Dear Parents and Carers,

Fr Josh celebrated Mass with us last Wednesday and at the end of his homily he passed on 3 key messages for the students:

1. I am important
2. Jesus is my life
3. We are the body of Christ

Fr Josh also reminded us that we are unique, and all have something different to offer – “many parts make one body”. Our children are all unique and different and as such, it is important not to compare your child with others. Your child has special gifts that need to be celebrated and recognised. It is also important to note that we all develop and mature at different rates. Although our students are allocated a grade level, they can be operating above, at or below the standard. Nevertheless, they all have unique talents and gifts that contribute to our STM community.  

Research tells us that children with confidence and a healthy respect for themselves and the adults in their lives show better cooperation and make healthier choices. As parents and teachers, we need to verbally acknowledge our children’s efforts and gifts – as Fr Josh reminded us last Wednesday, our children are important. Your child needs to be reminded to be proud of themselves.

Community Breakfast

Please join us for our Welcoming Community Breakfast this Friday. The Mini-Vinnies team will be serving just after 8am. Everyone is warmly invited to attend. Thanks in advance to Mrs Sonja Mingay for her preparation, along with our Mini-Vinnies Team.

School Community Council

Our first meeting for 2019 will be next Wednesday evening at 6pm. New members are very welcome!

Leadership Badges

Our Year 6 leaders will be presented with their badges during our assembly on Friday. Parents are warmly invited to join us for this special assembly. It will begin at 9am, after the “Welcome Breakfast”.

Yours sincerely,

Julie Wiley
Principal.

One Community

in God’s Love

WE are a Community of PEACEMAKERS 

Welcome to Week 3. I trust that you and your child/ren have settled into the new school year.

This Friday at Prayer Assembly, our Year 6 students will be receiving their leadership badges and making a commitment in front of St Thomas More’s Primary School community, to lead with peace, courage and wisdom.

This is a very important ceremony for our Year 6 students, as they acknowledge themselves as leaders and declare their commitment to serve this community.

Year 6 students took some time to reflect on how they can share their gifts with the school community and, to live the words of Paul the Apostle ‘We are one body in Christ.’

Jessica: I will respect all students, teachers and treat everyone with love, peace and kindness.

Noah: I will care for others by looking out for those in need.

Rhys: I will respect others and follow the Golden Rule ~ Treat others how I would like to be treated.

Elly: My gift is kindness. I will encourage others to be kind in words and actions.

Bronte: I will be respectful of other people and their differences.

Jenna: I will encourage others to do their best and to never give up.

Isobel: I will be friendly and thoughtful to everyone I meet at STM.

Ruby: I will aspire to bring sportsmanship to STM through being a role model for younger age groups.

Amelia: I will be friendly to everyone and treat others equally.

Callum: I will bring peace to our school community through my words and actions.

Eva: I will be friendly, kind and loving.

Lacie: I aim to be a responsible leader by owning my actions and making wise choices.

Luke: I will help others on the playground and in class. I will show support and encouragement.

Erin: I will help others feel happiness and joy at STM, even when they may be injured or find activities challenging.

LuLu: I will be friendly, caring and thoughtful in the way I speak and act.

Sienna: I am brave and I will have the courage to stand up for what is right and true.

Charli: I will encourage others to respect everyone and do their best.

Sophie: I think Leadership is about being responsible and owning your behaviour and I aim to be responsible in my Leadership role.

Siena: I am going to make sure I am understanding of other people’s feelings and make sure people are OK.

Horatio: Respect is an important part of being a leader and I will respect others by helping others and including in people in my activities.

Sam: Being inclusive is sharing and letting everyone have a go. I will be an inclusive school leader.

Kobe: I love sport and I will encourage others to do their best when they are playing and participating in sport.

I wish you all a peaceful start to the school year.

Donna Victory
Religious Education Coordinator

Ash Wednesday Mass

When: Wednesday, 6^th March  

Time: 9:30am                       

Where: St Thomas More’s Church

All families are welcome! 

I have met with all the new children to talk about how they are settling into St Thomas More’s. They are all doing so well coming to know their teachers and classmates and their new routines. Please know their classroom teachers and myself are committed to helping them feel they belong.

Thank you very much for your time in completing the St Thomas More’s DSM Support 2019 form as it assists me in understanding how best to support our Defence Families. If you have not had the chance to do so, I would really appreciate if you could complete and return this form.

3/4 Green were the first class to partake in Monday Craft and were busy beaders making key rings, bracelets and necklaces. 5/6 Green were excellent in their first Relaxation Session of the year. Both Monday Craft and Relaxation Sessions occur on a class rotation basis throughout the term and are voluntary. Relaxation sessions help children build resilience and coping skills using techniques of deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and imagery.

There is an Education Assistance Scheme available to Defence students who have moved interstate to Canberra due to posting (applicable for up to 18 months after moving) who need help with curriculum. Please contact me if you would like the relevant information and forms.

St Thomas More’s Community Breakfast

The St Thomas More’s Community Breakfast is this coming Friday, 22 February 2019 (Week 3). We welcome our new families into our school and it is an opportunity to catch up with children’s friend’s families and teachers. Details of the Community Breakfast are under School Chaplain/Mini Vinnies News.

Defence Community Organisation (DCO) Canberra E-News February/March Highlights

Duntroon Community Centre (DCC)

DCC is for Defence and non-Defence families of the greater Canberra region. The centre has excellent facilities available for members. Programs include 3 year old Playschool (currently accepting enrolments), playgroups, community events, craft groups, short courses and social activities. Upcoming First Aid Training is offered to both members and non-members Saturday, 23 March 9am – 3pm. The centre also loan ski outfits and cake tins to members.
Contact details:

Website  https://www.duntrooncommunitycentre.org.au/ 

Phone   6265 9411

Email  admin@duntrooncommunitycentre.org.au

Address  Gymkhana Road, Duntroon PO Box 7915 Canberra BC ACT 2610

Hours  Mon–Fri  9am-2.30pm

Kookaburra Kids

Kookaburra Kids Foundation run a program for Defence kids aged 8–18 years who have a parent with a mental illness as a result of their military service (serving and ex-serving or spouse). Their Activity Days provide children with an opportunity to participate in activities, meet new friends, learn new skills and have fun. Upcoming Activity Days are planned for 22 February, 27 March and in the April School Holidays. For more information see www.kookaburrakids.org.au . To register, contact Nicola Scully on 6109 0408 or nicola.scully@kookaburrakids.org.au.

Open Arms (previously VVCS)

The calendar for programs provided by Open Arms for the first half of 2019 has been released. The programs focus on veteran issues and aim to improve general mental health and wellbeing. See https://www.openarms.gov.au/get-support/group-programs .

What  Walk Off the War Within is a community event to raise awareness and support for members in Emergency Services and Defence Force who may be struggling with PTSD, mental health issues and suicide awareness. Distance of 5, 10, 15 or 20 kms with or without a 20kg pack.

When  Saturday, 23 March 7.30am

Where  Start  Lake Burley Griffin, next to Patrick Whit Lawns (near the flags)

Info Event is free, however, there is the option of making a donation at time of registration which will go towards Lifeline, Soldier On & Black Dog Institute. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/walking-offthe-war-within-2019-canberra-tickets-51955141226  More information for the walks can be found at https://walkoffww.com/

DCO Canberra E-news is promulgated monthly via email. It includes handy information such as upcoming events, contact details for social groups and links to DCO resources. If you wish to be on the E-News mail out list, send a request to dco.canberra@defence.gov.au . Alternatively, ‘like’ the DCO Facebook Page to receive information and updates.

Feel welcome to visit or contact me on 6249 8869 or send an email to sonja.mingay@cg.catholic.edu.au .

Sonja Mingay DSM
Work hours: Mon-Wed 9am-3pm, Thu 9-11am

Community Breakfast

All families are warmly invited to the St Thomas More’s Community Breakfast this Friday, 22 February (Week 3) from 8-8.50am in the undercover area adjacent the library. This is an opportunity to welcome our new families and come together for a chat. Coffee, tea, fruit juice, croissants, muffins and fruit will be on offer. No payment is required. The roster for volunteers helping with the breakfast has been emailed and a hard copy sent home on Tuesday this week. Thank you so much to those who were able to volunteer.

Mini Vinnies

2019 is sure to be a great year for Mini Vinnies! We had 35 awesome students come along to our first meeting and they already have some excellent suggestions for things we can do. We spoke about our motto of ‘See, Think, Do’ - when we notice something that is not right, we think about what we can do to make it right and then we do our best to follow up with action to fix the situation. This can be in our own school community and neighbourhoods, but also nationally and even globally.

Our first activity will be hosting our school’s Community Breakfast. There is no pressure to be at school early if it is not convenient, and children can help on their arrival. We will meet on Thursday, 21 February after eating time at lunch to prepare for the Community Breakfast.

On Friday, 1 March (Week 4) we will hold a special commitment ceremony where the children will receive their badges. Wesley Raymond, Youth Liaison Officer from St Vincent de Paul, will be our special guest.

Called to Care Meal Bank

Sincere thanks to those who were able to volunteer for the St Thomas More’s Called to Care Meal Bank. Each time I draw up this roster, I feel how lucky we are at St Thomas More’s with our beautiful community who are willing to do extra and support each other. It really is special to be able to offer a meal to a family having a bad day for whatever reason. Just by having one job off their list and knowing that the meal has been prepared for them with the spirit of sharing and caring can make a difference for them. The roster was emailed and a paper copy sent home on Tuesday. I will send a reminder email the week before your roster. Thanks

 again for your generosity, love and care.

Feel welcome to visit or contact me on 6249 8869 or send an email to sonja.mingay@cg.catholic.edu.au .

Sonja Mingay
School Chaplain

Work hours: Thu 11am-3pm, Fri 9am-3pm

Bookclub

Orienteering

Rugby

Violin Lessons

Merici Enrolments 

Catholic Schools Soccer Carnival 

Notes are due back on Friday 22nd February .

Wanted: School Banking Coordinator

The School Banking Program is looking for a volunteer. This requires a person to  collect, count and deposit money into the accounts. Banking is conducted each Friday. 

If you can spare an hour each week, contact Julie in the Front Office. 

Rugby Union