St Thomas' News
15 May 2020
SCHOOL DATES
School Dates for Children
Public Holiday 01 June
Pupil Free Day: 02 June
LAST DAY TERM TWO: Friday 03 July
TERM THREE: Tuesday 21 July to Thursday 24 September
Pupil Free Days: Monday 20 July, Monday 24 August & Friday 25 September
TERM FOUR: Tuesday 13 October to Friday 11 December
Pupil Free Day: Monday 12 October
International Day of Families
As we reflect on the time we share together,
we pray for all of the families in our school community and around the world.
God of wonder, On the day we were born you began your work in us.
We know that you continue to work not only in us but through us,
Help us be good servants, always doing your work with open and eager hearts.
Whatever comes our way today, keep us positive and peaceful,
always mindful of your presence and sustaining love amongst us.
Give us strength and courage to experience fully each moment of this day.
Heal all that is painful in us and give us your peace.
Watch over us, protect and guide us throughout this and every day.
Amen.
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents and Caregivers
I trust that you enjoyed the glorious weather on the weekend and had the opportunity to enjoy some family time. It was a perfect opportunity to celebrate the special women in our lives and make all our mothers, grandmothers, aunties, godmothers and trusted friends feel appreciated and valued.
Today is the "International Day for Families". On this day we celebrate families of all shapes and sizes. We acknowledge pressures families face across the world and within our own communities.
Return to School
On 11 May, following a comprehensive School Readiness Review of all Catholic schools in Western Australia, Catholic Education Western Australia has determined that Catholic schools across the State will return to classroom teaching and learning for all students from Monday, 18 May.
This recommendation aligns with the latest advice from both State and Commonwealth Governments and has been made with the safety and wellbeing of students, staff and our whole community as the first priority.
Students who are immune-compromised or those who have a family member with chronic health issues may can continue to learn from home. These students will continue to be supported by school staff, however from 18 May, these students will not be engaged in the same learning program delivered in classrooms.
Drop off and pick up arrangements will remain in place as we follow the Government directive that parents and carers do not enter school grounds at this time.
Parent Interviews Term 2
As you are aware, our parent/teacher interviews originally scheduled for Term 1, were postponed due to the COVID-19 situation. Now that students are returning to school, we are pleased to advise that Parent/ Teacher Interviews have been scheduled for Week 9 of this term for students from Kindergarten to Year 6. These interviews are very important in reviewing your child’s academic and social progress to this point in time.
The interview schedule for Term 2 is as follows:
• Wednesday 24 June – Pre-Primary, Year 2, 4 & 6
• Thursday 25 June – Kindergarten, Year 1, 3 & 5
It is anticipated that the booking site will go live at the beginning of week 6. Parents will be notified as soon as this happens.
At this point in time, these interviews will be online or via phone. If circumstances change, parents will be advised.
Semester Reports
As directed by the Premier Mark McGowan in his address on 13 May, teachers will be required to report to parents with information about students’ learning progress to date in semester one, but they will not be required to assign an A-E grade.
Teachers will continue to provide informal feedback to parents and carers throughout the semester as required. These changes recognise the impact of COVID-19 on teaching in Western Australia and provides parents and carers with reliable information regarding student progress.
Semester Reports will be accessible online at St Thomas’ using the SEQTA Engage platform during the last week of Term 2. Please view information below regarding this new reporting system.
Afternoon Car Park Guidelines
Thank you to parents for your patience in the afternoons at the drive through pick-up on College Road, and at the pick-up at the Early Years entrance on Melville Street. We want to ensure that we have as many cars as possible enter the drive through on College Road to minimise traffic congestion in the streets surrounding our wonderful school. We are very grateful for your understanding and support.
Pupil Free Day
A reminder that Tuesday 2 June is a Pupil Free Day
God bless
Natalia Thomson
Principal
SEQTA Engage
St Thomas’ Primary School is in the process of setting up SEQTA Engage. SEQTA Engage provides parents/guardians with access to student reports.
Academic reports that are generated by St Thomas’ Primary School will be made available as PDF documents to parents/guardians on SEQTA Engage. Families with multiple children at a school will be able to view their children’s information from the one SEQTA Engage account. You will only be able view reports relating to your own child/children.
Shortly, you will receive a welcome email to SEQTA Engage.
Above is the SEQTA Engage manual which will assist you with step by step instructions on how to set up your SEQTA Engage once you receive this welcome email if required.
At this time, your SEQTA Engage page will contain no reports. Reports will go live and be available to view and download during the last week of Term Two 2020.
Kindest regards
Mrs Lisa Meyers
Assistant Principal
ST THOMAS' NEWS
Self Care for Parents' During COVID-19
As parents, we often put our needs aside as we focus on caring for, raising and supporting our children. For many, parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic has presented a completely new set of challenges.
We are helping our children cope with many big changes and all the different feelings and reactions that come with adjusting to a new sense of normal. These are stressful times for parents too! It is important now, more than ever, to take the time to care for ourselves so we can continue to parent effectively and maintain our mental health and wellbeing.
To read the full article, please click on the following link below.
May is the Month of Mary
The Blessed Virgin Mary is the Mother of the Church and therefore the example, as well as the guide and inspiration, of everyone who, in and through the Church, seeks to be the servant of God. As we pray for all mothers in May, we pray to Mary.
HAIL MARY:
Hail Mary, full of grace. Our Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.
DEDICATION TO MARY – THE ROSARY
The month of May has traditionally been a time when we pray to Mary. The ‘Rosary’ is often prayed during this time. The Rosary tells of some of the very important events in Mary’s life. Outlined below is a summary explaining what each of the mysteries of the Rosary are about.
• Joyful Mysteries –
At the joyful time in her life an angel, Gabriel, announces to Mary that she is to be the mother of Jesus. Mary then shares this news with her cousin Elizabeth. Jesus is born and then, as a baby, He is presented in the Temple. Later, as a twelve year old, Jesus shares a special message with the teachers at the temple.
• Sorrowful Mysteries –
During the sorrowful part of her life, Mary watched as Jesus prayed in the garden before the soldiers came to take Him away. She was there when He was crowned with thorns and led off to die. She saw Jesus die on the cross.
• Glorious Mysteries–
The last part of Mary’s life can be seen as a glorious time. To begin Jesus rose from the dead and went to Heaven. Jesus then came back to see and talk with His friends. Finally, Mary goes to Heaven to become the mother for all of Jesus’ friends. She is then crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth.
• Mysteries of Light– In October 2002, Pope John Paul II added the Mysteries of Light to the Holy Rosary, calling us to pray the rosary daily; for our families.
Payment Option Forms Needed
A BIG thank you to families who have already paid fees or instalments and have also sent their "Payment Option Form" back as requested.
A gentle reminder for those who have yet to do so, please return the payment option form (that followed your statement in February). It is imperative to our new software to manage our income.
Thank you
Leanne Hancock
Finance
Library News
Scholastic virtual Bookclub. Closing 18 May.
https://scholastic.com.au/book-club/virtual-catalogue-1/
Reminder that all students can access the library catalogue (ORBIT) within the school through the Library student access computers, iPads and other devices or simply through your devices at home or on the go:
https://stthomasps.softlinkhosting.com.au/oliver/home/browse/list
Thank you for your continued support and assistance.
Ron Wray
Library
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