Dear Families,

This week, many of our Year 4 students will make their First Reconciliation and their First Communion. I know the parents and carers of these student have been working alongside the teachers to prepare the children for these two Sacraments. We were pleased to hear that Fr Tom will celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation with the children this Thursday and Fr Thomas Jin will celebrate First Eucharist on Saturday evening and Sunday morning masses. I wish all of the candidates well over this week. I would like to thank Mrs McPadden, Mrs Thomas and Mr Mackenzie for their work in preparing the students for these sacraments and also Mrs Leigh Barwell for her ongoing support to these year groups.

As I mentioned in the newsletter last week, a registration panel came to visit St Thomas Aquinas. These seven panel members completed a check of compliance requirements and provided advice for future directions to enhance school improvement. I am very pleased to say that firstly, we are compliant with the ACT regulations regarding non-government schools. The panel were also very complimentary of the welcome they received from the staff and students, and commended the school on the hospitality shown to them. They also spoke glowingly of the commitment of staff regarding teaching and learning within the school. The panel commented on how settled the classrooms were and how committed everyone within the school was to St Thomas Aquinas being a place of learning. A report for the community will be released sometime next term that will outline commendations and recommendations moving forward. I wish to thank and congratulate the staff, students and members of the School Community Council who made themselves available for the panel and to the whole community for the part you play in making this school such a wonderful and welcoming school.

Last Wednesday, five students were invited to Parliament House to meet with Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, the Honourable Andrew Giles MP to share their welcome messages for new Australian Citizens. The students represented the school so incredibly well with the Minister commenting on how touched he was by their messages.

Many of you will have heard that Thursday 22nd September is a public holiday following a period of mourning for Her Majesty the Queen. The school will re-open again on the Friday before we have two weeks term break.

Take care and God bless

Yours in Faith