Acting Principal's Report
Dear Parents and Carers
Welcome back to Term!
Can you believe that there are only 42 days of school left, we certainly can’t! The teachers have worked hard over the break planning and preparing for a busy and hard working term, full of lots of fun learning experiences.
Mission Fete 2019
I was excited to experience my first STA Mission Fete last Friday.
It was an exciting day filled with fun and games. The children (and I’m sure many parents!) did a brilliant job of planning, preparing, advertising, shopping for, baking, making and running their stalls. It was great watching the children happily playing games, enjoying treats and buying items to make a real change in the world.
We raised over $2400 which will go to help communities, particularly children who are given shelter, nutritious meals, healthcare and education as well as unconditional love. The money we raised will go to local and global neighbours and will create lasting change.
Congratulations and thank you STA!
Catholic Schools Netball Carnival
Congratulations to the students who represented our school so well at the Catholic Schools Netball Carnival last Saturday. 3 teams of Year 4, 5 and 6 students spent a fun, busy and windy day at Calwell playing fields. The carnival which was hosted by Rosary Primary School was a historic one, as it was the last ever Catholic Schools Netball Carnival after the inception of the carnival over 20 years ago.
Penance Retreat Day
This Wednesday our Year 3 students will participate in the Penance Retreat Day. The children will be working on a variety of activities about reconciliation and forgiveness, they create artworks for the Church, practise for the Sacrament and share lunch together. Thank you to Sr Colleen, Ms Gowen, Mrs Rhodes and Miss Vickers for helping to prepare the students for the day and the celebration of the Sacrament during Week 3.
Please keep the students and their families in your prayers during this special time.
Staffing News for 2020
Following an application and interview process, I’m pleased to announce that we have offered positions to many current and some new staff members. Miss Maddy Evans and Sharne Vickers will be staying on with us for the 2020 school year, along with Mrs Megan Thomas who will stay with us on a 12 month transfer position. I’d like to welcome Mrs Skye McPadden who is re-joining us from St Joseph’s, O’Connor, Mrs Rebecca Neiberding who has recently completed a placement in Year 1 and Mr Josh Mackenzie who is joining us from St Benedict’s, Narrabundah.
Sadly, this is not the end of our staffing changes as Ms Anne Gowen has decided to retire from the end of this year. Anne has had an amazing career in Catholic education for nearly 30 years and she takes with her a wealth of experience and knowledge which she has shared through her role of Religious Education Coordinator and teacher. I wish Anne all the best for the exciting new chapter of her life and will keep you posted as we look for a replacement for the REC role.
STA Musical 2019
Save the date!
The STA Musical 2019 will be on Tuesday 26th November, Week 7.
All students from ELC to Year 6 are involved in our extravaganza which will have a matinee performance in our school Hall at 12noon and an evening performance at 6:30pm to be held at St Francis Xavier College theatre.
Tell your friends, tell your neighbours, tell your family, it will be a show to remember!
Fete Crazy Hair Day
This Friday we have our Fete Crazy Hair Day.
Students are invited to come to school with some crazy hair and a bring along a gold coin donation. This money will go towards helping to make our 2019 STA Fete a successful event.
Remember save the date, our fete is on Saturday 16th November from 10am – 2pm.
See you there!
World Teacher’s Day
This Friday is also World Teachers Day!
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of our amazing teachers, classroom assistants and support staff for their tireless efforts to create innovative and engaging classrooms and a welcoming and safe school environment.
I’m proud to be part of the St Thomas Aquinas community and thank them for all they do for our students.
Have a good week,
Carmen Myles
Acting Principal