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Pentecost and Multicultural Day
We are delighted to share with you the joyous and vibrant celebration of our Pentecost and Multicultural Day Parade. This year's event was a beautiful amalgamation of our Catholic tradition and the rich cultural heritage of our diverse school community.
The colourful festivities commenced as our enthusiastic students, adorned in traditional outfits or the vibrant colours of their respective flags, paraded into and around the basketball courts. Smiling and waving at visitors and fellow students, they exuded a sense of pride in their roots and the tapestry of cultures that make up our St. Thomas family. It was heartwarming to witness the children embracing their heritage while fostering a spirit of unity and inclusivity.
The lively tunes accompanying the parade created an atmosphere filled with excitement. A special thanks to our Year Six School Events team for their assistance in setting up and hosting the parade with Mr. Mac. The rhythmic beats resonated with the core of our multicultural celebration, emphasising the harmony that arises from embracing our differences. It was a true spectacle to behold, as children from various backgrounds came together, creating a kaleidoscope of traditions and cultures.
Later the community based liturgy beautifully intertwined the significance of Pentecost with our multicultural celebration. As Catholics, we believe in the power of the Holy Spirit, which invites us to share the good news with others. Pentecost serves as a reminder that our faith knows no boundaries and that the message of love and unity transcends all cultures and languages. By merging Pentecost with Multicultural Day, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and respect for all cultures within our school community.
Our annual parade provided a unique opportunity for parents to witness the richness of our multicultural tapestry. Many parents expressed their delight in seeing their children proudly display their heritage while also embracing the diversity of their peers. It was a moment of connection and appreciation, as parents and teachers revelled in the beautiful mosaic of cultures that thrives within St. Thomas.
The parade truly encapsulated the essence of our school community—a place where diversity is cherished, celebrated, and united by the common values of love and understanding.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the students, parents, and teachers who made this event a resounding success. Your participation and support ensured that this celebration was a memorable and enriching experience for everyone involved.
Kind Regards,
Kate, Peta, Andy, Jen and Sarah
The Pentecost/Multicultural Day Parade was a burst of colour and fun – so many different countries represented and so many different outfits. It was heart-warming to see the enthusiasm behind this day and I am very appreciative of the parents that let me know they enjoyed it too.
The Social Justice student leadership team have created a video that summarises the meaning behind Pentecost and how great communication often requires courage. Look out for this in the next assembly video that comes out.
Confirmation Candidates in our prayers
We’re putting out there an encouraging ‘shout-out’ to our Confirmation candidates right now. They have completed the Parent/Child Workshop this week, which is part of their preparation for the sacrament. Our prayers are with them as they work towards their special day on the 29th July.
Jericho Mass next week
The Jericho Community (year 4) are celebrating Mass next week. All parents are welcome to join us of course. Following the Mass there is a morning tea also!
Confirmation
14 July - Confirmation - Retreat 11am - 3.15pm
19 July - Confirmation - Reconciliation (for STAPS) After Mass
Communion
19 July First Communion - Parent Formation Night 6.45pm
26 July First Communion - Parent Formation Night 6.45pm
26 July Confirmation – Reconciliation (for STAPS After Mass)
29 July Confirmation – Confirmation Ceremony 11am & 2pm
08 August First Communion - Parent/Child Workshop 6.45pm
09 August First Communion - Parent/Child Workshop 6.45pm
06 September First Communion – Reconciliation (for STAPS) After Weekday Mass
07 September First Communion - Retreat 11am-3.15pm (all candidates)
09 September First Communion - Mass
10 September First Communion - Mass
16 September First Communion - Mass
17 September First Communion - Mass
2023 Parish Renewal Program
This weekend is the LAUNCH of our Parish Renewal Program - and we would love you to be involved! As we continue to resume a more normal parish life, the Program is a wonderful opportunity as individuals and a community - to reflect on what it means to be a member of our Parish community. The Program considers themes central to parish life and you can follow along at Mass on our parish website https://stthomasap.org.au/parishrenewalprogram/ and through updates via the school, email and SMS. We encourage you to take some time to look at the Program brochure - with details on where the parish is now and importantly what our key priorities in the times ahead - mission, pastoral care and financial
Click here to view the Program brochure or go
to https://stthomasap.org.au/parishrenewalprogram/
THOUGHTS FROM OUR PROGRAM LEADERSHIP TEAM
Q: Why is celebrating our faith as a parish community important to you?
"Being together at mass enriches the experience, It's amazing how much we treasure this now after spending so much time apart in recent years."
"Showing my children how to follow Jesus is important to me - how to come together at Mass as part of our faith community on a regular basis."
"Coming together as a community to celebrate our faith is so important - shared faith in a growing faith."
General Pick up and Drop Off
Student safety is a priority at St Thomas the Apostle and we want to ensure that all students can arrive and leave each day, safely and calmly. I am taking this opportunity to remind all families that there is an expectation that all staff directions are followed when dropping off or collecting your child from school. Staff have a duty of care to all students which means that sometimes they will need to redirect traffic to ensure that it flows smoothly. We expect all interactions with staff to be respectful at all times and for families to follow these directions.
I also remind parents that all parking signs are to be followed in the local area including when collecting students from MacKillop Way.
Parents are asked not to park across the driveway at St Peter's College on MacKillop Way because it is an access point for the college and needs to be kept clear at all times.
A reminder that student supervision ceases at 3:30. If you are going to be later than this time you need to book your child with VillageOSCH who operate here at work.
Energy Drinks
Recently, there has been an increasing trend of students bringing energy drinks to school. While we understand that these beverages have become popular among young some students they are not required in a school setting. Water is sufficient for all students to engage in their school day and to ensure they remain adequately hydrated. We have a number of places where students can refill their water bottles across the school as well as several drinking fountains.
For further information please click on the below link
https://cranbourneeast.catholic.schooltv.me/newsletter/diet-nutrition
When you visit this page, scroll down to the soft drinks/sports drinks video which goes into detail with regard to caffeine and drinks like 'Prime'.
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to get in touch with me .
Peta Overbury
Acting Principal