Filter Content
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Last week I attended the biannual Principals and Clergy Meeting. This provided another opportunity to break open Bishop Brian Mascord’s seminal document Bearers of Christ Love. The main focus for the day was the role evangelisation plays in being bearers of Christ’s love.
At St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Primary School, our mission is deeply rooted in the teachings of Christ, and we believe in the importance of evangelisation as a core component of our educational philosophy.
Evangelisation is the act of spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ. It is about sharing the message of God’s love, peace, and salvation with others, not only through words but through our actions and way of life. As a Catholic school, we have a unique and important role in this mission.
We provide a comprehensive religious education curriculum that helps students understand and appreciate the Catholic faith. Through daily prayers, regular worship, and the immersion of our students in the rich traditions of our faith.
We instill in our students the values of compassion, kindness, and service to others. Through various social justice projects, our students learn to live out the Gospel message in tangible ways.
We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where every student feels valued and loved. By fostering a sense of belonging, we reflect the unconditional love of God to all members of our school community.
Our dedicated teachers and staff serve as role models of the Catholic faith. Through their words and actions, they demonstrate what it means to live a life grounded in Christ’s teachings.
We invite all parents and carers to actively participate in our evangelisation mission. Join us for school Masses, engage in our social justice projects, and encourage your children in their faith journeys. Together, we can continue to create a strong, faith-filled community that reflects the light of Christ.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in this vital mission and let us work together to nurture the faith of our children, empowering them to be witnesses of Christ’s love in the world.
Yours in partnership
Mr Anthony McElhone
Principal
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
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 tomorrow 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
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
- 23-24 May EnviroMentors Incursion
- 24 May 2:30pm Whole School Assembly
- 31 May School Photos
- 7 June 2:30pm Whole School Assembly
- 10 June King’s Birthday Public Holiday
- 12 June Year 6 Canberra Excursion
- 14 June Feast of Corpus Christi Mass (combined with St Michael’s Mittagong)
- 17 June Year 4 attending Chevalier College Musical
Dancesport Confidence Program (Years 5 & 6) commences
- 20 June 2:30pm Whole School Assembly (note changed to Thursday due to Athletics
- 21 June School Athletics Carnival at Eridge Park
- 28 June Western Region Netball Gala Day
Semester 1 Reports Distributed
- 1-5 July Parent/Teacher Interviews
- 5 July Jolly Bops Show (K-6)
2:30pm Whole School
Final Day of Term 2
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 |
|
22 May |
Mr McElhone |
Principal Network Meeting |
|
30 May |
Mrs Robinson, Mrs Weekes |
3-6 English Syllabus Professional Learning Day |
|
31 May |
Mrs Syrros, Mrs Menzies, |
3-6 Maths Syllabus Professional Learning Day |
|
7 June |
Mrs Robinson, Mrs Connell, |
3-6 English Syllabus Professional Learning Day |
Sports News
Celebrating Success!
Recently Mihaan (Year 6) and Henry W (Year 5) represented Southern Highlands Hockey at a tournament in Taree. They played exceptionally well, advancing to the finals. Although they didn’t win the championship, losing to Albury Wodonga, it was a fantastic effort by all. The team were awarded Finalist NSW Hockey medals.
Laudato Si' Week
This week is known as Laudato Si’ Week. This year the theme for Laudato Si’ Week is inspired by the symbol for the Season of Creation 2024. Let us be seeds of hope in our lives and our world, rooted in faith and love.
Each morning this week, our Year 6 Environment Committee students are leading us in prayer, to raise awareness for our environmental responsibilities and to inspire us all to reflect on the changes we have made and to commit ourselves to sustaining them. For we know that personal changes in our lifestyle become cultural changes. What changes can you take to make a difference in our world?
National Sorry Day & Reconciliation Week
National Sorry Day is next Sunday 26th May and begins Reconciliation Week from 27th May to 3rd June. Stage 2 are leading the school in prayer next Monday morning to recognise our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. All welcome!
Important dates
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
Year 3
The students created some wonderful artworks depicting the 'Road to Emmaus' story about Jesus appearing to two of his disciples after his Resurrection.
The students also produced a storyboard recounting the events.
Netball NSW Schools Cup
The Netball NSW Schools Cup has been postponed to a date TBA.
Upcoming events
| 28 May | Western Region Cross-Country Carnival |
| 6 June | Netball NSW Schools Cup - Eridge Park |
| 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 |
| 29 August |
CEDoW Soccer Gala Day - entries still open via the link below |
Tommy C recently travelled to Canberra to trial for the MacKillop Rugby League team. He was not successful on this occasion but made it through to the "probables" team. Well done Tommy!
Jenn Worner
Sport Co-ordinator
Isaac H from Year 5 was our lucky winner of the movie tickets
at assembly in Week 11 last term.
Well done Isaac and we hope you enjoy your trip to the cinema.
Thank you to the P & F for the donation of the tickets.
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. |
Providing consent and payment via Compass
There are a lot of sport events and excursion that are happening at this time. If your child is attending an event and it requires payment / consent could you please complete the details via Compass as soon as possible. This assists the staff who have to follow up if the permission has not been completed. Thank you very much.
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.
School Fees
Could you please ensure that your school fee payments are in order and up to date. Thank you.
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 abut open during school hours. Cash or card is accepted.
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 | 22 May` | P & F Meeting - FGC @ 6:30 pm - entry via Victoria Street |
| Friday | 24 May | Whole School Assembly 2:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 28 May |
|
| Friday | 31 May | School photos |
| June | ||
| Thursday | 6 June | Netball NSW Schools Cup |
| Friday | 7 June | Whole School Assembly 2:30 pm |
| 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 |
|
| Monday | 22 July | First day Term 3 |
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
Mittagong Junior Disco
Times: 4pm to 6pm
Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street,
Cost : $5 - CASH ONLY event
Ages : 0-14
Alcohol free event.
We have several gift vouchers to win on the night.
All money raised goes back to the children in the Southern Highlands community.
We hope to see you there.
School Crossing Program
The School Crossing Program is advertising for a casual school crossing supervisor for Wingecarribee LGA.
Please see links/information about roles below.
Internal Link – https://performancemanager10.successfactors.com/sf/jobreq?jobId=93858&company=TfNSW
External Link – https://jobs.transport.nsw.gov.au/job-invite/93858/