1 June 2017

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

As you know being a parent is a blessing but can also be a huge challenge. It is an area of life that we wish to succeed in very well but can often be an area that gives us the greatest concerns. Over the years in observing many families I have come to the realisation of a few truths: the way we interact with our children, even more than what we say to them teaches them how to think about relationships, life, morality and priorities. Part of this interaction is touch: Our children first encounter the reality of our love and of God’s love through our loving touch as babies. Interestingly now neuroscience has discovered that physical affection stimulates nerve growth in the brain where empathy, understanding facial cues, moral reason and compassion develop. The second observation is that when adults actively listen to their children and take a genuine interest in the child’s conversation, it seems to allow the development of inquisitive people who have a desire to embrace and learn from the world. With this comes a deep respect for our world – our God created world. Finally, when parents place boundaries around expectations for respect, treatment of others and age-appropriate behaviours we see the development of reasonable adults who are not too egotistical and who understand that in any community there are structures and rules established for our safety and for our progressive educational development.

Request for help: We now have two substantial eating breaks – one at 10:50 and the second at 1:00. It is more beneficial for students to have two ‘lunches’ for these eating breaks rather than one lunch and one snack time. With healthier food intake there is recognised research that this helps focused learning.

Spinners: Unless your child has a required need for a sensory toy to help them focus and learn we ask that all spinners be kept at home. You can discuss this need with your child’s teacher.

Carol Seagar
Principal

Communication

Please fill out our survey on school communication so we can refine the processes if needed.

Thanks

Carol

Reconciliation

Please keep these children in your prayers. They experienced the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Tuesday 23 May at Sacred Heart Church, Newstead at 7pm.

A little background on the Sacrament of Reconciliation…

Reconciliation is a Sacrament that helps us to experience God’s constant love and forgiveness. When we make poor choices we hurt ourselves even more than we hurt others who may be affected by our actions. When we are hurt, we need healing. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a Sacrament of Healing. It is meant to make us feel better. When we are reminded that we are loved by God, we learn that we are good and precious in God’s sight. This love helps us to believe in ourselves and make choices that are worthy of our good nature. We can start afresh and try to be our best selves.

School Photo Day – 26 June

• Photo packs have been sent home with children.
• Family Photo Envelopes are available at the office – family photos cannot be ordered online.
• Family Discount applies to families with 3 or more children in Catholic schools. Discount cannot be claimed when ordering online, please go to www.msp.com.au/tasmania.
• Photo envelopes need to be returned by Photo Day.

STM Techspot – Smart phones/iPads that have a data plan

We are aware that many students, especially in grades 3-6, are bringing smart phones or iPads (tablets) that have a SIM-card. These devices are capable of connecting straight to the Internet, independent of Wi-Fi, via the 3G/4G connection that they have (unless there is no data included on the plan/prepaid). We understand that many parents provide their child with a phone in order to communicate directly with them, and we feel that this is reasonable. However, a major concern for us as a school and a community would be if these smartphones or iPads had ‘unrestricted’ access to the Internet through a data plan.

If you fall into this category we strongly encourage you turn mobile data use off for all apps that don’t require it or could allow unsuitable material to be accessed/searched for – particularly Safari and other Internet browsers. Step by step instructions to do this on an iPhone/iPad are below (if your child has a different brand of smartphone/tablet contact Kurt via kurt.atkins@catholic.tas.edu.au for advice):

1. Open Settings
2. Select Mobile
3. Scroll down and turn off all apps except for those that you are sure will not allow unsuitable material to be accessed (turn off Internet browsers e.g. Safari – Safari will still work when connected to Wi-Fi)
4. Go back to the main settings page
5. Select General
6. Select Restrictions
7. If you have already enabled Restrictions (hopefully you have done this already) enter your Restrictions Passcode, if not, turn on restrictions and enter a code (use a different code to the unlock screen code - you must not forget this code – DO NOT tell this code to your child)
8. Once in restrictions, scroll down to and select Mobile Data Use
9. Select Don’t Allow Changes (this will stop the apps you turned off before from being turned back on)
10. Press the Home Button (round button at the bottom of the iPad/iPhone screen)
11. Check to make sure this process has worked by trying to access something on Safari when connected to 3G/4G. If it has worked, nothing should come up on Safari.

As I have mentioned in previous articles, an adult should always closely monitor devices that are capable of connecting to the Internet and strict Restrictions should be applied in the Restrictions section of Settings. It is important that we trust our children, but they are naturally inquisitive creatures and allowing unsupervised Internet access is simply asking for trouble.

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

Education Council News

A Day Made Better – School Staff Nominations

It’s that time of year again – our annual ‘A Day Made Better’ awards program, for Staff working in schools, is open for voting.

There are 10 prizes nationally and one for Tassie - the prize is valued at over $6000, so well worth supporting this wonderful program.

Nominations close – 23rd June

As per previous years, winners are determined on the quality of the nomination not just numbers.

MYTERN – Working out your strongest PETS

When your children are on a red road it’s easy to say, find a Personal Emotional Tool that will help to make you feel better, but often they don’t know what PET to use.

Family Activity: It’s important to discuss with your children the different PETS that they can access when their road feels really rough, especially when they are not at home. Here are some ideas to start a discussion. Add as many new ones as you can, as the more there are, the better!

Pocket PETS: can be created for the younger children to have in their pocket so that they can access them at any time – a small toy; a laminated picture of their favourite toy/friend/dog/holiday; an inspirational photo; a special rock or crystal

Invisible PETS: are the ones that you keep in your head. It could be a song, a memory, a joke – anything that is strong enough to make you feel better.

Friendship PETS: could be a hug from your teddy bear or your favourite toy; a talk with a family member or friend; playing with your dog/pet

Giving PETS: being able to make someone else feel better

Exercise PETS: having a skipping rope or ball in your bag can be a good idea for those who need to move to feel better. Exercise PETS are often better done on your own.

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: http://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.

**********Campbell Street pickup: can ALL parents please abide by known road rules when picking up students - no parking on yellow lines and 5 minute pick up and drop off only. If you pick up slightly later at 3:10 - 3:20 there is space for parking.***********

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

Confirmation and First Eucharist 2017

Parents who wish to present their children for the Sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist this year are invited to attend the Parent Information Meeting on Tuesday 20th June at 7.30pm in Sacred Heart Church, Newstead. There will be one preparation program for Confirmation and First Eucharist. Confirmation will be celebrated on the 30th August and candidates will then continue their preparation for First Eucharist to be celebrated on the weekend of 11th & 12th November. For further information please contact our Sacramental Co-ordinator Rosie Caelli on 6331 4377 or email: apostles@bigpond.com

Tuesday 20 June Information Evening for Confirmation & First Eucharist – all parents/guardians intending to register a candidate for

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

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

FRIDAY 2 JUNE – KINDER 18 APPLICATIONS CLOSE
MONDAY 5 JUNE – BAND SOIREE
THURSDAY 8 JUNE – STRINGS SOIREE
MONDAY 12 JUNE – LONG WEEKEND
TUESDAY 13 JUNE – NIJSSA CROSS COUNTRY
THURSDAY 15 JUNE – BOARD MEETING, 7.00PM
TUESDAY 20 JUNE – INFORMATION EVENING FOR CONFIRMATION AND FIRST EUCHARIST
THURSDAY 22 JUNE – FEAST OF ST THOMAS MORE
MONDAY 26 JUNE – SCHOOL PHOTO DAY
THURSDAY 29 JUNE – FOUNDATION BAND & STRINGS WORKSHOP

Launceston Competitions

Congratulations to all our primary students who participated in the Speech & Drama section of the 2017 Launceston Competitions. Students were able to prepare and present a Serious Recital or a Humorous Recital, or were able to do an Impromptu Reading (or do a combination of these). All achieved scores in excess of the Merit Standard of 80%, performing at a very high standard. Importantly, all participants gained much from their application to rehearsals over several weeks as well as their ability to perform under the pressure of an on-stage setting with a public audience. The growth of public speaking skills through this process has been quite outstanding and these skills are an invaluable life-skill to be fostered and developed.

Results from Speech and Drama

Friday morning 12th May

CLASS 257A RECITAL Grade 3 & Under.
1. Olive Baker SRYT, 2. Lillian Barns STM, 3. Molly Hargreaves STM

CLASS 257B RECITAL Grade 3 & Under.
1. Lucas Jarman STM, 2. Jenna Harwood STM, 3. Audrey Green SRYT, HC. Josephine Chambers STM

CLASS 248A HUMOROUS RECITAL. Grade 3 & Under.
1. Georgia Harmey STM, 2. Jenna Harwood STM, 3. Grace Ebbelaar STM

CLASS 248B HUMOROUS RECITAL. Grade 3 & Under.
1. W. Campbell Hodge STM, 2. Lucas Jarman STm, 3. Victoria North STM, HC. Lucy Williams STM/S. Kirschbaum

CLASS 267 IMPROMPTU READING. Grade 3 & Under.
1. Jessica Lehner STM, 2. Lachlan McInnes STM, 3. J. Chambers/R. Howell STM

Results from Speech and Drama

Friday afternoon 12th May

CLASS 256 RECITAL Grade 4.
1. Harry Lignier STM, 2. Holly Miller STM, 3. Bella Gerke SRYT HC. Eliza Duigan STM/ Brigid Kok-Connors STM

CLASS 247A HUMOROUS RECITAL. Grade 4
1. Lydia Allen SFB, 2. Eliza Duigan STM, 3. Henry Greig STM HC. Emily Reardon SFB/ Iona Hamilton SOC

CLASS 247B HUMOROUS RECITAL. Grade 4.
1. H. Sullivan Arkless STM, 2. Ruby Karas STM, 3. Freddy Saxton STM/ Brigid Kok-Connors STM, HC. Holly Miller STM/ Harry Lignier STM

Speech and Drama results

Saturday morning May 13th

CLASS 245A HUMOROUS RECITAL. Grade 6.
1. Oscar Tiernan, 2. Alex Jarman, 3. Lola Eastaugh LCGS/ Thomas Wise SRYT, HC. Milla Garvey SFB

CLASS 245B HUMOROUS RECITAL. Grade 6.
1. Chloe Davis SRYT, 2. Emma Spanos STM, 3. Isabella Johns STM, HC. Jess Leyden STM

CLASS 246A HUMOROUS RECITAL. Grade 5.
1. Molly Tanton SRYT, 2. Stephanie Dunphy SOC, 3. Thomas Fryett STM, HC. Abbey Smith STM/ Mackenzie Buck SOC

CLASS 246B HUMOROUS RECITAL. Grade 5.
1. Isabel Amaya STM, 2. Amelia Corrigan SOC, 3. Millie O’Sign SOC, HC. Ava Walker STM/Xavier Nesbit SOC/ Lachlan Wells STM

Speech and Drama results

Saturday afternoon 13th May

CLASS 266A IMPROMPTU READING. Grade 4.
1. E. Darby-Rodriguez STM, 2. Eliza Duigan STM, 3. Sophie Anderson STM / Kayla Hendriksen STM

CLASS 266B IMPROMPTU READING. Grade 4.
1. Hervee Sulllivan-Arkless STM, 2. Amy McFarlane SOC, 3. Ava Pankiw STM, HC. Freddy Saxton STM

Speech and Drama results

Sunday morning 14th May

CLASS 254 RECITAL Grade 6.
1. Chloe Davis SRYT, 2. Lola Eastaugh LCGS, 3. Aili Smith STM, VHC. Oscar Tienan, HC. Alex Jarman/Isabella Johns STM

CLASS 264 IMPROMPTU READING. Grade 6.
1. Lola Eastaugh LCGS, 2. Oscar Tienan, 3. Isabella Johns STM, HC. Sophie Lamb LCGS/Chloe Davis SRYT/ Patrick Best LCGS

CLASS 292 CREATIVE INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMME. Primary.
1. Summer Tatnell, 2. Alex Jarman

CLASS 255 RECITAL Grade 5.
1. Thomas Fryett STM, 2. Kate Rigby SRYT, 3. Summer Tatnell/Evie Holloway SFB

CLASS 265 IMPROMPTU READING. Grade 5.
1. William Barns STM, 2. Thomas Fryett STM, 3. Summer Tatnell, HC Abbey Smith STM/Samuel Lehner STM/Ella Webber STM

Speech and Drama results

Sunday afternoon 14th May

CLASS 303 PREPARED SPEECH PRIMARY.
1. Alex Jarman

CLASS 324 CHARACTER DUO OR TRIO. Grade 6.
1. Chloe & Bella SRYT, 2. H. Murphy, W. Stewart & L. Snell LCGS

CLASS 307 IMPROMPTU SPEECH PRIMARY.
HC. Demi Petterwood

CLASS 280 MIME SOLO, DUO OR TRIO IN COSTUME . Grade 6.
1. Alex Jarman

Speech and Drama results

Monday morning 15th May

CLASS 331 GROUP SPEAKING. Grades 5/6.
1. Sacred Heart Gr 6 McLeod, 2. Sacred Heart Gr 5 Steven, 3. St. Thomas More’s 5/6 O/A, VHC St. Thomas More’s 5/6 P / Sacred Heart Gr 5 Hood

CLASS 333 GROUP SPEAKING. Infant School.
1. Sacred Heart Gr 2 Reid, 2. Sacred Heart Gr 2 Crawford, 3. St. Thomas More’s Prep Greig / Sacred Heart Gr 1 Hegarty

On Friday night a special award ceremony was held at the Earl Arts Theatre for students who entered in all of the above sections to receive extra recognition. When their scores were totalled the children with the highest aggregate in their Grade level received a trophy. St Thomas More’s won every Grade (and yes other schools were entered) highlighting again the enormous talent we have at our school.

Grade 3: Lucas Jarman
Grade 4: Hervee Sullivan-Arkless
Grade 5: Tom Fryett

Congratulations to Elena Darby-Rodriguez for receiving the Judges Award for Exceptional Talent in Drama.

Elena Darby Rodriguez, Lucas Jarman, Eliza Duigan (Representing the school for receiving the overall highest aggregate trophy), Hervee Sullivan Arkless and Tom Fryett

All Grade 4 students also performed in the mime sections of the competitions, thus allowing all students to participate without the worry of learning lines. Working in small drama groups children had to develop and act out a scene showing a beginning, middle and end storyline within a two minute time frame; Again all students received a merit and the difference between first and highly commended was three marks.

First Place: Mummy Me Time: Phebie Leslie, Max Pearce and MacKenzie Kilby
Second Place: The Terrible Customer: Bronte Lignier, Alycia Twynam-Perkins and Alex Towns
Third Place: The Busker: Ava Pankiw, Kyan Peck and Sophie Anderson
Highly Commended: The Tennis Match: Freddy Saxton, Henry Greig and Tom Limbrick
Highly Commended: The Disagreeable Puppet : Bridget Kok-Connors & Ruby Karas

A number of students have entered Creative Writing pieces in the Competitions and are awaiting feedback on their work. Other students have entered various sections privately and Junior School choirs will sing in the coming music part of the Competitions.

GALLERY

Futsal winners – Grand Final winners holding trophy; Runners Up with medals

On Monday forty five students, in seven teams, competed in the Launceston Futsal Competition. For the first time there was a Girls Division and STM entered two teams. All the students performed well and it was great to see the improvement and understanding of the game increase with every game played. The sportsmanship displayed was fantastic and the encouragement and supportive attitude that our students displayed towards each other was very pleasing.

At the end of the tournament three teams competed in the Grand Final matches. The Gr 6 Girls were Runners Up. The two Gr 5 Boys teams played each other in the other match and it was close and exciting with the result going down to the last four seconds when the winning goal was scored.

Congratulations to all the students who participated and represent STM so well and many thanks to Mr Nick Stacey for organising our teams.