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- Message from the Principal
- Term Dates, Public Holidays and School Closure Dates
- Important Dates Regarding Buses
- Important Sport Information -Term 1
- SCHOOL FEE INFORMATION
- COVID Safe Measures in Schools
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION / REMINDERS TO PARENTS
- Merit Awards
- Second Hand Uniform Shop
- Sion Campus Update
- Community Notices
Our school is a place of faith and learning
Dear Parents and Families,
It is always important to remember the primary purpose or the core business of schools, i.e. the education of our children and ensuring their safety and wellbeing. With Christ at the centre of what we do and say at St Thomas’, our faith is lived and shared within our school community and beyond. We teach our children to have a healthy respect for themselves, their friends, family, the wider community and environment. We teach them to come to know and love God and to recognise God’s presence in the words and actions of those around them and within the beauty of the world that surrounds them. We teach them to be the visible presence of Christ through word and deed.
Our vision exemplifies this purpose, “Our school is a place of faith and learning”.
Our school wide expectations uphold the pillars of Respect, Resilience and Safety.
Our motto of Loyalty, Faith and Truth is displayed on our uniform. Phrases and words that provide the framework for the teaching, learning and interactions that take place at St Thomas’.
Indeed, in reflecting upon our purpose, we focus our attention on a positive year and we congratulate our children for the way in which they have settled into the term.
As the world around us presents us all with challenges at this time, we centre our thoughts on our students, their learning, friendships, overall wellbeing and nurturing faith, knowledge and love of God.
Lord, we place our trust in you.
Child Safety
We remind families to be mindful of traffic conditions at the start and end of the day. Police have reminded local schools of the need to be safe on the road whilst walking, riding and driving to school and to observe local laws and regulations as displayed on signs. They remind families not to park at the entrance of driveways after receiving a number of complaints from residents who live near local schools.
With respect to St Thomas’, the council has today placed another sign along the “Kiss and drop off” zone on the Raglan St bicycle lane nature strip. In this way, parents/guardians and carers utilising this zone are aware of the times and expectations within this space. Please look out for it.
You are unable to park between both no parking signs. (Signs 2 and 3) at the following times. Between 8am to 9.30am and 2.30pm and 4pm. This will be the designated pick up and drop off zone within the bicycle lane that runs along Raglan St.
Traffic patrol has shared the following information regarding the current and new sign. It can be found on the Vic Road website.
No parking signs
If there is a 'no parking' sign, you can stop for 2 minutes in that area:
- - if you are picking up or dropping off passengers or goods
- - you stay within 3 metres of your vehicle.
If you stop in, or partly in, an area showing a no parking sign and you are not picking up or dropping off passengers or goods, you are considered to be parked and can be fined. This is the case even if you stay with your vehicle.
No stopping signs
If there is a 'no stopping' sign, you are not allowed to stop or park your car in, or partly in, that area for any reason. Dropping off or picking up passengers or goods in a ‘no stopping’ area is not permitted.
The Traffic Patrol Team will be very vigilant in monitoring traffic flow around schools, particularly along Raglan St and will be issuing infringement notices.
Parking spaces along Raglan St are found towards the RAAF base and on the opposite side of the school crossing. Again, please check signs for times and available spaces.
Parking spaces are also found along Guthridge Parade. Please check signs for when and where it is appropriate to park.
Swimming Trials / Carnival
Please know that swimming trials/Carnival will be held on Thursday, February 17th, 2022.
We look forward to a busy day and I sincerely thank Mrs Duffield for ensuring the day can continue and our students still have the opportunity to take part in a Modified Carnival and Swim Trial program.
Students will complete their trials and participate in novelty events as individual year levels, before returning to school and the next year level arriving.
We will have exclusive use of the pool for students, staff and volunteers.
Permission forms can be completed on PAM.
Foundation “Drop Off and Pick Up Arrangements”: Beginning next week, Monday February 14th, 2022
After discussion with Foundation teachers, we are slightly altering arrangements for Foundation classes.
In the morning, students are welcome to make their way to classrooms with their siblings from either gate: Raglan St, Gumnuts or Admin foyer gate.
The Community Room will also continue as a drop off point where students will be greeted by Mrs Little and Learning Support Officers and then directed towards their classrooms. Their classroom teachers will be waiting for them, Foundation students can arrive from 8.40am as classrooms open at this time.
We congratulate all our Foundation Students for the way they start each day.
At the end of the day:
NO CHANGE: All Foundation students will continue to be dismissed from the Community Room at 3pm. Siblings will join them at this time.
Rapid Antigen Tests
Please know that your children will be bringing home their second set of Rapid Antigen Tests today. Please check school bags. If your child is absent today, please contact the school and we will arrange for them to be sent home next week.
Year Levels
Please know that any communications with families about their child’s grade will be accompanied by the name of their classroom teacher/s to avoid any confusion with class labels.
Class |
Teachers |
Foundation A |
Mrs Grace Goudie & Mrs Rosie Phillips |
Foundation B |
Mrs Jen Brayshaw |
Year 1 A |
Mrs Michelle Irwin |
Year 1 B |
Miss Jess Brown |
Year 2 A |
Ms Colleen Bennett |
Year 2 B |
Miss Maddi Cameron |
Year 3 A |
Mrs Nicki Bourbaud & Mrs Mary Wilson |
Year 3 B |
Miss Nardene Manning & Mr Duncan Arnup |
Year 4 A |
Miss Bianca Grundy |
Year 4 B |
Miss Justine Shields |
Year 5 A |
Mr Tony Capurso & Mrs Mary Wilson |
Year 5 B |
Miss Lauren Madeley & Mrs Vicki Colley |
Year 1 A |
Miss Prue Berry |
Year 1 B |
Mrs Teagan Morelli |
We welcome Mrs Mary Wilson to our staff. Mrs Wilson joins Year 5 this week and will be working with Mr Capurso in Year 5. She will teach Year 3 on Wednesdays, when Nicki Bourbaud has leadership release time.
We hope you all enjoy a lovely weekend.
Take care and God Bless.
Anita and Staff
Term Dates, Public Holidays and School Closure Dates
2022 SCHOOL TERM DATES
TERM 1 - Wednesday 2nd February - Friday 8th April
TERM 2 - Tuesday 26th April - Friday 24th June
TERM 3 - Monday 11th July - Friday 16th September
TERM 4 - Monday 3rd October - Tuesday 20th December
SCHOOL CLOSURE DAYS 2022
Tuesday 26th April | Student Free day |
Friday 24th June | Student Free day |
Monday 31st October | Student Free day |
Tuesday 20th December | Student Free day |
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Monday 14th March | Labour Day |
Monday 25th April | ANZAC Day |
Monday 13th June | Queens Birthday |
Tuesday 1st November | Melbourne Cup |
Important Dates Regarding Buses
IMPORTANT DATES FOR BUSES
BUSES 2022
Buses will not run on the following days in 2022
Friday 10th June 2022
Monday 11th July 2022
Friday 25th November 2022
Important Sport Information -Term 1
Important Sport Information -term 1
Swimming carnival
The annual swimming carnival for students in grades 3-6 will be modified this year in light of current restrictions. The event will take place on Thursday 17th of February at the Sale Swimming Complex. Students will be attending the pool in separate year levels with their classroom teachers to complete their swimming program over the course of the day. Competent swimmers in grades 4-6 will have the opportunity to swim in the 50m freestyle, backstroke and breaststroke events. Students in year 3 as well as students in year 4-6 who are not confident swimmers will have the opportunity to swim a 25m event. All students will participate in fun novelty events whilst at the pool. This year’s carnival will focus on fun and participation whilst still providing an opportunity for our swimmers to showcase their skills and progress to the district event. If you have any concerns about your child’s swimming ability or the swimming program please do not hesitate to contact me or your child’s classroom teacher. Please ensure you take the time to read and complete the event information that was sent home via PAM earlier this week. Unfortunately due to current restrictions placed on us spectators are unable to attend this event.
CARNIVAL PROGRAM:
YEAR LEVEL |
SESSION TIME (Including bus travel) |
EVENTS taking place |
Grade 3 |
9.05 - 10.30am |
25m or 50m Events (50m Pool) Freestyle/backstroke/breaststroke (non-swimmers will be supported in the water. Kickboards and noodles will also be available for students to use) Novelty Events & Games (shallow pool) |
Grade 4 |
10.15-11.50am |
|
Grade 5 |
11.30- 1.20pm |
|
Grade 6 |
1pm - 2.40pm |
VOLUNTEERS
A limited number of volunteers will be able to attend the swimming carnival. If you would like to assist with starting, timing, recording or water safety at our swimming carnival, please contact me via email (gduffield@sttsale.catholic.edu.au). All volunteers will need to have a current WWC card, completed the school induction and be fully vaccinated.
SSV State team selection trials
School Sport Victoria (SSV) State Team trial registrations are currently open for the following sports; netball, basketball, soccer, AFL and cricket. These trials are not a ‘come and try’ but for talented individuals who are currently playing high level representative sport. In order to attend a regional trial, students must be endorsed by the school and complete the online registration process. Parents are responsible for transporting their child to the event and paying the $25 registration fee to SSV. If you would like your child to be considered for these trials please collect and complete an expression of interest form from Mrs Duffield. Nominations close on the 1st of March. To be eligible students must be 12 years and under as of the 31st of December 2022.
SCHOOL FEES
Annual Statements were emailed yesterday.
Payment options include: Direct Debit, BPay, Credit Card, Cash or Cheque.
If you wish to pay in Term Instalments please divide your total account into 4 equal payments and
ensure that Instalments are paid before the end of each Term.
If you are the holder of a current Health Care Card you may be eligible for CSEF and HCC Concession
– please request the Application Forms from the Office.
Please email cjohnson@sttsale.catholic.edu.au if you have any queries.
FEES 2022
Family Fee 1 Child |
$1870 + $235 Capital Fee |
$2105 |
Family Fee 2 Child |
$2070 + $235 Capital Fee |
$2305 |
Family Fee 3 Child |
$2270+ $235 Capital Fee |
$2505 |
Family Fee 4 Child |
$2270 + $235 Capital Fee |
$2505 |
Per Student Levies - in addition to Family Fee listed above |
|||||||
|
Prep |
Yr.1 |
Yr.2 |
Yr.3 |
Yr.4 |
Yr.5 |
Yr.6 |
Curriculum |
$180 |
$180 |
$180 |
$180 |
$180 |
$180 |
$180 |
Activity |
$135 |
$135 |
$135 |
$135 |
$135 |
$135 |
$155 |
Camp |
|
|
|
$140 |
$140 |
$350 |
$530 |
Total Year Level Levy |
$315 |
$315 |
$315 |
$455 |
$445 |
$655 |
$855 |
You will receive your 2021 Annual Fees & Levies account via Email this week.
There are many payment options available – Direct Debit, BPay, Credit Card, Cash/Chq.
If you don’t have an on-going Direct Debit arrangement in place already, and you wish to use the payment option, please Email apiasente@sttsale.catholic.edu.au or cjohnson@sttsale.catholic.edu.au to commence payments.
CAMPS, SPORTS & EXCURSIONS FUND (CSEF)
CSEF is provided by the Victorian Government to assist eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.
If you hold a valid means-tested concession card or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible for CSEF. The allowance is paid to the school to use towards expenses relating to camps, excursions or sporting activities for the benefit of your child.
If you applied for the CSEF at this school in 2021, you do not need to complete and Application Form in 2022. If any changes have occurred during 2021, and you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact cjohnson@sttsale.catholic.edu.au
Application forms are available from the Office.
Concession is available for CSEF recipients.
CONVEYANCE ALLOWANCE If you travel by private car, more than 4.8km (one way) to school, or the nearest designated bus stop that services the school of the denomination of your choice, you may be eligible for Conveyance Allowance. Please contact the Office for information |
IMPORTANT INFORMATION / REMINDERS TO PARENTS
Children presenting unwell at school will be sent home and asked to remain home, until symptoms have resolved.
Children presenting with COVID symptoms will also be sent home and are asked to remain at home until symptoms have resolved. They need to complete a rapid antigen/PCR test. If testing positive they are to notify the school.
- Fever,
- Chills & Sweats,
- Cough,
- Sore throat,
- Shortness of breath,
- Runny nose
- Loss or change in sense of smell or taste
- Headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea may also be considered.
MEDICATION SIGN-IN REGISTER
Any prescription medication that a child needs take during school hours must be signed in at the school office. NOTE: All medication must be prescribed by a Medical Practitioner and have the child’s name and dosage on the bottle/package.
Head Bumps
Parents will be notified by phone if their child receives a bump to the head or injury to the eye whilst at school.
Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Allergies, Diabetes
Please ensure Medical Management plans are current and forwarded to the school.
Asthma puffers, epi pens and other specific medical equipment necessary for your child to have at school can be forwarded to classroom teachers or the office staff.
Wearing of masks
Children in Years 3-6 are to wear masks to school unless an exemption applies.
Student in Foundation to Year 2 are encouraged to wear masks, but not required.
All students visiting the school are required to wear masks indoors.
Sacraments
Please know that if you wish to enrol your child to receive either the sacrament of Reconciliation, First Eucharist or Confirmation this year , please contact the St Mary’s Cathedral Office or the school.
NO SMOKING
SMOKING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS IS TOTALLY PROHIBITED
FRONT OFFICE ENTRANCE
Children are asked not to enter or leave the school via the front office entrance unless accompanied by an Parent/Guardian.
VPASS SIGN IN & OUT REGISTER
All parents and visitors to the school must sign in and out using the VPASS QR Code or ipad that is located at the school office. This includes any time where you will be present in the school for a period of time.
The VPASS ipad also allows you to sign out children who will be leaving the school early (eg.dentist appointment, sickness). If the child will be returning the same day, you will also need to sign them back in using the ipad.If you are bringing your child to school after 8.55am, it is also necessary to fill in the late arrival section of the ipad. Office staff can help you if needed.
VISITORS
All Visitors, Contractors and Casual Staff entering a DOSCEL school will also be required to sign in using the Vpass QR code or app on the ipad.
SCHOOL ABSENCES
All absences are to be entered via your PAM account. This information is required for the school attendance roll, which is a legal document. In the event of long term absences, due to illness or holidays, a note is to be sent to the principal outlining the dates and reason for the absence. The principal will then inform the classroom teacher. This process will guarantee that children are accounted for and avoid unnecessary concern.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION CARDS
Please ensure that the your child's Emergency Information card is up to date as soon as possible. The information card is available through PAM parent links or you can request a hard copy via email reception@sttssale.catholic.edu.au
If your child's medical needs change throughout the year, please update your PAM account and notify the school. Please also ensure that you have at least 2 emergency contacts as well as parent details. It is important that we have a person to contact in an emergency that lives locally and is not a parent. This person(s) is only contacted if we are unable to contact parents, who are obviously our first point of call.
Buses
Children travelling by Country Bus are dismissed from the classroom at 3.10pm and assemble at the front of the school at the Gumnuts gate. After being checked off the bus list, a teacher will then walk them to Sale College to board their bus.
Cars
Children being picked up by cars are to leave via the Raglan Street or Guthridge Parade exits. The duty teachers will dismiss children as parents arrive. Children are to use the school crossings where necessary and no child is to cross the road unaccompanied by an adult.
The area along Raglan Street marked with white lines is a ‘kiss and drop’ zone only. You may stop, drop off or pick up your children and immediately leave the zone. You cannot park and leave your car. If you do so you may receive a fine. Police and Council Officers do a regular check of the area.
Please do not double park when dropping off or collecting children. This is an extremely dangerous practice, which puts children at risk of an accident. Children will be discouraged from getting into cars that are double-parked. Parents are asked to abide by the road rules to minimise the risk of danger to children.
After School Care
A form is available on the PAM parent links or you can request a hard copy from reception for parents requesting after school care. It is important that the school is kept informed of students using these services and any changes to your child’s routine. If your child is booked into after school care but is not attending, please ensure both the after school care service and the school are notified.
Walking
If children walk home, it is important that parents advise them of the safest route home. Please ensure that your child is old enough to walk home unaccompanied and is familiar with the road rules.
LUNCH BOXES
If you are sending your child to school with yogurt, meat, cheese or any food that needs to be chilled, please include an ice-pack in your child’s lunch box. No refrigeration is available.
SUPERVISION
We ask that children do not arrive at school prior to 8.30am.
Supervision begins at 8.30am. We understand there may be disruptions to morning routines at home, but we encourage families to ensure children arrive to school by 8.55am. Gates are closed at 9am.
Children are to be collected no later than 3.30pm.
PARENT/TEACHER COMMUNICATION
Parents are encouraged to contact the principal or staff members at any time to discuss matters about their children or school. It is vital that the lines of communication are kept open between home and school. Please understand however, that staff members often have commitments before and after school, so it is advisable to make an appointment at a mutually convenient time, to ensure you receive sufficient time and attention.
CUSTODIAL ARRANGEMENTS
We ask parents to keep the school informed of custodial arrangements/intervention orders that impact their child.
CLASS REQUIREMENTS
Children should have with them all items that were outlined in the book-list. In addition they need to bring an art smock and a library bag. Parents are asked to make sure stationery requirements are updated as required.
All purchased items are to be brought to school at the beginning of the year. The teachers will store excess pencils, pens, glue sticks etc. and distribute them to the children as needed throughout the year.
All student belongings are to be clearly and permanently labelled.
EMERGENCY DRILLS
Emergency evacuation and lock-in drills are carried out regularly. The assembly point for evacuations is the south west corner of the school oval. When the warning siren (or continuous ringing of hand bells) sounds, everyone must report to the oval, be accounted for,
and await further instructions. When the Lock-In siren is sounded all children and adults must return to the appropriate classroom or work area and follow the outlined instructions. This includes all parents and other visitors to the school.
School Uniform
Please know that all students are asked to wear their full summer uniform detailed below.
Sport days will be forwarded to families via classroom teachers as days will differ for classes.
UNIFORM
Boys - Summer:Grey shorts, white shirt, school jumper (navy), grey school socks with stripes, black leather shoes or elastic-sided school boots.
Girls - Summer:School summer dress, school jumper (navy), short white socks (above ankle), black leather shoes or elastic-sided school boots.
Parents are asked to ensure that their child/ren come/s to school each day in the correct uniform. Black leather shoes or elastic-sided boots only may be worn as school shoes.
The sport uniform is to be worn on designated days only. All students are to wear short, above the ankle, plain white socks with the sport uniform.
Every student must have the school hat to wear at recess and lunchtimes during the summer season. As a Sun smart school, we adhere to the guidelines set by the Anti Cancer Council. You will be notified when the period for not wearing hats will begin.
Jewellery is to be limited to one pair of studs or sleepers for boys and girls. Watches may be worn to school, but bracelets, rings and necklaces are not allowed. If there are special circumstances (eg. medical) for your child to wear an item you will need to discuss the matter with the Principal. This rule exists for safety reasons.
We particularly remind children to adhere to the rules around keeping hair tidy. All shoulder length hair is to be tied back for girls and boys. Hair ties are to be of school colours, yellow or navy. Hair dye or blonde tips are not permitted and parents are asked to respect this part of the uniform policy.
There have been some questions around the nature of school shoes. School policy outlines black leather shoes are to be worn at St Thomas’.. We prefer the formal school shoe, either lace up or velcro straps, however, we are aware there are a number of black leather shoes that retail as school shoes. Black suede skater shoes or canvas shoes are not school uniform items. Sneakers are to be worn on sports day only.
We ask you to assist us with ensuring the uniform is worn correctly. Teachers will remind children of the protocols regularly as the new school year gets underway. Children without hats will need to remain in the shaded verandas of the quadrangle.
SECOND HAND UNIFORM SHOP
The uniform shop will be open by prior arrangement only. Please contact Anna on 0419 117 649
Congratulations to the following students who received Merit Awards this week.
Merit Awards
Foundation A - | Archer Rose and Audrey Zidarich |
Foundation B - | Rylee Skeen & Louis Bristow |
Year 1 A - | Xavier Kennedy and Mackenzie George |
Year 1 B - | Hudson Bateman & Holly Kirkland |
Year 2 A - | Audrey Wilson & Jensen Fraser |
Year 2 B - | Claudia Gunn & Bella March |
Year 3 A - | Taj Schuback & Olive Scott |
Year 3 B - | Parker Jagielka & Elena William |
Year 4 A - | Emiley Bennett, Ella Missen & Amanda Harris |
Year 4 B - | Amelia Jinesh & Tyler Harrison |
Year 5 A - | Logan Fox & Annah McKenzie |
Year 5 B - | Caylan Ganitis & Ollie Lucieer |
Year 6 A - | Olivia Wilson & Arwen Shingles |
Year 6 B - | Dakota Edwards |