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Dear Parents and Caregivers
Welcome back to a new school term! I hope the Easter break brought your family moments of rest, joy, and spiritual renewal. It was a special blessing that Easter Sunday, the most sacred day of our Christian calendar, was celebrated during our holidays - reminding us of the hope and new life that comes through the resurrection of Jesus.
We now find ourselves in the Liturgical Season of Easter, a beautiful 50-day period that continues through to Pentecost. This is a time filled with joy and promise, when we recall the early Church's courage and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us that we, too, are called to be people of hope and witnesses to Christ’s love in our world.
As we return to our learning and growing together, I want to thank you for your ongoing support of our school and for the many expressions of kindness and understanding following the news I shared last week.
While this decision was not easy and came only after a great deal of prayer and discernment, I want to assure you it was made with the deepest respect and love for this school community. St Thomas Aquinas is a truly special place - rich in faith, full of heart and blessed with dedicated staff, wonderful students and supportive families. It has been an immense privilege to serve here as principal.
In making the decision to take up a new opportunity in Catholic education, I have been guided by a deep sense of vocation and the gentle promptings of the Holy Spirit. After much reflection, prayer, and discernment, I came to recognise that this new role presents a unique opportunity to serve another school community in a different Diocese. While it has been an incredibly difficult decision to leave a school as vibrant and faith-filled as St Thomas Aquinas, I believe I am being called to bring the experiences, learnings and blessings I have received here to a new setting, in service of the broader mission of Catholic education. I remain fully committed to leading our school with care, purpose, and gratitude throughout this term, ensuring a smooth and supportive transition for our students, staff and families.
Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong has now advertised the principal position, and it is anticipated that the new principal will be able to commence at the beginning of Term 3. I am confident that the school will continue to thrive under their leadership.
May this Easter season fill our hearts with renewed joy, and may the Holy Spirit guide us all in the weeks ahead.
Yours in partnership
Principal
Uniform - Transition to Winter Uniform
As we transition into the colder months, it is time for us to prepare for the shift from summer to winter uniform.
Beginning from the first Monday after Mother's Day (12 May), we will officially transition into our winter uniform.
With the fluctuating weather at this time of year we will implement a transition period from the start of Term 2 to allow students ample time to adjust to the change. During this period, students will have the flexibility to wear either their summer or winter uniform, depending on weather conditions and personal comfort.
We encourage parents and carers to support their children during this transition by ensuring they have the appropriate winter uniform items ready. Additionally, please take this opportunity to review the uniform guidelines outlined on our school website to ensure compliance with our uniform policy.
Morning Supervision - Reminder
Please note that staff supervision and our duty of care for students on the school site commences at 8:30am each school day. In line with this, the school gates on Bundaroo Street and Victoria Street, as well as the school office, will be opened at 8:30am each day. This is also in line with the operational hours of our office (8:30am-4:00pm).
We kindly ask that students are not dropped off or arrive at school before 8:30am, as there is no supervision provided prior to this time. Early arrivals pose a safety concern, and we appreciate your cooperation in supporting a safe and caring environment for all.
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 next association meeting of the year on Wednesday 7 May at 6:30pm. We will meet via Zoom. Details on how to access the Zoom will be sent out on the day.
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.
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.
- 21 July (first day of Term 3)
- 13 October (first day of Term 4)
- 18 December
- 19 December
Upcoming Events
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:
- 9 May 8:00am Mother’s Day Prayer & Breakfast
- 9 May 2:30pm Whole School Assembly (Prayer led by choir)
- 9 May 5:30-8:00pm P&F Disco in FGC
- 12 May Change to Winter Uniform
- 23 May 2:30pm Whole School Assembly (Prayer led by Year 3)
- 27 May Rotary Science & Engineering Day
- 27 May Diocesan Cross Country
- 29 May Year 5 Leadership Day
- 30 May Year 6 Canberra Excursion
- 5 June Four week Basketball Program commences
- 6 June Bully Bull Ring Incursion (K-6)
- 6 June 2:30pm Whole School Assembly (Prayer led by Confirmation students)
- 9 June King’s Birthday Public Holiday
- 20 June 10:00am Corpus Christi Feast Day Mass
- 20 June 2:30pm Whole School Assembly (Prayer led by Year 5)
- 26 June Primary West Region Netball Gala Day at Minto
- 27 June Jollybops Science Show (K-6)
- 27 June Semester 1 Reports sent home
- 30 June - 3 July Parent/Teacher Interviews
- 4 July Whole School Assembly (Prayer led by Year 6)
- 4 July Final day of Term 2
Sports News
Celebrating Success!
CEDoW Representative Sport
This week Gabbi K has been taking part in the NSWPSSA Tennis Championships in Bathurst. Yesterday she had a good day and won all her singles matches and 2 out of 3 doubles matches. Today may be tougher as she is playing other Sydney Districts. We will keep FB updated with her progress.
The CEDoW Netball Gala Day is being held on Thursday 26 June and you can nominate your child (Years 3 - 6) via this form
The STA Athletics Carnival is being held at Tudor House on Thursday 24 July 2025. Further details TBA.
The CEDoW Soccer Gala Day will be held on Friday 26 August at Picton Sports Ground. Further details TBA.
Term 2 Calendar
Remembering Pope Francis
Pope Francis died Monday, April 21 at 7:35 a.m. It was the day after Easter. He was 88 years old. The pope did not preside over most of his usual activities for Holy Week this year. He had recently spent weeks in the hospital with pneumonia and other health issues.
Pope Francis was elected as the Church’sleader in 2013 after the previous pope, Benedict XVI, resigned. Before his election as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Francis was known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina. When elected pope in 2013, Pope Francis led a more modern Church. Technology allowed millions of people to learn the news of his election. He asked the world to pray for him. He soon counted millions among his followers on social media websites. He was the first pope to take the name of Francis of Assisi.
He focused on how Christ works in our lives, and he cared for migrants and the poorest among us. He established the World Day for the Poor and washed the feet of prisoners in Rome on Holy Thursday celebrations until this year, when his health only allowed him to visit.
"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen".
Mother’s Day Breakfast and Prayer
Our choir will lead prayer at our Mother’s Day Breakfast at 8am and again at our school assembly at 2:30pm this Friday 9th May. All welcome!
Confirmation
The Sacrament of Confirmation will be held on Saturday 24th May at 11am. Please keep these children in your prayers. Our choir will lead the singing during the celebration.
Renee McFayden
Religious Education Co-ordinator
Parish News
Congratulations to our lucky winner of the movie tickets
at the last assembly.
We hope you enjoy your trip to the cinema with the family!
Thank you to the P & F who supply the tickets to our students.
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. |
Policies
Please find below a link to our Policies, Procedures & Forms that can also be found on the website:
https://stabdow.catholic.edu.au/parents/policies-procedures-forms/Attendance
Attendance
If your child is away for any reason, can you please enter the absence in Compass. Otherwise you will receive an automatic notification at 12 pm that day to justify the absence. Thank you.
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
If you would like to pay by instalments, please complete and return the form below to the email address on the form.
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 and will be open each Friday morning 8:45-10 am and each holiday period.
- 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:
P & F Committee 2025
| President | Erin Adams |
| Vice President | Carl Davey |
| Secretary | Polly Colgan |
| Treasurer | Justin Mulcahy |
- Wednesday 7 May via Zoom
Mr McElhone and the P&F Executive extend a warm invitation to all parents and carers to be part of the 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.
The next meeting will be held this evening Wednesday 7 May via Zoom. If you have any agenda items, could you please send them to stapandfsecretary@gmail.com by email no later than Wednesday morning.
A link to the Zoom will be shared via a text & Compass today.
Easter Raffle
Thank you to all who supported the Easter Raffle and contributed to the amount of $2,500 raised.
Student Disco
- Dinner 5.30pm Pizza Outside Served
- Disco Doors Open 6pm (all ages)
- 8pm Close
Uniform Shop
Cookbook
Chevalier College
For families with students currently in Year 5, now is the time to apply for enrolment at Chevalier for Year 7 2027.
Applications are due by 1 June 2025. With a healthy level of interest in this year group, we want to ensure our Catholic families are not missing out.
Mittagong Junior Disco
- Date : Saturday 31 May
- Times : 4pm to 6pm
- Venue: Mittagong RSL – Bessemer Street, Mittagong
- Cost : $5
- Ages : 0-14
- Please note: This is a CASH ONLY event.
- Alcohol free event.
All money raised goes back to the children in the Southern Highlands community. We hope to see you there .