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Dear Parents and Caregivers
It was with great excitement that I welcomed your children back to the new school year! It is hoped that they experienced a restful break from the routines of school and they are ready to discover that Learning is an Adventure.
As we embark on this journey together, it is my privilege to extend a warm welcome to our returning families and extend heartfelt greetings to those joining the St Thomas Aquinas community for the first time.
Year 3 - Oliver B
Our school is not just a place of learning; it is a family where values, faith, and academic excellence come together to nurture the growth of each child. As we open our doors to a brand new school year, I am filled with excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to continue working alongside our dedicated teachers, staff, and supportive parents.
This year promises to be one filled with exciting opportunities, personal growth, and, most importantly, a deepening of our spiritual and educational journey. Together, as partners in your child's education, we will strive to foster an environment that encourages curiosity, kindness, and a strong sense of community.
I encourage you to actively participate in the various school activities, events, and parent-teacher collaborations that we have planned throughout the year. Your involvement is not only welcomed but crucial to the success of our students and the overall vibrancy of our school community.
May this school year be filled with inspiration, laughter, and countless moments of learning and discovery. Let us approach each day with the spirit of unity, understanding, and a commitment to the values that make our St Thomas Aquinas family so special.
I look forward to a fantastic year ahead and witnessing the growth and achievements of each and every student.
God bless you all, and welcome back!
Yours in partnership
Principal
Volunteers in CEDoW Schools
The Catholic Education Office (CEDoW) has introduced a new onboarding system for volunteers and contractors supporting our school. If you are interested in volunteering in any capacity, we encourage you to complete the new process in advance. This will ensure you are ready to help whenever needed! For more information or to begin the onboarding process, please refer to the instructions below. Thank you for your willingness to contribute to our school community!
- Scan the QR code or use this website - https://apps.dow.catholic.edu.au/vms/onboarding/new
- Complete the brief onboarding process
- Once you have been cleared you will receive an email with your digital token.
Updated Medical Plans
Please note that if your child has a healthcare plan (medical plan) e.g. Asthma, Anaphylaxis, Allergy, Emergency Medical these need to be updated annually. If you have an updated healthcare plan, can you please send a copy in to school so we can update our records as soon as possible. If your child requires medication at school e.g. Ventolin, you will automatically receive a notification via Compass when it has reached its expiry date.
Parents & Friends (P&F) Association
Mr McElhone and the P&F Executive extend a warm invitation to all parents and carers to join our vibrant and supportive Parent & Friends Association. Your active involvement in the association plays a crucial role in shaping the positive and nurturing environment that defines our St Thomas Aquinas community.
Why participate in the Parent & Friends Association?
Community Building: The association provides a unique platform for parents/carers to come together, share experiences, and build lasting friendships. By actively participating, you contribute to a sense of unity that strengthens the bonds within our school community.
Supporting School Initiatives: Your involvement in the association directly impacts the success of various school initiatives, events, and projects. Whether it's participating in fundraisers, planning community events, or supporting school programs, your contributions make a significant difference.
Influence Positive Change: The association is a forum where your ideas and suggestions are not only heard but valued. By attending meetings, you have the opportunity to voice your opinions, share insights, and actively contribute to the continuous improvement of our school.
Why Attend Association Meetings Each Term?
Stay Informed: The association meetings are an invaluable source of information about upcoming school events, initiatives, and updates. By attending, you stay well-informed and connected with the school's happenings.
Collaborate with Educators: Meetings provide a platform for open dialogue between parents and the school staff. This collaborative environment fosters a deeper understanding of the school's vision, curriculum, and educational goals.
Make a Difference: Your active participation at association meetings allows you to play a direct role in shaping the direction of our school community. Your insights and suggestions contribute to decision-making processes that impact our children's educational experience.
Join us for our first association meeting of the year on Wednesday 19 February at 7pm in the FGC (which also includes the AGM). The remaining meetings will be held on the following dates:
Wednesday - 7 May 2025
Wednesday - 30 July 2025
Wednesday - 29 October 2025
2025 School Calendar
The key date of events and celebrations for 2025 can be viewed in our online school calendar. The calendar can be viewed on our school website (https://www.stabdow.catholic.edu.au/news-and-events/ and via the newsletter.
Upcoming Events
- 14 February 2:30pm Whole School Assembly - Prayer led by Year 6
- 17-21 February Meet the Teacher Interviews
- 19 February 7:00pm P&F Meeting
- 21 February 11:45 am Opening School Mass
- 27 February Western Region Swimming Carnival
- 28 February 2:30pm Whole School Assembly - Prayer led by Year 5
- 5 March 2:00pm Ash Wednesday Liturgy in FGC
- 7 March Project Compassion Fundraiser - Mufti Day
- 12 March NAPLAN - Writing (Years 3 & 5)
- 13 March NAPLAN - Reading & Conventions of Language (Years 3 & 5)
- 13 March Year 6 Leadership Program
- 14 March NAPLAN - Numeracy (Years 3 & 5)
- 14 March 2:30pm Whole School Assembly - Prayer led by K-2
- 21 March World Down Syndrome Awareness Day / Harmony Day
- 27 March Year 5 Leadership Program
- 28 March School Photos
- 28 March 2:30pm Whole School Assembly - Prayer led by Year 4
- 4 April School Cross Country Carnival at Chevalier College
- 11 April 9:00-10:00 Holy Week Liturgy in FGC (tbc)
- 11 April 1:30pm Lunch on the Lawn (weather permitting)
- 11 April 2:30pm Whole School Assembly
2025 Staffing Overview
|
Parish Staff |
|
|
Parish Priest |
Fr Sean Cullen |
|
Parish Administration Officer |
Mrs Elizabeth Martinovic |
|
School Leadership Team |
|
|
Principal |
Mr Anthony McElhone |
|
Assistant Principal |
Mrs Joanne Robinson |
|
Religious Education Coordinator |
Mrs Renee McFayden |
|
Middle Leader 2 |
Mrs Erin Cleary |
|
Middle Leader 1 |
Mrs Virginia Preddey |
|
Sports Coordinator |
Ms Jenn Worner |
|
School Office |
|
|
Senior School Support Officer |
Mrs Shauna Monkrud |
|
School Support Officer |
Mrs Claire Merchant |
|
Class Teachers |
|
|
Kindergarten |
Mrs Erin Cleary / Mrs Annette Syrros (Thursdays) |
|
Year 1 |
Mrs Kirsten Young |
|
Year 2 |
Mrs Vicki Johnson |
|
Year 3 |
Mr Matthew Messina |
|
Year 4 |
Mrs Renee McFayden / Mrs Annaliese Cuppit (Thursdays) |
|
Year 5B |
Mrs Sonia Weekes / Mrs Annaliese Cuppit (Fridays) |
|
Year 5G |
Mr Mark Blake |
|
Year 6B |
Mrs Vicki Menzies |
|
Year 6G |
Ms Jenn Worner |
|
Specialist Teachers |
|
|
Music |
Ms Melissa Reyder |
|
Digital Technologies/Library |
Mrs Virginia Preddey (Monday-Wednesday) |
|
Diverse Learning Needs |
Mrs Anmarie Moroney (Monday-Wednesday) |
|
School Support Officers |
|
|
Kindergarten |
Mrs Rachel Millward (Monday-Wednesday) Mrs Stephanie Grosvenor (Thursday-Friday) |
|
Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2) |
Mrs Kim Hagan, Mrs Kamala Lee (Monday-Wednesday), Mrs Rachel Millward (Thursday/Friday) |
|
Stage 2 (Years 3 & 4) |
Mrs Kim Hagan |
|
Stage 3 (Years 5 & 6) |
Mrs Sharon Roberts, Mrs Marianne Nicholls, Mrs Philippa Matthews, Mrs Teresa Flynn |
Uniform Expectations
St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish Primary School (STA) supports the wearing of a school uniform which reinforces in students a pride in their own appearance, instills recognition of themselves as an integral part of the STA community and promotes a sense of belonging for students. Therefore we expect all students to comply with our Uniform Policy. Our Uniform Policy and expectations can be access at https://www.stabdow.catholic.edu.au/parents/uniform/
Anaphylaxis Awareness
Some children in our school suffer the life threatening condition of anaphylaxis . Essentially anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction which is caused as a result of an intolerance to nut or peanut-based food products. As well as this we do have a number of children in the school who suffer anaphylactic reactions when exposed to peanuts, eggs, seafood and sesame seeds. In order to respond to this situation and provide safe, fair and responsible procedures for all in the school community we have taken advice from the Anaphylaxis Association and our own Diocesan Workplace Safety Officers. We specifically request that parents/carers must not send in peanut or nut based products as part of their child’s lunch. If anyone has any concerns over this, please do not hesitate to speak with Mr McElhone.
Notifying Parents/Carers in Emergencies
In the case of an emergency and/or critical incident parents/carers will be notified via Compass alert and/or text message. Please ensure your contact details (i.e., mobile number and email address) are up to date. If any details have changed please contact the office at your earliest convenience.
Enrolments for Kindergarten 2026
We are now accepting enrolment applications for Kindergarten 2026. The enrolment form is now available online via our school website https://www.stabdow.catholic.edu.au/enrol/
Applications should be completed by the end of Term 1.
Sports News
Representative Sport
Representative sport at St Thomas Aquinas is an important extra-curricular activity. Engagement in these events are designed to build school spirit and pride, acknowledge skills of children in these areas and to enhance the sense of ‘community’ in the school.
Children in Years 3-6 will have the opportunity to participate in a range of team sports throughout the year that are organised and run by Catholic Education - Diocese of Wollongong and other sporting organisations. The sports may include:
- Soccer
- Rugby League
- Netball
- Touch Football
- Oztag
- Basketball
- Cricket
When selecting teams to represent St Thomas Aquinas, all of the following is considered equally:
- Skills and abilities in the selected sport
- Experience in the selected sport (i.e. participates in a team outside of school)
- Number of sports the student has represented the school in the current year
- Suitability to represent the school in a safe, respectful and responsible manner
- Parental support
Term 1 Calendar
Beginning of the School Year Mass
Mass will be celebrated next Friday at 11:45 am in the church. Children are to wear their full school uniform (and bring joggers if it is their sport day.)
All welcome to join us.
Renee McFayden
Religious Education Co-ordinator
Parish News
Swimming Carnival
What a fabulous day we had at the swimming carnival yesterday. A big thank you to all the parent helpers who assisted with timekeeping, lifeguarding, transporting gear to and from, erecting the marquees etc. The children must have had a great day - they are all a little tired today!
Thank you as well to the staff who organised the event and worked hard to get the children to their event to ensure they enjoyed the day.
The students who made it through to the Western Region Carnival on 27 February will be notified next week.
More photos will be available on our Facebook page.
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. |
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
Please see below school fees 2025 and information relating to the Resource Fee.
If you would like to pay by instalments, please complete and return the form below.
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.
- 2nd hand items = $4 (note price rise)
- New hats, bags, gloves, scarves
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:
Term 1 meeting
Cookbook
