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From the Principal Dear Parents With only two weeks left of school in 2017 we are at that time where work is being finalised, reports are being written, and end-of-year ceremonies are on our doorstep. For me, these last 2 weeks mark the last 2 weeks of my 14 years of being a Principal, and possibly the last of my 34 years in Education. I am excited about new possibilities for my unforeseen future pathway, but I will also be very sad to be moving from this fantastic school. It has been a privilege to be principal of St Thomas More for the last 5 years and I will leave in 2 weeks with many wonderful memories. Our Yr6 students will also be moving on, with many of them calling St Thomas More their second home for the last 7 years. For them the great excitement and nervous anticipation of high school beckons, while the sadness of leaving their well-loved primary school and younger years behind will also be in the mix. While I am far off my adolescent years, I sort of know how they feel. Many parents will also be sad to be leaving our community along with our Yr6 students, some of who have been part of the St Thomas More Family for many more years than their youngest child. I wish everyone a great finish to our year together over the next 2 weeks. An End of Year Art Exhibition of Year 3,4,5, and 6 students work will be set up in the back of the STM Centre (Church). This exhibition will run throughout the last week of term and is a celebration of the amazing creativity that has been expressed in the Art Shed throughout this year. All classes are invited to visit the exhibition anytime from Monday middle session to Friday. We also invite parents to drop in to view the works during next week, or while you are at the STM Centre attending the awards ceremonies. School Captains and House Captains 2018: Firstly, I would like to congratulate all those in Yr5 who nominated for School Captain and House Sports Captains in 2018 and who delivered such excellent speeches to the Yr5 students and teachers last Tuesday and Wednesday. They are all remarkable leaders. We are yet to hold the voting for Band Captains. Congratulations to the following students who have been voted by their peers to represent them as school and house captains next year: SCHOOL CAPTAINS Girl Captain – Indigo Walsh Girl Vice Captain – Poppy Tindal Boy Captain – Jacob Bartley Boy Vice Captain – Nick Scordalides HOUSE CAPTAINS Marcellin Boy Captain – Will O’Connor Girl Captain – Emilia Hammond Nagle Boy Captain – Joch Eleison Girl Captain– Milly Wood Xavier Boy Captain – Louie Griffin Girl Captain – Lucy Winn McKillop Boy Captain - Aidan Doyle-Duffy Girl Captain– Lily Bradford
OFFICE HOURS -8AM TO 4PM
Office is closed during school holidays
Phone (07) 5449 2022 Fax (07) 5449 2770 Absentee Line (07) 5455 3911 Website: www.stmsunshine.qld.edu.au
E-mail: [email protected] PO Box 810 – Noosa Heads – 4567
SCHOOL HOURS
Classes begin 8.40am
Lunch 11.00am
Afternoon Tea 1.35pm
School finishes 2.50pm STUDENT ABSENCE LINE - 54553911 OR [email protected] OR via Parent Portal **For absence of more than 2 DAYS a formal
written note must be sent to the office. **For absence of more than 10 DAYS ‘APPLICATION FOR EXEMPTION FROM SCHOOL’
form is available at office or via Parent Portal. DISTRICT / REGIONAL SPORT ABSENCE Parents are asked to notify the office when their child is absent due to a District or Regional sporting event. CHANGES TO FAMILY DETAILS For changes to any of your details, email to:
[email protected] MEDICATION If your child needs to have Prescription or Over the Counter Medication administered at school, the item must be labelled with your child's name by the Chemist. A Parent or Guardian is required to fill in the
"Student Medication Authority Forms" – one also MUST be signed by a doctor, prior to dropping the medication to the school office. These forms are available at the school office or via parent portal. SCHOOL VOLUNTEER Volunteers are asked to sign in & out at the office; & collect a visitor’s badge. Volunteers other than
parents, must have a valid Blue Card and be registered – see office for details. TUCKSHOP IS OPEN TUESDAY TO FRIDAY UNIFORM SHOP – TUES & THURS 8.15 - 9.15am
TERM 4 FINISHES 12 NOON 2ND DEC
Volume 28 - Week 8 - Term 4 - Monday 20 November 2017
Awards: Our annual ‘Maurice Hurst Award’ and ‘Br Brendan May Awards’ were presented on Friday’s assembly to 3 worthy recipients: The Brother Brendan Award was introduced in memory of Br Brendan Maguire who passed away on January 20th, 2005. Br Brendan was a Marist Brother and a foundation staff member here at St. Thomas More. He is well remembered by all who knew him for his kind and gentle ways at all times. The Brother Brendan Award “For living the Marcellin Spirit” is awarded to a boy and a girl from Year 4. These 2 students have:
Demonstrated respect for members of the staff and school generally through a courteous and considerate manner, cheerful co-operation, and obvious pride in being a member of the Saint Thomas More Community.
Demonstrated respect for other children shown by a kind and gentle manner, an inclusive and friendly approach to sport and games, and sensitivity to the needs of others.
Demonstrated respect for self, marked by a willingness to participate in all activities, a positive attitude to work, and a neat and tidy appearance.
This year the award is presented to: Alex Williams from Room 17 Natalie Gilmore from Room 20
The Maurice Hurst Award is presented in memory of Maurice Hurst, the principal architect of Saint Thomas More School, and the man credited with developing the special Noosa style in architecture. The award is given to a student entering the final year of Primary school. We greatly appreciate that David and Loretta Nicholson, (very good friends of the late Maurice Hurst), continue to sponsor this award each year. An amount of $350 is given to the student to assist with the expenses associated with school education. The Maurice Hurst Award is presented to a Yr5 student who during the course of his or her primary schooling has shown an exemplary attitude to study, always presenting work that represents his or her best effort, and who is a positive contributor to all aspects of school
life. This year the award is presented to: Marcelo Etchegaray from Year 5 Room 21 Awards Ceremonies: We hope that many parents are able to join us at these Year level Ceremonies. Times For Prep-Yr5 awards and Yr6 graduation will be posted in this newsletter. Prep-Yr2 Ceremonies: Each child from Prep-Yr2 will get a graduation certificate that has printed on it a recognition of something special about that child as a learner. Yr3-5 Major Awards & Certificates: We were going to do away with graduation certificates in Yr3-5 this year, however a good number of parents gave feedback that these were meaningful to them and treasured by them, so staff have re-voted to keep them this year. We also had a number of parents who told us that they were not needed and that too many certificates can devalue the worth of certificates, which was the reason we were looking at the change in the first place. While there are different views on this, we are keen to make sure that all children feel properly acknowledged at these ceremonies for a great year together with their class. We have found that in the past there have been too many awards, which leaves the kids that don’t get an award feeling in the minority. We have also listened to this feedback from parents of previous years and have refined the awards to show excellence in particular areas. We have not included a class Sports award this year, as there are many occasions where students are rewarded in their area of sport throughout the year (such as age championships). There are also many areas where we recognise student achievement throughout the year. Each class from Yr3-5 will have 1 recipient for the following awards:
Excellence in studies
Consistent Effort in Studies
Improvement in Studies
Class/School Spirit
Champagnat Award
Music Award
Visual Art Award
Indonesian Award
Yr6 Awards: These awards are quite different this year and have been refined to show excellence in areas across Yr6, rather than for each class. A description of each award is found further on in this newsletter. The following are the awards for Yr6:
Champagnat Award -given to one student from each class
The Br Mark May Award - One student from Yr6
The Academic Award – Two students in Yr6
The Arts Award – Two students in Yr 6
The Sports Award – Two students in Yr6
The Parish Award – One student in Yr6 While there are less awards than previous years, we wanted these awards to show school wide excellence. We have been criticised in the past for having many kids step forward for an award while a small number are left feeling undervalued as they get no award, and I agree with this sentiment. We want to change how this looks this year, while also recognising all our wonderful Yr6 students in the graduation ceremony. There are also many areas where we recognise student achievement throughout the year. Use of Facebook on school matters - Some parents chose to air their views on the matter of graduation certificates for Yr3-5 on Facebook recently. While set up with good intent, this use of social media can turn nasty, as I believe it unfortunately did with a couple of thoughtless comments aimed at staff. While the vast majority of people were happy to add their wisdom and considered opinion to the mix, this format has potential to be abused, become toxic and to divide the community. I ask parents not to use social media to question school decisions or criticise members of our school community. There are far better ways that a school can gather parental opinion and far better ways to use Facebook. Please note that this is not a criticism of the good people who started this thread. I hope parents can imagine what sort of community STM we would become if every time someone disagreed with something at school they take to social media for everyone to say whatever they wanted and about whoever they wanted. Let’s find better solutions to get constructive feedback for our school. One last appeal (that we always say to the kids) – treat others as you would have them treat you – including talking about others on a public forum. Choir/Band Concert: Congratulations to our Bands and Choir who performed in the STM Centre last Wednesday night. You sounded amazing. The Junior Band, Senior Band and Ensembles entertained us with a few pieces each, while the Choir ‘Razzle Dazzled’ in between. As fitting at the end of year, both Choir and Bands came together at the end for some stirring Christmas Songs. Many thanks to Rachel Viner and Petra Taylor-Smith for the work they do with Band and Choir. Thank you to the kids who show up for practice each week, practice at home for the neighbours, and who follow up on their musical talents. Swimming Carnival: Yr3-6 Swimming carnival is this Friday. I wish everyone a great day for this carnival. It always brings out great school spirit. Many thanks to our hard-working PE teacher, Mick, for all his preparation of this carnival, and to all those who help set up and pack away. If any parent can help out with this, just let Mick know through the office. Thank you. God Bless and have a great week – Patrick Colley - Principal
Important Reminders
SCHOOL CLOSES FOR TERM 4
ON FRIDAY 2ND DECEMBER AT 12 NOON
BUSLINK COOLUM BUS 18 will be the only bus to collect at 12noon.
WE ASK THAT ALL STUDENTS ARE COLLECTED BY 12NOON. Students that go to after school care will either need to change collection time to
12noon on this day or make alternate arrangements. Please contact your day care centre.
FOR STUDENT MESSAGES AND SICK BAY EXTENSION YOU NOW PRESS ‘2’ (NOT 3) ON THE PHONE
SCHOOL FEE ACCOUNT REMINDERS - School Fees are now Overdue Please settle your account before the end of term.
SWIMMING CARNIVAL LUNCH ORDERS FROM THE NAC DUE TOMORROW – cannot accept orders after tomorrow
Music Sing-a-long – Tues 28th Nov at 2pm in the Champagnat Centre – All welcome
Assistant Principal Administration Dear Parents, Staff & Students, Prep Orientation & Bump Up Morning On the morning of Friday the 10th November each year level bumped up to their next year level. This was our second year bumping up and it is designed to help some of the kids become more familiar with some of the staff and certainly the classrooms of the subsequent year. In its design it was originally hoped this might settle some of the worries of our younger children, but the feedback I received from the kids this year was that the younger children couldn’t wait to bump up while some of our older children were a little more curious. There are many responses to moving year levels, but it happens every year, and all that comes with it also happens every year. This is a great conversation starter within our families. As we come into finalizing classlists for 2018, it is worthwhile framing up a positive response for your child. As Mr Colley has outlined in earlier newsletters, we don’t take teacher requests, so if your child has their hopes pinned on one teacher it may be unhelpful for them given that they only have a 1 in 4 chance of getting that teacher. Help them to see the positives of moving year levels, the opportunities ahead for them, the development of friendships old and new. Swimming Carnival The swimming carnival for Y3-6 is this Friday. A reminder that all participants must wear swimming caps. Please apply suncream to your child prior to school and remind them to drink plenty of water throughout the day and to sit in the shade when not competing. Many kids look forward to this event, others are worried about it, and others still don’t mind either way- I suppose this is true of all events for people. For those excited, they get to share with their peers a passion or talent; for those with worries about it, they learn to manage their worries, to focus on their friends and cheer on others; for those not bothered either way, they get to share in and create another great school experience. I want to acknowledge all of the students, however they feel about it, for their participation. Thank you to all the staff who have been preparing for weeks. We wish all participants the best of luck. Reports Teachers are currently finalizing their reports. They will be verified later this week and out on the parent portal during week 9. End of Year Awards Timetable On Thursday 30th November, week 9, we have our Year Level Awards Ceremonies where students are provided with certificates for a range of different things throughout the year. Please see below for this year’s timetable.
Time Year Level 8.50 am Y1
9.40 am Y2
10.20 am Y3
11.45 am Y4
1.00 pm Y5
2.00 pm Prep (classrooms)
Friday the 1st of December- School Closes at Noon Friday the 1st December is the last day of school this year. Please note that school closes at midday on that day. Have a week and God bless. Glen Bucklar
WHAT’S HAPPENING LAST 2 WEEKS
TERM 4 WEEK 8
Nov 20 Yr 1&2 Swimming
21
22
23 School Board 6pm
24 Yr 3-6 Swimming Carnival
TERM 4 WEEK 9
Nov 27 Yr 6 Surf/Service
28 Yr 6 Dance Day Music Concert sing-a-long 2pm – Champagnat Centre
29
Year 6 Graduation Mass 6.00pm
30 Yr 6 Rewards Day Yr 5 Excursion Year level Awards Ceremony
Dec 1 Assembly Liturgy 11.00am
SCHOOL CLOSES 12NOON
Assistant Principal Religious Education Dear St Thomas More Community,
Advent is a time for us to prepare, wait and share in
faith, hope and love.
In the Catholic tradition, Advent begins the Church’s liturgical year and helps us prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas. It gives us time to reflect and rejoice in the coming of Christ. The word Advent is derived from Latin that means "coming." In the midst of the Christmas decorations, gifts and foods that surround us when we go shopping, it is important to recognize and teach children about the importance of this season in the life of our Church and community. At Mass each Sunday during Advent, we hear God’s call to make a new start in the way we live. We light a candle on our Advent wreath each Sunday during Advent as a reminder that the coming of
Jesus, who is ‘the light of the world’. The circle of greenery reminds us of God’s unending love - without beginning or end. There are three purple candles and one rose coloured candle. We light the rose candle on the third Sunday of Advent as a sign of hope that Christmas is nearly here.
The first candle represents the Old Testament prophets who foretold Christ’s coming.
The second candle represents John the Baptist, who pointed to Jesus as the ‘Lamb of God.’
The third is for Mary who prepared herself and presented Jesus to the world.
The fourth candle represents us, who are now called to prepare ourselves to be prophets and witnesses.
This year Advent begins on Sunday 3rd December, after our school year finishes. We have decided to explore the stories of advent over the coming two weeks with the students at STM to help them understand the significance of this important season of the year. Advent is a time of hope – a time of faith, it is a time of joy, it is a time filled with love. During this season of our Liturgical year we are called to be people of hope. A very simple way we can all participate in this is in our generosity in contributing to the St Vinnies appeal for this year. In each classroom is a box with ideas of possible helpful items to be donated. The local St Vincent de Paul society is extremely reliant on the donations of items from the St Thomas More community to create their hampers for local families who are in need. It is not too late to contribute, and I really encourage you to consider bringing along items to include in these hampers. With only this week left for collections, let’s make a great effort to provide food and toy items that will make Christmas a better time for families in need. This Thursday will be my last day at school for the year as I will be taking long service leave for the last week to be with my family as we travel together. Thank you for the amazing ways that each person has worked to make St Thomas More a place where the face of God is present each day and where Mary’s example of care, gentleness and compassion is woven into everyday life at our school. My wish for you is that you and your family are abundantly blessed this Christmas season. May your holiday be filled with special times with those you love, lots of relaxation and fun.
Advent prayer: Blessed are you, O Lord our God, king of the universe.
You sent your Son to be the Light of the world and to spread his light of love to all.
As we light the candles of this wreath
May its growing brightness remind us of the approaching nearness of your Son
So that the day of His coming may find us prepared and filled with joy.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Have a wonderful week - Ann-Maree 😊
Year 6 Graduation Awards
WEDNESDAY 29TH NOVEMBER - YEAR 6 Graduation Mass commencing at 6pm in the STM Centre; followed by Supper in the undercover area; followed by award presentation in the Champagnat Centre.
The Champagnat Awards are presented to one student from each Year 6 class, who throughout this
year have demonstrated the following qualities of Saint Marcellin Champagnat: Being pleasant, well-mannered and co-operative; Kind and gentle towards others; Generous - willing to help others without being asked; Self-motivated and hard working - doesn't give up easily; Prayerful, respectful during prayers and liturgies and generally a happy person.
The Brother Mark May Award. This is presented to a student who has displayed outstanding commitment in their
senior year and a willingness to involve themselves in all aspects of school life at St Thomas More. Brother Mark May was the founding principal at St. Thomas More and was here until the year 2000. Br Mark encouraged students to try their hardest and to be the best they can be. This award is in remembrance of a man who gave so much to our school.
The Academic Award acknowledges excellence in a student’s achievements across all Key Learning Areas – Mathematics,
English, Religious Education, Science, Studies of Society and the Environment, the Arts, Health and Physical Education and Technology. Representing the school through entry into state and national competitions, participation in optional extra curricula activities are considered in the selection of this award.
The Arts Award recognizes student achievement in the areas of music, visual arts, dance and drama. Children’s participation
in the school instrumental programs, drama studies, music and school choir are considered when selecting nominees.
The Sports Award recognizes student achievement in the 3 principal carnivals in the school year – swimming, athletics and
cross country. Student representation at interschool events is also considered when selecting nominees for this award.
The Parish Award is presented to a student who has generously and enthusiastically contributed to Religious School and
Parish activities throughout this year.
Sports News Upcoming Year 3- Year 6 Swimming Carnival
Friday 24th November 2017 Every student has the opportunity to swim 4 races, they have chosen their distance for each
stroke The carnival will start at 9:30am with the freestyle races. The carnival will finish at approx 1:30pm.
Congratulations to Smith Connors on his selection in the Sunshine Coast water polo regional team.
Band News NEW MUSICIANS FOR 2018 Please return enrolment & hire forms by Friday this week. Additional information will be sent home to in week 9.
JUNIOR & SENIOR BAND MEMBERS - Band and lessons are on this week, this is our last week of lessons - Band captains -voting will happen in your band rehearsals this week. - Breakup party - Wednesday lunch time , please bring a small plate to share, pizza provided. - Enrolment , hire, hire return forms due this week. - All hire instruments to be returned cleaned with all accessories in place, in your lessons Tuesday or Wednesday. - Solos concert - Tuesday 3-4 STM centre.
Regards Rachel Viner
Music News As this may be one of the last opportunities this year to communicate with parents about the Music and Dance Program at St Thomas More, I’d just like to thank everyone for a wonderful 2017. The students have certainly had a terrific year of opportunities with the ‘One Stop Rock Shop’ visit at the start of the year, the amazing band, choir, glee and tutoring programs on offer, the school musical ‘When Tomorrow Comes’, assorted dance performances, and lots and lots of musical concerts spread throughout the many months. I’m grateful to all the staff for their support of what we do in the musical areas of the school and I’d really like to congratulate the wonderful students for the contributions they’ve made in lessons and extracurricular opportunities. The final band and choir concert was a great success last Wednesday evening (as photos reveal) with nearly forty students singing and many more than that playing in either the Junior, Senior or both bands. Mrs Rachel Viner has done a brilliant job with t he
band students throughout the year and has certainly earned her holidays, as have all of our tutors (Maria, Clare and Gary) who have provided great experiences for their private students. One final reminder that school recorders (Yr 3 to 5) and music folders, will remain at school over the upcoming holidays to save parents having to house them for six weeks (and possibly enjoy a lot of ‘noise’ as opposed to ‘music’ … lol!) Yr 6 students have brought their music items home and next year’s Year 3’s will need to bring a recorder and folder for lessons in 2018, which is on the stationery list which you will be receiving shortly. A relaxed and 'low key’ CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG for students is going to be held on the final TUESDAY 28th NOVEMBER from 2.10 to 2.40 p.m. in the Champagnat Centre to conclude the festivities for the 2017 school year. I apologise if anyone had it in their calendar as a concert (it is only for the students, as the tradition at STM is to have a big Christmas concert in the alternative year to a big ‘musical' concert). Best 'end of year' wishes to everyone and let’s count down excitedly together.
Mrs Petra Taylor-Smith
STUDENT AWARD - WEEK 7 -TERM 4
MARIST SPIRIT
AWARD YOU CAN DO IT
AWARD
MARIST SPIRIT
AWARD YOU CAN DO IT
AWARD
Rm 1 Charlie Levi Rm 15 Archie B Addison A
Rm 2 Milani Carter Rm 16 Amelie C Jack P
Rm 3 - - Rm 17 Lily O Dex R
Rm 4 - - Rm 18 Sasha T Hudson A
Rm 5 Lewis Amity Rm 19 Angus P Leila M
Rm 6 Nate Milla Rm 20 - -
Rm 7 Adian Tyler Rm 21 Daniel O Abbey G
Rm 8 Isla Erin Rm 22 - -
Rm 9 Oliver & Frank Clio Rm 23 Madi W Amy M
Rm 10 Tahlia, Dempsey Henry Rm 24 Patrick McA Alyssa T
Rm 11 Toby C Reggie M Rm 25 - -
Rm 12 William J Olivia W Rm 26 Elodie J Adam C
Rm 13 Memphis J Sapphire H Rm 27 Lily M Bailey A
Rm 14 - - Rm 28 Jett Jack & Clay
Art News
FOR SALE - Clarinet - Buffet B12, with music stand. Very Good condition. $450.00 neg.
Ph: 0409631206 or see Mrs King in the library.
NOOSA DISTRICT CATHOLIC PARISH OFFICE Hours: 8am to 12 noon and 1pm to 4 pm Monday to Friday; (excluding public holidays). There is a drop box at the office door for your use if needed whilst the office is closed. Address: 5 Moorindal St, Tewantin; Postal Address: PO Box 111, Tewantin 4565 Phone: 54471188; Fax: 54424517; Mass Times Line: 54424518; EMERGENCY NUMBER 0438 705 447; Email: [email protected]; Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/noosacatholic
PARISH PASTORAL & ADMINISTRATION STAFF: Parish Priest Fr Jason Middleton - [email protected] Associate Pastor Fr Paul Eloagu [email protected]
Manager, Parish Services Mr Michael Finch [email protected]
Parish Assistant Mrs Maria Higginson [email protected] Parish Secretary/Receptionist Mrs Elaine Stephenson [email protected]
CURRENT WEEKEND MASS TIMES ARE AS FOLLOWS: SATURDAY 5.30pm Vigil Mass at Sacred Heart Church, 63 Maple St., Cooroy SATURDAY 5.00pm Vigil Mass at Our lady of Perpetual Succour Church, 5 Moorindil St., Tewantin SUNDAY 7.00am Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, 5 Moorindil St., Tewantin SUNDAY 8.00am Mass at St Patrick’s, 1 Church St., Pomona Church SUNDAY 8.30am Mass at St Thomas More Sunshine Beach, Ben Lexcen Dr., Sunshine Beach SUNDAY 10.00am Mass at Our lady of Perpetual Succour Church, 5 Moorindil St., Tewantin SUNDAY 5.30pm Mass at St Thomas More Church, Ben Lexcen Dr., Sunshine Beach.
Once again at the 5pm Mass at
Sunshine Beach on Christmas Eve, we are inviting children to come
along dressed in their Christmas finery. It’s delightful to witness the
little angels and shepherds as they process through the church to set
up the crib.
If you think your child is too young to walk through the church on their
own, there will be older children who can walk with them, or you are
most welcome to accompany them.
Setting up the crib and participating in a Christmas Mass is the perfect way for children to understand and participate
in the true meaning of Christmas.
Maria Higginson (Parish Pastoral Ministry Worker)
STATIONERY LISTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON THE STM PARENT PORTAL
