2025 Term 4 - Week 4 - Newsletter
October, the Month of Mary
From our Principal
Welcome to our Week 4 newsletter. This week brings us to half way through Term 4!
I was recently having a late night chat with my son, who asked me the question, ‘so what do you do all day as a principal’. After explaining the basis of my role, I enlightened him that no 2 days are the same and I’m not just kicked back in my office twiddling my thumbs or drinking copious amounts of coffee as he seemed to imply. It got me to thinking that maybe an insight into what I value as important in my role is worthwhile sharing with my community, as a relatively new principal here at St Thomas More’s.
As a principal, I believe that leadership is most powerful when it’s visible, relational, and grounded in genuine connection. That’s why you’ll often see me chatting with students in the playground, visiting classrooms, or simply walking the school grounds with a smile and a listening ear.
But these conversations are more than just friendly exchanges—they’re a vital part of building a strong, inclusive school culture. It is imperative to me to know my school community and its members – students’, staff and families.
When students see their principal as approachable and interested in their lives, it fosters trust. These small moments of connection—asking about a weekend, noticing a new haircut, or celebrating a classroom achievement—help students feel seen and valued.
By engaging directly with students, I gain insight into what matters to them. These conversations often reveal ideas, concerns, and perspectives that might not surface in formal settings. It’s a way to ensure student voice is heard and respected in decision-making
A simple check-in can make a big difference. When students know they are cared for—not just academically, but personally—it contributes to a sense of safety and belonging. This is especially important in fostering resilience and positive mental health.
As a principal, it is important to me to model respectful, warm interactions, it sets the tone for the whole community. It shows that every person—regardless of age or role—is worthy of kindness and attention. Whether it’s congratulating a student on a great piece of writing or acknowledging their effort in sport, these moments of recognition help build confidence and motivation.
With trust as a basis of a relationship, the conversations that are inevitable in a school community around inappropriate behaviour that require addressing or reminding of our school wide expectations are more likely to evoke truth and honesty.
In short, when I take the time to talk with students, it’s not just about being visible—it’s about being present. It’s about creating a culture where every student feels known, respected, and supported.
So next time you see me chatting with students, know that it’s part of something bigger: a commitment to connection, care, and community.
World Teachers’ Day – Honouring the Heart of Education
This Friday, 31st October is World Teachers’ Day. On this day, we are reminded to reflect on the profound impact teachers have—not just on learning, but on lives. This year’s theme, “The teachers we need for the education we want,” calls us to recognise the essential role educators play in shaping a future that is inclusive, equitable, and full of possibility.
At St Thomas More’s, we are privileged to have a team of educators who embody professionalism, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to student growth. Our teachers are more than instructors—they are mentors, advocates, innovators, and role models. They create safe spaces where students feel seen, heard, and valued. They spark curiosity, challenge thinking, and nurture resilience.
Teaching is not just a job—it’s a vocation. It requires patience, creativity, and a deep belief in the potential of every learner. Our teachers give generously of their time and energy, often going far beyond the classroom to support students academically, socially, and emotionally.
Not just on Friday but every day, we honour their work, their wisdom, and their heart. We celebrate the quiet moments of encouragement, the breakthroughs after struggle, and the joy of learning shared between teacher and student. We thank them for their dedication, their courage, and their care.
Happy World Teachers’ Day!
Cookie Dough Fundraiser ‘Thank-you’!
As a school our final total of cookie dough tubs was a phenomenal 988 tubs!!! To everyone who purchased and encouraged family and friends to do so, on behalf of our school community THANK-YOU!!!! This fundraiser is money towards our acoustics and sound system in the Sports Centre!
Our delivery will arrive at school on Monday 3rd November. We are not sure of a time as yet but this will be communicated via the Sentral Portal. The cookie dough arrives frozen. It will need to be collected by families on 3rd as we do not have the freezer space available to store
Until next newsletter……God Bless!
Louise Pfingst
Principal
From our APMI
Living Rosary and Socktober:
On the 16th October, our Year 5 and Year 6 students led a beautiful and reverent Living Rosary celebration. Using balloons to represent each bead, they formed a large rosary on the bottom oval, creating a powerful visual symbol of prayer and unity. We were honoured to welcome Father Brian, along with parents, parishioners from St Thomas More’s, and guests from the Toowoomba Catholic Schools Diocesan Office. The students’ respectful participation and leadership were truly inspiring.
On Monday 27th October, we also celebrated Socktober, a vibrant day where students wore their favourite fun socks to raise awareness and funds for Catholic Missions. Our Service Club Leaders were busy selling Zooper Doopers, and we’ll soon announce the total amount raised. All proceeds will go to support the incredible work of Catholic Missions, who help vulnerable children and communities around the world access education, healthcare, and pastoral care.
Thank you to everyone who participated and supported these meaningful events. Together, we continue to live out our mission of faith, service, and community.
God Bless
Donna Barlow
Assistant Principal Mission & Identity
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 after 8:00am are asked to pop their hat on and head up to the Top Oval for supervised play.
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. 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.
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.
If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact any of our Student Protection Officers...
Katie Hargrave : katie.hargrave@twb.catholic.edu.au
Trish Wardle : patricia.wardle@twb.catholic.edu.au
Clare Wilson : clare.wilson@twb.catholic.edu.au
Jayne Farquharson : jayne.farquharson@twb.catholic.edu.au
Louise Pfingst : louise.pfingst@twb.catholic.edu.au
Well Done Christian!!
Christian was the very worthy recipient of this year's mayoral medal. This was in recognition of his ability to always see be positive and remain resilient despite facing personal challenges.
From the Sports Dept
Interschool Sport
Children in Years 5 & 6 will participate in Interschool Sport this term in weeks 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8. The sports for Term 4 are boys touch and mixed volleyball.
Boys are permitted to wear football/soccer boots if they have them for touch.
Buses will depart school at 12:20am and return at approx. 2:15pm. Tuckshop will be available at second break (12pm) for those weeks, however the tuckshop would appreciate not ordering hot food for this break.
Children are required to bring a hat, sunscreen, water and food.
Swimming Carnivals – Save the date
Senior Swimming Carnival
The 2025 senior swimming carnival will be held on Tuesday 2nd December at The Glennie Aquatic Centre. This year the swimming carnival will be open to all students born 2012-2017. Year 2 students are already participating in the junior swimming carnival, however children who are turning 8 in 2025, are capable, and can confidently swim 25m or 50m are more than welcome to participate in the senior swimming carnival as well. Year 2 students are encouraged not to nominate in kickboard races for the senior carnival, these will be done at the junior carnival.
All children will be bused to and from the carnival from school. Buses will depart promptly at 8:40am.
To assist with the planning of the carnival, please complete this form for each child. Please reflect on your child's capability and only nominate them in events that they can actually swim confidently. The Glennie Aquatic Centre staff have assessed all children at their swimming lessons this year. If nominations are not similar to their assessment, events will be changed to ensure the safety of all children.
Once the program is finalised, children will be unable to change events prior to the carnival and at the carnival. This is to ensure that the child's capability has been crossed checked with their assessments.
Nominations will be closed on Monday 19th November.
https://forms.office.com/r/jfWubGmVMw
2025 Junior Swimming Carnival Prep-Year 2
Venue: TAS (Toowoomba Anglican School) swimming pool, Wirra Wirra Street, Toowoomba.
Date: Wednesday 3rd December
Transportation: Students will be transported to and from the pool via a bus
Parent Access: access to the pool will be along a path on Wirra Wirra Street.
Timetable:
8:30am – Children arrive at school. Please arrive at school with swimmers under sports uniform.
8:40am – Be on the bus
9:00am approx – Arrive at TASS
12:00pm approx- Finish races/pack up/bus back to school
12:30pm approx – Arrive back to school
Events include (adults will be in each lane to assist children as needed):
- 12m freestyle – with / without a kickboard
- 12m backstroke – with / without a kickboard
- Noodle races
- Kickboard races
- Approx 25m freestyle *If capable and been signed off competent during school swimming lessons.
- Approx 25m backstroke *If capable and been signed off competent during school swimming lessons.
(Teachers have made lists from swimming lessons)
Reminders
- Due to space, parents are requested to stay seated on the grandstand side of the pool. Students will be seated on the opposite side under shade tents.
- Children are encouraged to wear a rashie/sun shirt as the pool will be outside.
- Children are encouraged to come to school with their togs on underneath their sports uniform. Then they can get ready at school like they do for swimming lessons and hop on the bus dressed in their togs, sunscreen, rashie/shirt towel, cap, goggles. Children can get changed once they return back to school like they would do after swimming lessons.
- Children will need to take their morning tea and water bottle.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact myself of your child’s classroom teacher.
Stacey Hancock
HPE Teacher
From our Uniform Shop
P & F News
Join the meeting online.... P n F meeting | Meeting-Join | Microsoft Teams
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
