Dear Families,

It was wonderful to see so many families at Donuts for Dad on Friday morning. This is a lovely opportunity to recognise all of the dads, grandfathers and father figures in the lives of our children. It has been good for the community to be able to hold more of these events this year, including Grandparents day earlier this term. Hopefully, next year we will be able to have the full suite of celebrations with our whole community.

This week, we welcome Mrs Rachael Hind to the staff. Rachael comes to us from Radford College and has a great deal of experience as a Teacher Librarian. Many of you may already know Rachael as a parent of the school who would often help out in the library at the end of each Semester. There are always challenges in coming into a new school, let alone mid term. Mrs Hind has already started to get to know the students, their interests and most importantly about the books they love to read! I am sure you will all make Mrs Hind feel very welcome.

Today we extend a warm welcome to seven guests who will lead St Thomas Aquinas through the Registration and School Improvement process. Brenda Foley, Dominic Braybon, Margaret Pollard, Lee Herden, Jamie Kemp, Jon Sleeman and Greg Walker will join us from Catholic Education Canberra & Goulburn. As the name suggests, there will be a check of compliance requirements, however the major focus of the visit will be to assist in future directions to enhance school improvement. Students will engage with their lessons as normal and panel members will work with all staff at different times on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to experience the school and provide future recommendations.

I would like to thank so many of you for your concern and offers of support following the parish break-in last month. It has been a challenging year within the parish, but your support has made this time a little easier.

Take care and God bless

Yours in Faith