Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Later this year an exciting new initiative that we believe will have a significant positive impact on the wellbeing of all our students will be implemented.
The support of student's wellbeing is an integral part of our School Strategic Improvement Plan. This year we have been thoroughly investigating a range of programs and initiatives in this space and through this discernment process have decided on a Wellbeing Dog Program.
Research has shown that the presence of therapy dogs in schools can offer numerous benefits to students, particularly in terms of their emotional and mental health. These benefits include reduced anxiety, improved social interactions, increased motivation, and enhanced emotional regulation. A wellbeing dog can serve as a comforting presence for any student who may be struggling with stress, anxiety, or other challenges, providing them with a sense of calm and stability.
Moreover, this program aligns with our broader focus on fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for all our students. By incorporating a wellbeing dog into our daily routines, we can offer an additional layer of emotional support to students, particularly those who may benefit from non-verbal interactions and the unconditional positive regard that dogs naturally provide.
To implement this initiative will be partnering with Dogs Connect. This organisation has worked with schools across Australia to help introduce a wellbeing dog into the community. This support includes:
- Finding a suitable dog that will suit our school community.
- Developing policies, risk assessments and building protocol documents to meet international standards.
- Preparing our school community so that consistent expectations are set and met by everyone. This will include a parent workshop that will address any concerns in relation to this initiative (e.g., allergies, fear of dogs)
- Setting up our school and home space so that our wellbeing dog feels like it belongs.
- Training individuals in building authentic connections between members of the community and the wellbeing dog.
- Setting healthy and context-appropriate behavioural routines for our wellbeing dog and community.
- Teaching social and emotional management strategies with the wellbeing dog while keeping pedagogy in mind.
- Building confidence with the wellbeing dog and becoming creative by working as a team to meet our school community’s needs.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank the P&F Association for their generous support of this initiative. Without their support this program could not get off the ground.
Yours in partnership
Principal
Australia's Biggest Child Safety Lesson
On 3 September, our students will be participating in Australia's Biggest Child Safety Lesson, which is an annual event created by the Daniel Morcombe Foundation to teach children about protective behaviours and staying safe.
This year, the concept of consent will be explored through engaging, evidence-based, education videos to teach age-appropriate personal safety strategies in an empowering manner. Students in K-3 will participate in the Early Years lesson whilst Years 4-6 will participate in the Upper Years lesson. More information will be provided on the day of the lesson.
Father’s Day Breakfast & Reflection/Prayer
On Friday, 30 August we are celebrating Father’s Day with a short prayer reflection followed by a light breakfast. Prayer will commence at 7:45am. Please note that breakfast will not be served until after the prayer reflection has concluded.
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
- 30 August 7:45am Father’s Day Prayer & Breakfast
2:30pm Whole School Assembly
- 6 September Zero Bullying Program (K-6)
- 9 September North Western Region Public Speaking Competition
- 11 September Excursion - Year 3 Hyde Park Barracks & Library
- 12 September Catholic Mission Launch at Wollongong
- 13 September Mark Taylor Shield - Round 2 Game vs Nazareth Shellharbour
2:30pm Whole School Assembly
- 16 September Excursion - Year 5 Minnamurra Rainforest
- 20 September CEDoW Primary Basketball Gala Day
- 26 September 1:00pm Super Skippers Performance
1:30pm Lunch on the Lawn (weather permitting)
2:30pm Whole School Assembly
- 27 September Staff Development Day
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 |
|
4 September |
Mr McElhone & Mrs McFayden |
New Syllabus (Maths) Implementation Professional Learning |
Staff Development Days - Terms 3 & 4
- Term 3 - Friday Week 10 (27 September)
- Term 4 - Monday Week 1 (14 October)
- Thursday & Friday Week 10 (19 & 20 December)