Leadership Communication
My Lord and My God
Catholic Education Week Mass
I was fortunate to be able to attend the Catholic Education Week mass at Nagle College in Bairnsdale. The mass was a wonderful celebration of the work in schools across the Diocese in the mission of the Catholic Church. The students at Nagle College had created a Celtic cross for each school as a memento of Catholic Education Week 2026. Our cross is displayed on the prayer table at the front of the school.
Kate Dourley
Principal
Student Attendance Support
At St Thomas the Apostle, we want every child at school each day, on time, and ready to learn. Regular attendance enables student success, not only in learning, but also in confidence, wellbeing and connection to school.
Learning happens over time through effective teaching, repeated practice, explanation, feedback and opportunities to apply new skills. Each year level builds on the one before it, and the challenge increases as students move through school. When students miss school regularly, arrive late or leave early, they miss important parts of this learning. These absences can create gaps that are difficult to close. Research tells us that students who fall behind from around Year 2 are often unlikely to catch up without strong support.
Low attendance can also have a significant impact on a child’s confidence. When children miss learning, they can begin to feel less capable than their peers. Over time, this can can become increasingly difficult for a child to manage. As students become more socially aware, some may begin to withdraw from school because they feel behind, which can make the situation even harder to turn around.
To help families stay informed, we will begin communicating with families earlier when attendance becomes a concern. If a child’s attendance drops below 90%, families will receive an initial communication from the school. This is to make you aware of your child’s attendance level and to share practical ways we can support improved attendance. This includes ongoing late arrivals and early departures, not just full-day absences.
If a child’s attendance drops to 80% or lower, families will receive further communication from the school. At this point, the Attendance Team may work with the family more closely to understand any barriers to attendance and discuss further supports. For some students, an attendance support plan may be developed in consultation with the family. This plan is designed to help the child return to stronger attendance patterns and access the opportunities school provides.
Our Attendance Team works constructively with families. This process is about support, not blame. We want to work in partnership with families to identify barriers, provide support and help every child attend school regularly and successfully.
Thank you for continuing to work with us to ensure every child is at school, every day, so they can learn, grow and thrive.
Peta Overbury
Deputy Principal
Walk to School Day
It was wonderful to see so many children and families walking to school this morning. The fresh, bright start to the day brought smiles galore, with happy children chatting, moving, and enjoying the simple joy of walking together. Walking is such a good way to regulate, think, and stay fit and healthy, and it was fantastic to see our community embracing it so wholeheartedly.
