Dear Families,

I had an amazing trip to the Holy Land. I saw so many things and learned so much, I think it will take me a while to process it all. It was wonderful to be able to take this journey with Mrs Gaynor who volunteers here in the library and to be able to share these experiences with her, principals from around the Archdiocese and parishioners from Mary Help of Christian parish. Our spiritual guide, Fr Richard Thompson was amazing. All of that said, it is lovely to be back and to chat with students about what happened over the last month. From students getting new glasses to getting to know students who only started here a few weeks ago, I have had a wonderful welcome back. I thank Mrs Myles, Mr Collins and Mrs McPadden for stepping in to ensure the school ran smoothly during my absence.

Many of you may be aware that the enrolment period has begun. Our open morning occurred this morning and we will have an open afternoon for the school and the ELC tomorrow afternoon, as well as an information evening for the ELC tomorrow night at 6pm. Please pass this information onto any families you know who might be interested in enrolling a child at St Thomas Aquinas. If families are not able to make either of the open time, Steph and Lee are more than happy to make time for families to have a look through the school. The enrolment period closes at the end of May.

We are continuing to make improvements throughout the school. Parts of the asphalt were finally replaced, the shade cover outside the hall was extended, new autex was installed and many internal walls were painted during the holidays. We were also successful in gaining a grant for $22 940 from the Commonwealth government to further extend the shade cover throughout the school.

I look forward to seeing many of you at the Muffins with Mums gathering this Friday, this is of course open to everyone in our community and is a wonderful way to acknowledge all of the mums, grandmas, and those who support children here at St Thomas Aquinas. Please RSVP by close of business today for catering purposes. I thank the SCC for running this community event. At this stage it looks like we will have a dry albeit chilly morning.

God bless

May Birthdays

Ella D, Jesse R, Cooper K, Rohan T, Lorelei M, Clarence G, Alice T, Zahli A, Nikola G, Amelia M, Oliver H, Arianna R, Connor W, Hunter B, Emily L-B, Brooklyn S, Ashan H, Scarlett F, Mayen K, Theresa V, Shaela S, Lyla M, Aston P, Evangeline G, Gabriel T, Tudor C, Chimaobi M, Nuer D

Congratulations Sophia from 3 Blue represented the ACT as a part of the Jazzy Jumpers at the ACT/NSW State Championships. Sophia competed as a part of the Double Dutch team which was awarded Silver in the Freestyle event. Congratulations Sophia!

Please note that all adults entering the school building must sign in via the front office. This includes at drop off and pick up. We ask for the safety of our students that parents and carers do not walk through the school building. This is not only distruptive to students but also a safety issue. We pride ourselves on providing a safe environment for all students and we ask that you all support us in doing so.

For late drop offs students are required to be signed in at the front office. They will then make their own way to their classroom. If required a staff member will assist them accordingly.  Likewise, if you are dropping your child to school prior to the 8:50am bell, they must make their way to the courtyard around the outside of the school building in readiness for the morning assembly. 

Similarly for pick up, please make the neccessary arrangements with your child/ren to meet with them outside the school buidling. Parents & Carers are not permitted to walk through the school building without signing in. Please make your way to the courtyard by walking around the outside of the building. 

Thank you for your cooperation. 

Over the next several weeks students will be introduced to Ngunnawal vocabulary. This week students will be learning "Goo nama" meaning winter. Thank you Miss Evans for continuing our learning of our Ngunnawal Country.

Please note that the Cross Country ribbons will be awarded at the morning assembly at 9am on Friday 12th May 2023 in the school courtyard. All families are welcome to come along and celebrate the athletic achievements of our students. 

The Seasons for Growth program will be offered to students again this year, commencing later in Term 3. The program is designed to support students who are dealing with some aspect of change, separation, loss or grief through small group discussions and activities with a Seasons for Growth Companion. If you would like your child to participate in the program this year, please see the attached nomination form. It is recommended that students who participated last year take a break this year and complete the next level program in 2024.  For more information please contact Mrs Skye McPadden (skye.mcpadden@cg.catholic.edu.au)

All orders are online or via the Loop app: https://mybookclubs.scholastic.com.au/Parent.aspx

Orders for Issue 3 are due 10^th May, 2023.

Our school receives credits each time a student buys a book.  This helps with building our beautiful library collection.

Any questions please feel free to email me.

Kristie
ksligar@bigpond.net.au

Variety Heart Scholarships for 2023 are open 1 - 31 May!

The scholarships help school-age children reach their full potential in sport and the arts.

Variety Heart Scholarships are open to young people aged 6 - 18 years and offer up to $5,000 to help children who face financial or physical barriers fulfil their dreams. This could include assisting with tuition fees, personal development, coaching, training equipment, travel or accommodation.

No field of sport or the arts is too large or too small to be considered. All that is needed to apply is a young person who is proficient in their field and shows passion and commitment to achieve a long-term aspirational goal.

Our scholarships are highly competitive which is why we are spreading the word ahead of the round opening to give families time to thoroughly prepare. The guidelines to apply can be found here.