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Dear Parents and Carers,
This week is Sabbath Week. It’s always a great opportunity to re-connect with your children, without the pressures of homework. We only ask children to continue their reading practice during Sabbath Week.
Teachers have almost completed the process of writing Semester 1 reports. Below is a guideline to the A-E reporting scale. This scale refers to all students in Year 1 to 6. Under the grading letter is a “kid-speak” phrase which can help to explain the grade to children. The Kinder reporting scale is as follows - Competent, Developing, Experiencing Difficulty. Parent/Teacher Interviews will be in Week 10.
Year 1 – Year 6 Achievement Scale
A Always Amazing |
The student has extensive knowledge and understanding of the content and can readily apply this knowledge. In addition, the student has achieved a very high level of competence in the processes and skills and can apply these skills to new situations. |
B Usually Brilliant
|
The student has a thorough knowledge and understanding of the content and a high level of competence in the processes and skills. In addition, the student is able to apply this knowledge and these skills in most situations. |
C Consistently Competent |
The student has a sound knowledge and understanding of the main areas of content and has achieved an adequate level of competence in the processes and skills. |
D Finds some processes and skills Difficult |
The student has a basic knowledge and understanding of the content and has achieved a limited level of competence in the processes and skills. |
E Often Experiences Difficulty |
The student has an elementary knowledge and understanding in few areas of the content and has achieved very limited competence in some of the processes and skills. |
KidsMatter
Helpful ways of supporting children’s emotional development:
- Listen and validate the child’s emotional experience. You might say, “It sounds like you’re really angry. Let’s talk about it”.
- View emotions as an opportunity for connecting and teaching. You might say, “I can see you’re really frustrated about having to wait. Why don’t we read a story while we’re waiting?”
- Encourage problem solving to manage emotions. You might say, “what would help you feel brave?” Or “How else could you look at this?”
- Set limits in a supportive way. You might say, “I know you’re upset that your friend couldn’t make it over, but that does not make it okay to yell at me.”
Kinder 2019 Interviews
I am currently in the middle of Kinder interviews. It is always a great opportunity to meet families and discuss our school and their child’s place in it. We will be welcoming them for Kinder Orientation before we know it!
Winter Uniform
It is my expectation that every student is in correct uniform - please do not allow your child to wear items that are not part of the uniform. Please refer to the website for Winter Uniform guidelines. NB. Girls should be wearing navy socks with their Winter uniform. Thank you.
Parent/Teacher Interviews
Parent/teacher interviews will be held on the Tuesday 3rd and Wednesday 4th July. A new online booking system will be operation in week 8 on the St Thomas More's website. You will be advised when bookings open.
Yours sincerely,
Julie Wiley
Principal.
Heroes of Faith
Be Strong and Courageous
Welcome to Sabbath Week! A time for rest, rejuvenation and renewing of our commitment to our faith.
For the remainder of this term, staff and students will be focused on learning about Joshua, a man who had the courage to love God, even in challenging times.
Joshua always sought strength through his faith and in his relationship with God. He had the courage to ‘put God first’ which in turn, gave him the strength and courage to face the challenges of each day.
Be Strong and Courageous
- Have the courage to be an advocate for the poor and marginalised
Be Strong and Courageous
- Have the courage to go against the crowd and stand up for your beliefs
Be Strong and Courageous
- Have the courage to do things differently and let go of the past
Be Strong and Courageous
- Have the courage to go somewhere new
Be Strong and Courageous
- Have the courage to grasp new opportunities
Be Strong and Courageous
- Have the courage to face difficulties
Be Strong and Courageous
- Have the courage to put your trust in the Lord, like Joshua did.
A Prayer for Courage
Lord,
I’m afraid.
I don’t feel bold or courageous today.
Help me remember that
bravery isn’t the absence of fear;
it’s doing the right thing no matter what.
Give me a courageous heart.
I know that You will be with me.
I am not alone.
You are greater than any enemy or
obstacle I face.
Help me to take a stand, to not give up,
to push on, and to step forward today
knowing that You are trustworthy
and You are my strength
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
May you all have a peaceful week with your family.
Donna Victory
Religious Education Coordinator
Mini Vinnies
In our last Mini Vinnies Meeting on Friday, 8 June (Week 6) we began planning and practising for our Winter Heart-Warmers Talent Show. The show will be held at lunchtime on Thursday, 28 June 2018 (Week 9). Funds raised will go towards the St Vincent de Paul Night Patrol Van. The van is operated by volunteers and offers friendship, support and refreshments to homeless people every night of the year. Our next Mini Vinnies Meeting will be Thursday 21 June (Week 8).
SVdP Winter Clothing Appeal
If you have good quality winter clothing that is outgrown or not worn anymore, or blankets/doonas/bed linen that are not used, you may want to donate them to the SVdP Winter Clothing Appeal. Bags and a note will be sent home in Week 8. Donations can be given to the Front Office until 4 July (Wednesday Week 10).
Winter Woollies for SVdP Night Patrol Van
All classes are invited to donate winter woollies to help support the SVdP Night Patrol Van who are always struggling to have enough to give particularly during winter months (men’s items is what is most needed):
Kinder/Year 1/Year 2 – new socks
3/4 and 5/6 – new gloves
Collection boxes for donations will be placed in each classroom in Week 8. If you would prefer to donate a different item than allocated to your class (ie scarves or beanies), that is absolutely fine. All donations will be very gratefully received.
Seasons for Growth
Seasons for Growth Program will commence this week. All sessions are scheduled on Fridays for this term.
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
Defence Community Organisation (DCO) Canberra E-News June/July Highlights
What Soldier On Self Care Workshop
When Saturday 23 June, 10am-noon
Where Soldier On HQ, 80 Bellenden St, GUNGAHLIN
Info Meet new people and learn some self‐help and relaxation techniques
What Meet and Greet @ Googong
When Wednesday 27 June, 10am
Where Yellow Belly Café at Club Googong, 27 Beltana Road, GOOGONG
Info DCO, Defence Families of Australia (DFA) and the Defence Special Needs Support Group (DSNSG) will be there. Meet your local reps, find out what is available in Canberra and link in with other Defence families in the area. Children are welcome.
Duntroon Community Centre
Duntroon Community Centre is a facility located on the grounds of the Royal Military College – Duntroon, and offers a diverse array of programs and activities, available to tri service military and civilian families. A family membership costs $27.50 per calendar year and provides access to a number of programs. Some programs offered include 3 year old Playschool, Playgroups, craft groups, short courses, community events and social activities. For more information see http://duntrooncommunitycentre.org.au/ , call 6265 9411 or send a message to admin@duntrooncommunitycentre.org.au.
Defence Families of Australia
Defence Families Australia (DFA) want to hear from ADF families about the issues they are facing. In August each year, DFA meet with Defence policymakers in Canberra including CDF, Service Chiefs and the Minister for Defence Personnel and so they are now reviewing what's happening in the local Defence Communities. DFA plan to advocate for the programs that most benefit families and the issues that most affect families. Emma Steil is the Canberra Region DFA Delegate so if you have feedback, contact her via email at act.sthnsw@dfa.org.au or Facebook
@DFAACTSouthernNSW .
Kookaburra Kids
Kookaburra Kids Foundation run a program for Defence kids aged 8–18yrs 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. For more information see www.kookaburrakids.org.au . The next Activity Day for Canberra area is Lasertag on Tuesday 19 June 2018, 5.30-8pm. Contact Nick 6109 0408 or nick.atkin@kookaburrakids.org.au to register.
DCO Canberra E-news is published bimonthly and now available on the DCO Canberra website: http://www.defence.gov.au/DCO/Community/Canberra/Default.asp . E-News includes handy information such as upcoming events, contact details for social groups and links to DCO resources. When it is published, a link can be emailed to you if you are on the DCO Canberra mailing list. This list is opt-in, opt-out, so simply send an email to dco.canberra@defence.gov.au to update your preference. 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 DSTA
Work hours: Mon-Wed 9am-3pm, Thu 9-11am
Congratulations
The ACT National Cross Country Carnival was held today. We had 3 representatives from ST Thomas More's . Well done to Kiah Milin, Madeleine Beesley and Kobe Wood.
Thank you to Miss Brown for attending the Carnival today.
Interschools Skiing
Entries close for the Interschools Skiing Competition on Tuesday 27th June 2018.
Please contact Kestine Kenny (mother of Ruby in Year 3/4 White) for further information.
Book Club
INTERESTED IN SCHOOL HOLIDAY CARE?
YWCA Canberra’s School Holiday Program at the St. Thomas More Primary School offers children a variety of fun, exciting and enjoyable experiences and activities. The structure of the program is similar each day and allows the flexibility to accommodate children’s needs and interests.
The School Holiday Program endeavours to develop children’s independence, self-help skills and self-esteem. These aims are achieved by allowing children to make choices and contribute to the activities offered at the program.
NOTE: this program is for children of ADF staff and children enrolled in St. Thomas More Primary School only.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM:
8:00 am - 6:00 pm Monday to Friday
DATES:
9 July 2018 - 20 July 2018
Please contact YWCA Canberra on (02) 6175 9900 or email
childcareaccounts@ywca-canberra.org.au for further information.
www.ywca-canberra.org.au