The Spear Newsletter

Leadership Communication

Dear Families,

Preparing for a Smooth Transition to New Classes

As we near the end of the academic year, our focus shifts to preparing new classes for 2025 and students for their next big step: transitioning to a new class. This time of year can bring mixed emotions for students, staff, and families—excitement for what lies ahead and perhaps some nervousness about the changes to come. At St Thomas the Apostle Primary School, we are committed to ensuring this transition is as smooth and positive as possible.

Supporting Students

Students thrive on consistency, so we aim to minimise uncertainty and provide clarity during this period of change. Here’s how we’re helping our students prepare:

  • Step-Up Session: Students will participate in a Step-Up Session on Tuesday 10th December, where they will spend time in their new class groupings.  This session will take place in their current community building.
  • Orientation Activities: Age-appropriate activities will familiarise students with their new classrooms, routines, and expectations.

Supporting Families

We recognise that families play a vital role in supporting children through transitions. To empower parents and caregivers:

  • Communication of Class Placements: Families will receive an update about their child’s class placement on 10th December to allow for conversations and preparations over the holiday break.
  • Resources for Conversations: We’ll provide guides and tips in the newsletter on how to discuss change with your child in a positive and reassuring way.

Supporting Staff

Staff collaboration is essential in ensuring a smooth handover. Our team is committed to:

  • Professional Dialogue: Before the end of the year teachers will meet to share insights about students' strengths, needs, and learning progress, ensuring continuity of care and support.
  • Ongoing Professional Development: All our staff are equipped with strategies to manage diverse classroom dynamics and support students emotionally and academically as they settle in.

Looking Ahead

Transition is an opportunity for growth—for students, staff, and the school community as a whole. By fostering an environment of support and understanding, we aim to make this a rewarding experience for everyone.

At St Thomas the Apostle, we look forward to working together as we prepare for another successful year, ensuring every child feels ready, valued, and motivated to embrace their next chapter.

 

Kind Regards

 

Sarah Chappell

Professional Learning & Leadership 

 

School Advisory Committee

This week our final School Advisory Committee meeting was held. There was discussion and presentations about building projects, master planning and the Tier 1 and 2 consequence cycles.

The Committee has met 6 times this year to act as a forum for parent input into policies, projects, plans and educational processes. Several members are concluding in 2024. We thank Varuni Singh (chair), Samantha Russo and Rebecca Vipond for their contributions to the committee during their time.

The departures mean we have two places available for parents for the 2025 School Advisory Committee. If you would like to be considered for a place on SAC please complete the following form to nominate. https://forms.gle/cC33W5fWxjfy4r8JA