Filter Content
This is ‘Good Shepherd Sunday’ and a particular focus taken today is leadership. Which voices do we follow? Why do we follow these voices and not others? Authentic leadership is rooted in authority, and authentic authority is the ability to author or bring life to birth. Genuine authority cherishes, guards and encourages the best in life; it provides rest and refreshment; it guides our steps; it nourishes us; it leads us to God. Peter is an example of authentic authority: he proclaims the truth, even if others find it hard to hear; he denounces error, even when this places him in jeopardy; he calls for a change of heart, even when it makes great demands.
Authentic leadership is patterned after the leadership of Jesus. It is gentle and familiar, like the true shepherd; it has won the confidence of those who follow, as did the true shepherd; it is committed to the enhancement of the lives of others, as was Jesus. Authentic leadership is willing to forgo its own needs and to deny its own interests in favour of the needs and interests of others.
Heavy demands are placed on those who follow authentic leadership. Those who follow the Good Shepherd must follow him in the dark valleys as well as to the refreshing streams. They must be willing to relinquish some of their own plans and self-determination and entrust themselves to his leadership. They must never forget that they are following a shepherd who has paid the ultimate price on their behalf.
Dear Families,
Welcome back to Term 2.
This week we commenced Learning @ Home and I know for many of you this may have seemed very daunting at first, however from all the reports I hear you are doing a great job supporting your children, thank you. For our families who need to send your children to school, they have had a great start with everyone adapting well to our new structures. Our teachers, TAs and support staff all have been outstanding in their efforts and attitude in adopting our new learning framework.
Over this period the media have often fed us mixed messages due to the different responses states have taken to the pandemic. Catholic Schools in Tasmania are following the Tasmanian Government’s advice, below I have outlined some key points.
- Our Learning @ Home Framework will continue for Term 2.
- Students at school will be supervised doing Learning @ Home by a team of staff, teachers from your child’s grade and TAs. They will receive support with their learning.
- Please continue to communicate with our teachers via I thank you for your patience and understanding.
- Social Distancing is not required for students. Students are required to practice good hygiene and we have continued with increased professional cleaning this term.
- Social Distancing practices are still required for staff and adults on our site.
- Our school site is closed to the general public and we are still limiting parent access. Only teaching staff and students are permitted in our classrooms. We thank you for your support. The less people on our site, the easier it is to keep it clean and hygienic for your children.
- Picking-up and dropping-off will continue at Abbott Street until further notice. It is important that you continue to stay off our school site and to practice social distancing.
- Parts of our playground are open for students at school as we are able to clean it between play times.
- School fees are as per normal however, we have a remission process in place for all families with financial hardship. At the moment it is a one-page application, please contact the office if you need a copy of the form. Every child is welcome at our school, regardless of financial circumstances.
- Collecting children early can be done by ringing the front office from the gate and your child will meet you at the gate.
This week I have commenced Kinder interviews via the telephone. It has been very difficult as one of my highlights in the interview is showcasing our great school to potential families. To help me with showcasing the school I have asked some of our G5/6 students to create a promotional video, it will be available soon. Kinder enrolments for 2021 close on May 29th.
Last week our Captains proudly participated in the Dawn Service for ANZAC Day to represent our school
Again, I wish to thank you all for your patience, support and understanding. These times are challenging, however, as we continue to work together, we will get through together and be better for it at the end.
Have a great week and keep safe.
God Bless,
Shayne Kidd
Welcome back to term two everyone! What we will be doing this term will be a very different experience for all of us. We hope you have settled in nicely and are adjusting to online learning. We know this time may be a bit scary but you are all handling it so well. We’d like to say a huge thank you to Mr.Kidd, Mrs.Pearce, Mrs.Thomas, our parents and most importantly our teachers for making this term possible. We hope you had a great break spending time with your family and you were spoilt over Easter and had lots of chocolate! Feel free to contact teachers if needed, and keep doing your best work!
By Georgia Harmey and Jess Lehner on behalf of the STM School Captains
We are currently reviewing our provision of Learning@Home. As this is a new experience for staff, students and parents we are all learning how best to provide learning within the Learning@Home framework.
Please take the time to do a quick survey about how you have been finding the Learning@Home framework at STM.
On the 25th of April, a lot of Australians and New Zealanders celebrated Anzac Day in their driveways. This was held at 6 am to celebrate the ANZACS when they fought in Gallipoli, World War ll and every war since.
We acknowledge them for their bravery and determination they showed to protect our countries. They are truly amazing and I think it is safe to say they are our heroes.
Because of their sacrifice, we are able to have freedom. Thank you ANZACS,
By Fraser Mackenzie and Lachlan McInnis on behalf of the STM School Captains.
Term 2 has seen the start of students undertaking their learning and school work through the Learning @ Home program.
Students are setting up work stations at home where they are undertaking work set by their teachers. They are also participating in Zoom meetings where they touch base with their teachers and peers, and also have the opportunity to ask questions about their work.
The theme for Reconciliation Week 2019 was “Grounded in Truth: Walk Together with Courage”. As a whole school, we created a walk represented with stones painted with Aboriginal symbols - to gain a deeper understanding, build relationships and connections through language. Aboriginal symbols were used in many ways, sharing stories and messages were some of these ways. The children chose a colour to represent themselves, they then painted an Aboriginal symbol on their rock symbolising building of relationships, connections and understanding. Through the sharing of culture, we can build trust and knowledge with open conversations, particularly about Tasmania’s history.
Scholastic Book Club has gone virtual for Term 2!
Please click on the link below to access the virtual catalogue and order via LOOP as normal.
Orders will be sent to school as normal and we will contact you when they are ready to collect. All orders are due by Friday 15th May 2020.
Please let me know if you have any questions,
Rebecca Thomas
Library
Click on the link below for details and logins for free access to Story Box Library