Dear Families ,

As we approach the end of term, it has been wonderful to see our students thriving in their learning and embracing every opportunity that comes their way.

Flourishing Learners Conference
This week, our Leadership Team attended the Flourishing Learners Conference, a professional learning event designed to strengthen leadership and teaching practice. It provided valuable opportunities for our team to connect with other schools, engage with subject experts, and explore the best ways to support teachers so they can best support our students.

Athletics Day Rescheduled
I am pleased to share that our Athletics Day has been officially rescheduled to Friday, 17th October (Week 2 of Term 4). The event will take place at our original venue, Coburg Athletics Track, running at the same start and finish times.

A new Operoo form will be sent out in the coming days for families to complete. Please note that we will not be running a sausage sizzle on the day. Students will need to bring a small backpack with a water bottle, lunch and snacks to keep them energised throughout the event. Further communication will be sent closer to the day with any additional details.

Thank you for your understanding and support. We are looking forward to a fantastic day of fun, teamwork and athletics!

District Athletics results
We would also like to acknowledge the amazing efforts of our students who recently competed at the District Athletics. A number of students achieved excellent results, with some progressing through to the Divisional Athletics this Friday. A special thank you to Rocky Davidson for organising and supporting the students at this event.

Experience Music
Last week, we also enjoyed the Experience Music Recitals. It was amazing to put a face to the music, and it is always such a pleasure to hear the singing and playing that often drifts through to my office. What a talented bunch of students we have at STM! A big thank you to Mary and Michelle, who attended and supported the students and their families on the day.

Thank you to  helpers for Father's Day breakfast and Father's Day stall
A huge thank you to the parents who helped with the Father’s Day Stall. These initiatives do not happen without your support, and we are so grateful for the time and effort you give to our community.

Maths Games Day
We recently celebrated a group of Year 6 students who represented our school at a Maths Games Day, held at St Patrick’s Primary School in Kilmore. These students were selected for their consistent engagement, enthusiasm, and hard work in maths sessions throughout the year. Working in two teams, the students solved puzzles and completed a variety of maths challenges. They performed exceptionally well on the day, with one team even finishing in third place! We are so proud of their efforts and the way they represented our school with dedication and teamwork. These students are acknowledged further down in this newsletter. A huge thank you to Vanessa Cutajar for supporting, encouraging and enriching our students with this opportunity.

Student Free Day – Monday 15 September

On Monday 15 September, our staff will be taking part in a Professional Learning Day, students will not be required to attend school.

The day will focus on two key areas of growth for our community – Prayer, Student Safety and Wellbeing. Prayer is at the heart of our Catholic identity, and this time together will allow staff to reflect on and deepen our practices so that prayer continues to be a meaningful part of school life for both students and staff.

Equally important is our focus on Student Safety and Wellbeing. At STM, the safety and wellbeing of every child is at the centre of all that we do. This session will give staff the opportunity to further explore how we can continue to build an inclusive, supportive, and safe environment for all children, ensuring that every student feels valued, respected, and cared for.

While these may seem like two separate areas, they are in fact closely connected. Prayer nurtures a sense of community, compassion, and belonging, which underpins the work we do in creating a safe and welcoming school environment. By coming together as staff, we strengthen our collective commitment to ensuring STM remains a place where students can flourish in both their learning and their wellbeing.

Thank you for your support on this Student Free Day and look forward to sharing the benefits of this important professional learning with our families in the weeks ahead.

Thomas' Tales will continue in term 4 on Tuesdays at 10.00-10.45am
We are excited that Thomas Tales will continue! Students can listen to engaging stories read aloud by our enthusiastic librarian, Miss Lou. Families can also browse our Library and borrow from our ‘Mini More’s’ Library, as well as enjoy creating fun and educational crafts related to the stories shared.

Please support our end of Term 4 Casual clothes gold coin donation to the Mini Vinnies, supported by St Vincent De Paul. CDFPay is now open, otherwise coin can be brought in on the day.

Footy Colours Day
Get ready to show your team spirit! On Friday 19 September, we invite all students to come to school dressed in their favourite footy colours. Whether it’s AFL, NRL, soccer, or any other team you support, we want to see the school filled with a rainbow of footy pride! This is a fun way to celebrate our love of sport, build school community, and enjoy a day of friendly rivalry. Don’t forget to wear your team colours with pride and get ready for a day of footy fun!

STM Concert
Please note that for tomorrow's dress rehearsal, students do not need to wear their costumes or have their hair styled. We are looking forward to a successful and enjoyable practice session as we prepare for the big day!

Concert – On the Night

• Students to arrive at Penola by 5:00pm

• Students to arrive in basic costume items (see emails from teachers for details)

• 6:40pm: Audience to be seated in the auditorium

• 7:00pm sharp: The concert will commence

• Students to bring a labelled water bottle (these will be stored in a year-level tub)

• Students will need to have eaten before arriving at Penola. A roll and snack will be provided during the intermission. Details about this has been sent out by Sonia Mazzei

We are looking forward to an exciting evening celebrating the talents of our students!

Ask R U OK? - Today!
Life has ups and downs, and it’s important to check in with the people we care about. This R U OK? Day, we encouraged everyone here at STM to wear a touch of yellow as a reminder to ask, “Are you OK?” and show support for each other.
Even a small question can make a big difference – remember, it’s OK to ask, any day!

Alannah & Madeline Foundation Day - Thursday 18 September  

The Alannah & Madeline Foundation is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to keeping children and young people free from violence and trauma.
The month of September, and Alannah & Madeline Day, is a time of generosity where people come together to change the lives of children who’ve experienced violence. If families are wishing to make a donation to this very important foundation please go directly to this link.  

Warm regards,
David Hurn
Principal

Celebrating Mathematics Achievements at St Thomas More 

Vanessa Cutajar
Numeracy Leader

SECOND HAND UNIFORMS: Our second-hand uniforms are available for purchase throughout the year!

Every item is $5. You'll find a full list of what's currently available here.

To place an order, email Lisa: lsalemme@stmhadfield.catholic.edu.au with the items you would like to purchase

We also gratefully accept donations of any clean, good-condition uniforms that your children have outgrown.

Art

Harry K - for his outstanding classroom focus, exceptional listening skills and creating a beautiful flower painting

Drama

Bennardo F - for demonstrating perseverance in Drama when summarising key skills and vocabulary during 'sensory recall' role plays

Music

Ollie M - for his informative and visually engaging presentation on the genre of Hip Hop. Well done Ollie!

Italian

Leah L - for always showing enthusiasm when participating in Italian lessons and using her prior knowledge of masculine and feminine to identify adjectives in Italian