Dear Parents and Carers,

As this is the last newsletter for Term 3 and as we are about to head into holidays, a big thank you to all for your support and involvement throughout a very busy Term 3.  Thank you to all staff, students and parents who supported the life of the school.  Although we are living through times of many restrictions and changes, school life has continued in a variety of forms.  Thank you to our wonderful staff who have continued to provide quality learning and teaching opportunities for the students as well as ensuring the safety of everyone at all times.  Thank you to the parents and carers for your patience with us as we all do our best to cope with the changes.  Thank you students for all of your efforts in all that you do, particularly when rules, processes and routines change at the last minute in the aim of safety.  We hope that Term 4 provides us with an opportunity to connect more with our community in whatever form that may look like.  At this stage no decisions have been made in regards to end of year celebrations, as we wait to hear from authorities as to what is permissible..

Let us all remember to pray for the Year 3 children and families in our school and parish who will be celebrating their First Holy Communion at some special Masses over the next couple of weekends.  The children, their families and members of our parish have been busily preparing for this significant event.  As Catholics we all remember how special we felt on our First Holy Communion Day.  We pray that the children will always feel as close to Jesus throughout their life as they do on their First Holy Communion day.  

Next week we officially say farewell and thank you to our Religious Education coordinator, Mrs Jean-Marie Morris.  Mrs Morris commences her new full time role with the Catholic Education Office within the CLEM team (Catholic Life Education and Mission).  Since joining the St Thomas More community in 2018, Mrs Morris has capably led the religious and liturgical life of our school.  Mrs Morris’ official last day at St Thomas More will be on Thursday 24th September.  We wish Mrs Morris the best of luck and look forward to seeing her again when she visits our school in her new role of supporting teachers and schools to deliver quality Religious Education programs.

Good bye and Thank you Mrs Morris

In 2021, we welcome a new Religious Education Coordinator to our school.  Mrs Elizabeth Jensen has been appointed by the Catholic Education Office to our school after a thorough recruitment process.   Elizabeth began her teaching career in 1999 and currently holds the position of Middle Leader at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Moorebank where she has been teaching and leading for the past 8 years. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Teaching from the University of Western Sydney, a Bachelor of Education from the University of New England and a Master of Religious Education from ACU. Elizabeth is a committed member of St Thomas More Parish, Ruse.  We will officially welcome Mrs Jensen to our school early in 2021.

Our St Thomas More School website has been updated.  Have a look.  The Catholic Education Office has updated the website to keep you informed about all things associated with our great school.  https://www.stmdow.catholic.edu.au/

This Friday is our school’s 2020 Book Week celebration.  Each grade will participate in a Covid-friendly parade in our school hall.  The staff will record the parade and will share a link so that parents and carers do not miss out on such a wonderful event.  The link will be sent out via Compass.  Parents are reminded that you are challenged to use what you already have at home in creating a costume.  Students are allowed to wear face paint and make up on Friday if it is part of the costume.  The theme for 2020 Book Week is Curious Creatures, Wild Minds.

A reminder that all students are to return in their Summer uniform in Term 4 (Tuesday 13th October).

A reminder that Friday 25th September (last Friday of Term 3) and Monday 12th October (first Monday of Term 4) are Pupil Free days.  The entire staff will be involved in professional development and will be working off site so as to maintain safety for all adults.  The focus of the two days are Staff Spirituality and Social and Emotional Learning program. 

Best wishes to all students in Year 12 who are busily preparing for their final days of school and for their HSC exams.  Our prayers are especially with all of the big brothers and sisters and ex-students of St Thomas More Catholic Parish Primary School Ruse.  

Wash Hands

Social Distancing

Stay Safe

Philip Barrington 

PRINCIPAL