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Dear Parents and Caregivers
On 8 August we celebrated the Feast of Saint Mary MacKillop, and we paused again to consider her great legacy.
Mary is part of a trio who are very important to the Australian Catholic story: Mary MacKillop, St Joseph and Julian Tennison Woods.
These three people experienced the disturbing presence of God. All three heard God’s call - a disturbing voice in the night, an invitation to act with courage, a relentless voice for the poor, a choice to make a difference.
How did they hear it and how did they create the space in their life to be aware of God’s disturbing presence? What was it that enabled them to stop, to notice, to ponder? And once experienced, how did they become a godly presence that disturbed others?
Working and learning in Catholic education we are called to be people of hope and to realise the gift of our mission.
But how do we do that? How do we take the time to stop, to notice, to ponder and to respond to the disturbing presence of God in our lives? How do we hear the invitation to make a difference, the same invitation that inspired St Joseph, Julian Tennison Woods and Mary MacKillop?
Our Catholic Social Teachings can provide a clue to this - they urge us to always see God in others, to value the importance of connection, to cut the chains of privilege and to stand up for the dignity of others.
As Mary MacKillop said herself - “Let no obstacle deter us from proceeding with courage.”
It is helpful to realise that sometimes ‘God the disruptor’ doesn’t tap us gently on the shoulder or whisper in our ear... sometimes the disruption is like having the rug pulled right out from under us! However, such disruptions can lead us to joys we never anticipated and to fight important battles and achieve victories which we might have otherwise sidestepped.
So let us listen and respond to the disruptions with courage as Mary did. Let us realise that being a godly presence for others is not about following certain rules, engaging in certain rituals, or believing certain creeds…it’s about accepting God’s invitation to make a difference and to encourage those around us to do the same.
The official theme for St Mary MacKillop’s feast day this year was “Be Fierce for Fair” - encouraging us to walk in Mary’s disruptive footsteps by being:
Fierce in the face of adversity
Fair and proactive when we see injustice
Loving to those we encounter each day
Prayer
God of the prophets you gifted Mary MacKillop with vision and courage.
In her, we see one who was not afraid to speak fearlessly your gospel of love.
We pray for the sensitivity and imagination to read the signs of our times
and to articulate new possibilities for our own day.
Like Mary, may we learn to confront all that is oppressive and unjust,
and empower others towards true freedom and integrity.
Spirit of wisdom, be with us as we face new horizons.
Amen.
Yours in partnership
Principal
Father’s Day Breakfast & Reflection/Prayer
On Friday, 30 August we are celebrating Father’s Day with a short prayer reflection followed by a light breakfast. Prayer will commence at 7:45 am. Please note that breakfast will not be served until after the prayer reflection has concluded.
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
-
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
- 26 August Author Visit - Rachel Spratt (Years 4-6)
- 28 August NSW Netball Cup at Nowra
- Book Week Performance (K-3)
- Book Week Performance (K-3)
- 29 August Western Region Soccer Gala Day
- 30 August 8am Father’s Day Prayer & Breakfast
- 2:30pm Whole School Assembly
- 2:30pm Whole School Assembly
- 6 September Zero Bullying Program (K-6)
- 8 September (Sunday) Stage 2 Mass 5 pm
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 |
|
16 August |
Mrs McFayden |
Primary REC Meeting |
|
22-23 August |
Mr McElhone |
Principal’s Retreat |
Staff Development Days - Terms 3 & 4
- Term 3 - Friday Week 10 (27 September)
- Term 4 - Monday Week 1 (14 October)
- Thursday & Friday Week 10 (19 & 20 December)
Staff Spirituality Day
On Friday 2nd August our staff attended a Spirituality day lead by members of the CLEM (Catholic Life, Education and Mission) Team from the Catholic Education Office. This spiritual formation experience explored the place of purpose in personal and professional domains, how this is informed by Scripture and our Catholic tradition and how we are integral to bringing the Mission and Vision of the school community to life.
We also focussed on the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart (OLSH) charism and St Thomas Aquinas writings that inform our purpose. It was the beginning of many more conversations and we look forward to sharing these with our community as they develop.
Social Outreach
Our Year 4 students have been visiting our local Harbison Village and connecting with many of the residents. They have engaged in singing some old Aussie songs and some reader’s theatre. A huge thank you to the Year 4 parents who have kindly driven our students to and from Harbison. It is wonderful that our STA family is able to connect with our wider community.
Children’s Liturgy
All children are warmly invited to attend Children’s Liturgy each Sunday at our 9:30 am Mass.
Tulip Time Performance
Our Liturgy Group have been invited, once again this year, to perform at Tulip Time on Tuesday 24th September at 2pm. Kinder, Year 1 & 2 students are also performing. All welcome to attend and cheer on our performers!.
Stage 2 Mass
All our students are warmly invited to celebrate Mass with us on Sunday 8th September at 5pm. Our Liturgy Group will lead us in song and our Stage 2 students will have a number of roles within the Mass. We look forward to celebrating with you.
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.
- Father's Day Prayer - Friday 30 August 7:45 am in FGC
- 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
We had a group of 32 students travel to the CEDoW Western Region Carnival last Friday. The students showed great sportsmanship and were excellent competitors in their chosen events. Their achievements were recognised when STA was awarded the Small School Champions. Well done to all involved. Thank you to Mrs McFayden & Mrs Grosvenor for their supervision of the students and management of the various events.
Upcoming events
| 20 August |
CEDoW Athletics Trials @ Beaton Park |
| 28 August |
South Coast Schools Netball Cup - Nowra |
| 29 August | |
| 20 September |
CEDoW Basketball Gala Day - Moss Vale |
| 17 October |
CEDoW Cricket Gala Day |
Jenn Worner
Sport Co-ordinator
Lucas H from Year 4 was our lucky winner of the movie tickets
at the Week 2 assembly.
Well done Lucas 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.
| August | ||
| 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 | 28 August | Bookweek Visiting Performance |
| Thursday | 29 August | CEDoW Soccer Gala Day - Picton (note venue change) |
| Friday | 30 August | Father's Day BBQ & Stall (starts with prayer 7:45 am) |
| September | ||
| Friday | 6 September | Zero Bullying Program (Kinder - Year 6) |
| Sunday | 8 September | Stage 2 Mass - 5pm |
| 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 |
| Tuesday | 24 September | Tulip Time Performance (Liturgy Group) - 2 pm |
| Friday | 27 September |
|
| October | ||
| Monday | 14 October |
|
| Thursday | 17 October | CEDoW Cricket Gala Day |
| November | ||
| Sunday | 3 November | Early Stage 1 & Stage 1 Mass - 5 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 November | Year 2 Excursion - Tramway Loftus |
| Thursday | 7 November | Grand Final - CEDoW Public Speaking Competition |
| Sunday | 24 November | First Holy Communion - 11 am |
| 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 |
|
| Wednesday | 18 December |
|
P & F Trivia Night
The P & F have been working hard behind the scenes to make the Winter Wonderland Trivia Night a great success both socially & financially this Saturday night.
The class artworks look amazing! See below in class order. If you are unable to attend the trivia night but would like to place a bid please use the Absentee Bidding Form
Father's Day Stall
The Father's Day Stall will be held on Friday 30 August following the Father's Day Breakfast BBQ. Parents will not be required to send in gifts for the stall as gifts have been pre-purchased by the P & F. The students will have an opportunity to select a $10 gift for the special man in their life at the stall.
Next meeting - Term 4
The next P & F meeting will be held tonight Wednesday 23 October @ 6:30 pm in the Fr Glynn Centre. Entry via Victoria Street. All welcome.
