2024 Term 4 - Week 9 - Newsletter

Prayer of the Week

Image retrieved from https://au.pinterest.com/pin/438115869989978444/ 

From our Principal

Over the last few weeks, students from Year 5 have been busily preparing, practising and presenting ‘speeches’ in readiness for the 2025 School and House Leaders voting procedure and subsequent announcement.  From the initial drafting stage to the actual speech presentation, through to the ultimate announcement of our new leaders, our students will experience a vast plethora of emotions: pressure, expectation, excitement, nervousness, relief and anxiety in the lead up to the declaration of new leaders. 

However, for all but a few students, these emotions will very quickly turn to disappointment, sadness, embarrassment, shock and even failure when only six student names will be called out.  All of these emotions are perfectly natural and normal, however, endeavouring to reassure children of this is not always easy.

Michael Jordan is not only one of the greatest NBA players of all time, however, one of the greatest athletes in history to grace our planet.   Six championship rings, five NBA MVPs (Most Valuable Player) and six finals MVPs are just a few achievements in his highly celebrated and decorated basketball career. Jordan wasn’t just a great player, he had an amazing work ethic, outlook on life and the ability to inspire and motivate millions of people around the world.  However, he too had major setbacks in life!!

 “I know that fear is an obstacle for some people, but for me it is just an illusion…..   Failure always makes me try harder on the next opportunity.”

Neither of Jordan’s parents were tall, nor were his brothers and sisters beyond average height. Michael himself seemed destined to be short, an unlikely candidate for the professional basketball career he dreamed about. In backyard games with his friends and brothers, he tried to compensate for his height by playing harder; thus was born his fierce desire to win, especially against the odds.

However, he loved basketball very much, his spirit and desire to be able to play in competition events was driven even more by the rivalry with his brother Larry. Everyday, both competed in one-on-one intense matches in the back yard, and usually Larry dominated his younger brother. In fact, Larry was considered a true athlete of the family by his brother and the High School coach.

The High School coach come to know Michael through Larry and invited Michael to the basketball summer camping prior to his enrollment to High School. He was asked to try to qualify for the university team group. Everyone in the camp admired Michael’s speed and skill, but the coach was discouraged by the possibility that Michael would not reach the minimum height required. So when the list of names of the university team was announced, Michael’s mates-all of them were 198cm in height-were in the list, but Michael was not.

It was the very moment so deeply imprinted on Michael’s life. He stared at the alphabetically arranged list of names, read and re-read the list several times, feeling sure his coach had mistakenly left his name out. Jordan told Reader’s Digest that when he discovered he had been dropped from the varsity:

“I went through the day numb. After school, I hurried home disappointed and ashamed, closed the door to my room and cried so hard. It was all I wanted–to play on that team.” He added: “It’s probably good that it happened. It made me know what disappointment felt like. And I knew that I didn’t want that feeling ever again.”

Fortunately his mother came to his side and gave him some important advices. “She said that the best thing I could do is to prove to the coach that he had made a mistake”, recalled Michael. “And, leaving my disappointment behind, I started to improve my performance”.

Michael reluctantly rejoined the junior university team squadron. But while he was recognised as a dedicated player, he changed his training intensity. Michael’s sport instructor, Ruby Sutton, was the first to notice that change: “Usually I arrive at school between 07.00 am and 07.30 am. Michael was there before me. Each time I came in and opened the door, I heard the sound of ball bouncing, in autumn, in winter, in summer. Almost every morning I had to ask him to leave the court”. Knowing that his lack of height made him unqualified for the university team, he often tried to get taller by hanging on a horizontal bar.

Behind his competence and spirit, lies the secret: to always appreciate failure and take advantage of it for some goodness. Through the following years Michael used to motivate himself by reflecting on his failure: “Whenever I achieve some success but feel so tired, I often come to think to give up and leave everything. But then I close my eyes and see again that list that didn’t include my name. Usually by doing that my spirit is revived”.

 “You can achieve incomparable level of skill through incomparable spirit and commitment”.

So, for those students who do not hear their name revealed as School Captain or House Leader at the end of this term, just remember, even the greatest people on Earth experience setbacks, however, it’s how you deal with them which is the true judge of character.  Best of luck!!!

“I can accept failure, but I can’t accept not trying.” – Michael Jordan

Thanks for reading. 

God Bless,

Duane Wann

Principal

2025 Step Up Transition Afternoon: Wednesday 4th December

In preparation for the 2025 school year, children will engage in a Step-Up Transition Afternoon on Wednesday 4^th December from 1:45pm – 2:45pm.  The purpose of this afternoon is for children to engage with and spend the afternoon with their allocated teacher for next year prior to the commencement of the 2025 school year.

Time Change for End of Year Whole School Mass & Amendment to Final Day of Term Arrangement: Friday 6th December

Parents/Guardians are invited to the End of Year Whole School Mass on Friday 6^th December.  Please be aware, the time of the Mass has been changed from 9am (as shared in the School Calendar) to 11:30am.  At the conclusion of the Mass, parent/guardians are invited to collect children.  For children remaining at school, supervision will be provided.

Things to remember...

Grooming Expectations

Please be mindful, hairstyles which draw attention to the individual, including but are not limited to: mullet, scullett, mohawks, tracks, tails, hair colouring etc. are not permitted.

Before School Supervision

Before school duty commences at 8:15am.  Children who arrive at school before 8:15am are kindly asked to sit in the ‘Quad Area’ until teacher supervision commences at 8:15am.

School Lunch

We are asking families to have conversations with children regarding eating requirements when at school to ensure enough lunch is packed to see out the school day.

Communication

We believe that good communication is the key to success for your child. If there is something worrying you about your child’s learning or well-being or if there has been changes at home which may be affecting your child, please ensure you contact your child’s teacher or myself to discuss this. Even if you feel it is a small issue, please let us know.

Communication Protocols

St Thomas More’s Primary School recognises and respects the right of employees to disconnect from work and not respond to work-related electronic communications outside of designated hours.  St Thomas More’s Primary School staff will reply to electronic communication within the hours of 8.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday. 

Where contact is made outside of this span of hours, employees will respond within two working days of the employee’s next designated working day considering weekends, leave, other non-working days, vacation periods and holidays. 

Guidelines

• No jewellery, rings, body piercings or nail polish are to be worn. One earring in each ear only, stud or sleeper.
• Hairstyles which draw attention to the individual, including but are not limited to: mullet, scullett, mohawks, tracks, tails, hair colouring etc. are not permitted. 
• Shoulder length hair or longer to be tied back, both boys and girls. Hairstyles and hair accessory colours to be sensible. Hair bands to be royal blue, navy, black or gold.
• Watches are allowed, but no liability or responsibility is accepted by the school.
• A confidential chat is the appropriate response to students not wearing the correct uniform.
• Boys' formal shirts are to be tucked in.

Technology

• Mobile phones are to be signed in at the office each morning and collected at the end of the day after the final bell.
• Student are not permitted to text or make phone calls from smart watches during the school day.

General

• Students are not permitted to bring toys, trading cards or sports equipment from home.

Student Protection

From our APMI

Can you believe we are entering the last two weeks of this academic year? It really is true – time does fly when you’re having fun! The end of a school year is always an exciting and emotional time, even more so this year with my imminent departure from STM! I felt like STM was the answer to a prayer back in 2019 when I first arrived. I was back fresh from a working holiday in London (quite unexpectedly) and feeling pretty down on my luck when I received a phone call from Michael Cash sharing a job opportunity with me … and I have not looked back since.

I’ve had the pleasure of working in a number of different schools, both in Australia and beyond, but being at STM has been a real highlight of my professional career. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to grow my leadership skills here as APRE, Middle Leader and APMI in various capacities since 2020. STM really is a wonderful school and an exciting community to be part of as an APRE. I don’t know if everyone would agree with me, but I find STM to be such a faith filled community … which fills my heart and makes my job so easy!

Thank you to all the staff, parents, students and parishioners who have made me feel so very welcome during my time here at STM. I wish everyone continued success in the years to come and urge you to hold on to what makes STM such a special school community and cherish it – it’s pure gold!

A Year in Reflection

At this time of year, I always like to look back on the year that was and share some of my favourite memories of the school community. This year has certainly been one for the record books, but I will do my best to keep it brief!

Commissioning our Year 6 Leaders

It is always exciting to call our leaders by name each year and what a wonderful job each and every Year 6 leader has done this year! Whether in elected positions or not, our Year 6 Leaders have shown great passion and integrity this year.  

Service Club

Service Club have been a joy and delight to work with this year. I hope all 2024 Service Club members continue their amazing work for Social Justice in the future and wish our 2025 Service Club all the best! Thanks Mrs Wilson for helping with LEGO Club this year and Ms Souter for helping with Kindy Visit during LKJ preparations. 

Chess

While I may not be a skilled chess player, I have loved watching our Chess Team blossom this year! Well done to all the boys and girls who have not only participated in Friday chess lessons with Ben, but who have represented our school at various chess tournaments throughout the year. A special shout out to Shaun, who has achieved outstanding results in his chess journey this year!

Prayer Celebrations

I feel the prayer life of STM is one of the things that makes it so special. I enjoy each and every one of our celebrations and love how enthusiastic our students and staff are about leading the prayer life of our school.

Olympian Visit

This year we were lucky enough to have a visit from Sara Carrigan, who won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. Sara not only let us have a sneak peek of her amazing medal … she also shared some of her sporting journey with us, which was very inspirational to listen to.

Healthy Harold

It may not be cool to say, but I am a HUGE Healthy Harold fan! I have the best memories of visiting Harold when I was a student at St Edward’s in Daisy Hill. I am so pleased Harold is still around and sharing safety messages with the next generation of students.

Retreat Days

This year, we have had a number of retreats as part of the religious life of our school. Our Year 6 Leadership Retreat at the start of each year is always a great opportunity for our leaders to think about the year ahead and likewise the Year 5 Hero Retreat is a great opportunity for our aspiring leaders to consider the leaders in their life and the qualities they have that make them amazing leaders. This year, we also held our very first Parent Retreat, which was a lovely evening.

And of Course …

The Lion King Jr

It would not come as a surprise I am sure to hear I am a musical theatre enthusiast and while I love the religious aspect of my job, directing our musical this year was certainly a main highlight of my year! Although I didn’t get to see the show from the front of the stage, seeing the excitement and professionalism of the student’s backstage was quite honestly a joy and privilege. STM – you are sensational performers and I look forward to coming back as a visitor to see your 2026 production!

With all the fun stuff out of the way, just a few reminders for the end of the year …

Vinnies Christmas Appeal

Our major fundraiser for this term is the Vinnies Christmas Appeal. Over the past few years, we have worked closely with our local Vinnies Chapter to support families in our area over Christmas doing it tough. This year we will continue this wonderful tradition. In the coming weeks, your classroom teacher will share details of the family each class is supporting this year. Donations can be dropped into the classroom Vinnies Appeal Tub from Week 8 through to the end of the term. Thank you in advance for your support of this appeal. The generosity of our community always makes my heart smile at this time of year.

Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum 

Late in Term 4, we will be implementing the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum. This curriculum has been developed to support Queensland schools’ delivery of key safety messages to students from Prep to Year 9. Through a series of lessons, students will learn how to recognise, react and report when they are unsafe or find themselves in situations that can have a significant detrimental effect on their physical, psychological or emotional wellbeing.  

We encourage you to talk to your children about what they are learning in class. The following table outlines the content areas to be covered by each class this year.  

Prep to Year 2 

Year 3 to Year 6 

Further information about the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Lessons and Curriculum can be found at ...  

Lessons: https://danielmorcombe.com.au/keeping-kids-safe-resources/keeping-kids-safe-lesson-plans/  

Curriculum: https://education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/stages-of-schooling/daniel-morcombe  

If you would like further information about what the Daniel Morcombe Child Safety Curriculum involves, please contact your classroom teacher or myself. 

TCS Family Life Lessons 2024 

At the end of this term, the Sexual Health Education Program (better known as Family Life Lessons) will be taught to children from Prep to Year 6. Classroom teachers will let you know when this is coming up in Class Newsletters. Please have a conversation with your child/children and clarify any questions that they have after these lessons. 

These lessons are part of the curriculum of our school and all schools across this Diocese. They form part of the Personal, Social and Community Health Strand of the Australian Curriculum and follow the Catholic Education Office, Diocese of Toowoomba, Guidelines for Teaching Sexual Health.  

Please be assured that this material will be handled with sensitivity. Below is a brief overview of the content covered across the school. You will also receive a note home with further details for each year level. If you have any questions or concerns about the content being covered or your child's participation in these lessons, please contact your classroom teacher.  

Semester Two Academic Reports

Our Semester Two Report Cards this year will be distributed in the last week of this term via the Sentral for Parents App. Over the course of this semester, teachers have been gathering evidence of learning for each learning area for each of our students. This process involves gathering, analysing and reflecting on multiple sources of evidence to make an informed judgment about what students know, understand, and can do.   

Assessment in the classroom can come in many forms. It can either be …  

• Diagnostic (assessing prior learning) - pre-tests and work samples.  

• Formative (assessing for learning) - observations, group work, individual conferencing, ongoing work samples.  
• Summative (assessing of learning) - tasks, assignments, presentations. 

In Week 10, families will receive Semester Two Report Cards for students from Prep to Year 6. This Report Card is a culmination of your child’s academic achievement throughout the semester, as well as a snapshot of their spiritual and social development. It is just one way of communicating information about student achievement, effort, and behaviour.   

The Australian Curriculum is written in such a way that there is an ‘Achievement Standard’ for each year level for each subject area. It is this Achievement Standard that we report against. The standards are written as a statement of what a student is aiming to achieve by the end of the school year for their year level. A student receiving a ‘C’ standard indicates that they have met this standard, that is, that their work demonstrates a conceptual understanding of the concepts covered and that they can apply this knowledge and skill in familiar situations. Simply speaking, a ‘C’ standard indicates that your child is able to do what is expected of them for their year level.  

To move beyond a ‘C’ standard, a student must demonstrate that they are developing a sophistication of conceptual understanding, with a strong application of skills, and that they are beginning to transfer their knowledge and skills to new situations.

Similarly, a ‘D’ standard does not constitute a failure, but indicates that a student is continuing to develop their understanding of the expected curriculum and may be able to demonstrate some of the elements within it, whether with support or inconsistently. A rough outline of these standards is provided below.   

In each KLA, students also receive an effort achievement level. This level is derived by the level of application and study habits during that particular KLA. Students who receive ‘C’ for effort are demonstrating the expected level of effort and engagement during learning time. Please see the table below for the effort achievement scale. 

Academic Reports will be shared via the Sentral for Parents App in Week 10. If you have not already downloaded this app, please do so as soon as possible. 

If you have any questions about Semester 2 Academic Reports, please feel free to make contact with your classroom teacher.  

To all the staff leaving at the end of this year, thank you so much for your contribution to St Thomas More’s during your time here. Each and every one of you has made a significant impact on the lives of those you have encountered. All the best for your new adventures.

Thank you so much for your support over the past 6 years. I have loved being part of the STM school community and will always look back on my time here fondly.

For the final time …

God Bless

Kris Byrne

Assistant Principal Mission and Identity

Thank you to our Lion King Jr Sponsors who made our 2024 Production so wonderful! 

Thanks to our Lion King Jr Platinum Sponsor ...

Miss Byrne's Term 4 Important Dates

Not returning in 2025?

From our Sports Dept

 Term 4 Swimming Lessons 

Below is the timetable of swimming lessons for Prep – Year 2. This year we will be using the Glennie Aquatic Centre for our school swimming lessons. Children will be bused to and from their lessons. 

Monday 25th November 

Thursday 28th November  

Year 1 – 9:30am-10:15am 

Year 2 – 10:15am-11:00am 

Prep – 11:00am- 11:45am  

Please ensure your child has their swimming costume, towel, and goggles for their lessons and anything else you feel they may require. The Glennie Aquatic Centre will provide swimming caps on your child’s first visit. Teachers will collect swimming caps at the end of each session and will be given back out at the beginning of each lesson. These different coloured swimming caps are vital to the smooth running of the lessons as the different colours will indicate which group your child is in for easy organisation.  

Children will get changed before and after their lesson at the pool.  

Swimwear Guidelines: 

To ensure safety and comfort during the lessons, we request that all students adhere to the following swimwear guidelines: 

• Children should not wear rash shirts or oversized clothes. 

• If wearing leggings or full-body coverings for cultural reasons, they must be skin-tight. 

• No scuba masks are allowed (any goggles brought must not cover the nose). 
• We do not supply loan goggles, so if a child wishes to wear goggles, they must bring their own. 

If there is a problem with your child’s lessons, please speak to their class teacher and they will deal with the concern. Please do not contact the pool directly.  If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact myself or your child’s classroom teacher.  

2024 Swimming Carnivals – Save the dates 

Junior Swimming Carnival – Tuesday 3rd December at the TAS Pool.  

Nominations are now closed.

Stacey Hancock

Health and PE Teacher

Library News

Summer Reading 

As I child I relished school holidays as I could lose myself in a good book for hours on end without having to worry about schoolwork.  I realise that this is not the case for all children.  Summer holidays for some students can mean a break from reading as well as regular lessons.  Studies have shown that children need to read outside of school. The key to stemming summer reading loss is finding novel ways to get books into the hands of children during the summer holidays. 

There are many benefits to reading over the break and there are many novel ways students can read. 

Below are some articles, suggestions and encouragement for summer reading. 

11 Benefits & Advantages of Summer Reading Programs  from Reading Eggs.  Students from Prep – Year 2 have access to Reading Eggs.  They all have individual sign-ins to access this. 

Episode 80: Encouraging Holiday Reading - Your Kid's Next Read Podcast – The Your Kids Next Read Podcast is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to summer reading.  This is just one episode to encourage summer reading and to offer reading suggestions.  Their website has an extensive list of popular books for children of all ages – YKNR Booklists  and they also have a Facebook community to ask for advice for specific or other generalised reading suggestions. 

The Toowoomba Regional Library is a wonderful place to keep up students’ reading excitement as well as with summer reading.  It is easy to join if you are not a member.  You only require proof of Queensland residency to join.  They have a large range of audio and e-books, as well as hard copy books available for loan.  Storybox Library is available for use for members and is a wonderful place to immerse into the world of books.   

Toowoomba Region Libraries Events - 63 Upcoming Activities and Tickets | Eventbrite Libraries across the region also offer school holiday activities which are a great way to get out and about and connect children with books in a more relaxed and subtle way. 

Borrowing 

Borrowing from the school library has now closed.  We are in the process of having all books returned so that we can complete the end of year procedures.  We would appreciate it, if you could have a scout around at home to check that you have no outstanding books. 

In the final newsletter for the year, I will share other ways in which children can engage in reading across the holidays.   

Competitions 

The final winners of the reading challenge for Years 3 to 6 are: 

Flo – 3 Red 

Lliam – 5 Gold 

Thank you to all the students in Prep – Year 2 who entered the Transformers Colouring Competition.  Entries have been judged and the winners are: 

1. Edison – Prep Red
2. Scotia – Year 2 Blue
3. Dinel – Prep Red

First prize is a Book Club voucher and second and third prize will be able to draw from the library prize box.  All entries will now be forwarded to Scholastic for their draw. 

Thank you 

With Margy returning to the library next year, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the whole school community for my time here at St Thomas More’s.  I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching the classes each week as we have journeyed through the world of books.  We have laughed at different character’s antics, been amazed at the wonders of the natural world and have been touched by both fiction and non-fiction texts. I have marvelled at the insightfulness and compassion of the students and it is these memories that I will take with me. 

Wishing you all a very happy and holy Merry Christmas, filled with wonderful bookish adventures. 

Catherine McAleer 

Teacher Librarian 

Student Awards

Week 7

Amazing work from our Week 7 award recipients. 

Week 8

Amazing work from our Week 8 award recipients. 

From our Uniform Shop

P & F News

Tuckshop News

Opening Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Order via Flexischools App.  If you need help to navigate the App, please feel free to pop into the tuckshop and chat to Jemma or email on jemma@archerscateringandevents.com.au 

Cut off of Online orders...
Order before 3pm Tuesday (for Wednesday), 3pm Wednesday (for Thursday) & 1pm Thursday (for Friday).

NEW Tuckshop Menu

REMINDER - IF YOU CHILD IS SICK, PLEASE CONTACT THE TUCKSHOP BEFORE 9AM TO POSTPONE YOUR ORDER TO THE NEXT DAY!

From the OSHC

Thank you!

A huge thank you to Westridge Fruit and Vegetables for their continued support with the donation of fresh fruit every week for our students!

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