St Thomas' Primary School Sale eNewsletter

Message from the Principal

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,

Thank you for the wonderful turnout to our Mother's Day breakfast last Friday. It was lovely to see so many mums, grandmothers and special women there to celebrate with us. Our Parents and Friends team did an amazing job organising it led by Karen Fraser. Thank you also to the many dads who showed up to set up, serve the food and clean up. We really appreciate your support and look forward to doing something similar for you for our Fathers Day breakfast on Friday 5th September.

Message from our Director Mr. Paul Velten:

Hope’ is alive in our Catholic Schools. Catholic Education Week is a highlight of the year for our Diocese, as our schools and parishes come together to celebrate their Catholic identity, unique mission and contribution to the community.

This year Catholic Education Week will be celebrated from 16 May to 23 May, 2025. The theme is ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ to align with the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope proclaimed by Pope Francis, inviting communities to reflect on the significance of hope and faith in their lives.

Catholic schools will open their doors to the community with Open Days and activities to celebrate. Schools will also be helping to spread the message of ‘hope’ in their communities. Sale Catholic parish is celebrating Catholic Education Week this weekend with a special Youth Mass on Saturday night starting at 5:30pm.

The 'Pilgrims of Hope' theme highlights the importance of faith, compassion, and community, and the transformative power of education in shaping students into tomorrow's leaders.

Catholic schools empower students to develop their capabilities academically, spiritually, and socially, preparing them to be compassionate and capable leaders in the communities of the future.

Recently published research using the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey data reinforces this message. The research found that people who attended Catholic schools are likely to see lifelong benefits in employment status, general health and life satisfaction. The report is available at: www.vcea.catholic.edu.au/lifelong benefits.

A highlight of Catholic Education Week will be a Diocesan Mass led by Bishop of Sale, Most Reverend Greg Bennet on Wednesday 21 May at St Francis Xavier College, Beaconsfield. A celebration of student learning in primary and secondary schools will take place at the conclusion of Mass with pictures from our school celebrations being a part of this celebration.

There are 39 Catholic primary schools and seven Catholic secondary schools in our Diocese, educating more than 20,000 students. I extend my gratitude to the dedicated, caring, hard-working staff and students who make Catholic schools in our region so special. I hope that staff, students, families and parishes enjoy this special time and that our schools continue to be safe, inclusive places where children are able to reach their full potential.

Christ Jesus, on whom the Spirit rests,