Welcome to St.Thomas'
A Prayer for Families
Dear Lord,
Thank You for guiding our families through Term 3. For the learning, the laughter, and the love we’ve shared, we are truly grateful.
Bless our homes with rest and renewal during the break. Keep us safe, strengthen our bonds, and fill our hearts with kindness and joy.
As we look ahead to Term 4, may we return refreshed, ready to grow together in faith, respect, and hope.
Amen.
Important Dates
TERM 3
Fri 26 Sep – Assembly Y2 @ 8:45 am
Fri 26 Sep – World Teachers Day Morning Tea (P&F)
Fri 26 Sep – Term 3 Concludes
TERM 4
Mon. 13 Oct. – Pupil Free Day
Tues. 14 Oct. – Term 4 commences all students Kindy to Year 6
Wed. 22 October – Grandparents Liturgy & Morning Tea 9am
Tues. 25 November – Annual General Community Meeting 6pm
Tues. 9 December – Christmas Concert 5.30pm
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)
Pupil Free Day
Monday 13 October is a Pupil Free Day. No children attend school on this day. We look forward to welcoming students back for Term 4 commencing Tuesday 14 October.
From the Principal
This week we conclude another exciting term at St Thomas’. So many highlights, but perhaps the most important, the growth of our students in their talents and self-confidence. Our school values continue to guide us daily, in our words, actions, and relationships. Thank you to our parents and carers for your ongoing support and active participation in your child’s learning journey.
Curriculum in Action: Market Stalls
Last Friday’s Market Stalls, led by our Year 5 and 6 students, were a wonderful showcase of creativity, teamwork, and entrepreneurial spirit. From product development to budgeting and marketing, students embraced every aspect of the Economics and Business curriculum with enthusiasm. The smiles on the children’s faces as they sold treats and hosted games was so special. Congratulations to all involved, together, you raised over $2,000 for Wheelchairs for Kids!
Advisory Council Nominations
As we approach the final term of the year, we invite nominations for two positions on our School Advisory Council. We thank Daniel Della Vedova, who has completed two terms as Treasurer, and Rebecca Faugno, who is concluding her time as Advisory Chair. Their contributions have been invaluable.
The Advisory Council plays a key role in supporting both the Principal and the broader school community. It’s key responsibilities include:
- Strategic planning
- Oversight of the school’s financial management
- Capital development and planning
- Upholding the culture and values of the school
To learn more, please contact our current Chair, Rebecca Faugno, at rebecca.faugno@uwa.edu.au.
If you’re interested in nominating yourself or another parent, please complete the nomination form via this LINK.
Year 6 Fundraiser: Show Parking
This weekend, and throughout the Show week, our Year 6 students and their families will be fundraising through Show Parking around the school. Parking is available for $25 per day, competitive with other local options. If you’re heading to the show, we encourage you to park nearby and support our Year 6 fundraising efforts.
Looking Ahead to Term 4
School resumes on Tuesday, 14 October. Wishing all our students and families a safe, restful, and enjoyable holiday break.
Natalia Thomson
Principal
From the Assistant Principal
Sacrament of Penance – Year 3 Next Term
We look forward to celebrating the Sacrament of Penance with our Year Three students next term. This is a special milestone in their faith journey, and we invite families to support their children through prayer, conversation, and participation in parish life. Celebrating sacraments as a community is a wonderful time in our St Thomas’ community.
Holiday Screen Time – Supporting Responsible Use
As we approach the school holidays, it’s important for families to set healthy boundaries around technology, namely iPad, use. Children thrive when they have clear expectations and guidance. The eSafety Commissioner’s Parents Section offers practical advice, videos, and downloadable resources to help manage screen time, set parental controls, and talk about online safety with your child. Feel free to visit the sites below, and use as you wish.
Explore the eSafety Parents Hub
Download resources for families
Weekly Focus – Critical Thinking (Week 9) & Character (Week 10)
This week, our focus is on Character (and living like Christ) – recognising and using our God-given strengths, talents, and gifts to serve others in our community. The VIA Character Strengths for Kids framework helps children discover their unique traits and how they can use them to thrive. VIA Character Strengths for Youth. Let’s encourage one another to live out our strengths in kindness, courage, and service. Last week’s focus on Critical Thinking reminded us how vital it is to nurture children’s ability to question, reason, and reflect. Developing these skills strengthens brain function, supports deeper learning, and empowers students to make thoughtful decisions in all areas of life, not just in academic areas.
Heath Nankivell
Assistant Principal
Congratulations to our Award Winners
Term 3 / Week 9 Merit Award Winners
Angelico Arts
Term 3 / Week 9 Value Award Recipients
Catholic Performing Arts
Term 3 / Week 10 Merit Award Winners
Catholic Performing Arts
Term 3 / Week 10 Merit Award Winners & Value Award Recipiant
Market Stalls Day Success!
On Friday, the Year 5 and 6 students hosted their annual Market Stalls event!
Planning began at the start of Term 3, when Mrs Pitcher and Mr Godsall divided the 5 and 6s into 12 groups and challenged them to create their own businesses. Each team was responsible for developing a business plan, designing logos, creating advertisements, and managing a budget. Once their ideas were approved, they received $30 in funding with the goal of making a profit.
We’re thrilled to announce that the markets raised $2065.05! We’ve chosen to donate all proceeds to Wheelchairs For Kids.
A huge thank you to everyone who supported our stalls whether you brought money to enjoy some delicious treats or joined in the fun and games.
Advisory Council Update
The Advisory Council’s (AC) Term Three meeting was held on Tuesday 16 September.
Discussion around the new Strategic Plan was a key highlight of the meeting. We were fortunate to have Fran Italiano, the independent facilitator guiding its development, join us to share the progress to date. As Natalia previously highlighted, the plan is a dynamic roadmap outlining our current position, future vision, and the actions required to achieve it, with clear processes for measuring outcomes and adjusting direction as needed. The Advisory Council reviewed the draft plan—presented by Fran and shaped by input from key stakeholders—and provided feedback and suggestions for refinement.
Patrycja Spears shared an update regarding the P&F’s outstanding work, highlighting the success of the Quiz Night and the Father’s Day breakfast and stalls. These events were not only well attended but also a wonderful reflection of the P&F’s commitment to building community and supporting the school.
Natalia presented the Principal’s Report, highlighting the many wonderful activities the children have enjoyed this term, along with their academic and extracurricular achievements. She also provided an update on grounds and maintenance, including the boundary fencing and plans for the early years playground. I also presented the financial results for May–July and shared the outlook for the months ahead.
It was a positive and engaging meeting, with encouraging progress reported across several initiatives previously discussed by the AC.
The next AC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 18 November at 7pm which will include discussion regarding the 2026 budget.
Daniel Della Vedova
Advisory Council
Mini Vinnies Winter Woollies Fundraiser
Last term, our St Thomas’ Mini Vinnies organised the Winter Woollies fundraiser to support people in our community experiencing homelessness. After contacting the Tom Fisher Homeless Refuge, we learnt that shampoo and conditioner were most needed, simple but important items that help people feel cared for.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our school community, we raised over $210! With this money, we were able to purchase and donate a large supply of shampoo and conditioner directly to the refuge.
These donations will make a real difference, providing essential hygiene items for those in need. Thank you to everyone who donated, helped organise, or supported the fundraiser, your kindness has had a big impact.
Student Departures
Dad's Campout
The St. Thomas Dad’s campout is happening on Saturday the 25th of October and tickets are NOW available via this link:
Health Notifications
As you are no doubt aware there has been a lot of virus’ making the rounds within the community and unfortunately, St Thomas’ PS hasn’t been immune.
We hope during the holidays everyone has the opportunity to fully recuperate so they join us fit and healthy for the start of Term 4.
We have also been advised of head lice/nits within our school. It is a timely reminder to please check your child/ren’s hair tonight and on a regular basis.
If lice/nits are discovered, the Health Department regulations require that your child not be returned to school until appropriate treatment has commenced. Your local pharmacist will be able to advise you in this matter.
For further information about detecting and treating head lice you can go to: http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Head-lice
Thank you in advance for your attention to these matters.
E-challenge News
Academic All Stars
At the beginning of Term 4, 8 Year 5 students will be competing against 4 other schools in the Academic All Stars competition, which we are hosting. The day will consist of challenges and competition across a variety of disciplines including Engineering, English, Maths, Chess, Drama and Art.
Good luck to all students participating in competitions over the next couple of months, we are so lucky to be able to offer these opportunities to our students, and we wish them the best knowing that they’ll do us proud as always!
Interschool Athletics Carnival
Interschool Athletics – Congratulations Team!
A huge congratulations to all of our Interschool Athletics Team. It was such a wonderful day at the WA Athletics Stadium and an incredible team achievement. You should all be very proud.
Through both in-school and out-of-school training, our students prepared brilliantly for the big day. Their hard work and dedication paid off with outstanding results:
Overall Senior Boys Champion Overall School Champion
A very big thank you to all parents and caregivers for your ongoing support and generosity throughout the year. Your encouragement goes a long way in helping our students succeed. Special thanks also to Angela Jarrott for announcing and to Mr Godsall and Mr Nankivell for their help in organising and supporting the students on the day.
It has been a big term of athletics, beginning with our school carnival where Pre-Primary students participated for the very first time and finishing with our Year 6s proudly representing our school for the last time.
Well-done to every student who trained, competed, and supported their team. You showed great school spirit!
Jasmine Wallace
Physical Education Teacher
VacSwim Enrolments Now Open
October and summer (December/January) school holiday vacation swimming enrolments are now open.
As we head towards summer, many families are starting to get back into the water or planning holidays by the beach, rivers or swimming pools. It is important children stay safe and confident in the water.
VacSwim provides children 5 to 17 years of age with the opportunity to develop and progress their swimming and water safety skills during the school holidays across the State. There are programs for beginner, intermediate and advanced swimmers.
Enrolments are now open, and families can enrol online.
Further information, details of locations and information on how to enrol is on our website.
Edu Sing Term 4
Code Camp Term 4
Holiday Tennis
Extend Before & After School Care
