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Dear Parents and Caregivers
As we look forward to our upcoming G Day celebration, I am reminded of the profound impact that grandparents and other “great people” have in the lives of our students. G Day is a special time for us to honor and recognise the love, wisdom, and support that these cherished family members and mentors bring to our school community.
Reflecting on my own life, I am deeply grateful for the role my grandparents played in shaping who I am today. They provided me with guidance, unconditional love, and a sense of belonging that has stayed with me throughout my life. I remember long conversations with them, learning about faith, resilience, and kindness - lessons that have been invaluable to me.
Now, as a parent, I see the same joy and comfort in my own children’s relationship with their grandparents. My children are blessed to grow up with grandparents who inspire them with stories, encourage them in their challenges, and demonstrate the values we hold dear. Their bonds serve as a reminder that family connections bridge generations and offer a foundation of love, security, and strength.
On G Day, we gather to celebrate all the “great people” in the lives of our students - those who stand by them, encourage them, and show them the way. Whether they are with us in person or in spirit, their presence is a gift. We invite our school community to honour their special contributions and the lasting impact they have on each child.
Prayer for ‘Great’ People
Heavenly Father, we give thanks for the gift of grandparents
and all the great people who fill our lives with love and guidance.
We ask you to bless them with health, happiness, and joy.
For those who are no longer with us, we thank You for their love,
which continues to bless us. May their legacy live on in our hearts.
Through Christ, our Lord, we pray.
Amen.
We look forward to celebrating with you on G Day and making it a memorable occasion for all!
Yours in partnership
Principal
Diocesan Public Speaking Competition
We are so proud that Georgie Z (Year 5) will be representing our school at the Diocesan Public Speaking Final on Thursday, 7 November! Georgie’s hard work, courage, and dedication have brought her to this exciting stage, and we know she’ll do an amazing job. Good luck, Georgie!
eSafety Commission: Free Webinars for Parents and Carers
Supporting healthy technology use as your child transitions into high school.
This webinar explores the social pressures, peer influences, and technological challenges young people face as they transition into high school. It also offers practical strategies for navigating online friendships and connections to help minimise negative experiences.
It's suitable for parents and carers of children in upper primary school (ages 11 to 12) and Year 7.
- Thursday 28 November, 12.30pm AEDT
eSafety 101: How eSafety can help
- Wednesday 4 December, 12.30 pm AEDT
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
- 7 November Diocesan Public Speaking Competition Grand Final
- Year 2 Excursion
- 8 November 2:30pm Whole School Assembly (Kindergarten Prayer)
- 12 November ‘G’ Day Celebration
- 14 November 9:00-10:00am 2025 Kindergarten Playgroup (3 of 4)
- 19 November 9:00-10:00am 2025 Kindergarten Playgroup (4 of 4)
- SLSA Beach to Bush Program (K-6)
- 21 November Year 5 Leadership Program
- 22 November Dance Program commences
- 2:30pm Whole School Assembly (Year 4 Prayer)
- 24 November 11:00am First Holy Communion
- 27 November 5:30-7:00pm Christmas Concert & BBQ
- 29 November 9:30-11:00am 2025 Kindergarten Orientation
- Year 4 Excursion
- 9-11 December Year 6 Camp (Fitzroy Falls)
- 12 December 6:00pm P&F Christmas Drinks (date & time TBC)
- 16 December K-2 Movie Day @ Empire Cinema
- 2:00pm Move Up Monday (students move to 2025 classes)
- 6:00pm Year 6 Farewell Dinner
- 18 December - Last day for students
- 9:30-10:30am End of Year Thanksgiving Mass
- 11:45-1:00pm End of Year Assembly (FGC)
- 2:30pm Year 6 Guard of Honour
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 |
|
13 November |
Mrs McFayden |
Primary REC Meeting |
|
15 November |
Mr McElhone |
K-6 Mathematics Syllabus Implementation Day 2 |
|
20 November |
Mr McElhone |
Clergy and Principals' Meeting |
Staff Development Days - Terms 4
Term 4 - Thursday & Friday Week 10 (19/12 & 20/12)
The final day for students will be Wednesday, 18 December.
Early Stage 1/Stage 1 Mass
Thank you to our Liturgy Group who led us in song and to all the families that were able to join us. It was a beautiful celebration for both the students and parish.
G-Day
G-Day is fast approaching! We will celebrate all the great people in our lives, with Mass at 9:30, followed by morning tea and open classrooms. We look forward to this special day.
First Holy Communion
First Holy Communion will be on Sunday 24th November at 11am. Please keep these students in your prayers. All Welcome!
Christmas Concert and BBQ
This event will take place on Wednesday 27th November in the FGC. A BBQ will commence at 5pm, followed by the concert in the FGC. Students are very busy planning their item. Keep your eye on Compass and Dojo for costume announcements.
End of Year Thanksgiving Mass and Assembly
This event will take place on Wednesday 18th December at 9:30am-12 noon. All welcome!
Children’s Liturgy
A reminder that Children’s Liturgy is on Saturdays at 5pm. All Welcome!
Reminder:
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.
- 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
Athletics
Mark Taylor Shield Cricket Competition - Round 3
Wishing our cricket team the best of luck as they take on St Clare’s, Narellan Vale, in the Mark Taylor Shield on 8 November! We are proud of your teamwork, dedication, and school spirit. Play your best, support each other, and enjoy every moment on the field. Go St. Thomas Aquinas - bring home the win!
Catholic Development Fund Sport Awards
Jenn Worner
Sport Co-ordinator
Well done Henry H who was the winner of the movie tickets at the last assembly. We hope you enjoyed 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.
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:
| November | ||
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
|
2025 |
||
|
January |
31 January | Staff Development Day |
|
February |
||
|
Monday |
3 February | Staff Development Day |
|
Tuesday |
4 February | Students return - Term 1 |
|
Wednesday |
5 February | Kindergarten commence Term 1 |
