From the Principal
Welcome back to Term 3!
We have an incredibly busy term. Please make sure you keep up with School Stream for all the latest updates. I hope you enjoy the latest edition of the newsletter.
NAIDOC WEEK!
MACSSIS survey:
Teeth on Wheels!!
Dear Families,
Your child’s dental health is important to us, that’s why Teeth on Wheels will be visiting our school for 6 monthly reviews and oral health education starting on the 30/08/2023.
Below is a link to their E-form which needs to be completed by the 29/08/2023 for your child to participate.
Click the link below to sign your child up - IT MIGHT BE FREE!
https://teethonwheels.com.au/consent-forms/consent-eform/
Please note: if you have already completed a form for 2023 this does not need to be done again, unless your contact information or child’s medical history has changed.
Teeth on Wheels are focused on providing a positive dental experience and specialise in working with children. They can provide check-up and clean appointments, as well as treatment onsite and will be able to advise you if your child is eligible to receive dental care for FREE under the Child Dental Benefit Schedule.
Principal 360 Reflection Tool:
Dear community,
As you are aware I am currently in my first official year as Principal of St Thomas More, Belgrave. At the moment I am engaged in a Program called Principal Induction Program run by our governing body MACS. A part of this program involves a reflection tool known as the 360 Reflection Tool. This tool provides me with baseline data on how I am performing in my role against the Australian Professional Standard for Principals.
I will be inviting some members of the community (Leaders, Staff, Parents and Students) to engage in a quick 10 minutes survey addressing the above information. The survey results are confidential and the results from this survey provide an invaluable set of baseline information for my early career performance in the role of Principal of our wonderful school community.
Staffing Changes:
We have a few changes on staff to notify the community of. Ashleigh Van Soest who has been with us for the past 18 months concluded her time at STM at the end of last term. Ash recently moved down to Gippsland and has secured a job closer to home. We thank Ash for her work her during that time. Tarnia will now work Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday in the office. Jayde Walton who currently works Monday and Thursday will also step in to the 2/3 room on the Friday.
Eucharist - Parent/Child Workshop:
This is just a note that we will be holding our Eucharist Parent and Child workshop on Wednesday, 2nd of August at 3:30pm in the Parish Church. Families with children who are receiving the Sacrament this year will need to attend the session. If you are unable to attend please contact Marcia Janky (marcia@smbelgrave.catholic.edu.au).
Slippers!!
I mentioned at assembly that the children are more than welcome to bring a pair of slippers to school to wear during class time during the winter months. After recess and lunch the students are coming in to the classes with wet shoes and it can both make them sick and also damage the carpet. So from today students are encouraged (not compulsory) to wear slippers inside.
Filming of Production:
We have dates set for the filming of our school production. Filming will take place from Wednesday 26th of July - Friday 28th of July. Mrs Wicks has been hard at work preparing the children and from all reports they are doing an amazing job.
STEAM Incursion and STEAM Night 2023!!!:
Year 6 Jumpers 2024!!
We will need to finalise the sizes for Year 6 jumpers in the next few weeks. If you have not completed the Operoo, please make sure you do this before the end of next week.
Myuna Farm:
Tomorrow our Prep-Year 3 students are heading to Myuna Farm for an excursion. We hope that they have an amazing time. We have a number of parents who are helping out, and we thank the other parents who said they were able to assist. Unfortunately we cannot take everyone. We will keep notes of people who would like to help for future events.
Belgrave Lantern Festival:
Big Dreams Market (School Promotion):
We will be back at the next Belgrave Big Dreams Market is August. We skipped the July market due to School Holidays. The next market we will be handing out colouring sheets and some new pencils that we had made. If you are keen to help out please email the office.
St Joseph's and Mater Christi Production viewing
In a couple of weeks our 4/5/6 students are going to the local theatre to watch St Joseph's and Mater Christi's production "Shrek". We thank our 2 local Catholic High Schools for the opportunity to see the premier of the show.
Help Needed:
Are you handy with a hammer and nails? Skilled with a saw?
We are searching for a STM community member who would be able to help with a woodwork creation for our upcoming Book Week celebrations. If you are able to assist, please contact Mrs George at dgeorge@smbelgrave.catholic.edu.au or on 9754 4444.
2023 Census information:
Please see document below for your reference.
Enrolment flyer:
NCCD fact sheet:
School Closure Days:
Please add the following dates to your diary.
Friday 3rd of November: Curriculum Day
Monday 6th of November: Report Writing Day
Tuesday 7th of November: Melbourne Cup
Monday 4th of December: 2024 Planning day for staff
End of School Year Dates:
End of Year dates are as follows:
Year 6 Graduation Day/Year 6 last day: Thursday 14th of December (Lunch from 12pm-3pm, Mass from 6:30pm-8:30pm)
Prep/Year 5 last day: Friday 15th of December at 3:10pm
Trivia Night:
An Operoo has been sent out to families to indicate if they are planning to attend. We are in for a really fun night.
About Real Life - Sexuality Education Program
August 22nd - Parent Only workshop - Online
August 29th - Parent and Child workshops - time and place tbc
As per the Operoo I sent out late last term, we have engaged with Sue from About Real Life, a company that deliver Sexuality Education. The program is age appropriate and I have attached below a summary of topics covered in 2021. It would be great if this event was well supported, it is free for families.
Commitment to Child Safety:
Please see attached the CECV's (Catholic Education Commission of Victoria) commitment to Child Safety in schools. Each school must have a range of measures in place to meet the 11 Child Safety Standards.
Thank you, take care and God Bless
Declan
