7 September 2017

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

It was a true delight to be present when our young sacramental candidates received their Confirmation as a gift by the grace of the Holy Spirit. The Archbishop explained to the candidates that the Holy Spirit cannot be seen however we can experience it when we are filled with it. He asked them to become people of the spirit in all that they did.

The primary purpose of the Holy Spirit coming into our life is change. The Holy Spirit’s role is to mould us into the image of Christ so that we may live in His likeness. The Archbishop asked that these young people are guided by the gifts of the Holy Spirit: awe, reverence, courage, knowledge, understanding, discernment all leading to wisdom; a wisdom centred on and inspired by Christ.

“ That Spirit of truth whom the world can never receive since it neither sees nor knows him; but you know him, because he is with you, he is in you.” (John 14:17)

Thank you to the many fathers who attended our Father’s Day Breakfast Celebration. There is something very special about seeing so many dads with their children interacting in our school garden area. It was a pleasure to serve you all.

Many thanks to the women who helped cater for the Father’s Day breakfast. I really appreciate this small band of dedicated mums who continue to enable our school to provide the functions that make our community very welcoming.

Carol Seagar
Principal

Father’s Day Gallery

Holiday

Student holiday Monday 16 October - there will be no staff at school on this day.

Confirmation

Congratulations to the children who were Confirmed last Wednesday evening at the Church of the Apostles:

Jasmine Smart, Lachlan McInnes, Elena Darby-Rodriguez, Felix Darby Rodriguez, Scarlett Morrison, Subi Daly, Hugh Daly, Maya Daly.

The liturgy was a beautiful celebration of the Sacrament that confirms the children's Baptism and prepares them for their First Eucharist later in the year.

Please keep our Sacramental candidates in your prayers during this important time in their Faith Journey.

Kind regards,
Jacquie Wood
Teacher/ APRE

Fees

Thank you very much to all families that are paying school fees on a regular basis. This is very much appreciated, and ensures that we are able to continue to provide well for the students.

Playground

Playground development – our P & F have organised three quotes and plans for the latest redevelopment of the school play area. These will be on display in the school foyer for your comment. Students will be consulted via classroom teaching in the next few weeks.

Mrs Richardson’s Farewell

On Tuesday we farewelled Mrs Richardson as she retires from St Thomas More’s after 19 years of service. We had a lovely assembly where Mrs Richardson’s skills as a proactive member of our community were shared, recognised and appreciated. We all wish Mrs Richardson well in the years ahead.

Science Awards

Congratulations to our UTAS Science Investigation Award Winners.

This year we entered 18 Grade 5/6 Projects into the Northern Science Investigation Awards run by the University of Tasmania. We have entered this competition three years running and have done very well as a school. This year was no exception. Our award winners are listed below:

Augustin Sullivan-Arkless - 1st Place Grade 5
Ella Webber - 2nd Place Grade 5
Demi Petterwood - Highly Commended Grade 6
Will Barns & Carlo Ferraro - Finalist
Sienna Manson - Finalist

Well done to our Award Winners, Finalists and to all of the students that answered difficult questions from the judges, exuded confidence and represented our school so well on the day.

Science Investigation Award Winners

Ipads 2018

BYO iPads @ STM in 2018

Dear Parents of Grade 4 Students

In 2018 we will be continuing our one-to-one BYO iPad program in Grade 5/6. For next year’s program the school will not be offering the outright purchase of iPads through the school. The main reason for this is that iPads can now often be bought cheaper when stores have sales on Apple products. Our educational pricing discounts can’t match 10% or more off. Therefore, we ask that you keep an eye out for good deals on iPads and purchase one for your child for Grade 5/6 next year. Refurbished iPads can also be purchased; these iPads are often considerably cheaper than a new iPad with the same specifications. Many stores that sell Apple products now allow parents to buy iPads with the 5% education discount. These stores include The Mac Shop and JB HiFi.

IMPORTANT: St Pat’s request that iPads have no less than 32GB memory. Also, from 2019 iPads will be used to do NAPLAN online. iPad Minis are not suitable for this purpose and therefore both St Thomas More’s & St Pat’s ask that iPad Minis are not purchased. iPad Airs, iPad Air 2s, the new iPad and iPad Pros are all suitable.

We will offer a lease-to-buy option for those parents that do not want to buy the iPad outright and will also still offer an iPad for use at school only, if you are unable to buy an iPad at all.

LEASE-TO-BUY OPTION

Our Lease-To-Buy option allows you to pay out your iPad over a 40-week period in fortnightly instalments if you do not wish to buy the iPad outright. It is important to note that this would work out to be more expensive than buying the same model iPad outright. The iPad would also not be available for pick up until the first week of school in 2018.

We will be offering the new iPads on our Lease-To-Buy option. The iPad will come with a cover and a screen protector. Info regarding prices for this option will be sent out soon.

Injury Free Day

Wednesday 18 Oct 2017

Audience: All Schools and Early Learning Centres K-8

Injury Free Day is Wednesday October 18 this year. It is an annual event that aims to highlight safety and encourage school communities to be safe at school and at home - and to pass these lessons onto their families.

It promotes the importance of injury prevention awareness in the preschool, school and community. KIDS Foundation encourages preschools and schools to always strive to be Injury Free. However, during October, Community Safety Month, the Injury Free campaign is delivered to preschools and schools nationally to place an extra emphasis on the importance of injury prevention. Did you know that each year an average of 35,000 children visit hospital emergency departments and many more are injured and treated at home?

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

Newsletter

Please read our newsletter as it only comes out fortnightly.

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.

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.

UPCOMING EVENTS

THURSDAY 7 SEPT – BOARD MEETING, 7.00PM
WEDNESDAY 13 SEPT – PARENTS & FRIENDS MEETING, 7.00PM
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

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.

Traditional Irish Dancing

Classes for children and adults
Trevallyn and East Launceston
Competitions not compulsory
Opportunities to perform
Emphasis is on fitness, friendships and FUN!!!
New class for “Tiny Tots 3-4 years” may run in Term 4 is sufficient numbers (min 6). Parents welcome to join this class as well.
Phone or email Aileen Poynter: 0418 501 732, poyntdel@bigpond.net.au

Volunteer to host an international student

BRING HOME A BIG BROTHER OR SISTER AND BRING FRENCH, ITALIAN OR SPANISH CULTURE TO LIFE!

Why not volunteer to host an international student from France, Italy or Spain next year? We have a small group of delightful students coming to Australia for 11 weeks to immerse in local Australian culture, experience our High schools, sports, environment and lifestyle. All these international students are around 15 or 16 years old, speak excellent English, have their own spending money, cover all school expenses, and we arrange all aspects of their program. They are looking forward to joining an Australian family for a short term cultural immersion stay. It’s fun and interesting to help these young people achieve their Australian dream. If you would like to know more, please email your interest to ICM on info@icm-education.com.au or call Georgie or Anja on 1800 500 501, or visit our website.