2026 T1W9 – 01 APRIL

As we journey through Holy Week and celebrate the joy of Easter, our school community remembers the great love of Jesus and the hope his Resurrection brings. Holy Week helps our children learn about Jesus’ kindness, courage and trust in God, even when things were challenging.

The Easter Triduum invites us to reflect on these special days, Holy Thursday, when Jesus showed us how to serve others; Good Friday, when he gave everything out of love; and Easter Sunday, when we celebrate new life and hope. These moments help our students understand that love is shown through actions, care and compassion.

This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate 250 years of the Presentation Sisters and the inspiring work of Nano Nagle, whose courage and care for children and families continues to guide us today. Like Nano and the Presentation Sisters, we encourage our students to live with faith, compassion and a heart for justice, to notice others, help where they can, and bring light to the world around them.

HARMONY DAY AT OUR SCHOOL

Our school community recently came together to celebrate Harmony Day, embracing this year’s theme, “Everyone Belongs.” It was a happy reminder of the many cultures, languages and stories that make our school such a welcoming and vibrant place.

We began the day with a beautiful prayer led by our Year 3 students, who reminded us that God calls us to love one another, respect our differences and treat everyone with kindness. It was a meaningful way to ground our celebrations in faith and unity.

Throughout the day, students enjoyed buddy activities that focused on art, dance, games from around the world, as well as a buddy-focused lesson, exploring what it means to belong. Seeing older and younger students learning, creating and playing together highlighted the strong sense of connection and care within our school.

Everyone looked fantastic dressed in orange, the colour of Harmony Day, or proudly wearing their national costumes, sharing their culture with confidence and pride. A special thank you to our wonderful P & F for providing an icy pole treat for the children to enjoy, it was a much-loved highlight of the day.

Harmony Day truly reflected our shared belief that everyone is valued and everyone belongs. We are proud of the way our students continue to show respect, inclusion and friendship each day.

INTERMIN REPORTS & PARENT – TEACHER INTERVIEWS

This week, families received interim reports that provide a snapshot of each student’s progress so far this year. These reports support ongoing communication between home and school and help us work together to guide each child’s learning journey. Parent–teacher interviews were also held this week, offering a valuable opportunity for families to discuss progress, celebrate achievements, and set goals for the term ahead. We thank our teachers and parents for their thoughtful conversations and shared commitment to each child’s growth.

END OF TERM RELECTION

As Term One comes to an end, we celebrate the learning, growth and sense of community shown by our students. Thank you to our dedicated staff and supportive families for working together to make our school such a positive place.

I wish all families a safe and restful break, a happy and blessed Easter, and look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed for Term Two on Tuesday 21 April.

VALUES

At St Thomas’ we are fortunate to hold on to our ties to the Presentation Sisters who founded the school in 1908. The values they set for our school, namely Community, Compassion, Truth, Inclusivity and Excellence, are deliberately taught to our students. We take one value per fortnight as a focus over the term – no doubt your child has discussed some of these at home (hopefully!). I encourage you to ask your child to name the school values, and then to discuss some examples of displaying that value to others they encounter.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS

Tomorrow, our Year Six students will lead the school community in the Stations of the Cross, to be held in the school hall. This reverent Lenten prayer experience is a meaningful opportunity for students to reflect on the journey of Jesus and the themes of sacrifice, compassion, and hope. Thank you to Mr Antulov and the Year 6 students for their leadership, and the respect they have shown while preparing this liturgy. We look forward to gathering together in prayer as a school community during this important season of Lent.

SWIMMING CARNIVAL – YEARS 3-6

Our annual Swimming Carnival on Friday 20 March was a wonderful display of enthusiasm, encouragement, and community spirit along some outstanding results. Students participated with great spirit, supporting one another in the pool and on the sidelines. It was heartening to see so many children challenge themselves, celebrate personal achievements, and demonstrate outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day. A sincere thank you to staff, parent helpers, and officials who gave their time to ensure the carnival ran smoothly and safely – timing, announcing, scoring, starting, marshalling and ribbon-ing!! Your support is so very much valued and such a trademark of St Thomas’ parents. Our focus moves to the Interschool carnival, where St Thomas’ will defend their title, and attempt to win six champion school titles in a row! The carnival will take place on Friday 24 April (Week 1 of Term 2).

RESULTS:

1st – Forrest 1080pts

2nd – Gittens 1038pts

3rd – Sheridan 1018pts

SLIP LANE TIP

Parents should stay in their car whilst using the slip lane. Our students are very independent when we let them display it! If your child is still learning how to put on seat belts, please use the holidays to hold a couple of practice sessions!

EDUDANCE

Edudance will take place during the first nine weeks of Term Two on Tuesdays. Students may wear sport uniform on these days to fully participate in these lessons. More information about the concert will be communicated next term.

END OF TERM

Thank you parents for your support of the many opportunities and experience held over Term 1. Lots of learning, lots of community and lots of togetherness that makes our school so special. I hope the Easter period is a special one for you and your family, and the school holidays gives students time to rest and gear up for an amazing Term Two.