Dear Parents and Caregivers

The well publicised NAPLAN assessments have recently taken place. The usefulness of NAPLAN (and its predecessor the Basic Skills Test) has long created debate regarding its usefulness to parents and schools. Some loathe the idea, others believe it is a key assessment tool that gives an accurate picture of a child’s achievement in literacy and numeracy. 

At St Thomas Aquinas we believe it provides the key stakeholders (students, parents and teachers) with a snapshot of a child’s learning in two key areas. NAPLAN data is only one piece of the learning puzzle. An over-emphasis on NAPLAN places unnecessary stress and pressure on children for a small educational gain. We cannot allow ourselves to fall into the trap of believing that a test score is a measure of our children’s intelligence and potential! In light of that we have a duty to ensure we set up children for success and therefore give them the opportunities to develop ‘test’ literacy skills, that is, how to navigate forms of assessments such as NAPLAN whilst applying their knowledge and skills.

A pre-eminent academic and author Ken Robinson espouses that children need to be given the opportunities at home and school to find their “element”.

Robinson suggests that a person’s element is the intersection between what they are good at and what they love. It’s finding that ‘thing’ where you will work hard and love every minute of it. It’s when you’re energised rather than drained by your work (or learning).

The end goal of education is to prepare children for employment so rather than obsessing about a test score, we should be thinking about schooling in terms of helping our children discover their ‘element’ - and how to pursue it. 

Rather than narrowing their world and their focus to a score, we should be opening them up to all the possibilities and opportunities we can.

Learning the basics is absolutely vital. Literacy and numeracy are incredibly important and foundational to a whole range of life paths. However, we still need to be encouraging our children to try new things, to play, to dream, to be allowed to fail and learn from that failure. 

Above all, we need to resist the notion that our teachers and our schools should be judged on a tiny part of the curriculum at a particular moment in time!

Also I ask you to keep the children who will soon celebrate their First Reconciliation in your prayers.  It is hoped that children and their families will continue to access this Sacrament of Healing over and over again as part of a life-long commitment to developing a relationship with our loving and merciful God, who longs to fill us with grace, healing and peace.

Yours in partnership

Mr Anthony McElhone

Principal

Uniform Reminder

As we progress through the academic year, we would like to take a moment to emphasise the significance of adhering to our school's uniform policy. The uniform policy is an integral part of our school community, contributing to a positive and focused learning environment. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring that your child follows these guidelines consistently.

The school uniform serves several important purposes:

• Fostering a Sense of Belonging: Uniforms create a sense of unity and equality among students, fostering a positive school culture where everyone feels included and part of a larger community.
• Promoting High Expectations: Wearing a uniform instills a sense of pride and responsibility, preparing students for future academic and professional endeavours. It helps cultivate a mindset of high expectations and respect for oneself and others.

We kindly request your support in ensuring that your child complies with the school's uniform policy. If there are any challenges or concerns regarding the uniform, please feel free to reach out to myself or Mrs Robinson. We are here to work together to find solutions that ensure your child's comfort while maintaining the integrity of our uniform guidelines.

Follow-up measures will be taken in the event of non-compliance with the uniform policy. These measures will include:

• Verbal Reminders: Teachers and staff will provide reminders to students who are not in compliance, encouraging them to adhere to the uniform guidelines.
• Parental Notification: If the issue persists, we will inform parents/carers about the non-compliance and seek your cooperation in rectifying the situation.
• Additional Support: We understand that certain circumstances may arise, and we are here to support families in need. If there are specific challenges preventing adherence to the uniform policy, please communicate with us so that we can explore possible solutions together.

Thank you for your understanding and collaboration in maintaining a positive and conducive learning environment for all students. Your support in this matter is greatly appreciated.

2024 School Calendar

The key date of events and celebrations for 2024 can be viewed in our online school calendar. The calendar can be viewed on our school website and via the newsletter.

Upcoming Events

• 21 March World Down Syndrome Day / Harmony Day - students can wear crazy socks with their uniform
• 22 March 2:15 pm Evacuation Drill
• 27 March Year 5 Leadership Program
• 28 March Holy Week Liturgy & Whole School Assembly
• 29 March Good Friday
• 31 March Easter Sunday
• 2 April
  • 9:15 am Easter Mass
  • 2:15 pm Raffle & Hat Parade
• 11 April K-6 Cross Country Carnival (at Chevalier College)
• 12 April 2:30pm 
  • Final day of Term 1
  • 1:30 pm BYO Lunch on the Lawn
  • 2:30 pm Whole School Assembly

Enrolments for Kindergarten 2025

We are now accepting enrolment applications for Kindergarten 2025.  The enrolment form is now available online via our school website
https://www.stabdow.catholic.edu.au/enrol/ 

Applications should be completed by the end of Term 1.

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
19 March	Mrs Connell, Mrs Weekes	New Syllabus (English & Mathematics) Professional Learning & Planning
21 March	Mrs McFayden, Mrs Menzies, Mrs Syrros	New Syllabus (English & Mathematics) Professional Learning & Planning
22 March	Mr Blake, Ms Worner	New Syllabus (English & Mathematics) Professional Learning & Planning
27 March	Mr McElhone, Mrs McFayden, Mrs Robinson	System-Wide Strategic Professional Learning

Sports News

• Cross-Country Carnival - will be held on Thursday 11 April at Chevalier College:
  • Children who are turning 11, 12 or 13 this year will be running a 3 kilometre course
  • All other students from Year 2 will be running a 2 kilometre course
  • The course will be modified for Kindergarten students
  • Buses have been arranged to transport the students to and from the event
  • The P & F will be conducting a cake stall
  • There will be a coffee van onsite
• Athletics Carnival - will be held on Friday 21 June at Eridge Park:
  • Further details will be provided next term

CEDoW Gala Days

Gala days are fun, round-robin style days designed primarily for student enjoyment of the sport, participation and for the promotion of exercise and a positive sporting experience.  Each year St Thomas Aquinas students from Years 3 - 6 participate in the following gala days - Netball Gala Day, Soccer Gala Day and Basketball Gala Day. 

• Netball Gala Day - this will be held next term on Friday 28 June at Minto Netball Courts:
  • If your child would like to take part, please complete the form
    CEDoW Netball Gala Day
  • You will need to arrange transport for your child to and from the gala day

MacKillop Trials

Congratulations to all our students who have made it through and will be trialling for a place in the MacKillop teams:

• Swimming (3 April):  Billy H, Autumn H, Ryan K, Thomas L, Erin S, Harrison Y
• Hockey (5 April):  Mihaan P
• Rugby League (10 May):  Tommy C
• Cricket (12 September):  Mihaan P

We are very proud of all your efforts!

Below is a diagram of the CEDoW sport pathways:

In preparation for the 2025 Jubilee Year 'Pilgrims of Hope', 2024 has been designated a Year of Prayer by Pope Francis.

There is a particular focus on the Our Father, and this presents us with a great opportunity to go back to the basics of prayer.

Our Father,

Holy Week Assembly & Prayer

On Holy Thursday 28th March, our assembly will commence at 2pm in the FGC.  As part of our prayer, all students will pray a part of the Holy Week story. We look forward to seeing you all there!

Please note down the following dates in your diary. We would love to celebrate these important events with you. Our Liturgy Group are looking forward to leading us in prayer.

Stage 3 Mass:   Sunday 5th May at 5pm- All families welcome

Confirmation:   Saturday 1st June at 11am for any students who have made their First Holy Communion.

Corpus Christi:  Combined Mass with SMM and morning tea- Friday 14th June at 10am. All families welcome! (NOTE: CHANGE OF DATE)

Stage 2 Mass:  Sunday 8th September at 5pm. All families welcome!

Early and Stage 1 Mass:  Sunday 3rd November at 5pm. All families welcome!

First Holy Communion:  Sunday 24th November at 11am. For all students who have made their First Reconciliation. 

Project Compassion

A big thank you for your generosity towards our Caritas Fundraisers this Lent. We have raised $380.  The Project Compassion boxes are still in classrooms and in the front office for any further donations. Our contributions will be forwarded at the end of Lent.

First Reconciliation

Our First Reconciliation candidates have been working hard to prepare for this special Sacrament. Please keep them  in your prayers as they make their First Reconciliation over the next couple of weeks. 

Confirmation

Any student that has made their First Holy Communion is encouraged to make their Confirmation on Saturday 1st June. Keep your eye out at Mass over the weekends, for further information. 

Renee McFayden

Religious Education Co-ordinator

Swimming

We wish good luck to all the students good luck who will be attending the MacKillop Swimming Trials at Homebush on 3 April:

Autumn H, Billy H, Ryan K, Thomas L,  Erin S & Harrison Y

Cricket

The STA team were successful in winning the first round of the Mark Taylor Shield Competition at Chevalier College.  It was a very close game but they eventually won the game against St Therese West Wollongong 111 to 101.  Congratulations boys.  We are still to be advised when the Round 2 game will take place.

Upcoming events

Year 2 have been learning about Easter and re-telling one of the stories:

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.