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from the Principal ..........
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This final term for the year has begun smoothly with classes well underway with rich learning tasks and a number of extra curricular activities already unfolding. Our Year 6 Canberra camp was a wonderful success and our students earned much from this visit to our nation’s capital, enriching their understanding of civics and citizenship amongst many other learnings. This has placed them in good stead for their final term together as they begin turning their attention towards the culmination of primary schooling in readiness for that milestone transition to secondary school. We wish our Year 6 students and their families every blessing during this final term and look forward to celebrating with them later this term.
Last week our Year 3 students had a most enjoyable Tennis carnival at Millswood Tennis Club, hosted by Helen Rice Tennis School and supported by Mr Priest and our Year 3 teachers. This is a wonderful example of using the richness of our local community partnerships in a local walking excursion of our neighbourhood to a nearby sporting facility. Experiences such as these build confidence in our children to try a sport that may be unfamiliar to them, and to also build that confidence in our local area, navigating our local streets in a safe and supported manner by our staff and volunteers. This final term will see a number of end of year excursions to be enjoyed. Please stay attune to these through the calendar and communication forums. I encourage you to volunteer and join us if you are able to do so.
School Safety – School Crossing and Gates
This week I met with Unley council and the Department for Roads Transport and Infrastructure to review our school crossing in terms of safety. In essence the findings of this show that our crossing is an effective emu crossing adhering to all standards of compliance. This of course is great news! The focus for improved safety rests with pedestrians and motorists. We can have a great degree of influence in this, as regular users of this crossing. Over this last term we have been reinforcing safe pedestrian practices with all of our students,. I implore you as parents to do the same. It would be most appreciated if, when accompanying your children on the crossing, you actively encourage them to look ‘left, right, left again’ prior to stepping onto the road. As a motorist, you are obliged to travel at 25K through this crossing when students are in the vicinity. You are obliged to stop and give way to the pedestrians. Unfortunately we regularly observe unsafe practices, and again implore you to be patient, take the time and care. Of particular concern are motorists who speed through the crossing, do not give way to pedestrians, enter the crossing when traffic is queued ahead and those who do three-point turns into the church car park entrance.
You will also notice that we have placed new signage on the entrance gates to request that these gates always remain closed. I appeal to your support in closing all pedestrian gates after you have entered/ exited the school. The main gate on the long walk-way off Angus Street, with a safety pool style lock child lock, requires parents to walk their young children in/out of the school grounds if they are not tall enough to reach the child lock. It is exactly the same structure as on the Rushton Street gate. We regularly see students climbing on the fence to open it and we wish to avoid this. For parents dropping children off to OSHC in the mornings please note the recent reminder from Camp Australia with regard to signing in your children. We have noticed an increase in the drop and go cases in the mornings and again, as a important safety measure, it is a requirement that all parents sign their children in to OSHC.
I have previously shared with parents the Annual Report prepared by the Commissioner for Children and Young People. The Commissioner has produced a ‘Children’s Report’ with the findings easily displayed for children’s understanding. This report details the input given by 18000 children on issues they believed needed attention. Of note, the priority areas reported by our children include:
Vaping
Children living with chronic illness
Child protection
Public transport
High school & stress
More inclusive sports clubs
Barriers to civic participation
Barriers to physical activity
The Commissioner also shares the focus areas for 2023-24 in this report:
Play, Arts and Culture in children’s lives
Protecting children and young people’s rights as consumers
Child and youth-friendly public spaces
Online safety
If you would like to read this report for yourself, please go to: www.ccyp.com.au
You will have seen our Term 4 events including highlights such as Grandparents morning, Instrumental Concert and Christmas Concert. As we move through this final term and enjoy a number of occasions together, let’s acknowledge and celebrate the wonderful community that we have here at St Thomas! Enjoy the term ahead!
Belinda Burford
Principal
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From the Deputy Principal
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The inevitable feeling of being left-out
I was recently listening to a podcast which explored the concept of feeling left out and the incredible impact these feelings can have on children’s development. The concept of feeling left-out is certainly part of primary school life, so this discovery was a result of my search for a deeper understanding.
St Thomas is a place of welcome and inclusion. It is a community with a vision for supporting every student to thrive, to learn and to lead. It is a community which hopes that every student will develop empathy and compassion for others, especially those who are most vulnerable. We build a culture of inclusion every day.
But even in all our shared efforts to build and promote this culture of inclusion, it is inevitable that there will be times when every student will experience the feeling of being left-out, not from the purposeful unkindness of others, but just because not everyone’s personality connects harmoniously all the time.
Our bodies and minds are designed to be sensitive to the feelings of being left-out because as humans we seek social connection. Sometimes we can be so sensitive to these feelings that we can try hard to change ourselves so we fit in. Professor, author and speaker, Dr Brené Brown talks about the difference between ‘belonging’ and ‘fitting-in.’ In so many cases, many of us look at a group of people to observe what they are wearing, how they are speaking and how they are acting- and change ourselves to ‘fit-in.’ At these times we can get a false sense of belonging, which doesn’t fulfil our need for connection because we know we are not being true to ourselves. On the other hand actual ‘belonging’ comes from sharing and accepting our unique truths. It requires us to be ourselves and be fully accepted for this uniqueness. Our young people need to remember the importance of being true to themselves and taking time to accept others to experience ‘belonging.’ Because ‘left-outedness’ can be uncomfortable, so many of us act to ‘fit in’ without even thinking about it.
As parents, we can often rush into try to ‘fix’ these moments when our children feel ‘left-outedness.’ But perhaps talking about the difficult feeling of ‘left-outedness’ and acknowledging that this feeling is a normal part of life allows our children to build their resilience. If today is not the day we will feel left-out, then tomorrow will be. If we do rush in to try to ‘fix’ these moments, we could be giving the false message that there is something wrong with our young person. The truth is there are many reasons why they could be feeling left-out.
It is important to note that at no time should we accept meanness or disrespect in our school community. At no time should we accept bullying behaviours or exclusion of others to cause harm. These behaviours require learning and support to change; and a strong partnership between school and home. So the challenge is also determining whether the cause of a young people’s feelings of ‘left-outedness’ requires investigating further.
The truth is, we can’t take away everyone’s feelings of ‘left-outedness’ because the feeling comes with our need to connect and belong. It is one of those ‘flip-side’ feelings, those feelings we need to endure and work through as the ‘flip-side’ of all the things which are life-giving!
Love is so wonderful and special,
but it comes with the inevitable experience of loss.
Expressing ourselves is amazing,
but it comes with the inevitable experience of criticism.
Seeking new paths and exploring the world is exciting,
but it comes with the inevitable experience of home-sickness.
Trying our best with determination and effort is so fulfilling,
but it comes with the inevitable experience of failure
Friendship and belonging offers such joy and meaning,
but it comes with the inevitable experience of feeling left-out.
Experiencing these ‘flip-side’ feelings is part of our human experience and they teach us more about who we are in the world. Teaching our children that our human experience will be filled with these opposites, which can be sad and uncomfortable, is so important in building their resilience and fundamental happiness.
A useful way of describing how we make connections with others and the different ways we are inclusive in the world is a Front Yard to Kitchen Table analogy. As we move from the ‘Front Yard’ to the Kitchen Table’ we experience less and less people and more and more intimacy with those with whom we are connected.
The Front Yard Experiences
These are times when everyone is around, the school yard, the classroom, etc. During these times we have certain ways of being, We ensure that everyone has a place. We look for those who could be feeling lonely or needing connection. We are called to act in ways to ensure everyone feels they belong. School life is certainly a ‘Front Yard Experience,’ which is why we spend so much energy teaching the importance of inclusion.
Our Foyer Experiences
As we move ‘further into our homes,’ these are times we spend with people with a closer relationship with us, with people that make us feel comfortable and accepted. It is a more intimate connection that we are inviting people into. We can make decisions here about who we are inviting to this level of connection.
Our Kitchen Table Experiences
When we are in the ‘heart of our homes,’ at the ‘kitchen table,’ these are times we are surround by our most intimate connections. Our closest connections with family and friends. We can be completely us. These connections accept us for who we are, including all our flaws and challenges. We need to make decisions about who we invite into this level of intimacy and who helps us be the best version of ourselves.
Quite possibly my search for a deeper understanding raised more questions than answers about the impact of feeling ‘left-out,’ especially in the development of our young people here at St Thomas. One thing is clear, we are all wonderfully and beautifully made, and all on a journey of growing and becoming throughout our whole life. Perhaps taking time to feel the feeling of ‘left-outedness’ can tell us something about what we need in our connections with others, so we can have the freedom to be our true, unique selves – and we can pass this wisdom to our young people on their journey!
Go gently,
Paul Mensforth
Deputy Principal
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SA Senior Australian of the Year
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Congratulations to Sr Meredith Evans RSM: 2024 SA Senior Australian of the Year
We congratulate Sr Meredith Evans, South Australian Mercy Sister, who has been a beacon of hope for the vulnerable. Her life’s mission has been to provide compassionate care to refugees, the vulnerable homeless and women in distress. This is a wonderful acknowledgment of her ministry of service and Mercy commitment to compassion and justice.
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NOVEMBER
Friday 10th
Grandparents/VIP Day
Tuesday 14th
Preschool Meet and Greet
Thursday 16th
Year 1 Cleland Excursion
Friday 17th
Colour Run for Catholic Charities
Tuesday 21st
Preschool Meet and Greet
Wednesday 22nd
Reception 2024 Transition Visit
Instrumental Concerts
Wednesday 29th
Christmas Concert
Reception 2024 Transition Visit
St Thomas TERM 4 FAMILY Calendar 2023.pdf
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Dear Parents, Caregivers and Friends,
Sacrament of First Communion
Some of the most precious moments in a child’s faith journey are those of their First Holy Communion. We were blessed to be witnesses to this on Sunday.
Congratulations to all the children who made their First Holy Communion last Sunday. The children were a credit to their parents, in the way they were prepared and in how they participated in the ceremony.
Congratulations to Josephine English, Chelsea Tran, Sienna Aoukar, Grace Brown, Ruby Budimir, Harry Clark, Sophie D’Amato, Thomas D’Ambrosio, Cooper Davey, Jesse Davey, Shenali Fernando, Chiara Franchitto, Siena Franchitto, Nikolai Hand, Archie Higham, Lucia Puntureri, Dalia Riley, Connor Stavrou, Lucas Stavrou, Maisey Watson,
Our school and parish communities appreciate all of the hard work that was carried out in the preparation for the Sacrament. The goodwill of all the people who help this celebration is a massive asset to our school community. Thank you again.
All Saints and All Souls Day
On Wednesday, we celebrated All Saints Day with a Community Mass at Church. In the reading for All Saints Day we are reminded of the beatitudes in the Gospel.
Jesus gave us these beatitudes at the Sermon on the Mount. He did not give us these beatitudes and then want us to fail. He wanted to give us something to aim for, to work on our whole life to try to achieve. These beatitudes are a beautiful reminder of what we can become, if we trust and believe.
Thousands of years later, they still speak to us and call us to live more fully as Christian people.
Jesus said:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst
for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted
because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Sebestyen Maglai
R.E.C.
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from Chair of the School Board
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I will stop, pause and remember. I promise.
Dear Mum and Dad,
I miss you. I wish you were here. Losing a parent feels like you lost a piece of yourself. An irreplaceable piece of your family. I struggled to find that missing piece of yourself for a while. I still struggle at times.
After you were both gone, sometimes I landed on solid ground, sometimes I landed in a puddle and almost drowned.
But I survived.
I learned how to be a parent from you both. You were fantastic role models. I was lucky to have you.
The losses of you both made me strong. I became an independent young woman who wanted to do it all on her own. I love that I became strong, but I hate that I had to lose you to do it.
I hope that even though you are not with me, you can still know some small pieces of my life. I wish you were sitting in the front row on my wedding day. Mum, you missed it, but Dad saw it – and I’m hoping he has now told you all about it. I hope you will then tell me you were able to see my sons’ faces when I first met them. I could have used your help and wisdom. And still could use it. I wish you could be there on those long hospital days and appointments, telling me it will be ok – or just making me a vegemite sandwich with no crusts. And Dad, oh how I wish I could have called you and shown you pictures of JJ laying the wreath at the National War Memorial on school camp. Jasper knew you were with him.
Someday, I will see you and I know will tell me you were there with me.
I often imagine how life would be different if you were both still here. I daydream of the laughter and stories we would share together about my babies.
They are all getting big now. Oh, they have grown so tall - but their hearts are growing even bigger. They are caring, resilient and so strong. You would be so proud of them. I know what being a parent is all about now - and why you both loved it so much. You taught me more than you know.
This week it was both All Saints and All Souls Day. Next week is Remembrance Day. November is a month to pause, to breathe, to remember.
And to be grateful. And grateful - how I am so much.
All Souls Day we remember those who have gone before us – like you mum and dad. I know that I have written to you about what I miss, what you have missed and how the loss has hurt and shaped me.
But this year – on All Souls Day and in the month of Remembrance, I will also be grateful. And I will remember the laughs, the courage, the joy you both had and gave me.
Those memories - well there are too many to list here – and maybe I want to save them all for myself. But I will remember, and I will smile, and I will tell always keep telling my boys all about you both. So that they know, and each year, the importance of this day, these months, and how to keep these memories growing.
Till next time Mum and Dad,
Love Trish
Ps – Don’t worry – Ju is stepping in for you both on Grandparents/VIP day. She is one good Aunty right there.
Trish Jarvis
Chair of St Thomas School Board
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Catholic Charities
Hutt St Centre * Catherine House * SA Catholic Deaf Association * Aboriginal Catholic Ministry * Our Lady of La Vang & St Patrick's Special Schools * Mercy House of Welcome * Centacare Catholic Family Services * Calvary Ain Karim
With your help Catholic Charities can continue to provide support for our 9 Agencies listed above, by helping to provide opportunities for:
Educational services and information for asylum seekers in Adelaide
Empowering men and women dealing with complex issues such as homelessness, domestic violence, mental illness and substance abuse
Reaching out to members of our community who may be lonely or isolated and welcome them into the vibrant Aboriginal Catholic Ministry
Providing dedicated teachers at Our Lady of La Vang and St Patrick's Special schools
Helping members of the Catholic Deaf Community to learn and understand about God and their own Faith
Providing accommodation and respite care for adults and young people with intellectual disabilities
Making a positive impact on those around us is what lies at the heart of Living Catholic
Our school is committed to reaching out to help those in need, through charitable outreach initiatives. We have a deep commitment to supporting a range of charitable organisations, families and individuals in need.
During the past years we run ‘Walkathon for Catholic Charities’ event at the Orphanage Oval to support different agencies here in SA.
This year we are organising a COLOUR RUN FOR CATHOLIC CHARITIES on Friday 17th of November 2023 from 1.40pm to 2.50pm on the school green area.
Further information and permission notes are going home next week.
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Fee Statements have been mailed to families. If you require an updated copy, please contact me by email.
Please note all accounts are to be finalised by the end of November.
Reminder to return the Payment Plan Agreement 2024 Form by 17th November 2023. Copies are available from the front office.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Jodi Jansons
Business Manager
accounts@stg.catholic.edu.au
 Fees Payment Plan 2024.pdf
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Recently our Tournament of Minds STEM team won the primary division for South Australia and progressed to the International Final in Melbourne! Our team of six students from Years Four and Six excitedly prepared for the new challenge we would face in Melbourne.
The theme of this year’s competition was “Game On” and prior to travelling to Melbourne we created a team photo to earn points towards the Game On Challenge. Upon arrival in Melbourne, the Year Four team members earned us more points by completing an “amazing race” style competition all around Melbourne with our SA team mascot, leafy sea dragon Tommy, while the year sixes finished up their camp in Canberra.
The next day, with the team reunited, we completed two STEM challenges. The first required us to spend three hours working as a team to create a STEM device from basic materials such as popsicle sticks and pipe cleaners that could carry an item from one point to another without us touching it. We were also required to write and then act out a ten-minute play with props and costumes illustrating what our item was, how it had become lost in our imaginary world and why its return was important. Our second challenge was “spontaneous” and required us to collectively design a badge representing the “Spirit of TOM”.
Between events we had the opportunity to swap team badges with other students from around Australia and New Zealand and everyone gathered for a shared dinner. During the closing ceremony, we were presented a trophy for coming second place in the Game On competition in the primary division.
We would like to thank Unley and West Torrens councils for providing financial support to our team members and enabling us to have this amazing experience. We would also like to say a huge thank you to Mrs Donnellan and Mr Mezzino for helping us prepare for ToM and travelling with us to Melbourne. We can’t wait to see what next year’s challenges are!
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Our Year 6 trip to Canberra was an incredible journey through Australia’s history, politics, and science. Exploring the nation’s capital, we were deeply moved by the War Memorial, gaining a profound appreciation for our country’s sacrifices. Learning about Canberra’s unique architecture and its role in shaping Australia was eye-opening and very educational. The CSIRO, Institute of Sport and Questacon were highlights, as we delved into the world of science, sports, and technology. Experiencing a real-life court case at High Court was both educational and thrilling. Riding bikes along the Lake Burley Griffin allowed us to appreciate Canberra’s natural beauty. This trip enriched our knowledge and created lasting memories for us all. What a wonderful way to start our final term of primary school. A huge thank you to Pacer for their rebate of $40 per student which totalled $1,520 to support the trip.
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