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from the Principal ..........
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This week we acknowledged the feast day of St Mary of the Cross Mackillop. Her story is one that never ceases to inspire me. I would also admit that each year on her feast day, I learn something new about her, leading me to an even deeper admiration. This year I have reflected on her ‘courageous faith.’ These words, although simple, are so very powerful. Mary had a courageous faith in God. It was this courageous faith that gave her the drive, the strength, the commitment to live life fully and freely. She placed absolute trust in God. Through courageous faith and amazing hope, she persevered in her pursuit for the things that mattered most to her: justice, access to education and sharing the teachings of Jesus. Through the establishment of the Sisters of St Joseph, this dream has become a reality. From the first free Catholic school in Penola, South Australia, her vision grew, to the 100+ Catholic Schools in SA and over 850 Josephite sisters in Australia and across the world. Her story is an amazing example of how one ordinary person, with extraordinary effort, determination, and courageous faith, can achieve greatness.
On the topic of student voice, engagement and wellbeing, you may have already heard about the work of the Helen Connelly, the Commissioner for Children and Young People. Her work is informed by the voice of children and young people. Each year she seeks out their thoughts, opinions, worries, hopes and dreams in myriad ways. The Commissioner postcards are integral to this process, whereby she invites children to write to her. The information she receives is then compiled into an annual report and presented to parliament. Our students are involved in this process each year and given the opportunity to submit a postcard. The questions posed to students focus on these themes:
What is important to them…
What aspirations they have…
What they are worried about…
What they would change about their lives if they could…
On the Commissioner’s website you can read the latest report based on postcards received over 2021-2022. It is so enlightening to read these responses given by our children, highlighting the themes that occupy their minds the most.
Interestingly, some key messages that resonated with me include:
Family and friends featured strongly, with gratitude for parents expressed.
Children care for the environment and want immediate action on climate change.
Children want grownups to know more about their school days and to listen to their suggestions for change.
Children expressed concern for themselves and others in relation to death, getting hurt or becoming sick.
Children want to live in a world full of kindness and equality, with no bullying, fighting, wars, hunger or poverty.
Children are happy not to have adult responsibilities like bills and work. Apparently “money is a gift and a curse!” And “taxes don’t make people happy.”
If you have a few minutes spare, please check out her website: https://www.ccyp.com.au
To our families who participated in the Learning Conferences, thank you for your support of your child’s learning and engagement. We genuinely value this partnership and were so pleased with the high level of response to this process. We hope you too found them beneficial and informative.
So, with this week drawing to a close, we looked forward to hearing how our Cross Country runners have fared, and seeing our students (and staff!) in comfy clothes tomorrow in support of Vinnies Winter Appeal. One last reminder for the Live Learn Lead Survey too please, with extended response time enabled until the end of Week 5! It only takes a few minutes and you can go into the draw to win a discount of $200 on School Fees by sending your screenshot to info@stg.catholic.edu.au
Last year we had over 60 people complete this survey and I am hoping we can surpass this record!
Have a great week everyone!
Belinda Burford
Principal
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from the Deputy Principal ............
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to Action
As we mark the Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop this week, we are reminded of the powerful impact each of us can have on the world around us. Mary’s words of wisdom, recorded in your many diary entries and letters, can be heard echoing throughout the prayers and celebrations this week. As someone who lived the challenges of early life in Australia, her words seem to connect easily across generations today.
One of her most famous quotes is “Never see a need without doing something about it.” Such a simple, yet powerful statement reminding each of us of the impact we can have on the world. It also reminds me of what I witness each day here at St Thomas. I see staff, students and families seeing the need in the lives of others – and doing something about it! We are called to fill these gaps we see. People and situations will never be perfect, so there will always be the need to support one another by being the ‘gap-filler;’ by stepping in and acting out of unconditional love and service.
There are so many examples of these actions in our community. It was heart-warming to receive an email from a parent of another school who observed one of these moments of action by a group of our St Thomas students during the Cross Country Carnival. Perhaps it is the Spirit’s work in and through our community, that we received this email of appreciation in the same week as we acknowledge the ways Mary MacKillop inspires us to these actions of unconditional love.
To whom it may concern,
I attended the SACPSSA Cross Country carnival today as a parent of a student from another school (St Joseph's Hectorville.)
I was watching some of the races and positioned near the last stretch before the finish line. Across from me were a group of students from your school.
I was so impressed and heartened by your students that I was compelled to write and provide feedback.
A group of your students who were either waiting to race or had completed their race were cheering on from the sidelines. And they weren't just cheering on other students from your school. They cheered on all students, encouraging them that there was only a little bit further to go. The especially did this for those they saw that were struggling a bit more than the others, the impact it had on those other children was obvious, with many finding that extra bit of drive for that last 80 metres following your students encouragement.
It was truly impressive and you should be proud of those students that attended today, sadly it is not something you see regularly.
Another example of this action is the generosity of families who donated to Vinnies through the SVC Comfy Clothes Day and by supporting the Senior’s Vinnies Winter Sleep Out. Our Year 6 students, along with some extremely brave staff, participated in this Sleep Out at school. They have raised close to, if not more than $4000 for Vinnies! It is also timely to acknowledge the work and action of one student in particular, Lyla Sultani, who worked tirelessly to raise over $1400 of this total! She completed letter box drops and spoke to family and friends to raise awareness, and funds, for Vinnies. It isn’t just about the money which will make a difference, the positive ripple effects of this action will never be fully known. Further examples of how members of our community are answering this call to “never see a need without doing something about it.”
So let’s continue on this journey together, being the ‘gap-filler’ for others when needed and acting to bring peace and justice in our community and in our world.
I am truly grateful to be part of this community.
Go gently,
Paul Mensforth
Deputy Principal
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August
Mon 21st - Fri 25th
Book Week
Friday 25th
Book Week Assembly and Parade
Tuesday 29th
RSG & RG Road Safety Excursion
P&F Father's Day Stall - Preschool ONLY
SEPTEMBER
Friday 1st
P & F Father's Day Stall
Friday 8th
Pupil Free Day
St Thomas TERM 3 FAMILY Calendar 2023.pdf
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Dear Parents, Caregivers and Friends,
Feast of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop
This morning our school community gathered in the church to celebrate Australia’s saint, St Mary of the Cross MacKillop. We shared some information and prayers about her life and helped us to remember why she became Australia’s first saint.
Throughout the liturgy we sang Andrew Chinn's 'A Cross of Stars' song which is tribute to St Mary of the Cross MacKillop via the link below. The four versus of the song tell the story of Mary's life:
1. Her call to religious life
2. Gathering others to the call, to teach the disadvantaged
3. Her excommunication
4. Her legacy across several nations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpnPIKI2BpY
As the prayers and readings focused on her work with the underprivileged children and the poor, we reflected on her work and our social justice practice at St Thomas School. We drew connection between her help for the poor and our Vinnies winter collection and the Year 6 Vinnies Sleepout.
With both of these events students raised awareness about homelessness and how to support Vinnies and their work in our doorsteps and around the world.
A very big thank you to those families who were able to donate items for the St. Vincent De Paul Society. Also, a tremendous thank for the students and staff who organised the Vinnies Winter appeal and the Year 6 Vinnies Sleepout.
Your donations were much appreciated.
Sebestyen Maglai
REC
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from Chair of the School Board
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Better go get living
So, I was trying to do another cupboard clean of the house. You know the ones – the grand old plans to declutter – make more space, be more organised, become less stressed. What ended up happening was finding all the old photos and memories from my parent’s houses. Boxes and boxes of photos and even film negatives. This stopped cleaning and started the memory lane journey.
There are many pictures of my parents from caravan trips to Bright to backyard cricket matches. Taking photos, capturing the moment was always been big in our family.
Jasper has clear memories of Dad, but never met mum, with St Pat’s Day being one of his favourite memories. My dad’s family was from Ireland. Jasper has always been pretty adamant that as such, St Pat’s Day should be a public holiday.
He remembers the highlight reel - The laughs, the dancing, the absolute happiness. Alfie never got the chance to meet either of them, but often asks why Jasper has red hair and freckles, why we listen to Irish music and why my brother has a love for the black beer.
Over the years since mum and dad has gone, the worry and helplessness have faded away. And the depths gratitude has magnified.
Moments mean more, things mean less. How lucky I was to have the long conversations about life, war, and his Irish heritage. How lucky that I kept mum’s simple recipe books to remind me of the very plain cook she was. How lucky I am that I had the knowing to keep the old Nokia (snake game) phone which has their voice messages on it.
The trip down memory lane reminded me of the life lesson to get on with living. The lesson I learned is that you can do good, you can be good, but it doesn’t grant you more years. There is no afterparty. The good, the bad - it is all happening right now, simultaneously.
Today’s lesson – is to get living.
Take more notice of the unknown expiration date of life. Colour each day with purpose and intent. Slow down. Dance more. Say no to things more. Live more.
Thanks for the lesson, Mum, and Dad. Better go get living. With a Guiness or 2! xxx
Trish Jarvis
Chair - School Board
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Reminder - Payment due date for Term 3 fees is Friday 11th August.
We appreciate your prompt payment.
If you have any queries regarding payment of fees, please contact me.
Regards
Jodi Jansons
Business Manager
accounts@stg.catholic.edu.au
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Congratulations to the students who participated in the Oliphant Science Awards this year. Your incredible projects showed your motivation, enthusiasm, and passion for science. Across Reception to Year 6, projects were submitted for several categories: Programming, Apps & Robotics, Models & Inventions, Games, Multimedia, Crystal Investigation, Posters, Photography, Science Writing and Scientific Inquiry. All entries were outstanding!
We are proud to announce that out of the thousands of students from more than 100 schools across South Australia who entered the competition, the following students were awarded for their entries.
Oliphant Science Award 2023 Award winners
PRIZE WINNERS
Callum Mwate Multimedia
Max Vella Inquiry
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Samuel Jaksa Programming, Apps & Robotics
Michael O’Dea Games
Faith Thien Photography
Chelsea Tran Crystal Investigation
Ruby Budimir Photography
Thanks,
Chris Rampazis
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Dear Families,
You are invited to join us for an exciting and fun-filled day at Sturt Football Club's mascot, Bluey's Birthday when Sturt plays Adelaide in the last home match of the 2023 Season.
Venue: Unley Oval
Date: Saturday, August 19
Time: 1:00 PM
Bluey's Birthday promises to be a day full of laughter, entertainment, and fantastic activities for children. Here's a glimpse of what they can expect:
- Bouncy Castles: Jump, bounce, and play on our thrilling bouncy castles!
- Face Painters: Get your face painted with your favourite designs and characters
- Mega Games: Test your game skills with giant connect 4 or snakes & ladder
- Fairy Floss & Popcorn: Savour the delectable treats from Curler Moes
- Kick ‘n’ Catch: Test your footy skills with our kick n catch during the breaks
- Junior Cheer Squad: Join in the cheers with our enthusiastic junior cheer squad
- Giveaways: Take home some exciting souvenirs to cherish the memories of the day
- Meet Bluey: Have a special meet and greet with our beloved club mascot, Bluey!
That's not all! We have exclusive offers for families attending Bluey's Birthday:
- Kids under 18: Entry is absolutely FREE!
- Parents: Access two adult passes for free, valued at $36.00, using the promotional code "BLUEY" - visit https://qrco.de/beCeEy
But wait, there's more! All attendees will be entered into a lucky draw to win a Royal Adelaide Show Family Pass! It's a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the fun of the footy and the excitement of the Royal Adelaide Show with your loved ones.
So mark your calendar for Saturday, August 19, and come support Sturt Football Club in our thrilling home game against Adelaide. We can't wait to see you there!
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WESTBOURNE PARK NETBALL CLUB
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Westbourne Park Netball club are currently preparing for the upcoming Summer 23/24 Netball season, which commences in October 2023.
Looking for players in the 8&u (players with year of birth 2015, 2016 or 2017), 9&u (players with year of birth 2014), 11&u (players with year of birth 2012, 2013) age groups and 13&u (players with year of birth 2010, 2011).
 wpucnc2023_24 flyer.pdf
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Please see flyers attached from Camp Australia