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Dear Parents and Caregivers
Image taken from: https://discover.rbcroyalbank.com/lest-we-forget-100-years-of-remembering/
Last weekend we commemorated Remembrance Day. It is essential to reflect on the significance of this day in light of our faith. It is more than just remembering those who have died in battle; it should also remind us of the hope of peace, forgiveness and reconciliation. However, as humans, we tend to forget the lessons we have learnt, a kind of collective amnesia, and this highlights the importance of days such as Remembrance Day and other stories retold, such as the horror of the Holocaust.
As Christians, we are regularly reminded of the greatest act of love demonstrated by Jesus and the cross. This act of love is a model for our Christ-like living through embodying Christ's self-giving and compassionate nature in our own lives. For Catholics, the Mass and Eucharist are weekly reminders of the greatest battle in human history. This battle was won through a complete surrender of self and love, and it is essential to remember this as we strive for peace and reconciliation in our lives.
Remembrance Day serves as a reminder that peace is possible, but it requires effort, vulnerability and compassion. We must work towards a world where conflicts can be resolved through authentic listening and understanding rather than violence. Let us remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and let us strive for a world where their sacrifice was not in vain.
How are we messengers of hope and peace?
"Hope is the wedding of two freedoms, human and divine, in the acceptance of a love that is at once a promise and the beginning of fulfilment." - THOMAS MERTON, "NO MAN IS AN ISLAND"
Learning Update - Focus on Writing
Focus on Writing
Throughout Semester 1 and ongoing, our staff have been involved in a book study of The Writing Revolution - a guide to advancing thinking through writing in all subjects and grades. What we are learning is guiding our approach to the way we teach writing consistently across the school.
Types of Sentences
Apart from learning about simple, compound and complex sentences, our students have also been learning about four key sentence types that can be used to add variety to their writing.
Exclamatory sentences are statements expressing a strong emotion, formed as complete sentences, and typically ending with an exclamation mark. Example: The ship is sinking! Example: I aced my test! |
Interrogative sentences are questions that end with a question mark. Example: Why are you sleepy? Example: Which movie should we see this afternoon? |
Imperative sentences convey a direct command, request, invitation, warning or instruction, typically directed to an implied person Example: Eat your dinner. Example: Please go to the post office on your way home. |
Stay tuned for more information in the next newsletter…..
Yours in partnership
Mr Anthony McElhone
Principal
Beginning of 2024
There will be two staff development days (30 January & 31 January) at the beginning of Term 1 in 2024. Students in Years 1-6 will start on Thursday, 1 February. Kindergarten will start on Wednesday, 7 February.
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.
Diocesan Public Speaking Grand Final - Good Luck Paige
We are thrilled to announce that one of our students, Paige S in Year 6, has reached the final round of the public speaking competition on 17 November! This remarkable achievement showcases not only her talent but also her dedication. As Paige prepares for the final round, we want to extend our heartfelt support and encouragement. She has already achieved so much just by reaching this stage, and we have full confidence in her ability to shine brightly in the competition. We wish her the best of luck in the final round. May your words inspire and resonate with everyone who listens.
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
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 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:
Date |
Staff Members |
Professional Learning |
14 November |
Mr McElhone, Mrs Robinson |
System Leaders Profesional Learning Day |
15 November |
Mrs Weekes |
New English 3-6 Syllabus Professional Learning |
Key Dates:
16 November |
Year 5 Leadership - Day 4 |
17 November |
|
26 November |
First Holy Communion |
28 November |
Kindergarten 2024 Orientation |
29 November |
5:00-7:00pm Christmas Concert & BBQ |
1 December |
Whole School Assembly |
2 December |
5:00pm End of Year Mass (Saturday) |
4-6 December |
Year 6 Camp |
5 December |
Year 3 - Frensham performance of "Addams Family" |
13 December |
|
15 December |
9:15 am End of Year Assembly |
Sporting News
Harrison McF (Yr 3) (Basketball), Kleo (Yr 5) and Gabbi (Yr 3) (Tennis) today trialled for the CEDoW Diocesan Trials. Well done and congratulations. Kleo & Gabbi have made it through to the next level.
Save the Date!
- Sunday 26th November: First Holy Communion at 11am
- Wednesday 29th November: Christmas Concert and BBQ 5-7pm
- Whole School and Parish Thanksgiving Mass- Saturday 2 December at 5pm
- Friday 15th December: End of Year Assembly and Awards at 9:15am
Early and Stage 1 Mass
What an amazing celebration we had! Thank you to all your families who came along to support our Early and Stage 1 students in a beautiful Parish Mass. Our students prayed a lovely Thanksgiving hymn with words and actions. Thank you also to the members of the Liturgy Group who also supported us through song.
G-Day
Our G-Day celebration began with Mass in the Church, led by our Liturgy Group and was a fabulous was to begin a day of celebration and thanks for all the “great” people in the lives of our families.




First Holy Communion Rehearsal
A reminder that the FHC rehearsal will take place after the 9:30 am Mass this Sunday 19th November.
First Holy Communion
Please keep the students celebrating this very special sacrament in your prayers as they make their First Holy Communion on Sunday 26th November at 11 am. All families are welcome to attend. Liturgy Group members are encouraged to join us if they can. Parents are welcome to drop off their children at 10:30 and collect them after mass at approximately 12:15pm.
Thanksgiving Mass
A warm invitation to all families to celebrate our end of year “Thanksgiving Mass” on Saturday 2nd December at 5 pm.
Renee McFayden
Religious Education Co-ordinator
Parish News
Just a reminder that a link to our School Calendar can be found on the STA website, when viewing the newsletter, and on your Compass feed. |
It would be appreciated if parents/carers could respond to emails, requests for action, consent for events etc. as soon as possible.
It is also helpful to advise if your child is not taking part in an event.
Thank you very much for your support.
Contacting staff
- If you need to email a staff member, could you please use the email address: info@stabdow.catholic.edu.au and your email will be directed to the relevant staff member for you.
- If you would like to make an appointment with a staff member (including the Principal and Assistant Principal) could you please contact the office to organise a convenient time.
Thank you for your understanding.
School Fees
All school fees need to be finalised by the beginning of December. If you are having difficulty with payment could you please contact Shauna in the office.
School fees for 2024 are in the process of being finalised by the CEDoW. The first account will issue at the end of January for payment by the end of February. If you have not previously paid by instalments and would like to do so, please complete a Payment by Instalment form.
November | ||
Friday | 17 November |
|
Tuesday | 21 November |
Surf Life Saving - Beach to Bush program visit |
Thursday | 22 November |
Kindergarten 2024 - Transition Playgroup 1:45 pm |
Friday | 24 November |
Dance program #4 |
Sunday | 26 November |
First Holy Communion |
Wednesday | 29 November |
Christmas Concert & BBQ: 5 - 7 pm |
December | ||
Friday | 1 December |
|
Saturday | 2 December |
Whole School End of Year Mass: 5 pm Bowral Church |
Mon - Wed | 4-6 December |
Year 6 Camp - Fitzroy Falls |
Tuesday | 5 December | Year 3 - Frensham play "Addams Family" |
Friday | 8 December | Semester 2 reports distributed via Compass |
Wednesday | 13 December |
|
Friday | 15 December |
|
January | ||
Tuesday | 30 January | Staff return - Term 1 2024 |
February | ||
Thursday | 1 February | Students return- Term 1 2024 |
Wednesday | 7 February | Kindergarten 2024 commence |
Grace Y from 4B was our lucky winner of the movie tickets
at the last assembly.
Well done Grace and enjoy your trip to the cinema with the family!
Public Performance: 7.30pm Friday 8 December 2023
$20 - Adult, $10 – Child under 12 years