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Dear Families
We have just celebrated an awesome ‘More Festival’ with our students and community. It was a great chance to pick up on some activities that we could not do on Thomas More Day earlier in the year due to COVID. I love and value that our community continues to work together as well as enjoying our time with each other. Thank you to all staff and students, and in particular Mandy Loveder, for the day.
You may recall earlier communication this term about our TMC Learner Profile. This Term, as well as the standard A-E report you will receive which assesses a level of achievement against year level standards, we will also provide the addition of a Learner Profile. Below is a detailed explanation of what comprises the Learner Profile.
The Learner Profile is a holistic summary of how a student is developing in all aspects of their schooling. Alongside a record of academic achievement, it provides a visual summary of their demonstration of our Wellbeing Values, Learner Behaviours and engagement through key elements such as attendance, days late and any learning interventions attended. Presented below is an annotated version of what this document will look like; please discuss it with your daughters and sons- they should be able to tell you all about it. The document reflects very much the future of learning and assessment and is also reflective of the essence of many elements in the recently released SACE Board Strategic Plan. Thank you to Assistant Principal Teaching and Learning, Rebecca Baker, and ICT Learning & Pedagogy Coach, Tim Nykke, for their leadership of this.
Take Care
Corey Tavella
Principal
On Friday, 28 August a group of 85 staff and students slept in the courtyard all night in order to raise funds for the St Vinnies Winter Appeal. We are pleased to announce that as a community, we raised $4000 which is an outstanding effort. Special thanks to Gino Amarto from Cuppagino’s who donated all profits made from his coffee van on the night. The night is a chance to stand in solidarity with those experiencing homelessness.
Due to COVID19 restrictions and other circumstances beyond the College’s control the annual Year 12 retreat to Victor Harbour had to be replaced with a shorter day/night experience at Para Wirra National Park combined with an overnight stay in the Faulkner Senior Centre at TMC. The Year 12 cohort overcame the disappointment of missing a longer camp by fully embracing the alternative activities that we had on offer. The level of participation and engagement across the day and night activities was brilliant. The feedback from students was that they had a lot of fun and were very appreciative of the opportunity to still have a retreat. The daytime activities at Para Wirra included a mix of large and small group activities focused on building interpersonal connection, connection with nature, celebration, coupled with some time for reflection. All students participated in a 4km round trip hike to the Para Wirra lake. Across the two days 46 students also opted to take on the challenge of a more difficult 9.8km hike though native scrubland at the park. Regardless of whether they participated in the short or longer walk, it seemed that all the students enjoyed the opportunity to connect with friends, staff and nature. The retreat day offered students a chance to connect with their personal spirituality and reflect on significant moments in their life journey’s so far. On this day we were reminded of God in all aspects of creation.
The overnight sleepover in the Faulkner center was a rare opportunity for students to sleep over in the buildings at the college. The Year 12s engaged in a range of activities including sporting games, card/board games, a quiz night, and for those that were interested, a late-night screening of a movie. We all shared in a fully catered roast dinner and continental breakfast the following morning. While there was not much “sleep” to be had at the sleepover, the event was a lot of fun and should prove to be a memorable part of the rite-of-passage of the group.
Year 12 Coordinator
For the first time this year our students have been able to take part in Food for Others. Last week a group of senior students and staff combined to produce nine trays of delicious Vegetable Pasta Bake for Fred’s Van. This time some fresh spinach and silver beet from our Edible Garden made it even tastier.
An enjoyable time was had by all and the volunteers at Fred’s Van were grateful for the donation and the time students and staff gave up on behalf of the community.
Food for Others
Mrs Sergi’s Year 9 Photography and Film students have been learning about camera settings and techniques. This week they looked at ‘Light Painting’, which for almost all of the students was a first attempt and they managed to produce some great images.
Welcome
Welcome to the Thomas More College Library #librarylife newsletter for Week 7 Term 3.
The importance of a school library
In Australia, access to the internet is ever-present. Statistics show that in the years 2014 and 2015, 85% of the Australian population aged 15 years and over were internet users.
A common question amongst students is “Why do we still have libraries and why do we need librarians now that we have Google and information is so much easier, and quicker, to find?”
Students and teachers with smartphones can now carry a wealth of information in their pockets. So, what is the purpose of a school library if students can carry out research or even download a novel to read from the Internet?
The answer is:
- A qualified teacher librarian and a well-resourced library increases student achievement
- Teacher librarians can provide access to curated information that specifically meets student and staff needs
- A teacher librarian and Library staff work to develop a reading culture and to raise the levels of information literacy across the school
- School libraries provide a social space to meet, collaborate, research, learn, share, and relax. There are even clubs open for students to become involved in (i.e. Book Club)
A well-resourced school library and a passionate teacher librarian and library staff can transform a school.
They can:
- plan and teach collaboratively across all year levels and subjects
- encourage an active reading culture across all year levels
- develop an inquiry-based learning culture and offer a safe learning space for all year levels
- provide advice and information on cutting-edge technologies and pedagogies
- manage and develop relevant and responsive collections of physical and digital resources
The connected teacher librarian and dedicated library staff are an essential part of every school in this information age. So, how can a school exist without a school library? The simple answer is ‘It can’t’.
Please continue to visit the library and the friendly library staff - we are all here to help you with your research projects/assessments, provide advice on what books to read, share a quiet space to relax and read a good book or study while charging your laptop, assist you with all your photocopying and scanning needs, and much, much more.
My Favourite Book Review
Here is Ms Liddy enjoying her favourite book: ‘The Coconut Children’ by Vivian Pham. Describe this book in 6 words: 2nd gen-Viet, sweet and gritty love story.
Premier’s Reading Challenge 2020
Thank you to all who participated in this year’s Premier’s Reading Challenge. We had a great number of students from Years 7-11 participate, which is fantastic. Great work everyone.
Student records have now been submitted to the Premier’s office and certificates and awards should be available for students to collect in Term 4.
A few changes in the Library
The Library collections continue to grow as more and more students are borrowing books. Ms Kranendonk has been busy buying many new novels which are now available to borrow from the new book display stand.
Due to the increase with our collections the Library staff have had to rearrange our bookshelves to fit them all in! Next time you visit the library you will notice that we have begun to use the lower shelves on our bookshelves to create more room to store our novels, so don’t forget to Look Down.
Please ask for assistance from the friendly Library staff if you have trouble finding a book you are wanting to borrow.
The Library’s latest display cabinet showcases the exciting world of Mystery books. Come and have a look at the variety of mystery novels we have available for you to borrow. Solve a murder, find the missing person, discover the secrets held within… the world of Mystery is endless!
While you are visiting the library during the last few weeks of Term 3 why not stop and have your ‘mug shot’ taken for fun?
Inspirational Quote of the Week | #The Future belongs …
Due to the social and educational disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Flinders University will open a Year 11 Grades Admission Pathway, in addition to the existing range of entry pathways available.
Any Year 12 students wishing to take up this opportunity could you please contact Mr Bryans for further information ASAP; closing dates for online submission is the 25 September.
Uniform Shop Opening Hours
Mondays: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Thursdays: 8:00am - 10:00am
Fridays: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
First Saturday of Every Month: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Holidays Opening Times:
Thursday 8 October 9:00am-12:00pm
Monday 12 October 8:00am-10:00am (Start Term 4)
BECOMING CATHOLIC?
Catholic Adult Inquiry
(RCIA)
Do you want to learn more about becoming Catholic?
Do know someone who wants to learn more about becoming a Catholic?
Baptised but not received Confirmation or Communion?
Children attend Catholic School but not Catholic yourself?
Marrying a Catholic?
Then you are invited to an
INFORMATION SESSION
St Augustine’s Church Family Centre
Thursday 17 September
7:00pm-8:30pm
For more information please contact Fr Shibu or Lorraine Thalbourne at the Parish 8258 2314
St Joseph's Old Scholars Spring Luncheon
WHEN: Wednesday 7 October 2020
WHERE: Lockleys Hotel - 493 Henley Beach Road, Lockleys
TIME: 11:45am for 12:00pm start
COST: Seniors Menu - $17.90 (includes complimentary drink).
Bookings with Josie (8295 3667) or Joyleen (8337 9500) by Friday 2 October. Seating will not be allocated. Invitation for ALL students/teachers/staff (male and female) who have ever had a connection with a Josephite School/College and/or St Mary MacKillop.
Healthy Eating... Healthy Lifestyles
Thomas More College supports the Rite Bite Strategies introduced for South Australian Schools as well as an overall healthy approach to living and lifestyle. This is an initiative we encourage all of our community to take up, not just our students. The College would like to invite staff, students and parents to contribute recipes which meet these guidelines, as displayed on our website, for our newsletter so that we can all benefit from our collective knowledge and resources. Please enjoy the following recipes.
Pumpkin Soup with Haloumi Bites and Garlic Croutons
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve
1 brown onion, chopped
1kg butternut pumpkin, peeled, cut into chunks
1 potato, peeled, diced
2 cups vegetable stock
2 slices white toast bread
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
4 fresh thyme sprigs
180g packet haloumi, cut into 5mm cubes
2 tablespoons pepitas, toasted
Roughly chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, to serve
Thyme sprigs, to serve
Method
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and pumpkin. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add potato, stock and 1 cup water. Bring to the boil. Cover. Reduce heat to medium- high. Boil gently for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove from heat.
Meanwhile, remove and discard crust from bread. Cut into 5mm cubes.
Heat remaining oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and thyme. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes or until golden. Using a slotted spoon, transfer garlic and thyme to a small plate. Add bread to oil. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until golden and crisp. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate lined with paper towel. Add haloumi to pan. Cook, tossing occasionally, for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden.
Divide soup among serving bowls. Top with croutons, garlic mixture, haloumi, pepitas, extra thyme sprigs and parsley. Drizzle with a little extra oil. Serve.