Dear Parents and Caregivers,

In light of events over the last few years (e.g. COVID-19 pandemic, bush fires, floods), we could not be blamed for asking why tragedy is never far from our consciousness. The daily news is also often filled with instances of fear and distrust. When added to the personal tragedies in our own lives, who would blame us for asking “Where is God in this?”

In the Parable of the Fig Tree the message is that of not really knowing what is happening but trusting in God. We never know exactly what is happening for the fig tree underground or why it is not bearing fruit at that moment in time. Perhaps the tree has some type of fungus or disease in the soil. Then again, maybe there was growth occurring underground in the root system and this could not be seen. What we need to remember is that although it was not bearing fruit or flourishing at that moment in time, it was still alive. 

Often our lives can feel like this, we feel flat or question why things are happening in our lives, we also are not flourishing. At these times we need to be like the worker in the vineyard, in spite of the fact that we are flat out trying to get through every day, we need to find time to see the potential in every situation. Sr Hilda Scott (OSB) articulates this so well:

“God is the Gardener who trusts the process of growing;
trusts us, grasps what others do not, sees potential,
and gives us another chance - and there is no limit with God.
He sees what is lacking and is keen to provide it.
All he, and we, need is an openness in us to see it through”.
(Source: Trust Lenten Program: Catholic Diocese of Wollongong)

Yours in partnership

Mr Anthony McElhone
Principal

Morning Supervision

Morning supervision begins at 8:30am. We have a significant number of students arriving at school prior to 8:30am each day and subsequently they have to wait in the office. This causes significant disruption to the operation of our office. We respectfully request that students not arrive at school prior to 8:30am when playground supervision commences. Your support of this request is greatly appreciated.

2023 School Calendar

The key date of events and celebrations for 2023 can be viewed in our online school calendar. The calendar can be viewed on our school website and via the newsletter.

Key Dates

Easter Raffle

It’s time for us to start our Easter Raffle! We are asking if all children could please send in a donation of an Easter Egg for our Easter Raffle no later than Friday 24 March.

The tickets are 1 ticket = $2, 3 tickets = $5. The raffle will be drawn on Friday 31 March.  Tickets are currently being organised.

On Monday 27 March from 9 am we will be wrapping our Easter prizes. If you would like to help please let the office know.

Thank you.

Enrolments for Kindergarten 2024

Application forms are available for collection from the school office. When the application form has been fully completed it should be returned to the office with the required documentation by the end of Term 1.

Forms are also available online:  Enrolment Application

Staff Development Days

Following are the dates for the remaining staff development days this year. A reminder that children do not attend school on these days.

• Term 2 - Friday 26 May
• Term 3 - TBA
• Term 4 - Monday & Tuesday 18 & 19 December

Teacher Professional Learning

At St Thomas Aquinas the staff has an ongoing commitment to professional learning. The staff benefits from attending in-services, in curriculum areas, that assist them in providing quality learning opportunities for the students in their class. The following staff have or will attend professional learning:

PB4L Update

Rule Reminder

Week 8 - This week’s rule reminder for students focuses on the way that we all walk between our classrooms and the eating areas. Students are reminded that walking to eating areas is no different to other times when we move around the school and it is done by walking in two lines to ensure that we stay together and stay safe. Once we are at our eating areas, we choose where to sit and we remain there until the playground duty teachers dismiss each area.

Week 9 - This week’s rule reminder focuses on wearing the correct school uniform. At the moment we are all still wearing summer uniforms, which means that the boys’ shirts can be left hanging out. Students are reminded that their socks need to cover their ankles and their hair needs to be tied back if it reaches their shoulders. Simple jewellery, which includes a watch, necklace with a cross and simple sleepers or studs for pierced ears, are allowed. Nail polish and makeup are also not allowed and are best saved for special occasions on the weekends.

Sporting News

Mark Taylor Shield (MTS) Cricket Competition

Our MTS team has been drawn to play St Clare’s Narellan Vale in Round 1 of this knockout competition. The game took place today with a win to Narellan Vale 136 to 99 but the boys had a great day, learned new skills and showed excellent sportsmanship.  Thank you to Mr Schmidt and Mr Houlihan for coaching and to Paul Shirley for umpiring the game.

Western Region Swimming

On Wednesday, 1 March students from our school participated in the Western Region Swimming Carnival. There were many students that placed in the top four of their event and qualified for the Diocesan Swimming Trials (see below). What was most pleasing were the team results! In the overall point score competition for all schools we finished second. In the girls point score we placed second and third in the boys. We placed first in the small schools point score competition. All the students who participated in the carnival contributed to this success.

A special congratulations to the following students who placed in the age championship:

• Erin S - 3rd Girls Junior Age Champion
• Paige S -  3rd Girls 11 years Age Champion
• Rosemary D - 3rd Girls 12 years Age Champion
• Ryan K - 3rd Boys 11 years Age Champion

Diocesan Swimming Trials

Congratulations to the students who qualified for the Diocesan Swimming Trials that were held yesterday at Corrimal Swimming Pool.

• Erin S placed first in the 9 Girls 50m Freestyle and now holds the record for this event. What a great achievement!
• Autumn H placed first in the 10 girls 50m Freestyle
• Both Erin & Autmn will now be selected into the Wollongong team for the MacKillop trials on Thursday 30 March, 2023

Social Justice Committee 

Congratulations to The Social Justice Committee who have been organising fundraisers that our school community can engage in during Lent. Their first fundraiser will be held this Friday 17th March and is a GREEN MUFTI DAY. They have asked the students to come to school in green mufti and bring a gold coin to donate to project compassion.

Holy Week Liturgy

To commemorate the events of Holy Week, the whole school will participate in a liturgy on Thursday 6th April at 9:15 am in the FGC. All are welcome to join us. 

Youth Mass

Youth Masses are the first Sunday of each month, at 5pm at St Thomas Aquinas Church. If you are in Year 5 or 6 or older and would like to join in, our next Mass is Sunday 2nd April.

Children’s Liturgy

All children are welcome to join us for Children’s Liturgy at 9:30am Mass on a Sunday morning. It is lovely to see our children come together to talk about the Gospel and engage in an activity together.

Parish Bulletin

Religious Education Co-ordinator