Our school is  a place of faith and learning

“From the first moment that a student sets foot in a Catholic school, he or she ought to have the impression of entering a new environment, one illuminated by the light of faith, and having its own unique characteristics. The inspiration of Jesus must be translated from the ideal into the real. The Gospel spirit should be evident in a Christian way of thought and life which permeates all facets of the educational climate”. 

Dear Parents and Families,

Called to be like Christ

This week, we celebrated the missionary month of October with a liturgy service focusing on our role to live the mission of Christ by loving and serving others in the everyday things we do with our family and friends. On a global scale, children reflected upon how they may support others in need who may not have the basic necessities that many are fortunate to have in Australia. 

In an effort to support these communities, we celebrated “Socktober”, with the money raised going to those less fortunate.

We were delighted to identify students within our school community who portrayed the missionary work of Christ, welcoming and supporting others through showing respect and empathy.  

We congratulate them and indeed all our students who acknowledged the purpose of missionary month and Christ’s call to be of service to others. We thank families who were able to join us for our liturgy service and Fr Francis for explaining how we may bring happiness to others through the simple things we do each day.

Child Safety

Today, we acknowledge “A Day for Daniel”. We do so under the umbrella of child safety and reiterate the importance of being vigilant about the whereabouts and interactions of our children with strangers within our community and on social media platforms. We pray for all the missing persons within Australia and whose families are grieving for their loved ones. We ask our parents to have conversations with their children about travelling to and from school safely and to be mindful of the interactions their children may be having on their social media and gaming platforms.

Sport

A number of our Year 6 students participated in a Cricket Clinic at the Sale City ovals throughout the day and had an opportunity to have fun as well as compete in a round robin competition with local schools. A good day was had by all.

Our Year 5/6 Hooptime girls basketball team travelled to Traralgon for the next round of competition. Again a busy day for all and we thank staff and parents who supported them throughout the day.

Swimming continues next week and I congratulate children for their enthusiasm and the way they have engaged in the program this year.

Student Leadership

The process of electing student leaders for 2025 has been communicated to students. We wish all students choosing to nominate for roles the very best.

Enjoy your weekend.

Anita and staff

2024 SCHOOL TERM DATES

This year our School Captains Jack Morris and Lily Holmes, attended the WELS Student Leadership Program. The leadership program offered students a unique opportunity to engage in authentic leadership—an ongoing journey of personal growth, exploration, and learning. Throughout the program, the students developed a deeper understanding of themselves (leadership of self) and how they relate to and influence others (leadership of others). The program encourages a strong belief that every student has the potential to lead, influence, and make a positive difference, and this program helped them realise that potential.

During the program, students participated in a range of hands-on activities and real-life projects designed to enhance their leadership skills and sense of responsibility. They explored the concept of service leadership, which emphasises using one’s values, skills, time, and energy to benefit others, the community, and the environment. Through these experiences, students learned that leadership is not just about taking charge—it's about serving others and making a meaningful impact.

Reflection was a significant part of the program. After each activity, students took time to evaluate their experiences, discuss challenges, and share insights with their peers. This reflection process, guided by skilled facilitators, helped them gain a deeper understanding of leadership and how they can apply these lessons to their everyday lives.

We are proud of the dedication and enthusiasm Jack and Lily showed throughout the program. They demonstrated authentic leadership by taking initiative, working as a team, and leading with empathy and purpose. Their efforts made a positive impact on both the school community and the wider local community, showing that they are well on their way to becoming the ethical and responsible leaders of tomorrow.

This program reminded us that leadership is not just about titles or positions—it is a process of learning, serving, and growing. We look forward to seeing how these young leaders will continue to develop their leadership skills and contribute to their communities in the future.

SSV Regional Athletics

Congratulations to our very talented team of athletes who competed at Newborough on Tuesday for the SSV Regional Track and Field Championships. All the students should be extremely proud of their achievements. A big congratulations to Mitchell Hanckel and Maddi Mizzi who had outstanding runs in the 1500m, both placing 3rd. 

Hoop Time 

The Grade 5/6 girls Hoop Time team will head to Traralgon this Friday to compete in the Regional Tournament. Good luck to all the girls and Jo Francis. 

Cricket

On Friday some of the Grade 6 students will participate in a division Cricket competition. St Thomas will be representing 2 Mixed teams on the day. We wish both teams the best of luck. 

Thank you to all our tuckshop volunteers!

Time: 12.35pm - 2pm

Please be reminded that the canteen now closes for over-the-counter sales from 1.25pm. This allows students time to finish eating canteen items before returning to class.

 If you need to swap your allocated day, please contact another volunteer to make arrangements. The office should only be contacted as a last resort.

We have a number of items available in the second hand uniform shop. To purchase or check out what's available please contact Anna Baynes on 0419117649.

A Special Report: The Cost of Living Crisis

In our ever-changing economic landscape, parents and caregivers are increasingly faced with the task of broaching the subject of growing expenses with their children. While the instinct may be to shield young people from life’s challenges, there's a growing belief that addressing real-world issues, including financial uncertainties, can actually foster resilience and understanding. Striking a balance between protection and education is crucial for those looking to empower their children.

To effectively introduce the topic of finances, we need to be mindful of the timing and setting of the conversation. Using straightforward, age-appropriate language helps maintain transparency, and openly discussing adjustments to the family budget can carry significant weight. By encouraging children to participate in finding creative ways to save and make thoughtful spending choices, parents can nurture a sense of responsibility.

This Special Report offers a valuable opportunity to enhance children's financial literacy, equipping them with the resilience needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world.

We hope you take time to reflect on the information offered in this Special Report, and as always, we welcome your feedback.

If you do have any concerns about the wellbeing of your child, please contact the school for further information or seek medical or professional help.

Here is the link to your special report:
https://sttsale.catholic.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-cost-living-crisis-au