Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Carers,
At this time each year Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Wollongong and in surrounding dioceses across NSW, find opportunities to promote their school to students and families in their local area. St Thomas More School also takes this opportunity to open the school for prospective families to come and visit and see what we have to offer. The mission of Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong states:
We exist to create vibrant Catholic school communities
where every student friends meaning and purpose
In their life through experiencing
growth in faith and
improvement in learning.
We aim as a school to celebrate being a faith community focused on the education of the children. Our school’s mission and vision are great reminders that St Thomas More School is a Catholic School focused on the faith and learning needs of all children.
Mission:
In the spirit of truth and love, the core purpose of St Thomas More Catholic Parish Primary School is to ensure each child learns essential skills and knowledge at their highest level.
Vision:
St Thomas More School will be a place of high expectations for both students and staff providing learning opportunities that are student focused. The use of quality teaching practices and effective assessment will ensure successful education in faith and growth in all domains of learning for each child.
St Thomas More School is holding an Open Day on Monday 4th March from 3.30pm - 6.00pm. If you know of families in the local area who may be interested in our school please spread the word about the Open Afternoon. Similarly children in Year 5 and Year 6 are encouraged to attend the Open Days being offered by the local Catholic Secondary Schools so as to make an informed decision for Year 7.
Thank you
Thank you to all in our community who have attended, supported and been involved in our recent school and community events. The Welcome to School Year BBQ, Meet and Greet interviews, P&F meeting and the Opening of the School Year Mass have all been great opportunities for our community to gather. We have a busy life at school and within our own families, so it is great that parents and families can support the events being held.
NAPLAN 2024
The official dates for Year 3 and Year 5 NAPLAN 2024 is Wednesday 13th March to Monday 25th March. St Thomas More School will be conducting the NAPLAN tests on the following dates:
Wednesday 13th March - Writing (Year 3 and Year 5)
Thursday 14th March - Reading (Year 3 and Year 5)
Friday 15th March - Conventions of Language (Year 3 and Year 5)
Tuesday 19th March - Numeracy (Year 3 and Year 5)
St Thomas More School Award System
As part of the sound PB4L processes that operate at St Thomas More School, children are awarded and commended for their positive behaviours in a variety of ways. In 2022 a new Award System was implemented where children began to be awarded with White and Blue Awards which continue to culminate as the years progress. We are now at the stage where some children have achieved a ‘Gold Award’ which is a very special award and the result of many years of positive behaviour. Each term St Thomas More School will host a ‘Golden Assembly’ where such students will be awarded and presented with their Gold Award. Just like when Blue Awards are being presented, parents will receive an email stating when their child will receive their award. Generally speaking the Golden Assembly will occur in Week 7 each term. Our very first Golden Assembly is being held on Friday 15th March at 2.00pm in the School Hall. Parents and carers are invited to attend.
Best wishes for the coming week,
Philip Barrington
PRINCIPAL