2026 T3W4 – 13 August

As a Catholic school community, we are continually reminded that faith, learning and service are intertwined. Over the last two weeks there have been  many examples of our students living out these values, from celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation to sharing their talents on stage at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival, and preparing for the important QSCER review. Together, these experiences highlight the many ways our students are growing as confident learners, faith-filled disciples and active members of our community.

CONFIRMATION
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a significant step in a young person’s faith journey, strengthening them with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and calling them to live as followers of Christ.

Last Friday evening, our Year 6 students celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation with Fr Garner in a reverent and joyful ceremony. We congratulate all the students on this special occasion and pray that the Holy Spirit continues to guide them as they grow in faith, courage and service to others.

A special thank you to Mr Antulov for his dedication and care in preparing the students for this important sacrament, and to Mrs Wills and our Choir students for their beautiful singing.

DANCE CLUB PERFORMANCE
One wonderful example of students sharing their gifts was evident on Wednesday evening when the St Thomas Dance Club performed at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Their dance performance, Beneath the Waves of Ningaloo Reef, featured students from Years 2 to 4 and celebrated the beauty, sustainability and importance of protecting one of the longest near-shore coral reefs on Earth. The performance came alive with colourful costumes and lively choreography, entertaining the audience while sharing an important message about caring for God’s creation.

Our sincere thanks to Miss Antulov, who generously gave her time each Tuesday morning before school to rehearse with the students. We also acknowledge Miss Wallace and Miss Scarvaci for their support throughout the preparation process.

Congratulations to all our dancers for representing St Thomas’ with enthusiasm, confidence and pride.

FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION
This week we also turn our attention to the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, celebrated on 15 August. This special feast reminds us of Mary’s unwavering faith, her trust in God and her wholehearted willingness to say “yes” to God’s call.

Mary remains a powerful role model for our students and families. Through her example of kindness, courage and compassion, we are reminded of our own call to care for others and to share God’s love in our daily lives.

Students participated in a special Liturgy on Wednesday morning ahead of the Feast day on Saturday.

QSCER REVIEW
As part of our commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in Catholic education, St Thomas’ Primary School will participate in a QCESR (Quality Catholic Education School Review) next week.

The review process provides an opportunity for our school to reflect on how effectively we live out our Catholic identity, support student learning and wellbeing, and foster strong partnerships between home, school and parish. During the visit, the review panel will meet with staff, students and members of our community to gain an understanding of the many ways we nurture faith, learning and belonging at St Thomas’.

While the review serves as an important process of accountability and growth, it is also an opportunity to celebrate everything that makes our school community so special.

We look forward to showcasing the wonderful work taking place across St Thomas’ and thank you for your ongoing support and partnership.

SCHOOL PHOTOS
Thank you for ensuring all children were in correct uniform. We understand the various uniforms and changes of days can be confusing, but it is most appreciated to have students in the correct uniform. We will hand out the photo order packs as soon as they are delivered to the school.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ASSESSMENT
Congratulations to the Year Three and Five classes for completing the REA – a CEWA-wide test of Religious Education. Results will be available through Seqta Engage once we receive them (similarly to end of semester reports). This test is taken by all CEWA school across the states, and uses a similar ‘adaptive testing’ style as NAPLAN, to further, more specifically, assess the each student’s level of understanding. Thank you to Miss Antulov, Mrs Gibbs and Mrs Pitcher for preparing and supporting the students to complete this assessment.

CO-CURRICULAR CLUBS
Please see our Term Three offerings by clicking here.

SLIP LANE
A reminder that rangers are patrolling the area around our school during drop-off and pick-up times. All parents are asked to be considerate of our neighbours by not parking in their driveways or blocking the roads. Please drive as far forward in the slip lane as possible, stay in your vehicle and school staff can help children enter the vehicle from the school side of the car. If you have any questions or queries, please speak with me. Often, a 10-15second wait at the stop sign will allow multiple cars behind to also enter the slip lane in an orderly, and most importantly safe, manner.

Enrolments are now open for Pre-Kindy and Kindergarten 2027 at St Thomas’ Primary School.
If you have a child who may be eligible, we encourage you to let us know as soon as possible:
· Pre-Kindy 2027: Children turning 3 years of age in 2027
· Kindergarten 2027: Children turning 4 years of age on or before 30 June 2027

As places can be limited, enrolment applications are considered in the following order of priority:
1. Catholic students from the Claremont Parish with a Parish Priest reference
2. Catholic students from outside the Parish with a Parish Priest reference
3. Other Catholic students
4. Siblings of non-Catholic students
5. Non-Catholic students from other Christian denominations
6. Other non-Catholic students

Families applying for enrolment are asked to support and abide by the policies and practices of Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA).
If your family has a younger child who is eligible, or if you know of other families who may be interested, please encourage them to visit our website to book a tour and access enrolment information: https://stthomas.wa.edu.au/our-school/enrolment/

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school office.

The theme for this year is “Symphony of Stories”. On Wednesday, 26 August, we will be celebrating Book Week, with a whole school dress-up day. Children are invited to dress as their favourite book characters. Children are asked to please bring along the book or a printout of the cover page to help our secret judges choose several award winners.

Parents are most welcome to join us for our parade at 8.45am on the top oval for a parade.

The Scholastic Book Fair will be held in the library on these days:

Tuesday 25 August

3:00 – 3:30 pm

Wednesday 26 August 

8:00 am – 8:30 am

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Credit card payments only.  All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Thank you for your support.

Venue: St Thomas Primary School Hall Date: Friday 14 August (Tables of 8—10), Cost: $25 per head, bring nibbles. Bar available. If you would like to purchase a ticket contact Henry Simmons 0417 985 992 or Leo McManus 0417 414 951.

The West Australian Government have once again initiated the West Australian Student Assistant Payment (WASAP) for families with school-aged children.

The program commenced on Monday 20 July and will run until Friday 25 September 2026.

All eligible parents and caregivers can claim: • $150 for every child enrolled in kindergarten and primary school. • $250 for every child enrolled in secondary school.

It is expected that most families will submit their claim through the ServiceWA App, however paper-based forms will also be accessible from the Department of Education. Parents/ Caregivers may contact the ServiceWA Customer Care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for any assistance on 13 33 WA (13 33 92) or email support@digital.wa.gov.au during business hours.

If you require assistance with your child’s identity verification or locating your child’s West Australian Student Number (WASN) please contact our school office on 9286 9500 or email admin@stthomas.edu.au.

Understanding the Real Paul – Friday 4 September 6-8pm OR Saturday 5 September 9am-3pm

The Council for Catholic Women Perth invites you to hear renowned scripture scholar Dr Michele Connolly rsj discuss the life and influence of the real St Paul through his seven authentic letters and his radical vision of God in Christ. Attend a lecture on Friday 4 September 6-8pm or a workshop on Saturday 5 September 9am-3pm, both at James Nestor Hall Catholic Education Office 50 Ruislip St West Leederville. Cost: Donation. Light refreshments provided. RSVP by Wednesday 2 September  to kerrymacfarlane2@gmail.com  or  text 0400 886 835.