St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Primary School Cranbourne East eNewsletter

Dear Families,
Despite the chilly winter mornings, we have savoured some unexpected, pleasant sunshine this week which has been a lovely change from the usual rain and wind which we enjoy here in Cranbourne East.

Milo’s Birthday Surprise

On Friday 4th August, our Foundation students will be engaging in ‘Milo’s Birthday Surprise’ as part of their literacy learning. All students in Foundation have been

explicitly taught about Milo the Monkey as a way of engaging them in learning the letters of the alphabet and their associated sounds. This approach to teaching children how to read is evidence-based and is based on the Science of Reading. The Science of Reading is a research-supported method that has shown remarkable results in cultivating strong reading skills and fostering a lifelong love of learning in children. We firmly believe that laying a strong foundation in reading during the early years is crucial for your child's academic and personal development, which is why we are so enthusiastic about this approach. Our Foundation students and staff are looking forward to celebrating this day together next week.

Sacrament of Confirmation
Please keep the students receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation in your prayers as they mark this next step in their faith journey on Saturday. May this significant milestone fill their hearts with joy, strength, and a deep sense of belonging to our faith community. We pray that they find peace and fulfillment in their faith, and may the grace of this holy sacrament be with them always.

Student, Parent/ Teacher Interviews

I would like to thank all of the parents who were able to attend the Student, Parent and Teacher interviews last week on Thursday. Your presence during these meetings strengthens the bond between home and school, creating a collaborative partnership that is vital for your child's academic and personal growth. It was wonderful to see many of our students take an active role in these discussions, which can often feel a little worrying or ‘mysterious’ if students feel they are being spoken about, rather than spoken with.

We firmly believe that a child's educational success is the result of strong relationships between the student, parent, and teacher. Your engagement in the interview process not only reinforces your commitment to your child's education but also allows us to gain valuable insights into their individual strengths and challenges.
We understand that your schedules are busy and that you have many commitments to juggle, making your presence at the interviews even more meaningful. Your willingness to prioritize your child's education sends a powerful message about the importance you place on their learning journey.
The dialogue and constructive discussions that took place during the interviews will undoubtedly lead to a deeper understanding of your child's academic progress and unique needs. As school leaders and educators, we are committed to using this valuable feedback to tailor our teaching approaches and support systems to ensure the success of each and every student.

Please know that we are always here to support you and your child. Should you ever have any concerns or questions, do not hesitate to reach out to us. We firmly believe in the power of open communication and partnership in nurturing a positive and conducive learning environment.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend.

Peta Overbury
Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning

And the Questions Keep Coming

St Thomas Day got the ball rolling for a good number of wonderings. This week’s question is an interesting one because it harks the same wondering from human beings for thousands of years.

This is another concept where Jesus was a massive interruptor. It was popular for communities in Jesus’ time to believe that if a society was not faithful to God that God retaliated in some way e.g. through natural disaster or the crops doing poorly. God was presented as a punisher. It’s only natural for humans to want to blame misfortune on something.

Jesus, however, presented God as a loving God who was always ready to embrace the ‘lost sheep’. It’s helpful to respond to wonderings like this question above with some of the wisdom in the New Testament whereby time and time again, people are given a chance to turn things around. God is not out to get us. God waits for us to come back and be the creation that was envisioned.
And then we can take this question and flip it - “Is it true that good things only happen to people who do good?” How would Jesus respond to that one?

Prayers are with our Confirmation Students

Our Confirmation candidates will be celebrating their sacrament this Saturday at either the 11am or the 2pm ceremony. All are welcome to attend and support. In the Catholic tradition, they will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit, to be more aware and intentional about their faith.

Communion

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

Little Friends of Jesus Enrolment 2023
For children in Government & Catholic Schools Prep - Grade 6

Introducing a new exciting program for young ones to learn more about Jesus and develop a deeper relationship with HIM and a deeper understanding of the faith as they prepare for their future Sacraments.

Event Timing: Every Saturday 4-5pm (during school Term)
Event Address: St Thomas the Apostle Parish Church
Contact Fraulin or Sr.Julie at friendsofjesussttap@gmail.com

Complete the form to enrol: https://forms.gle/2Lrs5BJr1YUEuMMh6

2023_Census_Privacy_Collection_Notice _pdf 267.67 KB

SCHOOL TIMES

A reminder that school starts 8:45am and finishes 3:15pm.

Students who arrive later than 8:50am will be marked as a Late arrival and will show as such on your child/rens report.

Please ensure that your child is picked up at the end of the day no later than 3:30 pm.

Student Absences

A reminder that all absences must be communicated to the school. If your child/ren are absent with no communication the following procedure will be followed to ensure the safety of your child/ren.

• SMS sent to main contacts ie parents/guardians
• If no response, a phone call is made to main contacts
• If no response, a call is made to all emergency contacts
• If no response, the school contacts Victoria Police

If you have any queries please contact the school.

July
Saturday 29th July - Sacrament of Confirmation - 11am and 2pm
Monday 31st - Wednesday 2nd August - Dental Van Visiting School

August
Friday 4th August - Foundation - Milo’s Birthday Surprise
Monday 7th August - Pupil Free Day - Professional Practice Time for Teachers
Tuesday 8th August – First Communion Parent/Child Workshop 6:45-7:45
Wednesday 9th August - First Communion Parent/Child Workshop 6:45-7:45
Wednesday 9th August - Bethany Science Expo - 2:15 - 3:15 -Parents invited
Friday 11th August - Foundation - 100 Days of School
Friday 11th August - Year 1 - Excursion to Myuna Farm
Friday 11th August - Damascus Learning Expo - Parents Invited – 9:00am – 10:00am
Monday 14th - 18th August - National Science Week - Innovation: Powering Future Industries
Tuesday 15th August - Assumption Mass: Damascus Community
Wednesday 16th August - Year 2 - Mad about Science Incursion
Monday 21st - Friday 25th August - Book Week - Read, Grow, Inspire
Thursday 24th August - Year 6 Excursion - Melbourne Aquarium and Immigration Museum
Friday 25th August - Book Week Dress Up Parade at 9am
Thursday 31st August - Year One Learning Expo - Parents Invited

September
Friday 1st September - Father’s Day Morning Event - 8:30am - 10:15am (including Mass
Saturday 2nd September - First Communion Mass at 6:00pm
Sunday 3rd September – First Communion Mass at 9:00am and 10:45am
Wednesday 6th September - Year 2 Learning Expo at 2:30pm - Parents Invited
Wednesday 6th September - Year 6 Students - Interschool Sports Day 2 - St Peter’s College Campus
Thursday 7th September - First Communion Retreat - Candidates only
Thursday 7th September - Bethlehem Science expo - 2:15pm - Parents Invited
Friday 8th September - Year 4 Learning Expo at 8:45am - Parents Invited
Saturday 9th September - First Communion Mass at 6:00pm
Sunday 10th September - First Communion Mass at 9:00am and 10:45am
Friday 15th September – Last Day of School Term