Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Last week I attended the biannual Principals and Clergy Meeting. This provided another opportunity to break open Bishop Brian Mascord’s seminal document Bearers of Christ Love. The main focus for the day was the role evangelisation plays in being bearers of Christ’s love.
At St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School, our mission is deeply rooted in the teachings of Christ, and we believe in the importance of evangelisation as a core component of our educational philosophy.
Evangelisation is the act of spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. It is about sharing the message of God’s love, peace, and salvation with others, not only through words but through our actions and way of life. As a Catholic school, we have a unique and important role in this mission.
We provide a comprehensive religious education curriculum that helps students understand and appreciate the Catholic faith. Through daily prayers, regular worship, and the immersion of our students in the rich traditions of our faith.
We instill in our students the values of compassion, kindness, and service to others. Through various social justice projects, our students learn to live out the Gospel message in tangible ways.
We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where every student feels valued and loved. By fostering a sense of belonging, we reflect the unconditional love of God to all members of our school community.
Our dedicated teachers and staff serve as role models of the Catholic faith. Through their words and actions, they demonstrate what it means to live a life grounded in Christ’s teachings.
We invite all parents and carers to actively participate in our evangelisation mission. Join us for school Masses, engage in our social justice projects, and encourage your children in their faith journeys. Together, we can continue to create a strong, faith-filled community that reflects the light of Christ.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in this vital mission and let us work together to nurture the faith of our children, empowering them to be witnesses of Christ’s love in the world.
Yours in partnership
Mr Anthony McElhone
Principal
Tell Them From Me Survey
From the beginning of this week we will be inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process.
We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Thomas Aquinas.
The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You are able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using the URL below:
www.tellthemfromme.com/stabowral
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 next association meeting of the year tomorrow Wednesday 22 May at 6:30pm in the FGC. The remaining meetings will be held on the following dates:
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
- 23-24 May EnviroMentors Incursion
- 24 May 2:30pm Whole School Assembly
- 31 May School Photos
- 7 June 2:30pm Whole School Assembly
- 10 June King’s Birthday Public Holiday
- 12 June Year 6 Canberra Excursion
- 14 June Feast of Corpus Christi Mass (combined with St Michael’s Mittagong)
- 17 June Year 4 attending Chevalier College Musical
Dancesport Confidence Program (Years 5 & 6) commences
- 20 June 2:30pm Whole School Assembly (note changed to Thursday due to Athletics
- 21 June School Athletics Carnival at Eridge Park
- 28 June Western Region Netball Gala Day
Semester 1 Reports Distributed
- 1-5 July Parent/Teacher Interviews
- 5 July Jolly Bops Show (K-6)
2:30pm Whole School
Final Day of Term 2
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:
|
Date |
Staff Members |
Professional Learning |
|
22 May |
Mr McElhone |
Principal Network Meeting |
|
30 May |
Mrs Robinson, Mrs Weekes |
3-6 English Syllabus Professional Learning Day |
|
31 May |
Mrs Syrros, Mrs Menzies, |
3-6 Maths Syllabus Professional Learning Day |
|
7 June |
Mrs Robinson, Mrs Connell, |
3-6 English Syllabus Professional Learning Day |
Sports News
Celebrating Success!
Recently Mihaan (Year 6) and Henry W (Year 5) represented Southern Highlands Hockey at a tournament in Taree. They played exceptionally well, advancing to the finals. Although they didn’t win the championship, losing to Albury Wodonga, it was a fantastic effort by all. The team were awarded Finalist NSW Hockey medals.
