Dear Families,

Congratulations to all of our students who made the Sacrament of Confirmation on Friday evening. It was wonderful to see so many families and staff in the church to celebrate this wonderful event. The Archbishop was very happy with the student’s preparation and knowledge about the Sacrament and what this meant for them. I thank Mrs Megan Thomas and Mr Matt Smith for preparing the students so well for this sacrament and Mrs Thomas for preparing the mass. I also thank the school and parish community for praying for these students over the past few months.

Thank you also to all of those who sponsored me or who sent in a gold coin for the Hoodie and Beanie day. I managed to raise enough money to reach my $4000 target. I was joined last Thursday night by 4 other principal colleagues, with another principal remaining at school with students who were also participating in the sleepout. As a team, we managed to raise an amazing $61,694! In practical terms this means Vinnies are now able to provide 12 individual support programs, 33 beds and 134 meals for those in need. During the evening we heard from a few recipients of these services and about how, with the support of Vinnies, they were able to turn their lives around. This support makes a very real difference to the lives of people living in our community.

With the winter holidays fast approaching, I wish everyone a restful break. School will resume on Tuesday 18th July. Staff will participate in professional learning on the Monday. During this day, teachers and support staff will learn about strategies for promoting resilience in students and about paired reading strategies.

I look forward to see you all again next term.

Take care and God bless

June Birthdays

Millie A, Maeve J, Flourish O, Leilani MH, Lucinda B, Maddison J, Samin M, Emily M, Samuel B, Phoebe S, Om B, Anna D, Zachary M, Ivy LH, Luke S, Liam M, Angok C, Mason S, Annabelle M, Violet W, Tobenna M, Emma O, Nash H, Aleisha MA, Leo W, Toi D, Georgia R, Jordan C, George B-C, Nella W-S, Mackenzie C, Lachlan M, Annabella L, Lucas G, Xavier V, Chuol C

Over the next several weeks students will be introduced to Ngunnawal vocabulary. This week students will be learning "Ngaday" meaning "Listen". Thank you Miss Evans for continuing our learning of our Ngunnawal Country.

LAST DAY TOMORROW

The STA Library is hosting a Book Fair! There is a great range of books to choose from, and every purchase supports our school library.

Opening hours for the Book Fair are:

You can also purchase books online at https://payments.lamontauthors.com.au/ 

Thank you for your support.

Mrs Hind

Intervention update

At St Thomas Aquinas we continue to provide the Literacy Support through the MultiLit suite of interventions.  In Semester Two, Kindergarten will also have access to the MiniLit Sage Intervention, along with its continuation in Year 1 and 2.  Parents will be notified at the beginning of Term 3, if their child will continue on intervention from Semester 1 or will be added to a group.

Year 3 and 4 will continue to have access to MacqLit Intervention and Year 5 and 6, Reading Tutor Intervention.  These groups and 1:1 programs will also be adjusted based on recent assessments which have identified student progress and specific needs.  Once again, parents will be notified at the beginning of Term 3, if their child is continuing with intervention and what this will look like as Diverse Learning are currently meeting with teachers to collaborate on student needs.

Students who discontinue from a program will always be closely monitored through regular progress monitoring assessments within class.  We also have some Classroom Support Assistants providing once a week Reinforced Reading to students, who may require a little extra support to increase their reading fluency and accuracy.

The Maths Support provided at St Thomas Aquinas, will also continue in Semester Two.  This once a week support is facilitated by the class teacher and implemented by one or our amazing Classroom Support Assistants, Georgia Millar.  It is based upon the class focus in Daily Reviews and Direct Instruction Lessons.  Students may come in and out of this group during the term based on their needs.

If you have any questions about intervention please contact the class teacher initially and then for any further questions, please contact Deborah Griffin (Diverse Learning Coordinator)

Belconnen Girls Only Auskick – starting Term 3!

 Belconnen Magpies, in conjunction with Belconnen Cats and Magpies Juniors is proud to announce its Girls Only Auskick program for term 3!

Coached and administered by women and girls, for girls aged 5 to 12 who want to play AFL, or have played and want to do more to develop their skills!

Sessions will run on Sunday afternoons at the home of Belconnen AFL, The Nest from 1.30 -2.30pm.

Joining AFL is an exciting and fun way to be part of a team - it’s SO MUCH FUN! Belconnen girls will gain new sports skills and fitness but also confidence and great friendships – just some of the amazing benefits of being part of female sport!

Come and be part of the Girls Squad at Belconnen!

Register Now! #yeahthegirls #belconnen #belcogirls #girlsonly #AFLgirls #bmfc

https://www.playhq.com/afl/register/836f7c