It is hard to believe the year is coming to an end!

I do apologise for the busy schedule to end the year, we will look more closely next year and moving forward, to make sure the end of the year is not so crowded with events. In saying that families have supported all our events and the children have been spectacular.

It has been another wonderful year full of fun and learning. I thank all of the staff at the school for their hard work and commitment to the students at our school. I also thank the parents for their ongoing support of our community. Last but not least, thank you to the students, who have worked tirelessly and achieved wonderful results, not just academically, but also socially. I want to wish all the Year 6 students who graduate today all the best in the next step of their schooling journey. We are very proud of you and know you will do us proud in your future endeavours. I also want to wish the Moloney family well for their future as they move to a new school. We will miss both Desmond and Caelum around the school. All the best for the future.

I wish all members of our school community a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

School will begin for students on Tuesday, 30th of January, 2024.

Please see a child friendly version of the Christmas Story.

Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service and St Vinnies Christmas Appeal:

I am so proud of the community for the work we have done to donate toys or food to this wonderful causes. Thank you to each and everyone of you who donated.

Please also see this wonderful artwork, created by one of our Year 4 students, April.

Production Premiere "The Reluctant Dragon"

How amazing was our Production??

It was so special to see so many families in attendance to celebrate our amazing children. The children were brilliant and I'm sure we were all incredibly impressed with the production. Thanks to all the staff for their hard work. Special mention to Mrs Wicks for another amazing production.

School Camp Year 5 and 6:

Year 6 Fun Day:

On Wednesday 6th of December, our Year 6 students headed to Luna Park on their fun day. The weather was perfect and the children were so well behaved and had an amazing time. It was very busy but the students managed to get on lots of rides and made the most of the day. Well done to our Year 6's, who along with Mrs S organised the sale of Zooper Doopers to help pay for the event. This is something that we will do again next year. Well done Year 6's, I was one proud Principal.

STM Community Picnic:

We were blessed with perfect weather on Wednesday evening as we celebrated our third annual Community Picnic. It was so heartening to see families embrace this low key event. The BYO fish and chips and pizza were all big hits, and it was great to hear the festive chat in the air. Thanks to Tarnia, Grace, Danielle and Marcia who all stayed back to connect with families. I appreciated it.

Also a big congratulations to our meat tray and hamper raffle winners. I hope you enjoy your prizes.

Staff Changes:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank both Grace Hiosan (office admin and CRT) and Fenella-Anne D'Cruz for their work at St Thomas More. I wish you both the best as you move on the the next chapters of your life.

School Advisory Council AGM:

The School Advisory Council Make up for 2024 is as follows

Principal: Declan McDermott

Chairperson: Amy Gillett

Staff Rep: Danielle George

Parish Priest: Father Anthony Cruz

Other committee members: Emily Atkinson, Audrey Brook, Kristina Evans and Michael Wheatland.

Parents and Friends Committee:

On Monday 27th of November, we held our 2023 AGM. Thank you to the parents who attended. The outcome of the elections are in the "Parents and Friends" tab of this newsletter. I would like to take a moment to thank Meaghan Elkin for her many years of service as President of our PnF, Meghan will continue on as a general committee member in 2024. Also thank you to Sharna Parker, who for many years on the committee will be moving on due to Lorelei moving on to High School. Thanks for everything you have done for our school Sharna.

Rice Ball Making:

Please see recent photos from Japanese class!

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.

Student work:

Please see a piece of work create by some of our students in Year 4/5. A rap that was composed in Performing Arts class.

Thank you and God bless,

Have a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year

Declan