Dear Parents and Caregivers

Milo

Last Friday on 22nd August, our very own Milo turned 1. Milo has grown a lot since he first arrived last October, and he has also learnt a lot. Milo is a larger than life pup who loves nothing better than squeaky balls that he can chase after and bring back. He doesn't like to give them back because the squeak they make is like music to his ears.

We are getting very close to him starting to come on site on school days, which is very exciting. He has been to school many, many times on weekends and in the holidays in preparation for this.

Over the coming weeks, we will begin student and community education to ensure everyone understands the basic guidelines provided by Dogs Connect. These will help us all interact with Milo safely and respectfully, so his time at school is a positive experience for students, staff, and of course, Milo himself.

We understand that there are a range of considerations to ensure the program is inclusive and successful for all students. Before we begin, we kindly ask that you provide any information that may be relevant to your child’s participation in the program. (Please see the PB4L article in this newsletter).

Office contact

During your child’s educational journey, there may be times when our office staff contact you to arrange an appointment on behalf of your child’s teacher or a member of the Leadership Team. In these cases, the office staff will reach out to one parent or guardian to secure a suitable time.

On rare occasions, they might request a meeting on the same day to address urgent matters. Please know that office staff are not privy to the details of the meeting, as we respect your family’s privacy and confidentiality.

You are always welcome to bring a support person to the meeting if you wish. This might be your spouse, partner, family member, or trusted friend. Having someone with you can sometimes help you feel more comfortable and supported during the conversation.

This is our standard procedure and is designed to ensure communication is arranged promptly and efficiently while still allowing you to choose who you bring along for support.

If you need to email a staff member, could you please use the email address:  info@stabdow.catholic.edu.au and your email will be triaged and directed to the relevant staff member for you.

If you would like to make an appointment with a staff member (including the Principal and Assistant Principal) could you please contact the office to organise a convenient time.

Please do not contact office staff directly via their mobile phone except in case of emergency. If you need to make contact with the office, please call or email. 

Yours in partnership

Acting Principal

Child Protection Week - Information Sessions

Event 1 details: - FGC

• Respectful Relationships: Helping Children Navigate Healthy Friendships
• Tuesday 9 September
• Fr Glynn Centre
• 6:00–7:00 pm
• Click here to register or scan the QR code below

Event 2 details: - Zoom

• Respectful Relationships: Helping Children Navigate Healthy Friendships
• Thursday 11 September
• via Zoom (link provided on the day)
• 6:00–7:00 pm
• Click here to register or scan the QR code below

Father’s Day Breakfast & Reflection/Prayer

On Friday 5th September, we are celebrating Father’s Day with a short prayer reflection followed by a light breakfast. Prayer will commence at 7:45am.  Please note that breakfast will not be served until after the prayer reflection has concluded.

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.

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.

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 

• 28 August - Western Region Soccer Gala Day (Stages 2 & 3)
• 29 August - 2:30pm Whole School Assembly
• 5 September - 7:45 am Father’s Day Prayer & Breakfast
• 8 September - Year 3 Excursion
• 11 September - Year 4 Excursion
• 12 September - 2:30pm Whole School Assembly
• 15 September - Kindergarten Excursion
• 16 September - Year 5 Excursion
• 17 September - Years 1 & 2 Excursion
• 19 September -Basketball Gala Day @ Moss Vale
• 26 September 1:30-2:15pm Lunch on the Lawn
  • 2:30pm Whole School Assembly
  • Last day of Term 3
• Tuesday 14 October - First day of Term 4

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:

Sports News

Celebrating Success! 

Well done to Lucas H, Isaac H, Allira H, Ava M who took part in the Diocesan Athletics Trials recently.

The CEDoW Soccer Gala Day will be held this Thursday 28 August at Picton Sports Ground.  

The CEDoW Basketball Gala Day will be held on Friday 19 September at Moss Vale Basketball Stadium. Further details TBA.