8. 19th March, 2015 - St Thomas The Apostle

ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE
Telephone: 9434 4565
Fax:
9432 0415
251 Diamond Creek Road
Greensborough North, 3088
No 8
19th March 2015
Dear Friends of St Thomas,
Today Michelle Zeally facilitated a session for parents on speech patterns in young students. It is helpful to
understand how speech plays such a critical role in all aspects of learning particularly literacy and especially
comprehension. Socially, speech gives students the capacity to engage in conversation that can give them success,
especially on the playground. When children have the gift of language, their capacity to find a friend, play
successfully and respond to conversations is high. When this development is slow, children can feel frustration and
excluded from others. They will often withdraw from social opportunities. This is often a cause for poor
behaviour when speech is not a successful way of communicating a message. It is similar with hearing loss.
Children will remove themselves from conversations when they feel they lack the auditory skills needed to
respond.
Give your child every opportunity to develop their speech.
Applaud their conversations when you notice the introduction of
new vocabulary. Explore the sound of words and recite poems.
These are an excellent tool in strengthening muscles in the mouth
and in the brain. Tongue twisters are also a great tool. The Dr
Seuss poems are excellent for this purpose.
Michelle works at St Thomas one day a week and is an excellent
source to talk to if interested in speech support. Michelle has some
excellent handouts left at the office from her session yesterday.
Parents are most welcome to take a copy.
Phonological Awareness (PA)

The ability to attend to and manipulate sounds with words.
*A slide from Michelle Zeally’s

Early literacy skills.
presentation yesterday.
Phonological awareness is the biggest single predictor of future
literacy success.
PREPARATION FOR EASTER
Today the Year 1 and 2 students performed their rendition of the Passion Play. The teachers tell me their
knowledge has grown immensely in the area of deepening their understandings of the passion of Jesus and
ultimately the Resurrection. Each year our hope is that the children grow more aware of this important liturgical
season.
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
On Tuesday evening we celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation with our Year 3 students. We understand that
Jesus waits for us in this Sacrament. This experience is a personal encounter with Him. After we receive this
Sacrament, children have a wonderful feeling of resuming their journey with renewed strength and a sense of joy.
I thank Father Michael McEntee and the priests who came to support us last night, Father Terry Bergin, Father
Owen Doyle and Father Vincent Le.
Also thank you to Maria Smith, the Religious Education Coordinator and the Year 3 Team - Coral Scobell,
Dolores Hodgkins and Christine Moore.
Our Year 3 students will now be preparing for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion which they will receive
in Term 3. This is a the moment of closest encounter with the Lord through the Eucharist. In Year 3 they
certainly deepen their understanding of their Sacramental journey and their membership to the Church.
Year 5/6 SCHOOL CAMP INFORMATION EVENING
On Wednesday night we spoke to families about our planned camp arrangements for early Term 2. A school camp
is an excellent opportunity for students to have some time away from home, building relationships
with students. On these camps we encourage students to be in varied groups and to rely on each
other through a range of interactive activities. The more students discover new relationships and
learn to get along with different people, the more resilient they become. We learn more about
ourselves from difference. Our friends nurture us but discovering the qualities of others, less
known, is such a strengthening experience. Teachers will be encouraging students to experience
some
challenging activities and learn to rely on each other. For example activities like rock
climbing rely on the person holding ropes. It is about building trust.
Our Outdoor Education Policy also extends to the juniors. The year four students will experience
one overnight stay at Holy Cross in Templestowe in October.
At the meeting last night it was also mentioned that our plans are to take the Year 5 & 6 students
to Canberra next year. We expect that this will be scheduled for Week 2 in Term 2, 2016.
ST PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATIONS
For those of us with even a hint of Irish in the blood… Happy St Patrick’s Day for Tuesday.
It is a tradition with our Catholic schools here in Melbourne to celebrate a Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral and then
this is followed by a celebration in the Fitzroy gardens. Mrs Sholly went with several students across the levels to
represent our school and I believe they had a wonderful day. Below are students on the steps of St Patrick’s
Cathedral. There is much we can learn historically about St Patrick’s Cathedral. I recommend all families take their
children to visit St Patrick’s Cathedral as it is steeped in tradition and has many signs and symbols of our faith
throughout.
Between 1801 and 1900, more than
seven million people migrated from
Ireland. Many of these made their
homes in Victoria. It was largely from
the pennies and pounds of these Irish
Catholics that arose our magnificent
St Patrick’s Cathedral in East
Melbourne. They brought with them
their particular spirituality and cult of
saints. St Patrick, is the beloved
patron of Ireland.
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
PARISH EDUCATION BOARD
A note was distributed earlier this week with regard to a vacant position on the Parish Education Board. We
invite parents to nominate for this position. Our Annual General Meeting will be held next Tuesday at
7:30p.m. At this meeting we will present any nominations put forward. There are six meetings a year and at each
meeting we look at educational matters that impact on our school. This is an advisory Board to the Parish Priest
and Principal. After each meeting the Principal’s Report is published in the school newsletter and spare copies are
available for the office.
GRANDPARENTS’ DAY
Grandparents’ Day - Thursday, 26th March.
We look forward to sharing this time with many of our grandparents. There will be
some parents directing traffic before our service at 12:00 p.m. I ask all parents to remind
their families to keep an eye out for these parents as we have quite a crowd on these
occasions. Traffic congestion and confusion can happen quickly.
Please refer to the flyer in this newsletter for more information regarding
Grandparents’ Day.
A FEW THOUGHTS TO CONSIDER

Will the school holidays be planned in such a way that the children will have balance, including some
reading, sports activities, etc. Keep an eye on the use of computer games as we know these are easy
babysitters.

Start looking at the winter uniform. We have a month into the new term before we make the change.

The SCA currently have a Hot Cross Bun drive. Remember, all fundraising will go to the Library section
of our Discovery Centre this year. Every packet of buns sold could be the purchase of a new book!

Consider nominating for the Parish Education Board. There are six meetings across the year.

The school will close at 2:30p.m. on Friday. 27th March. This means an early pick up, otherwise
OSHC is available from 2.30pm.

If you are planning to leave earlier on the last day due to holidays, could you please inform the teacher earlier. If your holidays extend into the new term, please give the teacher an official note.

Have you any lost items of school clothing? The lost property bin is already growing rapidly.

In preparing for winter uniforms, don’t forget to label new items of clothing.
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
OPEN MORNING
A thank you to our Leaders.
I thank the Leadership Team who have supported these mornings over this
term. I particularly acknowledge our Student Leadership Team who were
so helpful on these occasions. They are great representatives of our school
and the new families were so impressed with their maturity and professionalism.
VERTICAL TUTOR GROUPS FOR OUR BOYS
In conjunction with our Student Well Being Coordinators, we are piloting some vertical tutoring. This involves
some younger boys being given a mentor from the Leadership Team who support them on the yard and teach them
effective ways to play and engage with others. This sets up new connections, friendships and a great sense of caring for others.
Caring underpins all positive relationships as outlined by Seligman (2012, p20), who
explains that very little that is positive is solitary. Teaching boys to interact in a
positive manner with each other, building caring and positive relationships is essential
for them to go on and have productive, positive lives, in meaningful relationships with
others. The Jubilee Centre for Character and Values(201#) states: “schools should aim
to develop confident and compassion students who are effective contributors to
society, successful learners and responsible citizens” (p1).
Education Today, Term 1 2015, p23
BOOK OF THE WEEK
When I’m Feeling Scared
by Trace Moroney
Sometimes children feel scared over small matters. This book teaches
children that many things we think are scary, aren’t scary at all.
This book is aimed at the junior levels.
There will be a series of new books purchased for the Parent Library
over the school holidays.
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
IRISH BLESSING FOR THE WEEK
May God give you…
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise, And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.
PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
May you live these Lenten days
Not in purple penitential denial
But in joyfulness of the intimate embrace
Of your Blessed God.
May you hear on the Lenten winds
Your Beloved calling you daily
To go apart from your routine time
To spend desert time with your God.
Then your heart can be freshly aflame
With a lover’s delight in your God.
May you have a blessed and grace-filled
Lenten season so as to be a new person.
Cheers
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
Diary Dates
MARCH
15th -22nd
19th
25th
24th
24th
26th
26th
27th
27th
(Updated 19/3/15)
Catholic Education Week – “Seek God with all your heart”
Holy Week Reflection, Year 1 & 2, 12.15pm
Feast of the Annunciation
Open Morning, 9.30 -11.00am, Prep 2016
PEB AGM, 7.30pm
Grandparents Day – Prayer Service and Activities beginning at 12pm
Hot cross bun orders—’for collection ’& delivery to classrooms’ .
Collect orders between 2.15pm and 2.45pm in the office foyer.
Prep Easter Bonnet Parade, 9.00am
End of Term 1, students finish at 2.30pm
APRIL
13th
Term 2 commences for staff and students, 8.45am
MAY
1st
4th
4th
8th
10th
14th
16th
17th
19th
19th
22nd
31st
Year 5/6 Camp Rumbug, Foster
School photos, (winter uniforms only)
SCA Meeting, 7.30pm staffroom
Mother’s Day “High Tea”
Mothers Day
Year 1 & 2 Extended Day Program
Presentation Mass for children preparing for First Eucharist
Presentation Mass for children preparing for First Eucharist
PEB Meeting, 7.00pm
Prep 2016 interviews commence
In-service – No students
Working Bee, 9.00am – 12.30pm
13th
15h
20th
21st
22nd
23rd
29th
30th
SCA meeting, 7.30pm staffroom
Beginning of Term Mass – 10.00am
Assembly, Shared learning, Yr 5/6
Open Morning, 9.30 -11.00am
Prep 2016 Information Evening, 7.00pm
Anzac Day Prayer Gathering, 10.00am
Year 5/6 Camp Rumbug, Foster
Year 5/6 Camp Rumbug, Foster
JUNE
1st
12th
12th
12th
13th
14th
16th
17th
26th
SCA Meeting, 7.30pm
Feast of Sacred Heart, Mass, 10.00am
School Reports sent home today
SCA Social Night for families
Commitment Mass – Yr 6 Confirmation Candidates
Commitment Mass – Yr 6 Confirmation Candidates
Parent Teacher Interviews
Parent Teacher Interviews
End of Term 2, students finish at 2.30pm
JULY
13th
22nd
25th
26th
28th
Term 3 Commences
Reflection on the Sacrament of Eucharist, 7pm
First Eucharist, 6.00pm
First Eucharist, 10.30am
PEB Meeting, 7.30pm
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
END OF TERM REMINDER
Just a reminder that the school term ends on
Friday, 27th March at 2:30 pm.
OSHC is available if you are unable to collect your children at
2.30pm.
ICY POLE ROSTER
Icypoles are on sale this Friday, 20th March.
Cost is 50c each.
Helpers rostered on this week are:
Jaimie Rotin, Barb Carr, Suzi Tanfara, Linda Wein, Dani Fletcher,
Susan Key, Carly Broadbent, Kellie Schmidt.
EASTER RAFFLE
3 tickets for $5.00
3 great hampers to be won
which include either a
$300, $200 or $100
Rebel Voucher
and
lots of chocolate!
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
GRANDPARENTS’ DAY
Slide Show Request
Please email Mr Wals, a photo of your child’s grandparents, to be used in the slideshow
that will be shown at the Grandparents’ Day Prayer Service on Thursday 26th March.
Please, only one photo per grandparent. Email to:
matthew@stgreensboroughnth.catholic.edu.au
PREP ENROLMENTS 2016
We are currently accepting enrolments for Prep 2016. Current families wishing to enrol a younger sibling are requested to stop by the office and collect an enrolment form.
When submitting a Prep Enrolment Form for 2016 please ensure you attach a copy of the
lowing:

Birth Certificate

Baptism Certificate

Immunisation Certificate **
fol-
** This certificate can be obtained by contacting Medicare directly /by phone or by downloading from the Medicare website.
PREP 2015— REMINDER—OUTSTANDING CERTIFICATES
A number of 2015 Prep families received a phone call requesting outstanding birth, baptism and/or
immunisation certificates for our records. If these could be forwarded to the office asap it would be
greatly appreciated.
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
CLASSROOM HELPERS
As you are all aware, we at St Thomas’ value and appreciate the support that we receive from our parent
community. Part of that ongoing support has been the fantastic contribution of our classroom helpers in Literacy
and Mathematics learning sessions.
If you wish to help in your child's classroom and have completed the workshops, currently or in the past, (taken by
Anna Sonza), you can speak to the classroom teacher and advise them of your desire to help and what day suits
you. You will also need a current “Working with Children Check”.
Classroom support will start in the junior classrooms in second term, but you can speak to the teachers this term
and they are then able to work out the timetable and be organised for next term.
Thanks for your ongoing support
Anna Sonza
Literacy Leader P-2
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
Join our school team
Team Name: St Thomas the Apostle PS
Team ID: st-thomas-the-apostle-ps
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
OSHClub News
Program Update
Hello families and friends,
We hope you had a great week last week! We certainly did at OSHClub!
Congratulations to Yasmin Naval-Thomas and Nicolas Poloni who were our Raffle Ticket WINNERS from last
week. They collected a slinky and Lego as their prizes. We hope they enjoyed using them over the weekend. Good luck to everyone for this week!
Last week we planted our very own vegetable patch J Charles, William, Amelia and Isaac helped us to dig up
the garden and plant the seeds, and every morning we have Ava P, Eliza and Nicolas help us water the
plants to make sure they grow. We planted tomatoes, carrots, lettuce and cucumber. We also have a compost bin that is next to the garden which we hope the worm really like.
Last week we also played poison ball and cricket, and did painting, jewellery making, hama beads and paper
plane throwing competitions.
Photos
of the week
Bookings:
Please remember to book your child into the program. While we do take casual bookings on the day, we
ask that bookings are made at least 24 hours before via your account on www.oshclub.com.au to ensure
we have enough staff and enough food for the session. We staff based on the numbers of enrolments and
buy food based on this as well. All of our sessions are becoming quite full so bookings are essential.
Please note:
If you are making an on the day booking (casual booking - less than 24 hours before the session), you must
call or text our program number as well as call the St Thomas Office. The office is ONLY responsible for
letting your child know that they must come to us after school. They do not take bookings for us, and are
not responsible for letting us know of any bookings, cancellations or parent picks that are communicated
through them, so it is essential that you make us aware of your child’s attendance or non-attendance so we
can change your account accordingly.
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
OSHClub News
Monday
Tuesday
Before Care African Tissue
Irish Duck,
Activities Paper Animals duck, goose
After Care
African
St Patrick’s Day
Painting
Cookies
Activities
Wednesday
Italian Flag
Making
Venetian
Masks
Thursday
Friday
Marshmallow Create a DioraTower
ma
Spanish Fly North America
Game
Dream Catcher
Next Week’s Activities: THEME IS Easter!
Monday
Tuesday
Before Care
Egg Prints
Easter Bunnies
Activities
After Care Easter Basket Easter Puppet
Activities
Making
Show
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Egg Race
Easter Hama
Beads
Gymnastics
Decorate an
Easter Egg
Easter Card
Making
Paper Bag Easter Bunnies
Program Information
OSHC program phone: 0402 762 562
Coordinator: Nicole
Assistants: Sue, Stephanie, Brianna, Mikayla
OSHClub Head Office: 03 85649000
All families must be enrolled to attend the program, remember this is Free!! Please create an account
online at www.oshclub.com.au all bookings and cancellations can also be managed via your online account.
For on the day bookings please contact the Coordinator direct at the program.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost sports jumper, size 6
clearly labelled Max Hume on underside of tag
Please return to Max Hume, 1LC
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
HOT CROSS
BUNS
The School Community Association (SCA) is having a Hot Cross Bun
fundraiser. There will be a choice of Traditional, Chocolate Chip and
Fruitless hot cross buns.
The Hot Cross Buns from Brumby’s, Montmorency will cost $6.90 per pack
of 6. For each pack sold our school will receive $3.20 per pack!! Ask your
family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues to help us out.
All orders are due in by Friday, 20th March.
Please place your order form and correct money (cash or cheque) in an
envelope and return it to school marked “Hot Cross Bun Fundraiser”
C/O SCA
Cheques made payable to SCA.
Correction:
*Collection date will be on Thursday 26th March in the School
Foyer between 2:15 – 2:45pm
If you would prefer the SCA to deliver the hot cross buns to your eldest
child’s classroom on Thursday 26th March, please fill in their name and
grade on the order form.
Thanks for your support.
The SCA Team
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
Hot Cross Bun Fundraising Order Sheet
Fundraiser Name ……………………………………………………………………………Class/Level …………
Collection Date ………………………………..
Collection Time …………………………………
Traditional Hot
Cross Buns
Purchaser’s Name &
Contact Details
Quantity
(6
packs)
Chocolate Hot
Cross Buns
Total $
Quantity
(@ $6.90
each)
(6
packs)
Total $
(@
$6.90
each)
Fruitless
Quantity
(6
packs)
Total $
Total
Paid
Please tick:
□
I will collect my Hot Cross Buns from the School Foyer between 2:15 – 2:45pm
on Thursday 26th March
OR
□
I would like my Hot Cross Buns delivered to my eldest child’s classroom on
Thursday 26th March.
Eldest child’s name _________________
Mobile number: _______________________
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
St Thomas SCA is holding a Ladies Night Winter Market on 12th June. We are
now taking Expressions of Interest from our school & parish community before
we open this to general public.
We are looking for a diverse mix of stalls holders and business to maximise the
experience for the ladies on the night.
We are seeking:

Stall holders - bookings now being taken online:
w w w. b i t . l y / S t T h o m a s M a r k e t S t a l l I n t e r e s t

Corporate Sponsors

Silent Auction Items

Items for Door Prizes

If your business is interested in being part of this night please contact:
Linda Wein
Ladies Night Market Co-ordinator
E: linda.wein@gmail.com M: 0409 007 815
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
Day Retreat:
Saturday 18. April 2015
MEDITATION ON JESUS FOR
HEALING and WELL-BEING
Through Postures, Breathing Exercises and Relaxation
with Fr. Gilbert Carlo SVD
From 9.00am to 4.30pm, Saturday 18. April 2015.
Come and Experience Energizing, Recharging & Healing in Jesus.
At: Janssen Spirituality Centre, 22 Woodvale Road,
Boronia, Victoria 3155. Tel: 03 9762 6625
Email: enquiries@janssencentre.org -
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
Mila Mitrevski (PMB) for being a role model and displaying beautiful behaviour. Well done!
Paige Trajcevski (PMB) for being a role model and displaying beautiful behaviour. Well done!
Tahlia Kidd(PMP) for listening well and writing lovely sentences.
Jim Gilbert (1LC) for always being a wonderful role model to others and producing some great
writing pieces. Keep up your great work Jimmy!
Ethan Nardella (1LS) for being a great leader during our Easter Reflection rehearsals.
Amelia Kardos (2LH) for her positive attitude and perseverance when counting a range of
patterns forwards and backwards.
Cooper Bartlett (2LH) for his attention to detail when using the pictures in a text to
sequentially retell the story.
Jazmine Sizeland (3CS) for her thoughtful reflection about her Reconciliation.
Anthony Pinder (4ST) for demonstrating a positive attitude toward your work tasks.
Great effort!
Christian Musolino (5/6AP) for improving his organisation and effort in his work
considerably towards the end of the term. Well done Christian!
Mikeala Steinke (5/6CM) for her super organisation, thoughtful encouragement and being
on top of all her responsibilities!
Hunter D’Angelis (5/6LO) for persevering and completing and presenting a creative slideshow
about generous people in the Catholic Church. Well done and keep up the good work!
Corey Dwyer (5/6LO) for persevering and completing and presenting a creative slideshow
about generous people in the Catholic Church. Well done and keep up the good work!
Gabrielle Rizkalla (5/6SM) for always working hard in class to compete tasks quickly
and thoroughly.
Bridie Erwin-Keirl (MW) for showing enthusiasm and interest in all areas of her school life!
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
GOLD AWARDS
Erica Butera, Sarah Davis, Lucas Popolas, Andrew Migotto, Benjamin Stefanidis, Sierra Filippone,
Brendan James, Alexandar McMahon-Puce , Michael Polazzon & Jacob Vescio.
GOLD PIN
Shielyn Hosseini & Olivia De Marchi,
They are able who think they are able.
Virgil.
ENRICHMENT AND CARE
Happy Birthday to the following children who are celebrating
birthdays this week…...
Milla Garraway, Thomas Cardamone, Alix Andonovski, Alana Chiappa,
Alannah Prendergast, Maddison Rottura & Joel Mariani.
ENRICHMENT AND CARE