirri 2022 and beyond
- Parish Bulletin
- eSafety webinars 2022
- Community News
The advent of God’s coming with its promise of fulfilment happens within world history. The first reading locates God’s act of restoration in the city of Jerusalem. The gospel situates the ministry of John within a particular period of world history. They point us to historical experience as the place and the time of restoration, of incarnation, of redemption. They show us that God works within everyday life, in conventional places, during regular time. In fact, from a human point of view, the extraordinary events of salvation took place within what was quite ordinary.
John proclaims the kind of transformation that results in a change of heart. Reversals characterise such transformation: the robe of mourning is replaced by the splendour of glory; tears are turned into rejoicing; those led away by enemies are brought back by God; valleys are filled, mountains are levelled, winding roads are made straight; even nature offers itself as shelter for the people of God. Those who are shamed and discarded are made glorious; those who suffer are comforted; the oppressed are freed; all of life’s obstacles are removed; the way to God is made straight; the natural world enjoys peace and harmony.
The transformation or repentance of heart takes place within human life, within relationships of justice between people and with the earth, in right living, in genuine unselfish love. It produces the fruits of righteousness of which Paul speaks. Advent is the time to prepare ourselves for this.
© Dianne Bergant CSA
Dear Families,
Tonight, as you sit down reading our newsletter our Grade 5s are enjoying their Leadership Retreat. The retreat provides our G5 students with opportunities to demonstrate their leadership skills and their ability to work as a team through some challenging activities. The evening also prepares our students for their camping experience at Myrtle Park in Grade 6.
Speaking to our Grade 6’s yesterday morning they all enjoyed their day at St Patrick’s College on Thursday. Our students are excited about the next chapter in their education journey and with only a week and a half to go in primary school we wish them all the very best for 2021 and beyond.
Our Step-Up Day yesterday was a great success, there were a few nerves amongst students and teachers, but by lunchtime, everyone was settled and enjoying their afternoon. I’m sure your children shared with you the wonderful afternoon they had with their new friends and teacher. I thank you all for your support with our class selection process, it is difficult for our teaching teams and although there is no perfect method, we do try to do our best to meet the needs of all children in our care.
Our End of Year Reports will be available from next Monday, 13th December 2021. Reports are available only via Compass. Teachers are available to discuss your child’s report, should it be required, during the last week of school. You can make an appointment either through the office or by emailing your child’s teacher.
Our End of Year, Christmas Concert will be held on 9th December commencing at 5:30pm. Registering for the concert is essential, we will not be allowing you into the concert if you have not pre-registered, this is due to Covid regulations. Entrances will be from Abbott Street and the Campbell Street ramp. Gates will be open from 5pm. Don’t forget your chairs/rug and picnic hamper. As a way to ensure everyone enjoys the evening we ask that parents monitor their child’s behaviour and that children are not playing at the back of the oval. Children are to sit with their families for the evening.
The last day of school for students is Wednesday 15th December 2021. School resumes on Thursday 3rd February 2022.
Have a great week.
Shayne Kidd
PRINCIPAL
Congratulations to Xavier, Jack and Ronan, who have received 25 and 50 stickers in their Student Acknowledgement booklets. These stickers are given to students displaying positive and respectful behaviour in the playground. They are a great role model for others. Well done!
Carols on the oval at St Thomas More's
2022 School Fees and Payment Arrangements
The 2022 Schedule of fees and Payment Arrangement forms were emailed to families recently. The Payment arrangement form is due back by February 7th - please send them to the office at your ealiest conveniencie.
If you have any queries, please contact the office on 6337 7200 thank you.
Author visit - Dr Sarah Jane Moore
"Yesterday we had a visit from author Dr Sarah Jane Moore, who wrote the picture book River Business. We talked about Torres Strait Islander and Aboriginal cultures. We also felt the kelp that Dr Moore brought in for us. Aboriginal culture can come from all around the world. We also learnt about women's business and men’s business and that they are all different. Everyone in the group enjoyed the experience." By Kingston Gower
"Yesterday some of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students came into the library with author Dr Sarah Jane Moore. We talked about our countries and pointed out where we are from. After that we sent the boys in the corner because we were talking about the difference between women’s business and men’s business. The girls talked about the necklace Sarah had on. Following that we also felt the kelp with the boys included. Dr Moore sang a song, and we shared her book, River Business. I hope we can do this again." By Isabelle Senior
Please enjoy the next installment from our Grade 6 book club participants and their study of the book entitled "Chung, Hyo, Ye: Tales of Filial Devotion, Loyalty, Respect and Benevolence from the History and Folklore of Korea".
Primary Schools Music Program gallery
As of 2021 Wakakirri will no longer be a competition and as such will adopt a new format where there is no overall ‘winner’.
Wakakirri Story of the Year Awards
The Wakakirri Story of the Year Awards acknowledge schools who exemplify the Wakakirri ethos ‘Great Stories Inspire Change’. Story of the Year Awards acknowledge schools efforts in raising awareness, community building and excellence in performing arts.
How does it work?
Story of the Year Awards are handed out to deserving schools as the Wakakirri season roles out around Australia. At the end of the season a special selection of award recipients are showcased in the Wakakirri Story Awards TV special:
Here are your performance and production awards highlighting the top 5 areas of your story;
- Excellent ensemble
- Best direction: Choreography
- Excellent construction and clarity
- Excellent theme/concept
Every school receives a Story Award to acknowledge schools efforts in exemplifying the Wakakirri ethos ‘Great Stories Inspire Change'. Your school received the following Story Award: Highly Commended Best Global Awareness Story Award!
Following the success of the eSafety webinars provided during the course of this year, eSafety Education have provided a list of eSafety parent webinars for coming year. Please see the attached flyer for deatils:
CityProm Find a reindeer is back!
'Tis the season to shop local, celebrate with loved ones, skip along to festive events and fulfil those wish lists.
We've launched a collection of entertainment, competitions, family fun, gift guides, and events galore to get you through this silly season- including this year's Find a Reindeer competition!
To see the clues, get a printout & get started, click the link below!