Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Last weekend, we entered the Season of Advent, a time rich with spiritual significance. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming,” “approach,” or “arrival.” In the Church, it marks the four Sundays leading up to Christmas—a sacred period of penance, reflection, and joyful anticipation as we prepare for the coming of our Saviour.
What makes Advent truly special for Christians is the deeper understanding that Christmas is not merely a commemoration of Jesus’ birth over 2,000 years ago. It is also a celebration of his continual coming into our lives and the world today. Jesus becomes present through the celebration of the sacraments—the Eucharist, Baptism, Confirmation, and more—where we, as his followers, become part of the living Body of Christ, active and present in the world. For Catholics, each celebration of the Eucharist and other sacraments can be seen as a "little Christmas," a moment of encountering Jesus in the here and now.
Advent is also a time of looking back and looking forward. It invites us to reflect on the long journey of Israel as they awaited the promised Messiah, and it encourages us to anticipate Christ’s final coming at the end of time. These dual themes—remembrance and hope—are woven throughout the Church’s readings during Advent, reminding us of God’s faithfulness and the promise of salvation.
To embrace the spirit of Advent as a family, consider incorporating a few meaningful practices into your daily routine. You could:
- Get or make an Advent wreath and light the candles each week.
- Set up a nativity scene and save placing the baby Jesus until Christmas Eve to mark his arrival.
- Use an Advent calendar to count down the days with prayers or small acts of kindness.
These practices help us stay grounded in the true meaning of the season and create a sense of anticipation and joy for the birth of Christ.
As we journey through Advent, let us remember its profound purpose: a time to prepare our hearts and minds for the arrival of Jesus, both at Christmas and in our daily lives. By reflecting on God’s presence in our world and embracing the hope and joy that Christ brings, we deepen our faith and draw closer to the love that transforms us and the world around us. May this Advent season be a time of renewal, connection, and joyful expectation for all.
Yours in partnership
Principal
Staffing Update
We are delighted to announce the appointment of a new staff member to our school community for 2025. Matthew Messina will be joining us as a class teacher.
Mr Messina has been teaching for the past three years at St Paul’s Camden, another Catholic school within our diocese. During this time, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to nurturing students’ academic growth and fostering their faith development.
With a fresh perspective and enthusiasm for Catholic education, Mr Messina is eager to contribute to our school’s mission of creating a positive and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential.
We are excited to welcome him into our school community.
Beginning of 2025
There will be two staff development days (Friday, 31 January & Monday, 3 February) at the beginning of Term 1 in 2025. Students in Years 1-6 will start on Tuesday, 4 February. Kindergarten will start on Wednesday, 5 February.
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.
Staff Development Days - Term 4
Term 4 - Thursday & Friday Week 10 (19/12 & 20/12)
The final day for students will be Wednesday, 18 December.
Upcoming events
- 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
- Liturgy Group - visit to Annesley
- 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 |
|
5 December |
Mr McElhone, Mrs Robinson, Mrs Cleary, Mrs McFayden, Mrs Johnson, Mr Blake, Mrs Hagan |
PB4L Team Planning Day |
Sports News
We are thrilled to share the exciting news that Gabrijela K (Year 4) recently represented our school at the MacKillop Tennis Trials and has been selected for the team as the number 1 seed!
This is an outstanding achievement and a testament to Gabrijela’s hard work, skill, and dedication to her sport. Competing at this level is no small feat, and we are incredibly proud of her efforts and success.
Gabrijela’s selection as the top player highlights her talent and commitment, and we are confident she will represent our school and the wider community with excellence and sportsmanship.
Congratulations, Gabrijela! We wish you every success as you prepare to compete with the MacKillop team.