Dear Parents and Carers,

As we celebrate ‘Valentine’s Day’ next week let us all remember the importance of love in our lives - of loving others and receiving love, but above all recognising that God’s love is so great for each one of us.

Welcome to the new 2023 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 2023 has been included in this newsletter.

All families and members of our school community from Kindergarten to Year 6 are invited to a beginning of the school year BBQ on Friday afternoon 10th February 5.30pm - 8.00pm.  The school P&F will provide a free sausage sandwich and drink to all who attend.  Come along and share in the BBQ while meeting the 2023 staff and families in our school.  Please bring along your own picnic rug or chair. 

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.  A Student Information sheet is being sent home, please complete and bring it to your ‘Meet and Greet’ interview in Week 4.  Details will be sent home soon regarding booking a time through Compass, to meet with your child’s teacher.  Link to Meet & Greet Letter 2023

Our first opportunity to gather together as a faith community is at our Opening Mass for the new school year being celebrated next Thursday 16th February at 11.30am at the Church.   We will bless the new school year and will present the 2023 Captains and Student Leaders with their badges.  Please note that all parents, friends and parishioners are invited to attend and celebrate with us.  All classes from Year 1 to Year 6 will be attending Mass.  Kindergarten will join the Mass after Communion and so will only be at Mass for a short time.  

Congratulations to the 2023 Student Leaders:

School Captains: Ella Persson and Harrison Harley

School Vice Captains: Caitlyn Boateng and Riley Flegg

Polding House: Elijah Leal and Adrian Haule

MacKillop House: Brielle Diamond and Lennix O’Dwyer

Marcellin House: Lucena O’Halloran and Pippa Rindermann 

Chisholm House: Avah Paea and Taalia Abrahams 

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.

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 2023 which is being held on 13th 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 Monday 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 
The STM uniform shop will be open each Wednesday morning from 8am-9am, times outside of this can be arranged by contacting the school office. All items are preloved and are $7 each. The funds collected will be passed onto our School P&F Association.
We  gladly  accept  donations  of  uniforms  in  good  condition  which  your  children  may  have  grown  out  of.
Payment can be made at the front office via EFTPOS after selecting your items.
Thank you to Mrs Cameron who continues to work as a volunteer in our uniform shop.

Best wishes for the coming week,

Philip Barrington 

PRINCIPAL