Last week we celebrated the feast of Mary’s Assumption into heaven. She was a model disciple open to God’s grace. The feast celebrates the special place that Mary has in the life of the Church. This place is defined by her being chosen to be the mother of Jesus. Because of her assumption Mary can be called queen of heaven and earth. Mary’s greatness was not just in being chosen to be Jesus’ mother but also in her total acceptance of that responsibility in faith and trust, accepting blindly all that it might entail. She had no idea the price she would have to pay to be the mother of Jesus. She was assumed into heaven because of the privilege she enjoyed as the Mother of God and the fact that she was totally sinless. This was her reward from God.
 
This Sunday’s Gospel tells us that entry into Heaven is not automatic. It requires cooperation and perseverance on our part. The Gospel tells us that there should be the willingness to enter through the narrow gate. The narrow door is symbolic of the hardships of life for those who follow Jesus. It is symbolic of accepting poverty, being of a charitable heart, forgiving others, being patient, etc. It is symbolic of not being ashamed of Jesus, of going forward and proudly speaking of His salvation.
 
If we follow Jesus’ example of being humble and serving others we will have the best chance of success. What really counts is how we treat other people and accept them. There is not a single person, not a single nation, race, or class, that is excluded from experiencing the love and liberation that God offers.
 
Congratulations to our students who attended the athletics trials yesterday, especially those that move on to represent our Diocese. Thank you to the parents who have also given up time to transport their children to the events.
 
Next Friday we have our Father’s day breakfast and stall.  Thank you to the parents who are making sure that the students have great gifts they can buy for their Fathers. We are still in need of helpers for the breakfast if you are able to spare some time that morning.

Kayleen Petzer
Acting Principal

MESSAGE OF THANKS FROM MRS LANE

Dear Parents, Caregivers & Students

Thank you all so much for the overwhelming support I have received through the messages, prayers, masses, letters, cards & very generous gifts. I am so touched by every kindness & to know that you are praying for me means such a lot. It is all helping as I have recovered very well from surgery and now have a period of ongoing treatment. I am very positive and am being extremely well cared for, plus the messages from the STA community help so much in cheering me up.

 A huge thank you to the Parent group who provided the most amazing pampering basket that absolutely spoilt me with every treat possible. This very generous gift from the families of STA means so much & I feel very indulged!

I would like to personally thank Kayleen Petzer & Jo Robinson for taking care of St Thomas Aquinas in my absence. I know you are in exceptional hands and the school will benefit greatly from their expertise and caring support of the community. I thank you for welcoming them & for the smooth transition at the beginning of the term.

 As I now undertake treatment, I ask that you continue the prayers & I hope that I am back to full health very soon.

With a very grateful heart & warm regards,
Mary-Lynn Lane

CHILDREN'S LITURGY

ALTAR SERVERS

IMPORTANT DATES

YEAR 6 ACTIVATE FIRE A Great Experience!

YEAR 6 students from Picton, Mittagong, Bowral and Moss Vale participated in an Immersive Spiritual Experience based on the Year 6 unit Confirmation:

Celebrating the Gift of the Holy Spirit

The day was facilitated by Catholic Youth Mission Team with the support of the Youth Ministry Leaders (YMLs - year 10/11 students from Magdalene College) ACTIVATE fire is a programme offered to students in Grade 6 who attend a Wollongong Diocesan systemic primary schools. The programme  is inclusive of all students regardless of their intention to receive the sacrament of Confirmation.

Many thanks to the team of parent volunteers who ran the BBQ, Tania Calla-Hunstone, Annamarie Blight, Alison McDonagh, Jo McMahon & Luciana de Michiel, with special thanks to Jade Billington who baked delicious cupcakes for all who attended.  Thanks also to the supportive staff of STA who helped prepare the day, Mrs  Broad, Mrs Hagan and Mrs Norman.

If you require further information regarding any of the above,
please contact the school office.

Students presenting at sick bay

This is located adjacent to the school office and we sell hats, bags, beanies, gloves and scarves.  At present we are out of stock of beanies but hope to have these shortly. EFTPOS is available for new stock.

The P & F 2nd hand Uniform Shop is open 2.30pm - 3pm each Monday for the sale of items @ $2 per item. The money raised from these sales will be donated to St Vincent de Paul at the end of the year. 

for 2nd hand items.  Donations gratefully accepted.

Consent for use of your child's work/image

If you have not completed this form, could you please do so and return as soon as possible, thank you.

The canteen is open Wednesday, Thursday & Friday (breakfast [8.30 - 9], recess & lunch) and the menu is attached.  

Just a reminder that we do our best to be a nut-free school and appreciate that you don't send any nut products to school with your child.