Dear Families

As we near the end of term three, I would like to thank our student leaders and staff for supporting our school's ‘Check n Chat’. We gather as a school twice a week to listen respectfully to others, connect, celebrate successes, and check in on each other, gaining clarity on how we, as a community, treat, greet, and speak. While revisiting expectations at this time, we remind one another that we are not perfect, and when or if we make mistakes, they are not failures but valuable growth opportunities. Every misstep, big or small, is a chance to learn, reflect, and become better versions of ourselves. When we approach our mistakes with honesty, compassion, and gratitude, we develop resilience and inspire others to do the same. Together, we hope to continue growing and being mindful of our impact on the world.

Last week, I was privileged to attend a retreat with other principals from Tasmania. We focused on prayer and supporting each other in our growth as leaders. When and where we pray connects us to God, each other, and our place. Each morning, staff join students in prayer, discovering that prayer is more than words—it’s a way to communicate with God, deepening our relationship with Him. Children connect with prayer by sharing their thoughts, hopes, and concerns and learning to talk to God. Prayer brings peace and strength, especially in difficult moments, reminding us of God's constant presence. Praying for others unites us as a community, fostering compassion and care for those in need.  Pope Francis dedicated the year 2024 to rediscovering the great value and absolute need for prayer in one’s personal life, in the life of the Church and in the world.

We congratulate Mrs Katherine Crouch on her recognition, receiving a Teacher Leadership Award in the 2024 Tasmanian ACEL Awards last week. Mrs Crouch has consistently stepped up to a variety of roles in the school. She continues to be innovative and passionate in her teaching and learning of technologies and strives for success. Well done, Mrs Crouch, on your well-deserved award.

Please check COMPASS for updates and communication and look for key dates as we progress to a busy term four. If you have difficulty with the app, don't hesitate to get in touch with our office staff for support.

Yours in partnership

Charlene Best

Principal

PAT Testing 

During the first few weeks of Term 4, our students from Prep to Year 6 will complete ACER's Progressive Achievement (PAT) assessments. These assessments provide objective, norm-referenced information to teachers about their students’ skills and understandings across a range of key areas. 

These key areas include:

• Reading
• Maths
• Spelling
• Vocabulary
• Grammar and Punctuation

Each PAT assessment has its own proficiency scale with descriptors outlining the content and skills students are consolidating at any given point on that scale. Each PAT assessment provides quantitative and qualitative data on student performance, making PAT ideal for understanding students’ current strengths and weaknesses, informing teaching and learning, and monitoring progress over time.

Congratulations to this week's Heart Reward recipients:-

• James D
  
• Ellie
• Sophia S
• Jordyn J
• Ava K
• Sara W
• Eilish
• Piper
• Indi
• Otis

As a reward for their kind gestures, these students were invited to to make Ice Cream Sandwiches with Miss McCormack and supported by Mrs Richards.

Congratulations to Mrs Katherine Crouch for being awarded an ACEL Tasmanian Teacher Leadership Award on Thursday 12 September. Mrs Crouch plays a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining the Digital Technologies element of our school. Mrs Crouch displays a high level of skill in the teaching and learning of Digital Technologies, engaging students with a wide range of interests and capabilities. Mrs Crouch is to be commended on her enthusiasm for extra curricular activities such as 'Lego League' and 'Brixhibition'. Mrs Crouch provides school staff with a high level of support and direction with all IT systems and is motivated to seek solutions when challenges arise.

Mrs Crouch reflects:

"It is an honour to be nominated and awarded this ACEL Teacher Leadership Award. It’s a recognition of the hard work and dedication I’ve put into not only teaching but also supporting and guiding my colleagues and students. It validates the effort I’ve made to foster a positive learning environment, innovate in the classroom, and contribute to the school community. It motivates me to continue striving for improvement and to inspire others to do the same."

It is wonderful to see Mrs Crouch's service formally recognised in this manner.

Last week, we enjoyed a visit from Aboriginal knowledge sharer Djuker Hart. Djuker spent the day engaging our First Nations students in a variety of cultural activities. All students began the day with a Smoking Ceremony. Then our 3-6 students spent some time yarning with Djuker, made delicious saltbush damper and lemon myrtle, kunzea and pepperberry tea, and had a go at handprint art using ochre. Our Prep-2 students learnt some traditional animal names through fun games, made some music and enjoyed learning a few cultural songs and dances.

'Write a Book in a Day' - A Creative Success!

Last Week, students from St Thomas More's, Larmenier, and Sacred Heart School Ulverstone came together to participate in the annual Write a Book in a Day competition. This exciting, nationwide event offers participants the chance to collaborate, flex their creativity, and compete for fantastic prizes—all while aiming to make a difference in the lives of children with cancer.

Teams of about five to seven participants were challenged to write and illustrate an entire book in just one day, based on unique story parameters assigned specifically for their chosen writing day. The energy in the room was electric, with students combining their strengths, overcoming challenges, and working with great focus and enthusiasm.

The competition fosters both creativity and teamwork, with all books submitted being made available for free to children in hospitals around Australia. Beyond the fun and collaboration, students knew they were competing to impress the talented judging panel. Prizes are awarded for categories like ‘Best Overall Book’ and ‘Best Illustrations,’ both at the state and national levels.

The collaboration between St Thomas More's, Larmenier, and Sacred Heart schools truly highlighted the extraordinary creativity of our young writers. It was a remarkable day of thoughtful conversations, resilience, and teamwork—an inspiring display of talent and perseverance.

Term 4 Important Dates

Please notify the school if you would like us to celebrate your child's high performance achievement or state team recognitions, for inclusion in the newsletter.

Young people who live or study in the Central Coast municipality are invited to participate in the Penguin 150 Art Competition. 

The Penguin 150 Art Competition is an initiative of the Penguin 150th Anniversary Committee, designed to celebrate and explore the theme of the town of Penguins 150th Anniversary and the 50th birthday of the Big Penguin in 2025. The competition provides the opportunity for youth to share with the greater community what Penguin means to them, develop confidence and resilience, and win prizes.   

Young people are invited to submit entries in two categories: 

1. The Penguin 150 Logo Competition
2. Penguins in Penguin Creative Art Competition

Epic Events and Marketing are offering a 20% discount  on Burnie 10 registrations to all staff and students at schools.

All you need to do is enter using the code ‘SCHOOLSRUN2024’.
Staff will need to use an education related email to trigger this offer, students will trigger the offer with their DOB.

This code will work for all 3 events offered on Sunday 27^th October: Strait Link Burnie 10, Elphinstone Group 5km and Dew South Kid’s 800m Dash.

Epic Events hope to have as many students and staff on the start line on Sunday 27^th October as possible.