Filter Content
Dear Parents and Carers,
This week is Holy Week, where Christians worldwide remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We too, at St Thomas More Catholic Primary School have been reflecting and praying about these events. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday and ends on Holy Saturday. Thank you to the parents and carers who have been able to join in our prayers this week. All children in our school have led our community so prayerfully during this special week.
Palm Sunday (Passion Sunday):
The sixth Sunday of Lent honours the welcoming of Jesus into Jerusalem. He rode into the city on a donkey. The crowds that gathered waved palm branches and said, "Hosanna! Blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord." Jesus riding on a donkey represents His humility.
Holy Thursday:
This day commemorates Jesus' Last Supper with His twelve disciples. The first Holy Communion was celebrated. Jesus said “Do this in memory of me”.
Good Friday:
This day of sorrow commemorates the arrest, trial, crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus Christ, Son of God. He suffered and died on the cross to redeem all sinners.
Holy Saturday:
On the seventh and final day of Holy Week, Jesus rested in the tomb. It is a quiet day of meditation. The Vigil service reflects on the retelling of the salvation story from Genesis to Jesus. This is traditionally a day for baptism.
Easter Sunday:
This is the day of rejoicing because Jesus rose from the dead and conquered death once and for all. On this day we celebrate the joy and hope Easter morning represents to Christians all over the world when we proclaim: “Alleluia! Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!”
May the peace of the risen Lord be with all families of the St Thomas More community during this Easter season.
Easter Sunday:
This is the day of rejoicing because Jesus rose from the dead and conquered death once and for all. On this day we celebrate the joy and hope Easter morning represents to Christians all over the world when we proclaim: “Alleluia! Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!”
May the peace of the risen Lord be with all families of the St Thomas More community during this Easter season.
Thank You
Thank you for a busy and wonderful Term 1 2023. Thank you to the hard working staff for all of their efforts in caring for the children and being focussed on the learning needs of the students. Well done to our Kindergarten children who have settled so well and managed their first term at ‘big school’. It is amazing to witness all the Kindergarten children walk so confidently and happily into school each day. A huge thank you to parents for your support of the school and all that we do. Your presence at events like Cross Country, Holy Week liturgies and P&F meetings are just some of the signs of your engagement with us. In planning for Term 2 we have another busy term ahead of us. We have planned many opportunities for quality learning and teaching, Semester 1 reports, the school athletics carnival, Confirmation sacramental program, Mother’s Day Stall, School Photo Day and St Thomas More Feast Day, which are just some of the activities planned for Term 2. Please ensure that all students and parents have the opportunity to rest and recharge the body over these coming holidays so that we are all ready for another great term ahead.
Staff News
Congratulations to Mr Josh Navarrete on his recent wedding last weekend. Mr Navarrete will return to teach Year 2 Gold in early Term 2.
Congratulations to Mrs Julie Gordon (Ms McKenzie) on the arrival of her second child last week. Baby Eliza Maree Gordon (Ellie).
Bearers Of Christ Love
The Bishop of Wollongong, Most Rev. Brian Mascord DD, has published a new document on the nature and purpose of Catholic schools in our diocese.
ANZAC Day March Campbelltown
A reminder that those children representing our school in the ANZAC Day March along Queen Street are required to meet Mr Barrington, Mrs Jensen and staff outside the Commonwealth Bank at 8.10am on Tuesday 25th April 2023. All children must be dressed in their full Summer uniform to participate in the march with our school. Please see the note in Compass for more information and if you are interested for your child to attend.
Term 2 uniform
Students return to school in Term 2 in their Summer uniform. School Photo Day is being held on Friday 5th May 2023 (Week 2) in which each child needs to be in their Summer uniform on this day. No sports uniform on Photo Day. If and when the weather turns cool, parents may decide as to which uniform to send their child to school, whether it be Winter uniform or Summer uniform during the early weeks of Term 2. From Monday 15th May (Week 4) all children will be expected to be in their Winter uniform.
Sports Update
Congratulations to all children who participated in our recent School Cross Country Carnival. We were extremely lucky with the weather as all races were conducted just before it started to rain. Congratulations to all winners and a huge congratulations to all children who ‘gave it a go’ and didn't give up throughout the long race. A St Thomas More School Cross Country team is now preparing to participate in the Regional Cross Country Carnival in Nowra on Tuesday 2nd May.
Results of STM Cross Country Carnival 2023:
1. MacKillop (Gold)
2. Marcellin (Green)
3. Chisholm (Red)
4. Polding (Blue)
Congratulations to Sophia (Year 5) and Lennix (Year 6) who have both been successful in making the MacKillop Teams in their chosen sports. They both now compete in the State carnivals for swimming and AFL respectively.
Parents & Friends Association
Deja Brew Coffee will be present in the turning circle outside the school office from 8.00am on Wednesday 26th April (first day back Term 2). Why not come along for free coffee and then stay for the school assembly to commence school for Term 2.
All are reminded that the next Parents and and Friends Association meeting will be held on Monday 1st May at 7.00pm in the School Library. Any items for the agenda can be emailed through to info@stmdow.catholic.edu.au
Enrolling now for 2024
The enrolment period for 2024 has opened. If you have a child who is to start Kindergarten in 2024, please collect an enrolment form from the School Office or download a form from the St Thomas More School website https://www.stmdow.catholic.edu.au/
We ask everyone in our community to promote our school. Families enrolling in our school assist us to maintain our enrolment numbers so as to operate each day as a two stream school (two classes in every grade). We have so much to offer. Please spread the word about our great school. Siblings are also required to collect and submit a complete enrolment form.
Best wishes for a wonderful Easter and relaxing holiday break,
Philip Barrington
PRINCIPAL
|
Date |
Event / Time |
Information |
|
Thursday 4th April |
Holy Week Whole School Liturgy “Good Friday” |
12.15pm School Hall Led by Year 5 |
|
Thursday 4th April |
Last day of Term 1 |
|
|
Monday 24th April |
Pupil Free Day |
|
|
Tuesday 25th April |
ANZAC Day Public Holiday |
|
|
Wednesday 26th April |
Students return for Term 2 |
|
|
Wednesday 26th April |
ANZAC Liturgy |
2.00pm School grounds Led by Year 5 |
|
Friday 28th April |
Whole School Easter Liturgy |
12.15pm School Hall Led by Year 6 |
|
Friday 5th May |
School Photo Day |
More details to come |
|
Friday 12th May |
Mother’s Day Stall |
|
|
Wednesday 7th June |
School Athletics Carnival |
|
|
Monday 12th June |
Public Holiday |
|
|
Friday 30th June |
Last Day for Term 2 |
|
|
Monday 17th July |
Pupil Free Day |
|
|
Tuesday 18th July |
Students return for Term 3 |
|
|
Sunday 6th August |
STM FETE |
9.00am-4.00pm |
