Dear Parents and Caregivers

On Sunday the 25 July 2021, Pope Francis established the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. This year was celebrated on Sunday 28 July, the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Grandparents of Jesus.

For the 2024 celebration, Pope Francis chose a line from Psalm 71--“Do not cast me off in my old age”--as the theme. The Vatican stated, “By cherishing the charisms of grandparents and the elderly, and the contribution they make to the life of the Church, the World Day seeks to support the efforts of every ecclesial community to forge bonds between the generations and to combat loneliness.”

Grandparents and the elderly offer us immense wisdom, time, and creativity, especially in times of difficulty and uncertainty. They are a divine gift, harnessing and strengthening our communities to flourish. Their presence is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for future generations.

Becoming a grandparent transforms one's understanding of grandparenting, enriching life in countless, wondrous ways. The joy of loving and being loved by such a vulnerable and precious soul, who embodies the essence of their parents, grandparents, and generations before them, is a profound blessing. This child, a unique gift to the world, grows before their eyes, reflecting parts of their grandparents and lineage.

As grandparents watch them grow, they are reminded that this child enters life with a divine purpose, a mission bestowed upon them by God. This realisation deepens their focus on the sacred responsibility God has entrusted to them.

Grandparents are called to support the child's parents and contribute to their spiritual formation. Their role is to nurture the child's spirit, guiding them with love and wisdom, and helping them fulfill their God-given purpose in this world.

In this journey, grandparents understand that grandparenting is not just about sharing love and joy but also about being spiritual guides, beacons of faith, and steadfast supporters of the child's spiritual and personal growth. By embracing this divine role, they can bless the child's path and help them grow into the person God has intended them to be, fulfilling their unique mission in His grand design for this world.

Through their wisdom and life experiences, grandparents provide invaluable lessons and serve as pillars of faith, nurturing the child's connection to their spiritual and faith heritage. This profound relationship not only enriches the grandchild's life but also strengthens the family's bond, rooted in shared values and faith.

As we remember this important day, let us reflect on our grandparents and the significant contributions they have made to our lives.

Their influence has brought us to this ‘place’, where we can live out our calling and purpose, truly experiencing ‘Life to the Full.'

Yours in partnership

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.

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

• 31 July 6:30pm P&F Meeting

• 1 August 2:30pm Whole School Assembly (Kindergarten Prayer)

• 2 August Staff Development Day

• 7 August 2:00pm Year 2 Visit to Bowral Library

• 9 August Western Region Zone Athletics Carnival

• 13 August 10:00am Year 3 Visit to Bowral Library
  • 2:00pm 5G Visit to Bowral Library

• 14 August 11:45am Kindergarten Visit to Bowral Library
  • 2:00pm 5B Visit to Bowral Library

• 15 August 11:45am 6B Visit to Bowral Library
  • 2:00pm Year 1 Visit to Bowral Library

• 16 August 2:30pm Whole School Assembly

• 17 August P&F Trivia Night

• 21 August Book Week Parade & Fun Day

• 22 August 11:45am 6G Visit to Bowral Library

• 23 August Kindergarten & Year 1 Excursion - Symbio
  • Year 5 Leadership Day
  • 10:00am 4G Visit to Bowral Library

Book Week

This year's theme lends itself easily to all the magical characters and settings found in literature so the students will be encouraged to come dressed as any book character who they believe is ‘magical’. Mrs Preddey will discuss this with all students during their library lessons.

The Book Parade and Fun Day - Wednesday 21 August (Week 5).  Parade order will be Year 4, 2, 1, K, 3, 5 & 6. The parade will commence at approximately 9:15am.

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
31 July	Mrs Cleary, Mr McElhone, Mrs McFayden, Mrs Robinson	Curriculum Implementation Collaborative
7 August	Mrs Cleary	CSNSW PDHPE Symposium
8 August	Mrs Robinson	Primary DLST Network Day
9 August	Mr McElhone	Network 1 Principal Meeting

Staff Development Days - Terms 3 & 4

• Term 3 - Friday Week 2 (2 August) 
• Term 3 - Friday Week 10 (27 September)
• Term 4 - Monday Week 1 (14 October)
• Thursday & Friday Week 10 (19 & 20 December)