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from the Principal ..........
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Whilst the excitement of Taylor Swift’s tour might be taking over Australia right now, here at St Thomas we have been just as excited about the 2nd best thing to this…… yes, you guessed it – Gala! March 16th is just around the corner and our Committee has been really wonderful at keeping plans moving along for this. It is shaping up to be a really fantastic day for our community and we are all looking forward to seeing it come together. Right now, we really need your support with donations and volunteering to help out on stalls. Our committee is absolutely amazing, with Rebecca Vella at the lead, and we are achieving a great deal. Importantly though, in order to bring together a huge community event such as this, we need everyone’s input to make it really wonderful! So if you have not already registered your details for supporting a stall, please consider doing so as soon as possible. It’s going to be a sensational day!
This week we held our Annual General Meeting and launched our new Strategic Plan. All families will receive a copy of this so that you can see the directions for St Thomas 2024-2027 in the areas of Catholic Identity, Learning and Teaching, Student Wellbeing, Inclusion and Agency, Partnerships and Community Engagement, Financial Stewardship and Improvement. This plan is the result of community consultation and School Board work over the past 12 months, so there has been significant input into this process and we are really pleased to have released this to the community. This will be the core work for our School Board as we move into this year. At the AGM we said farewell and thank you to our retiring members from School Board. Trish Jarvis our Chairperson, has been a very generous contributor to Board and we are so grateful for her leadership, professionalism, and commitment to continuous improvement for St Thomas. Simon Misso, Karen Richardson and Nathan Hallion also retired from School Board and we are sincerely appreciative of their generosity and commitment to seeing our school thrive in every domain. Simon brought much balance, wisdom and clear thinking to our Board. Karen showed unwavering support, great integrity and inclusivity, even leading our Acknowledgement of Country in Kaurna language. Nathan brought much reflective thinking, perspective and creative solutions. On behalf of St Thomas School and Preschool Board, I offer our thanks and gratitude to these retiring members. At the AGM we announced our new Board Members, following a call for Expressions of Interest. I am pleased to welcome Candice Martin, Hayley Dubay and Rebecca McKay to School Board and we look forward to their valuable contributions and support during their tenure.
Our Parent Information Evening was extremely well attended this week, with classrooms full of parents! Thank you to all parents who attended the Information Evening and I hope this was a great opportunity to meet your child’s teacher, visit the classroom and hear more about plans for the year ahead. The Specialist information session was really informative and I have received great feedback about this. Our Specialist program is a source of great pride for us at St Thomas and we are blessed to have such talented teachers in Mrs Czabayski, Mrs Edwards, Mr Priest and Mrs Priestley. I know our students are very excited by their new STEM lessons and the great offerings in this space for them.
This week we entered into the liturgical season of Lent, marked by Ash Wednesday, being preceded by Shrove Tuesday. My thanks to our team of parent helpers, supported by Mr Maglai, for providing delicious pancakes for us all on Shrove Tuesday! It really was reflective of the true meaning of this occasion, with feasting and festivity to start our day. Then we entered into the more solemn spirit of Ash Wednesday, with our whole school Mass, where we were called to reflect upon the three pillars of Lent: almsgiving, prayer & contemplation, and fasting. Over the time of Lent our students will learn more about each of these and explore ways to embed them in daily life. Fr John spoke to us about this period of time being an opportunity ‘to improve ourselves’ and work on our ‘inner-self’ for the benefit of not just ourselves, but others. Our prayers focussed on the theme of ‘hearts of love, hands of service’. As a Mercy school, this is exactly what we are called to do: have hearts full of love and use our hands in service, being people of Mercy. For those who could not attend our Ash Wednesday Mass, I invite you to reflect on some of these thoughts and even share in some conversations with your children about their Lenten journey ahead.
Wishing you all a great week ahead!
Belinda Burford
Principal
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From the Deputy Principal
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The stuff money can’t buy
Well, this week we begin the season of Lent. On the Catholic Liturgical Calendar, this season is a significant chapter where all are called to seek, more deeply, ways toward becoming the very best version of themselves- modelling their life on Jesus. It is through engaging in prayer, fasting and almsgiving that we can shift our everyday focus on what is most important in our lives- our connections to family and community, the way we use our gifts to make a difference in the lives of others and the simple joy of just being. This season is certainly a gift of time and focus.
In the midst of this beginning of Lent, the way our St Thomas community has started 2024 and the sense of community around Gala preparations, it makes me think about those things money can’t buy.
Money can’t buy the experience of new people who come into our lives. New experiences and new connections bring new life. Sometimes these new connections can challenge us to become more, which can unsettle us for a time, but who actually play a significant role in shifting us towards becoming this best version of ourselves. Money can’t buy this growth and transformation- and the joy in our sense of belonging.
Money can’t buy the strength we experience in positive, trusting family relationships. The stronger these connections within families, the strong each of the individuals. We each contribute the culture of our family relationships and in turn, we benefit from the foundation these relationships provide. Family is such a significant part of who we are. Money can’t buy the power of reciprocal unconditional love of family.
Money can’t buy the impact of a being an active part of community. Beyond our connections with family, our connection in community initiates our call to bring peace and justice to the world. Contributing to a community brings such powerful benefits to our lives. The joy experienced in shared connection, achievement, and even in times where compassion carries us through during difficult times, brings hope into our lives. Money can’t buy the joy and value we experience when we are active in community.
So as I reflect on seeing the school filled with parents and caregivers at our AGM and Parent Information Night, as I witness the growth of new relationships and ways of being amongst our wonderful students, as I experienced the buzz created by the newly established St Thomas Market Shed and as I feel the sense of action within our community towards the shared project of our upcoming Gala, I’m reminded about this stuff that money can’t buy. I’m grateful for these everyday gifts and grateful for the season of Lent which shifts our focus to becoming more authentic and present.
So enjoy the gift of new connection this year, enjoy the gifts of family and enjoy the gift of being part of an active community. Money can’t buy these things, but we are rich beyond measure!
Go gently,
Paul Mensforth
Deputy Principal
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FEBRUARY
Tuesday 20th
Gala Donation: Lucky Jars
Tuesday 29th
School Photos
MARCH
Tuesday 5th
Preschool Photos
Year 3/4 Woodhouse Excursion
Thursday 7th
Preschool Photos
Friday 8th
Student Free Day
St Thomas TERM 1 Calendar 2024.pdf
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Lent
Yesterday morning, our school came together to celebrate Ash Wednesday alongside the Emmaus Parish community.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season, and as we looked around the church, we saw the solemn Lenten colour of purple. All the green banners and flowers of ordinary time had been replaced, setting the tone for this reflective period.
Lent holds a special place in our lives, encouraging us to pray, make sacrifices, and contribute positively to the lives of others as we prepare for the celebration of Easter. Over the next forty days, we are called to follow Jesus more deeply.
In the face of immense suffering, Jesus demonstrated mercy and forgiveness to those who sentenced him to death. This Lenten season invites us to extend love and forgiveness to others, mirroring the example set by Jesus. As we navigate Lent, let's strive to match the choices Jesus made during Holy Week and extend a helping hand to others whenever possible.
In the Ash Wednesday Gospel reading, Luke encourages us to reach out to those in need during this Lenten period, emphasizing the importance of making a difference in their lives without expecting anything in return. Our actions should be driven by sincerity, doing good not for recognition but because it aligns with the values Jesus represents.
The ashes on our foreheads serve as a reminder of the Lenten promises we make, urging us to selflessly give of ourselves to others and their needs in the coming weeks.
Let's use this Lenten season as an opportunity to pray more fervently and consider the needs of others. Caritas Project Compassion reminds us of those who lack basic necessities such as water, shelter, food, and medicine—things we often take for granted. As we engage in prayer and reflection, let's ponder how we can make a positive impact in their lives and strive to make a difference.
Caritas Project Compassion
Caritas Australia has launched its annual Lenten fundraising and awareness appeal, Project Compassion, this year with the theme “For All Future Generations.”
For the six weeks of Lent, schools, parishes, organisations and individuals across Australia are encouraged to donate to the Project Compassion appeal or participate in fundraising events.
This year’s theme has been drawn from the story of Moses’s encounter with the burning bush in Exodus 3:1-20. In the scripture, Moses encounters a bush that is burning but not consumed. God tells Moses that he has heard the cry of his people. God responds to injustice and chooses Moses to speak to Pharaoh. Moses is scared, but God promises, “I will be with you”. All the time, God remains a mystery. Moses wants more detail, so God simply says that this is the same God who has been longing for justice for the whole of history: “By this name I shall be invoked for all future generations.”
During Lent, Project Compassion will highlight stories of people who have been directly supported by the generosity of Caritas Australia supporters.
This year’s Project Compassion stories include Ronita, a 22-year-old mother of two in the Philippines. Ronita returned school to complete her education with the help of the Faithful Companions of Jesus.
There is also the story of Memory, who was selected by local leaders in her community in Malawi as a candidate for a vocational skills course. She now works for one of Malawi’s largest power companies and is a role model for other young women.
“During Lent, we are invited to take up the call to fast, pray and give alms. From natural disasters to widespread conflict, the events of the past year mean that many communities need your support,” said Kirsty Robertson, Caritas Australia CEO.
“Supporting Project Compassion is a way for us to proclaim the faith that is in our hearts and help our sisters and brothers in need.”
Details: https://www.caritas.org.au/project-compassion
Sebestyen Maglai
R.E.C.
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Thank you to the wonderful St Thomas community for getting behind the Gala and helping us so much already! In the past it has been one of the highlights in the school calendar and it a fantastic opportunity for us to come together and strengthen our community spirit.
We’ve been blown away by lots of extremely generous donations.
If you still have packets of lollies to donate please bring them in anytime and drop them to the front office.
We are looking for 1-2 parents to take charge of the following stalls (we promise it’s not too labour intensive and the committee are here to support you):
BBQ & Soft Drinks - Pre-school
Pre-loved books ** - 2 Adair
Pre-loved kids games, toys and clothes ** - 2 Catinari
Lucky Jars ** - 3/4 Chalubek
Hot chips / other food - 5 Rampazis
**these items are all being donated by families so the main jobs are sorting & set up
The front office can help with registering you as a volunteer and getting your Working With Children Clearance. This clearance is needed for attending excursions, coaching sports teams and helping at school events, so it's worth doing anyway.
Donations coming up:
A lucky jar (Tues 20 Feb)
A bottle of wine (Tues 5 Mar)
Preloved toys, kids clothes and books - adult & kids
(All of Week 11 - 15 Mar)
Baked goods (Fri 15 / Sat 16 Mar).
We would also love donations for the Silent Auction anytime - if you don’t have a service to provide could you ask a business you use? It’s amazing what local businesses have generously donated already!
On Audiri you’ll find all the information you need for each donation item.
Would your business or the company you work for consider sponsoring a stall or the whole Gala? On Audiri we also have all the sponsorship levels detailed.
Finally, make sure Saturday March 16 is in the diary 10am - 3pm and tell all your friends and family!
Thank you again,
The Gala Committee
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Road Safety and Parking at St Thomas
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St Thomas seeks to support ALL FAMILIES in arriving and leaving school safely. We encourage and promote active, healthy and environmentally friendly transport to and from school including walking and cycling where possible and practical.
The new parking and traffic improvements which came into effect in 2023, through the City of Unley Council, define the parking and traffic restrictions around our school and it is up to each person in our community to ensure these are followed. Together with local residents, St Thomas School and Preschool, aims to work together to ensure safe, respectful road use. Our school community values our relationship with our neighbours and seeks to be respectful and courteous of their home environment and their ease of access to the roads. We also value our relationship with the Emmaus Parish and their generosity in sharing the church carpark.
This poster details the available options for parking at St Thomas School and Preschool and the practical considerations for this…
Road and Parking Safety at St Thomas POSTER.pdf
Thank you to all families who have actively followed these guidelines and procedures. Please be aware the council and SA Police have been in the area monitoring compliance with these traffic laws.
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Early Payment discounts
The school offers a 5% early payment discount for families that pay their fees in full by the 1st March. Preschool fees are not eligible for this discount. Please deduct discount amount from your payment.
1 child $202
2 child family $379.75
3 child family $513.05
Payment Frequency
Annual - 5% Discount applies if paid by 1st March 2024
Fortnightly payments - 22 fortnight payments 9th Feb – 29th Nov 2024
Monthly payments - 10 monthly payments Feb – Nov 2024 (1st or 15th Month)
4 term payments – Due 5th Friday each term
Term 1 due 1st March
Term 2 due 31st May
Term 3 due 23rd August
Term 4 due 15th November
School Card
School Card applications for 2024 are now open: Discount will be applied once school card application is approved. Income limits for school card are set by Catholic Education Australia (CESA) and are listed below.
1 Child
$70,994
2 Children
$72,262
3 Children
$73,530
Please apply online.
https://online.forms.sa.edu.au/content/forms/af/public/application-for-school-card.html
For all account queries contact Business Manager accounts@stg.catholic.edu.au or 8177 8112.
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We are on the cusp of opening our very own school cafe on Friday mornings in our Workshop! We have sourced a great commercial coffee machine and grinder and will be serving coffee and snacks to any parents who would like to join us before school on Fridays beginning in week 3. If you are heading in for assembly, community prayer or just a drop off, please come around for a coffee or a chat with other parents in our school community. Our cafe will be run in part by our senior students who are also designing the logo, name, merchandise and marketing theme for our new project. Keep an eye on our socials for more information on this in the coming weeks -We are really excited about this new community project.
We are also on the verge of opening our very own Eco-Market Shed right next to the Workshop. Our market will take the place of our Pre-Loved uniform stall in front of the office but will also lend itself to sales of plants, worm fertiliser, free-range eggs and any other produce we can produce during the year. ‘The Market Shed’ will also be our drop off location for Nespresso aluminium pod recycling, so if you are a collector - please send them in. All pre-loved uniforms can be dropped off to the shed at any time or to the front office for the Eco-Warriors to add to the market stock.
Thanks in advance for your support in this, we are really looking forward to making a difference this year!
Nick Mezzino
Ecology Leader
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Term One: Volunteer Induction Sessions
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We are holding several induction sessions this term for people interested in becoming a registered volunteer with the school.
Sessions will run for 30 minutes and be held in the St Thomas School library (please note that all sessions are the same so only one needs to be attended if you are interested).
Tuesday 20 February 2024 at 5:15pm
Wednesday 21 February 2024 at 2:30pm
Thursday 22 February 2024 at 9:15am
These sessions would suit people who have applied to be a registered volunteer at St Thomas but are yet to complete the school induction component, as well as any other interested parents/guardians wanting to volunteer for school sport, excursions and classroom helpers.
It is a requirement that all sport coaches and parent helpers are registered St Thomas volunteers.
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Please be reminded that formal shoes are to be BLACK SCHOOL SHOES and sports shoes are to be PREDOMINANTLY WHITE.
WE APOLOGISE FOR THE TYPO IN THE UNIFORM POLICY - PLEASE NOTE GIRLS SUMMER UNIFORM SHOULD BE WORN WITH WHITE SOCKS NOT GREY
Uniform Policy 2023- SIMPLE.pdf
Thank you
The Leadership Team
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Dear Parent,
JRP Group will be at St Thomas School, Goodwood on Thursday 29th February to take individual, class, and sibling photos of all students.
The Preschool will be photographed on Tuesday 5th and Thursday 7th March.
Please see below some helpful information.
Ordering: All school photos are now ordered online. Parents will be able to pre- and post-order via the online ordering system using the details on the ordering guide attached. You will require a unique login code for each child, which can be found at the top of the guide.
This system allows parents to view their child’s gallery of images and provides the option to order digitals, prints, and enlargements, which will subsequently be delivered to each child via their class. Should you wish to view before ordering, please allow 14 days from the last school photo day for your child’s images to appear in their gallery.
Uniform: Students will be required to wear their formal uniform.
Sibling Photos: Sibling photo sessions will run on Thursday 29 February and bookings are not required. All siblings that come through together will be photographed. Preschool students will have their sibling photos taken on the Preschool Photo day to avoid having to relocate the younger child to the Preschool.
JRP has a dedicated customer service team that are available Monday to Friday to assist the school community with any ordering queries. We understand that moving to an online model may require some assistance and the team is here to provide you any help that you may need.
JRP Customer Service:
Phone: 1300 360 115 | Email: admin@jrpgrp.com | Website: www.jrpgrp.com
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 1300 360 115, or via email at admin@jrpgrp.com
Warm regards,
JRP Group
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We are looking forward to the recommencement of our most loved Gala Day Event
Please see flyer attached for Golden Knights Karate including First Month Free
2023 Golden Knights mike interactive flyer.pdf