On 11 November 1918 at 11am, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare – the end of the Great War. Since then, this day has been important as a day for all Australians including our Indigenous brothers and sisters to remember those who fought and died for our country in war and armed conflicts.

On 11 November each year we gather to remember those who have been wounded or have died in wars. There have been many brave men and women who served their country in time of war. We honour them and acknowledge them for the gift of their lives, the ultimate sacrifice. They died to preserve peace and democracy for us.

 We remember those who stood for love and truth,

And thank you for the sacrifice they made for me and you.

Thank you that we can now enjoy peace and learn to love not fight,

Thank you that we can now sing and play, and not be scared or hide.

We pray for other countries where children live in fear,

And there is war and fighting and many are in tears.

Please help to make things better, and bring some peace to them.

Protect all those who try and help to make friends again.

Amen. 
 

I had great pleasure in attending Confirmation last week. Although it was very different this year they were still very lovely celebrations, and in a way, I thought more special because of the smaller group sizes. Students were very responsive and well prepared. Thank you to Father Sean, parents, Mrs Johnson and Miss Abotomey for all of your preparation. Congratulations to all those Confirmed! Please keep in your prayers the students who are now preparing for the Sacrament of First Communion.

We have been given some new directives that commence shortly with regard to a further easing of COVID restrictions. As of next week we will be able to have whole school assemblies for awards. Unfortunately, parents are still not able to attend. This is at least a step forward even though it is a relatively small one.

Next week we look forward to welcoming our Kindergarten students for 2021 as they join us for an orientation morning. I am sure they will have a fun time and won't be able to wait to come to school.

Kayleen Petzer

A Message from Father Sean

Dear Parishioners,

Congratulations to the candidates who were Confirmed last week.  In three ceremonies, smaller and more subdued because of the COVID-19 restrictions, the candidates were prepared by their parents.  Thank you to all who helped prepare and present the children.

We are now preparing the children for First Holy Communion, which will be held at 11.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. on 22 November, 2020.

Communication with our parishioners remains our number one priority.  In the next couple of weeks we will re-introduce a slim-lined bulletin which will be distributed as you leave Mass.

As mentioned, a new planned giving programme will commence on 1 January, 2021.  If you would like to join, please contact the Parish Office.  A more convenient way to contribute -  is contributing through direct debit.  Forms are available at the back of the Church.

I would like to ask for your feedback regarding Mass times for Christmas.  We will (probably) be still living under space limitations, so I would like to know what times are going to be most convenient for you to attend.  Please let me know or contact Kate at the Parish Office.

With God’s blessings,

Fr Sean

Remembrance Day ~ 11 November 

We will not forget you.

We prayed for all who had suffered the effects of war and will remember them every time we serve others  and give generously.

Catholic Missions

Next Monday, to raise funds for Catholic Missions, the children will be able to come to school dressed in neat, casual clothes for a gold coin donation.

The children are also able to purchase a delicious cupcake for morning tea.  If your child would like to order a cupcake, could you please complete the form Cupcakes and send the $3 to school. 

Orders will need to be received by tomorrow.

Vinnies Christmas 2020

It’s that time again when we assist the volunteers at Vinnies to share the joy of Christmas with those vulnerable in our LOCAL community. Vinnies are very grateful to all our families and staff who have always been very generous supporting the Christmas Appeal. 

EACH CLASS HAS BEEN GIVEN A FAMLY TO ADOPT.

As you would have seen from the previous note, there are very few children on the lists  but many adults who need a hand.

Think about if it were your Gran or Pop… What would they like to receive?

The sad part of this is that there are many grandparents who are alone or raising their grandchildren. They need our help.

Talk with your children about their Adopted Family.

Baskets will be in each classroom for donations.

NAIDOC Week 2020

The theme for 2020 is:

which recognises that First Nations people have occupied and cared for this continent for over 65,000 years.

The students recognised this with various liturgies throughout the week.

At STA we have three very important school rules:

Over the next 2 weeks our rule reminders will be about SAFE Food and Hygiene Habits.

At St Thomas Aquinas school we have the responsibility to practise safe food and hygiene habits. When we are practising safe food and hygiene habits we are keeping ourselves and others safe in our school environment.

This is especially important so we can stop germs spreading, stay healthy and keep our school tidy.

Stay safe and sit down when you are eating.  
Stay sitting if you have not finished by the end of eating bell.

Only eat the food that is in your lunch box or that you buy
from the canteen with your own money.

Always wash your hands before eating.

P & F Fundraiser

Every Child is an Artist - Pablo Picasso

The P & F have organised an art-based fundraiser where the children provide an artwork to make their own professionally printed Christmas cards.  The artwork will be completed at school on specially provided paper and the cost is $14 for a pack of 8 cards .

Orders need to be completed no later than tomorrow 13 November 2020.

Beach to Bush Program

During Week 7 we have organised for Surf Lifesaving NSW to present to Years 3, 4 & 5 a one hour presentation which focuses on beach and water safety. Students will learn about general beach safety, sun safety, rips and waves, sea creatures, basic first aid, rescues and getting help from a lifeguard. They will be presented with an award certificate to recognise their acquired learning outcomes after successfully participating in the program. 

Upcoming events:

Students presenting at sick bay

This is located adjacent to the school office and we sell hats, bags, beanies, gloves and scarves.  EFTPOS is available for new stock.

The P & F 2nd hand Uniform Shop is open 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.

Don't forget you can also catch us on our Facebook page.