Dear Parents and Carers,

Last Sunday was Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost is part of church tradition - not only

our denominational tradition, but the tradition of many churches. Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus - it is the Church's celebration of the gift of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost is a powerful reminder of how the Holy Spirit leads, guides and empowers us. 

The Spirit is peace in the midst of restlessness, confidence in the midst of discouragement, joy in sadness, youth in aging, courage in the hour of trial. Amid the stormy currents of life, (the Holy Spirit) lowers the anchor of hope.” Pope Francis

Pentecost comes from the realisation that God's very life, breath and energy lives in, with and among us. A passage from the Pentecost readings tells of a visit of the Risen Christ to the disciples huddled in fear. "Peace be with you," Jesus says. "As the Father sent me, so I am sending you." After saying this, Jesus breathed on them and added, "Receive the Holy Spirit." The breath, the life, of Jesus himself. Pentecost celebrates that reality.

Mini Vinnies

The Mini Vinnies team met last Friday. There were many excited students! Thanks to Brenda Galvin (our Chaplain) and Rossen (our Youth Minister) for facilitating these meetings. The first item of business will be the " Winter Woollies" for the SVdP Night Patrol Van. 

SunSmart

In Canberra, May is when we start to witness daily UV levels take a nose-dive during certain times of the day, to what is considered "low" levels (under 3). This generally occurs during the morning and afternoon periods; however, by the end of May UV levels drop and remain low (under 3) ALL DAY. In winter, by exposing some skin most days of the week during the middle of the day (i.e. lunch time), students should be able to maintain the bulk of their summer vitamin D. In June and July our students do not have to wear their hats when playing and doing sport outside.

Uniforms

Thank you for ensuring your children are in correct uniform. It is very much appreciated.

Appreciation

Thank you for following our procedures during the COVID-19 restrictions. We appreciate parents’ efforts, especially keeping your children at home when they are unwell. I look forward to having parents back on school grounds – it’s just not the same. Fingers crossed that will be at the beginning of Term 3.

Enrolment Period

The enrolment period for the 2021 school year has officially closed. If you know of anyone who is interested in sending their child to St Thomas More’s for next year, please let them know they must enrol as soon as possible. I anticipate that we will have waiting lists due to the number of enrolments already received.

Thank You

I would like to extend a very special thank you to the School Community Council for their kind and generous words, and gift, that all staff received this week in appreciation for all their efforts during remote learning. The STM staff were overwhelmed and extremely appreciative. 

Yours sincerely,

Julie Wiley
Principal