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Dear Parents and Caregivers
As Term 3 draws to a close, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the many blessings we have experienced over the past few months and express my heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful school community.
This term has been filled with growth, learning, and the deepening of our faith. From classroom achievements to the success of our sporting teams, the creativity shown in our art and music programs, and the enthusiastic participation in our school liturgies, it has been a joy to witness the dedication and spirit of our students and staff.
There have been many highlights this term including an author visit, anti-bullying workshops, Book Week Performance (K-2), K-6 Bowral Town Library Visits, Public Speaking Competition, Gymnastics Program, NSW Netball Cup South Coast Regional Finals Day, Regional & Diocese Athletics, Mark Taylor Shield cricket competition, Western Region Football (Soccer) Gala Day, Year 5 Leadership Day, Father's Day Prayer & BBQ, excursions and liturgies, where our students had the opportunity to live out our Catholic values through service, compassion, and kindness. These moments are a true reflection of our mission as a Catholic school – to nurture not only academic excellence but also the spiritual and moral development of every child in our care.
I would also like to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of our teachers and staff. Their passion for teaching and their support for each student's learning journey is what makes St Thomas Aquinas such a special place. As we prepare for the opportunities of Term 4, I know they will continue to guide and inspire our students with the same energy and dedication.
A sincere thank you to our parents and carers for your continued support, especially through the challenges that Term 3 has presented. Your partnership is invaluable, and together, we help shape a positive and nurturing environment for our children.
As we approach the school holidays, I wish everyone a restful and rejuvenating break. May this time be an opportunity for families to reconnect, recharge, and prepare for the final term of the year. May God’s blessings be with each of you during this time of rest and renewal.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to the life and mission of our school. I look forward to all that Term 4 will bring, as we continue our journey of faith, learning, and community together.
Yours in partnership
Principal
Medication
Please note that the only medication students are to carry on them at school is an asthma puffer (if required) for students in Years 3 - 6. All other medication is to be brought into the office. However the form below needs to be completed for all medication brought to school:
- Medication prescribed by a medical practitioner (the form needs to be completed by a parent/carer and medication needs to be sent in original packaging)
- Over the Counter medication (the form needs to be completed by a parent/carer and stamped and signed by a Medical Practitioner)
The form can be downloaded here:
Change into Summer Uniform
The students are able to transition to summer uniform after Father’s Day. During the transition period the students can elect to wear either the summer or winter uniform, but not a combination of both. The transitional arrangements apply until the start of Term 4. Please ensure that your child complies with all aspects of our school uniform policy.
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
- 14 October Staff Development Day
- 15 October First day of Term 4 for students
- 23 October 6:30pm P&F Meeting
- 25 October Mission Market Stall Day
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)
The final day for students will be Wednesday, 18 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
Commencing next term, Children’s Liturgy will be on Saturdays at 5pm. We look forward to seeing you from Saturday 19th October.
Tulip Time Performance
Our Liturgy Group performed this week at Tulip Time along with our Kindergarten, Year 1 and 2 students. Their performance was upbeat and inspirational. Thank you to all the parents, carers and grandparents who came to support us.
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.
- Mission Day Liturgy and Stalls - Friday 25th October 9-11am
- Early and Stage 1 Mass- Sunday 3rd November at 5pm. All families welcome!
- G-Day- Tuesday 12th November commencing with Mass at 9:30am, followed by morning tea and open classroom. Celebrating all the great people in our lives- All Welcome!
- First Holy Communion - Sunday 24th November at 11am. For all students who have made their First Reconciliation.
- Christmas Concert and BBQ- Wednesday 27th November 5-7pm- All Welcome!
- End of Year Thanksgiving Mass - Wednesday 18th December at 9:30am
Renee McFayden
Religious Education Co-ordinator
Parish News
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Alexander, Hudson, Harrison, Tommy
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Senior Relay | 2nd in finals |
| Tommy | 100 metre | 4th in finals (PB) |
| Alexander | 200 metre | 5th |
| Hunter | Shot put | 5th |
2025 Representative Sport
Opportunities exist within our school for students in Yr 5 and Yr 6 to access the representative sporting pathways. Students are invited to attend trials for positions in Wollongong diocese representative teams for the following summer and winter sports: AFL, Basketball, Tennis, Cricket, Touch, Softball, Football (soccer) Rugby League, Rugby Union, Hockey and Netball. These trials are held annually and link to the MacKillop selection trials.
Any student wishing to trial for a pathway sport needs to nominate and register for these events using
These nominations will be advertised to the students of the current Yr 4 and Yr 5 through the Sport Coordinator and via the school newsletter. Nominations after the due date unfortunately can not be accepted.
The Diocese of Wollongong Pathway Sport trials are aimed at students that have adequate experience and training in the given sport. Representative experience is preferential. These trials are not for students wishing to give a new sport a go. There are many other sporting opportunities available for students to participate in new sports such as the Gala Days.
Each Sport available has a set criteria for the nominees.
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
Some sports such as netball and soccer are extremely popular, therefore proof of representative experience is needed to nominate for these trials. All nominations will then be reviewed by the Sport Coordinator and the School Principal before being sent to the event convenors. Nominations are then reviewed and finalised by the event convenors, who will inform the school Sport Coordinator of the successful and unsuccessful nominations. Successful nominees will be provided with the details of the Wollongong team trials. Students must meet the criteria of the given sport to be eligible.
Please refer to the flowchart below for further details on the nomination and trial process.
Jenn Worner
Sport Co-ordinator
Thomas T from Year 2 was our lucky winner of the movie tickets
at the Week 8 assembly.
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.
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.
| September | ||
| Friday | 27 September |
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| October | ||
| Monday | 14 October |
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| Tuesday | 15 October |
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| Friday | 25 October | Mission Day Liturgy & Market Stalls 9 - 11 am |
| 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 |
| Tuesday | 12 November | G-Day |
| Sunday | 24 November | First Holy Communion - 11 am |
| Wednesday | 27 November | Christmas Concert & BBQ 5-7 pm |
| Friday | 29 November |
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| December | ||
| Mon - Wed |
9-11 December |
Year 6 Camp - Fitzroy Falls |
| Friday | 13 December | Semester 2 Reports distributed via Compass |
| Monday | 16 December |
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| Wednesday | 18 December |
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2025 |
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January |
31 January | Staff Development Day |
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February |
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Monday |
3 February | Staff Development Day |
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Tuesday |
4 February | Students return - Term 1 |
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Wednesday |
5 February | Kindergarten commence Term 1 |
