From the Principal

Welcome to the latest edition of the newsletter!

Excitement has been in the air over the last week as we undertook filming for our Production "The Reluctant Dragon". We thank Mrs Wicks for the countless hours she has put into making the process possible. We have a busy few weeks coming up, swimming is on the horizon, followed the next week by Book Week. Please make sure you keep up to date with the newsletter, SchoolStream and also Operoo as events come at us thick and fast. 

I would also like to thank our Parents and Friends Committee for their organisiation of the recent trivia night. It was a wonderfully prepared evening that was filled with fun and laughter. There was so much work that went into running the evening and on behalf of the community we thank them for their efforts. 

In recent weeks we have welcomed a couple of new families into our community. Charlie (Yr 3) started last week and has settled in very well. Poppy (Yr 4), Harvey (Yr 1) and Rory (Yr 3) all have also started with us this week. We welcome the new families and hope they enjoy their time as part of a wonderful community. We have seen a large amount of interest in our school since the end of Term 2, this week we have 4 trial days and several tours booked in. It is exciting to see all of the hard work that has gone in for a number of years is paying off. Currently for Prep in 2024 we have double digits again for the second year in a row, this is wonderful after a few lean years. It is truly amazing to see our small community continuing to grow. 

As I am now in the process of starting to plan for 2024 (I know... already!), it would be great if you could please let myself or the office know if your child will not be returning to STM in 2024. This will help me organise class numbers and staff for next year. Year 6 families do not need to let me know. 

MACSSIS survey:

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.

Eucharist - Parent/Child Workshop:

This is just a note that we will be holding our Eucharist Parent and Child workshop on Wednesday, 9th 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 our Religious Education Leader, Marcia Janky (marcia@smbelgrave.catholic.edu.au).

STEAM Night 2023!!!:

All families are welcome to attend this jam packed evening full of fun and learning. Prospective 2024 families are also welcome to attend too.

Book Week!

Please have a look at the "Learning and Teaching" tab for more information about the fun and exciting events we have planned for Book Week 2023.

Big Dreams Market (School Promotion):

We will be back at the next Belgrave Big Dreams Market on Sunday13 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:

Yesterday our Year 4-6 students went to a preview of the Mater Christi and St Joseph's production "Shrek". The students enjoyed the experience, and we thank both schools for allowing us the opportunity to preview the show. 

Swimming 14th of August - 18th of August:

An Operoo was sent out last week in regards to swimming. I will send details via SchoolStream next week with specific times for parents. You are more than welcome to attend and watch your child/children swimming, but due to Child Safety precautions parents are not required to help in the change rooms. 

Dear parents,

Please see the attached QR code which is required to be filled out prior to our swimming program at Monbulk in a few weeks.

Thanks

Declan

Students Diaries 2024!

Lorelei our current Art Leader has come up with a few samples for our customised diaries for 2024. The students will vote on the one they like the best and we will submit that for publishing. Please see attached the 4 designs for 2024. 

Social Justice Conference:

As Social Justice Leader Mason announced at assembly on Monday, our Year 6 students are going to St Luke's in Wantirna on Monday to take part in a Youth Social Justice Conference. A wonderful opportunity for our students to participate in a fun and engaging event. 

Teeth on Wheels:

Dear Families,

 Just a reminder that we have Teeth on Wheels visiting our school for 6 monthly reviews and oral health education starting on the 30/08/2023.

Please click on the link below to complete your child’s consent form.

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.

Complete your form today and the Teeth On Wheels team will be in contact to schedule your child’s appointment and notify you on your eligibility. If you are not eligible, Teeth On Wheels will offer you a special deal of $99 for the full check-up, oral cancer screening, clean, fluoride treatment and any x-rays if required (this can be claimed back through your private health insurance).

For any further questions, please contact the Teeth On Wheels team on (03) 9338 1191.

PLEASE NOTE, THE CUT OFF DATE FOR COMPLETING YOUR CHILD’S FORM IS 29/08/2023.

2023 Census information:

Please see the document below for your reference.

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

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 delivers 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