Condolences

It is with great sadness that we learned that an ex-student, Chkye Tracz, who was to commence Year 12 at Chevalier College this year, recently passed away as a result of a light plane accident at Camden. During his time at our school, Chkye touched the lives of many with his warmth, enthusiasm, and energy. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Chkye’s memorial service was held on 6 February and a number of staff were in attendance.

Parents & Friends (P&F) Association

Mr McElhone and the P&F Executive extend a warm invitation to all parents and carers to join our vibrant and supportive Parent & Friends Association. Your active involvement in the association plays a crucial role in shaping the positive and nurturing environment that defines our St Thomas Aquinas community.

• Why participate in the Parent & Friends Association?

Community Building: The association provides a unique platform for parents/carers to come together, share experiences, and build lasting friendships. By actively participating, you contribute to a sense of unity that strengthens the bonds within our school community.

Supporting School Initiatives: Your involvement in the association directly impacts the success of various school initiatives, events, and projects. Whether it's participating in fundraisers, planning community events, or supporting school programs, your contributions make a significant difference.

Influence Positive Change: The association is a forum where your ideas and suggestions are not only heard but valued. By attending meetings, you have the opportunity to voice your opinions, share insights, and actively contribute to the continuous improvement of our school.

• Why Attend Association Meetings Each Term?

Stay Informed: The association meetings are an invaluable source of information about upcoming school events, initiatives, and updates. By attending, you stay well-informed and connected with the school's happenings.

Collaborate with Educators: Meetings provide a platform for open dialogue between parents and the school staff. This collaborative environment fosters a deeper understanding of the school's vision, curriculum, and educational goals.

Make a Difference: Your active participation at association meetings allows you to play a direct role in shaping the direction of our school community. Your insights and suggestions contribute to decision-making processes that impact our children's educational experience.

Join us for our first association meeting of the year on Wednesday 21 February at 7pm in the FGC  (which also includes the AGM). The remaining meetings will be held on the following dates:

• Wednesday - 8 May 2024
• Wednesday - 31 July 2024
• Wednesday - 23 October 2024

2024 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

• 7 February 6:30-7:30pm Years 4 & 5 iPad Program Parent Meeting
• 13 February - Pancake Day
• 14 February 2:00pm Ash Wednesday Liturgy
• 16 February Project Compassion Mufti Day (gold coin donation)
• 21 February - P & F Meeting 7 pm FGC

2:30pm Whole school assembly

• 20 February 9:30am Opening School Mass
• 23 February School Swimming Carnival
• 28 February Western Region Swimming Carnival

 2024 Staffing Overview

Uniform Expectations

St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish Primary School (STA) supports the wearing of a school uniform which reinforces in students a pride in their own appearance, instills recognition of themselves as an integral part of the STA community and promotes a sense of belonging for students. Therefore we expect all students to comply with our Uniform Policy. Our Uniform Policy and expectations can be access at https://www.stabdow.catholic.edu.au/parents/uniform/

Anaphylaxis Awareness

Some children in our school suffer the life threatening condition of anaphylaxis . Essentially anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction which is caused as a result of an intolerance to nut or peanut-based food products. As well as this we do have a number of children in the school who suffer anaphylactic reactions when exposed to peanuts, eggs, seafood and sesame seeds. In order to respond to this situation and provide safe, fair and responsible procedures for all in the school community we have taken advice from the Anaphylaxis Association and our own Diocesan Workplace Safety Officers. We specifically request that parents/carers not send in peanut or nut based products as part of their child’s lunch. If anyone has any concerns over this, please do not hesitate to speak with Mr McElhone.

Enrolments for Kindergarten 2025

In 2024 we are transitioning to a new online enrolment platform, called Funnel, removing the use of all paper forms.  We are now accepting enrolment applications for Kindergarten 2025. The enrolment form is now available online via our school website Enrolment.  Applications should be completed by the end of Term 1.

Sports News

Representative Sport

Representative sport at St Thomas Aquinas is an important extra-curricular activity. Engagement in these events are designed to build school spirit and pride, acknowledge skills of children in these areas and to enhance the sense of ‘community’ in the school.

Children in Years 3-6 will have the opportunity to participate in a range of team sports throughout the year that are organised and run by Catholic Education - Diocese of Wollongong and other sporting organisations.  The sports may include:

• Soccer
• Rugby League
• Netball
• Touch Football
• Oztag
• Basketball
• Cricket

When selecting teams to represent St Thomas Aquinas, all of the following is considered equally:

• Skills and abilities in the selected sport
• Experience in the selected sport (i.e. participates in a team outside of school)
• Number of sports the student has represented the school in the current year
• Suitability to represent the school in a safe, respectful and responsible manner
• Parental support