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Dear Families,
Our students and staff have been very busy learning about biological sciences over the past few weeks. The place is abuzz with discussion about how things grow, adapt and change. Each year level has invited families to an expo to showcase an aspect of this learning in the next few weeks. The first of these was successfully hosted by our Bethany community yesterday where they shared hot and cold ecosystems. Next up are our senior students in Grade 6 who have some amazing ‘Adapted Animals’ to share.
|
Year |
Week |
Date |
Time |
|
Foundation |
9 |
Friday 8th September |
9.15 am |
|
Grade 1 |
8 |
Thursday 31st August |
8.45 am |
|
Grade 2 |
9 |
Wednesday 6th September |
2:30 pm |
|
Grade 3 |
9 |
Thursday 7th September |
2.30 pm |
|
Grade 4 |
9 |
Friday 8th September |
8.45 am |
|
Grade 5 |
5 |
Wednesday 9th August |
2.30 pm |
|
Grade 6 |
5 |
Friday 11th August |
2:30 pm |
We have some further interesting activities during Term 3. I hope your child has begun to ask you about a costume for our book day parade? We will celebrate all things book related on Friday 25th August. The theme “Read, Grow, Inspire” lends itself beautifully to our current integrated focus. Your child is encouraged to dress as a favourite book character or famous author on this day. We will host a whole school parade on our Basketball courts starting at 9am. Families are warmly invited to attend and enjoy the creative and fun costumes that the children are sure to wear.
We are very aware dressing up is not everyone’s favourite thing to do, so children are also welcome to attend school in their uniform if they would prefer.
This year we will also be involved in National Science Week, it runs from 2nd -20th August and is focused on Innovation this year. Each community is busy selecting some hands-on tasks to bring this topic alive and I am sure you will get to see lots of photos of their investigations.
Kind Regards
Sarah Chappell
Professional Learning Leader
At 8:43am, some music is played across the PA system to let the students and families know that it is time to enter the classroom by 8:45am.
After this time is considered 'late to class'. Important things happen at this time. Students are greeting their peers and classroom adults. Classes begin prayer. Students are preparing their minds and belongings for learning. Teachers are marking the roll. It can be extremely unsettling for the students if they are feeling rushed at this time and it can be unsettling for the students who are already present, to have their peers come in late too.
The traffic and car park are often cited as being the cause of lateness. This is clearly a problem very close to the bell time.
Handy hint: Consider the possibility of getting to school earlier, as the car park runs very smoothly with a lot less traffic before 8:40am.
Less rush, less frustration, better start to the day for your child - win, win, win!
First Communion
We have in our prayer sights, the First Communion candidates during this time. They have begun the preparation that leads to receiving Jesus in a very special way.
A few weeks ago, the parents attended the Parent Formation which started the program off and this week, the parents came with their child to attend the workshop.
It won’t be until early September that they celebrate their First Holy Communion, so there is plenty of time for them to prepare for this special occasion.
Question Time from St Thomas Day
I have committed to each week in the newsletter, exploring a question that has come up from that day we celebrated St Thomas’ feast day, and this week is no exception.
I have chosen one that has something to do with the First Communion sacrament that is currently in preparation.
Today’s question:
After receiving the eucharist, why do we have to kneel afterwards?
But we don’t always know why we do things when it’s a really old tradition. That’s why it’s a great idea to ask questions like this.
Kneeling is a show of reverence and respect for someone. For thousands of years, people have knelt before a king or queen to show reverence for their role.
The act of kneeling puts yourself lower than the person you’re kneeling to. It also places yourself in a position of vulnerability because you can’t move easily from a kneeling position.
It is an act of submission. Kneeling says, “I give my whole being to you right now.”
In the Islamic tradition, the ‘Sajdah’ is the act of kneeling on both knees and placing your hands on the floor in front of your head.
In a very similar way in ancient China, the younger generation would perform a ‘kowtow’ toward their parents to show gratitude and appreciation.
In the Christian tradition, kneeling before God is pretty much saying the same thing, “I am submitting myself to God.”
When a Catholic has received the eucharist, they have just received the gift of Jesus in the same way Jesus had given himself to his friends at the Last Supper.
To show a sign of respect and gratitude, Catholics kneel during this prayerful time.
Communion
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
Introducing our newest Staff member at STAPS
Hi my name is Ray Uini the new ESO.
I’m a father of four beautiful kids and they are my world. It a blessing also an honour to work for St Thomas as an ESO worker and I’m looking forward to get to know everyone.
Free Health, Wellbeing and Development Checks for Prep Students
Dear Foundation Parents/Carers,
Recently your child was provided a School Entrant Health Questionnaire from the Primary School Nursing Program along with information and a link to an online version of the same questionnaire. You can access and complete this questionnaire on a mobile phone, computer or tablet OR you can complete the paper questionnaire and return it to your child’s teacher.
If you have not yet completed the questionnaire please use the QR code or link below to access the questionnaire:
https://students.educationapps.vic.gov.au/sehq/s
OR if you would prefer to complete the paper version of the questionnaire, please do so and return it to your child’s school.
If you have started an online questionnaire but have not yet submitted it, please log in, complete the questionnaire, and submit it.
Please note, both the online and paper versions of questionnaires are identical and are received by the Primary School Nurse, so please only complete one questionnaire per child.
If you do not wish for your child to participate in the service, please tick the ‘NO’ box on page 5 of the paper questionnaire, fill in your child’s name and school name and return the questionnaire to your child’s school. There is also an option to indicate a ‘NO’ consent on the online questionnaire.
Participation in the program is not mandatory and parent/carer consent is required for the Primary School Nurse to see your child.
If you have any questions or concerns about this service, you can contact the Primary School Nurse:
Erica McWilliams
0477 763 881
Erica.mcwilliams@education.vic.gov.au
If you have already completed the School Entrant Health Questionnaire, thank you.
August
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 – 2:30 -3:15 pm
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 9 - 9:30am - Parents invited
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
