Dear Parents and Carers,

In a recent newsletter this term, I mentioned some events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics that we could possibly call inspirational and find some encouragement, particularly as we endure this current lockdown.  Well I believe that I was premature in my statement as I am even more inspired and encouraged by the 2020 Paralympic Games currently being held in Tokyo.  All of the athletes, no matter which country they are representing, have a story to tell, many full of inspiration and success and many stories full of challenges that we could not even try to comprehend.  

The word “Paralympic” derives from the Greek preposition “para” (beside or alongside) and the word “Olympic”.

Its meaning is that Paralympics are the parallel Games to the Olympics and illustrates how the two movements exist side-by-side.

Sports for athletes with an impairment have existed for over 100 years, however the first Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960.  During the current Paralympic Games, we have witnessed many qualities in the athletes of all of the different sports.  Qualities such as courage, a ‘never give up’ attitude, as well as acceptance of life’s challenges are just a small example of what these athletes face on a daily basis.  We can be amazed about these wonderful people acknowledging their struggles and achievements but we can also be thankful for our own blessings, even though we are not Olympic athletes.  Let us all draw on our own courage and resilience during the struggles and challenges of the current Lockdown.

Some truly amazing inspirational Paralympic events that I have had the privilege to witness over these past weeks include:

• The Egyptian table tennis player, who holds the bat in his mouth to hit the ball.
• The short statured men’s shot put athletes, who throw the shot many, many metres.
• The swimmers who have missing limbs and propel themselves at great speed through the water.
• All the visually impaired athletes who gain so much joy from competing in a variety of sports.
• Plus many more amazing stories and performances.  There are too many to mention.

Thank you to students, supported by parents and carers who were able to acknowledge and celebrate Book Week last week.  It was great to see the many children who attended Zoom meetings dressed as a character as well as completing many activities focussed on reading and books.  Thanks to the class teachers and Mrs Santa Maria for the efforts in providing resources so that we could celebrate in this way.

Happy Father’s Day to all dads, stepdads, grandfathers, uncles, male carers and single mums who do the job of two parents.  May this special day be a recognition and celebration of all that you do for your children.  

Please stay tuned as always to Compass for the latest communication and  directives regarding the Public Health Orders.  At this stage a staggered return to school is planned for our classes, commencing on 25th October with Kindergarten and Year 1.  We will provide you with much more information regarding this when the time gets closer.  In the meantime, we trust and pray that everyone in our community is keeping healthy and staying safe.   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.  

Wash Hands

Social Distancing

Stay Safe

Philip Barrington 
PRINCIPAL