Leadership Communication

A warm welcome back to all students, families and staff. We hope everyone enjoyed a safe and restful holiday break and is ready for another positive term of learning at St Thomas the Apostle. It was wonderful to welcome the children back on Tuesday, reconnecting with one another and staff, and sharing their excitement for the term ahead.

School Improvement

On Monday, all teaching and education support staff participated in professional learning focused on our school improvement priorities for Term 3 and Instructional Coaching. This provided an important opportunity for staff to review our shared direction and strengthen the consistent teaching and support practices that help every student feel safe, included and successful in their learning.

Please see below a visual overview of our school improvement focus areas for 2026. Each year, we identify a small number of key improvement priorities to guide our work across the school. While many important things happen at St Thomas every day, these priorities help us remain focused on the areas that will make the greatest difference to student learning, wellbeing and growth.

Our 2026 school improvement priorities focus on Religious Education, Mathematics, English and EAL, school-wide routines, inclusive education and instructional coaching. These areas have been identified because they directly support our goal of ensuring every child is safe, known, connected and learning.

For students, this means clearer teaching, stronger routines, targeted support and learning that responds to their needs. For staff, it means working together with a shared focus, using evidence of student learning to plan next steps and continuing to strengthen practice across classrooms.

Building Works Update

It has been a productive break around the school, with construction beginning on our new building near the basketball court. This work has required some changes to our outdoor play and learning spaces, and our students have adapted admirably. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our school community while this important project is underway. 

Due to the relocation of the anticipated vehicle access during construction, the oval gate remains available for pedestrians only at the beginning and end of the school day. Berwick-Cranbourne road is not suitable for vehicles to park for student collection.  It is not safe due to the speed of the traffic and all families are asked to use the allocated entrances/ exits to the school if choosing to drive to collect their children. 

Kid's Roar Sessions - F - 5

Next week, all students will participate in age-appropriate KidsROAR personal safety sessions. These sessions help students develop their understanding of personal safety, recognise situations that may feel unsafe, use their voice and seek support from trusted adults. The program reinforces that children have the right to feel safe and that they should continue speaking to trusted adults until someone listens and helps.

Thank you to the families who attended the KidsROAR parent information session on Tuesday evening. It was an informative session that helped parents understand what students will learn and how the language and strategies introduced through the program can also be reinforced at home. Strong partnerships between families and the school play an important role in building students’ confidence, awareness and personal safety.

We look forward to a rewarding Term 3 and to continuing our work together in support of every student.

Enjoy your weekend,

Peta Overbury

Acting Principal