Dear Parents and Carers,

So much has happened in our world since the end of Term 2 on Friday 25th June. To state the obvious, we find ourselves still living in unprecedented times. I hope and pray that everyone in our community is staying safe and healthy and coping with the restrictions that have been placed upon us. I acknowledge that we have been sending many emails and letters to you but I am sure that you appreciate the communication that is being sent. St Thomas More School aims to provide you with the latest and up to date information at all times. St  Thomas More School takes its directions from Catholic Education Office Diocese of Wollongong, who in turn takes direction from Catholic Schools NSW.

Thank you for all that you are doing in support of our school but more importantly for the support of your children and family. At this moment in time our personal safety is the most important factor that we need to consider.  We recognise that some essential workers need to leave home and attend work, but we are all encouraged to stay home if we can.  The school remains open for anyone who needs it.

A huge thank you to the hard working and dedicated staff that we have at St Thomas More School. I am sure that all parents and carers can acknowledge the amount of time and effort that the staff have spent in providing remote learning for you. Many staff devoted hours in their recent holidays to organising remote learning for the children.   We know that home learning can be stressful and we have made some improvements to our expectations of students and parents since being involved in home learning last year. Please do not feel overwhelmed with the learning tasks being provided.  The teachers are  only an email or phone call away.  We are all in this together and need to support each other. 

Over the past week I have tried to ‘pop in’ to as many class and grade Zooms as I could. I am most proud when I see the children in these Zooms asking questions of their teachers, acknowledging and saying hello to their classmates, as well as sharing their learning with each other. Well done children for your participation in the Zooms.

If there is any way that St Thomas More School can assist families during these times, please reach out to us and we will see what we can do.  At this stage remote learning continues until the end of next week, Friday 30th July. Please keep an eye out for more announcements for what learning will look like for Weeks 4 and beyond.

It seems like a while ago now but during the last week of Term 2 we had the opportunity to gather together as a community to celebrate our school and parish feast day.  Thank you to those who were able to join us.  During the celebration we acknowledged the importance of serving each other, just like Catholic Schools have done in our country for the past 200 years.  Thanks to Mrs Jensen, our Religious Education Coordinator for her fine organisation of the day.  

A calendar has not been included in today's newsletter as all events and planned activities have been put on hold for now.  Once the restrictions have been lifted, a calendar for the remainder of Term 3 will be made available to you.

Wash Hands

Social Distancing

Stay Safe

Philip Barrington 
PRINCIPAL