Dear Parents and Caregivers

At St Thomas Aquinas, we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and engaging learning environment through the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) framework. PB4L is a whole-school approach that supports students in understanding and meeting clear behavioural expectations across all areas of school life. By focusing on positive reinforcement and consistent teaching of expectations, we aim to enhance student wellbeing, maximise learning time, and create a supportive school community. In the following information, we highlight how PB4L benefits our students, staff, and families, and the important role everyone plays in making our school a positive and inclusive place to learn and grow.

What is PB4L?

PB4L is a whole-school approach to creating a positive, safe and supportive school climate in which all students can learn and grow. In schools where PB4L is the adopted framework for behaviour management, teachers, the leadership team and family members work together to teach and support behaviour expectations at school. PB4L is implemented to improve the learning and wellbeing of all students in all school settings. Every part of a school, including the playground, classrooms, hallways, the canteen, school gates and buses, are considered integral to the total learning environment.

We have clearly defined and displayed behavioural expectations throughout the school and positively acknowledge students for those behaviours. All staff know the behaviour expectations, and provide consistent positive feedback to students, and deliver consistent corrective feedback and consequences when expectations are not followed.

How does PB4L benefit our school?

Some of the benefits include:

• increased academic instructional time for students
• improved social climate of the school
• increased numbers of students who respond well to universal supports
• the support for students, teachers and families is matched to the intensity of their needs
• systems that support an instructional approach and consistent delivery of effective programs and practices are sustained over time.

Does PB4L have to be implemented the same way in all schools?

No. Each school ensures a contextual fit to meet the needs of their own school community. Implementing evidence-based practices are important, but “practice-based evidence” is just as critical. It is the actual practice of teaching in specific settings that most relevantly informs school processes. Successful implementation is therefore evaluated by the measurable outcomes defined by the school rather than by whether every safe and supportive school “looks” the same. It is true, however, that all PB4L schools implement key features of PB4L, such as clear expectations for behaviour that are explicitly taught for different school settings, consistent positive feedback and a continuum of strategies to respond to students who are not following the schools expectations and rules.

Does PB4L include the voices of students?

Yes. Students are empowered and participate in decision-making through active involvement in the school's leadership of PB4L. For example, students have input into developing and reviewing the school-wide expectations and how these are taught, determining reinforcements and delivering feedback. Students contribute to the development of a positive learning culture that enhances wellbeing. By participating in the development of their school’s expectations and how these are taught, students explore the values that lie behind diverse community attitudes.

Does the positive in PB4L mean we give out rewards?

The ‘positive’ refers to a change of focus from reactive, constantly pointing out what students did wrong (negatives), to proactive, teaching and recognising what students are doing right (positives). The focus is on teaching the students what we want them to do instead. It refers to an overall change in the school culture and climate to a quality learning environment where students and teachers feel appreciated, safe and respected.

Acknowledgement systems such as tokens, dojos and other rewards are used to assist or prompt staff to focus on the positive behaviours that they want to encourage. Providing instructional feedback to students about their learning (academic, behavioural and social-emotional) is critical to supporting student learning and wellbeing.

What does PB4L have to do with behaviour support and classroom management?

Effective classroom management combined with a proactive approach to behaviour support is essential for supporting student learning, engagement and wellbeing. PB4L is a teaching and learning approach that supports the development of skills needed by students to meet our high standards for respectful, safe and engaged behaviour. PB4L emphasises integrating classroom management and a whole-school approach to positive behaviour support. Effective academic instruction in a positive and safe school climate maximises learning, wellbeing and safety for all students.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to our PB4L Leader, Mrs Erin Cleary, or your child’s class teacher if you would like any further information about the PB4L framework.

Prayer for Pope Francis

Loving and Merciful God
We place Pope Francis into Your hands,
trusting in Your eternal care.
May he be comforted by the love of the Church and the prayers of all the faithful.
We ask, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that his recovery be swift, and his spirit be strengthened in Your peace.
May Your will be done in his life, O Lord,
and may Your healing power be with him always.
We offer this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Yours in partnership

Mr Anthony McElhone

Principal

Whole School Rewards System

*Every class K-6 will use Class DOJO.  *Individual and class DOJO’s will be given out to promote group ownership of behaviours and expectations. *All teachers, including Library & Music, have access to DOJO to add points.

Stepped Reward System

Award	DOJO Points	Reward
Silver Award	50	Silver Award to be given out by the class teacher in class.
Gold Award	100	Gold Award given out by the Principal at the Whole School Assembly.
Platinum  Award	300	Principal's Award given out by the Principal at the Whole School Assembly. Parents are notified via email of this so they can attend Assembly. Students will be Principal’s morning tea / afternoon tea .

Supporting a Safe and Respectful School Community

At St Thomas Aquinas, the safety and well-being of every student is our highest priority. We kindly remind all parents and carers that while students are on school grounds, they remain under our duty of care.

If your child shares a concern about something happening at school or, while onsite, you witness a child in distress, we ask that you do not contact other parents directly. Instead, please speak to the teacher on playground duty at the time, or if necessary, inform their classroom teacher. This ensures that any concerns are addressed appropriately and in line with our school processes.

By following this process, we can maintain a respectful and supportive school environment where matters are handled with care and professionalism. Thank you for your cooperation and for working with us to support the well-being of all our students.

Staff Development Days 

Following are the dates for the remaining staff development days for this year. Please note the student’s final day for the 2025 academic year is 17 December.

• 28 April (first day of Term 2)
• 29 April (second day of Term 2)
• 21 July (first day of Term 3)
• 13 October (first day of Term 4)
• 18 December
• 19 December

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.

Upcoming Events

• 27 February Western Region Swimming Carnival at Campbelltown

• 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

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

Celebrating Success! CEDoW Representative Sport

We are thrilled to share that Gabrijela K (Year 5)  has been selected for the MacKillop Tennis Team following last week’s trials! This is a fantastic achievement, and we are so proud of her hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship.

We wish Gabrijela all the best as she represents our school and competes at the next level. Well done!

Well done also to Henry W & Harry D who have been selected to trial for the MacKillop hockey team.

Trials for the MacKillop representative netball team will be held next week.  We wish all students who are attending the very best of luck.

Western Region Swimming Carnival

The 2025 Western Region Swimming Carnival was held today in Campbelltown. The team has been very successful and were awarded the 1st place Small Schools Trophy and 3rd Overall.  Well done to the team who swam so well today:

Oliver B, Olivia B, Harvey C, Charlize D, Billy H, Sara H, Douglas H, Autumn H, Tobias H, Thomas L, Mia O'C, Phoebe R, Lily S, Erin S, Angus W, Henry W, Mia Z

Congratulations to Billy H & Autumn who were awarded Age Champions, Erin who was Runner-up Age Champion and Tobias who was 3rd place Age Champion. 

We are very proud of you all!

Year of Jubilee 2025

This year the Catholic Church will celebrate a Jubilee Year, officially declared by Pope Francis with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope". This is a time of spiritual renewal, pilgrimage, and mercy, and it holds special significance for us as Catholic families in Australia. This Jubilee Year is a time for all of us to rediscover our true identity as God's children and grow together in faith with our families. Pope Francis has said the 2025 Jubilee is a time to “rekindle our hope,” not only for our children but also for

Ash Wednesday and Lent

Next Wednesday 5th March is Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of Lent. The children will begin their Lenten unit in the classroom and learn about this special season of the Church and the choices they can make in preparation for Easter. We will observe this day with a liturgy in the FGC at 2pm-All Welcome!

During Lent, we will raise money and awareness through Project Compassion. Our first fundraiser will be next Friday 7th March with a Mufti Day and gold coin donation!

First Reconciliation

We have students busily preparing for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Please keep them in your prayers.

Confirmation

Students in Year 6 who have made their First Communion are invited to make their Confirmation this year. The ceremony will be held on Saturday 24th May at 11am. Father Sean will invite these families to enrol. Keep your eye on the Parish Bulletin.

Renee McFayden

Religious Education Co-ordinator

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.