Leadership Communication

My Lord and My God

Celebrating Father’s Day

The word father has very old roots. Traditionally, it was used to mean a “male parent”, but today we know that being a father can mean so much more than that. Fatherhood is found in the people who guide, encourage, protect, teach and show up for the children in their lives.

This Father’s Day, we take the opportunity to celebrate and give thanks for the special people who care for, encourage and support us each day. Father’s Day is a wonderful time for our students to reflect on the important fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, uncles, brothers, carers and other special people who play an important role in their lives.

These people help us to grow, learn, feel loved and know that we are never alone.

At school, we encourage our students to think about the qualities that make someone special. It might be their kindness, patience, sense of humour, encouragement, wisdom or the way they are always there when we need them.

As a Catholic community, we are also reminded of the importance of love, gratitude and service. Jesus teaches us to show love and appreciation for the people who care for us and to recognise the many ways that we can be a source of kindness and support to others.

Father’s Day can look different for every family, and we acknowledge and respect the diversity of our school community. For some children, this day may be a joyful celebration, while for others it may be a time to remember someone special or celebrate another significant person in their life.

We wish all the fathers and father figures in our community a very Happy Father’s Day and thank you for the love, care, encouragement and guidance you provide to our children.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14

How does fluency contribute to reading success?

As we come to a close on the Premier's Reading Challenge, we reflect on the power of being fluent readers. Reading fluency refers to the ease with which children read. When reading aloud, fluency is affected by accuracy, rate and expression. To assist children to practise reading fluently at St Thomas the Apostle, we practise fluency first at the word level, then sentence level and finally by reading passages and texts.

Reading fluency is taught and practised from Foundation through Year Six. This repetitive reading allows practise for children to read confidently as they automatically and accurately recognise words, read at a rate that sounds more like spoken language, and use a range of expression, intonation, pauses and rhythm.

Fluency makes oral reading lively and allows the author’s message to be communicated clearly. Reading fluently gives young readers confidence in their own ability as readers and helps them to be interested and motivated, and to enjoy reading. Take some time to read with your child each day and share the joy of reading together - especially this weekend as we spend time celebrating the father figures and special people in our lives.

Thursday, 10 September 2026 is R U OK?Day, but we know that the people around us go through life’s ups and downs every day - keep the conversation going year round. Many people underestimate the power of an R U OK? Conversation. Students will be learning the importance of checking in on each other and noticing when something isn't quite right. Ask R U OK? Any Day because a conversation could change a life.