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Dear Parents and Caregivers
On Sunday the 25 July 2021, Pope Francis established the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. This year was celebrated on Sunday 28 July, the Sunday closest to the Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Grandparents of Jesus.
For the 2024 celebration, Pope Francis chose a line from Psalm 71--“Do not cast me off in my old age”--as the theme. The Vatican stated, “By cherishing the charisms of grandparents and the elderly, and the contribution they make to the life of the Church, the World Day seeks to support the efforts of every ecclesial community to forge bonds between the generations and to combat loneliness.”
Grandparents and the elderly offer us immense wisdom, time, and creativity, especially in times of difficulty and uncertainty. They are a divine gift, harnessing and strengthening our communities to flourish. Their presence is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for future generations.
Becoming a grandparent transforms one's understanding of grandparenting, enriching life in countless, wondrous ways. The joy of loving and being loved by such a vulnerable and precious soul, who embodies the essence of their parents, grandparents, and generations before them, is a profound blessing. This child, a unique gift to the world, grows before their eyes, reflecting parts of their grandparents and lineage.
As grandparents watch them grow, they are reminded that this child enters life with a divine purpose, a mission bestowed upon them by God. This realisation deepens their focus on the sacred responsibility God has entrusted to them.
Grandparents are called to support the child's parents and contribute to their spiritual formation. Their role is to nurture the child's spirit, guiding them with love and wisdom, and helping them fulfill their God-given purpose in this world.
In this journey, grandparents understand that grandparenting is not just about sharing love and joy but also about being spiritual guides, beacons of faith, and steadfast supporters of the child's spiritual and personal growth. By embracing this divine role, they can bless the child's path and help them grow into the person God has intended them to be, fulfilling their unique mission in His grand design for this world.
Through their wisdom and life experiences, grandparents provide invaluable lessons and serve as pillars of faith, nurturing the child's connection to their spiritual and faith heritage. This profound relationship not only enriches the grandchild's life but also strengthens the family's bond, rooted in shared values and faith.
As we remember this important day, let us reflect on our grandparents and the significant contributions they have made to our lives.
Their influence has brought us to this ‘place’, where we can live out our calling and purpose, truly experiencing ‘Life to the Full.'
Yours in partnership
Principal
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.
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
- 31 July 6:30pm P&F Meeting
- 1 August 2:30pm Whole School Assembly (Kindergarten Prayer)
- 2 August Staff Development Day
- 7 August 2:00pm Year 2 Visit to Bowral Library
- 9 August Western Region Zone Athletics Carnival
- 13 August 10:00am Year 3 Visit to Bowral Library
- 2:00pm 5G Visit to Bowral Library
- 14 August 11:45am Kindergarten Visit to Bowral Library
- 2:00pm 5B Visit to Bowral Library
- 15 August 11:45am 6B Visit to Bowral Library
- 2:00pm Year 1 Visit to Bowral Library
- 16 August 2:30pm Whole School Assembly
- 17 August P&F Trivia Night
- 21 August Book Week Parade & Fun Day
- 22 August 11:45am 6G Visit to Bowral Library
- 23 August Kindergarten & Year 1 Excursion - Symbio
- Year 5 Leadership Day
- 10:00am 4G Visit to Bowral Library
Book Week
This year's theme lends itself easily to all the magical characters and settings found in literature so the students will be encouraged to come dressed as any book character who they believe is ‘magical’. Mrs Preddey will discuss this with all students during their library lessons.
The Book Parade and Fun Day - Wednesday 21 August (Week 5). Parade order will be Year 4, 2, 1, K, 3, 5 & 6. The parade will commence at approximately 9:15am.
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 |
|
31 July |
Mrs Cleary, Mr McElhone, Mrs McFayden, Mrs Robinson |
Curriculum Implementation Collaborative |
|
7 August |
Mrs Cleary |
CSNSW PDHPE Symposium |
|
8 August |
Mrs Robinson |
Primary DLST Network Day |
|
9 August |
Mr McElhone |
Network 1 Principal Meeting |
Staff Development Days - Terms 3 & 4
- Term 3 - Friday Week 2 (2 August)
- Term 3 - Friday Week 10 (27 September)
- Term 4 - Monday Week 1 (14 October)
- Thursday & Friday Week 10 (19 & 20 December)
Confirmation
Congratulations to our students who made their Confirmation during the holidays. It was a great celebration. Thank you to the many Liturgy Group students who were able to attend and lead us in song.
Children’s Liturgy
All children are warmly invited to attend Children’s Liturgy each Sunday at our 9:30 am Mass. Please note the change of time this Sunday 4th August. Mass is at 10am, as we are celebrating 40 years since Father Sean was ordained.
Mary MacKillop Feast Day
Next Thursday 8th August is the feast of Mary of the Cross MacKillop, Australia’s first saint. We will attend a liturgy in the Church at 2:15pm. All welcome!
Religious Literacy Assessment
Next Monday, our Year 4 students will participate in an online Religious Literacy assessment. This assessment provides a sustained and systemic Diocesan approach to the documentation and reporting of students’ learning in the key learning area of Religious Education (RE) across the diocese and in particular, aspects of religious literacy. It is a means of celebrating and sharing the good news about students' learning in Religious Education and enables the story to be told on a continuing basis. Please keep our Year 4 students in your prayers.
Tulip Time Performance
Our Liturgy Group have been invited, once again this year, to perform at Tulip Time on Tuesday 24th September at 2pm. All welcome to attend and cheer on our performers!
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.
- 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.
- End of Year Thanksgiving Mass- Wednesday 18th December at 9:30am.
Renee McFayden
Religious Education Co-ordinator
Book Parade and Funday Day - Wednesday 21st August (Week 5)
This year's theme lends itself easily to all the magical characters and settings found in literature so the students are encouraged to come to school dressed as any book character who they believe is ‘magical’.
Athletics Carnival
What a great success the Athletics Carnival was yesterday! Thank you to everyone who was involved in the organisation day. A big thank you to Tudor House for allowing us to hold our carnival on their field and use their facilities.
A big thank you to the P & F for their purchase of the new marquees which housed the students in their House colours. They looked fantastic on the field!
Thank you also to the P & F for the sausage sizzle and for all parents who assisted with setting up and packing up at the end of the day. Your assistance was greatly appreciated.
The results will be available in a few days and students will be notified if they are progressing to the Western Region Carnival on Friday 9 August @ Campbelltown.
Upcoming events
| 7 August |
Southern Highlands Netball Cup - Eridge Park |
| 9 August |
CEDoW Western Region Athletics Carnival - Campbelltown Athletics Track |
| 29 August | |
| 20 September |
CEDoW Basketball Gala Day - Moss Vale |
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. |
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.
| July | ||
| Wednesday | 31 July | P & F Meeting - Venue TBA |
| August | ||
| Friday | 2 August | Pupil Free Day |
| Friday | 9 August | Western Region Athletics - Campbelltown |
| Mon - Fri | 12 - 16 August | ICAS English & Mathematics Assessments |
| Saturday | 17 August | P & F Trivia Night |
| Wednesday | 21 August | Book Parade & Fun Day |
| Friday | 23 August | Kinder & Year 1 Excursion - Symbio |
| Wednesday | 29 August | CEDoW Soccer Gala Day - Tahmoor |
| Friday | 31 August | Father's Day BBQ & Stall |
| September | ||
| Friday | 6 September | Zero Bullying Program (Kinder - Year 6) |
| Wednesday | 11 September | Year 3 Excursion - Hyde Park Barracks |
| Friday | 13 September | Mark Taylor Shield Cricket - Round 2 |
| Monday | 16 September | Year 5 Excursion - Minnamurra Rain Forest |
| Friday | 27 September |
|
| October | ||
| Monday | 14 October |
|
| Thursday | 17 October | CEDoW Cricket Gala Day |
| November | ||
| Wednesday | 6 November | Year 2 Excursion - Tramway Loftus |
| Thursday | 7 November | Grand Final - CEDoW Public Speaking Competition |
| Friday | 29 November | Kindergarten 2025 Orientation |
| December | ||
| Mon - Wed |
9-11 December |
Year 6 Camp - Fitzroy Falls |
| Friday | 13 December | Semester 2 Reports distributed via Compass |
| Monday | 16 December | Year 6 Dinner - Venue TBA |
| Wednesday | 18 December |
|
P & F Trivia Night - Get your tickets now!
The P & F have been working hard behind the scenes to make the Winter Wonderland Trivia Night a great success both socially & financially.
- $20 per person
- Tables of 10
- Decorate / theme your table
- Dress for comfort & warmth
- Loads of prizes
- Silent Auction - The students have created some excellent handmade artworks which will be up for auction
Let's get behind them! Why not book a table! Don't miss out!
https://Trybooking.com/CTEOR or scan the QR Code - see flyer attached.
Next meeting - tonight
The next P & F meeting will be held tonight Wednesday 31 July @ 6:30 pm in the Fr Glynn Centre. Entry via Victoria Street. All welcome.
