Dear Parents and Carers,

SHEPHERD’S CORNER by Fr Josh

It is beautiful to see so many children beginning to make their home in our parish of St. Thomas More’s! Where there are children, there are families. Where there are families in a parish, there is life. Where there is life, there is a future! I write this Shepherd’s corner particularly to the parents of our young children who join us for Mass.

My dear parents with young children: At times we can get a bit self-conscious about our children and how they wiggle and just be children in Mass. Let me tell you, God put the wiggle in your children. Don’t feel that you have to suppress it in God’s house. All are welcome! Try bringing your kids toward the front one week to see and hear what is going on at the altar. They tire of seeing the backs of others! Quietly explain the parts of the Mass and the actions of the priest, the servers, readers and the choir. Help them through the hymns and prayers in the hymn book. Sing the hymns! Don’t worry if you think your voice is bad, let me assure you that many bad voices merge into one good one! Participate in the Mass, follow it by using the Mass card and encourage your children to do so with you, and of course don’t forget to pray! Children learn about worship and behaviour within the Mass by copying their parents/caregivers. Let’s give them the best example and form our kids to be the best young people they can be!

If you have to leave Mass with your child, feel free to do so, but please come back! As Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me…” Remember that the way we welcome children in the church directly affects the way we respond to the church, to God, and to one another. Let them know that they are at home in His house of worship!

To those without young children: The presence of children is a gift to the church and a reminder that our parish is growing. Please welcome our children and give them a smile of encouragement and support their parents. Again, you are most welcome!

Fr Josh.

Mother’s Day Breakfast

Thank you to the wonderful 5/6W and Kinder parents who helped with the Mother’s Day breakfast. Special thanks to Frances Crews (Zoe Yr 6) and Sonia Skinn (Alyssa, Kinder) for their help and organisation. It was a great community event.

Uniform

Students are allowed to wear a navy beanie, navy gloves and navy coat when the weather is cold.

Term Overviews

Term 2 Overviews for each year level can be found on our website. Click on the Curriculum tab, then you will find it under Term Overviews.

Children and Anxiety

An email has been sent to all families informing you of an upcoming workshop. Please fill in the RSVP slip if you are attending.

NAPLAN

We have completed most of the tests. Yr 3 will sit the Numeracy test tomorrow and Yr 5 will sit Numeracy on Friday. **Please note the change of day for Yr 5.

Professional Learning for Staff

Tomorrow most of our staff will be attending professional learning with James Nottingham, at Manuka Oval. Teachers will have the opportunity to explore strategies that help them challenge their students to think skillfully and logically. The PL will examine effective teaching strategies including the FACTS, the Teaching Target model and the Learning Pit model that are supported by up to date research and theory from a range of leading experts.

Yours sincerely,

Julie Wiley
Principal