Message from the Principal
Our school is a place of faith and learning
Dear Parents and Families,
We warmly welcome everyone back to school and hope that you all enjoyed a lovely break.
We are always delighted to see the children and enjoy listening to their holiday stories.
This weekend, we remember the ANZAC story and share a prayer for all those who served in the defence forces in the past and who do so today. We acknowledge the sacrifices made to ensure we are a land of opportunity.
A memorial service will be held this Sunday at the cenotaph and numbers will be limited. A wreath will be placed at the steps of the cenotaph to honour the men and women who served our nation in times of war, however, our children will not be able to participate in the ceremony.
It is most important we continue the tradition and honour the memory of lives lost or harmed during war, both physically and emotionally.
May we not forget and may the spirit of the ANZACS continue to dwell amidst our community.
We particularly remember the men and women who serve in the RAAF and who form part of our school and local community. We especially acknowledge those currently being deployed overseas.
Lest we forget
CONFIRMATION
This weekend, Commitment Masses will be held for children in Year 6 preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation. We ask that you keep these children in your prayers. The first parent/child workshop will be held next Tuesday, April 27th 2021 at the Cathedral.
CONFIRMATION
The sacrament will be celebrated on May 23rd 2021.The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the three sacraments of Christian initiation.
Confirmation completes Baptism, by which in the laying on of hands and the anointing with Chrism Oil, which first happened at Baptism, we are confirmed with the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
We are reminded of our participation in the ministry and mission of Jesus, and strengthened to follow Jesus more closely.
COVID Safety Audit
This week, we participated in a COVID Safety Audit. This was completed by staff from the Infectious Diseases department of the Department of Health.
They acknowledged our efforts and all that was being done to ensure our practices were appropriate to stop the spread of the virus.
We remind families to use the QR scanner when visiting the school or to sign in using the paperwork provided for contact tracing purposes.
We also remind families that if your child presents unwell at home that they remain at home until their symptoms are resolved. Children who present unwell at school will be sent home.
Again, we need to ensure we practice good hygiene and regular washing of hands and ask all families to remind their children of these good habits.
Interschool Equestrian Championships Werribee
We are delighted to announce that Matilda March participated in the recent Interschool Equestrian Championships at Werribee during the holidays. Matilda was very successful and has returned with the title of State Champion in the Show Jumping Event. Well done to Matilda and her family for their support. It is a big enterprise taking the horse and float to the competition. Matilda has shared her love of horses and riding since starting with us in Foundation and it is great to see one of her goals realised.
Congratulations Matilda!
School uniform
All students are asked to be in their winter uniform by May 3rd 2021. A reminder that the school jacket may be worn over the jumper for extra warmth but cannot replace the school jumper.
The jacket may be worn as a part of the sports uniform.
Once again we remind children to tie hair back if it is shoulder length and accessories are to be in the school colours.
The school hat is also to be worn until the May 3rd date, inline with our Sunsmart policy guidelines.
Thank you.
Mother’s Day Stall
The P&F will run a Mother’s Day stall this year and COVID Safe protocols will be in place for this event. The stall will run on May 4th and 5th, 2021. Details will be shared by the P&F as the date draws closer.
Enrolments and Open Days
Please know that Open Days will coincide with Catholic Education Week and will begin on May 25th and continue until May 27th at the following times:9am and 10.30am.
Enrolment Interviews will take place in the following week.
If you have a sibling ready to start school in 2022, please fill in the enrolment form and book an enrolment interview time via the website or contact reception. It is most important we know sibling numbers so that we can determine the amount of places available for new families.
Posters have been distributed to kindergartens and information is available on the school website. If you know of anyone wishing to enrol their child at St Thomas’ please direct them to reception or the website.
Thank you
Enjoy your weekend.
Anita and Staff.