Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Last year we commenced the implementation of the Pivot Wellbeing for Learning ‘check in’ process for students in Years 3-6. The check in is in the form of a brief survey and is designed to help students and teachers monitor and understand wellbeing. The check in takes one minute, once a week to complete and students are asked questions on:
- General wellbeing (this question is all about a student's general emotions and will help to track how they are feeling each week).
- Resilience (questions about perseverance, grit, optimism, growth mindset and self-advocacy)
- Belonging (peer relationships, friendships, trusted adults, engagement, sense of belonging)
- Safety (emotional, physical and online safety)
A pattern we have identified in this data is around sleep. Over one-quarter of our students in Years 3-6 report that they are not getting enough sleep.
A good night’s sleep can have a hugely positive impact on a student’s mood and their learning outcomes. When students sleep well, they are better able to concentrate in their classes and retain new information. When students are tired, they will be less likely to focus and learn new information quickly and efficiently. Equally, when students do not sleep well, they are less likely to be able to consolidate and easily recall new information. The recommended daily amount of sleep for adults is around 8 hours a night, but children and young people may need more. Experts suggest that 9-11 hours of sleep is best for 6-13 year olds, whilst for 14-17 year olds the optimum length of sleep is between 8-10 hours.
Sleep allows our bodies and minds to rest and recharge. When students experience healthy sleeping patterns and good quality sleep, they are more likely to have healthy bodies, experience full cognitive function and have stable moods. Without enough restful sleep, students may struggle to function properly. In these cases, concentration may be impaired, and it may be harder for students to retain memories and have clear thought processes.
Quality is just as important as quantity when it comes to sleep for students. Evidence shows that good sleep routines can help sleep come more easily and can improve how well someone sleeps. Good sleep routines include:
- Keeping bedtime around the same time every night
- Sleeping in quiet, dark, cool room
- Reducing the use of mobile phones and other blue-light emitting devices in the last hour before bedtime
When we experience heightened emotions or high levels of stress during the day, this can have an impact on our ability to fall asleep and can also impact the quality of sleep that we experience. If we don’t sleep well, research shows that we are more likely to experience heightened emotions and become increasingly sensitive to stressful situations.
Sleep can impact our ability to regulate our behaviour. Poor sleep can impact how students perceive and judge the different situations that they find themselves in throughout the school day. If they find themselves in new or challenging situations, students who aren’t sleeping well may be less likely to assess these situations accurately. This can result in students struggling to react with appropriate behaviours. For students, poor quality sleep or reduced sleep can result in a higher risk of anxiety, depression and aggressive behaviour in their learning environments.
Yours in partnership
Principal
Uniform Reminder
As we progress through the year, we would like to take a moment to emphasise the significance of adhering to our school's uniform policy. The uniform policy is an integral part of our school community, contributing to a positive and focused learning environment. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring that your child follows these guidelines consistently.
The school uniform serves several important purposes:
- Fostering a Sense of Belonging: Uniforms create a sense of unity and equality among students, fostering a positive school culture where everyone feels included and part of a larger community.
- Promoting High Expectations: Wearing a uniform instills a sense of pride and responsibility, preparing students for future academic and professional endeavours. It helps cultivate a mindset of high expectations and respect for oneself and others.
We kindly request your support in ensuring that your child complies with the school's uniform policy. If there are any challenges or concerns regarding the uniform, please feel free to reach out to myself or Mrs Robinson. We are here to work together to find solutions that ensure your child's comfort while maintaining the integrity of our uniform guidelines.
Follow-up measures will be taken in the event of non-compliance with the uniform policy. These measures will include:
- Verbal Reminders: Teachers and staff will provide reminders to students who are not in compliance, encouraging them to adhere to the uniform guidelines.
- Parental Notification: If the issue persists, we will inform parents/carers about the non-compliance and seek your cooperation in rectifying the situation.
- Additional Support: We understand that certain circumstances may arise, and we are here to support families in need. If there are specific challenges preventing adherence to the uniform policy, please communicate with us so that we can explore possible solutions together.
Thank you for your understanding and collaboration in maintaining a positive and conducive learning environment for all students. Your support in this matter is greatly appreciated.
ANZAC Day March
STA will be participating in the Anzac Day service in Bowral on Friday 25 April and all students are invited to attend. Students participating need to meet the school staff at 10am in the Coles car park. The march will commence at approximately 10:30am and they will enter the memorial park via the fountain end of the park.
At the conclusion of the Anzac Day Memorial Service, parents/carers of participating children must notify a staff member they have picked up their child/ren. Students representing St Thomas Aquinas must wear the full winter school uniform and bring a water bottle.
Attendance - New Extended Absence Procedures
For extended absences (of more than 5 school days) due to travel, parents must submit the Notification of Extended Absence form along with relevant travel documentation. This documentation should include: Dates, locations of travel, purpose and reasons for travel outside school holidays.
If you wish to apply for an extended absence, the relevant form is accessible via COMPASS or can be accessed from the school office. All the appropriate documentation must be completed and returned to the school. All applications will be considered by the school principal.
Acknowledgement of Extended Absence
After considering the explanation for the extended absence the school will issue an Acknowledgement of Extended Absence to the parent, regardless of whether the explanation for the absence is accepted or not accepted by the Principal. The acknowledgment may include agreed matters relating to the student’s learning and well-being. Accepted extended absences will be recorded as explained and Unaccepted absences will be recorded as unjustified
Staff Development Days
Following are the dates for the remaining staff development days for this year. Please note the student’s final day for the 2025 academic year is 17 December.
- 28 April (first day of Term 2)
- 29 April (second day of Term 2)
- 21 July (first day of Term 3)
- 13 October (first day of Term 4)
- 18 December
- 19 December
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.
Upcoming Events
- 27 March Year 5 Leadership Program
- 28 March School Photos: Kinder - Year 4 + sibling photos
- Project Compassion Fundraiser Wear Your Favourite Hat Day
- 2:30pm Whole School Assembly - Prayer led by Year 4
- 4 April School Cross Country Carnival at Chevalier College
- Cake stall - donations required
- 10 April School Photos: Year 5 + 6, sibling photos & Year 6 group photos
- 11 April 9:00-10:00 Holy Week Liturgy in FGC (tbc)
- 1:30pm Lunch on the Lawn (weather permitting)
- 2:30pm Whole School Assembly
School Photo Day
Our Annual School Photo Day will be held on Friday, 28 March for students in Kinder - Year 4. Personalised student envelopes have been sent home. Please contact the office if you did not receive one for your child (one each) or if you require a Sibling Photo envelope. Envelopes are to be brought back on the day (not before).
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 Enrolments. Applications should be completed by the end of Term 1.
Sports News
Celebrating Success! CEDoW Representative Sport
Good luck to the following students this Friday as they trial for a place in the MacKillop team:
Hockey: Henry W & Harry D
Football (Soccer): Olivia D, Harrison D, Ashlin H, Isaac H, Lucas H, Grace McD and Harrison McF
Good luck also to the STA representatives in the MacKillop swim team next Wednesday 2 April: Billy H, Autumn H, Tobias H, Thomas L, Erin S & Henry W