It really has been a busy start to the term, I am sure the long weekend was a welcome break for everyone. Over the past week we have had some significant events, including our 2024 SRC presentation and also the ANZAC Day service. Both of these events are discussed in more detail below.

Please make sure you keep up to date with all upcoming events. The Important Dates and Upcoming events tab is your one stop shop for calendar needs.

2024 Student Representative Council Presentation Ceremony:

Congratulations to the following students on being elected to the St Thomas More Student Representative Council.

Kaja L; Ryan M; April O; James G; Jackson B; Emma J; Elena M & Oliver K

We are very proud of these students and know they will represent the student body with pride.

Lunch Orders - Mondays - starting 6 May 2024:

Subway Vermont South and Canteen Hub are very pleased to be able to offer the Subs For Your School Lunch Program.

Every Monday - Starting Monday 6 May 2024
Place your order by 4:30pm, Sunday
If you are using a VPN please select Australia
Please register at canteenhub.com.au
Select St Thomas More Primary School
If you need to cancel your order this can be done via canteenhub.com.au under your profile up to the order cut-off time.
Need help please email help@canteenhub.com

ANZAC Day Service:

Our ANZAC Day service was held on Monday afternoon in the Library, it was a wonderful event and the students were reverent and respectful. It is wonderful that the children are able to articulate why it is important to pause and remember those who served our country in times of war. Thank you to those families that also attended.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders Fields, the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie,

In Flanders fields.

Sacrament of Confirmation - Student Retreat Day:

On Monday 6th of May, students who are undertaking the Sacrament of Confirmation will be participating in a Student Retreat Day to help prepare them. They are welcome to come in free dress. Marcia Janky will work with the students on this day.

Healthy Families Webinar Series - Save these dates (More details to follow): Please note, the school is covering the cost of these webinars:

Year 3/4 Day Camp to Enchanted Garden:

Last Wednesday, our Year 3/4 students made the trip to Enchanted Garden near Dromana. By all accounts to children and staff had a wonderful day and managed to dodge most of the rain (although they got a little wet). We thank the staff that prepared the day for the students, I know the students and family are very appreciative.

Semester 1 Reports:

As parents are aware, students receive achievement reports each semester. We are slightly adjusting these reports to be more friendly for parents to read and understand. An overview of each subject taught will be provided so parents can view what content has been covered throughout the semester. Students will then be given a curriculum progression point for each subject. This will be displayed in a graph that is easy to read, a key will also be provided. Students will also receive a teacher judgement mark on their Effort and Behaviour in class, this will be marked on a 5 point scale. Parents will access reports through their N-Forma portal. Printed copies can be provided on request after reports have been published and sent home.

If you have any questions about the reporting process, please let me know.

School Trivia Night - Change of date:

Our wonderful P&F committee is planning to hold a fun and engaging family trivia night this year. It was originally scheduled for June 22nd, however this date clashes with the Belgrave Lantern Parade, so it has been rescheduled for the 7th of September.

St Joseph's College:

Mother's Day Stall: Parent helpers:

The P&F committee are looking for some helpers for the upcoming Mother's Day stall on the 10th of May. The stall will be running from 9:00am-11:30am. If you are able to help please let me know and I can pass your details along to our team.

Lighthouse Expo: (Year 6 Boys):

Victorian Premiers Reading Challenge:

If your child is interested in joining the Victorian Premiers' Reading Challenge, please let our school Library technician and LSO, Lisa Norris know.

Lisa can be contacted on lnorris@smbelgrave.catholic.edu.au

Cross country training:

Each Tuesday morning (8am) and Wednesday (1st half of lunch time), students in Year 3 and up are welcome to join our Cross Country training and trials. Students will be selected for the district squad from these sessions.

Term 2 important dates:

Please keep checking in on the important dates tab - new events and activities will be added to each newsletter.

ART Therapy:

Please reach out to our very own parent Alice Hermans if there is interest in Art Therapy.

Walk to School Day:

Staff will be on duty on the 10th of May to give stickers to those students who are walking on this day. Last year we had some wonderful parents coordinate walking groups from different parts around the suburbs. It would be amazing if this can happen again to promote this day!

School Fees:

School fees are now payable. Fee payments can be set up flexibly with Tarnia in the office. We kindly ask for regular payments or if you intend to make a one off payment please just let us know when you plan to do so. All fees are due by the end of Term 3 (unless on a payment plan, these plans can run all year). If anyone has any questions about fees please speak to Tarnia or myself.

2024 School Closure Days:

Friday 16th of August - School Closure

Monday 21st of October - School Closure

Monday 4th of November - School Closure

Tuesday 5th of November - Melbourne Cup (Public Holiday)

Friday 29th of November - School Closure

Monday 2nd of December - School Closure

Tuesday 17th of December - Students Last Day

Thank you and God bless

Declan

School Advisory Council News