Welcome to St.Thomas'
Prayer
Lenten Prayer for Parents
Heavenly Father,
As we journey through this Lenten season, we ask for Your guidance and strength. Help us to be examples of faith, love, and compassion for our children. May our actions reflect Your teachings and inspire our families to grow closer to You. Grant us patience and wisdom as we navigate the challenges of parenthood. As we prepare for the joy of Easter, may our hearts be filled with hope and renewal.
Amen.
Important Dates
Tue 4 Mar – Shrove Tuesday
Tue 4 Mar – Project Compassion launch (CEWA)
Wed 5 Mar – 9am Ash Wednesday Mass
Thu 6 Mar – 6:30pm P&F meeting
Tue 11 Mar – 7pm Advisory Council meeting
Wed 12 Mar – Y3-Y6 Swimming Carnival
Wed 12 Mar-Fri 21 Mar – NAPLAN (Y3 & Y5)
Thurs. 27 Mar – Year 4 First Holy Communion Parent/Student Workshop 6pm
Wed 2 April – Harmony Day Celebrations
Tues 8 April – Parent/Teacher Meetings – Kindy to Year 3
Wed 9 April – Stations of the Cross 8.45am in the hall.
Thurs 10 April – Parent/Teacher Meetings – Years 4-6
2025 Term Dates
TERM DATES:
- TERM 1 – Wednesday 5 Feb – Friday 11 Apr
- TERM 2 – Tuesday 29 Apr – Friday 4 Jul
- TERM 3 – Tuesday 22 Jul – Friday 26 Sep
- TERM 4 – Tuesday 14 Oct – Friday 12 Dec
PUPIL FREE DAYS:
- Monday 28 Apr
- Friday 30 May
- Monday 21 Jul
- Monday 25 Aug
- Monday 13 Oct
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
- Monday 3 Mar (Labour Day)
- Friday 18 Apr (Good Friday)- in school holidays
- Friday 25 Apr (ANZAC Day) – in school holidays
- Monday 2 Jun (WA Day)
- Monday 29 Sep (King’s Birthday)
From the Principal
The season of Lent, is a wonderful opportunity for our school community to reflect, grow, and prepare for Easter. Lent is a special time in the Christian calendar that lasts for 40 days, beginning on Ash Wednesday and ending on Easter Sunday. During this period, we focus on themes of sacrifice, prayer, and helping others.
In our school, we will be engaging in various activities to help students understand and appreciate the significance of Lent. These activities include:
- Curriculum: All students participate in the Religious Education units of work about Lent & Easter.
Classroom Discussions: Teachers will lead discussions about the meaning of Lent and how it can inspire us to be better individuals.
Acts of Kindness: Students will be encouraged to perform small acts of kindness, both at school and at home.
Creative Projects: Art and craft projects related to Lent and Easter will help students express their thoughts and feelings creatively.
Reflection Time: We will have moments of quiet reflection and prayer to help students connect with themselves and think about how they can make positive changes.
Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day – Tuesday 4 March
Next Tuesday, 4 March, we will celebrate Shrove Tuesday. The name Shrove Tuesday comes from the custom of ringing the ‘shriving bell’ to summon people to church to confess their sins at the beginning of Lent. Certain foods like eggs, milk, meat, and rich buttery dishes were given up for the duration of Lent. One way to use up these ingredients was to make pancakes.
Our parents and friends will be cooking pancakes for the children on Tuesday morning, and parent helpers are most welcome to assist in the preparation.
Ash Wednesday Liturgy – Wednesday 5 March
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a special time for reflection and preparation for the resurrection of Jesus. Our Ash Wednesday liturgy will be held next Wednesday, 5 March, in the Church, commencing at 9am and led by the year 4 students. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Sundowner Success
It was delightful to see so many parents come together, as a school community at the P & F Sundowner last Friday night. A special thank you to Patrycja & John Spears, Sarah van Bockxmeer, Angela Jarrott, and Shelley Partridge, for their incredible efforts in organising this wonderful event, and to all our parent helpers who made it possible.
Parents & Friends – First meeting of the school year
We are excited to invite all parents and friends to our first Parent and Friends meeting of the school year. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to connect with other parents, share your ideas, and contribute to our school community.
Date: Thursday March 6
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: School Library (In-person or via Microsoft Teams)
ou are welcome to join us face to face or online via Microsoft TEAMs which will be emailed to you on the day.
Natalia Thomson
Principal
From the Assistant Principal
WEEKLY FOCUS
Each week, we help students focus on one of the five values of our school, or one area of our school vision statement (displayed at the top of this newsletter). So far we have looked at:
Week 1 – Being Welcoming People (Presentation Charism Value) / Inclusivity
Week 2 – Community (school value – annual focus)
Week 3 – Excellence (school value)
Week 4 – Compassion (school value)
WEEKLY AWARDS
Each week at Monday gathering, our student leaders present merit awards awarded by class teachers, and I present Weekly Focus awards, again awarded by teachers. Merit awards are class based and recognise student achievement across a range of areas of school life. Weekly Focus Awards, recognise some students who have gone ‘above and beyond’ in displaying the focus of the week. These focus points are selected from our five school values and elements of our vision statement (found at the top of this newsletter). This week, our weekly focus is the value of Inclusivity. It has been great to challenge student to not only BE inclusive, but SEEK inclusivity by building friendships with students they may not normally mix with. Parents of award recipients are invited by email on Fridays.
SCHOOL-HOME COMMUNICATION
There are many forms of communication used at St Thomas’. In all our interactions, we strive for open, honest and respectful dialogue. Each individual student remains at the centred of our decision making and discussion. Please see a list below of the various forms, so you know where to look and what to expect.
SMS – for urgent, time-sensitive information and reminders
Emails – for day-to-day communications between staff and parents, during business hours (8am-5pm). Staff will respond within 48hours, often within 24hours.
Website – links such as absent form, school calendar (can be subscribed to), fortnightly newsletters, staff information, and links to parent resources/documents.
Seesaw – for class based information and student digital learning portfolio access.
Phone calls and face to face meetings – for 1:1 conversations regarding specific matters
Microsoft Teams – upon an invitation link for school meetings (e.g. P&F meetings) and scheduled teacher-parent meeting days.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY
Over the past few weeks the Year Four to Year Six students have discussed password security for their CEWA credentials. Students in Year Three will have a password created for them, Year Four/Five create and record their own with teacher assistance, Year Six students are totally responsible for the creation, changing and remembering of the password. We support students with digital security throughout the year, if you would like any further information please make contact with myself. Our IT Code of Conduct and an iPad Home Contract will be sent home early next week for parents to discuss their expectations, and read through the school expectations, of using technology devices as part of their learning program.
STAFF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Already this year, staff have taken part in a variety of professional development. Each week staff meet to discuss academic, pastoral care and wellbeing, and Catholic accreditation. These include – Berry Street Education Model, CPR Requalification, Literacy PD (literacy dedicated time, and reading strategies).
Heath Nankivell
Assistant Principal
Award Winners
Merit Award Winners!
Weekly Focus Award Winners!
Parent Sundowner
Photos
New staff for 2025
2025 Advisory Council & P&F Executive
Year 6 Leadership Badges
Year 3 to Year 6 Swim Trials
Year 5 & 6 Surfing
Year 5 & 6 Surfing
Year 5 & 6 Surfing
Sport News
2025 SWIMMING CARNIVAL (Years 3 to Year 6)
The Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival will be held on Wednesday 12 March at the Claremont Pool.
Drop-off Details for Students:
- Years 4-6: Drop off at Claremont Pool by 8:30am for a 9:00am start.
- Years 3-5: Drop off at school by 8:30am. These students will sit their NAPLAN Writing Assessment and then travel to Claremont Pool by bus, arriving around 10:30am.
Program:
- The carnival will start with Years 4 & 6 races at 9am.
- Years 3-5 students will join the program at approximately 10:30am.
Carnival concludes at 2.30pm. Please arrange to pick up your children from the pool at this time. More detailed information and request for parent helpers to follow.
Years 3-6 Swim Trials – A Fantastic Effort!
Hi everyone! Last Friday, I had the privilege of running my first Years 3-6 swim trials, and I couldn’t be more impressed with the effort, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship on display. A massive congratulations to our Year 3 students for taking on their first-ever trials—you should all be so proud of yourselves!
A huge thank you to the amazing parents who volunteered to help with timing on the day. Your support made such a difference, and I really appreciate it.
I’m already looking forward to the Swimming Carnival on March 12th—if the trials were anything to go by, it’s going to be an exciting day in the pool!
Jasmine Wallace
Health & Physical Education Teacher
Year 6 Camp
In week two, the Year 6 students went on a memorable adventure to Ern Halliday Recreation Camp, where they learned valuable life skills and tackled teamwork challenges.
The camp kicked off with a morning caving activity, giving students a chance to step out of their comfort zones. The group then split into two, with both enjoying the flying fox and Ultimate Sports activities. After a busy day, they shared a tasty dinner before wrapping up the evening with a final activity “escape the night”.
The next morning started with an archery session, followed by a beach team-building activity. With only a short break, the students jumped into the big swing and crate climb. The day ended with a relaxed evening of dinner and a movie.
On the last day, students tackled the pump track, big swing, and crate climb before it was time to head home. While there was a bit of sadness about leaving, everyone returned to school with great memories and a sense of accomplishment.
Liam Godsall
Year Six Teacher
Drama Club
As we step into a new year of drama, students have been eagerly revisiting stage skills, focusing on voice projection, movement, and character expression. The first few weeks have been filled with engaging activities designed to build confidence, refine articulation, and enhance stage presence. Children are also working towards puppetry, devised drama, and working with stimulus to create exciting performances. The Year 5s are being challenged working with the text Boy Overboard, which is provoking some great thinking about the world around us and showcasing their dramatic acting skills.
We are excited to announce that Drama Club will officially commence next week for the Year 5 and 6 students! This term, we will begin auditions then begin rehearsing our production of Peter Pan. Students will have the opportunity to step into dynamic roles, explore character development, and collaborate to bring this beloved story to life. There will also be opportunities for those interested in backstage roles, ensuring everyone can contribute to the magic of theatre. Stay tuned for more information regarding technical roles next term.
If you are a parent who is creative or has the time and ability to assist with sets or costumes, please contact Mrs. Miller. Your help would be greatly appreciated! We look forward to an exciting year ahead!
Renee Miller
Drama Teacher
Child Safe Framework
Ensuring the wellbeing and safety of all students remains the utmost priority for Catholic schools, including St Thomas Primary School. Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) is dedicated to championing child safety and fostering a culture of safety across all our schools, care centres, and communities. We encourage and support all members of St Thomas’ Primary School to prioritise decisions that always uphold the best interests of the child or young person.
Parents/carers can learn more about the Child Safe Framework by visiting this link.
Supporter Cap
Get To Know Our New Staff
Name: NADIA BOSCO
Role at St Thomas’: Year One Teacher (Monday-Wednesday)
Family: Husband Anthony, son Seth who is 11, daughter Tori who is 9.
Pets: Cavoodle puppy called Alfie who just turned 1
Hobbies: Walking the puppy, reading books, going to the gym and hanging out with my kids.
Favourite Sporting Team: The Eagles and Manchester City
Favourite movie: To hard to choose but I do like watching a good comedy to make me laugh
If I had $50 I would: Probably buy a good book and a large chocolate bar and find a quiet place to read my book and enjoy some chocolate all to myself
Favourite holiday destination: I do love Paris but I also fell in love with Japan.
Easter Competition
Get Ready for Our Annual Easter Egg Competition!
Easter may still be a little while away, but it’s time to start preparing for our much-loved ‘Guess How Many Easter Eggs Are in the Jar’ competition!
We are kindly asking for donations of individually wrapped Easter eggs to help fill the jars. If you’d like to contribute, please drop off your donations in the collection box located in the front office.
This fun tradition not only brings excitement to our school community but also helps Mini Vinnies raise money for St Vincent de Paul. Your support will make a difference for those in need this Easter.
Thank you for your generosity – we can’t wait to see the jar fill up! Stay tuned for more details on how to take part in the guessing competition!!
School Fees
School fees were issued to parents/caregivers this week. If you have not received your account, or you have any questions regarding your account, please contact our Finance Officer Victoria McDonald on finance@stthomas.wa.edu.au.
Playgrounds
NO PLAY ON THE PLAYGROUNDS AFTER SCHOOL
A friendly reminder that, for safety reasons, children should not play on the playground before or after school hours.
Music Lessons 2025
Instrumental music lessons are available at St Thomas’ Primary. Children can learn voice, keyboard, piano, violin, drums, guitar and flute. Please contact the school office for a music form if your child is interested in commencing music lessons in 2025.
