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Dear Parents and Caregivers
Later this year an exciting new initiative that we believe will have a significant positive impact on the wellbeing of all our students will be implemented.
The support of student's wellbeing is an integral part of our School Strategic Improvement Plan. This year we have been thoroughly investigating a range of programs and initiatives in this space and through this discernment process have decided on a Wellbeing Dog Program.
Research has shown that the presence of therapy dogs in schools can offer numerous benefits to students, particularly in terms of their emotional and mental health. These benefits include reduced anxiety, improved social interactions, increased motivation, and enhanced emotional regulation. A wellbeing dog can serve as a comforting presence for any student who may be struggling with stress, anxiety, or other challenges, providing them with a sense of calm and stability.
Moreover, this program aligns with our broader focus on fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for all our students. By incorporating a wellbeing dog into our daily routines, we can offer an additional layer of emotional support to students, particularly those who may benefit from non-verbal interactions and the unconditional positive regard that dogs naturally provide.
To implement this initiative will be partnering with Dogs Connect. This organisation has worked with schools across Australia to help introduce a wellbeing dog into the community. This support includes:
- Finding a suitable dog that will suit our school community.
- Developing policies, risk assessments and building protocol documents to meet international standards.
- Preparing our school community so that consistent expectations are set and met by everyone. This will include a parent workshop that will address any concerns in relation to this initiative (e.g., allergies, fear of dogs)
- Setting up our school and home space so that our wellbeing dog feels like it belongs.
- Training individuals in building authentic connections between members of the community and the wellbeing dog.
- Setting healthy and context-appropriate behavioural routines for our wellbeing dog and community.
- Teaching social and emotional management strategies with the wellbeing dog while keeping pedagogy in mind.
- Building confidence with the wellbeing dog and becoming creative by working as a team to meet our school community’s needs.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank the P&F Association for their generous support of this initiative. Without their support this program could not get off the ground.
Yours in partnership
Principal
Australia's Biggest Child Safety Lesson
On 3 September, our students will be participating in Australia's Biggest Child Safety Lesson, which is an annual event created by the Daniel Morcombe Foundation to teach children about protective behaviours and staying safe.
This year, the concept of consent will be explored through engaging, evidence-based, education videos to teach age-appropriate personal safety strategies in an empowering manner. Students in K-3 will participate in the Early Years lesson whilst Years 4-6 will participate in the Upper Years lesson. More information will be provided on the day of the lesson.
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 7:45am. 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
- 30 August 7:45am Father’s Day Prayer & Breakfast
2:30pm Whole School Assembly
- 6 September Zero Bullying Program (K-6)
- 9 September North Western Region Public Speaking Competition
- 11 September Excursion - Year 3 Hyde Park Barracks & Library
- 12 September Catholic Mission Launch at Wollongong
- 13 September Mark Taylor Shield - Round 2 Game vs Nazareth Shellharbour
2:30pm Whole School Assembly
- 16 September Excursion - Year 5 Minnamurra Rainforest
- 20 September CEDoW Primary Basketball Gala Day
- 26 September 1:00pm Super Skippers Performance
1:30pm Lunch on the Lawn (weather permitting)
2:30pm Whole School Assembly
- 27 September Staff Development Day
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 |
|
4 September |
Mr McElhone & Mrs McFayden |
New Syllabus (Maths) Implementation Professional Learning |
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)
First Holy Communion
First Holy Communion for any student that has made their Reconciliation will be on Sunday 24th November at 11am. Please keep your eye on the Parish Bulletin for further information.
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
Parish News
Athletics Carnival
Well done to the students who attended the CEDoW Athletics Trials @ Beaton Park last Tuesday:
|
Alexander, Hudson, Harrison, Tommy
|
Senior Relay |
| Tommy | 100 metre |
| Alexander | 200 metre |
| Hunter | Shot put |
Netball Cup
Congratulations to all the students who travelled to Nowra yesterday to take part in the Netball Cup. Well done and thank you to Ms Worner and parents who supervised the girls.
Soccer Gala Day
What perfect weather for the Soccer Gala Day at Picton today. All students who attended had a wonderful time playing sport in the sunshine.
Upcoming events
| 13 September |
Round - Mark Taylor Shield Cricket Competition |
| 20 September |
CEDoW Basketball Gala Day - Moss Vale (Junior & Senior) |
| 25 September |
MacKillop Athletics Trials |
| 17 October |
CEDoW Cricket Gala Day |
2025 Representative Sport
The nomination form for 2025 representative pathway selection trials will be available next week for you to nominate your child through the link provided. Some of these trials for 2025 teams commence in Term 4 2024, therefore it is important that nominations are completed this term.
Criteria for representative sport pathway nominations:
In general the representative sport pathway trials are for students who are;
- Skilled and talented players and will be in Year 5 & 6 in 2025
- Experienced in the given sport and may have some high level representative experience or playing at a high grade
- Competing at a high level, regular experience and a background in this high level of competition, with a strong skill based and understanding of the game
When the nominations are received, they will be reviewed and approved by the the STA staff Sport Committee and then reviewed by the CEDoW sports convenor and selection committee based on criteria (students must meet the criteria of the given sport to be eligible).
Jenn Worner
Sport Co-ordinator
Teddy G from Kinder was our lucky winner of the movie tickets
at the Week 4 assembly.
Well done Teddy 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 | ||
| 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
What a fabulous night the P & F provided on Sautrday 17 August with trivia, lights, fun and frivolity. They raised a total of approximately $15,400 for the class artworks and a further $3,000. This was an excellent result and well worth the hard work of the committee. Thank you very much to all concerned.
See details in the Principal's section of the newsletter regarding the funds raised.
Father's Day Stall
The Father's Day Stall will be held tomorrow Friday 30 August following the Father's Day Breakfast BBQ. The 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.
Christmas Fundraiser
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.
Catholic Women's League - Show & Tell
The Show & Tell event will be held in the CCSH Parish Hall, Bowral on Monday 23 September at 10:30 am.
Entry is $5
Come in and have a fun morning!
Please contact Robyn Miller on 0419 977 187 by 16 September.
Thank you.
NDIS - Info Hubs
Uniting has launched all-day Info Hubs in its Illawarra and Shoalhaven offices to ensure community members can easily access information about the NDIS and other resources. No bookings required! Potential NDIS participants will:
- Learn more about the NDIS and how to apply
- Understand your options if you do not meet NDIS eligibility criteria
- Discover how to use your NDIS plan to its full potential
- Speak with an industry expert about your NDIS or Disability-related questions
Here’s when and where to find the Info Hubs in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven:
- Where? 1/1 Burra Place, Shellharbour City Centre
- When? Every first Tuesday of the month
- What time? From 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
- Where? 35 Kenny Street, Wollongong
- When? Every third Wednesday of the month
- What time? From 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
- Where? Level 2b, 57 Graham Steet, Nowra
- When? Every second Tuesday of the month
- What time? From 9.00 am to 5.00 pm