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Dear Parents and Carers,
After 32 years of dedicated service and countless contributions to the St Thomas the Apostle Community, I am formally announcing the retirement of our beloved teacher, Ms Patty Porteus. Patty has been an integral part of our school family, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless students and colleagues. Her passion for education, including her love of art, her nurturing spirit, and her commitment to excellence have set a standard that will be remembered for years to come. We extend our deepest gratitude to Patty for her unwavering dedication and wish her a well-deserved and joyous retirement.
As one chapter closes, another one begins, and we are thrilled to welcome two new teachers to our staff.
Ms Morgan Murray joins us full time for next year. Morgan completed her final year practicum with us this year and taught Year 1 for Term 3 and is now relieving in Year 5/6. Morgan has a deep commitment to student success and will be asset to our staff.
Equally exciting is the addition of Ms Jasmine Fisk to our teaching team. Jasmine comes to us with a passion for supportive relationships with her students. This aligns perfectly with our school's values. Jasmine will be on class for the Terms 1 and 2 and Mrs Leyrizza Nyunt will take over the class when she returns in Term 3.
Please join us at morning assembly on Wednesday 13 December where all the students and staff will have an opportunity to express their thanks and gratitude to Ms Porteus for her years of service to our school.
Will Lipscombe Art Award
Will Lipscombe was a courageous and inspirational student of St Thomas the Apostle School. Sadly, Will passed away in 2015. Each year we offer an opportunity for students to contribute an artistic work in memory of Will. His father Tim came to school on Wednesday to present this year’s winners with their prizes. Will was well known for his understanding of heroes as being “ordinary individuals who find the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” Will remains a hero in the hearts of many people in our community and this year's theme was "Nature is our friend". One of Will's special places was the beach. He loved being at the beach and it helped him to feel calm. Students were asked to create an art piece inspired by aspects of nature that make them feel happy, peaceful and relaxed such as a special tree, a garden, coast, mountains or animals. The entrants were outstanding and are all on display in the school corridor (near the canteen). We congratulate the prize recipients for 2023: Kinder- Freddy Spencer Yr 1- Layla Robertson Yr 2 - Evie Andriunas Yr 3 -Zali Rootes Yr 4- Daiva Alagappan Yr 5 - Mikayla Giacoman Yr 6 - Ava Harradine. The overall winner was Georgia Penny
Class Placements for 2024
The process of allocating children to classes for 2024 is in its final stage. The allocations are based on many considerations: learning abilities; gender balance; behavioural considerations; personalities; friendship and religion. It is important to have a balance of Catholic and non-Catholic children, especially in Sacramental years.
Be assured your child's teacher and other key staff in the school know our students well and have information and data about them which assists in placing them in the best class for 2024. I know this can be an anxious time for parents and we need to remember that children are more resilient than we often give them credit for and they will able to learn and enjoy school in whichever class they are placed. There is also time given to transition for particular students, depending on their individual needs, including a transition staff meeting, where staff from 2023 will share knowledge about students to their teachers for 2024. During the last week of the school year, students (including those Year 1-6 new to the school) will meet with their class and where possible, their teacher for 2024. They will have the opportunity to spend some time together in preparation for the new year.
Students leaving St Thomas the Apostle at the end of the year
Please ensure that you have informed us, in writing, if your child will not be returning to St Thomas’ in 2024. Obviously, this does not apply to students in Year 6. It is imperative, for planning purposes, that we have accurate information with regard to enrolment numbers. I also need to know the destination school as part of system accountability requirements. Thank you to those who have already provided this information.
Enjoy your weekend, which I am sorry to say will be another wet one.
Yours in partnership,
RE Term 4 Week 7 - "I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6)
Term 4 – The Truth
Illuminate Youth Ministry
18 students attended the Illuminate Conference today. Around 350 students from schools across Canberra came together and celebrated their faith. The Youth Ministry Teams from many of the Catholic Schools were present. The day included talks, music, games, drama and good food. The students from St Thomas were outstanding role models and engaged with all aspects of the day. Chiara helped lead the day too! It is a great way to cap off a year of excellent Youth Ministry activities that have been run throughout the school in 2023.
Vinnies Christmas Appeal
Next week we will begin to collect items for Christmas Hampers for St Vincent de Paul. Each class puts together a hamper that will help someone in need. The students will nominate an item to contribute to their hamper next week.
If you are interested in donating additional items, these will all be passed onto the Kambah Conference to fill more hampers.
Geoff Ryan
REC
Date |
Event |
Monday 27 November |
SRC speeches |
Tuesday 28 November |
House Winner BBQ lunch |
Wednesday 29 November |
Parent Teacher interviews |
Thursday 30 November |
3/4C Class mass 9:30am |
Friday 1 December |
Kinder Orientation Session 2 - 9:30am - 11am |
Calendar
To view the Parent and Carers calendar please follow the link below to our school website. This calendar is very user friendly and clear to view on mobile phones.