Filter Content
- Message From The Principal
- Term Dates
- Important Dates Regarding Buses 2024
- Celebration of Service for Mrs. Anita Little
- Merit Awards
- Parents and Friends
- Book Club
- Canteen
- Second Hand Uniform Shop
- Jokes from 1/2D
- SCHOOL TV
- Community Update: Our Lady of Sion Convent and former Sion Campus, Sale
- Community Notices
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,
I hope you all enjoyed your long weekend.
The highlight of this week has been our Colour Run. We have had excited children and also some anxious children. All went well and we sincerely thank the P&F and our Catholic College students for running the event.
Next Friday, we will have the first of our three Transition sessions. Our first Foundation cohort will attend in the morning and our second Foundation group will attend in the afternoon. All other classes will participate in their first transition between 9.15am and 10.35am.
Children will be placed in their year levels, however, student and teacher placements for individual classes have not been determined as yet.
We continue to support our children with their preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The sacrament will take place on November 20th with the Reconciliation Practice workshop taking place next week on November 13th, 2024.
Please know all families are invited to celebrate 9.30am Mass on Sunday, November 17th 2024.
This Sunday’s Mass will be a farewell Mass for Chris Randell from Catholic College Sale and myself. Morning tea will follow afterwards
Hoping you enjoy your weekend and the colourful shirts that arrive home this afternoon.
Take care,
Anita & Staff
2024 SCHOOL TERM DATES
Term 4 - Monday 7th October - Friday 20th December 2024
Last day of School for Students for Term 4 is Tuesday 17th December 2024.
Wednesday 18th December is a Pupil Free Day
Thursday 19th December is a Pupil Free Day
Friday 20th December is a Pupil Free Day
Reminder you can also check the PAM calendar for important dates.
Celebration of Service for Mrs. Anita Little
We invite all members of our school community to join us for a special Mass honoring Mrs. Anita Little and her dedicated service to Catholic education. The Mass will be held on Sunday, November 17th, at 9:30 am at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Sale.
This celebration recognises Mrs. Little’s remarkable contributions as Principal at St. Thomas’ Primary School, Sale, St. Mary’s Primary School, Maffra, and St. Michael’s Primary School, Heyfield. Throughout her career, she has shown deep compassion for students, families, and staff, alongside a passion for fostering learning and growth.
Families are warmly encouraged to stay for morning tea after the service. If you are able to bring a plate of food to share, please inform the reception at St Thomas'.
We hope you can join us in celebrating Mrs. Little's service to our community.
| FA - Mrs Goudie & Mrs Phillips | William Nicholson & Robyn Burnard |
| FB - Mrs Brayshaw | Lilly O'Shea & Darcy Potts |
| 1/2A - Mrs Morelli | Kane Schuback & Jonah Cheshire |
| 1/2B - Mrs Manning & Mrs Cheshire | Evie Smith & Bessie Waterman |
| 1/2C - Ms Ko & Mrs Jones | Alexis Simmons & Cleo Laverty |
| 1/2D - Mrs Bennett | Oscar Parkinson-Hall & Ryley Podubinski |
| 3/4A - Mrs Irwin | Matthew Swasbrick & Alex Karvelas |
| 3/4B - Mrs Wilson | Madison Ryan, Spencer Brayshaw & Skylah McMillan |
| 3/4C - Mrs Cameron | Riley Bennett, Huddy Bateman & Josie Vatnsdal |
| 3/4D - Mr Brunt | Mason Downing & Harvey McMillan |
| 5/6A - Mr Arnup & Mr Hickey | Scarlett Pini & Olive Scott |
| 5/6C - Mrs Lee | Xavier Useni-Vowel & Poppy Fowler |
| 5/6D - Mrs Bradley & Mrs Fox | Riley McCartney & Ashleigh Johnston |
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Day
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Date
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Volunteer 1
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Volunteer 2
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Reserve
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Wed
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13-Nov-24
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Macala Heywood
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Nicky Blasius
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Zoe Curtis
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Fri
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15-Nov-24
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Debbie McCarthy
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Rhiannon Aurisch
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Natalie Laugeni
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Wed
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20-Nov-24
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Christina Kyriakou
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Courtney Moore
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Emmaly Hall
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Fri
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22-Nov-24
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Hayley Smolenaars
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Jemma Davis
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Carolyn Wilson
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Wed
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27-Nov-24
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Amanda Marciniec
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Melissa VanDerGraaff
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Chloe Nikolajew
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Fri
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29-Nov-24
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Tanya Swasbrick
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Lisa Safstrom
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Allanah Hayman
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Wed
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4-Dec-24
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Gab Waterman
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Zoe Curtis
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Bec Coleman
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Fri
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6-Dec-24
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Jess Bristow
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Rochelle Salerman
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Rhiannon Aurisch
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Wed
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11-Dec-24
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Ashleigh Fairhall
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Anna Baynes
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Courtney Moore
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Fri
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13-Dec-24
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Hannah McClaren
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Mikaela Fowler
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Jemma Davis
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Wed
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18-Dec-24
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Bec Coleman
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Chloe Nikolajew
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Macala Heywood
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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
JOINT STATEMENT FROM
Bishop Greg Bennet & Mr Paul Velten
Catholic Bishop of Sale Director of Catholic Education
Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd
Community Update 3: The Future of
Our Lady of Sion Convent and
former Sion Campus, Sale.
The Our Lady of Sion Convent building in Sale is a much-loved local landmark with historical and
educational significance for Catholics, the Catholic education community, and the broader community
in Sale.
In this third update, we want to bring members of St Mary’s Parish, St Thomas’ Primary School, and
other members of the Sale community, up to date about the significant progress that has occurred
since August 2023 in the redevelopment of the former Our Lady of Sion Convent site into an exciting,
state-of-the-art education facility, serving the mission of the Diocese of Sale.
A significant challenge in the redevelopment planning process is to ensure that the comprehensive
renovation of this iconic 125-year-old building will be done in ways that will (a) meet the needs of
students and staff in a contemporary educational context, and (b) comply with the more rigorous
21st-century building codes, while still retaining the building’s original beauty, grandeur and
character. This process requires meticulous planning and sensitive consultation with numerous
stakeholders.
The architects and consultants are progressing in the design and preparation works. The
Architectural team continues to meet with heritage advisors, specialist engineers and the St Thomas’
Primary School community.
There has also been ongoing consultation with the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion to identify how their
extensive contribution to Catholic education on this site can be acknowledged and celebrated, to
ensure their legacy endures among future generations.
We are happy to announce that, earlier this year, the Victorian Minister for Planning, through the
Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), granted a planning permit for the proposed works.
We can also confirm that we were successful in obtaining a Commonwealth Capital Grant from the
Federal Government for the construction of additional new student learning spaces on the site. These
proposed education facilities are an essential element of the overall St Thomas’ Primary School
masterplan and are separate to the redevelopment work on the former Sion Convent building.
While the planning process continues, it is anticipated that work will soon commence to bring the
property back to a clean site, as well as beginning some preservation of the former Sion Convent.
Community members may see the demolition of some non-heritage and ad-hoc structures that have
been identified as being unsuitable as contemporary learning spaces. These buildings are not
included in the proposed development masterplan. There will also be some associated groundwork
and temporary building maintenance essential to preserving the former Sion Convent building whilst
it is in caretaker mode.
While we are excited about the considerable progress that has been made in the past ten months, a
great deal of work is still to be done before a definitive announcement can be made to key
stakeholders about the approval of the project. Please keep this project, the re-development team,
and the St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School community, in your prayers.
Background and Timeline:
November 2020: The site became vacant following the formal relocation of the Catholic College
Sale Junior campus. Many expressed their dreams and hopes for the future use
of this treasured local landmark.
August 2021: The Bishop of Sale, through his Diocesan Committee chaired by the former
Member for Gippsland South and parishioner of St Mary’s Cathedral, the
Honourable Mr Peter Ryan, began exploring possible uses of the convent
building. The Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd (DOSCEL) engaged
specialist consultants to explore the possible relocation of St Thomas’ Catholic
Primary School, Sale to the Sion Campus site.
November 2021: A community survey was undertaken to gather feedback on relocating
St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School to the Sion Campus site.
October 2022: It was announced that through the work of DOSCEL and the Diocesan
Committee, consideration would focus on the development of the whole site as a
state-of-the-art education facility with the Convent building which includes the
Chapel being the centrepiece of the school.
December 2022: Early conceptual designs for a Preliminary Proposed Masterplan were
developed by a project architect for consideration and assessment.
January - June 2023: Extensive investigations continued and a range of consultant specialists
including engineers, surveyors and a Heritage Advisor were appointed.
June 2022: Preliminary Proposed Masterplan moved to Detailed Design Phase. Architects
commenced engagement with Town Planning.
February 2024: Planning permit granted by the Minister for Planning through the Department of
Transport and Planning
February 2024: Commonwealth Government Capital Grant confirmed.
For Project Updates on Our Lady of Sion Convent and Sion Campus go to:
