Dear Parents and Families,

This week, our thoughts and prayers are with Max, Jack, Gus and Bobby McLay after hearing the sad news of their father’s death. Justin is remembered fondly by his many friends here at St Thomas’. Our deepest sympathy and condolences are extended to the boys, Brea, Ashlyn and those dear to them. May God’s love be ever present in the comfort and strength they find amongst family and friends.

FOUR CANDLES

The first candle represents our grief.

It reminds us of the depth of our love for you.

 This second candle represents our courage.

To confront our sorrow,

To comfort each other,

 This third candle we light in your memory.

For the times we laughed,

The times we cried,

The caring and joy you gave us.

 This fourth candle we light for our love.

We light this candle, knowing that your light will always shine

We cherish the special place in our hearts

that will always be reserved for you.

  (Author Unknown)

COVID UPDATE

Yesterday, we received an update of permitted school activities in light of eased restrictions within Victoria as outlined by the Chief Health Officer. We will review the list and keep you informed of how these new guidelines will impact events in the remaining weeks of the school term. Please check the PAM platform for regular updates.

We can confirm that school photos will be able to take place and we have made arrangements for this to take place on November 18^th, 2021.

We are looking forward to our Year 3 students returning next week. Students need to have completed their second COVID test and attained a negative COVID result before returning to school.

We are hopeful that the Year 6 camp may still proceed. Details will be sent home today in anticipation of it proceeding. We hope to receive formal confirmation next week.

Just a reminder that face masks are still to be worn indoors by students in Year 3 to Year 6, staff and visitors. Students are asked to bring their own masks to school. 

Students in Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 are encouraged to do so, though this is not mandated.

PROPOSED RELOCATION TO SION SITE SURVEY

We are still working with DOSCEL to have this survey available to you and the broader community as soon as possible. Details have been sent to Bishop Gregory Bennett and the director, Maria Kirkwood. The final stages of how it can be best shared with the community are being organised and I will be liaising with the Media and Communications Officer from DOSCEL to discuss possibilities.

SCHOOL REVIEW

Next year, St Thomas’ will undergo a School Review. This is an opportunity to evaluate our current practices and processes and to determine if we have met the goals within our Strategic Plan. A review process takes place every four years and involves, students, staff and parents.

The Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority will also be involved in ensuring we meet our obligations as a registered school.

Prior to the end of the year, we will ask families to complete a Religious Education and Catholic Identity survey. We will inform families when the survey will become available online.

Once again, we ask you to check newsletters and the PAM platform for information about the school. This is the main platform for school communications.  An SMS will be sent to families to check emails if items need to be addressed immediately.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

We ask families to ensure their children are wearing the correct uniform. We are noticing a number of children wearing black socks and sneakers on incorrect days.

White socks are to be worn on Sports Days. Girls are to wear white socks with their summer dresses and boys are to wear grey socks with their summer shorts. Sneakers are to be worn on Sports Days only.

We will be taking the uniform policy to the School Advisory Committee for review. In this way, any changes can be shared with new families as they begin the 2022 school year.

We pray that everyone enjoys a lovely weekend. We look forward to a new week.

God bless,

Anita and Staff