Dear Parents and Carers,

I have noticed several students arriving late to school this term. One of the most important aspects of school is that it is organised, scheduled and predictable. Students depend on the structure of the day. They know where they must be and when. They know the main purpose for being in school is to learn and that routines are in place precisely to help them focus on that learning. When students are repeatedly late, these routines are disrupted. Students who are often late also have trouble settling in and mastering routines. A lack of punctuality can throw off their whole morning or even their day, especially if the late commute to school was stressful.

I certainly acknowledge that running late is sometimes out of your control. There can be traffic delays, sickness and even misplaced car keys! These one-off occasions will not impact your child’s education. For the typical school day of 6 hours, a student who is only 10 minutes late every day will miss over 30 hours of school time that year. If a child is 10 minutes late getting to school, it is more like 20 minutes until they are learning. Regular late attendance means that your child is missing a considerable amount of learning time. 

Another important reason for being on time is that teachers check in on students at the beginning of the school day and provide pastoral care where needed. Here at STM we start our day as a community where we assemble, pray and celebrate birthdays. It is also a time where we deliver a quick message that might impact your child that day. If your child could be at school around 8:45am that would allow them to connect with their friends and be settled and ready for the 8:50am bell.

ACT Election-Saturday 17 October

There are 8 weeks until the ACT Election and am sure you are seeing candidates from all parties at shopping centres (or even receiving phone calls from them). I encourage you to approach candidates at the shopping centres and mention or discuss the value of ACT Catholic Schools and quiz them on their party’s support for ACT Catholic Schools. 

In the ACT, there are 29 systemic Catholic Schools who educate 15 000 students. In Canberra, Catholic schools are very similar to public schools, with our schools having almost the same average ICSEA score (1077-1076). Our schools are inclusive, support families from all backgrounds, and operate on a modest budget.

Did you know that when you compare the total funding that Catholic schools in each state/territory receive, the ACT are the second lowest funded Catholic schools in the country? This is particularly impacted by the ACT Government’s low funding of Catholic schools.

Have a chat to the candidates and mention that you are a parent in an ACT Catholic school and funding of Catholic schools is an important issue for you.

Uniform Survey

Last chance to complete the survey - it closes on Friday.

https://stmpscampbell.schoolzineplus.com/form/17

Principal's Affirmation

Congratulations to Thomas and Kathrine for receiving the Principal's Affirmation at
last weeks morning assembly.

Yours Sincerely

Dance Term 3

As many of you are aware, our community looks forward to a dance display at the end of Term 3. Sadly, due to current COVID-19 restrictions we are unable to hold this event this year.

The children are still participating in weekly dance lessons and learning a class routine.

We anticipate that we are will be able to film each class dance and be able to share this with our families. The link for each class will only be shared with parents/carers of that class and we ask that you do not reproduce or share this video with others or through your social media connections.

We understand that some parents/carers do not wish for their child’s image to be shared with other families. If you DO NOT wish for your child to be filmed, please email me (nicole.mikkonen@cg.catholic.edu.au) before Friday August 28^th to inform me of your decision.

Your child will still participate in the weekly dance lessons. When we film, your child will be asked to stand to the side so that their image is not captured.

Thank you,

Nicole Mikkonen
Assistant Principal

The Sacramental Program for 2020 has resumed at our Parish with amended dates. Congratulations to those children who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I felt very privileged to be able to share this special occasion with you.

First Holy Communion 

The children have begun their preparation program for First Holy Communion. A retreat day will be held at school on Wednesday 16 September. The Sacrament of First Holy Communion will take place on Sunday 20th September. A Mass at 11:00am on this day is being planned. 

Confirmation 

The children who are preparing for Confirmation enrolled on Sunday after Mass. If your child has not enrolled and would still like to do so, please contact Father Josh on joshua.scott@cg.org.au The retreat day will take place at school on Thursday 22nd of October. The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place on Sunday 25th of October.

Family Youth Fellowship: Join us for Ten Pin Bowling

The date for the Parish Family Bowling Event has been changed to Sunday 30th of August at 12pm. The event will take place at Ten-Pin Bowling Belconnen. Lanes are being allocated according to age group. If you would like to attend please contact Rossen de Ramos our Youth Minister on 0431 874 981.

Yours in Christ, 

Samantha Mance
Acting Religious Education Coordinator

MS Readathon Update

Tomorrow our school will participate in a virtual school visit hosted by MS Readathon ambassador Stephen Papadopolous, who lives with MS. Stephen will teach the students about MS and why they are raising money for those living with MS.

Here’s an update on our progress so far…

Happy reading!

Madeleine Reid
Librarian

Super Sports Day

Dont forget to wear your favourite sporting team colours/uniform/jumpers, etc. for our “Super Sports Day” this Friday. (Students are not to wear football boots; however, they can wear their runners). Orders have been taken for pies and sausage rolls which will be served for lunch.