In last Sunday’s Gospel reading we heard the story of the Ten Lepers. The story of Jesus healing the ten lepers contains several important insights. For children, one obvious take-away is the value of gratitude and saying thank you — both to people and especially to God. This story also includes a message of the mercy of Christ. He healed the 10 lepers, and even though only one returned to say thank you, He did not punish those who neglected to do so.

We often forget to offer God thanks and praise, but we should remember to always lift our eyes to the Lord and be grateful because everything comes form God. It is also important to say thank you to important people in our lives who help us along the way. Perhaps this week we can be mindful of showing our gratitude towards God and others around us.

Fr Sean will be away for a short time over the next two weeks. He is travelling with some of our parishioners to the Holy Lands on Pilgrimage.

Diocesan Christmas Art Competition

At the end of last term each school was able to submit entries to the Diocesan Christmas Art Competition. These entries were shortlisted to 55 artworks for exhibition in Wollongong Art Gallery. 

We are very proud to announce that Angus A, Eden B, Emma C, Hugh W and Scarlett G from St Thomas Aquinas have been amongst those selected for the annual Diocesan Christmas Story Art Exhibition.

The students’ artwork is now on display at the Wollongong Art Gallery until 23^rd October. Last night the students, their parents and Mrs White attended the Opening of the Exhibition. We are very proud of all of the students for their effort, the results are truly amazing.

Public Speaking Competition

Next Wednesday  Millie De H and Eliza P will be representing our school in the Regional Public Speaking Competition at Eagle Vale. We wish both Millie and Eliza well.

Mission Month

At the end of Term 3, two Year 6 students accompanied me to Nowra for the launch of this year’s Mission Month. Each year, during October, Catholic Mission holds appeals to raise funds and awareness for their work with children, communities and Church leaders. Each year there is a focus country for the appeal.

In 2019, students across Australia, are invited to take part and learn how the Church in Ghana is taking a lead, in providing life-saving care to children with a disability and fostering their personal development for a brighter future. Students are then given a chance to do something extraordinary for mission, learn about Ghana and the work of the Church there, and contribute through their fundraising and prayers. At the assembly on the last Friday of Term 4, Year 5 will lead us through a prayer and provide information about the work of Catholic Mission in Ghana.

Year 5 Leadership Day

Today Year 5 students participated in a Leadership program, ‘Explore, Discover & Act’  in preparation for being a responsible team leader in Year 6.  The focus of the program is to L.E.A.D. with Courage and is designed for Stage 3 leaders.

Throughout the day the students:  

• Explored (the possibilities) – Examined and processed personal and shared leadership by building an individual and shared connection, understanding and vocabulary.
• Discovered (potential) – Engaged in challenges and reflection that build awareness and appreciation of our ability to L.E.A.D. within our daily thoughts, words and actions.
• Acted (authentically) – Connected learning to leadership environments, empowering participants with meaningful action beyond the program and transferable skills, attitudes and behaviours.
• Developed an increased awareness of, and deepening connection to, self, others and the world around us.
• Developed an appreciation for the ability to L.E.A.D. in all daily thoughts, words and actions.
• Valued the role of connection and interdependence while working towards authentic goals.
• Expressed an attitude and sense of empowerment while continuing the learning and leadership journey.

This Saturday night is the trivia night, if you are able to please come and support it would be much appreciated.  I know that there have been many hours of preparation for the event and it is guaranteed to be a great night that will raise money to support the students in our school. Thank you to all of those involved for the time and effort you have put into the night.

Tickets are still available via Trybooking.com and searching STA Spring Fling or https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=557558&

The night of the big musical that the students and Mr Lindsay have been preparing for over the last term is finally upon us. Next Thursday the students will have a dress rehearsal during the day to fine tune pieces, movement and allow the students to see the whole performance. Parents, family and friends are invited to attend the night session which commences at 6 pm, entry is a gold coin donation.

The students need to bring their costumes to school on Thursday.  They will then take them home and come dressed ready for the night session. We ask that parents escort their children to the grass area near the outside stage of the Fr Glynn Centre at least 15 minutes prior to the performance, where they will meet their teacher. Students can be collected from the same place at the end of the concert. (See details below for costumes).

Next Friday morning we have the pleasure of a visit from Sarah Mitchell, the Minister for Education.

Have a lovely week,

Kayleen Petzer
Acting Principal