2026 T4W2- 22 OCTOBER

TERM 4 THEME – EXCELLENCE FOR OUR WORLD
This term, we extend our focus on ‘Excellence’ beyond ourselves and our immediate community to consider Excellence for Our World. Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’ reminds us that we share a common home and that care for people and care for creation cannot be separated. Our students will be challenged to see, care and act. They will learn more about the environment and consider the impact of their everyday choices. They will also encounter the stories of children and communities whose experiences may be similar to, and very different from, their own. The Year 6 Becoming Beacons program, will investigate initiatives such as Socktober, which provides a tangible opportunity to connect learning with action. Ultimately, we want our students to understand that they do not need to wait until adulthood to contribute to a better world. Excellence asks us to leave our little part of the world better than we found it.

SWIMMING LESSONS
In weeks 7 and 8 of this term, all students in Pre-primary to Year Six will take part in Swimming Lessons. St Thomas’ uses the external provider Rare Indigo to teach these lessons. Lesson locations are as follows:
PP, Year 1 and Year 2 – Claremont Pool (both weeks)
Year 3 & Year 4 – Claremont Pool (first week) and Cottesloe Beach (second week)
Year 5 & Year 6 – Cottesloe Beach (both weeks)
More information regarding times for these lessons will follow in the coming weeks, including an online form for parents to complete.

TERM 4 CLUBS
This term’s Co-curricular Clubs offerings are now available for this term:
https://stthomas.wa.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-T4-ClubsPoster.pdf

SACRAMENT OF PENANCE
We pray for the 15 students who are set to receive the Sacrament of Penance on Wednesday 4 November at 2:00pm in the Church. Thank you to all parents and students who attended the workshop last Tuesday night, to explore the Sacrament and support their child on their faith journey. A big thank you to Sr Catherine for running this workshop, and to Miss Antulov for organising the evening. Students will take part in a student retreat day on Monday 26 October, and may wear free dress for the day.

UPCOMING MASSES & LITURGIES
Below is a list of liturgical celebrations in Term 4. Parents are most welcome to any of these celebrations.
– Wednesday 11 Nov – Remembrance Day liturgy (at school basketball court)
– Saturday 7 Nov – 5:30pm Year 4 Parish mass and Sausage Sizzle (at Church)
– Thursday 10 Dec – 9:00am Y6 Graduation Liturgy (at Church)

Our Year 4-6 classes will join for a Wednesday Parish mass during the term also:
– Wednesday 14 Oct – Year 5
– Wednesday 4 Nov – Year 6
– Wednesday 18 Nov – Year 4

Year 6 Canberra Tour 2026

From Monday 12 to Friday 16 October, our Year 6 students undertook an education tour of the national capital.

Law, democracy and the arts
The tour began at the National Archives of Australia, where students examined primary sources from Federation, including Edmund Barton’s original draft of the Australian Constitution. At the High Court of Australia, students had the rare opportunity to observe the court in session. They also engaged the guides with thoughtful questions about how the court operates. At the National Electoral Education Centre in Old Parliament House, students learned about the history and distinctive features of Australia’s voting system and held their own election. A visit to the National Gallery of Australia, including Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles, rounded out the day’s learning. In the evening, students took part in a faction bowling competition. Congratulations to Sheridan on the faction win, and to Isabelle Spears and Hudson Trend on their individual results.

Parliament House and the national institutions
At Parliament House, students watched Parliament sitting and were visited by Kate Chaney MP. They were also fortunate to meet Brisbane Lions legend Leigh Matthews. At the Australian Institute of Sport, guides spoke about their own experiences of training there, giving students an insight into the dedication required to compete at the highest level. The day continued at the National Arboretum and the National Zoo and Aquarium. It concluded with a guided evening walk through the Australian National Botanic Gardens, which proved to be a highlight for many students.

Science, currency and remembrance
Students explored Questacon and the Royal Australian Mint, where they viewed the production floor and designed their own digital coins. On the Anzac Parade Memorial Walk, our guide shared stories of Australians who served in war. In the evening, students visited the Mount Stromlo Observatory, where an astronomer explained his research into the chemical make-up of distant galaxies and toured the University fascilities.

Reflection and civic life
The final day began at the Australian War Memorial, a deeply moving experience for students and staff alike. At Government House, students had the privilege of meeting the Governor-General and asked her a number of considered questions. The tour concluded with visits to the Museum of Australian Democracy, Cockington Green and the National Capital Exhibition, where students designed their own Parliamentary Triangle.

Throughout the week, many guides commented on the students’ excellent behaviour, courtesy and enthusiasm. They were outstanding representatives of St Thomas’ Primary School. We sincerely thank the staff who gave their time to make this tour possible, and our families for their continued support.

Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER)

Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $510 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

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.