2026 T1W3 – 18 FEBRUARY

As we settle into Term 1, it has been wonderful to see students reconnecting with friends, embracing new learning opportunities, and contributing so positively to the life of our school community.

EXCELLENCE
Our 2026 focus value is Excellence. Students (and staff!) have been discussing how Excellence looks in the everyday activities of school. It is about doing YOUR best, not being THE best. With no excuses. We will continue to promote Excellence as a value across 2026.

NAPLAN
All Year Three and Year Five students will take part in Australia-wide NAPLAN tests, which start Wednesday 11 March. While these tests are important, we do not wish to put undue pressure on students and promote that it is one test on one day reflecting a small snapshot of a child’s learning. There are many more important qualities, learnings and gifts that better reflect  the amazing person your child is and this should be discussed in a balanced view of tests such as NAPLAN. The testing schedule is below:
Wed 11 Mar – Writing
Thu 12 Mar – Reading
Fri 13 Mar – Conventions of Language
Mon 16 Mar – Numeracy
Tue 17 Mar – catch-up tests as needed for absent students for the remainder of the week.
If you believe your child should be exempt from these tests, please contact your child’s teacher and/or myself to discuss as soon as possible.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
All classes have revised the Student Code of Conduct. St Thomas’ students created this three years ago based on their understanding of all students wanting to feel happy, safe, comfortable and to have fun at school.

HIGHWAY HEROES
Along with the Parent Overviews at the end of Week One, teachers have sent information regarding the Highway Heroes curriculum being taught this term. Highway Heroes is the school’s social-emotional program equipping students with specific strategies and skills to solve issues as they journey on the highway of life. It promotes child-centred problem-solving, with support from staff at the point of need. More information can be obtained at the start of each term, or through your child’s teacher.

ROWE PARK
Our Year Five and Six students utilise Rowe Park (two blocks away from the school) as part of our Friday afternoon Sport program. Students walk to Rowe Park with staff at 1:20pm on Friday and return at 2:55pm. On occasions, other classes may use this area as needed, predominantly for sport sessions where more room is required. Physical Education lessons remain on site.

iPAD PROGRAM
If your Year 5 or 6 child has changed iPads since the end of last year, please advise the school so we can provision management software and the distribution of apps to the new device.

SWIMMING TRIALS / SWIMMING CARNIVAL
More information and forms will be sent to all Year Three to Year Six parents by early next week. This will include a request for helpers at the trials. Please note the important dates below:
– Swimming trials – Tuesday 10/3 – Week 6
– Swimming Carnival – Friday 20/3 – Week 7
– Interschool Swimming Carnival – 24/4 Term 2 Week 1

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), 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
Already this year the Year Four to Year Six students have discussed password security for their CEWA accounts. Students in Year Three have a password created for them, Year Four and 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.

SAFE SHARING OF BACK TO SCHOOL PHOTOS
Some tips for parents and carers:
– Keep your child’s personal information including full name and age private
– Ensure the background of photos or videos doesn’t give away your address or location (and don’t post your location or ‘check in’)
– Avoid posting photos in school uniform on social media
– Only share images of your children with people you know and trust
– For community accounts, consider having a closed group with approved members and ensure you have strong privacy settings in place.