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Dear families,
Term one is more than half way over! It seems only yesterday that we began the year. Our first few weeks focussed on setting the learning environment. This meant classes were focussed on discussions around how we learn, what conditions we prefer to learn in and how we can each act to ensure learning is achieved. Each class developed their own expectations of behaviour that they can hold each other accountable to when learning each day.
As a school there has been significant work over the past years around developing school wide expectations. In the next few weeks we will launch these three key expectations in the school community. Safety, Respect and Learning are the core of our work here at St Thomas the Apostle. These build on our Catholic Identity which is characterised by our four pillars of Thanksgiving, Reconciliation, Prayer and Service.
Some of our Year 6 students will lead the launch by sharing the process of developing these expectations and what they mean in the school setting. Please watch out for next newsletter where we hope our students will share this with the parent community.
A gentle reminder that our school day begins at 8.45am. We still have a significant number of students arriving between 8.45 and 8.55am which is delaying the beginning of our school day. Please consider arriving at school 10 minutes earlier as there is supervision on the yard from 8.15am. If weather is inclement (raining or cold wind) we send students in early to be protected.
As we journey through Lent and focus on prayer, fasting and almsgiving we reflect on how these ancient practices can be incorporated into our modern lifestyles. Perhaps we will fast from social media or from an indulgent purchase. Perhaps our almsgiving will be in giving to a neighbour of our time or our listening ear. In our times of prayer we need to offer thanks for the blessings we have and ask for love to be shared among all.
You can read Pope Francis' message in Lent here: https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2021/02/12/210212a.html
Wishing you a peaceful, contempletive and caring few Lenten weeks as we move towards Easter.
Kate
Parents should notify the school of any absence by 9.00am. This can be done via PAM or alternatively by contacting the school by phone.
2022 Foundation Enrolments
A reminder that sibling enrolment forms are to be submitted to the school office by Friday 19th March. We open enrolments to new families in the area in May and if you have not submitted your application by the due date, we cannot guarantee a place in Foundation for your child/ren.
Holidays
If families are wanting to take a holiday during term time a formal request must be made to the Principal via email principal@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au. On request a form will be sent to you and on completion approval can be granted.
Uniform Reminders
Hats are compulsory until the beginning of May and then from the 1st of September. Please note that due to government health regulations the school cannot provide spare hats to the students.
NB: Please clearly label your child's items of clothing so they can be returned to your child if handed to lost property.
Term 1 Fees
Thank you to those families who have already paid their Term 1 fees and/or begun a regular direct debit or BPAY payment.
For families yet to make a payment towards their school fees, this is a reminder that the following fees are due Thursday 11th March 2021. If you are experiencing difficulties with payments please contact Nicola Saunders to make further arrangements via email finance@cranbourneeast.catholic.edu.au
Scholastic Orders
A reminder that Scholastic orders are due by the 19th March.
All orders can be placed online by visiting scholastic.com.au/LOOP as per the information provided on the back of the catalogue.
Please note the school does not accept payment for any orders, all orders and payments must be placed online.
Important Term Dates
31st March | Last day of Term 1 for students |
1st April | School Closure Day |
19th April | Term 2 commences |