Dear Parents and Caregivers

September is a month in our Church’s calendar rich with meaning and reflection. On 14 September, the  Church celebrates the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. This feast reminds us that the cross is not a symbol of defeat, but of hope, love and the promise of new life. The cross stands at the centre of our faith – a sign that God’s love transforms even the greatest suffering into a path to life. In our school community, we are called to carry the cross by showing kindness, compassion and courage each day.

The very next day, on 15 September, we honour Our Lady of Sorrows. Mary’s witness teaches us about the power of love and faithfulness in times of challenge. Her example calls us to walk alongside those who are hurting, offering comfort and strength through our presence and care. It is a reminder to us all – staff, students and families – that our school is a place where no one should feel alone.

As spring unfolds around us, it is also a good opportunity to reflect on the themes of renewal and growth. Just as the season brings colour and life back to the earth, so too are we invited to grow in our faith, our relationships and our learning. Small acts of kindness, moments of forgiveness, and words of encouragement are ways we help one another to flourish.

In the weeks ahead, I encourage our families to take time for prayer together at home. A simple moment at the dinner table or before bedtime can nurture not only faith but also a deep sense of belonging and connection. Prayer grounds us, strengthens us, and reminds us that we are part of God’s family.

Let us continue to walk forward in hope, inspired by the cross and guided by Mary, who always points us to her Son.

Loving God,

May we find strength in the cross of Christ and comfort in the love of Mary, His mother. Bless our families and our school community, so that all we do may reflect your light in the world.

Amen.

Yours in partnership

Acting Principal

Sparking Life

Do you currently donate blood, or maybe it’s something that you are considering doing? Please read on.

Sparking Life is a non-profit organisation that aims to create awareness of the real need many people face daily to maintain their health and the simple way we can respond to help these people. Sparking Life has affiliated with Lifeblood to continue this mission. We would love to encourage and warmly welcome family members of St Thomas Aquinas, Bowral to our team. At present the staff at St Thomas Aquinas are doing a wonderful job in donating blood to save the lives of others. In fact they have made 17 donations already this year.

All you need to do to help out is to register online with Lifeblood, make an appointment to donate blood and then attend your appointment at the mobile van located at the Swimming Centre, 152 Mittagong Road, Bowral. At your appointment, to be absolutely sure you’re in the school team, it is very important to say:

“Could I join the Sparking Life - St Thomas Aquinas, Bowral team please?”

Each blood donation that you make saves the lives of up to 3 people. What an opportunity to make a positive difference in assisting the many people in need of donated blood and blood products every day. Sparking Life would love you to be an important part of your school team.

Child Protection Week - Information Session

Event 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

Change into Summer Uniform

The students are able to transition to summer uniform after Father’s Day. During the transition period the students can elect to wear either the summer or winter uniform, but not a combination of both. The transitional arrangements apply until the start of Term 4. Please ensure that your child complies with all aspects of our school uniform policy.

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.

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 and via the newsletter.

Upcoming Events

• Thursday 11th September = Catholic Care Parent Session via zoom @ 6:00 p.m.
• Thursday 11th September = Year 4 Excursion to Mary MacKillop Place
• Friday 12th September = Assembly 2:30 pm
• Monday 15th September = Kindergarten Excursion to Symbio Wildlife Park
• Tuesday 16th September = Year 5 Excursion to Minnamurra Rainforest
• Wednesday 17th September = Year 1 & 2 Excursion to Stanwell Tops
  • Wednesday 17th September = Milo’s first working day
• Friday 19th September = Basketball Gala Day
• Friday 26th September = Last day of Term 3
• Friday 26th September = Lunch on the Lawn + whole school assembly @ 2:30 p.m.
• Monday 13th October =  First day of Term 4 (staff - pupil free day)
• Tuesday 14th October = First day of Term 4 (students)

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! 

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