2025 Term 2 - Week 10 - Newsletter
Prayer for the Week
Loving God,
You created each of us with dignity and love.
Today, we remember those who are without a safe place to call home.
We know that no one chooses to be homeless,
and we pray for all who are cold, hungry, or alone this winter.
Bless the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society,
and all who give their time, care, and resources to help those in need.
Help us to be generous and kind, to share what we have,
and to see the face of Christ in everyone we meet.
May we not only see Christ in others,
but also be Christ for others—
bringing comfort, hope, and love wherever we go.
May our school community be a light in the darkness,
bringing warmth, dignity, and compassion to all.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
From our Acting Principal
Over the past few weeks, our teachers have been finalising student report cards. When teachers make a judgement about a child’s progress, they use a variety of methods including work samples, observations, questioning, and discussions.
Report cards provide an opportunity for parents and children to reflect on the learning and growth that has been achieved over the semester. A reminder that a ‘C’ grade on the report card means that your child is demonstrating the expected level (Year Level Achievement Standard) and necessary skills and understandings for that part of the curriculum. As well as considering the grades attained, parents are also encouraged to look for personal progress both academically and behaviourally and recognise the importance of effort and improvement.
An e-mail was sent previously to explain the changes to the report card format from this year. Most notable changes are the descriptions provided in the A-E scale for achievement and effort, and comments being restricted to general comments section.
A big thank you to all the parents who generously gave their time and energy on Sunday at our P&F Working Bee. With new carpeting being laid and a classroom relocation, your support in moving furniture, organising resources, repairing items, tidying the Prep shed, gardening, and making general improvements was invaluable. Your passion and teamwork helped tick off so many items on our to-do list. As the saying goes, many hands make light work—and the progress made was truly incredible. We are so grateful!
As we finish off this semester, I’d like to congratulate the students on all of their great work. There has been some tremendous work produced as well as some fantastic attention to school wide expectations and behaviours. You can all rest up and feel proud of your work this semester. I would like to thank the hard-working teachers and school officers for all their time and dedication over the semester and especially this term. You should be proud of what you and your students have achieved.
God bless
Have a great week.
Luke Barrett
Acting Principal
From our APMI
As we wrap up Term 2, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our entire school community—students, staff, and families—for your support and enthusiasm throughout what has been a busy yet enriching term.
From the energy of our sporting events and the brilliance of our chess players, to the generosity shown through our fundraisers and the deep sense of connection fostered in our faith life and assemblies, this term has been filled with moments that reflect the spirit and heart of our community. And of course, we’ve had plenty of fun along the way!
This week, we turn our focus to supporting those in need through the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. Our Service Club Leaders shared this important message at our final assembly:
“Don’t forget next week we start collecting beanies, new socks, and long-life food items to support St Vincent de Paul’s Winter Appeal. This appeal helps people in our community who are doing it tough during the colder months by providing warm clothing, food, and other essentials. You can bring your donations to school and place them in the classroom donation boxes. Every item makes a difference to someone in need.”
We’re looking forward to Pyjama Day on Friday, July 27. Come to school in your favourite pyjamas and bring a long-life pantry item to donate. We’ll be selling hot chocolate and popcorn for $2 each, with all proceeds going directly to the Winter Appeal. Let’s work together to spread warmth and kindness this winter!
For a fun holiday activity, see the Holiday Grocery Budget Challenge below which was inspired by St Vincent de Paul's activity suggestions. You can also visit their website: Holding on to each other - Vinnies Winter Appeal 2025 | Vinnies
Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and joyful break. We look forward to welcoming you back for an amazing Term 3!
God Bless
Donna Barlow
Assistant Principal Mission & Identity
2025 School Priorities
At the commencement of every school year, the teaching staff gather to consider and develop priorities for the year. For 2025, the focus of our practices will centre on the following:
2025 Theme:
2025 School Goals:
Before School Supervision
Before school duty commences at 8:00am. Children who arrive at school before 8:00am are kindly asked to sit in the ‘Quad Area’ until teacher supervision commences at 8:00am.
Process for Late Arrival, Early Departure and Collection Areas:
This is a valuable opportunity to remind families of the requirements pertaining to late arrival to school and early departure from school. Our aim is to safely account for all students while minimising disruption to teaching for the staff and learning for the students.
Late Arrival
- a student is considered to have arrived late any time after the 8.30am bell on a school day
- all students arriving late must sign be signed in by a parent, family member or themselves. Children then transition to the classroom by themselves.
Early Departure
- a student is considered to have departed early any time before 2.55pm on a school day
- Parent/Guardian to call, email or present to the School Administration Office to inform School Administration Staff their child/children will be departing early and offer the reason for the early departure
- the School Administration Staff will contact and advise the Class Teacher of an early departure and request for the child/children to present to the School Administration Office at a prescribed time
- Parent/Guardian to collect child from School Administration Office and sign child out
- Parents/Guardians are not permitted to attend the classrooms and withdraw children directly
- Parents/Guardians are not permitted to visit the classrooms between the hours of 8:30am and 2:55pm unless invited to do so. This is to avoid disruption to teaching and learning. Should there be a need to visit a classroom or drop something off to a child/children, this can be arranged through the School Administration Office.
Collection Areas for Families (End of School Day)
As part of the afternoon end of school day collection of children, parents/guardians are always invited and encouraged to collect children within the confines of the school in places that do not disrupt teaching and learning. In doing so, we respectfully ask families to wait in the following areas:
- Drop Off/Pick Up Area on South Street (outside the Prep collection area)
- The Quad Area (the collection of children in Years 1, 3 – 6)
- The seats outside of the Year 2 classrooms (Year 2 children).
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.
Student Phones
Student mobile phones are to be signed in at the School Administration Office each morning and collected at the end of the school day. Children are not permitted to text or make calls from phones or smart watches during the school day.
From our Learning Support Dept
St Thomas More’s has contracted the services of an Audiologist, Ms. Dendra Cole, to visit the school on Tuesday 5th August. This opportunity allows students to have a full hearing test and will provide vital information of the hearing health of your child.
Your child may have previously participated in a Hearing Screening Process through your local Health Unit. These screeners help to inform us of some issues, such as whether there is fluid in the ears, wax build up or hearing levels. However, without a comprehensive hearing test by an accredited Audiologist, you are unable to access federally funded hearing services such as Australian Hearing or Ear, Nose and Throat consultations if required.
The hearing health of your child is vital in their access to educational, social and emotional development. Even a mild hearing loss can mean that your child may be missing 25% of the speech that occurs in the classroom. Hearing loss (whether permanent or fluctuating) can also be linked to fatigue, disengagement in school and difficult friendship experiences.
There is a cost of $99.00 for the Audiology test which will be added to your child’s school fees on receipt of the returned consent form. This cost is quite reduced from the expected price of such a test. Please find attached the consent form that we require to be completed and returned to the school office by Thursday 24th July. If the demand for Audiology testing is higher than expected, priority testing will take place and further audiology testing will be arranged for later in the year.
The hearing tests will take place at St. Thomas More’s. Part of the consent form asks whether you consent to the hearing test occurring without you being present. You are welcome to attend the hearing test (approximately 15-20 minutes) with your child, but this is not a requirement. If requested, I will reach out in the days before the testing with information regarding the approximate time of your child’s appointment.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me via email or through the school office if you have any questions regarding the audiology testing or around your child’s hearing health.
Belinda Phillips
Learning Support Coordinator
From our Sports Dept
Athletics Carnival
Congratulations to everyone who participated in our athletics carnival last Tuesday! It was such a great day of running, jumping and throwing. Thank you to our parent helpers that supported staff throughout the day. We couldn’t have done it with out you.
Selected students will be informed of their selection to compete at the Catholic Athletics and Zone Athletics Carnivals hopefully by the end of Week 10.
9 Years Girls
Age Champion – Zana B & Emily R
Runner Up – Esther W
9 Years Boys
Age Champion – Zachary M
Runner Up – Taj M
10 Years Girls
Age Champion – Millicent F
Runner Up – Ellie R
10 Years Boys
Age Champion – Louie T
Runner Up – Tong W
11 Years Girls
Age Champion – Abigail M
Runner Up – Aaliyah L
11 Years Boys
Age Champion – Fergus A
Runner Up – James O
12 Years Girls
Age Champion – Olivia K
Runner Up – Kendall H
12 Years Boys
Age Champion – Jonathan W
Runner Up – Hamish Plath
Overall House Points
1st – Leonard
2nd – MacKillop
3rd – Hall
4th – Finbarr
Representative Touch Football
Congratulations to Jonathan W on being selected in the Darling Downs U12 Boys Touch Team. We wish Jonathan all the best when he heads off to compete at the state championships.
Stacey Hancock
Health and PE Teacher
From our Counsellor
Triple P Parenting Programs
We all know parenting has its challenges and can be tough at times, particularly if your child experiences social emotional challenges and/or you have experienced family separation. There’s no need to ‘go it alone’ when it comes to parenting – help that really works is available now.
The Triple P – Parenting Program is a free program designed to support parents, with tips and strategies to re-establish stability and routines, which supports your relationship and helps to create a closer bond with your child, which will help their development and wellbeing.
To register for free Triple P Online or Triple P seminars and sessions,
visit www.triplep-parenting.net
Wishing you and your family well,
Jayne Farquharson
School Counsellor
From our year 6 classrooms
This term, Year 6 have been reading a novel called Boy Overboard by Morris Gleitzman. As well as writing character profiles and book reviews, we have also created Boy Overboard movie trailers using Canva as part of our Digital Technologies unit.
The students all worked really hard on these and they turned out fantastically and we are excited to share some with you below.
If you have a child in Year 6 this year and you would like to view their trailer, students can access their Canva account at home.
St Tommy Movers Showcase!
This term, the students have been learning Dance in the arts classroom. The students have been taught a choreographed dance which will be performed at our St Tommy Movers Showcase. We would love to have families come along and watch!
When: (Week 10) Thursday 26th June 2025. From 12pm - 1pm.
Where: The Sports Centre.
What To Wear
The school has purchased costumes for the students; however, they will need to bring clothes to perform in. If you are unable to bring in the right clothing the students can wear their school uniform. All students will wear their school shoes. Please no dresses or skirts. Students will only wear these clothes during the performance so they will need to come to school on the day wearing their correct school uniform.
Prep (Bunny Rabbits): wearing white
Year 1 (party theme): wearing green and/or yellow
Year 2 (cowboy theme): wearing denim on bottoms. White or checkered shirt on top
Year 3 (Sailors): wearing white and/or navy blue
Year 4 (Monkeys): wearing brown and/or black
Year 5 and 6 (Rock and Roll): wearing black
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 or to adjust your order, please feel free to pop into the tuckshop and chat to Jemma or email jemma@archerscateringandevents.com.au
Cut off of Online orders...
Order before 7am for Wednesday and Thursday orders. For Friday orders, please order by 1pm Thursdays.
Tuckshop Email: jemma@archerscateringandevents.com.au
NEW Tuckshop Menu
REMINDER - IF YOU CHILD IS SICK, PLEASE CONTACT THE TUCKSHOP BEFORE 9AM TO POSTPONE YOUR ORDER!
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!
Notice Board
