16 November 2017

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

What do Grandchildren and joy have in common? The answer is that grandchildren bring so much pure joy to grandparents, as witnessed by our recent Grandparent’s Day. In chatting to our grandparents this joy was in the young lives they see before them, the hope held within these children just to live and enjoy life as it comes to them and for the flourishing of the child. The wisdom of grandparents is that joy can exist through the sheer being of the child.

Joy appears 88 times in the Old Testament and 57 times in the New Testament. We know that joy is a state of mind and an orientation of the heart reflecting a settled state of contentment, confidence and hope. Joy is something that is deep within and doesn't leave quickly, seen especially in the joy reflected by grandparents Joy is the second "fruit of the Spirit," according to Galatians 5:22. Joy is also an invaluable gift of God that radiates to others. “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

The First Eucharist candidates experienced the Life of Christ for the first time in the Eucharist at the weekend and this is a very precious experience; an experience that will deepen over time and allow joy to become a strong feature of being friends of Christ. The joy that is expressed in the Gospels is that joy that we are loved by God just as we are.

As the Pope has stated in Evangelli Gaudium ( The Joy of the Gospels):

“ I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since no on is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord.”

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.

Band Concert & Award Evening

Families leaving the school at the end of 2017

If your family is leaving St Thomas More’s at the end of 2017 could you please let Carol know ASAP via email: carol.seagar@catholic.tas.edu.au

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.

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.

Book Club

The final issue of Scholastic Book Club for 2017 will be issued shortly. If you would like any items kept aside for gifts please let me know and they will be left at the office for collection. If using LOOP, please mark as a “Gift Order” when ordering.

Regards,
Rebecca Thomas
Library

Back to School Book Lists

2018 Kinder & Prep Book Orders

A letter has been sent to all 2018 Kinder and Prep parents this week informing them of their child’s class for 2018. This is earlier this year in order for parents to be able to order their book lists as these classes have separate orders. Other students will know their class for 2018 on Orientation Day.

Book List Order Information

All students have received an information sheet regarding booklist orders through Officemax for 2018. These sheets are also available below for each grade.

Key points to keep in mind: 

• All orders submitted prior to the 10 December 2017 will not attract a freight charge – 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 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

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

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.

STM Techspot – Technology Addiction

Technology addiction is most certainly a real and present concern, and unfortunately it is not limited to adults. Whether it is an indication of real addiction or not, statistics tell us that young people in Australia are spending more and more time on devices as each year goes by. Below is a link to a website with a range of data collected by the ACMA regarding technology use among young people.

We know that spending too much time on devices, especially if it is an addiction, can have significant, negative impacts on our health. So how can we tell when it is becoming a problem? The website of the eSafety Commissioner tells us that it differs for each person, but if you notice that it is impacting negatively on your life (friendships, family, schoolwork, etc.) or your health (sleep and tiredness, mood, headaches, weight, etc) then this indicates that there is a problem with overuse of technology. Click on the link below to view the eSafety page regarding “Balancing Online Time’.

This website also has some links for you to get help if technology addiction is becoming a problem for your family.

Finally, Grade 5/6 parents, if you are finding that BYO iPads are causing problems at home with overuse, simply email your classroom teacher/s and they will keep the device in the classroom at the end off the day.

Sports Carnivals

ECE Carnival

On a fine, sunny spring day all the P-2 students competed with great skill and commitment to conclude the STM Athletics Carnival season. With the points being carried over form the Gr3-6 carnival at the end of Term 3, Chisholm house managed to maintain their advantage and take home the house trophy for 2017.

Racing was competitive and tight with a great deal of enthusiasm shown over a range of running, throwing and novelty event, with the undoubted highlight being the drama of falls close to the finish in the 3-Legged races in front of a large passionate crowd of spectators.

A big thank you to all who supported the day as well as all the staff, and Gr6 officials who made sure the day was a great success, and a final congratulations to all in Chisholm house for bringing home the house trophy for 2017.

NIJSSA Carnival

On Friday 3rd November the STM School Athletics Team travelled to St Leonards to compete in the annual NIJSSA Carnival. A superb all round performance by the team resulted in a third place finish, our highest for many years.

All competitors strove to perform to their best and under the watchful eye of Mr. Stacey, Mr. Healey and Mrs. Morgan a huge array of ribbons were collected. As it was such a great team performance it seems unfair to pick out individuals on the day, but a highlight for myself was the unexpected victory for the Gr5 Girls 4x100m relay team. A full list of place getters will be distributed once it has been received for the organizing school.

A huge thank you to all in the school community who volunteered to help out on the day. It is a big event with over 60 officials required, and it cannot run without the support from all schools.

Well done again and a special thank you from myself to all who ran, jumped and threw for the school this year.

Nick Stacey
HPE

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?

Newsletter

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

RWVP Card

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

How to apply for a RWVP Check & Number

• Complete the online application form via the link below:
• Print the “Application Receipt” which is generated when the application has been completed in full.
• Take the “Application Receipt” (and your 100 point check to confirm identity) to a Service Tas Shop and pay the fee.
• Take your RWVP 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 Assembly

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

Dates: 28th November, 12th December

End of Year Assembly and End of Year Mass

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.

End of Year Mass will also be held on Tuesday 19th December at 6:30pm at Sacred Heart Church, Newstead. All are welcome to attend. Please arrive no latter than 6:15pm as Mass will start promptly at 6:30pm.

UPCOMING EVENTS

THURSDAY 16 NOV - DEVELOPMENT BAND WORKSHOP
FRIDAY 17 NOV – SCHOOL FAIR
MONDAY 20 NOV - THURS 30 NOV - GRADE 1/2 SWIMMING
THURSDAY 30 NOV – BAND CONCERT REHEARSAL DAY
THURSDAY 30 NOV – PRIMARY SCHOOLS TRIATHLON CHALLENGE
FRIDAY 1 DEC - BAND CONCERT AT ST PATRICKS
THURS 7 DEC - 2018 ORIENTATION DAY 10:00am – 11:00am
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 @ 2:00pm
TUESDAY 19 DEC - END OF YEAR MASS @ 6:30pm – ARRIVE BEFORE 6:15pm
WEDNESDAY 20 DEC - LAST DAY OF KINDER W AND GRADE 6
THURSDAY 21 DEC - TERM 4 ENDS

2018 Term Dates

Term One: 8 Feb – 13 April
Easter: 30 Mar – 3 April
Term Two: 30 Apr – 6 July
Term Three: 23 July – 28 Sept
Term Four: 15 Oct – 20 Dec

Gallery

Grandparents Day

ECE Carnival

NIJSSA Carnival

Outside School Notices