Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Caregivers
As we approach the end of another fruitful year, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude and pride for the incredible journey we have undertaken together at St Thomas Aquinas. The tapestry of our Catholic faith has woven us into a community that cherishes love, learning, and unity.
As we reflect on the year that has passed, let us recognize the growth, both individual and collective, that has occurred within our school walls. Our students have flourished academically, spiritually, and socially. Their achievements, both big and small, reflect not only their dedication but also the unwavering support they receive from our talented and compassionate teaching staff. It is heartening to witness the formation of young minds and hearts that carry the torch of knowledge and faith into the future.
To our dedicated teaching and support staff, I extend my deepest appreciation. Their commitment to fostering a nurturing and enriching learning environment has made a lasting impact on the lives of our students. Their tireless efforts, creativity, and dedication have been the cornerstone of our success.
Our parents and carers play an integral role in our school community, partnering with us in the holistic development of our students. Your trust, involvement, and encouragement are invaluable, and we are grateful for the partnership that exists between home and school.
As we prepare for a well-deserved break, let us not forget the true spirit of Christmas – a season of love, compassion, and giving. May the joy of the holidays fill your homes and hearts with warmth, and may the coming year bring blessings and new opportunities for growth.
Looking ahead to next year, I am excited about the possibilities that lie before us. Together, as a united community, we will continue to nurture the minds, hearts, and spirits of our students, ensuring they emerge as compassionate, resilient individuals prepared to make a positive impact on the world.
Thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. May God's grace continue to guide us, and may the spirit of togetherness prevail in all that we do.
Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a joyous New Year.
Yours in partnership
Mr Anthony McElhone
Principal
Staffing Update
It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to some of our dedicated educators who have been an integral part of our school community. Each one of them has contributed immensely to the growth and success of our students, and their departure marks the end of an era filled with passion, commitment, and unwavering dedication.
The following teachers will be leaving our school at the end of this year:
- Ms Michele Crittenden (retiring)
- Mrs Lynn Shepherd (retiring)
- Mrs Rebecca Ryan (relocating to Adelaide)
These educators have not only imparted knowledge and skills but have also played a significant role in shaping the character and values of our students. Their departure is undoubtedly a loss for us, but we are confident that they will carry the spirit of St Thomas Aquinas with them in their future endeavours.
In addition Mrs Keva Prentice will be taking parental leave in 2024. We are pleased to announce that Mr Simon Pauperis will be replacing Mrs Prentice. Prior to teaching, Simon was a successful orchestral musician who performed extensively across Australia and internationally. For the last two years Simon has been working at Chevalier College, predominantly teaching classroom Music, as well as Religious Education and Visual Arts.
Even though his most recent position has been in a secondary school, Simon has significant experience as a music tutor and strings teacher in primary based roles at schools such as Caulfield Grammar, The Huntingtower School and Geelong College in Victoria and Queenwood School for Girls in Sydney.
2024 Staffing Overview
|
Parish Staff |
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Parish Priest |
Fr Sean Cullen |
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Parish Administration Officer |
Mrs Elizabeth Martinovic |
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School Leadership Team |
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Principal |
Mr Anthony McElhone |
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Assistant Principal |
Mrs Joanne Robinson |
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Religious Education Coordinator |
Mrs Renee McFayden |
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Middle Leader 2 |
Mrs Erin Cleary |
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Middle Leader 1 |
Mrs Virginia Preddey |
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Sports Coordinator |
Ms Jenn Worner |
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School Office |
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Senior School Support Officer |
Ms Shauna Monkrud |
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School Support Officer |
Mrs Claire Merchant |
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Class Teachers |
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Kindergarten |
Mrs Erin Cleary (Monday-Wednesday), |
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Year 1 |
Ms Kirsten Young |
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Year 2 |
Mrs Vicki Johnson |
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Year 3 |
Mrs Annette Syrros |
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Year 4B |
Mrs Renee McFayden |
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Year 4G |
Mrs Vicki Menzies |
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Year 5B |
Mrs Sonia Weekes |
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Year 5G |
Mrs Dona Connell |
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Year 6B |
Mr Mark Blake |
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Year 6G |
Ms Jenn Worner |
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Specialist Teachers |
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Music |
Mr Simon Pauperis |
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Digital Technologies/Library |
Mrs Virginia Preddey (Monday-Wednesday) |
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Diverse Learning Needs |
Mrs Anmarie Moroney (Monday-Wednesday) |
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Diverse Learning Needs/SPLICED |
Ms Donna Walker Smith (Tuesday-Friday) |
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Sports Coordinator Release/LIGS |
Mrs Annalise Cupitt (Thursday) |
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LIGS/Middle Leader Release (Kindergarten) |
Mrs Sue Sheather (Thursday/Friday) |
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Religious Education Coordinator Release (4B) |
Mrs Chris Gough (Thursday) |
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School Support Officers |
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Kindergarten |
Mrs Rachel Millward |
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Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) |
Mrs Kim Hagan |
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Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4) |
Mrs Marianne Nicholls, Mrs Teresa Flynn, Mrs Stephanie Grosvenor, Mrs Maree Whitton |
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Stage 3 (Years 5 & 6) |
Mrs Sharon Roberts |
Beginning of 2024
There will be two staff development days (30 January & 31 January) at the beginning of Term 1 in 2024. Students in Years 1-6 will start on Thursday, 1 February. Kindergarten will start on Wednesday, 7 February.
2023 School Calendar
The key date of events and celebrations for 2023 can be viewed in our online school calendar. The calendar can be viewed on our school website and via the newsletter.
Key Dates
15 December 9:15am End of Year Assembly
2:45pm Year 6 Guard of Honour
Staff Development Days
Following are the dates for the remaining staff development days this year. A reminder that children do not attend school on these days.
- Term 4 - Monday & Tuesday 18 & 19 December
Students final day for this year will be 15 December
Online Enrolment
Commencing Term 1 2024, we will be transitioning to a new online enrolment platform, called Funnel, removing the use of all paper forms. Please take note, particularly for sibling applications. The online application form will be accessible from the home page of our school website https://www.stabdow.catholic.edu.au/