2 November 2017

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

We have experienced a number of grandparents dying within the greater St Thomas More’s Community recently. Death is one of the more important elements in the quest for putting the whole of life into question and/or into perspective for all human beings. In experiencing the death of a loved one we all tend to be very aware of the purpose of their life, the celebrations and the struggles, and in turn often want to make our life meaningful for ourselves and others because we do not ever know the timing of our death. With All Souls Day this week we can take the time to pray for those close to us who have died.

With young people experiencing a loss of a grandparent it is advisable to tell the truth that the grandparent has died, and that we are all sad and this sadness may be seen by people crying or deep in thought. It is normal to feel this way and to express these feelings. Answer their questions honestly and gently and it is all right to also say you don’t have all the answers. When trying to explain spiritually where the grandparent is now that they are no longer visible, it can be said that their soul still lives on with God in Heaven. Remembering fond memories by talking, writing, drawing and praying can all help children with adjusting to the loss of a grandparent as well as moving to an understanding that life is about ‘life and death’ - a natural part of the process of life. “ Whether we live or die we are the Lord’s” (Romans 14:8)

“Those who have the strength and the love to sit with a dying patient in the silence that goes beyond words will know that this moment is neither frightening nor painful, but a peaceful cessation of the functioning of the body.”

Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (On Death and Dying, 1969)

“It is difficult to accept death in this society because it is unfamiliar. In spite of the fact that it happens all the time, we never see it.”

Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (Death: The Final Stage of Growth, 1975)

A Time for Everything

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3

Carol Seagar
Principal

CLASH – Band Practice/Primary Schools Triathlon Challenge

The Band Practice on the 30th November for the All Schools Band Concert is a compulsory practice. It is very unfortunate that this clashes with the Triathlon, but the Band Day has been organised and booked a year ahead to fit in with the schedule of the 5 Catholic Primary Schools and with St Patrick's College. If students were to miss this compulsory practice, it would have an impact on all other musicians and musical items for the event.

We ask that all students attend the band practice day ready for their performance the next night.

Fees

FEES: Thank you to all parents who continue to pay fees regularly through direct debit. Please be aware that at enrolment the signatories on the enrolment form continue to be responsible for fees even if family situations change.

Back to School Book Lists

With the closure of Birchalls, we have had to select a new provider for our Back to School requirements – OfficeMax is the supplier of choice with ‘on-line ordering’ being the method we have chosen. At the moment, we are busy finalising the grade list requirements and are hoping to ‘go live’ in the next 1-2 weeks. The process is very easy to follow, however if there are any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the office.

Here is an approximate timeline of procedures:

• Lists to be available, for on line purchasing, in early November– more information to follow
• All parents/carers will receive a step by step information sheet to assist with ordering on line
• All orders submitted prior to the 10 December 2017 will not attract a freight charge – therefore an incentive to get in early!
• Orders received after 10th December will incur a $12.95 (per family) freight charge

We encourage you to use OfficeMax for your BTS books as the school receives a percentage of sales from all orders. This money in turn benefits the students.

We will also introduce a new method of payment called zipPay. See details below.

Community Care Meal Roster

Our Community Care Meal Roster is almost filled. We just need a few more volunteers for Weeks 5,7,8,9, and 10. If you can help please email jacquie.wood@catholic.tas.edu.au

Kind regards,
Jacquie Wood
Teacher/ APRE

Fair News

Fair to-do list

Fair Poster

Fair Silent Auction

This year we are having an online auction in conjunction with our school fair. It will begin on 5th Nov and finish at 7pm on 12th Nov with the highest bid winning the item. We have some amazing prizes up for grabs. We will let you know the link on Facebook next week but feel free to add family and friends to the page. Any questions please contact Belinda Anderson 0447366455

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

Date of meetings: Wed 15 Nov.

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. 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 (please see attachments for The Mac Shop below) 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 was sent out on Wednesday 1st Nov.

iPads with Ed Discounts from The Mac Shop

Students Climbing Trees

We formally support children extending their learning and development via those who wish to, being able to climb a limited number of school trees, when adult supervision is offered.

We advise: Trees with our WHITE PAINT markings on their limbs, indicate that this is an approved tree for Kinder or Prep children, while trees with our YELLOW PAINT markings are for Grades 1 to 6 children.

These markings show the maximum height for a child’s feet, the rest of their body can be higher.

Know we have a process to inspect trees condition; reapply worn paint markings; and remind people of expectations.

If you child wishes to actively participate, please discuss with them related aspects below. Feedback is welcome to the Principal.

• Students once IN trees are to ‘climb down’, not jump out;
• Staff on duty can limit the number of trees being climbed at any time, if supervision is limited; and
• To get up into trees, DON’T place extra objects underneath (to be stood on). If needing help, children have another person give them a ‘hand grasp’ boost, or select another tree.

Student Medical Detail Changes

Please now consider for your child if since the last advice to the school, medical information has changed & hasn’t yet been advised to the school office.

Or you previously supplied an epi-pen; other medication; or similar…. which may have since expired, so a replacement is required?

First Eucharist Dates

NOVEMBER

Mass of Remembrance

CATHOLIC PARISH OF LAUNCESTON — MASS OF REMEMBRANCE

Thursday, 2nd November 2017 at 7.30pm in St Finn Barr’s Church, 247 Invermay Road,

An invitation is extended to everyone who has lost a loved one, especially during the last year to come along to our annual Mass of Remembrance. Relatives and friends are also invited to attend. You may wish to bring a photo or memento of your loved one and there will be an opportunity to place this at the altar during the Mass if you wish. You are also invited to stay for refreshments after Mass. All are welcome to join in this very special celebration of our faith. For further information, please contact the Parish Office on 6331 4377.

Fire Education Week

This week students from Prep to Grade 6 have been involved in Fire Education Lessons with Fire Fighter Aaron. Please see the below attachment for more information.

Newsletter

Please read our newsletter and all contents as it only comes out fortnightly.

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 via the link 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.

Grandparent’s Day

Grandparent’s Day is on Monday 13th Nov.

School Assembly & End of Year Assembly

School Assembly’s are held every fortnight at 2:15, all parents and friends are welcome to attend.

Dates: 14th November, 28th November, 12th December

End of Year school Assembly, with Grade 6 Presentation, will be held on Tuesday 19th December at 2pm. All Grade 6 parents welcome to attend.

UPCOMING EVENTS

FRIDAY 3 NOV - NIJSSA ATHLETIC CARNIVAL
MONDAY 6 NOV - PUBLIC HOLIDAY - LONG WEEKEND
SATURDAY 11 NOV - REMEMBRANCE DAY
SATURDAY 11 NOV – FIRST EUCHARIST
SUNDAY 12 NOV – FIRST EUCHARIST
MONDAY 13 NOV - GRANDPARENTS DAY
TUESDAY 14 NOV - BAND 2018 INFORMATION EVENING
THURSDAY 16 NOV - DEVELOPMENT BAND WORKSHOP
FRIDAY 17 NOV – SCHOOL FAIR
MONDAY 20 NOV - THURS 30 NOV - GRADE 1/2 SWIMMING
THURSDAY 30 NOV - CONCERT REHEARSAL DAY
THURSDAY 30 NOV – PRIMARY SCHOOLS TRIATHLON CHALLENGE
FRIDAY 1 DEC - BAND CONCERT AT ST PATRICKS
THURS 7 DEC - 2018 ORIENTATION DAY 10 – 11
THURS 7 DEC - CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
MONDAY 18 DEC – GRADE 6 LEAVER’S DINNER
TUESDAY 19 DEC - LAST DAY OF KINDER S
TUESDAY 19 DEC – GRADE 6 AWARDS ASSEMBLY @ 2:00
TUESDAY 19 DEC - END OF YEAR MASS
WEDNESDAY 20 DEC - LAST DAY OF KINDER W AND GRADE 6
THURSDAY 21 DEC - TERM 4 ENDS

2018 Term Dates

Outside School News & Events

Fred Hollows Humanity Award

To the Talbot Family,

Thank you for attending The Fred Hollows Humanity Award presentation ceremony last Tuesday.

We hope Abigail enjoyed the ceremony!

Thank you for your support of the 2017 Fred Hollows Humanity Award!

Basketball Grades 3-6

Thank you from Mrs Scharapow

On Behalf of the St Thomas More’s School Community, I would like to thank the following individuals and families for their passion, expertise and time given to our students preparing them to participate in the recent All Schools Basketball Tournament.

To the Coaches, we thank you.

To the Team Managers, we thank you.

To the players and their families, we thank you.

A special thank you must go to Ethan Crisp and Campbell Mackenzie -although you both were unable to play for your respective teams, you were there supporting and encouraging the whole way.

And lastly, to the Staff who cheered us on, we thank you.

Regards, Jess Scharapow

Thank you to Mrs Scharapow

The whole school community, particularly those involved in the Basketball over the last two weekends, thank Mrs Scharapow for all her hard work and commitment to ensuring this wonderful event was such a success for our school.

Gallery

Grade 3/4 Teams

Hervee won a gold medal in the University of NSW ICAS English Test. Well done Hervee.

Students singing during the Music Count Us In nation wide singing event.

Students receiving their certificates for Singfest.

Clubs, Camps and Playgroup