24 August 2017

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

In the Mission Statement of St Thomas More it states that:

“ we are empowered to live the gospel values of Respect, Integrity, Dignity, Justice and Empathy”.

To touch on respect, which is also the basis of our 3 school rules: Respect ourselves, each other and all property; means to have due regard for someone (in thoughts, actions and deeds) and in a Christian sense it is to respect any other for being a human being first. The Gospel of Matthew (7:12) states “so in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” The basis of this is love.

I witness our students enacting these values regularly and an example of this was the students interacting with each other while co-operatively building a hut with the Loose Parts Play.

Respect in our community is shown by our acknowledging the strengths of all students, guiding them to treat each other with understanding of differences and appreciating the diversity and richness we all bring to the school environment. We are civil with each other and use dialogue and collaboration; always considerate of others’ well-being. Wow! – yes we all do this as we interact with the students and staff and the community on a daily basis so being strong role models that they can learn from.

Thank you for the privilege of interacting with your children.

Carol Seagar
Principal

School Starting Time

A reminder that school begins at 8:50 and students do need to be in class and organised by 8:45, in order to help the day begin well for all students.

Hats

Due to alterations from the Cancer Council hats will need to be worn from the beginning of September – students will be reminded of this at Assemblies.

Math Relay

Mathematical challenges that pushed us to our limits
Astonishing speeds at which we answered the questions
Teams from other schools that we were competing against
Hilarious fun

Really hard try outs that we topped to get in the team
Excellent Mr Atkins who trained and encouraged us
Lovely organisers of the event
Around 20 questions to complete in 45 minutes
You can do it too next year if you are in Grade 5/6!

Singfest

Thursday 28th September

Our school choir will be busy this term as they prepare for Singfest 2017. Tickets for Singfest will be available from the Princess Theatre box office in Brisbane Street from Monday 7 August or by phone using credit card (with a small charge) on 63 233 666. There will be limited door sales on the night, cash only as there is no EFTPOS available. Tickets will be $10 per person. Concession tickets will be available for children two and under who sit on a parent's lap, or a companion cardholder for anyone in a wheelchair.

The concert will start at 6.30pm and conclude at about 8.00pm. Choir members will bring home a letter with more details closer to the event.

Natalie Zegveld
Music Teacher

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 AND GRANDPARENTS 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.***********

SOME PARENTS HAVE BEEN OBSERVED TURNING ACROSS ROADS INTO DRIVEWAYS WHEN PICKING UP AND DROPPING OFF STUDENTS. THIS IS NOT SAFE.

Community Care Meals

Face Book Consent

Please return the consent/refusal forms sent home with each child regarding chiildren’s images on Face Book.

Communication

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

Thanks, Carol

Newsletter

Please read our newsletter as it only comes out fortnightly.

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.

Too Sick for School?

Sometimes it's hard to know if your child is really coming down with something or just suffering a bout of Monday-itis.

For safety's sake, if your child seems unwell you should always keep them home from school and seek medical advice.

However, if they miraculously recover by 11:00am, ready to race around the backyard, keeping them in bed all day may send the message that staying home isn't nearly as much fun as going to school.

Either way, our Too Sick For School? chart (pdf 1725 KB) chart will help answer your questions about common childhood illness and how long sick kids need to miss school.

PLEASE NOTE: This information has been supplied by NSW Health and is not intended to replace a visit to your doctor if anyone in your family is unwell.

Bronchitis

Symptoms

Cough is the main symptom of bronchitis. Other symptoms are a runny nose, sore throat and mild fever. The cough is often dry at first, becoming moist after a couple of days.There may be a slight wheeze and a feeling of shortness of breath.

A higher fever (typically above 39ºC) may indicate pneumonia.

School or home?

Keep home from school until they are feeling better. Antibiotics may be needed.

How can I help prevent spread?

Cover mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing and dispose of the tissue in a rubbish bin (respiratory etiquette). Careful hand washing.

Chickenpox

(varicella)

Symptoms

Slight fever, runny nose, and a rash that begins as raised pink spots that blister and scab.

School or home?

Keep home from school for 5 days from the onset of the rash and the blisters have dried.

How can I help prevent spread?

Pregnant women and anyone with a compromised immune system (e.g. due to cancer or certain treatments) may require preventive treatment and/or exclusion for their own protection. Contact your local public health unit for advice. Immunise your child at 18 months of age against chickenpox. Immunisation is recommended for children at 12 years if they are not immune.

Conjunctivitis

Symptoms

The eye feels scratchy, is red and may water. Lids may stick together on waking.

School or home?

Keep home from school while there is discharge from the eye unless a doctor has diagnosed a non-infectious cause.

How can I help prevent spread?

Careful hand washing; avoid sharing towels. Antibiotics may be needed.

Diarrhoea (no organism identified)

Symptoms

Two or more consecutive bowel motions that are looser and more frequent than normal and possibly stomach cramps.

School or home?

Keep home from school until diarrhoea stops. (Wait 24 hours for little kids who may have trouble toileting.)

How can I help prevent spread?

Careful hand washing especially before handling food, after going to the toilet and after handling soiled clothing or linen.

Fever

Symptoms

A temperature of 38.5 oC or more in school-aged children.

School or home?

Keep home from school until temperature returns to normal.

Gastroenteritis

(not shigella. See separate section)

Symptoms

A combination of frequent loose or watery stools (diarrhoea), vomiting, fever, stomach cramps, headaches.

Home or school?

Keep home from school until diarrhoea/vomiting stops. (Wait 24 hours for little kids who may have trouble toileting.)

How can I help prevent spread?

Careful hand washing especially before handling food, after going to the toilet and after handling soiled clothing or linen.

German measles

(Rubella)

Symptoms

Often mild or no symptoms: mild fever, runny nose, swollen nodes, pink blotchy rash that lasts a short time.

School or home?

Keep home from school for at least 4 days after the rash appears.

How can I help prevent spread?

Pregnant women who may have been exposed to rubella should contact their doctor regarding the need for a blood test to confirm immunity. Immunise your child with MMR vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella at 12 months and 4 years of age.

Glandular Fever

(Mononucleosis, EBV infection)

Symptoms

Fever, headache, sore throat, tiredness, swollen nodes.

School or home?

They can go to school unless feeling sick.

How can I help prevent spread?

Careful hand washing, avoid sharing drinks, food and utensils, and kissing.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

(HFMD)

Symptoms

Generally a mild illness caused by a virus, perhaps with a fever, blisters around the mouth, on the hands and feet, and perhaps the nappy area in babies.

School or home?

Keep home from school until all blisters have dried.

How can I help prevent spread?

Careful hand washing, especially after wiping the nose and using the toilet, and respiratory etiquette (covering a cough or sneeze and disposing of tissues in a rubbish bin).

Hay fever

(Allergic rhinitis) caused by allergy to pollen (from grasses, flowers and trees), dust mites, animal fur or hair, mould spores, cigarette smoke.

Symptoms

Sneezing, a blocked or runny nose (rhinitis), itchy eyes, nose and throat, headaches.

School or home?

They can go to school unless they feel unwell or are taking a medication which makes them sleepy.

How can I help prevent spread?

Hay fever is not infectious. However, good hygiene standards (hand washing and respiratory etiquette) are always recommended when coughing and sneezing.

Head lice or nits

(Pediculosis)

Symptoms

Itchy scalp (sometimes), white specks stuck near the base of the hairs; lice may be found on the scalp.

School or home?

They can go to school as long as head lice management is ongoing. See Removing head lice and nits.

How can I help prevent spread?

Tell the school. Family, friends and classroom contacts should be examined and managed if infested.

Impetigo

(School sores)

Symptoms

Small red spots change into blisters that fill up with pus and become crusted; usually on the face, hands or scalp.

School or home?

Keep home from school until antibiotic treatment starts. Sores should be covered with watertight dressings.

How can I help prevent spread?

Parents of children who may have had contact with impetigo should look for signs of infection and seek treatment if symptoms develop.

Careful hand washing especially after changing dressings. Avoid sharing toilet articles, towels, clothing or bed linen. Consider using anti-bacterial soap for bathing for two to three weeks. Avoid scratching or touching the lesions to prevent spread to other parts of the body.

Completing the recommended antibiotic course is very important.

Influenza

Symptoms

Sudden onset fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough, muscle aches and headaches.

School or home?

Keep home from school until well.

How can I help prevent spread?

Careful hand washing and respiratory etiquette (covering a cough or sneeze and disposing of tissues in a rubbish bin). People at higher risk of influenza complications are eligible for free influenza vaccine under the National Influenza Vaccination Program.

Measles

Symptoms

Fever, tiredness, runny nose, cough and sore red eyes for a few days followed by a red blotchy rash that starts on the face and spreads down the body and lasts 4 to 7 days.

School or home?

Keep home from school for at least 4 days after the rash appears.

How can I help prevent spread?

For unvaccinated family members or people who have come in contact with your child – contact your local public health unit for specialist advice. Immunise your child with MMR vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella at 12 months and 4 years of age.

Meningococcal Disease

Symptoms

Sudden onset of fever and a combination of headache, neck, stiffness, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness or rash.

School or home?

Seek medical attention immediately. Patient will need hospital treatment.

How can I help prevent spread?

Close contacts receive antibiotics as they are most likely to be carrying the bacteria in their nose and throat.

The local public health unit will provide information about the disease to contacts. All contacts should be aware of the symptoms of meningococcal disease and should see a doctor urgently if symptoms occur. Immunise your child at 12 months of age against serogroup C meningococcal disease.

Mumps

Symptoms

Fever, swollen and tender glands around the jaw.

School or home?

Keep home from school for 9 days after onset of swelling.

How can I help prevent spread?

Immunise your child with MMR vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella at 12 months and 4 years of age.

Runny nose

School or home?

They can go to school unless there are other symptoms such as fever, sore throat, cough, rash or headache.

Small children who have trouble wiping their own nose clean may need to stay home.

How can I help prevent spread?

Careful hand washing, especially after wiping the nose and respiratory etiquette (covering a cough or sneeze and disposing of tissues in a rubbish bin).

Scabies

Symptoms

Itchy skin, worse at night. Worse around wrists, armpits, buttocks, groin and between fingers and toes.

School or home?

Keep home from school until 24 hours after treatment has begun.

How can I help prevent spread?

Wash linen, towels and clothing worn in the past 2 days in hot water and detergent. Tell the school. Family, friends and classroom contacts should be examined and managed if infested.

Whooping Cough

(Pertussis)

Symptoms

Starts with a running nose, followed by persistent cough that comes in bouts. Bouts maybe followed by vomiting and a whooping sound as the child gasps for air.

School or home?

Keep home from school until the first 5 days of an antibiotic course has been completed.

How can I help prevent spread?

Unimmunised contacts may be excluded until treated with an antibiotic. Immunise your child with DTP vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis at 2, 4, 6 months, 4 years and 15 years.

Letting the school know

If your child is too sick for school (or absent for any other reason, including arriving late or leaving early), please let the teacher or school admin staff know by phone, email, SMS or written note as soon as possible, and within seven days.

Tasmanian Catholic School Parents Council

Visit the link below to view your newsletter:

Change of Details & Medication

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.

Also please check your child’s medication is not out of date and that the school knows about current circumstances/allergies/illnesses, etc.

P & F

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

Fair Coordinators; Belinda Lehner and Belinda Anderson

Dates of meetings: 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.

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 below
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.

Basketball

Dear Parents

Northern Tasmanian Primary School Basketball Championships

Gr3/4 21st and 22nd October 2017
Gr5/6 28th & 29th October 2017

St Thomas More's would like to again enter teams in the Primary Basketball Tournament. At this stage, and depending on player interest we would be aiming to enter teams in Grades 3/4 Girls, 3/4 Boys, 5/6 Girls and 5/6 Boys.

The Gr3/4 roster is set for the weekend of 21/22 October at either Elphin Sports Centre or St Patrick’s College, and the G5/6 roster to be played the following weekend 28/29 October and Elphin or St Patrick’s College.

This tournament is open to all students of any playing ability, with 3 divisions of teams on offer in 2017. Once we get student entries in, we will endeavour to place students into teams based on Grade and ability.

We will be looking for volunteer coaches, managers, score attendants to assist both prior to, and during the tournament.

Three training sessions will be held at St Patrick’s College on Sunday 10th, 17th and 24th September at 10:00-11:00am. Teams are welcome organise and use our St Thomas More’s courts at lunchtimes, weeknights or weekends for additional training convenient to their coach’s availability.

Basic Requirements:

• Being available to play on the weekend of the tournament.
• Available to train (St Patrick’s College Gym) on Sundays
• Basketball Tasmania requires team fees and player insurance (if not already affiliated), hence parents are asked to pay a fee of $50 for non-affiliated players or $40 for Basketball Tas. affiliated players.
• Support of parents, families and friends to volunteer for the mentioned positions.
• Uniforms – playing tops will be provided, and students should wear blue PE uniform shorts, suitable socks and footwear.

Please return the attached form with the appropriate entry fee ($40/$50) in cash or EFTpos to the office by Monday 4th September. Details of teams and further notices will be finalised once the relevant information comes to hand.

Should you have any questions or enquiries please contact the school office or email jessica.scharapow@catholic.tas.edu.au

Kind Regards,
Mrs. Jessica Scharapow

Please fill in the page below and return to school along with the entry fee by Monday 4th September. Please note money must be paid when submitting the registration form.

UPCOMING EVENTS

FRIDAY 1 SEPT – FATHERS DAY BREAKFAST
THURSDAY 7 SEPT – BOARD MEETING, 7.00PM
WEDNESDAY 13 SEPT – PARENTS & FRIENDS MEETING, 7.00PM
TUESDAY 19 SEPT – STRINGS SOIREE
WEDNESDAY 20 SEPT – ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
THURSDAY 21 SEPT – STRINGS SOIREE
THURSDAY 28 SEPT - SINGFEST
FRIDAY 29 SEPT – COLOURS DAY; END OF TERM 3
MONDAY 16 OCT – STUDENT FREE DAY
TUESDAY 17 OCT – TERM 4 STARTS
FRIDAY 17 NOV – SCHOOL FAIR

Fathers Day Stall and Breakfast

Our Fathers Day Stall will be held on Thursday 31 August. Please bring $5 to Kinder Stephens by Wednesday 30th to earn a raffle ticket for the chance to win a bonus prize for your dad.

Our Fathers Day Breakfast will be held on Friday 1 September starting at 7.45am.

Outside School News

Woolworths Earn & Learn Program has started, so collect your stickers, put them on the sticker sheet and post them in the box provided outside the office. Please fill the sheet before sending in. The more we sheets we collect the more great stuff we will get for the school.

Gallery

The Addams Family Review

Congratulations to Jackson Rockcliffe on his winning medal in the UNSW Digital Technologies exam.