Dear Parents and Caregivers,

This weekend we will celebrate Mother’s Day and I hope you will be able to celebrate the unique aspects of care, love, support and guidance that mothers provide. 

In our community I am conscious that, for some, this can be a day that is celebrated differently and will include grandmothers, aunties and close friends; and it might be a day of sadness as well. In my life there have been many other women who have cared for me alongside my mother. They include my grandmothers, my aunties and even my sister. As we celebrate the special gift that is our mother this weekend, my prayer for each family in our community is that we take great joy in the opportunities this time can offer.

Dear Lord,

We pray for young mothers, who give life and count toes and tend
to our every need; may they be blessed with patience and tenderness
to care for their families and themselves with great joy.

We pray for our own mothers who have nurtured and cared for us;
may they continue to guide us in strong and gentle ways.

We remember mothers who are separated from their children
because of war, poverty or conflict; may they feel the loving embrace
of our God who wipes away every tear.

We pray for women who are not mothers but still love and shape us
with motherly care and compassion.

We remember mothers, grandmothers, and great grandmothers who are no longer with us but who live forever etched in our memory, with love.

Amen. 

Yours in partnership

Mr Anthony McElhone

Principal

Anzac Day March

Thank you to the students and their families for joining our staff at the Bowral Anzac Day Service last week! We had a strong representation at this very important event.

Mother’s Day Breakfast & Reflection/Prayer

On Thursday, 11 May we are celebrating Mother’s Day with a prayer reflection followed by a light breakfast. Prayer will commence at 7:30am.

Winter Uniform

As we head into Term 2 students should make the change from Summer to Winter uniform. By the start of Week 4, Monday 15  May (after Mother’s Day) it is expected that all children will be wearing the correct Winter uniform.

Parent Contact Details

At all times, we ask that parents keep your contact details up to date.  Phone numbers and email addresses can be amended, by you, through the Compass portal.  Please advise the office, in writing/email, of any other change in details.

Change of Routine

Please remember to inform the office or your child's class teacher if there is going to be a change in routine. If a parent is running late please contact the school office. If you have organised for someone else to collect your child, please inform the office of this as soon as possible or write a note for your child's class teacher.

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.

PB4L Update

The Rule Reminder for Week 2 focuses on the changes to the afternoon dismissal procedure now that the modifications to Bundaroo Street have been made. The following points are being reinforced throughout the week:

• The lining up order of the bus lines and front gate pick-up line have changed;
• The front gate pick-up line, which is only for Kindergarten students or other students with a pre-school sibling, now waits inside the school fence at the front of the school until they are called by a teacher to go to their car;
• Even though our procedures have changed, the rules whilst on the buses haven't. Students always sit at the front of the bus and must remain seated until they reach their designated bus stop. This is to ensure the safety of all students.

Enrolments for Kindergarten 2024

Application forms are still 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.

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 - Monday 17 July
• 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:

Sporting News

Diocesan Cross Country 

Congratulations to the following students that have qualified for the Diocesan Cross Country in Nowra on Tuesday 23 May:

Ava Gr, Henley S, Stella D, Olivia D, Charlotte R, Allira H, Alice W, Cleme C, Emily P, Rosemary D, Millie D, Eliza M, Adam D, Samuel W, Harrison D, Isaac H, Heath P, Bailey M, Hudson S, Ryan K, Dam H, Salvatore D, Angus C, Antonio H.

MacKillop Hockey Trials

Wel done to Rosemary D and Flynn W who travelled to Canberra last Friday to participate in the MacKillop Hockey Trials.  

Children’s Liturgy

All children are welcome to join us for Children’s Liturgy at 9:30 am 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.

Stage 3 Mass

A big thanks to our Liturgy Group, Stage 3 students and other students and staff who were able to attend our Parish Mass last Sunday evening. It was lovely to celebrate together, despite the cold and wet weather conditions!

Confirmation

Confirmation will be celebrated in our church on Saturday 27th May at 11am. The candidates have made posters outlining the saint they have chosen. You will see these displayed in our church. Please keep these children in your prayers, as they prepare for this special sacrament. A reminder to these families that there is a rehearsal following 9:30 am Mass the Sunday prior on 21st May.

Stage 2 Mass

A reminder that our Stage 2 Mass will be held on Sunday 4th June at 5pm. We look forward to seeing you there!

Corpus Christi

Our combined Mass with St Michael’s to celebrate our Parish Feast for Corpus Christi will be held on Thursday 8th June in our Church at 9:30 am. All welcome!

Religious Education Co-ordinator