Dear Families,

It would be easy to focus on the challenges this term has presented as there have been many, but this term, we have also had much to celebrate. We have seen a return to sports carnivals and gala days; families have been able to attend liturgies and attend Sacraments without restrictions to numbers; parents are allowed into the school grounds; we celebrated a belated STA day; our oval has been re-turfed, irrigation installed and trees have been planted; our youngest students were able to move into our beautiful new ELC building; we were finally able to install the shade and rain cover at the pick-up and drop-off area; we have showcased the amazing teaching happening here at the school to two separate delegations of Catholic Education senior  staff members from the Archdiocese of Tasmania, including the Executive Director; a few good news stories about St Thomas Aquinas appeared in the Canberra Times; and students continued to learn. This could not have happened without the collaboration of everyone in our community. So, this is a big shout out to our dedicated staff, our amazing students and also a big thank you for your support throughout this term.

Yesterday we had our second visit from the Executive Director of Catholic Education Tasmania along with CE Tasmania’s Senior leadership team and a few principals from Catholic schools. They made a point of commenting on a few things. The first was how polite and welcoming our students were and the second was about how dedicated the teachers were and how well they knew the children in their class. It was wonderful to hear this acknowledged by visitors to our school and is a testament to the way everyone contributes to building this wonderful community. Apparently, we all need to keep a look out for the Canberra Times this weekend!

Our preschool families may already be aware that Mrs Maribel Cabezas will be taking extended leave next term until the end of the year. Mrs Carla Drayton was successful in applying for the Acting Directors position. I wish Maribel well for the next few terms and congratulate Carla on her appointment.

I wish you all a safe and restful break and look forward to seeing you again on Tuesday 19th July.

Take care and God bless

Yours in Faith

Leah Taylor
Principal