Dear St. Thomas Aquinas Community,

I hope this newsletter finds you well and filled with the joy of our shared faith. Over the weekend, our Archdiocese held a significant Assembly in Hubs and Parishes, centred around the theme “It seems good to the Holy Spirit and to us…” (Acts 15:28). This theme guided us as we explored our collective pilgrim journey and the path we are called to take as a community into the future.

With over 500 attendees present on Saturday, the atmosphere was vibrant and filled with fruitful discussions and discernment. It was a wonderful opportunity for all involved to engage deeply with one another and reflect on the direction our Archdiocese is heading. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Stacey Campbell and Katie Walsh-Smith for joining me in representing our school community at this important event. Your involvement truly made a difference.

In the coming weeks and months, we will have the opportunity to reflect upon the messages shared during the Assembly. It is essential that we listen to where the Spirit is calling us as we strive to renew and strengthen our Church community. Together, let us embrace this call and continue to grow in faith, love, and service.

The Parish 50th Anniversary is quickly approaching, it is such an exciting time and an opportunity for us all to come together and celebrate this special milestone. Students have been working with teachers and have created special art pieces which will be displayed as part of the celebrations. Please RSVP by using the details included in this newsletter to confirm your attendance. 

Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to our school community. Let us continue to pray for guidance and inspiration as we embark on this journey together.

Blessings

Tim Cleary

October Birthdays

Sophie K, Ayla T, Harrison R, Elizabeth H, Mia W, Marine T, Evie P, Ruhani P, Benjamin G, Alana B, Lara K, Kuir K, Lucas S, Mateo CC, Amelia W, Lilah W, Christina R, Ivy M, Manyuon C, Lily G, Matilda A, Tyler H, Jayden P, Heath L, Luke M, Jamyang L,
Harrison B-S, Arleth MT, Ayla M, Harold M, Daniel N

Class Allocations for 2025

Any requests received after Friday 8 November 2024 will not be considered

During this term, we will be finalising our staffing arrangements for 2025. Below is a copy of the ‘Class Allocation Policy’ which aims to ensure there is a fair and just process in allocating students to classes for the upcoming school year.

We believe teachers are in the best position to decide a child’s placement because they know all the children in their classes and have a view of the ‘big picture’.

However, parents are invited to inform Mr Cleary of anything that you feel needs to be considered, for your own child’s well-being or development.

When forming the class lists the following factors are taken into consideration:

• Gender
• Diverse Learners
• Work habits
• Cognitive ability
• Friendships
• Behaviour
• Health considerations
• Religion (to assist in achieving balance between classes, especially in Sacramental years) and
• Common names

Ideally, we aim for an equal spread of both positive and challenging characteristics. Where practical, parental requests based on educational concerns may be considered. At St Thomas Aquinas, we follow these principles and guidelines when considering placement of students each year:

• Every care will be taken to ensure that each child is placed in the best situation to enhance learning and social development
  
  
• Parents who wish to raise concerns regarding the placement of their children in particular classes for the following year, should put the concern in writing and email it to our Principal  (tim.cleary@cg.catholic.edu.au) by Friday of Week 4 (Term 4 - Friday 8 November). Parents cannot assume that requests from previous years will be taken into account. A new request will need to be made every year
  
  
• Parent concerns will be considered during the process. It must be clearly understood, however, that no definite guarantees can be given regarding parental concerns
  
  
• Where appropriate, advice will be sought from the Classroom Support Assistant, School Counsellor, Chaplain and current Class Teacher during this process
  
  
• Considering all the factors listed above, the current Class Teachers compile class lists from mid-term, Term 4. These are then handed to Mrs Taylor to confirm
  
  
• Children will be informed of their class placement for the following school year in December (usually the last week of school) and the opportunity will be provided for them to spend some time with their new class teacher. New students to the school for the following year are invited to attend
  
  
• Throughout this process, after appropriate consultation, the Principal reserves the right to make final professional decisions regarding the placement of children

Students are introduced to new Ngunnawal vocabulary weekly. Special thanks to Miss Evans for continuing our learning of our Ngunnawal Country.