Principal's Message
Dear Parents and Caregivers
This weekend we celebrate a truly significant event in our liturgical calendar - Pentecost. While Easter and Christmas often capture our immediate attention, Pentecost holds a profound and enduring importance for us as Catholics and, indeed, in our lives today.
Pentecost, often called the "birthday of the Church," commemorates the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, transforming them from a group of fearful disciples into courageous and articulate witnesses to the Risen Christ. It was a moment of extraordinary power and divine infusion that empowered them to spread the Good News to all corners of the earth, transcending language barriers and fear.
So, what does this mean for us, here at STA, in 2025?
Firstly, Pentecost reminds us that we are not alone. Just as the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, the same Spirit is alive and active within each of us through our Baptism and Confirmation. This is particularly significant for our students who have recently participated in the Sacrament of Confirmation. For them, Pentecost serves as a powerful reminder of the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit they received, strengthening them to live out their faith more fully. This gift of the Holy Spirit provides us all with guidance, strength, comfort, and wisdom in our daily lives. When we face challenges, big or small, we can call upon the Holy Spirit to illuminate our path and empower us to respond with faith and love.
Secondly, Pentecost is a call to action. The Apostles, once empowered, did not keep the gift of the Holy Spirit to themselves. They were compelled to share the message of Christ with others. Similarly, we are called to be witnesses to our faith in our homes, our school, and our wider community. This doesn't necessarily mean grand gestures; it can be as simple as living out our Catholic values with kindness, compassion, and integrity, being a beacon of hope and understanding in a world that often needs it most. Our recently confirmed students, having received a deeper understanding and strengthening of their faith through the sacrament, are now uniquely equipped to embrace this call to discipleship and share the light of Christ with those around them.
Finally, Pentecost reminds us of the incredible diversity within our Church and community. On that first Pentecost, people from many nations heard the message in their own languages. This beautiful image reminds us that our faith is universal and inclusive, embracing people from all backgrounds and walks of life. Here at St Thomas Aquinas, we celebrate the unique gifts and perspectives that each family brings to our school, strengthening the vibrant tapestry of our community.
As we continue through this term, I encourage you all to reflect on the presence of the Holy Spirit in your own lives. How might the gifts of the Spirit empower you to be a more loving parent, a more compassionate friend, a more understanding neighbour, or a more joyful student?
May the Holy Spirit continue to bless our St Thomas Aquinas community, guiding us in truth and empowering us to live lives that reflect the love of Christ.
Yours in partnership
Principal
Attendance - Extended Absence (update)
The attendance record previously known as “Extended Leave”, is now referred to as Extended
Absence, and there have been some changes to the process.
- Notification Requirements
Parents who wish for their child to take an extended absence from school for more than five days due to
one of the following reasons must provide reasonable advance notice to the school:
- Misadventure or unforeseen events
- Participation in special events not related to the school
- Domestic necessity (e.g., serious illness of an immediate family member)
- Attendance at funerals
- Travel within Australia or overseas
- Participation in recognised religious festivals or ceremonial occasions
To notify the school, parents must complete a Notification of Extended Absence form and submit it
to the Principal.
- Travel-Related Absences
If the extended absence is for the purpose of travel, parents must submit the Notification of Extended Absence form along with relevant travel documentation. This documentation should include:
- The intended dates of travel
- The locations of travel
- The purpose of the travel
- The reasons for undertaking the travel outside the school holiday period
- Acknowledgement of Extended Absence
After reviewing the submitted form, the school will issue an Acknowledgement of Extended Absence to the parent. This acknowledgment will be provided regardless of whether the Principal accepts or does not accept the explanation for the absence. It may also outline specific matters related to the student’s learning and wellbeing that have been agreed upon with the parent.
- Absence Recording
If the extended absence is accepted, the absence will be recorded as an explained absence.
If the extended absence is not accepted, the absence will be recorded as an unjustified absence.
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.
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.
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
- 5 June Four week Basketball Program commences
- 6 June Bully Bull Ring Incursion (K-6)
- 6 June 2:30pm Whole School Assembly (Prayer led by Confirmation students)
- 9 June King’s Birthday Public Holiday
- 20 June 10:00am Corpus Christi Feast Day Mass
- 20 June 2:30pm Whole School Assembly (Prayer led by Year 5)
- 26 June Primary West Region Netball Gala Day at Minto
- 27 June Jollybops Science Show (K-6)
- 27 June Semester 1 Reports sent home
- 30 June - 3 July Parent/Teacher Interviews
- 4 July Whole School Assembly (Prayer led by Year 6)
- 4 July Final day of Term 2
- 21 July Staff Development Day
- 22 July Students first day for Term 3
- 25 July Gymnastics Program commences
- 29 July Mass with Bishop Brian (Year 6 students)
Sports News
Celebrating Success!
CEDoW Representative Sport
- Next week Isaac H will be taking part in the NSWPSSA Cross Country Championships at the Sydney Equestrian Sydney. in Newcastle. We wish Isaac all the best in his event.
- The teams for the Netball Gala Day on 26 June at Minto have now been finalised.
- The STA Athletics Carnival is being held at Tudor House on Thursday 24 July 2025. Further details TBA.
- The CEDoW Soccer Gala Day will be held on Friday 26 August at Picton Sports Ground. Further details TBA.