2026 T4W4- 05 NOVEMBER

FROM AWARENESS TO ACTION
At St Thomas’ Primary School, our school values continue to guide the way we learn, interact and care for one another. Children are naturally interested in fairness. Why do some children have more than others? Why do people experience poverty? Where does our rubbish go? Why should we conserve water? What happens when environments are damaged? These questions provide important opportunities to develop both knowledge and compassion. Our focus on Excellence for Our World encourages students to move through three stages: see, care and act. We first seek to understand our world and the experiences of others. We then consider why these things should matter to us. Finally, we ask what action we can realistically take. This reflects our Catholic understanding of stewardship, human dignity and the common good. Exactly the themes our Year Six ‘Becoming Beacons’ program works to promote with our students. It also helps children understand that excellence isn’t measured only by what they accomplish for themselves. Perhaps one of the most important questions we can teach our children to ask is: “What can I do to make this better?” When knowledge, compassion and action come together, excellence becomes something much greater than individual achievement. It becomes service.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION ASSESSMENT
Earlier this year students in Years 3 and 5 participated in the Religious Education Assessment, administered by Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA). This assessment provides valuable information about students’ knowledge and understanding of the Catholic faith, and supports schools in strengthening the teaching and learning of Religious Education. Over the coming days, individual assessment reports will be made available to parents and caregivers of students in Years 3 and 5, via Seqta Engage. Parents will be notified via email when reports are available.

REPORTS
End of Year Student Reports will be available to parents and caregivers through SEQTA Engage on the afternoon of Monday 7 December. Reports provide an overview of each student’s academic achievement and effort throughout the semester. For students in Years 1 to 6, reports include an A-E achievement grade for each learning area, alongside an effort grade reflecting their application and engagement in learning. Reporting formats differ for our younger students. Kindergarten students receive a specifically designed report that reflects their early learning and development, while Pre-primary reports do not include A–E letter grades. The final element of the report includes personal and social development, as well as one overall comment incorporating progress and achievement through Religious Education, English, Mathematics and personal development over the year. We encourage families to take the time to read and discuss their child’s report, celebrating achievements and recognising the progress made throughout the year. Should you have any questions about the reporting process, grading or require further information, please contact me directly.

SLIP LANE
Thank you to all families who continue to use our school slip lane safely, respectfully and efficiently during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. The Town of Claremont Rangers have been supporting the safe and appropriate use of the roads and parking areas surrounding our school, helping to ensure the safety of students, families and other road users. WA Police have also had speed detection equipment to monitor safe vehicle speeds. A friendly reminder to move as far forward as possible when entering the slip lane. This allows more vehicles to enter the lane, reduces congestion and supports a smoother and safer flow of traffic. Ultimately, our shared priority is simple: keeping every community member safe. Thank you for continuing to play your part in making our school environment a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

SWIMMING LESSONS
Our upcoming swimming program will once again provide students with valuable opportunities to develop their swimming skills, water safety awareness and confidence in a range of aquatic environments. It takes place during weeks 7 and 8 this term (Monday 23 November to Friday 4 December). As previously advertised, lessons will take place at the following locations:
* Pre-Primary to Year 2: Claremont Pool
* Years 3 and 4: Claremont Pool during the first week, followed by Cottesloe Beach during the second week
* Years 5 and 6: Cottesloe Beach
Lessons will be delivered by Rare Indigo, our external swimming and water safety provider. St Thomas’ staff will accompany students on bus journeys to and from the venues and supervise students throughout the lessons. A form will be sent to families shortly. To make changing before and after lessons easier, students may wear their sports uniform throughout the fortnight. Classroom teachers will communicate specific arrangements and reminders through their Week at a Glance emails. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the swimming program, please email me directly.

YEAR FOUR SATURDAY MASS
A reminder our Year Four students will lead the mass at St Thomas the Apostle church, Claremont, this Saturday night. These masses are always a true community experience where our school shares in the Eucharist with our parish. The mass begins at 5:30pm and a sausage sizzle will follow on the grass outside the presbytery. Everyone is most welcome. Thank you to the Year Parent rep’s and parent helpers for their work with this.

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.

A sincere thank you to the wonderful parents who joined us last week to help cover books for 2027. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated.

We will be holding another book covering session on Friday, 6 November, from 1.30pm to 3.00pm in the Makerspace. If you are available to help, we would love to see you.

If you are unable to attend but would be willing to take some books home to cover, please contact the school office.

Thank you for supporting our students and school community.