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An important reminder that Gala 2024 is being held on 16 March and we are calling out for expressions of interest in:
Hosting a stall on this day
Event equipment
Entertainment
Face painting
Printing
Auction items & auctioneer
Business sponsorship of stalls
Please see the flyer within this newsletter and submit your expression of interest by Monday 4th December. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing great community support behind this well-loved event!
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from the Principal ..........
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From the Christmas concert this week to the beginning of Advent this weekend, I have been reflecting lately on the impact of family for our young people. Our families form one of the most important parts of our lives. As humans, we are social beings, and families provide not only for our basic needs, but also for our social and emotional needs. We are hardwired to connect with others and through these connections, we thrive and grow. It is well evidenced that families play a crucial part in the well-being and healthy development of individuals. For our young people, this is particularly true. We spoke recently at Grandparents day about the importance of ‘the village’ to help raise a child. We know that families come in all different shapes and sizes and forms. From my perspective, the most important elements that young people need from their family in order to thrive include:
Love - kindness, compassion, belonging within the family and extending beyond
Time - quality time in shared experiences, for deep connection and building trusted relationships
Safety - providing a safe haven with a sense of security and predictability
Positive role modelling - of respect for self and others, respectful relationships, modelling for a life well lived with regards to physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing
Established boundaries - having structure and clear expectations, where accountability and responsibility is taught and experienced regularly
Support for learning and development - promoting a positive approach to learning and extracurricular development through practical support, activities and regular habits
Within our school community, we have the privilege of getting to know so many families and we genuinely value the partnership that we have with you. Together, we have very important work to do in the raising of these young wonderful people. Just this week at our Christmas concert it was so wonderful to see our families come together in support of our children and school. Through their song and performance, they brought us so much joy and pride as they delivered the real message and spirit of Christmas. As we lead into Advent, we are reminded of the Holy family, the ultimate model of family and the perpetual hope with the birth of baby Jesus. As you observe nativity scenes this Christmas I invite you to give thanks for the blessing of your family and my wish is for each and every family in our community to have those ‘essential family elements’ listed above, present in abundance.
As our term draws towards its final weeks, we have many special occasions and events to look forward to and celebrate. We look very much forward to sharing these special family moments with you.
Belinda Burford
Principal
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From the Deputy Principal
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Everything changes… except God…
Life has a funny way of throwing the odd curve ball our way and forcing us to rethink, reconsider and refocus our attention. We see these ‘curve balls’ throughout the life of a school and throughout the journey of each of our young people. One minute things seem to be going in one direction and the next, a new situation arises. It reminds us how important community is in supporting each other through these times of change and transformation.
Certainly, as we move towards the end of this school year, there are the inevitable changes of staff and class placements which can be an anxious time for some students and families. We have students transitioning to new year levels, new classrooms, even new schools! As a school community, we work to ensure we reduce this anxiety related to these inevitable changes as much as possible.
While in the midst of these moments of change and transformation, we can often find ourselves feeling challenged and uncomfortable. As creatures of habit, we really don’t like these forced changes. But what if our perspective changed and we held our judgement as to whether or not these events were ‘good’ or ‘bad?’ Could an event, which we first experience as something ‘bad’ actually be something that is ‘good’ for us and others?
Sr Joan Chittister, a Catholic theologian, retells a Taoist tale that says something about the need to hold our judgement about these events of change in our lives. I personally benefit from the re-telling of this story in the midst of change. It’s wisdom helps put things into perspective and allows me to surrender to what the journey offers ...
“Then I remembered another story that may explain best the difference between despair of the present and hope in the future.
In this Taoist tale, an old peasant has only one son and one fine stallion with which to farm his land. All the other farmers in the valley pity him for his poverty but the old man says of his situation simply, “Bad event, good event, who knows?”
Then, one day, the farmer’s only stallion bolts from his hitching post and thunders up into the mountains, leaving the farmer and his son to do all the sod-breaking work by themselves. Neighbours commiserate but the old man says simply, “Bad event, good event, who knows?”
Suddenly, the next morning, the stallion races back down the mountain and into the corral, followed by a whole herd of wild horses. The neighbours are astounded by the man’s new wealth and congratulate him but the old man says simply, “Good event, bad event, who knows?”
Soon after, one of the wild stallions throws the son, falls on him and breaks his legs, crippling him for life. The peasants grieve such a loss but the old man says simply, “Bad event, good event, who knows?” Then, one day in the fall, just at the beginning of the harvest, the local warlord rides into the valley and conscripts into his army every young man there with one exception: the crippled, limping, apparently useless son of the old farmer.
The other farmers in the valley wail in despair at their misfortune and the old man’s luck, but he says simply, “Good event, bad event, who knows?”’
So, I wonder what impact this kind of thinking can have on our own happiness? It certainly invites us to surrender to what might be and place our trust in God and in others. It also forces us to be patient and remember that things happen when they are meant to happen. This is the key to the kind of happiness that Jesus speaks about, which comes from freeing ourselves of worry and stress.
So in times of changes and transformation, simply ask yourself… ‘good event, bad event, who knows?’ And know that God is ever-present and with us in all we face on life’s journey.
Go gently,
Paul Mensforth
Deputy Principal
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DECEMBER
Friday 1st
Zoo Snooze - Yr 4 Mezzino
Tuesday 5th
Year 2 Beach Safety Day
Wednesday 6th
Reception 2024 Transition Visit
Friday 8th
Year 5 Beach Aquatics - Port Noarlunga
Monday 11th
Year 6 Graduation Assembly 9am
Meet the teacher session (2024)
Excellence Assembly (R-5 Awards) 2pm
Graduation Dinner - Glenelg Golf Club
Tuesday 12th
Year 3 & 4 Beach Safety Day
Wednesday 13th
Year 6 Beach Aquatics - Port Noarlunga
Thursday 14th
Whole School End of Year Thanksgiving Mass 9.30am
Last Day of Term 3PM PICK UP (SENIORS ONLY 11AM)
Friday 15th
Student Free Day
St Thomas TERM 4 FAMILY Calendar 2023.pdf
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Dear Parents, Caregivers and Friends,
On behalf of the Catholic Charities I would like to thank the students, parents, grandparents, friends and the staff of St. Thomas’ School and everyone who involved in for their generous support for our annual fundraising event for Catholic Charities which was the Colour Run. As a big family, we expressed our knowledge and faith in action and all the people involved in this event gave generously without any compensation. Once again thank you for your involvement and generousity.
Could you please send any outstanding money to the school so we can finalise our donation.
Next Sunday we are celebrating the first Sunday of Advent.
What is Advent?
Advent comes from the Latin word meaning "coming." Jesus is coming, and Advent is intended to be a season of preparation for His arrival. While we typically regard Advent as a joyous season, it is also intended to be a period of preparation, much like Lent. Prayer, penance and fasting are appropriate during this season.
Advent is not as strict as Lent, and there are no rules for fasting, but it is meant to be a period of self-preparation. The purple colour associated with Advent is also the colour of penance.
The colour of the Third Sunday of Advent is rose. This colour symbolizes joy and represents the happiness we will experience when Jesus comes again. The Third Sunday is a day of anticipatory celebration. It is formerly called "Gaudete" Sunday; gaudete means "rejoice" in Latin.
Finally, Sundays during Advent, just as during Lent, should not be given to fasting, but instead to celebration because we celebrate the resurrection of Our Lord every Sunday. It is important to remember, however, there are no particular rules for how the laity should observe Advent.
Sebestyen Maglai
R.E.C.
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from Chair of the School Board
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It’s time to change your name
I remember when I first met you all. One of you had bright red hair, one you had a small baby on your lap – another had the perfect handbag. I was pregnant, nervous and tired.
I didn’t know what I was doing with this first child in pre-school. I had no-one to follow, no-one to teach me. I didn’t really want to talk to you. I just wanted to get in the gate and out. Tick it off the “to do list” for the day.
Then you smiled. Then one of you asked me when my baby due. One of you asked if I needed help with pick up. One of you asked me why Jasper’s hair was orange.
I am not sure if our children were friends back then. I know I invited the wrong “Jack” to the first school birthday party – that’s how we first met. By mistake.
At the end of the first year, we had a Christmas concert. I sat with my family only and smiled politely back at you.
Now - we just sat at our last concert together. We were all together – squished on a few blankets. Sitting so close kind of symbolised what we had become. We kind of watched the concert, we kind of listened to the songs – we all kind of cried.
I looked around and saw you all.
I know your dogs names, what your children are allergic to and how many runs they got in cricket last week. I know which gym you go to, how much you spent on the last bottle of wine at long lunch and what the fight with your daughter was about this week.
Undoubtedly, we are told when our children start school, they will meet new people. They will make friends. They may however grow up, change friends, change schools and make new ones.
But as adults, the village you make when you start this ride together is one to keep. It is one you may not know you would get, or needed.
We have been there for each other in the back row of funerals, dropped medicines on doorsteps and delivered fish on Good Friday in lockdowns. We have celebrated new loves, new babies, new jobs. We have sat for hours on side lines, not watching school sport, but being there – getting our weekly fix of what we needed. Each other.
So, this my letter to you all. Thank you. It just doesn’t seem enough.
Once we have left these school grounds, your name in my phone may just change from “Remy’s Mum” to “Belinda."
Maybe.
Love Trish
p.s Year 1 Mum’s… I'll bring my blanket next year and squish on in…
Trish Jarvis
Chair of St Thomas School Board
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We are back that week before Christmas these holidays!
We are also excited to be able to offer the first drop of our kids merchandise range and can have them available to you before Christmas if ordered before December 1. T-shirts and caps can now be ordered through the website when booking your tickets and even better, if you enter the discount codes available on the booking page of the site you’ll save 10-15% off your entire order!
Obviously we won’t get our Christmas shopping done again this year, but it would be brilliant if you did 
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Did you know….that by purchasing books using Scholastic Book Club, not only are you helping your child become a lifelong reader but your school earns Scholastic Rewards.
Scholastic rewards help your school acquire more resources for all children at no cost
In 2023 families supporting Scholastic Book Club at St Thomas School has helped the school earn more than $1194 worth of additional resources! Thank you for your support.
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Christmas with Unley Council
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Dear local primary schools,
Find here and below our latest Living Young newsletter with information on activities occurring during December of interest to children and young people.
If you are able to share it with your school community, that would be wonderful.
Kind Regards,
Alyssa Hill
Community Development Project Officer – Youth
Community Connections
City of Unley
Kaurna Country
P: (08) 8372 5455
unley.sa.gov.au
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Please note all family accounts are to be finalised by the end of November.
As a Catholic School, we are here for all families, no matter the circumstances. To avoid further action being taken on overdue accounts, please contact the finance office as a matter of priority if you are unable to finalise your account by this time.
Regards
Jodi Jansons
Business Manager
accounts@stg.catholic.edu.au
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