St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish Primary School Bowral
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24 Bundaroo St
Bowral NSW 2576
Subscribe: https://stabdow.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email: info@stabdow.catholic.edu.au
Phone: 02 4861 1768

Principal's Message

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Dear Parents and Caregivers

It was with great excitement that I welcomed your children back to the new school year! It is hoped that they experienced a restful break from the routines of school and they are ready to discover that Learning is an Adventure. 

As we embark on this journey together, it is my privilege to extend a warm welcome to our returning families and extend heartfelt greetings to those joining the St Thomas Aquinas community for the first time.

Year 3 - Oliver B

Our school is not just a place of learning; it is a family where values, faith, and academic excellence come together to nurture the growth of each child. As we open our doors to a brand new school year, I am filled with excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to continue working alongside our dedicated teachers, staff, and supportive parents.

This year promises to be one filled with exciting opportunities, personal growth, and, most importantly, a deepening of our spiritual and educational journey. Together, as partners in your child's education, we will strive to foster an environment that encourages curiosity, kindness, and a strong sense of community.

I encourage you to actively participate in the various school activities, events, and parent-teacher collaborations that we have planned throughout the year. Your involvement is not only welcomed but crucial to the success of our students and the overall vibrancy of our school community.

May this school year be filled with inspiration, laughter, and countless moments of learning and discovery. Let us approach each day with the spirit of unity, understanding, and a commitment to the values that make our St Thomas Aquinas family so special.

I look forward to a fantastic year ahead and witnessing the growth and achievements of each and every student.

God bless you all, and welcome back!

Yours in partnership

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Mr Anthony McElhone

Principal

Volunteers in CEDoW Schools

The Catholic Education Office (CEDoW) has introduced a new onboarding system for volunteers and contractors supporting our school. If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity, we encourage you to complete the new process in advance. This will ensure you are ready to help whenever needed! For more information or to begin the onboarding process, please refer to the instructions below. Thank you for your willingness to contribute to our school community!

  1. Scan the QR code or use this website - https://apps.dow.catholic.edu.au/vms/onboarding/new
  2. Complete the brief onboarding process
  3. Once you have been cleared you will receive an email with your digital token.

Updated Medical Plans

Please note that if your child has a healthcare plan (medical plan) e.g. Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Allergy, Emergency Medical these need to be updated annually. If you have an updated healthcare plan, can you please send a copy in to school so we can update our records as soon as possible. If your child requires medication at school e.g. Ventolin, you will automatically receive a notification via Compass when it has reached its expiry date. 

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 first association meeting of the year on Wednesday 19 February at 7pm in the FGC  (which also includes the AGM). The remaining meetings will be held on the following dates:

Wednesday - 7 May 2025

Wednesday - 30 July 2025

Wednesday - 29 October 2025

2025 School Calendar

The key date of events and celebrations for 2025 can be viewed in our online school calendar. The calendar can be viewed on our school website (https://www.stabdow.catholic.edu.au/news-and-events/ and via the newsletter.

Upcoming Events

    • 14 February 2:30pm Whole School Assembly - Prayer led by Year 6
    • 17-21 February Meet the Teacher Interviews
    • 19 February 7:00pm P&F Meeting
    • 21 February 11:45 am Opening School Mass
    • 27 February Western Region Swimming Carnival
    • 28 February 2:30pm Whole School Assembly - Prayer led by Year 5
    • 5 March 2:00pm Ash Wednesday Liturgy in FGC
    • 7 March Project Compassion Fundraiser - Mufti Day
    • 12 March NAPLAN - Writing (Years 3 & 5)
    • 13 March NAPLAN - Reading & Conventions of Language (Years 3 & 5)
    • 13 March Year 6 Leadership Program
    • 14 March NAPLAN - Numeracy (Years 3 & 5)
    • 14 March 2:30pm Whole School Assembly - Prayer led by K-2
    • 21 March World Down Syndrome Awareness Day / Harmony Day
    • 27 March Year 5 Leadership Program
    • 28 March School Photos
    • 28 March 2:30pm Whole School Assembly - Prayer led by Year 4
    • 4 April School Cross Country Carnival at Chevalier College
    • 11 April 9:00-10:00 Holy Week Liturgy in FGC (tbc)
    • 11 April 1:30pm Lunch on the Lawn (weather permitting)
    • 11 April 2:30pm Whole School Assembly

    2025 Staffing Overview

     

    Parish Staff

    Parish Priest

    Fr Sean Cullen

    Parish Administration Officer

    Mrs Elizabeth Martinovic

    School Leadership Team

    Principal

    Mr Anthony McElhone

    Assistant Principal

    Mrs Joanne Robinson

    Religious Education Coordinator

    Mrs Renee McFayden

    Middle Leader 2

    Mrs Erin Cleary

    Middle Leader 1

    Mrs Virginia Preddey

    Sports Coordinator

    Ms Jenn Worner

    School Office

    Senior School Support Officer

    Mrs Shauna Monkrud

    School Support Officer

    Mrs Claire Merchant

    Class Teachers

    Kindergarten

    Mrs Erin Cleary / Mrs Annette Syrros (Thursdays) 

    Year 1

    Mrs Kirsten Young

    Year 2

    Mrs Vicki Johnson

    Year 3

    Mr Matthew Messina

    Year 4

    Mrs Renee McFayden / Mrs Annaliese Cuppit (Thursdays)

    Year 5B

    Mrs Sonia Weekes / Mrs Annaliese Cuppit (Fridays)

    Year 5G

    Mr Mark Blake

    Year 6B

    Mrs Vicki Menzies

    Year 6G

    Ms Jenn Worner

    Specialist Teachers

    Music

    Ms Melissa Reyder

    Digital Technologies/Library

    Mrs Virginia Preddey (Monday-Wednesday) 

    Diverse Learning Needs

    Mrs Anmarie Moroney (Monday-Wednesday)

    School Support Officers 

    Kindergarten

    Mrs Rachel Millward (Monday-Wednesday) 

    Mrs Stephanie Grosvenor (Thursday-Friday) 

    Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2)

    Mrs Kim Hagan, Mrs Kamala Lee (Monday-Wednesday), Mrs Rachel Millward (Thursday/Friday)

    Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4)

    Mrs Kim Hagan 

    Stage 3 (Years 5 & 6)

    Mrs Sharon Roberts, Mrs Marianne Nicholls, Mrs Philippa Matthews, Mrs Teresa Flynn

    Uniform Expectations

    St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish Primary School (STA) supports the wearing of a school uniform which reinforces in students a pride in their own appearance, instills recognition of themselves as an integral part of the STA community and promotes a sense of belonging for students. Therefore we expect all students to comply with our Uniform Policy. Our Uniform Policy and expectations can be access at https://www.stabdow.catholic.edu.au/parents/uniform/

    Anaphylaxis Awareness

    Some children in our school suffer the life threatening condition of anaphylaxis . Essentially anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction which is caused as a result of an intolerance to nut or peanut-based food products. As well as this we do have a number of children in the school who suffer anaphylactic reactions when exposed to peanuts, eggs, seafood and sesame seeds. In order to respond to this situation and provide safe, fair and responsible procedures for all in the school community we have taken advice from the Anaphylaxis Association and our own Diocesan Workplace Safety Officers. We specifically request that parents/carers must not send in peanut or nut based products as part of their child’s lunch. If anyone has any concerns over this, please do not hesitate to speak with Mr McElhone.

    Notifying Parents/Carers in Emergencies

    In the case of an emergency and/or critical incident parents/carers will be notified via Compass alert and/or text message. Please ensure your contact details (i.e., mobile number and email address) are up to date. If any details have changed please contact the office at your earliest convenience.

    Enrolments for Kindergarten 2026

    We are now accepting enrolment applications for Kindergarten 2026. The enrolment form is now available online via our school website https://www.stabdow.catholic.edu.au/enrol/ 

    Applications should be completed by the end of Term 1.

    Sports News

    Representative Sport

    Representative sport at St Thomas Aquinas is an important extra-curricular activity. Engagement in these events are designed to build school spirit and pride, acknowledge skills of children in these areas and to enhance the sense of ‘community’ in the school.

    Children in Years 3-6 will have the opportunity to participate in a range of team sports throughout the year that are organised and run by Catholic Education - Diocese of Wollongong and other sporting organisations.  The sports may include:

    • Soccer
    • Rugby League
    • Netball
    • Touch Football
    • Oztag
    • Basketball
    • Cricket

    When selecting teams to represent St Thomas Aquinas, all of the following is considered equally:

    • Skills and abilities in the selected sport
    • Experience in the selected sport (i.e. participates in a team outside of school)
    • Number of sports the student has represented the school in the current year
    • Suitability to represent the school in a safe, respectful and responsible manner
    • Parental support