Dear Parents and Caregivers

Last Friday was the 15th anniversary of the canonisation of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia’s first saint. On 17 October 2010, Mary was officially recognised in Rome for a life of faith, courage and service. Her journey from a young woman teaching in a stable in Penola, South Australia, to the founder of the Sisters of Saint Joseph is a remarkable story of perseverance and trust in God’s providence.

Mary believed that every child deserved an education and that help should be given to those who were poor, lonely or overlooked. Her famous words, “Never see a need without doing something about it,” continue to guide Catholic schools today. At St Thomas Aquinas, we see this call to action in the way students care for one another, support social justice initiatives, and look for ways, both big and small, to make a difference.

As we begin Term 4, we pray that Mary MacKillop’s example inspires us to notice the needs around us and to respond with generosity and hope. May her spirit encourage our community to live with faith, compassion and resilience, just as she did.

Loving God,
Through the example of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop,
may we learn to see the needs of others and to act with courage,
kindness and hope.
Help us to follow Jesus with generous hearts.
Amen.

In honour of Mary’s legacy, we invite every student and family this week to complete one simple act of kindness, whether it’s helping a neighbour, writing a note of thanks, or collecting items for someone in need. Together, these small actions continue Mary’s mission of love and service in our own time.

Term 4 promises to be another busy term, as you’ll see from the upcoming dates listed below. It’s sure to bubble along quickly and, before we know it, Christmas will be upon us. Let’s enjoy each event as it comes, celebrate the learning and achievements of our students, and finish the year with the same energy and spirit that have carried us so far.

CDF Diocesan Public Speaking Regional Competition

Last Friday, our school was proudly represented by Henley S (Year 5) and Alice R (Year 6) at the annual CDF Diocesan Public Speaking Regional Competition. This prestigious event is open to all Stage 3 students across the diocese, and our girls competed against their peers from the Macarthur and Highlands regions. The standard of speeches in both competitions was exceptionally high, making the girls' achievements even more remarkable.

Henley S (Year 5)

Henley competed against 13 other Year 5 students and presented her compelling speech on, "Mirrors - True Reflections." She beautifully related the reflections of mirrors to the words people use, drawing on her own family's experiences with bullying. Henley posed the powerful question: why should someone change who they are to please others? She provided the audience with specific, actionable steps to take, urging them to give compliments instead of insults, speak up, and help others instead of bullying. Henley delivered a succinct and memorable summary, leaving a powerful message with the audience. While Henley didn't place on the day, her achievement in making it to the regional level and delivering such a personal and well-crafted speech is something we are incredibly proud of.

Alice R (Year 6)

Alice competed against 12 other Year 6 students, presenting her deeply inspiring speech, "Being Hopeful When All Seems Hopeless." Alice told the powerful story of Harriet Tubman, also known as Minty, who was born into slavery in 1822. Alice explained how hope was the driving force behind Minty’s incredible work in founding the Underground Railroad, which led many, including her own family, to liberty. Alice used Minty’s story to demonstrate that hope can start with a small spark and gives us the power to change things. Her delivery was engaging and she successfully conveyed a strong, moving story. We are delighted to announce that Alice’s hard work and compelling presentation earned her a fantastic third place in the Year 6 competition! Alice will now compete at the CDF Diocesan Public Speaking Grand Final on Thursday 6th November at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Bulli. We wish Alice all the very best for this competition, but regardless of the outcome, we are very proud of her

Congratulations to both Henley and Alice. They represented our school with maturity, pride, and excellence. Henley and Alice demonstrated remarkable confidence and resilience, setting a wonderful example for all our students to embrace challenges.

God bless,

Mrs Joanne Robinson

Acting Principal

Parent Contact Details

At all times, we ask that parents keep your contact details up to date.  Phone numbers and email addresses can be amended, by you, through the Compass portal.  Please advise the office, in writing/email, of any other change in details.

Change of Routine

Please remember to inform the office or your child's class teacher if there is going to be a change in routine. If a parent is running late please contact the school office. If you have organised for someone else to collect your child, please inform the office of this as soon as possible or write a note for your child's class teacher.

2025 School Calendar

The key date of events and celebrations for 2024 can be viewed in our online school calendar. The calendar can be viewed on our school website and via the newsletter.

Upcoming Events

• 31 October = World Teacher’s Day
• 31 October = Year 5 Mission Market Day
• 4 November = Jacqueline Harvey author visit for Years 2-6
• 7 November = P&F Colour Run
• 11 November = Kinder 2026 Playgroup Transition to School @ 2:00-3:00 p.m.
• 12 November = G-Day
• 13 November = Kinder 2026 Playgroup Transition to School @ 9:00-10:00 a.m.
• 14 November = Chevalier College Year 7 2026 orientation
• 18 November = Kinder 2026 Playgroup Transition to School @ 2:00-3:00 p.m.
• 20 November = Year 5 Leadership Program with Explore Discover Act
• 20 November = Kinder 2026 Playgroup Transition to School @ 2:00-3:00 p.m.
• 23 November = First Holy Communion
• 26 November = Meet Mr Reardon
• 27 November = Kindergarten 2026 Orientation @ 9:15-11:00 a.m.
• 1 December = Christmas Concert
• 8-10 December = Year 6 Camp
• 8 December = K-2 Movie @ Empire Cinemas
• 15 December = Year 6 Graduation Dinner
• 16 December = School Fun Day
• 17 December = Thanksgiving Mass @ 9:30 a.m.
• 17 December = End of Year Mass @ 11:30 a.m.
• 17 December = Year 6 Guard of Honour @ 2:45 p.m.

Teacher Professional Learning

At St Thomas Aquinas the staff has an ongoing commitment to professional learning. The staff benefits from attending in-services, in curriculum areas, that assist them in providing quality learning opportunities for the students in their class. The following staff have or will attend professional learning:

Staff Development Days - Term 4

Week 10 = Thursday 18th & Friday 19th December

The final day for students will be Wednesday, 17th December.

Sports News

Samuel W in Year 4 will is attending the MacKillop Diocesan Cricket Trials in Wollongong next week.  We wish Samuel all the best.

Upcoming events 

You are warmly invited to…

• 9/11    Early Stage 1 Stage 1 Parish Mass
• 11/11  Remembrance Day Liturgy 10.40 am in the FGC
• 12/11  G-Day Mass 9.30 am

Hearts on Fire, Feet on the Move

This week, we celebrate our Catholic Mission Assembly, with special guest speaker Mark Raue, who will share inspiring stories of faith, service, and action connected to this year’s Mission theme.

Please keep in your prayers our First Holy Communion candidates and their families as they begin their preparation for this sacred Sacrament. May this journey be one of faith, reflection, and joy for all involved.

Our Year 5 Market Day for Catholic Missions will be held on Friday 31 October. Year 5 students and their families are busily preparing an exciting fundraiser filled with enthusiasm, creativity, and a genuine spirit of service. All proceeds will support the wonderful work of Catholic Mission — hearts and hands reaching out to those in need.

A big congratulations and best wishes to our finalists in the Catholic Schools Christmas Art Competition! They will attend the official launch today at the Wollongong Art Gallery.

Next weekend, the Church celebrates All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. We remember and pray for all the saints who guide us by their example and for all souls who have gone before us — may they rest in the peace and light of Christ.

Why do Catholics ‘pray’ to saints?

It is a common and beautiful practice for Christians to turn to one another for support and encouragement as they journey through life. The Catholic way of ‘praying’ to the saints is simply an extension of this practice of drawing support from our faith family. Far from undermining adoration of God, devotion to the saints strengthens our love of God. Awareness of the saints raises our sights, empowers us to aspire to gospel qualities and helps us to see our earthly lives from the perspective of the promise of eternal life.

Vicki Johnson

Acting Religious Education Co-ordinator

Consent and payment for events

If your child is attending an event, we kindly ask that you complete the Consent or Consent & Payment via the Compass app as soon as possible after the event has been published.

This helps our office staff greatly by reducing the need to follow up and ensures your child is included in all activities without delay.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Contacting staff

If you need to email a staff member, could you please use the email address:  info@stabdow.catholic.edu.au and your email will be directed to the relevant staff member for you.

• If you would like to make an appointment with a staff member (including the Principal and Assistant Principal) could you please contact the office to organise a convenient time.
• Please do not contact office staff direct via their mobile phone except in case of emergency. If you need to make contact with the office, please call or email.  

Canteen

If you have any difficulty with orders, etc. could you please direct all enquiries  directly to Jade on 0414 862 409. Thank you.

Policies

Please find below a link to our Policies, Procedures & Forms that can also be found on the website:

https://stabdow.catholic.edu.au/parents/policies-procedures-forms/Attendance

Attendance

If your child is away for any reason, can you please enter the absence in Compass.  Otherwise you will receive an automatic notification at 12 pm that day to justify the absence.  Thank you.