2025 Term 1 - Week 3 - Newsletter

Prayer of the Week

From our Principal

On the surface, the concept of attendance and absentee rates appears to be rather irrelevant, however there appears to be much deeper ramifications and lifelong issues concerned with missing school.   

Attendance at school is the foundation of student engagement, learning, wellbeing and achievement. Learning gains, engagement to school and retention have all been strongly correlated with regular student attendance). 

Current research and practice indicate that an individual student’s attendance rate of 90% or less is correlated with potential problems for the student – in the short, medium and long terms. Such a rate has been described as Chronic Absenteeism (CA) and needs to be identified and responded to from the earliest indications. Put simply, an attendance rate of 90% equates to the following:   

The research is clear and extremely concerning, children with less than 90% attendance are: 

• achieving lower levels of literacy and numeracy;
• achieve lower performance learning grades/reports;
• reportedly experiencing more problems with peers (ie. poor sense of belonging, peer  conflict); 

• reporting higher levels of disorganisation and anxiety;
• reportedly experiencing less success in the classroom compared to their peers;
• more likely to experience unemployment, mental health difficulties, not complete Year 12, lower life expectancies and more likely to be involved in criminal activity as an adult. 

Chronic absenteeism in the first term of a student’s schooling has been directly correlated with present and future problems. These findings can be used as a reliable and useful early warning sign for future adverse outcomes well in advance of the analysis of any formal learning achievement data – whether in school or system wide. As such, it provides especially powerful alerts in the early years of a student’s schooling, secondary as well as primary. 

I’m the first to acknowledge that children will succumb to the latest colds, flues, bugs and lurgies doing the rounds, as too will they need to attend specialist medical appointments and family emergencies.  It is however, the “I’m too tired”, “I don’t want to go to school today” and “I don’t like Wednesday’s” excuses that we need to eradicate in order to enhance the academic, social and emotional health and well-being of your child.  As parents this can sometimes be difficult, how these are habits that become even more difficult to break as children get older.

Studies from both WA and Qld DET, indicate that the younger that chronic absenteeism occurs, the more significant the impact on learning and engagement.  So, at St Thomas More’s, let’s make every day count!!

Thanks for reading. 

God Bless,

Duane Wann

Principal

2025 School Priorities

At the commencement of every school year, the teaching staff gather to consider and develop priorities for the year. For 2025, the focus of our practices will centre on the following:

2025 Theme:

2025 School Goals:

Before School Supervision

Before school duty commences at 8:00am. Children who arrive at school before 8:00am are kindly asked to sit in the ‘Quad Area’ until teacher supervision commences at 8:00am.

Process for Late Arrival, Early Departure and Collection Areas:

This is a valuable opportunity to remind families of the requirements pertaining to late arrival to school and early departure from school. Our aim is to safely account for all students while minimising disruption to teaching for the staff and learning for the students.

Late Arrival

• a student is considered to have arrived late any time after the 8.30am bell on a school day
• all students arriving late must sign be signed in by a parent, family member or themselves. Children then transition to the classroom by themselves.

Early Departure

• a student is considered to have departed early any time before 2.55pm on a school day
• Parent/Guardian to call, email or present to the School Administration Office to inform School Administration Staff their child/children will be departing early and offer the reason for the early departure
• the School Administration Staff will contact and advise the Class Teacher of an early departure and request for the child/children to present to the School Administration Office at a prescribed time
• Parent/Guardian to collect child from School Administration Office and sign child out
• Parents/Guardians are not permitted to attend the classrooms and withdraw children directly
• Parents/Guardians are not permitted to visit the classrooms between the hours of 8:30am and 2:55pm unless invited to do so. This is to avoid disruption to teaching and learning. Should there be a need to visit a classroom or drop something off to a child/children, this can be arranged through the School Administration Office.

Collection Areas for Families (End of School Day)

As part of the afternoon end of school day collection of children, parents/guardians are always invited and encouraged to collect children within the confines of the school in places that do not disrupt teaching and learning.  In doing so, we respectfully ask families to wait in the following areas:

• Drop Off/Pick Up Area on South Street (outside the Prep collection area)
• The Quad Area (the collection of children in Years 1, 3 – 6)
• The seats outside of the Year 2 classrooms (Year 2 children).

Communication Protocols

St Thomas More’s Primary School recognises and respects the right of employees to disconnect from work and not respond to work-related electronic communications outside of designated hours. St Thomas More’s Primary School staff will reply to electronic communication within the hours of 8.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday. Where contact is made outside of this span of hours, employees will respond within two working days of the employee’s next designated working day considering weekends, leave, other non-working days, vacation periods and holidays.

Grooming Expectations

Please be mindful, hairstyles which draw attention to the individual, including but are not limited to: mullet, scullett, mohawks, tracks, tails, hair colouring etc. are not permitted.

Student Phones:

Student mobile phones are to be signed in at the School Administration Office each morning and collected at the end of the school day.  Children are not permitted to text or make calls from phones or smart watches during the school day.

From our APMI

As we enter into the third week of the school year, I am incredibly grateful for the warm welcome and the support and encouragement I have received from parents, students, and staff. Settling into a new school (and city) can be challenging, but your kindness has made the transition smooth and enjoyable.

One of the highlights of my days have been the warm greetings from our students. Their cheerful "Good morning," "Hello," and "How are you?" not only brighten the start of each day but also nourish the heart throughout the day. These small acts of kindness truly embody the spirit of the St Thomas More community.

Our 2025 Leadership and Welcome Mass was held last Friday in the Sportscenter. This was a very special occasion to celebrate our faith and recognise our 2025 seniors as they being their leadership journey. We thank Father Brian for presiding and our Year 6 students for reading and teaching by example. Our students were very reverent and participated beautifully in the mass. 

Our first assembly for 2025 in Week 1, was a great success, and I am thrilled to share that the students have shared how they liked new birthday song, "Birthday Twist" by John Burland. As the weeks go by, I am confident they will become more familiar with the lyrics and actions, adding even more joy to our celebrations.

At Mass Father Brian mentioned that the parish is looking for more Altar Servers. If your child is interested in this meaningful ministry, please visit the Parish Office and speak with Jacinta or Father Brian. Training commences in February and it would be wonderful to have more students and families engaged in this ministry.

In the spirit of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop's words, "We must teach more by example than by word," I encourage our students, from Prep to Year 6, to lead by example through their actions. By embodying the values of faith, hope, joy, and justice, they can make a positive impact on our school community.

As part of their Leadership year, all of our Year 6 students will have many opportunities throughout the year to step up as leaders in word, action, and service. I encourage them to find little ways to make a big difference for others. This is true leadership in action. Sometimes, these small deeds are not as obvious, but they often have the greatest impact.

I am looking forward to meeting everyone over the next few weeks. I will be at the next P&F Meeting on the 10th of February, so if you see me around the school, parish, or at meetings, please come and say hi.

Thank you for your continued welcoming support and encouragement.

With gratitude,

Donna Barlow

Assistant Principal Mission and Identity

Important Upcoming Events

A 2025 School Calendar will be distributed to each family in Week 1 of Term 1. Please note that some events and times may change, we will endeavour to inform you of any changes via our Newsletter, Portal and Facebook.

10th February: P&F Meeting 7pm

11th February: School Class Photos and Sibling Photos 

12th February: School Photos - catch up day for anyone absent on the 11th.

13th February: Catholic Schools Swimming Carnival

14th February: Year 6 Parish Mass 9:30am STM Church, Interschool Sport (Year 5 & 6)

18th February: Zone Swimming Carnival

17th, 18th, 19th February: Year 5 Camp

21st February: Year 5 Parish Mass 9:30am, Interschool Sport (Year 5 & 6)

23rd February: Family Fun Day 2pm-4:30pm

25th February: Year 6 Leadership Retreat

28th February: Year 4 Parish Mass 9:30am, Interschool Sport (Year 5 & 6)

From our Middle Leader

Dear parents of students in Year 3 and Year 5. 

NAPLAN 2025: for students in Years 3 and 5, NAPLAN will begin in Week 7 of this term. Our test schedule is as follows:

Wednesday 12th Writing

Thursday 13th Reading

Monday 17th Conventions

Tuesday 18th Numeracy. 

NAPLAN Tests must be completed in the order shown above. If a student is absent on one of the test days, they will be required to sit the missed test on the day they return and may do a second test on the same day so they have then caught up with the test schedule. Students will complete tests as soon as possible on their return to school to allow ample time within the test window to complete all testing.

As part of our preparation for NAPLAN, families may be contacted to discuss adjustments that can be provided to support children. Students will also engage in online practice tests in the lead-up to the NAPLAN test dates. Parents can also have students complete practice tests at home by heading to https://nap.edu.au/naplan/public-demonstration-site

 Please click on the button below for more information regarding the NAPLAN assessments for 2025.

NAPLAN Information for parents and carers.pdf

If you have any questions, please contact PatriciaWardle - patricia.wardle@twb.catholic.edu.au

Regards,

Trish Wardle

Middle Leader

FUTSAL Competition

Due to our success at last year’s South West Schools Futsal titles, we are hoping to register a boys team and girls team in this years competition to be held on the 4th March at USQ or Glennie. If your son or daughter was born in 2013, 2014, or 2015 and has played club soccer and/or club futsal before, and would be interested in trialling for the STM Futsal team, please email Patricia Wardle (patricia.wardle@twb.catholic.edu.au) before Thursday 13th February.  Please be aware that trials will be held, and training sessions will be on weekends. There may also be a small cost involved for students to participate in this competition.

Real Talk Education – School Community Access for Parent & Caregivers

As part of Toowoomba Catholics Schools, our school has access to the classroom and parent resources of Real Talk Education.  

Real Talk is a global leader in providing Catholic values-based materials on the human person, relationships, and the digital world. Real Talk gets to the heart of topics, challenging unhealthy behaviours, whilst bringing hope for the future, and a compass for living life to the full. 

Real Talk’s online resources and presentations (for students, staff, and parents), enables young people in primary and secondary schools to be formed in healthy relationships, cultivate resilience, pursue meaningful change, and improve their mental health. 

As part of our school’s subscription to Real Talk Education, the Real Talk team have given our school community FREE basic access to their Real Talk Parents site. 

The site includes quick reference guides, conversation starters, printable resources, videos and curated links for parenting on the tough topics to do with relationships and eSafety. 

The Real Talk for Parent Short Video Series currently provides short accessible videos on keeping your kids safe online, family tech agreements and phone access. The Primary and Secondary Aged Resources Portal provided links to a range of useful sites, guides and video links to further explore issues of relationships and online safety.  

We invite you to explore the available content as we partner in forming respectful young people that understand their dignity and worth.  

Sign up here: www.realtalkeducation.org/parents 

Student Protection

From our Sports Dept

Representative Swimming Carnivals 

The Catholic Swimming Carnival will be held on Thursday 13th February. This carnival will be held at the Glennie Aquatic Centre.   

The Central Zone Swimming Carnival will be held on Tuesday 18th February. This carnival will be held at the Glennie Aquatic Centre. 

Congratulations to the following students who will represent St Thomas More’s: Jonathan W, Ollie T, James O, Fergus A, Ruby H, Penny T, Elliemay R, Tyrell W, Nicholas C, Ellie R, Flo T, Taj M and Eve T.  

Interschool Sport – Years 5 & 6  

Interschool sport for all Year 5 & 6 children will commence on Friday 14th February. This will be held every Friday afternoon for six weeks. Sports/teams will be organised in Week 1 and information will be provided to families around the requirements/equipment that will need to be organised prior to the commencement of interschool sport.  

General information:  

• Buses will depart STM at 12:40pm and return by 2:45pm. 

• Children will be provided with a playing shirt to wear for interschool sport. These will be handed out in Week 2.  

• Children are required to wear their sports uniform to school and get changed into their playing uniform before departing.  

• Hats, water, and sunscreen are essential.  

REPRESENTATIVE SPORT INFORMATION 2025 

Throughout the year Toowoomba Primary School Sport and Darling Downs School Sport run trials in a variety of sports to choose representative teams.  In most cases students are required to participate in a Toowoomba Trial to be eligible for a Darling Downs Trial. These teams will then travel away to Regional and State Championships.   

For a student to be eligible for nomination they must meet the following criteria: 

1.  Be turning 10, 11 or 12 in the current calendar year. i.e. born in 2015, 2014 or 2013. 

2. Have had a reasonable amount of experience in their chosen sport. 

3.  Have a high level of skill and had success in their chosen sport.  

In some cases, like touch football, where there are a number of interested candidates, the school will conduct in-house trials to choose players to be nominated for these trials.  This is important because; 1) the players that the school nominates need to meet the required selection criteria, 2) be of a suitable standard to trial and 3) schools are limited to a certain number of students at these trials.    

Except for Netball and Boys Rugby League, all teams chosen are 12-year old sides.  While 10 and 11-year old’s are eligible, they must be of a very high standard.  Most teams chosen will consist predominantly of 12-year old’s. 10-year old’s are NOT eligible for Girls Rugby League or Rugby Union. 

It is also important to note, that only students who are available to attend both the Regional and State Championships, will be eligible for nomination.   All nominations for these trials need to go through the school, and decisions on which students are nominated is at the sole discretion of the school.     

If your child would like to be considered for Zone, Toowoomba, or Darling Downs Team selection, please check your availability for ALL the trial dates and complete the NOMINATION FORM :

     *Please note that the dates below are subject to change. 

Stacey Hancock

Health and PE Teacher

From our Uniform Shop

P & F News

Tuckshop News

Opening Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Order via Flexischools App.  If you need help to navigate the App or to adjust your order, please feel free to pop into the tuckshop and chat to Jemma or email jemma@archerscateringandevents.com.au 

Cut off of Online orders...
Order before 7am for Wednesday and Thursday orders.  For Friday orders, please order by 1pm Thursdays.

Tuckshop Email:  jemma@archerscateringandevents.com.au 

NEW Tuckshop Menu

REMINDER - IF YOU CHILD IS SICK, PLEASE CONTACT THE TUCKSHOP BEFORE 9AM TO POSTPONE YOUR ORDER!

Thank you!

A huge thank you to Westridge Fruit and Vegetables for their continued support with the donation of fresh fruit every week for our students!

Notice Board

Tennis Coaching

Tennis Coaching will not be available for Term 1 2025.

Could you use an extra $500 for education costs?

What is Saver Plus?

Saver Plus is a program for people on lower incomes. It’s about bolstering their financial skills, so they can develop (and keep) good savings habits.  Since 2003, Saver Plus has supported more than 62,000 people to start saving.

It’s helped overcome the barriers around education expenses. And it’s set them up for a brighter future.

What are the eligible savings goals?

Eligible savings goals are education related products or services that:​

• Assist a primary or secondary school student’s education; laptops, tablets, books, uniforms, sports fees and gear, music tuition, camps and excursion

I have attached some flyers that you might like to put into your school newsletter and or send directly to families (PDF file). We also have a new Social Media video that you may like to use also on your schools Facebook page.

If you would like to know more about how the program works or how to promote it to your school community, please feel free to contact me on the details below.

Warm Regards,

Peta Bergan
Community Liaison, Saver Plus | The Smith Family

Darkinjung Country
Mobile: 0466 474 584