Term 3 Week 2 St Thomas' Newsletter
Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Girai Wurrung people of the land on which we live and learn. We recognise their continuing connection to land, water and community. We pay respects to elders, past, present and emerging.
Prayer

From the Principal

It was great to see the students return last week full of excitement and enthusiasm. This term we have some students in Grade 3 making their Sacrament of Eucharist and Confirmation. A reminder that there is a parent meeting this Wednesday for those families where we will go through the Sacraments along with some other important information. Fr George will lead this meeting.
Since our return we have had plenty of rain which is has made parts of the oval quite muddy. Those boys and girls wishing to play football at recess or lunchtime will need a full change of clothes (top and pants).
Enjoy the remainder of the week
Matt Uzkuraitis
News
ASSEMBLY: We will have assembly this week. Grade 5/6C will be sharing. It will start at 2:45pm in the undercover area.
FRIDAY TOASTIES: The Friday toasties have been a big hit since this concept was introduced. It can't happen without the support of the parents. We are still looking for some volunteers to help on a Friday for Term 3. If you think you can please contact the school or Cassie Greaves.
WEDNESDAY WEEKLY MASS: This Wednesday Grade 5/6C will attend Mass with Fr George. It will be at 10:30am at the Church. We welcome any parents and friends or parishioners to attend.
Sacrament Meeting

A reminder to some of those families in Grade 3 that have chosen to complete the sacraments this year. There is a parent meeting scheduled this Wednesday 30th July at 7pm at the the St Thomas' Church.
A note was emailed to these families and a hard copy was given to those children participating.
Building Works
Lots of work has been happening behind the scenes since we were successful in the Victorian State Government Build Fund for Non-Government Schools. We have been engaged with Law Architects who are supporting us the process of refurbishing our classrooms.
In the coming weeks, we hope to share with you some snap shots of the design that will take place along with a timeline of when these works should be started and completed. Our project has been out to tender (which closed late last week). We hope to give you regular updates via the newsletter on this exciting new chapter at St Thomas'. Stay tuned!
Our Diocesan Community

The July edition of 'Our Diocesan Community' is out for our families and wider community to read.
Please click on the link below.
Term 3 Dates
Term 3 - Important Dates
JULY
Monday 28th July - Optional Parent/Teacher Interviews
Wednesday 30th July - Sacrament Parent Meeting at 7pm at the St Thomas' Church - for those families in Gr 3 participating in this.
AUGUST
Friday 8th August - Grade 5/6 All-Star Basketball Competition
Friday 15th August - Grade 5/6 Rookie Basketball Competition
Friday 22nd August - Grade 3/4 All-Star Basketball Competition
Friday 29th August - Grade 3/4 Rookie Basketball Competition
Sunday 31st August - Sacrament of Eucharist and Confirmation
SEPTEMBER
Monday 1st September - 'Taster Day' (transition day) for Gr 6 students MRC
Friday 5th September - Grandparents Day
Thursday 18th and Friday 19th September - Grade 3/4 Camp to Ballarat
Friday 19th September - Last day of Term 3
Birthdays

We say happy birthday to the following students who celebrate a birthday this week. We hope you have a terrific birthday.
Max Timms
Daisy Sargeant
Lanhii O'Neill
School TV
Sibling Relationship
Sibling relationships play a powerful role in shaping a child's social and emotional development. For parents and caregivers, understanding the dynamics between siblings is key to promoting harmony at home and fostering resilience. These relationships can be a source of lifelong friendship and support, but they can also be marked by rivalry and conflict if not guided positively. Encouraging young people to value each other's differences, communicate openly and resolve disputes respectfully, helps build strong sibling bonds. By creating a nurturing environment that avoids comparisons and recognises individual strengths, adults can help siblings grow into compassionate, cooperative and emotionally intelligent individuals.
Find out more on the link below:
Community News

Child Safety Officer
