We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we gather today -
The Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
Lord Jesus,
Bless our Grade 4 students who will receive their First Eucharist this coming Sunday.
May this be the initial step into a life-long love of the Eucharist.
We pray that our children turn to Jesus through the sacred Eucharist for comfort,
guidance and renewal. We pray they always follow in your footsteps and feel Your love and presence in a very special way.
Amen
Dear Families,
Welcome back to an exciting and eventful Term 4 here at STM! I hope you all had a restful break and are ready for the final term of the year. As always, I am pleased to share some important updates and information with our school community.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our Year 4 students who recently celebrated the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist this coming Sunday. It is a significant milestone in their faith journey, and we are proud of their commitment.
We are delighted to welcome Illona Kennedy to our staff. Illona Kennedy will be replacing Belinda Finocchiaro and will be taking on the role of teaching Physical Education. We also warmly welcome back Emma Kelly, who has returned from maternity leave and will be replacing Vanessa in Year 2.
It is with great joy and excitement that I extend my warmest congratulations to Maree Gleeson and Julie Hanna on becoming grandparents! This is a remarkable and heartwarming milestone in your life, and it's a journey filled with love, joy, and countless memorable moments.
A big thank you to all the families who generously donated to our chosen charity at the end of Term 3. Together, we raised an impressive $315.20 for the 'Challenge - Supporting Kids with Cancer' organisation. Your contributions will make a meaningful difference. Learn more about Challenge here.
We love celebrating the achievements of our students here at STM! Congratulations to all the students who participated in the Regional Athletics Competition. In particular I would like to acknowledge Tiffany C from Year 5, who secured 1st place in the long jump and will be advancing to the Athletics State Finals. Well done Tiffany and good luck in the upcoming State Championships!
On Friday, October 27th, we will celebrate World Teacher's Day. It's an excellent opportunity to express our gratitude to our dedicated and passionate teachers for their unwavering commitment to our students' education. Our teachers do an amazing job caring for both the academic and educational wellbeing of our children and the school is extremely lucky to have these wonderful people.
Our senior students are entering a significant phase in their academic journey as they prepare for the transition to secondary school. Testing and orientation days will be a part of this process, and we wish them the very best during this period.
We are pleased to report that our Prep students for 2024 are adjusting well to our school. Our extended transition program with More Learning has proven effective in reducing stress for both the children and their parents. The 2024 Preps will have two orientation days this term, and More Learning will continue in its original format until close to the end of the year.
As we approach the end of the year, please ensure that your children are present at school and on time every day, unless they are too sick to be around others or it is absolutely necessary. We are currently conducting assessments for end-of-year reports to give our children every opportunity to showcase their growth and progress.
Our Student Sustainability Club, in collaboration with our horticulturist, Kim, has been working diligently. The lettuce they have been planting is now fully grown and will soon be enjoyed by our students in their salad lunch orders.
We understand that many families have questions about 2024 fees and levies. We will provide more information on this in the coming weeks. Additionally, I am asking families to state their intentions for the next academic year as this help us plan effectively.
Important news regarding the Camps, Sports, and Excursions Fund (CSEF): In 2024, CSEF payments will increase by $25 per student to accommodate the rising costs of camps, sports, and excursions. Payments will now be $150 for eligible primary school students and $250 for eligible secondary school students. These funds will be directly provided to the school to benefit the students. Families with valid means-tested concession cards or temporary foster parents are eligible to apply. Further details on eligibility criteria can be found in the Department of Education's CSEF guidance. We encourage families with Health Care Cards to apply, as it contributes to additional funding for our school.
In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to our school community for your continued support and engagement. We look forward to a productive and fulfilling Term 4, and we appreciate your involvement in the educational journey of our students.
Warm regards,
David Hurn
Principal
Click this link to subscribe directly to our STM Public Events Google Calendar for web or Android users. Click this link to subscribe if you are an iPhone user.
OCTOBER
Monday 2nd - 1st day back in Term 4 2023
Thursday 19th - Inaugral Colour Fun Run
Friday 27th - World Teacher's Day celebrated in Australia
NOVEMBER
Friday 3rd - Curriculum Day - Student Free Day
Monday 6th - Report Writing day - Student Free Day
Tuesday 7th - Public Holiday - Melbourne Cup Day
Tuesday 14th - 2025 Prep Orientation Day 9.00-11.00am
Tuesday 21st - 2025 Prep Orientation Day 9.00-11.00am
DECEMBER
Tuesday 5th - Volunteers Day
Thursday 7th - Carols Evening 5.30-7.30pm
Wednesday 13th - End of term Mass - all families welcome to attend
Thursday 14th - Year 6 Graduation
Friday 15th - Last Day Term 4 12.00pm finish; gold coin donation charity TBC; canteen closed
**'Public Events' are listed on our website under 'News and Events', the link being; https://www.stmhadfield.catholic.edu.au/news-events
On the bottom right hand side there is a blue box with a + symbol. If you have a google account, you can link the 'Public Events' calendar to your own personal Google calendar and keep up to date with the most current events and times.
Please don't hesitate to contact the office if you have any questions.
Author's Corner
Enjoy these wonderful Alliteration Poems from our talented Year 2 students.
Fruit Salad
Delicious
Delightful
Delectable
Dragon fruit
Perfect
Pleasant
Pretty
Passionfruit
Crunchy
Cheerful
Cool
Coconut
Fruit Salad
By Eli (Year 2)
Ice Cream Flavours
Luscious
Lite
Little
Lemon
Crunchy
Crispy
Crazy
Cookie
Delicate
Dashing
Delicious
Dark Chocolate
By Levi (Year 2)
Fruit Salad
Magnificent
Mushy
Miraculous
Mango
Cool
Cold
Colourful
Kiwi
Red
Ripe
Ravishing
Raspberry
Fruit Salad
By Ruby (Year 2)
Julie Hanna,
Literacy Leader
MTQ Results
A huge congratulations to the following students who entered the Maths Talent Quest this year. We are so proud of each of them.
Evan B's entry 'Soccer Books' - Distinction
Rafael F’s entry ‘The World Game’ - Distinction
Eleanor K’s entry ‘How much money does my family spend in a week on average?’ - Credit
Grace D’s entry ‘Nike’ - Distinction
Hayden M’s entry ‘Designing our Kitchen’ - Distinction
Maths talent Quest is an opportunity for students to create a mathematical based investigation on any topic they are interested in. We have had students over the years enter investigations about Weddings, Pokemon, Parties, Holidays, Space, Sea Creatures and more. If you would like any further information about entering next year click on the following link: https://mawainc.org.au/maths-talent-quest/
OZ Rocks Times Tables Challenge
I am also excited to infrom you that after the huge interest and success in the 'Melbourne Rocks' times tables challenge, I have enrolled year 2-6 students in another Times Tables Challenge next week called 'Oz Rocks.' See the poster for details:
Aleisha Lewis,
Mathematics Leader
I wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your incredible support and generosity towards the Hope In a Suitcase initiative. Your kindness and willingness to provide new items for foster care children have made a profound impact on their lives. Your contributions have brought smiles, comfort, and hope to the children who need it most. Your generosity is a shining example of the difference we can make when we come together as a community.
Thank you for being a beacon of hope, we are immensely thankful for your kindness
Congratulations to our Grade 4 students on receiving their First Reconciliation last week. May Jesus bless them with all the prosperity and guide them to His path. May we be attentive to your word, confess our sins, receive your forgiveness, and be always grateful for your loving kindness. Help us to live the truth in love and grow into the fullness of Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
Clara Privitera
Religious Education Leader
Fundraising Update:
We have raised $23,100 as of the 10th of October and we are so close to our goal of $25,000!
Kate Mackintosh
Our grade 6 students have been learning how to build mobile APPS during their STEM lessons. Click the links below to see some of the protoyptes they have been working on.
Mia and Alessia https://marvelapp.com/prototype/1a0733c9
Lachie and Xavier https://marvelapp.com/prototype/301f1a1g
Dear families,
A friendly reminder that this term at St Thomas More the following extra curricular activities will be running:
- ART (during school at lunch time on a Monday)
- ROBOTICS (after school on a Wednesday in the library) - parents access school via North St entrance for student pick up
Please note that this is an outside service run by Kids Unlimited and is paid for by parents. You will need to book as soon as possible to secure your spot by using the QR code attached to this email. Classes began this week!
Thanking you,
Mel
The 2023-24 Coburg Little Athletics season kicked off last Saturday. There is still another chance to try out if you're interested.
Regards,
Linda Misuraca
Coburg Little Athletics Committee
Please support our local RSL Glenroy branch by purchasing an item from the school office.
Items range from $1.00 up to $5.00.
Many thanks
Benjamin D - for showing wonderful improvements in Literacy and working with more independence.
Ruby N - for applying her knowledge of split digraphs when reading and writing. You're a superstar!
Evangelina D - for demonstrating the value of responsibility by offering her assustance to help with jobs around the classroom.
Marcus H - for showing an enormous improvement with focusing on the mat and when completing work at his table! Keep up the great work!
Iva D - for your artistic skills and love for drawing and colouring in. I love how passionate you are!
William S - for showing kindness and interest in other people and going out of your way to help others. You are so caring!
Evie T - for having a positive mindset and showing determination and focus when completing her writing activities. Keep up the great work!
Abriana T - for showing amazing persistence and resilience to begin Term 4. You have challenged yourself in your learning and displayed kindness everyday to both your teachers and peers. Keep up the great work!
Senon A - for approaching all learning tasks with a positive attitude and showing amazing improvement in your writing. You should be so proud of yourself!
Violet G - for demonstrating positivity and resilience in all learning tasks and actively participating in class discussions. Well done!
Sienna S - for consistently displaying persistence and resilience in all learning areas. You always remain focused and want to continue working until you have met all task requirements. Keep up the great work being a responsible learner!
Mick T - for challenging yourself in our Maths Division unit to represent remainders as fractions where relevant. You did a great job working out what the fraction would be, and figuring out how to say and write it. Well Done!
Rosabelle T - for demonstrating courage and determination to perform in the School concert. Amazing dancing Rosabelle. We are so proud of you!
Joshua V - for working with persistence and focus to improve his handwriting, especially when publishing his alliteration poem. Keep up the wonderful effort Joshua.
Alessia D - For demonstating great dedication towards concert practise and excellent ethusiam on the night of the concert
Sebastian N - for being a focused, responsible and respectful member of our class, especially during discussions and learning time. Amazing work Seb
Anton H - for demonstrating a growth mindset and respectful behaviour during our school concert. You are amazing, Anton!
Amelia M - for her enthusiastic start to the term evident by her focus and concentration during class time as well as her eagerness to contribute during class discussions. Keep up the amazing work, Amelia!
Charlie B - for consistently displaying the schools values of respect and responsibility.
Alyssa M - her enthusiasm and fantastic behaviour on the night of the concert. You were awesome!
Alannah C - for lighting up the stage with your pizazz and enthusiasm during our K-pop concert dance.
Gregory G - for his creativity and resourcefulness on the yard to make unbelievable creations
Diya P - for your enthusiasm and effort during our concert dance. Your dedication paid off!
Roderick R - for working hard to stay focused during learning time and making great choices both inside and outside of the classroom. Well done!
Joshua C - for taking onboard teacher feedback and showing great progress in his handwriting
Xavier D - for taking onboard teacher feedback and showing great progress in his achieving his goal in Writing.
Emilia G - for getting straight back into learning with 4 Maroon! Well done it is lovely to have you back.
Alexia S - for showing resilience and demonstrating the value of responsibility in her learning.
Alessia C - for making a great start to Term 4 through your efforts during learning tasks. Keep it up Alessia!
Isaac G - for your enthusiasm during our excursion to the zoo and taking responsibility for classroom duties. Well done Isaac!
Matteo C - for his creative and detailed list poem about his cousin. You used great vocabulary and descriptive language.
Carter S - for showing persistence in maths sessions and embracing challenging learning tasks with a growth mindset.
Brann O - For consistently following teacher instruction and setting a good example for the other students around him. Well done, Brann!
Zane S - For showing excellent focus and concentration when completing division equations and using a growth mindset
Matteo T - For showing excellent focus and concentration when completing division equations and using a growth mindset
Siera T - For excellent focus and concentration when tackling long division and for displaying a positive mindset towards challenges equations during her Maths session
Ethan D - For constantly engaging in class discussions while sharing his insightful and valuable contributions. Thank you, Ethan!
Amelia V - For showing a growth mindset and taking herself out of her comfort zone during the school concert. Your hard work paid off! Well done, Millie!
Ava B - For pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and taking on a solo during Concert performing with flair and passion. Your energy on the night of concert brightened up our Grade 6 routine. Well done!
Joshua N - For consistently challenging himself during Maths and persisting with the hardest of tasks. You are our 6W Human calculator. Well done!