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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, Guardian and Carers,
We have had a lovely week at St Thomas this week. Teachers have appreciated the opportunity to meet with you at your child’s Parent Teacher interview and build a partnership to support your child this year.
A highlight of the week was the ‘Kinect2dance’ incursion. Students have enjoyed participating in this program, which combined movement, music, and teamwork. As you will have seen through the Dojo pictures that have been shared by the teachers there has been a lot of fun! It has been a very worthwhile experience.
Staying Safe in the Digital World
In today's connected world, where technology is at the heart of our learning and social lives, staying safe online has never been more important. As we embrace the benefits of the digital age, we must also equip ourselves with the skills to navigate its challenges.To help you parents we have engaged two providers to partner with the school this year to empower students with the knowledge and tools to stay safe online.
This year, we have partnered with the ‘Inform & Empower’, which focuses on helping young people make smart decisions about their digital footprint and interactions. Through engaging incursions, students will learn practical strategies to identify risks, protect their privacy, and communicate respectfully in the online space. They are also going to offer a parent webinar:
Please save the date. Registration details will be sent out through Class Dojo. A recording will be available after the webinar for those who register.
Additionally, we want to extend our appreciation to the ‘Think U Know’ cyber safety program led by the Sale police. Our grades 3 -6 students will be participating in this next week.
We encourage parents to continue discussing cyber safety at homes. Together, we can ensure our students are not only informed but also empowered to use technology responsibly and confidently.
Let’s work as a community to make the internet a safer place for everyone!
First Communion
We would like to extend our warmest wishes to our students as they take part in their First Communion at this Saturday’s 5:30pm Mass at the Cathedral.
This is such a special milestone in their spiritual journey, and we are so proud of them.
May this day be filled with joy, blessings, and cherished memories for the students and their families.
"Lord, bless these children as they prepare to receive the Eucharist for the first time. May they grow in faith, hope, and love, and may their hearts be filled with joy and peace."
| "Lord, bless these children as they prepare to receive the Eucharist for the first time. May they grow in faith, hope, and love, and may their hearts be filled with joy and peace." |
End of Term:
As we approach the end of Term 1, we would like to remind families that school will finish early on Thursday, April 4th, at 2:15 PM. This marks the conclusion of a fantastic term filled with learning and growth experiences for our students.
We hope everyone enjoys a well-deserved break and returns refreshed and ready for Term 2. Have a safe and happy holiday!
Key dates:
- School Closure day - Mon 31st
- Big Water Walk - April 1st
- Parent Meeting for Confirmation Candidates - Wed 2nd
- Passion Play - April 4th
- End of term 2:15pm finish - April 4th
- Term 2 begins - Tues April 22nd
- Anzac day public holiday - April 25th
2025 SCHOOL TERM DATES
Term 1
Tuesday 28th January - Friday 4th April (2.15pm finish)
(Students start Friday 31st Jan)
Pupil Free day Monday 31st March 2025
Term 2
Tuesday 22nd April - Friday 4th July
Public Holiday - Anzac Day - Friday 25th April
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.
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
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 | Audrey Irving & Kaliah Hood |
| Foundation B - Mrs Brayshaw | Addi Robertson & Miles Cheshire |
| Year 1 A - Mrs Morelli / Mrs Ray | Alora Pinto & Ezach Jacob |
| Year 1 B - Mrs Phillips / Mrs Ray | Holly Lamb & Billie Love |
| Year 2 A - Mrs Davis / Mrs Jones | Alex Collins & Peyton Morelli |
| Year 2 B - Mrs Bennett | |
| Year 3 A - Mrs Lee | |
| Year 3 B - Mrs Ko | Harley McKenzie & Emerson Bradley |
| Year 4 A - Mrs Wilson | Paisley Parkinson Hall & Tilly Phillips |
| Year 4 B - Mr Brunt | Piper Jeremiah & Victoria O'Keefe |
| Year 5 A - Miss Cameron | Lottie Goudie & Miya Bird & Ally Skeen |
| Year 5 B - Ms Berry / Mrs Glover | Jenson Schaefer & Audrey Wilson |
| Year 6 A - Mrs Irwin | Jolie Campbell & Xavier Useni-Vowel |
| Year 6 B - Mrs Bradley / Mrs Fox | Taj Schuback & Brooklyn George |
2025 SCHOOL SAVINGS BONUS (SSB)
The School Savings Bonus is a State Government initiative designed to assist families with cost-of-living pressures. Under this funding, each eligible student is entitled to a $400 bonus for application towards activity levies and uniform purchases from approved supplier. Within our school, all CSEF applicants are eligible to receive this funding. All families who have a Centrelink Health Care Card and have not applied for CSEF in the past are encouraged to contact the school office and initiate an application this year. Please refer to the below link for more information:
https://www.vic.gov.au/receiving-school-saving-bonus#non-government-school-information
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:
Winter registration has opened for all players.
Follow links on our Facebook page to register
