Filter Content
Dear Parents and Caregivers
As we approach Mother’s Day this weekend, we are reminded of the profound significance of this occasion. It’s a time to honour the special women who have shaped our lives with their unconditional love, guidance, and strength. At St Thomas Aquinas, we hold a deep appreciation for the invaluable role of mothers and special women in nurturing the hearts and minds of our students.
Mother’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a celebration of the profound bond between mother and other special women and a child—a bond rooted in love, sacrifice, and unwavering support. It’s a day to express gratitude for the countless sacrifices these women make each day to ensure the well-being and happiness of their families.
In the spirit of our Catholic faith, we recognize that motherhood is a sacred calling, one that reflects the selfless love of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Like Mary, special woman embody qualities of compassion, patience, and faith, serving as beacons of light and love in our lives.
As we prepare to honour mothers and special women everywhere, let us take a moment to reflect on the blessings they bring into our lives. Whether it’s through a warm embrace, a comforting word, or a reassuring smile, they have a way of making the world a brighter, more beautiful place.
On behalf of the St Thomas Aquinas community, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to all mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures for their unwavering love and devotion. May this Mother’s Day be a joyous celebration of the extraordinary women who enrich our lives in countless ways.
As we celebrate the special gift that is our mother this weekend, my prayer for each family in our community is that we take great joy in the opportunities this time can offer.
Dear Lord,
We pray for young mothers, who give life and count toes
and tend to our every need;
may they be blessed with patience and tenderness to care for their families
and themselves with great joy.
We pray for our own mothers who have nurtured and cared for us;
may they continue to guide us in strong and gentle ways.
We remember mothers who are separated from their children
because of war, poverty or conflict;
may they feel the loving embrace of our God
who wipes away every tear.
We pray for women who are not mothers but still love and shape us
with motherly care and compassion.
We remember mothers, grandmothers, and great grandmothers
who are no longer with us but who live
forever etched in our memory, with love.
Amen.
Yours in partnership
Mr Anthony McElhone
Principal
Baby News!
Congratulations to the family of Leo in Year 2 on the arrival of a baby girl last week! We wish them endless joy and cherished moments as you embark on this beautiful journey together.
Parents & Friends (P&F) Association
Mr McElhone and the P&F Executive extend a warm invitation to all parents and carers to join our vibrant and supportive Parent & Friends Association. Your active involvement in the association plays a crucial role in shaping the positive and nurturing environment that defines our St Thomas Aquinas community.
Why participate in the Parent & Friends Association?
Community Building: The association provides a unique platform for parents/carers to come together, share experiences, and build lasting friendships. By actively participating, you contribute to a sense of unity that strengthens the bonds within our school community.
Supporting School Initiatives: Your involvement in the association directly impacts the success of various school initiatives, events, and projects. Whether it's participating in fundraisers, planning community events, or supporting school programs, your contributions make a significant difference.
Influence Positive Change: The association is a forum where your ideas and suggestions are not only heard but valued. By attending meetings, you have the opportunity to voice your opinions, share insights, and actively contribute to the continuous improvement of our school.
Why Attend Association Meetings Each Term?
Stay Informed: The association meetings are an invaluable source of information about upcoming school events, initiatives, and updates. By attending, you stay well-informed and connected with the school's happenings.
Collaborate with Educators: Meetings provide a platform for open dialogue between parents and the school staff. This collaborative environment fosters a deeper understanding of the school's vision, curriculum, and educational goals.
Make a Difference: Your active participation at association meetings allows you to play a direct role in shaping the direction of our school community. Your insights and suggestions contribute to decision-making processes that impact our children's educational experience.
Join us for our next association meeting of the year:
- Wednesday 22 May at 6:30pm in the FGC
The remaining meetings will be held on the following dates:
Wednesday - 31 July 2024
Wednesday - 23 October 2024
Tell Them From Me Survey
From the beginning of this week we will be inviting students, teachers and parents to provide feedback on their experience of our school using an online survey. The surveys are an important part of our whole school evaluation and planning process.
We would like to invite you to complete the Tell Them From Me (TTFM) Partners in Learning survey. As we value the role of parents and carers within our school community we would greatly appreciate your feedback. The information you provide will be used to maintain our commitment to working together in partnership to further improve student learning and wellbeing at St Thomas Aquinas.
The survey is anonymous and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. You are able to access the parent survey on your computer or mobile device by using the URL below:
www.tellthemfromme.com/stabowral
2024 School Calendar
The key date of events and celebrations for 2024 can be viewed in our online school calendar. The calendar can be viewed on our school website and via the newsletter.
Upcoming Events in May
- 10 May 8am Mother’s Day Prayer followed by breakfast - Will still go ahead if it is raining
-
- 2:30pm Whole School Assembly (Year 2 leading prayer)
- 14 May Kindergarten 2025 Interviews
- 17 May Year 6 Leadership Day in FGC
- 21 May Kindergarten 2025 Interviews
- 23-24 May EnviroMentors Incursion
- 24 May Whole School Assembly
- 31 May School Photos
Enrolments for Kindergarten 2025
We are still accepting enrolment applications for Kindergarten 2025. The enrolment form is now available online via our school website
Applications should be completed by as soon as possible as interviews are commencing this week.
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:
|
Date |
Staff Members |
Professional Learning |
|
8 May |
Mr McElhone |
Governance Training & Risk Management Training |
|
15 May |
Mr McElhone |
Clergy/Principal Meeting |
Sports News
Well done to Tommy C, Lachlan O & Hudson S who last Friday trialled for the MacKillop Rugby team. We were very proud of your efforts and congratulations to Tommy & Hudson who have now progressed to the next level and will take part in the MacKillop trials in Forbes on Sunday 30 June 2024.
Stage 3 Mass
Thank you to all the staff and students who were able to join us to celebrate Parish Mass last Sunday. Our Liturgy Group led us in song and our Stage 3 students were involved in various aspects of our Mass. It was a lovely way to celebrate as a parish community.
The Year of Prayer
In this Year of Prayer prior to the Jubilee in 2025, Pope Francis has asked us to pray the following Prayer:
Father in heaven,
May the faith you have given usin your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity enkindledin our hearts by the Holy Spirit,reawaken in us the blessed hopefor the coming of your Kingdom.
May your grace transform usinto tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos in the sure expectationof a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished, your glory will shine eternally.
May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed, be glory and praise for ever.
Amen
Please note down the following dates in your diary. We would love to celebrate these important events with you. Our Liturgy Group are looking forward to leading us in song.
Corpus Christi: Combined Mass with SMM Primary School and morning tea - Friday 14th June at 10am. All families welcome!
Confirmation: Saturday 6th July at 11am for any students who have made their First Holy Communion.
Stage 2 Mass: Sunday 8th September at 5pm. All families welcome!
Early and Stage 1 Mass: Sunday 3rd November at 5pm. All families welcome!
First Holy Communion: Sunday 24th November at 11am. For all students who have made their First Reconciliation.
Renee McFayden
Religious Education Co-ordinator
Parish News
Netball NSW Schools Cup
The Netball NSW Schools Cup has been postponed to a date TBA.
Upcoming events
| Date TBA | Netball NSW Schools Cup - Eridge Park |
| 28 May | Western Region Cross-Country Carnival |
| 21 June | STA Athletics Carnival - Eridge Park |
| 28 June |
CEDoW Netball Gala Day - entries still open via the link below |
| 30 June | Rugby MacKillop trials |
Jenn Worner
Sport Co-ordinator
Just a reminder that a link to our School Calendar can be found on the STA website, when viewing the newsletter, and on your Compass feed. |
Contacting staff
- 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 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.
Thank you for your understanding.
Providing consent and payment via Compass
If your child is attending an event and it requires payment / consent could you please complete the details via Compass as soon as possible. The staff have to follow up if the permission has not been completed. Thank you very much.
School Fees
If you would like to pay your school fees by instalments, could you please contact Shauna in the office so that an agreement can be made for the remainder of the year.
2nd hand Clothing Pool
The 2nd hand clothing pool is located adjacent to the school office. This year it is managed by the P & F Association and open at specific times TBA.
Canteen
If anyone would like to assist Jade on a volunteer basis, please contact her in the canteen. You will need to complete a Declaration at the school office or obtain a
Volunteer Working with Children Check (https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-for-a-working-with-children-check
| May | ||
| Wednesday | Date TBA | Netball NSW Southern Highlands Cup |
| Friday | 10 May |
|
| Friday | 24 May | Whole School Assembly 2:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 28 May |
|
| Friday | 31 May | School photos |
| June | ||
| Monday | 10 June | King's Birthday - public holiday |
| Wednesday | 12 June | Year 6 Canberra excursion |
| Friday | 14 June | Corpus Christi Mass with St Michael's Mittagong 9 am |
| Monday | 17 June | Year 4 Excursion - Chevalier College musical |
| Friday | 21 June | Athletics Carnival - Eridge Park Burradoo |
| Friday | 28 June |
|
| July | ||
| Friday | 5 July | Last day Term 2 |
| Monday | 22 July | First day Term 3 |
Tommy H from Kindergarten was our lucky winner of the movie tickets
at assembly in Week 11 last term.
Well done Tommy and we hope you enjoy your trip to the cinema.
Thank you to the P & F for the donation of the tickets.
Thank you to the parents who have offered to be class buddies this year:
- Kinder - Emily Healy & Tenille Tricca
- Year 1 - Lucy Pearson
- Year 2 - Laurel Holland
- Year 3 - Anna Smith
- 4 Blue - Magda Dixon
- 4 Gold - Tania Hunstone
- 5 Blue - Annabel Smith
- 5 Gold - Renee Roberts
- 6 Blue - Bridget Flocco
- 6 Gold - Lidia Georges
The winter competitions are starting now and we always need more players, in particular young girls to join in. So feel free to put in a school team, a team with your friends, or bring a friend along we can also put you into a team
