Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Caregivers
As we look forward to our upcoming G Day celebration, I am reminded of the profound impact that grandparents and other “great people” have in the lives of our students. G Day is a special time for us to honor and recognise the love, wisdom, and support that these cherished family members and mentors bring to our school community.
Reflecting on my own life, I am deeply grateful for the role my grandparents played in shaping who I am today. They provided me with guidance, unconditional love, and a sense of belonging that has stayed with me throughout my life. I remember long conversations with them, learning about faith, resilience, and kindness - lessons that have been invaluable to me.
Now, as a parent, I see the same joy and comfort in my own children’s relationship with their grandparents. My children are blessed to grow up with grandparents who inspire them with stories, encourage them in their challenges, and demonstrate the values we hold dear. Their bonds serve as a reminder that family connections bridge generations and offer a foundation of love, security, and strength.
On G Day, we gather to celebrate all the “great people” in the lives of our students - those who stand by them, encourage them, and show them the way. Whether they are with us in person or in spirit, their presence is a gift. We invite our school community to honour their special contributions and the lasting impact they have on each child.
Prayer for ‘Great’ People
Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the gift of grandparents
and all the great people who fill our lives with love and guidance.
We ask you to bless them with health, happiness, and joy.
For those who are no longer with us, we thank You for their love,
which continues to bless us. May their legacy live on in our hearts.
Through Christ, our Lord, we pray.
Amen.
We look forward to celebrating with you on G Day and making it a memorable occasion for all!
Yours in partnership
Principal
Diocesan Public Speaking Competition
We are so proud that Georgie Z (Year 5) will be representing our school at the Diocesan Public Speaking Final on Thursday, 7 November! Georgie’s hard work, courage, and dedication have brought her to this exciting stage, and we know she’ll do an amazing job. Good luck, Georgie!
eSafety Commission: Free Webinars for Parents and Carers
Supporting healthy technology use as your child transitions into high school.
This webinar explores the social pressures, peer influences, and technological challenges young people face as they transition into high school. It also offers practical strategies for navigating online friendships and connections to help minimise negative experiences.
It's suitable for parents and carers of children in upper primary school (ages 11 to 12) and Year 7.
- Thursday 28 November, 12.30pm AEDT
eSafety 101: How eSafety can help
- Wednesday 4 December, 12.30 pm AEDT
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
- 7 November Diocesan Public Speaking Competition Grand Final
- Year 2 Excursion
- 8 November 2:30pm Whole School Assembly (Kindergarten Prayer)
- 12 November ‘G’ Day Celebration
- 14 November 9:00-10:00am 2025 Kindergarten Playgroup (3 of 4)
- 19 November 9:00-10:00am 2025 Kindergarten Playgroup (4 of 4)
- SLSA Beach to Bush Program (K-6)
- 21 November Year 5 Leadership Program
- 22 November Dance Program commences
- 2:30pm Whole School Assembly (Year 4 Prayer)
- 24 November 11:00am First Holy Communion
- 27 November 5:30-7:00pm Christmas Concert & BBQ
- 29 November 9:30-11:00am 2025 Kindergarten Orientation
- Year 4 Excursion
- 9-11 December Year 6 Camp (Fitzroy Falls)
- 12 December 6:00pm P&F Christmas Drinks (date & time TBC)
- 16 December K-2 Movie Day @ Empire Cinema
- 2:00pm Move Up Monday (students move to 2025 classes)
- 6:00pm Year 6 Farewell Dinner
- 18 December - Last day for students
- 9:30-10:30am End of Year Thanksgiving Mass
- 11:45-1:00pm End of Year Assembly (FGC)
- 2:30pm Year 6 Guard of Honour
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 |
|
13 November |
Mrs McFayden |
Primary REC Meeting |
|
15 November |
Mr McElhone |
K-6 Mathematics Syllabus Implementation Day 2 |
|
20 November |
Mr McElhone |
Clergy and Principals' Meeting |
Staff Development Days - Terms 4
Term 4 - Thursday & Friday Week 10 (19/12 & 20/12)
The final day for students will be Wednesday, 18 December.