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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, Guardians and Carers,
There has been a lovely buzz around the school as the staff and students have settled into the 2025 school year. Mrs Battista and I have enjoyed being able to visit classrooms and start to get to know the children.
Congratulations to our school captains Ashleigh and Alyson for running the first assembly of the year last Friday. I have been very impressed with their thoroughness in preparing for the assembly and their confidence in this space. We are lucky to have two strong captains helping to lead St Thomas.
The swimming carnival was a success with a lovely atmosphere. Thank you to Mrs Glover for your organisation and enthusiasm and the teachers and volunteers who assisted on the day!
GETTING SAFELY TO AND FROM SCHOOL
As it is the start of the school year I just want to remind all of us as a school community to make sure our children are supported to get safely to and from school. The best way for children to learn to be safe on the roads is under your guidance, in real traffic, in everyday situations. Until children are about 10 or 11 years of age they do not have the necessary skills and physical abilities to be safe on their own so providing supervised practice is important. Some points to consider:
School Pedestrian Crossings
To promote a safe environment for all – parents and children are requested to use the School Pedestrian Crossings as these are the safest places to cross the road.
Supervision
- Children need to have their hand held in any traffic situation until they are at least 9 years old. It is also recommended that children are both dropped off and collected within the school boundaries, rather than you waiting in the car for them to meet you.
Stop, Look, Listen, Think (SLLT) procedure
- Hold an adult’s hand (for younger children)
- Choose a safe place to cross if the road you are crossing does not have a school crossing – make sure you have a good clear view of traffic in all directions and where drivers can see you
- STOP one step back from the kerb or shoulder of the road if there is no footpath
- LOOK in all directions for approaching traffic
- LISTEN for traffic approaching from all directions
- THINK about whether it is safe to cross the road – when the road is clear or all traffic has stopped
- Walk straight across the road. Keep LOOKING and LISTENING for traffic while crossing.
Parking Restrictions
Please obey all parking restrictions (no double parking or parking in driveways) and note the the No Parking areas in Gutheridge Parage and Raglan at the beginning and end of the school day.
With the increased volume of traffic that occurs at school drop off and pick up time, your young child may experience anxiety, in this case it is important that children are picked up from a pre-determined position, rather than finding a different position every day.
Parked Cars
Teach your child the dangers – i.e. reversing cars, moving cars, people looking for a spot to park and not concentrating on the presence of young children. It is much safer to use the school crossings when crossing the streets around the school.
Bikes/Scooters
Children under the age of 10 should not be riding alone in traffic. (Under 10s lack the cognitive skills to negotiate complex road situations by themselves. Bicycle Victoria).
For safety reasons bikes and scooters must not be ridden within the school boundaries.
SCHOOL UNIFORM SURVEY
You will have received an invitation to participate in a survey gauging interest in some new pieces of uniform such as a soft shell jacket, a skort for the summer uniform for those who don’t like to wear a dress and the possibility of changing the pants/shorts colour from grey to navy. If you haven’t aready done so please click on the link that was sent through SIMON and complete the survey.
Thank you to the members of the parents and friends who have been busy seeking options for us to consider. We are just seeking interest at this stage as any change will necessitate a change in the school uniform policy and require time for suppliers to get the necessary stock.
Kind regards
Jodie
2025 SCHOOL TERM DATES
Term 1
Tuesday 28th January - Friday4th April
(Students start Friday 31st Jan)
Term 2
Tuesday 22nd April - Friday4th July
Term 3
Monday 21st July - Friday 19th Septmeber
Term 4
Monday 6th October - Friday 19th December
Reminder you can also check the PAM calendar for important dates.
Monday 10th March Labour Day Holiday NO BUSES RUNNING
Friday 4th April Last day of term 1 Buses leave at 2.20pm instead of 3.20pm
Tuesday 22nd April First Day of Term 2
Friday 25th April Anzac Day Holiday NO BUSES RUNNING
Friday 6th June Student Free Day St Thomas'
Monday 9th June Kings Birthday NO BUSES RUNNING
Friday 4th July Last day of term 2. Buses leave at 2.20pm instead of 3.20pm
Monday 21st July Student Free Day NO BUSES RUNNING
Tuesday 22nd July First Day of Term 3 for buses
Friday 19th September Student Free Day St Thomas
Last day of term 3. Buses leave at 2.20pm instead of 3.20pm
Monday 6 th October First Day of Term 4
Monday 3 rd November Student Free Day NO BUSES RUNNING
Tuesday 4 th November Melbourne Cup Day NO BUSES RUNNING
Thursday 18 th December Last day for St Thomas
SCHOOL FEES
School Fee Invoices will be emailed to all families within the next 2 weeks, you will be notified
once these have been sent out. Please make sure your details are up to date.
Please see below some reminders about school fees.
Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund (CSEF)
The Camps, Sports and Excursion Fund helps ensure that no student will miss out on the
opportunity to join their classmates for important educational and inclusive activities.
How to apply: New applicants will be required to complete a new CSEF Application form. These
forms can be found on the PAM under “Parent Forms” CONCESSION CARD HOLDERS -
Camps, Sports and Excursions (CSEF) Application Form or there are copies available from the
office. Please make sure you provide a copy of your Concession Card with your application.
Primary School Concessional Fee for Centrelink Concession Card (CCC)
Holders
Families who hold an eligible means-tested CCC (such as an eligible health care card or
pensioner concession card) may be eligible for a school fee concession.
Please contact the school office if you require a Concessional Fee Application Form.
Fee Payment Options
Fees are charged annually during Term 1. There are a number of options available to pay your
fees. Fees can be paid in 4 termly instalments, by Direct Debit (arrangements can be made to pay
weekly, fortnightly or monthly) by BPAY or by Credit Card. We do encourage a direct debit
arrangement.
The option for payment in full at the commencement of the year is available. The due date
for full payment is due is Friday 28 th March 2025.
If paying termly instalments: Full total of school fees and levies divided by 4 is due to be
paid on the following dates:
1st Instalment due: Friday 28 th March 2025
2nd Instalment due: Friday 27 th June 2025
3rd Instalment due: Friday 12 th September 2025
4 th and final Instalment due: Friday 5 th December 2025
If at any time you have any concerns about school fees and levies, please contact Jo De Lazzer
(jdelazzer@sttsale.catholic.edu.au) to discuss any issues.
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.
| Foundation A - Mrs Goudie & Mrs Manning | |
| Foundation B - Mrs Brayshaw | |
| Year 1 A - Mrs Morelli / Mrs Ray | |
| Year 1 B - Mrs Phillips / Mrs Ray | |
| Year 2 A - Mrs Davis / Mrs Jones | |
| Year 2 B - Mrs Bennett | |
| Year 3 A - Mrs Lee | |
| Year 3 B - Mrs Ko | |
| Year 4 A - Mrs Wilson | |
| Year 4 B - Mr Brunt | |
| Year 5 A - Miss Cameron | |
| Year 5 B - Ms Berry / Mrs Glover | |
| Year 6 A - Mrs Irwin | |
| Year 6 B - Mrs Bradley / Mrs Fox | |
A Special Report: The Wellbeing Barometer - 2025
The Wellbeing Barometer survey is an invaluable tool for schools, providing critical insights into the mental health and wellbeing of young people. This annual survey identifies areas of concern, highlights resilience and adaptability in students, and emphasises the importance of preventative strategies to promote positive outcomes.
Participation in this survey is strongly encouraged, as it offers a comprehensive view of students' experiences, challenges, and achievements. By capturing a detailed understanding of young people's experiences, the survey supports a tailored approach to enhancing their mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. It helps to identify strengths and areas for improvement, as well as pinpoint opportunities for early intervention.
The survey is part of an ongoing longitudinal study, and we encourage you to take a few moments to complete the survey for each of your children. Responses remain anonymous and should be based on your observations over the last 12 months. By working together, we can reduce the long-term impact of mental illness and make a meaningful difference to the lives of our young people for a brighter future.
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-wellbeing-barometer-2025-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:
Please find the attached information for our Saturday season.
- Team entries close April 4th.
- Round 1 - May 3rd.
- Grand Final - September 6th (12/U to Open).
- Team fee - 9/U to 12/U $480. 13/U to Open $580.
- Sections - 9/U, 10/U, 11/U, 12/U, 13/U, 15/U and open.
