18 May 2017

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

We are now in the 5th week of the Easter Celebration. However, we are moving away from the resurrection and looking toward the final departure of Jesus (the Ascension) and then the sending of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost Sunday on 4 June). Although the initial group of disciples was small; it was by Jesus’ leaving and the sending of the Holy Spirit that they were able to live out their potential and expand the Christian community and spread the Good News to others. This is a call to us also to speak the Truth even when it is hard – to ensure that everyone’s dignity is regarded as sacramental and is celebrated.

Alleluia, alleluia!
I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord;
no one comes to the Father, except through me.
Alleluia!

As I reflected on the wonderful community feeling we had at our Mother’s Day Breakfast with the shared stories, the early start with young children and the warm food; the joy of motherhood was evident. This joy consisting of all of the trials and tribulations that sum up motherhood. Mary was the Mother of God and this honour alone belongs to her. Her virtues, and those of why she was chosen for this special job are evident in all mothers. Humility (as in greatness of soul) courage, perseverance, trustworthiness, faith, hope and love are reflected in all mothers.

To our mothers – May God Bless All Mothers Everywhere.

Carol Seagar
Principal

Family Mass is on this Saturday at 6pm, Newstead Church. If you or your child/ren would like to read at Mass please email as soon as possible.

Kind regards,
Jacquie Wood

Kinder Evening

22 May, 7.00pm at St Thomas More’s.

Important Health Request

Dear Parents

You may be aware that Pippa Harmey, a student in Kinder this year, Is receiving treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (a type of cancer) which puts her at risk if she is exposed to Chicken Pox, Shingles or Measles. Please inform the school office as soon as possible if you or your children or friends come into contact or become ill with any of the above.

Pippa's parents, Yvette and Dave have asked for our help in this very important matter.

This is especially important for all families in our school.

This is a simple but very important way we can help Pippa on her journey towards wellness.

Thank you in anticipation of your support.

Kind regards

Carol Seagar
Principal

STM Techspot – Setting up a Home Internet Filter

STM Techspot.jpg

We all want to provide a safe online environment at home for our children. This involves a number of aspects. Education is the big one; we want to educate our children to use the Internet safely. The research backs this up as being the most effective way to ensure the safety of our children. However, we can’t rely on this alone, and it would be neglectful for us not to put some systems in place to prevent access to the inappropriate content that the Internet has on offer. Many of us do that by placing restrictions on the devices themselves. However, another level of security that we highly recommend all families have is an Internet filter.

The Australian Government’s eSafety Commissioner website gives us a list of the best Internet filtering solutions for the Australian Market. The following link will take you to this page:

There are both free and paid options available, but of course you get what you pay for. It is worth checking the features that each option offers and choosing what is right for you and your family. Some of the options also offer a free trial to see if it will work for you. They often also offer remote access, which means that you can check up on things at home while you are out and about.

Thank you all in advance for the time and effort you put into keeping your child/ren safe online. It really does have a huge impact on the schooling lives of all our students at STM.

Cheers, Kurt

Change of Details

PLEASE advise the school when you change jobs, addresses, phone numbers – this is really important so we can contact you when your child is ill or injured.

WWVP Card

Parents, Grandparents and Caregivers are reminded that if they wish to do Parent Help with their children they must have a current WWVP card which has been copied and held on file at the office.

How to apply for a WWVP Check & Number

1. Complete the online application form: www.justice.tas.gov.au/working_with_children
2. Print the “Application Receipt” which is generated when the application has been completed in full.
3. Take the “Application Receipt” (and your 100 point check to confirm identity) to a Service Tas Shop and pay the fee.
4. Take your WWVP card to the school office where your number will be recorded. If you are not recorded in the office you will not be able to do parent help, camp, etc.

School Drop Off & Pick Up

Please be aware that we are monitoring pick up and drop off on Campbell St and Abbott St. Both Carol and Kurt are now able to issue parking violation notices through the council.

The 5-minute drop off zones do not allow for you to leave your car and enter the school. If you wish/need to come into the school grounds, please park in another parking zone.

Our new ‘No Parking’ teardrop banners on Campbell St are working well so far, and fewer people are parking on the yellow lines. Thank You.

School Crossings

Please ensure that you always use the school crossings when picking up or dropping off children at school. Not only does this maximise your and your child’s safety, but it also sets an excellent example for other students at the school. Thank you all in advance for your cooperation in this matter.

2017 Sacramental Calendar –

P & F

This year’s committee members are: President – Jacqui Cross; Finance Officer – Kylie Smart; Secretary – Kirsty Pedder.

Vacancy: Fair Coordinator; coordinate the team, facilitate meetings and purchasing and help with sponsorship. If anyone has these skills please contact a P&F member.

Dates of meetings: Thurs 1 June; Wed 5 July; Wed 16 Aug; Wed 13 Sept; Tues 17 Oct; Wed 15 Nov.

Birth to 4 Program at St Thomas More’s

Starting 21st February in the Josephite Hall 9 -10:30 every Tuesday during term time. All parents and children 4 and under are most welcome. Looking forward to seeing you.

Community Announcements

Girls Friendship Group for children on the Autism Spectrum.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MONDAY 22 MAY – KINDER 18 INFORMATION EVEING
TUESDAY 23 MAY – RECONCILIATION
WEDNESDAY 24 MAY – KINDER 18 OPEN DAY
FRIDAY 2 JUNE – KINDER 18 APPLICATIONS CLOSE
MONDAY 5 JUNE – BAND SOIREE
MONDAY 12 JUNE – LONG WEEKEND
TUESDAY 13 JUNE – NIJSSA CROSS COUNTRY
- STRINGS SOIREE
THURSDAY 15 JUNE – BOARD MEETING, 7.00PM
TUESDAY 20 JUNE – INFORMATION EVENING FOR CONFIRMATION
THURSDAY 22 JUNE – FEAST OF ST THOMAS MORE
MONDAY 26 JUNE – SCHOOL PHOTO DAY
THURSDAY 29 JUNE – FOUNDATION BAND & STRINGS WORKSHOP

Author Visit

Launceston Competitions

Our students achieved some placings over the weekend, including those STM students performing for their Drama Groups:

GRADE 6 HUMOROUS 245A

Alex Jarman - 2nd
Tom Wise - 3rd

GRADE 6 HUMOROUS 245B

Emma Spanos - 2nd
Isabella Johns - 3rd
Jess Leyden - Highly Commended

GRADE 5 HUMOROUS 246A

Tom Fryett - 3rd
Abbey Smith - Highly Commended

GRADE 5 HUMOROUS 246B

Isobel Amaya - 1st
Ava Walker & Lochlan Wells - Highly Commended

GRADE 6 RECITALS

Aili Smith - 3rd
Alex Jarman & Isabella Johns - Highly Commended

GRADE 5 RECITALS

Tom Fryett - 1st

IMPROMPTU READING GRADE 6

Isabella Johns - 3rd

IMPROMPTU READING GRADE 5

Will Barnes - 1st
Tom Fryett - 2nd
Abbey Smith, Samuel Lehner, and Ella Webber - Highly Commended

On the 12th May and the 15th May I did poems. My poems were “My Hampster has a Skateboard” and “What is Red?” I was very nervous and in one of my poems I mucked up but kept on going. It was really hard and very hard to learn my poem and I made it really hard by learning two. Also they pulled my up to do an impromptu reading.

The lights were bright and all the other poems were good. On the 15th of May we did a class poem. They were “Dog Poo” and “School Excursion”. I felt really nervous walking up the stairs and when we were lining up.

I can’t wait until next competitions, it will be so fun just like this one.

By Noah Spiteri
Grade 3

On the 12th of May some people from other classes and I went to the Earl Arts Centre to do our solo poems, serious and humorous poems and one impromptu reading. My serious poem was “The Owl and the Pussycat”. My funny poem was “Mother Doesn’t Want a Dog”, I looked “Mother Doesn’t Want a Dog” up on the computer. Then Mrs Morgan found my serious poem. I practiced them day and night.

On the 15th May my class went to the theatre to recite our class poem. Our serious one was “My School Excursion” and our funny poem was “Dog Poo”. I really like our poems that Mrs Morgan picked because they were long and funny.

With my solo humorous poem I was disappointed in my place because I didn’t get a placing! I cannot wait until next year!

By Lillian Barns
Grade 3

On Friday 12th May I performed my poem at the earl Arts Centre for the Launceston Competitions.

I was very nervous when I went on stage, but when I started I felt more excited. I like the Eisteddfod because I like learning things and showing people. This is the first time I have performed a solo in poetry.

I came 2nd in my impromptu reading. I was number 9 and was awarded 86%. Mum and I went BALLISTIC!!! For 2nd place I received a silver badge and I was also given a Merit Certificate.

I like my funny poem the best because I am good at that poem. I scored 83% and I was number 22. I think that my funnier poem was harder because it had lots of sentences and it was by Kenn Nesbitt.

My second poem was “Buckingham Palace” by A A Milne. I performed this poem first. I am not the best at that poem but still did well. Altogether I liked the Eisteddfod because I had fun.

By Lockie McInnes
Grade 3

GALLERY

Lucas and Alex Jarman were very successful at the Launceston Competitions: Lucas won 1 gold and 1 silver, Alex won 2 gold, 2 silver and 1 Highly Commended.

Poetry - all groups gained a place