St Thomas' News
28 OCTOBER 2021
St Thomas’ Primary School is part of a faith community centred on the life of Jesus, as expressed in our Motto, ‘Together in Christ’
Our Vision is to 'Educate the Whole Child' and empower learners as global citizens, to be curious, collaborative, creative and critical thinkers, inspired by Christ.
Important Dates
TERM FOUR
Friday 29 October - World Teachers Day
Friday 29 October - Assembly Y1
Friday 29 October - Junior Coding Club Yrs 1-3 @ 12:45pm
Tuesday 02 November - All Souls Day Mass 9 am
Tuesday 2 November - P & F Meeting 7pm
Wednesday 3 November - Interschool Chess
Thursday 4 November - Year 2 iPad Information Session 2 pm - for parents
Tuesday 9 November - Advisory Council Meeting 7pm
Thursday 11 November - Remembrance Day
Friday 12 November - Family Movie Night 6:30 pm
Thursday 18 November - Volunteers Morning Tea 9am
Friday 19 November - Crazy Hair Day Fundraiser - gold coin donation
Tuesday 23 November - Annual Community Meeting 6pm - All parents welcome
Tuesday 7 December - Christmas Concert
Thursday 9 December - End of Year Whole School Mass & Year 6 Graduation 9am
Prayer for World Teachers Day
Giver of all wisdom and greatest of all teachers,
Look upon our teachers with love
Grant them the resolve to nurture our eager minds and to never give up on us who fall behind. Bless their hearts for they rejoice when we succeed and encourage us when we fail
And bless them with gentle patience for the path of learning is never easy
Kindle a spirit and passion in them it is the flame that ignites the love of learning in us
Help them see the potential in each student
Their belief in us means much more than the grade we make
Instil in them a commitment to keep on learning
It shows us to not fear new knowledge and experiences Inspire them to touch the future
They influence how big a dream we dream for ourselves
Bless our teachers who have come before
For their work endures to this day
Let the light of your example shine upon all teachers
To build up with their words
To love with their mind
To share with their heart.
Amen
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents and Caregivers
World Teacher’s Day
Tomorrow is World Teachers’ Day. On this day we celebrate the work of teachers, education assistants and all staff, acknowledging the important contribution they make to the community. The day allows students, parents and community members to show their appreciation for teachers and the positive impact they make on society. I am extremely proud of our teachers and staff for the way they always go ‘above and beyond’ for our students. Thank you to our staff for their dedication, which is valued and appreciated.
St Thomas’ Camp Out
What a wonderful weekend! The opportunity to spend some quality time with your children. A big thank you to Joep Vaessen and the Dad’s of St Thomas’ for organising this event. The children had an amazing time and enjoyed sharing their stories with us.
Year 5 Camp
A big thank you to Mr Godsall for his organisation of the Year 5 Camp at Perth Zoo. It was lovely to read some of the animal reports written by the Year 5 students and talk to them about their exciting adventures. Thanks also to Mr Nankivell, Mrs Gibbs, Miss Ward and Mrs Vincent who attended the camp and to all our Year 5 parents for their support.
ICAS Awards
Congratulations to all students who participated in the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS), an independent, skills-based assessment program. Students in over 20 countries including Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa and the United States participate in ICAS each year. This year our students participated in assessments in English, Mathematics, Science and Digital Technologies. Please see below for a list of our high achieving students.
Mural Update
Thanks to the generosity of all our parents, the school mural design to celebrate 200 years of Catholic education at St Thomas,’ is almost complete. Students have enjoyed working with renowned artist Linzi Carter to provide input into the design. Linzi has spent time with each class and with our whole school as a group to involve all in the art process. Linzi will prepare the wall for painting on the 8 November and students will be able to observe Linzi painting the mural over a two-day period in November.
Welcome Mrs Courtney
Mrs Mary Courtney has commenced working at St Thomas’ this week in the role of Finance Officer. Mary has a wealth of experience in Finance and working in schools. Mary is replacing Mrs Leanne Hancock who is retiring at the end of the year. We welcome Mary to St Thomas’.
Annual Community Meeting
On Tuesday 23 November, there will be our Annual Community Meeting. Please join us for refreshments at 6pm followed by a meeting in the hall from 6.30-7.30pm. The meeting will include a report of activities of 2021 school year, and staffing for 2022 will be announced. All parents and caregivers are welcome to attend.
Volunteers Morning Tea
We welcome the opportunity to say thank you to our many helpers who have volunteered their time at St Thomas’ throughout the year. All parent and caregivers or family members, who have helped us in any capacity throughout the year, are welcome to join us for morning tea on Thursday 18 November at 9am. If you able to attend, please RSVP to Julie Wray at admin@stthomas.wa.edu.au by Friday 12 November.
All Saints & All Souls Day
Next week we will be participating in a whole school Mass for All Souls Day in the Church. Mass will commence at 9am on the Tuesday 2 November and will be led by the Year 4 students. Please feel free to join us.
God bless
Natalia Thomson
Principal
Congratulations to all our Award Winners
Year Five Camp
On Tuesday, the 26th the Year 5 class went on a fun and engaging camp at Perth Zoo. They participated in exciting and interactive activities such as a Race to Save, a Night-walk through the zoo, looking at animals for their information reports, conservation conversation and making enrichment items for the monkeys. Due to the camp being delayed a week because of bad weather, the class were given the opportunity to complete an extra activity which included going into a staff only section and seeing two female lions up close. “I really enjoyed it and I learned a lot of things from it” -Alice Roach. “The Race to Save activity was exciting and engaging and I really enjoyed it.” -Rory Mcilree. “My favourite activity was when we were allowed to go around the zoo and look at the animals because it was so interesting” -Harry Sindhu. “The zoo was challenging, fun and a great way to start the term.” -Jackson “Note to self, never get trapped in the lions cage!” -Guy. Overall, the camp was challenging, fun and exciting and the students would love to do it again. Special thanks to Liam Godsall (the Year 5 teacher) and the rest of the teachers for organising the camp for the Year 5s.
Written by Kian A-R, Alice R, Rory Mc, Harry S, Guy S, Jackson D, Mila B and Ruben Ragnauth.
Scitech Challenge Day
A day for these two wonderful teams to demonstrate their critical and creative thinking to provide real-world solutions. The collaboration skills that were demonstrated were an integral part of the teams’ success.
Sports News - so many opportunities in Term 4
NETBALL - Net, Set, Go – Term 4 Program Thursday afterschool
Every Thursday until Thursday 21st October, I will be running a Netball program for students. The cost will be $70 as there are administration fees which go to Netball WA and each child receives a participation pack.
This has commenced and students are still able to participate in the program. The program will conclude on Thursday 25 November.
The registration link for St Thomas Primary School participants is: https://netball.resultsvault.com/common/pages/reg/welcome.aspx?type=6&id=96017&entityid=77486
Families will be invoiced directly via the school. Payment must be received by 31 October 2021.
Soccer clinics – Thursday afterschool
On Friday 15 October students in years PP to year 6 were all involved in a soccer clinic held by Football West. The students had a fabulous day learning new skills and playing games. Football West will be running a program starting on Thursday 28 October. Please see below the link to register your child/ren.
www.kickitfootball.com.au/skills
JUDO – Tuesday Afterschool
Lessons run from 3.20pm to 4.20pm each TUESDAY in the school undercover area. Students will be supervised by our experienced coaches from after school until the conclusion of the judo lesson.
For further enquiries, if you would like to attend the trial class or enrol your child, please email info@judouwa.com.au
SPORTING SCHOOLS PORGRAMS
Hockey – Sporting schools Kindy to year 2
Students in Kindy and year 2 have been involved in hockey lessons with the assistance of the sporting school grants. They have been learning how to play Hockey and learning the skills associated with holding a stick and fundament al movement skills associated with the sport.
Surfing – Year 6
Students in year 6 have been involved in Surfing on a Wednesday morning from 6.45 – 7.45am at Trigg beach. Although the conditions have not been the best the last few weeks the students have been thoroughly enjoying their Surfing lessons, learning new skills and standing up on a board and surfing waves.
Both of these programs have occurred with the assistance of the sporting schools grant that I apply for during the year. Sporting schools is an Australian government initiative designed to help schools increase students participation in sport and connect them with community sporting opportunities.
Sharon Seaman
Physical Education Specialist Teacher
Dad's Campout
Fantastic to have 150 people join us for this years campout! A great turnout and a cracking day! Some of the highlights:
- swimming,
- playing cricket,
- paper airplane completion (well done Lachlan O.)
- spit roasts (Frank DiLatte, brilliant)
- kangaroos, sheep,
- campfire,
- brekkie with coffees
- and a whole heap of laughs
Thanks to everyone who helped out! We look forward to improving each year so welcome any feedback or ideas. See you next year!
Joep
P&F News
Outdoor Family Movie Night
Lights, camera, action! The St Thomas Outdoor Family Movie Night is here! A night for the whole family, please feel free to invite your extended family, friends and neigbours too.
Please obtain your tickets via this link: https://www.trybooking.com/BUXHU
This is a family friendly, alcohol free event brought to you by the Dad's of St Thomas Group and your P&F. Many thanks to Joep Vaessen for all your efforts and energy in organising this event!
Please note this is not a Dad's Event, even though it is kindly being organised by the Dad's of St Thomas Group. So grab Mum, Dad, Grandma and Grandad and come on down!
Next Meeting
Our final P&F Meeting for the year will be held next Tuesday, 2 November.
At this meeting we will vote on allocating P&F funds to an advanced sound system for our School which can be used for concerts, productions and events, and forward planning for 2022. All welcome, we value your input.
Officeholder positions for 2022
The P&F is seeking parent volunteers to fulfil the role of Treasurer and Vice President in 2022.
The primary role of the Vice President is to attend P&F meetings, support the P&F Executive and to chair meetings in the President's absence.
The primary role of the Treasurer is to maintain the financial accounts of the P&F, prepare budgets for P&F activities/events, arrange reimbursements and provide a financial update at P&F meetings. The Treasurer role for 2022 has been simplified. While financial/accounting experience is helpful, it is not essential.
There are 2 P&F meetings held per term and officeholders are required to attend these meetings.
If you would like to nominate for one of the above roles or require some more information or have any questions, we'd love to hear from you.
Please email stthomas.rsvp2021@gmail.com to express your interest.
Kind regards
Bianca Della Vedova
P&F President
Meet the staff
Name: Lila Gibbs
Position: Year 6 Teacher
Interests: Gardening, walking, spending time on Rottnest Island
Football Team: Collingwood
Favourite Food: Smoked salmon and almond croissants
Currently Reading: White Eagles Over Serbia (Lawrence Durrrel)
Favourite Holiday Destination: Skiing in Japan, boating at Rottnest Island, shopping in London and drinking a great coffee in Melbourne.
People you’d invite to dinner: My family who are stuck in Melbourne
What would you do with your last $50? Buy a few lotto tickets!
Someone you admire: My parents, my husband and my children
Tiny Toms - O-3 Years Program @ St Thomas'
Facilitated by Mrs Brianna Kirkbride (Early Years Educator) the session for parents and their children between 0-3 years is held every Wednesday morning between 8.45 – 10.15am.
All welcome.
First Plenary Council Assembly
THURSDAY 18 November 5.30-8.30pm - Continuing the Dialogue: Observations and reflections on the First Plenary Council Assembly
The opening session of the Plenary Council concluded on October 10 after an intense week of prayer, discussion, and discernment.
The Council for Catholic Women Perth warmly invites you to hear Perth's women members share their experience of the first assembly of the Plenary Council.
There will be an opportunity to ask questions and to contribute to this dialogue. Men and women are all welcome.
Venue: James Nestor Hall, Catholic Education Office 50 Ruislip St West Leederville
When: Thursday 18 November, 5.30pm - 8.30pm (Light refreshments served 5.30pm - 6pm) RSVP: Tuesday 16 November by email kerrymacfarlane2@gmail.com or mobile 0400 886 835
2022 Term Dates for Students
- TERM 1
- Monday 31 January - Friday 8 April
- TERM 2
- Wednesday 27 April – Friday 1 July
- TERM 3
- Tuesday 19 July – Thursday 22 September
- TERM 4
- Tuesday 11 October – Friday 9 December
Pupil free days:
Tuesday 26 April
Friday 3 June
Monday 18 July
Friday 23 September
Monday 10 October
Public Holidays
Monday 7 March (Labor Day)
Monday 25 April (ANZAC Day)
Monday 6 June (WA Day)
Keyed Up Music Lessons
Keyed Up Music will be teaching drums and keyboard lessons in Term 4 during school. Individual lessons start at $23.10 for 20 minutes or $34.10 for 30 minutes per lesson. If you are interested in your son/daughter learning an instrument, contact Savanna on 6107 8841 or 0479 171 424 or enrol at www.keyedupmusic.com.au/enrolment-form
Please also contact the school office to complete a Music Application Form.
St Thomas' Primary School
Email: admin@stthomas.wa.edu.au
Website: stthomas.wa.edu.au
Location: 8 Warden Street Claremont WA 6010
Phone: (08 9286 9500
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stthomasprimaryschoolclaremont
Twitter: @StThomasCPS