Principal's Welcome

Our school serves the community of West Belconnen which includes Charnwood, Dunlop, Macgregor, West Macgregor, Flynn, Fraser & Latham.

Our school finds its true justification in the mission of the church through Jesus Christ. It is based on an educational philosophy in which faith, culture and life are brought into harmony. Parents are central figures since they are the natural and irreplaceable agents in the education of their children. Everyone directly involved in the school is a part of the school community.

In 2020, staff at St Thomas Aquinas embarked on a journey to introduce teaching and learning practices based on the Science of Learning. At St Thomas Aquinas, staff use this knowledge, including their knowledge of Cognitive Load Theory, to inform their planning and selection of resources. As a result of embedding these practices, we have seen an improvement in student academic performance over the last two years. These practices included the introduction of InitiaLit from Kindergarten to Year Two, and Direct Instruction and Daily Review in Mathematics from Kindergarten to Year Six. In 2022, we introduced Spelling Mastery across Years Three to Six. Students with learning needs are supported by intervention programs, including MiniLit, MacqLit and intervention in Mathematics. Students requiring extension are provided with a variety of in school and inter school experiences including the DaVinci Decathlon, Mathematics Olympiad and the Rostrum Public Speaking competition. 

St Thomas Aquinas enjoys expansive grounds and recently refurbished ovals for students to play on. We provide opportunities for students to participate in a variety of sports and sporting clinics. Students also have an opportunity to play and compete in a variety of inter school sporting competitions and gala days. 

Classrooms are well resourced with interactive LED boards in every classroom and all year levels have access to iPads or Chromebooks. Students at St Thomas Aquinas participate in specialist Science, Arts and Physical Education and Health programs. STEM is well supported at the school with specialist Science lessons, in-class Design and Technology lessons, and resources including 3D printers, Spheros, EV3s and Mbots, MakeyMakeys, Green Screen capability and a programmable drone.

St Thomas Aquinas is part of Harvard University’s Caring Schools Network and works in collaboration with Harvard University to ‘make caring common’ across the school. All staff are trained in Trauma Informed practices having completed the Berry Street Education program and use these practices in their classrooms. Our Year Six Leadership program provides an opportunity for every student to be a Leader in their final year of Primary school. Students in Year 6 are involved in one of four portfolio areas: Faith; Environment; Sport; or Hospitality and Media. All Kindergarten students are part of a buddy program where they are paired up with a student in Year 6 to support them to settle into school. 

Before and after school care, and holiday care programs are provided by OSHClub. This service caters for Primary School students from Kindergarten to Year 6 and is available from 7am to 8.50am and 3pm to 6pm during term time. OSHClub also operate a school holiday program during term breaks and for part of the Christmas holidays. 

St Thomas Aquinas is supported by an active Community Council that provides advice on procedures and policies, organises community events and fundraisers to help provide resources for students and improve the school environment.

If you wish to be part of our welcoming, supportive and active community please contact me on 62584077 and make a time to visit.

You can also contact our ELC/Preschool directly on 6258 5834 and speak to the Director. With the combination of a team effort involving home and school we are assured of providing the best for our children.