A number of students from Year 6 recently embarked on a significant milestone in their faith journey by receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Confirmation is a sacred sacrament in which our young individuals reaffirm their commitment to the Catholic faith. Through this sacrament, they receive the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, empowering them to live a life rooted in love, compassion, and service to others.

We pray that through receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, they are encouraged to continue nurturing their spiritual growth. We can use this as inspiration for our own spiritual growth and that of our children, for example:

• Prayer and Reflection: Spend time in prayer and reflection, fostering a deeper connection with God. Share your own experiences and insights with your children to inspire them on their faith-filled path.
• Open Dialogue: Engage in meaningful conversations about faith, values, and the role of the Holy Spirit in your lives. Create a safe space for your children to express their thoughts, doubts, and questions, and provide guidance based on the teachings of the Church.
• Active Participation: Through your own witness encourage your child to actively participate in the sacramental life of the Church. Regular attendance at Mass, involvement in youth groups, and participation in service projects can all contribute to their spiritual growth.
• Role Model: Be a living example of faith, demonstrating the values and teachings of the Church through your actions. Your child learns from observing your commitment to your own faith journey.

Finally, I would like to express my gratitude for your partnership in your child's faith formation. We acknowledge the time, effort, and sacrifices you have made to help them grow in their relationship with God. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide and bless your family abundantly as you continue your journey together.

Corpus Christi Feast Day Mass

Our school is part of the Corpus Christi Catholic Parish community and therefore the celebration of the Feast of Corpus Christi is an integral part of our liturgical calendar. On Thursday our school was joined by St Michael’s at Mittagong to celebrate Mass to acknowledge this important liturgical event.  It was followed by morning tea for students of both the schools. It was a wonderful celebration for our Parish.

NAPLAN Update - Changes to reporting NAPLAN results

From 2023, NAPLAN results will be reported against 4 proficiency standards rather than numerical bands as in previous years.

NAPLAN reports will contain 4 easy-to-understand proficiency standards:

• Exceeding

• Strong

• Developing

• Needs additional support.

The new reporting standards will provide parents, carers and teachers with simpler and clearer information about how students are performing.

Read more on the ACARA website.

This year there will also be a staggered release of communications this term to assist with:

• interpretation of school and student summary reports (SSSRs)

• communications to parents and carers regarding the new proficiency standards.

School-level results available late Term 2

Teachers will get access to school-level results towards the end of Term 2 in the school and student summary report (SSSR) and a new proficiency standards report.

Parent reports available early Term 3

Print copies of individual student reports (ISR) and additional student reports (ASR) are expected to be sent to schools for distribution to parents and carers early in Term 3.

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.

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 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:

Yours in partnership

On 21st May our year 6 classes travelled to Canberra. When we first got there we went to the War Memorial. While we were there we got to learn more about Australia's contribution to World War 1 and 2. We also got to see some things that were used in the wars, like a  boat that was from the Gallipoli Campaign in World War 1. It was really interesting to see the actual boats and aeroplanes that were used in the war.

After the war memorial we went to Parliament House because we were learning about how the Australian Parliament works. While we were there we saw and learnt some new things that we found interesting and surprising. One of the favourite things that we saw was question time in the House of Representatives. We were very lucky as we got to see the Prime Minister in person answering lots of questions. Question time was really interesting to see in real life, and a little bit funny, because at times they were arguing like little kids.

Another one of our favourite parts of  Canberra was when we did a roleplay of what the government does in the House of Representatives. We all sat where either the opposition sits or where the government sits. Some people were given jobs, like being the Speaker and the Prime Minister, and were given cards that would instruct us what to do. It was really fun to act like the people in the House Of Representatives because it gave us a chance to see what it is like to be them.

We are very lucky as the Federal Government gives a PACER Grant ** that supplemented the cost of part of our day. Overall it was an amazing day.

Written by Piper W and Meg D

Attention all parents! Vinnies in Mittagong, Bowral, and Moss Vale needs your help.

Vinnies is seeking volunteers in their retail stores to make a meaningful impact in our community. Join them today and be a part of something extraordinary! Please contact Philippe on 0404 786 187 or philippe.baier@vinnies.org.au
or join their team by scanning the QR code below.

Wingecarribee Library

The Charlotte Project