Dear Parents and Carers,

With school holidays around the corner, this report reviews the potential dangers associated with the online game, 'Fortnite'. 

Most parents of adolescent children would be aware of the online game, ‘Fortnite’. For many young people, the addictive nature of this game is having adverse effects on children’s behaviour and affecting their mental health. With over 125 million registered players worldwide, this game encourages players to battle each other to death using a variety of weaponry.

With an age rating of 13+, this game raises many cybersafe concerns. Unfortunately, it allows unmoderated chat between players, leaving children exposed to be contactable by 'randomers' online. This function alone makes it unsuitable for primary aged children.

In light of last week’s announcement from the World Health Organisation now recognising “gaming disorder” as a mental health issue, this special report will help parents gain a greater insight into Fortnite and the concerns surrounding it. Parents are encouraged to reassess their gaming allowances and better manage technology usage at home.

If you have any concerns about your child, please contact our school counsellor for further information.

Here is the link to our special report:

http://stmore.act.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/online-game-fortnite-special-report

KidsMatter

How thinking affects feelings:

Understanding that what we think affects how we feel and how we behave helps children and adults learn effective ways of managing emotions. Helpful thoughts lead to more positive feelings and effective behaviours.

Some examples of unhelpful thinking and more helpful alternatives are listed in the table below:

Parent/Teacher Interviews

Reports went home last Friday. Parent/Teacher Interviews will be next Tuesday and Wednesday. Booking an appointment with your child’s teacher is online this year.

Follow the link below;

https://stmpscampbell.sessionkeeper.com.au/

School Uniform

Thank you for ensuring your child/ren are in the correct Winter uniform. If at any time you require clothing from the second-hand clothing pool, contact Julie Ogden in the front office.

Athletics Carnival

What a wonderful carnival we had at Merici College today. Thankyou to all of our parent volunteers who helped make the day a great success. Also a thankyou to our Carnival co-ordinators Kirsty Poole, Donna Victory and Caitlin Brown for their organisation and running of the day.

Rostrum

St Thomas More’s School community would like to congratulate Hannah Hosick for being selected to represent our school at the Quarter Final for ACT Rostrum.

Congratulations to Hannah and all the Year 5/6 students who prepared speeches.

Yours sincerely,

Julie Wiley
Principal.

Heroes of Faith

‘Love Tenderly’

Essential Question:

How can the story of Joshua help me to have the courage to obey God?

Welcome to week 9. This week, Year 5/6 Green will be leading Prayer Assembly and sharing the story of Joshua.

Joshua was a ‘Hero of Faith’ because his love for God gave him the courage to be a strong leader for the Israelites.

I would like to thank Mrs Poole and Year 5/6 Green students for leading Prayer Assembly for our community this week.

Some interesting facts about Joshua:

Joshua lived around 1355 B.C

Joshua was an excellent military leader.

Joshua listened to God and obeyed God’s commands.

Joshua was a man of strong FAITH.

Joshua showed LOYALTY to GOD and TRUSTED in God’s plan.

The story of Joshua is found in the Book of Joshua in the OLD TESTAMENT.

Joshua had SUPERPOWERS! He was STRONG and COURAGEOUS.

Joshua was an inspiring leader, who encouraged the Israelites to work collaboratively and have strong faith in God.

Joshua didn’t question the ‘silliness’ of God’s request to walk around the walls of Jericho, blowing trumpets for 7 days.

Instead, he had great FAITH and LOVE for God and knew that God would guide the Israelites to safety.

Students will reflect how:

• Joshua was one of the Israelites who fled Egypt in the Exodus story.
• He was Moses’ assistant who went on to be handed the leadership by God.
• Joshua was brave, strong and courageous. He put GOD first and his faith in God gave him the courage to lead the Israelites.
• When can you put God first and allow your love of God to help you become more courageous?

First Holy Communion

Last Sunday, the following students celebrated their First Holy Communion.

Congratulations to these students and their class friends who supported them on their journey.

Lillian keir

Dominic Shoebridge

Leah Shoebridge

Alexandra Witt

Lennox D'Arcy

Jacob French

Archie Kovac

Ruby Kenny

Frances Leung

Ella Wood

Douglas L'Aimable

Erin Gabbitas

Noah Batch

I wish you all a very happy and peaceful week ahead.

Donna Victory
Religious Education Coordinator

Monday Craft

Year 3/4s and 5/6s have been having fun weaving God’s Eyes in Monday Craft sessions this term or coming up with their own wonderful creations.

Soundscapes Project

In August 2014, the Australian War Memorial launched the Roll of Honour Soundscapes project. The project aims to record the names and ages of the 62,000 Australians who died during the First World War. Students in years five and six from across Australia have been assisting with the recordings. The voice recordings are played in the First World War section of the Cloisters in the Commemorative Area.

On Thursday 14 June, our Year 5’s and 6’s participated in this project. Christine from the Australian War Memorial came to our school with her special sound recording equipment and throughout the day the students had the opportunity to record between 5-10 names each. We recorded approximately 250 names altogether. Here is what Christine said in an email: “I was very impressed with all your students, they were incredibly polite and respectful. They did an outstanding job and were enthusiastic about this project. Please extend my appreciation to them.”

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 .

What  Defence Christians' Dinner 2018

When  Friday 31 August 2018, 7-10.30pm

Where  ADFA Cadets Mess, Campbell ACT

Info  Hosted by Military Christian Fellowship. Key note speaker is Dr John Dickson (PhD). He started out as a professional singer-songwriter, now works as an author, speaker, historian, senior pastor, and media presenter. He has published 15 books, three of which have become television documentaries. Follow link http://mcf-a.org.au/events/defence-christians-dinner-2018/  Enquiries: 02 6266 4950 or email mcf.office@defence.gov.au .

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

Mini Vinnies

Mini Vinnies have been practising for our Winter Heart-Warmers Talent Show. The show will be held at lunchtime on Thursday, 28 June 2018 (Week 9). Funds raised (gold donation at the door) 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 28 June (Week 9).

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 have been sent home. 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.

Holiday Happenings

‘Holiday Happenings’ is an excellent resource if you are looking for activities for children in the school holidays. Your child may be interested in winning a Family Pass to see James and the Giant Peach produced by Child Players ACT by entering the colouring-in competition (centre pages). Information can also be accessed online: http://holidayhappenings.com.au/ Wishing everyone a great two weeks for the July School Holidays.

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