Dear Parents and Carers,

During Weeks 4 and 5, Mrs Morris and myself had the pleasure of attending the Religious Education Congress in LA with a group from Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong.   The Archdiocese of Los Angeles hosted 20,000 people from around the world: 600 people from countries other than the United States, 127 Aussies (with 10 from the diocese of Wollongong).  The theme of the RE Congress was “Live Mercy - Be Holy”. We were provided with many opportunities to explore this theme through talks, presentations, Mass and liturgical celebrations. “Live Mercy - Be Holy is a radical invitation to create a more compassionate and loving world.  We are invited to live out mercy and holiness because God sees our tremendous capacity to love.” One of the many highlights for me was the closing Mass with thousands of people attending. I witnessed our universal church in action. We as Catholics and Christian people are challenged to share God’s love with each other. 

Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano is a Catholic parish in the Diocese of Orange in California. The parish church is located just northwest of Mission San Juan Capistrano in the city of San Juan Capistrano, California, United States.

HIGH IMPORTANCE: Current Coronavirus (COVID-19) Advice  (as at 7:35pm 7 March 2020)

You will have seen the news of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID -19) on the television or radio. While this news can be upsetting for many people it is important that we work together to minimise the spread of the virus to protect our community.

Please find below the most current information available from the NSW government regarding exclusion from school:

Students/staff currently excluded from school are those who:

• have been in or transited through China within the last 14 days
• have been in or transited through Iran within the last 14 days commencing 1 March 2020
• have been in or transited through the Republic of Korea (South Korea) commencing 5 March 2020
• are under medical assessment or
• have been diagnosed with the COVID-19 or
• have had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 infection

Any confirmed case of COVID-19 will be excluded until they are medically cleared to return.

Students and staff who have returned to Australia and have shown no symptoms during the 14-day self-isolation period are able to return to school or work.

The NSW Ministry of Health has processes in place to identify any close contacts of cases confirmed in Australia. It is advising these close contacts about not attending work, school or early childhood and childcare services.

Catholic Schools NSW continues to work closely with NSW Ministry of Health to monitor and respond to developments and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students and staff.

Practising Good Hygiene:

Maintaining good hygiene standards is an important way to reduce the risk of acquiring and spreading respiratory infections. We ask staff, parents and carers and students to promote good hygiene, including handwashing with soap, as handwashing is the single most effective way to reduce the spread of germs that cause respiratory disease.

Cough/sneeze etiquette also reduces the spread of airborne particles.  When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth. Dispose of the tissue afterwards. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow.

Avoiding close contact with people who are ill and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth are sound health practices.

St Thomas More School will keep you updated in regards to management plans regarding the Coronavirus as the need arises.  Let’s all practice simple and regular good hygiene practices.

Thanks to everyone in our community who was able to attend our Catholic Schools Week celebrations last week. Classes were open for all to participate in a Religious Education lesson using the Storytelling strategy.  It was great to witness all of the students and many parents engaged in the lesson. Our Friday afternoon then acknowledged our wonderful school with prayer and this was capably led by our students leaders - Year 6. 

On Thursday 12 March, our Canteen coordinator commences some well earned leave.  For the 12 days that Mrs Loomes is away, the Canteen will be CLOSED for two days.  We have managed to staff the Canteen for most of Mrs Loomes’ absence however on Friday 20/3/20 and Friday 27/3/20 the School Canteen will BE CLOSED.  Children will need to bring all of their food to school on these days.

Parents are invited to attend  a ‘catch-up’ P&F meeting on Monday 16/3/20 at 8.40am in the School Hall.  Come along and meet some of the P&F and listen to the ‘minutes’ of the last meeting.  Bring along any ideas that you may have for the P&F. This ‘catch up’ meeting should only run for about 30 minutes.  

Our 2020 Book Fair has crept up on us.   Books will be on sale from Monday 16/3/20 until Tuesday 24/3/20.  Books can be purchased from the fair using cash or card and can also be ordered online and then picked up at the fair.  Each child who makes a purchase will be given a raffle ticket to enter the draw to possibly win a 'Star Reader' pack which will be displayed in the Library.  Thanks to Mrs Santa Maria for organising our school’s Book Fair.

Opening times for the Book Fair are: 

Monday to Thursday: 8:10am - 8:25am & Lunch 2 & 2:30pm - 3:30pm. 

Friday: Lunch 2 only

Best wishes for the coming week,

Philip Barrington 
PRINCIPAL

Afternoon Gate Opening
As of tomorrow, Thursday 12th March, there will be a slight change to the time the gates open. As of tomorrow, the gates will open at 2.35pm instead of 2.30pm. We have made this change to assist the students remaining focused until closer to the bell.

Parents and Carers of Year 3 and Year 5 students are reminded of the following important dates for NAPLAN 2020.

• Students will be involved in some practice tests between 23 March - 9 April.  One of the main aims for the practice sessions is to test the school’s capacity with the technological demands during NAPLAN.
• 12 May: Year 3 Writing Test
• 12-13 May: Year 5 Writing Test  
• 12-22 May:  Reading Test / Conventions of Language Test / Numeracy Test

In the coming weeks Year 3 and Year 5 will be notified of the specific date for each of the tests.

Parents are invited to attend  a ‘catch-up’ P&F meeting on Monday 16/3/20 at 8.40am in the School Hall.  Come along and meet some of the P&F and listen to the ‘minutes’ of the last meeting.  Bring along any ideas that you may have for the P&F. This ‘catch up’ meeting should only run for about 30 minutes.  

Our uniform shop has plenty of stock especially winter uniforms.

SALE SALE SALE SALE SALE Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday (Week 11). Shop will open morning (8:15-8:45am) and afternoon (2:15pm-2:45pm). All items will be reduced to $5.00 per item.

SUICIDE AWARENESSS TRAINING

LifeLine in collaboration with CatholicCare is hosting this FREE 3 hour training on suicide awareness and how to speak to someone about suicide if you think they could be at risk - designed for parents but any adult in our community is welcome to attend. 

Date & Time: Wednesday 18th of March 2020, 5.30pm-8.30pm 

Location: CatholicCare Campbelltown - 35A Cordeaux St, Campbelltown. Street Parking available. 

Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be provided