Dear St Thomas Aquinas community,

Thank you to all of our families who have booked in for the Goal Setting Meetings with their child's teacher this week.

A strong partnership between parents and teachers is essential for the success and well-being of students. When parents and teachers collaborate, it creates a supportive environment that encourages student growth both academically and emotionally. Teachers provide valuable insights into a child’s progress and learning style, while parents offer a unique perspective on their child's behavior and interests outside the classroom. Together, they can identify strengths and areas for improvement, allowing for personalised support that meets each student's needs.

Open communication between parents and teachers fosters trust, understanding, and shared goals. This partnership allows for early intervention if challenges arise, ensuring that students receive the help they need in a timely manner. Moreover, when parents actively engage in their child's education, students are more likely to feel motivated and supported. They see that their education is a priority for both their family and their teachers.

In addition, a positive parent-teacher relationship can create a sense of community within the school. It shows students the importance of working together and taking responsibility for their education. Ultimately, when parents and teachers work hand in hand, it significantly enhances the learning experience, helping students to thrive academically and personally.

Staffing Update

We have a number of staff away at present due to planned leave as well as unplanned & necessary leave. This is occuring everywhere from our front office to classrooms, Executive staff and classroom assistants. It means that those on the ground are very, very stretched. If you contact the office or myself we will do our very best to get back to you as soon as we are able. Thank you for your understanding.

Ash Wednesday

Tomorrow we will celebrate Ash Wednesday as a school. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a special time for reflection and growth in our Catholic faith and tradition.

For children, it’s an opportunity to learn about the importance of repentance, kindness, and making positive changes. On this day, they will receive ashes on their forehead, symbolising humility and the need to seek God's help to grow in love.

Ash Wednesday reminds children that it’s a time to think about their words and behaviour and to take small actions, like giving up something they enjoy or regularly doing a kindness to others, to help them focus on being more like Jesus, showing love and kindness. It’s a lesson in self-growth and faith.

I look forward to seeing many people as i wander the halls during goal meetings this week.

Matthew Garton

Principal