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Dear Members of the Community,
I hope this letter finds you and your family in good health and high spirits. As we welcome the beginning of Term 2 at St. Thomas Aquinas Primary School, I wanted to take a moment to extend a warm welcome to all our new and existing families.
First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to all the parents and caregivers who have shown immense support and dedication to our school community. Your involvement in your child's education is crucial, and I am confident that together we can create a nurturing and inspiring environment for our students to thrive.
This term, we have a lot to look forward to. Our dedicated team of teachers and staff have been working diligently to create engaging and interactive lessons, ensuring that every child receives a quality education. We will continue to focus on providing a holistic curriculum that caters to the individual needs and interests of our students. Progress reports were sent home in Week 10, Term 1. These reports are used as an indication of each student’s progress through Term 1. The Semester 1 report will be provided at the end of Term 2. Parents will have the opportunity to meet with teachers to discuss progress and goals after the Semester 1 reports are distributed.
This term, we will be continuing a range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, and music, to further enrich the educational experience of our students. This week student will begin Footsteps Dance lessons which is always received so well by all students.
Communication is essential in maintaining a strong partnership between the school and parents. I encourage you to stay connected with us through regular communication channels such as our Parent Portal app, school website, newsletters, and social media platforms. These platforms will provide updates on school events, important dates, and any other relevant information.
The 2025 Enrolment period has officially begun and will run through until the 31st May 2024. We have our Open Day on Tuesday 7th May 2024 from 9:30am – 11:00am and 3:30pm - 5:00pm. Information on enrolling can be found on our website, staquinas.act.edu.au. You will begin to see some signage around the local area advertising the enrolment period.
During the holidays we have had some work undertaken and are very excited to finally see the awnings to the rear of the school go up, as well as some additional safety railings. We are very pleased with the finished look and hope you are too.
I would like to take this opportunity to advise families that the rear drive thru will be used ONLY for morning drop off and afternoon pick up. There will be no parking available on the rear asphalt area. This is due to the high risk to student safety with families walking through the drive through (thru) area during such busy periods.
Please remember that our school doors are always open, and we welcome your feedback, suggestions, and involvement in improving our school community. Your input plays a vital role in shaping the education and experiences we provide for our students. To this end, a focused effort by the school to save funds towards improving covered learning areas and shade for students at the school, through the joint fundraising efforts from our Fetes, our colour runs and a Grant applied for by the SCC, we have been able to fund and fully pay for the brand new cover and concrete area along the tar.
In closing, I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead this term. Together, let us continue to foster a love for learning, encourage resilience, and instill the values of compassion and respect in our students.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. I look forward to a successful and fulfilling term ahead.
Warm regards and blessings,
Tim Cleary
| WEEK | DATE | EVENT |
| 1 | Thur 02/05 | Footsteps Dance Lessons commence |
| 1 | Fri 03/05 | SFX Expo Day - Year 6 only |
| 2 | Tues 07/05 | Open Day for 2025 Enrolment |
| 2 | Tues 07/05 | ACT Swimming Championships |
| 2 | Tues 07/05 | Fete Meeting - 6pm in the Library |
| 2 | Wed 08/05 | Athletics Carnival |
| 2 | Thur 09/05 | Confirmation Formation at 6pm - Year 6 |
| 2 | Fri 10/05 | Muffins with Mum |
| 2 | Fri 10/05 | Assembly hosted by Year 5 |
| 2 | Sat 11/05 | Confirmation Commitment Mass - Year 6 at 6:00pm |
| 2 | Sun 12/05 | Confirmation Commitment Mass - Year 6 at 9:00am |
| 3 | Mon 13/05 | Constable Kenny visit - Year 4 |
| 3 | Tue 14/05 | SCC Meeting at 6pm in the Library |
| 3 | Wed 15/05 | Constable Kenny visit - Year 3 |
| 3 | Wed 15/05 | Questacon excursion - Year 1 |
| 3 | Thurs 16/05 | Sue Geh Basketball - Year 3, 4, 5 & 6 |
| 4 | Tues 21/05 | Constable Kenny visit - Year 2 |
| 4 | Wed 22/05 | National Simultaneous Storytime |
| 4 | Thurs 23/05 | Primary Belconnen Regional Cross Country |
| 4 | Thurs 23/05 | Confirmation Formation at 6pm - Year 6 |
| 4 | Fri 24/05 | Assembly hosted by Year 1 |
| 5 | Mon 27/05 | Reconcilation Day Public Holiday |
| 5 | Tues 28/05 | Questacon Excursion - Year 3 |
| 5 | Thurs 30/05 | Jamie Pearlman Basketball Cup - Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 |
| 5 | Fri 31/05 | Confirmation Retreat - Year 6 |
| 5 | Fri 31/05 | 2025 Enrolment period closes |
| 6 | Tues 04/06 | Sullivan Shield (NRL) - Year 3 - 6 |
| 6 | Fri 05/06 | Assembly hosted by Year 3 |
| 7 | Mon 10/06 | King's Birthday Public Holiday |
| 7 | Wed 12/06 | Tennis ACT Wally Masur Cup - Year 5 & 6 |
| 7 | Thur 13/06 | Confirmation Mass at 6pm - Year 6 |
| 7 | Fri 14/06 | ACT Cross Country |
| 8 | Tues 18/06 | SCC Meeting at 6pm in the Library |
| 8 | Wed 19/06 | ACT Touch Football Gala Day - Years 5 & 6 |
| 8 | Fri 21/06 | Assembly hosted by Kindergarten |
| 9 | Tues 25/06 | 3 Way Conferences - information to come |
| 9 | Wed 26/06 | 3 Way Conferences - information to come |
| 9-10 | 26/06 - 04/07 | Lamont Book Fair |
| 10 | Fri 05/07 | Principal Awards Assembly & White token celebration |
At St Thomas Aquinas we are continually our students about digital and online safety to help them become knowledgeable digital citizens. Each week we will be posting online safety tips to help parents and families build your knowledge and open discussion with your children at home. Watch this space!
Students in Year 3 jumped right into Religious Education from day one this term, weaving our liturgical and secular calendars into their learning with a mini focus on ANZAC Day and Mothers’ Day. This term they will be learning about the dignity of the human person. They will be looking at a variety of questions, including:
- What are basic human rights?
- What shapes people’s responses to promote basic human rights?
- How does Scripture provide a foundation for moral living?
- How did Jesus challenge people to be concerned for the most disadvantaged?
- How do people challenge injustices in the world to promote freedom, peace and justice for all?
Easter
We continue to enjoy the fullness of the season of Easter after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Prayer cloths around the school remain white and gold to reflect the joy of this special season in Church. We remember that the Easter season will continue until Pentecost.
Feast of the Ascension
The Ascension of Jesus is traditionally celebrated 40 days after Jesus’ death and resurrection. In recent years this has moved to being celebrated on the following Sunday. This feast calls us to remember when the resurrected Jesus was last seen by his disciples, and he ascended into heaven to join his father. He left us with the promise, “I am with you always, until the end of time.” (Mt 28:20)
Mothers’ Day Liturgy
2 Blue are excitedly preparing to lead us in prayer celebrating all mothers this Friday, 10th May. Families, and especially Mums, Grandmas, Aunts and all special women who are involved in raising children, are invited to share in this celebration following Muffins with Mum. Our prayer celebration will begin at 9:30am in the hall.
Parish Life - Sacramental Programs
Confirmation - Year 6 have received a letter from the parish about enrolment for the Confirmation program next term. Please ensure you have registered prior to the first formation session this Thursday 9th May. To be eligible for this sacrament children must be a baptised Catholic and have already received the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.
Formation Session for Parents and children
Thursday 9 and 23 May—6:00pm—Parish Church
Please note sponsors are encouraged to attend the formation sessions but if they are not available a parent is all that is required to accompany the candidates. Formation sessions are an essential element of the preparation program and are where you will be provided with the preparation booklet, presentation mass prayer cards and other support materials as well as engaging in the formation activities each session.
Presentation Masses
Weekend of 11th and 12th May – please note the change to the previously advertised date to accommodate the Reconciliation Day Long Weekend.
Sacrament of Confirmation Mass
Thursday 13 June—6:00pm
Sora - The Student Reading App by OverDrive
Sora provides the quickest and easiest way to get started with digital titles from our school. Year 3-6 Students can simply log in using their school username and password and instantly access hundreds of eBooks and audiobooks on virtually any device.
Our school is part of a consortium, so the first time you log in you will search for ‘Australian Catholic Education Network,’ NOT St Thomas Aquinas Primary School.
Get started today at https://soraapp.com or download the free Sora app for Android or iOS. Please email me at rachael.hind@cg.catholic.edu.au if you require your child’s username and password.
Happy reading,
Mrs Hind
Students are introduced to new Ngunnawal vocabulary weekly. Special thanks to Miss Evans for continuing our learning of our Ngunnawal Country.
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A Zoom Course to Strengthen Your Relationship Whether you’ve been together 1 year or 61 years, married or in a long-term relationship, in a good place or struggling, The Marriage Course offers practical support and ideas to strengthen your relationship, in a fun-packed format, via Zoom. Participate from the comfort of your home, 7-9pm Thursdays over May & June. Optional In-Person Introduction Evening (Thu 2 May) and Final Dinner (Thu 27June). Hosted by the Catholic & Anglican Parishes of Inner North Canberra. |
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First Zoom session begins 7pm Thu 9th May. Enquiries: helenazobec@cg.org.au or 0405 440 463 More Info: https://cgcatholic.org.au/marriagefamily/married/ Register at: tinyurl.com/y3fw859r |
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| Parish Priest | Father Gerard McCormick |
| Parish Secretary | Sharon Greaves |
| Telephone | 02 6258 1563 |
| charnwood@cg.org.au | |
| Address | 23 Lhotsky Street CHARNWOOD ACT 2615 |
| MASS | TIMES |
| Monday to Friday | 9:30am |
| Thursday - School Mass | 9:30am - one grade each week |
| Public Holidays | 9:30am |
| Saturday Vigil | 6:00pm |
| Sunday | 9:00am Children's liturgy is held during the school term. All families are welcome to attend. |
SACRAMENTAL DATES
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION – Year 6
Formation Session for Parents
Thursday 9 and 23 May—6:00pm—Parish Church
Presentation Masses
Weekend of 25/26 May
Sacrament of Confirmation Mass
Thursday 13 June—6:00pm
SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST – Years 4, 5, 6
Formation Session for Parents
Thursday 25 July and 1 August—6:00pm Parish Church
Presentation Mass
27 July—6:00pm
First Holy Communion Masses
Weekends of 7/8 and 14/15 September
If you have a child eligible to receive the Sacraments, please contact the parish office for further information: charnwood@cg.org.au
April Birthdays
Chaia L, Charles M, James K, Indie-Rose H, Mia B, Kaylee W, Yuvraji A, Benjamin S, Harjit S, Georgie R, Charlotte S, Jessica J, Keeva R, Kael S, Parker W, Estelle W,
Larra D, Eva K, Eva E, Eric H, Tyler D, Sophia S, Hudson K, Anon D, Emma B, Joshua N, Henry P
May Birthdays
Ella D, Jesse R, Cooper K, Lorelei M, Charles M, Declan W, Jack P, Gurnoor K, Alice T, Zahli A, Nikola G, Amelia M, Arianna RM, Oliver H, Connor W, Emily L-B, Brooklyn S, Ashan H, Scarlett F, Nate N, Mayen K, Toby N, Theresa V, Shaela S, Ryan P, Lyla M, Aston P, Evangeline G, Isaac P, Gabriel T, Tudor C, Chimaobi M