On the 13th February 2008, the Australian Federal Labor Government made an apology to the Stolen Generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. It was a moment of solidarity and empathy that could be shared by everybody who heard it.

National Apology Day is a day to remember and pray for the children who were taken away from their families and homes. This apology was a step on the path to reconciliation. It is a commitment to right the wrongs of past injustices and is about building a bridge of respect between all people.

Creator God, Creator Spirit, God of the Dreaming, empower us to

honour the history of this Great South Land.

Help us to remember the story of those who have gone before us and to

ensure the future is one of peace, reconciliation and harmony for all who

walk this land.

Healing God, reunite your people everywhere. Heal the deep

wounds of the past and move your people forward shaping a reconciled

future.

We ask this in the name of Jesus our light and our hope.

Amen.

SHIPS Sporting Events

The three Catholic primary schools in the Southern Highlands will no longer be participating in the annual SHIPS sporting events (swimming, cross country, athletics) effective from the beginning of this year.

This decision was reached after consultation with our Diocesan Catholic Education Office. Our Diocese provides many more sporting opportunities than they used to in previous years and we need to support them so that they continue. Therefore, our Diocesan sporting schedule and participation obligations require precedence. We appreciate the Independent schools in the area allowing us to be involved over the years.

Reminders

This week you all have or will receive a special invitation to join us for the beginning school Mass on Sunday night. It would be lovely if as many families as possible can attend so please give some thought to attending this school / Parish event.

Next week you have the opportunity to meet with your children’s teachers. This is a chance for you to inform the teacher of anything you think they should know about. If you haven’t already made an appointment could you please do so as soon as possible. If you are having issues with Compass bookings please call the office so that you can be assisted.

The first assembly for the year will be next Friday in the Father Glynn Centre @ 2.15 pm.

School Zone Safety

Below is a reminder about rules around school safety zones that has been issued by council. Please be aware that there are some new lines that have been painted on the road in the drop off zone to mark the driveway, please don’t park in front of the driveway. Please remember that children from Kindergarten to Year 2 are the only children to be collected from that area of an afternoon and that you must stay with your car. There is a growing number of parents who collect their children in the afternoon and are crossing the road in dangerous places. It is important that you are good role models for the children with regards to road safety so can you please use the pedestrian crossing.

A meeting of the fundraising committee will take place at 1:15 pm on Friday 6th March, just before the assembly for anyone who would like to attend. The purpose of this meeting is to brainstorm ideas for fundraising throughout the year, nominate a person for each grade that will coordinate one of the events with their grade helpers, and to ensure that we have a treasurer and someone for communications. If you are unable to make the meeting, but would like to be a grade representative or have ideas for fundraising please let us know.

We warmly welcome you to the Beginning of the School Year Mass this Sunday (16 February) in the St Thomas Aquinas church at 6 pm.

• School uniform to be worn
• Year 6 will be presented to the Parish
• New students (including Kindergarten) will be welcomed to the STA community

We hope you can join with us as we celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2020.

"G Day" (for all our great, grand & good people) will be held on Thursday 5 March commencing with Mass @ 9.30 am.  This will be followed by a picnic morning tea (BYO) in the playground and then open classrooms.

Catholic Schools Week is a special time in the year when we celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our Catholic schools. It is a time to give thanks for the wonderful teaching and learning that takes place each day in every classroom.

We acknowledge and thank all who work in the service of Catholic education to

create the opportunities for students that allow them to grow and thrive.

 We thank you for

the wisdom and understanding of teachers the enthusiasm and energy of students

the leadership of school Principals and executive staff

the skill, care and commitment of administrative and support staff

the guidance of our pastors and religious leaders

the support and partnership of parents, carers and local communities.

 We pray that each student’s learning journey be inspired by a search for your wisdom and truth.

 We pray that we never take for granted the learning opportunities that

we have all been given, and that we use the gifts of learning wisely

and responsibly.

 We ask that we use what we have learnt to create a better world for all

people, particularly the most vulnerable and disadvantaged.

 We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and

reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

 Amen.

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.