Dear Parents and Carers,

Vinnies Sleepout – Speaking of braving the winter cold, last night I participated in the CEO Vinnies Sleepout—an experience that was both humbling and eye-opening. As forecast, it was a freezing -5°C (with a 'feels like' temperature of -8 degrees), and even with all my layers, it was an uncomfortable night. It’s hard to imagine what it would be like to sleep like that every night, yet for over 1,700 people in our region, this is their reality. While it was just one night for me, it was a powerful reminder of the hardship faced daily by so many in our community. 

The purpose of the Sleepout is twofold: to raise awareness of homelessness in Australia and to raise vital funds to support the incredible work of the St Vincent de Paul Society. I thought I was being ambitious setting a goal of $4,000 to raise. But with the continual donations from the St Thomas the Apostle community coming in each day, I had to keep upping the goal. I am deeply moved and grateful to share that, thanks to the outstanding generosity of our St Thomas the Apostle families, I was able to raise over $9,467. 

Thank you so much for your generous support, it truly means a great deal. I believe this experience also helps our students reflect on how fortunate they are to have warm homes, nourishing meals, and people who care for them. 

Please continue that spirit of compassion by supporting our Winter Woolies Appeal. We are still collecting donations of socks, gloves, beanies, blankets, and warm adult clothing. Every item can help bring warmth and dignity to someone doing it tough this winter. The Vinnies Night Patrol Van will be here on the last day of school, St Thomas the Apostle Feast Day (Thursday 3 July) to collect the items and thank the students.  

Winter Solstice Celebration – It’s on tomorrow Saturday, 21 June - 2-5pm

We’re all set for our much-loved Winter Solstice Celebration, our own little version of Christmas in July!! Now in its third year, this much-loved event has become a highlight on our school calendar, and we’re expecting a fantastic turnout once again. 

Come and gather around the fire pit with a warm mulled wine and enjoy an array of delicious winter treats including: 

Hot roast beef and pork rolls 
• Kranskys with sauerkraut 
• Belgian waffles 
• Hot sticky date and chocolate pudding cups 
• Toffee apples 
...just to name a few! 

There’ll be food, drinks, market stalls, live music and plenty of festive cheer—something for the whole family to enjoy. 

A huge thank you to Victoria Town, our lead coordinator, for her exceptional work in bringing this wonderful community event together. 

We look forward to seeing you there—rug up and join us for a magical winter afternoon! 

Parent Teacher Interviews - We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all the parents and carers who braved the winter chill to attend this week’s Parents Teacher Interviews. Your presence, your thoughtful questions, and the genuine interest you show in your child’s learning make a real difference. 

Our teachers prepared thoroughly for these meetings and deeply valued the open, honest conversations shared. These discussions not only help us support your child more effectively but also strengthen the positive and trusting relationships we are building together. 

We are grateful for the trust you place in us, your ongoing support of our school, and the warm, respectful relationships we enjoy with our parent community. Your involvement and care make a real and lasting difference. 

Semester Reports - As we draw closer to the end of term and half way through the year, we approach the time for semester reports to be distributed. In Australian schools, student performance is assessed using a grading scale. Kindergarten use a grading system ranging from Experiencing Difficulty to Working Above Expectations. Years 3 to 6 use an A to E grading system. Understanding this system and maintaining a positive outlook on your child's grades can greatly influence their academic journey and self-esteem. 

What is A to E Reporting? 

A (Excellent): Your child is excelling in the subject, demonstrating a thorough understanding and advanced skills. 

B (Good): Your child shows strong performance, with a solid understanding and good skills. 

C (Satisfactory): Your child meets the expected standard, showing adequate understanding and skills. 

D (Developing): Your child is approaching the expected standard but needs more support in certain areas. 

E (Emerging): Your child is beginning to develop understanding and skills but requires significant support. 

It's essential to approach your child's grades with positivity and encouragement. Here are some tips on how to do this: 

Celebrate Effort and Improvement: Focus on the effort your child has put into their learning and any progress they've made. This reinforces the value of hard work and perseverance. 

Understand the Context: Grades provide a snapshot of your child's performance in specific areas. They are not a reflection of their overall potential or worth. Understanding this can help you and your child keep a healthy perspective. 

Discuss the Learning Journey: Use the report as a starting point for conversations about what they've enjoyed learning, where they felt challenged, and how they can continue to grow. This encourages a growth mindset. Teachers constantly do this with their students. 

Set Realistic Goals: Help your child set achievable goals for the next semester. This can be based on areas where they can improve, and also where they are already doing well. 

Encourage a Balanced Approach: While academics are important, remind your child that other aspects of school life, such as social skills, creativity, and physical activities, are also valuable. 

By maintaining a positive attitude towards grades and focusing on continuous improvement, we can help our children develop a love for learning and the resilience to face challenges. Together, we can support their educational journey and celebrate their achievements, no matter where they are on the A to E scale. 

2025 St Thomas the Apostle Fete 

Make sure you have your calendar free on Saturday 8 November for the best fete in Canberra! Our fete committee are hard at work putting things into place already. Attached to this newsletter is details of the Mufti Day we will be holding on the last day of term which coincides with our school feast day. Furthermore, our brilliant Cake Stall Coordinator will be ending her time with us this year. As a result, we will be looking for another coordinator to take over the reins. If you would like any more information, please see Susan Chant.  

Farewell and Best Wishes to Mrs Housler 

Today we say farewell to Mrs. Jacinta Housler as she begins a period of extended leave for the rest of this term and all of Term 3. We wish Jacinta all the very best as she takes this special time to travel and enjoy adventures with her family. We know it will be a wonderful and enriching time as she travels with her family and enjoys this special opportunity to create lasting memories together. 

While Jacinta is on leave, we are pleased to welcome back from maternity leave, Mrs Jessica Gordon, who will be teaching the class throughout Term 3. In the meantime, for the final two weeks of this term, Mrs Janelle McCabe and Mr Des Gomez will be sharing the teaching role and providing a smooth and supportive transition for the students. 

We look forward to hearing about Jacinta’s adventures when she returns in Term 4. 

Yours in partnership,

Ursula Jamieson
Principal