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Every year schools are required to complete the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on students with Disability (NCCD). It counts the number of students who receive additional adjustments or support at school because of a disability. This can be diagnosed or imputed based on evidence collected from assessments and observations. The NCCD helps governments plan for needs of students with a disability and provides funding to enact those supports.
Here at St Thomas’, our staff work diligently to ensure every student has access to learning at their point of need. Teaching to the point of need is a fundamental principle that places the individual student at the centre of the learning process. This approach acknowledges that each student possesses unique strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and interests. As a result, our teachers strive to understand their students' specific needs and tailor their teaching practice accordingly. By recognising where a student is on their progression of learning and identifying their challenges and strengths, our teachers can design personalised instruction, offer targeted support, and provide relevant learning experiences. It is our role here at St Thomas’ to empower our students to learn at their own pace and address their individual needs not only to enhance their academic achievements but also nurture their overall personal and intellectual growth. Please see the attached letter on NCCD for further information on how our students qualify for the count and how they are supported through the process.
Having a child with ADHD
Having a child with ADHD can present unique challenges and opportunities for growth as a parent. It requires a deep understanding of the condition and a patient, compassionate approach to parenting. ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, can manifest in various ways, including difficulty concentrating, impulsive behaviour, and hyperactivity. As a parent, it is essential to be well-informed about ADHD, its symptoms, and its impact on your child's life. This knowledge helps in creating a supportive and nurturing environment that accommodates their needs and fosters their strengths.
Parenting a child with ADHD often involves adopting creative strategies and effective communication techniques to help them navigate daily tasks and responsibilities. Structured routines, clear expectations, and consistent rules can provide a sense of stability and predictability, which can be beneficial for children with ADHD. Moreover, offering praise and positive reinforcement for their efforts can boost their self-esteem and motivate them to persevere through challenges.
Seeking support from professionals such as paediatricians, psychologists, or educational specialists, can be immensely helpful in gaining additional insights and accessing appropriate interventions tailored to your child's needs.
Please always speak to your child’s teacher if you have questions or concerns about how they are presenting. We are always here to support and work together to provide the best opportunities possible.
Please see below a link from the Royal Children’s Hospital on ways you can support a child with ADHD. https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/ADHD_ways_to_help_children_at_school_and_home/
Have a wonderful week everyone.
Jen Gulavin
Deputy Principal (Inclusive Education)
Yet Another Question
This week’s question is about the afterlife. Fair enough question wouldn’t you say? “Once we die, will we still have a life or become an angel?”
The first part of this question is the popular one and can be paraphrased into the popular wondering, “Is there life after death?” Many religions deal with this concept but one perspective can be explored via the name Christians often give themselves – ‘People of Hope’. Christians call themselves ‘People of Hope’ because there is the belief that our souls live on after we die. In other words, we have plenty to look forward to! As a Christian, there is the belief that we are not just our bodies (bones, liquid, muscle and brains) that eventually deteriorates. We are also a soul that is our most treasured being – it is our soul that is ‘…made in the image of God’.
So, this addresses the first part of the question. We do have a life after we die. How we look, or take shape, or exist is still anyone’s bet! If people like to try to imagine what an angel looks like, it could very well be how our souls take shape. In previous questions in the newsletter, we’ve explored the concept of sitting comfortably with the unknown. Taking the form of an angel is a creative exercise that can be fun!
Congratulations to our Confirmation candidates!
Communion
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
August
Tuesday 1st August - Thursday 3rd August - Dental Van Visiting School
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
PUPIL FREE DAY - 7th AUGUST
PUPIL FREE DAY - 7th AUGUST
A reminder that we have a PUPIL FREE Day on Monday 7th August.
Village OSHC will be offering care for the day onsite and bookings can be made through their website VillageOSHC.com.au
You can also email them for help in booking via support@villageoshc.com.au
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.
Lost Property Box
The lost property box is overflowing with items. Please remind your child/ren to check the box if they are missing an item of clothing, lunchbox, water bottle, toy etc.
Please ensure all items of uniform (hats/jackets/jumpers) are named so that they can be returned if found.
Any unclaimed items will be donated to the second hand uniform stall.
ASSISTANCE WITH END OF DAY SCHOOL PICKUP
Dear Parents
A couple of families require assistance with end of day school pick up.
If you are able to assist with drop off at the Meridien or Clydevale Estate please contact the office.
Free basketball Clinics
Girls’ Rule
The Girls’ Rule is a 3-week introductory program that is FREE for girls’ between 6 and 12 years old to join and have the opportunity to try out Basketball in a fun, engaging and supportive environment with other girls!
It is a fantastic way to get started and to see if you enjoy Basketball – everything that you will need to know about the program and how to get involved is available on our website via the following link: https://www.caseybasketball.com.au/girlsrule/
Alternatively you can use the following link to head directly to the registration form to secure your place to be involved: https://www.playhq.com/basketball-victoria/register/62265a
Free Clinic
Our Free Introductory Clinic is a one-off session for anyone between the ages of 6 and 12 to join and is open to both boys and girls.
The session is all about fun, enjoyment, and giving kids the opportunity to try Basketball and see if it is something that they would like to participate in on a regular basis. All of the information about the Free Clinic and how to get involved can be found on our website via the following link: https://www.caseybasketball.com.au/free/
Alternatively you can use the following link to head directly to the registration form to secure your place to be involved: https://www.playhq.com/basketball-victoria/register/8ea18c
If you have any questions or queries about either of these programs that aren’t answered on our website, please don’t hesitate to email development@caseybasketball.com.au or call the Casey Basketball office on 5996 6033 and we will be more than happy to help.
