Hi Parents and Friends of St Thomas the Apostle,

As the end of the school year rapidly approaches, a myriad of emotions surrounds us, creating an array of feelings that range from excitement and joy to nostalgia and contemplation. Our students, engrossed in conversations about their academic journey, have been sharing successes, confronting challenges, and celebrating milestones. The anticipation of upcoming events such as Masses, Carols, Graduation, Camps, and Orientation fills the communities with a sense of joy. Yet, intertwined with the excitement is a thread of nostalgia, as students reflect on the narrative of their school experiences, the friendships formed, and the personal growth achieved.

In the midst of this reflective period, questions about the future are looming large. What does the next year hold? The prospect of transitioning to a new academic year brings with it a cascade of big emotions for both students and adults alike. As we navigate this transition, the unknowns can make the world feel overwhelming. The contemplation of what lies ahead prompts a collective effort to make sense of these big emotions and the need for us to begin planning and mapping the path forward.

'Happy Families' Justin Coulson talks in his latest article about big emotions our children may experience not only during this period of transition, but at any time of the year.

He discusses and asks the question ‘Where do big emotions come from? ‘Big emotions arise for many reasons. He refers to the acronym HALTS to help consider why our children might be emotionally triggered:

H is for Hungry.
A is for Angry.
L is for Lonely.
T is for Tired.
S is for Stressed.

Spending time reducing the likelihood of these triggers means we experience fewer
big emotions at home. Fatigue and stress can be prominent particularly at this time
of year.

Justin goes onto to share how we can regulate big emotions. Be intentional. Remember that emotions are contagious. Don’t try to fix things in the moment. Focus on connection or space. Problem solve collaboratively.

Please see the full article included in this week’s newsletter.

If you have any questions or concerns around supporting your child’s emotions or with preparing them for the new school year, please see your child’s classroom teacher or contact myself or a member of leadership. It takes a village.

Have a wonderful week.

Jen Gulavin
Deputy Principal: Inclusive Education.

December

Tuesday 5th December - Christmas Carols and Picnic from 5:00pm (Families Welcome)

Wednesday 6th December - Foundation-Grade 4 Mass -  9:30am (Families Welcome)

Thursday 7th December - Grade 1 (Jerusalem) Water Safety Incursion

Monday 11th December - Grade 5 Group 1 (Bethany) Camp Overnight

Tuesday 12th December - Grade 5 Group 2 (Bethany) Camp Overnight

Tuesday 12th December - Grade 2 (Ephesus) Incursion Hands On Science A&B

Wednesday 13th December - Grade 2 (Ephesus) Incursion Hands On Science C&D

Thursday 14th December - Last day of formal classes Foundation-Grade 6

Thursday 14th December - Grade 6 (Damascus) Students Last Day and Graduation - Geode Centre 6:00pm

Friday 15th December - Foundation-Grade 5 Students Last Day - Clean Up Day (no formal classes)

Please note: For any Pupil Free or School Closure Day - OSHC is available, please make a booking directly with Village OSHC.

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Our Student Designed Christmas Cards and Stickers Are Here! ON SALE NOW!

It's time to order our amazing Christmas cards and stickers designed by our students!

Limited stock available, so get in quick!

How to Order:

Online -

Pre-purchase your cards and sticker sheets online at CDFpay: https://cranbourneeast.cdfpay.org.au/

• Mini GiftCards (A6 size): $10 per pack of 31 mixed designs
• Sticker  Labels: $3 per mixed design sheet

CDFpay Deadline: Friday, December 8th (only 7 days away!)

In-Person Sales -

Grade 6 leaders will be selling cards and stickers at snack and lunch time in various communities.

Students can also bring in gold coins to purchase cards and stickers from Monday, December 4th to Wednesday, December 13th.

• Mini GiftCards (A6 size):  $1 for any 2 designs they choose
• Sticker  Labels: $3 per mixed design sheet

Tip: Put some gold coins in your child's lunchbox for easy access if they want to make a purchase.

Please click on the following link for more inforamtion and to donate Masith's great act of service to others.

https://fundraise.kidswithcancer.org.au/fundraisers/neyomifernando/wigs-4-kids

King Swim's 'Fast Track' is a 4 day holiday program, this intensive swimming program is a great refresh for children at all levels plus we are offering it at a heavily discounted price to ensure it is accessible to all families.

The following item was found in the school car park this morning (30/11/2023). If this belongs to you please contact the school office.