Welcome to the new 2024 school year.  I trust that you have had a wonderful summer break and are now ready for a new year of learning.   A special welcome to all new members to our community; the new students and families in Years 1-6, the new Kindergarten children and the new members of staff.  A full staff list for 2024 has been included in this newsletter.

We have already begun the new school year with some special events that have occurred during the past two weeks.  A huge thank you to all who were able to join in the beginning of the school year BBQ last Friday afternoon.  Thank you to the STM P&F Executive and their helpers who provided, cooked and served the food and drinks to all who attended.  

Our opening school Mass in which Years 1-6 attended was a great celebration to commence the school year.  Fr Michael reminded us that during Mass we were praying for all members of the community, not just the students, but children, parents, carers, teachers and parishioners were very much part of our prayers to commence the new school year.  An important part of the Mass included the blessing and commissioning of the new student leaders in Year 6.  Congratulations to the following students:

Congratulations to the 2024 Student Leaders:

                             School Captains: Jorja and Jackson

                             School Vice Captains: Rosita and Jayden

                             Polding House: Emily and Megan

                             MacKillop House: Sophia and Carter

                             Marcellin House: Ella and Chaise 

                             Chisholm House: Katie and Luka

Congratulations to Mrs Kirsty Aiken (Year 1 teacher 2023) and husband Samuel on the birth of their first child last week - a baby boy.  Baby Arthur and parents are doing well.

New Day for Weekly School Assembly 2024
Commencing next week, the whole school weekly assembly will now occur at 8.30am on a Thursday morning.  We have had to make the change due to the Sports lessons that occur on each Monday.  There is no Monday morning assembly any more - our next whole school assembly will occur on Thursday 22nd February 2024.  All parents and friends are welcome to the assembly. The assembly runs for about 15 minutes where we acknowledge country, pray together, celebrate weekly birthdays, present Blue Awards and make any special announcements.

Meet and Greet Interviews
This year all classes will be holding ‘Meet and Greet’ interviews during next week, Week 4.  This will be an opportunity for parents and children to meet and talk with their class teacher.  Please note that this is not a parent/teacher interview but an opportunity for you to discuss with the class teacher your child’s needs, strengths, interests and how they best learn.  Details will be sent home soon regarding booking a time through Compass, to meet with your child’s teacher.  

Reminders
A few reminders as we begin the new school year:

• Our school day commences at 8.30am and all children should be at school by this time to commence their day.  Similarly no child should be dropped off at school before 8.00am as there is no teacher on supervision until 8.00am.  
• Parents are asked to abide by all road rules in our school car park and internal road.  Please remember to give way to buses at all times.  A reminder that all parents and carers must park ‘rear to kerb’ in the parent car park.
• Please have your family name displayed on the left hand side of your car if and when you use the carline pick up in the afternoon.  If you require new or extra name tags, please notify the School Office. 
• Check Compass regularly for all notes. Compass is our main form of communication with the community.

School Uniform Policy
At St Thomas More Catholic Parish Primary School we believe that wearing the full and correct school uniform is an extremely important and integral feature of the school community.  The uniform symbolises identity and unites all children equally.  It instils a sense of pride and belonging to St Thomas More Catholic Parish Primary School.  Wearing the correct and full school uniform assists in developing self-respect, self-discipline and care in oneself.  It also reflects the values and attitudes held within the school community and provides structure and routine in attending school. The uniform also reflects an image of the school in the public forum.

When parents and carers enrol their child at St Thomas More Catholic Parish Primary School, they agree to abide by the rules and procedures of our school.  Adhering to the school’s uniform policy is, therefore, a parental responsibility taken on as part of acceptance as a member of the school community. 

Guidelines

1. The full and correct school uniform is to be worn on specific school days. Mixing of uniforms is not acceptable. 
2. School hats are compulsory: “No Hat No Play”. The school hat is to be in good condition and worn before school, at Lunch 1 and Lunch 2 and at PE/Sport times. 
3. School shirts are to be tucked in at appropriate times. 
4. Nail polish is not to be worn.
5. School jackets are to be worn before parkas are worn. The outer jackets are to be removed in class. 
6. Joggers are to be predominantly white. Skate/fashion shoes are not acceptable. 
7. School shoes should be black leather.  For safety reasons girls’ heels should be as flat as possible. 
8. Scarves, beanies and gloves in dark blue shades may be worn in winter months.
9. Where financial difficulties hamper a student in fully meeting all uniform requirements, the Principal may supply items of uniform at the school’s expense.
10. If students need to be out of uniform in any way, parents need to supply a note to their classroom teacher.

Hair Styles

• Hair should be styled in a manner that attracts positive comments only, with an emphasis on a neat  and tidy appearance.  No extreme haircuts or styles.
• Minimal products (e.g. hairspray, gel) may be used to tame or control hair, but not to style hair (e.g.spike).  Hair must not be bleached or dyed in any way, this includes the addition of hair extensions, hair pieces or coloured braids.
• Hair, including fringes, must not fall on a child’s face, covering their eyes.
• Students’ hair cannot be unevenly shaved, including having any lines shaved into their head.  Hair should not be shaved less than a number 2.
• Hair that is collar length or longer must be tied back.
• School coloured hair accessories (blue and gold) can only be used; ribbons, scrunchies, thin headbands or clips to hold the hair back.
• Hair should be cut in an evenly cut manner.  Hair should not have extreme difference in length, but rather be of a blended appearance.

Jewellery 
Jewellery is not to be worn to school (except a watch, signet ring or a religious medal). Students with pierced ears may wear a small stud or sleeper in each ear.  If parents wish their children to wear a chain with a cross, or holy medal, it is to be worn under the clothing.

School Counsellor 
Welcome to Mrs Lucinda Russo who is St Thomas More School’s new school counsellor.  All schools in the Diocese of Wollongong have access to school counsellors provided by CatholicCare.  Miss Lucinda’s days at STM are Wednesday and  Friday each week.  A gentle reminder to any families who received a referral to our school counsellor for their child to please fill out the referral form and survey included in the envelope and return to the front office.  Please note all referrals must include the signature of both parents. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our new school counsellor, Lucinda on Wednesdays or Fridays via the school phone.  If you would like a referral for your child, please see your class teacher first and then school processes will be followed and communicated with you.

STM Parents and Friends Association General Meeting
All parents and carers are advised that the first General Meeting of the St Thomas More Parents and Friends Association for 2024 which is being held on 26th February at 7.00pm in the School Library.  All agenda items are to be sent in writing to info@stmdow.catholic.edu.au

Student Birthdays
Birthday cakes, slices, donuts, biscuits and foods of the like are not permitted to be brought to school and distributed to children to celebrate children’s birthdays and other events.  There are some children in our school who are severely allergic to such foods, particularly foods containing nuts and eggs.  

How do we celebrate birthdays at St Thomas More School?

• The children will be acknowledged with a birthday sticker at the Thursday morning assembly.
• Parents may choose to send in a treat (such as a lolly bag) for each child in the class.  The class will sing ‘Happy Birthday’ and then treats will be distributed to the children.  However such treats will not be eaten at school.  Children will take the treats home so that parents are aware of what their child is eating.
• Parents may choose to purchase an ‘ice block’ to distribute to each child.  These can be ordered and purchased through Mrs Loomes in our school canteen.  The canteen will need at least 5 working days notice if you choose to place an order in providing such a treat.  

Clothing Pool 
A huge thank you to Mrs Sue Cameron for coordinating the Second Hand School Clothing Pool.  The

Clothing pool will now be open on Tuesday & Thursday mornings from 8am - 9am. (NO longer open on Wednesdays).  All items are $7.00

Best wishes for the coming week,

Philip Barrington 
PRINCIPAL