We have begun our semester with enthusiasm, and it is wonderful to see our students settled and focused. We are explicitly teaching our behaviour curriculum across the school to ensure all students and teachers are set up for success. Next Monday, 5 August, we welcome an external coach from The Knowledge Society who will be working alongside our teachers to embed behaviour norms and skills.

We have started the term off with many events in addition to teaching and learning. On Monday we had the Questacon Science Circus, and Gymnastics began on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Kindergarten celebrated 100 days of school. It was enthralling to see so many ‘older’ 5 and 6 year olds being engaged in everything related to 100. Some wonderful memories have been created for our students! Another great memory is the Olympics Day held today on our very own school grounds. We couldn’t make it to France, so France came to Kambah! Thank you, Miss Vandenbroucke, for your organisation of the day.

You may have heard that our students are participating in Kindness Circles this term, a program written and developed by a past teacher, Ms Penny Vanzwol. This week our students learnt about individuality. Our students engaged in activities that enabled them to understand that individuality means being uniquely them – embracing their unique qualities, values and beliefs, and expressing them confidently. At St Thomas the Apostle, we develop our individuality by being engaged with learning, school activities and our community.

Next week, our annual Tell Them From Me Parent Survey will open for our community to participate in. Feedback from a variety of stakeholders will help provide us with an accurate and complete picture of our school’s climate and culture. The Tell Them From Me Parent Survey can aid in strengthening parent, teacher and school collaboration by providing us with a deeper understanding of your perceptions of your child’s experiences at home and school. When further information is sent to you through Compass, we would appreciate your time in completing the survey. Thank you in advance.

Today is the last day of work for Mrs Gordon who is beginning her maternity leave. We wish her all the best as she embarks on the next chapter of her life with her husband Jake. We welcome back to work Mrs Nyunt after a period of maternity leave. Mrs Nyunt is teaching 5/6 with Mrs Breen. We look forward to welcoming back Mrs Jamieson after an unexpected bout of illness throughout the holiday period.

Whether your weekend is filled with sport, kid’s parties, or catching up with friends and family, may it be enjoyable and peace filled.

Yours in Christ,