Dear Families,

It’s only Week 2 and we are already into full swing with events and activities. This week we will have our Mission Fete to raise money for Caritas to support missions in Ethiopia. Thank you to those who have already sent in books, toys, lolly bags, etc. Children will be able to purchase a hand for $5 so they can choose something from each stall. Last year, we had a few families who generously purchased an extra hand or two for those children in our own community whose families could not afford one. This kind of generosity makes me feel so blessed to be a part of this community.  

Final day events 
You will be aware now that The Director of Caholic Education, Mr Ross Fox has made the final day of school a pupil free day. This means we will need to make some changes to the usual end of year events. Our leadership handover ceremony, farewell tunnel and traditional water fight will now take place on Thursday 15th December. All other activities will occur as planned.   

Welcome 
I would like to welcome Ms Chay Flannery to our school community. Chay is working in the ELC in the Front Office. I am sure everyone will help her to feel very welcome over the coming weeks.  

Class Allocations for 2023 
Thank you to those families who have already emailled me regarding 2023 class requests. 

During this term, we will be finalising our staffing arrangements for 2023. Below is a copy of the ‘Class Allocation Policy’ which aims to ensure there is a fair and just process in allocating students to classes for the upcoming school year. 

My firm belief is that teachers are in the best position to decide a child’s placement because they know all the children in their classes and have a view of the ‘big picture’. However, I invite parents to inform me of anything that you feel needs to be considered, for your own child’s well-being or development. 

When forming the class lists the following factors are taken into consideration: 

• Gender 
• Diverse Learners 
• Work habits 
• Cognitive ability 
• Friendships 
• Behaviour 
• Health considerations 
• Religion (to assist in achieving balance between classes, especially in Sacramental years) and 
• Common names

Ideally, we aim for an equal spread of both positive and challenging characteristics. Where practical, parental requests based on educational concerns may be considered. At St Thomas Aquinas, we follow these principles and guidelines when considering placement of students each year: 

• Every care will be taken to ensure that each child is placed in the best situation to enhance learning and social development 
• Parents who wish to raise particular concerns regarding the placement of their children in particular classes for the following year, should put the concern in writing and email it to me (Leah.Taylor@cg.catholic.edu.au) by Friday of Week 4 (Term 4- Friday 4 November). Parents cannot assume that requests from previous years will be taken into account. A new request will need to be made every year 
• Parent concerns will be considered during the process. It must be clearly understood, however, that no definite guarantees can be given regarding parental concerns 
• Where appropriate, advice will be sought from the Classroom Support Teacher School Counsellor, Chaplain and current class teacher during this process 
• Considering all the factors listed above, the current class teachers compile class lists from mid-term, Term 4. These are then handed to me to confirm 
• Children will be informed of their class placement for the following school year in December (usually the last week of school) and the opportunity will be provided for them to spend some time with their new class teacher. New students to the school for the following year are invited to attend 
• Throughout this process, after appropriate consultation, I reserve the right to make final professional decisions regarding the placement of children 

Take care and God bless

Yours in Faith