Leadership Communication

School Advisory Committee

The School Advisory Committee met this week for the first time in 2026. Thank you to the 9 parents who were able to join us. Our focus was the Whole School Approach to Positive Behaviour Support (WSAPBS) at St Thomas The Apostle.

The parent group reviewed elements of our WSAPBS response to Tier 2 behaviours - specifically language (explicit or racist) and physical harm with the intent to harm the other student. This included sample email responses to ensure that all families of students involved (affected and instigator) are informed promptly in order to best support their child.

Also under review was the Volunteer Code of Conduct and acceptable and unacceptable behaviours by adults towards children in our school. The process for parents to follow if they have a concern was tabled. This is presented to you in the Child Safe & Wellbeing page of our newsletter this week. Please read to understand the best way to manage a concern for your child.

There were excellent discussions and very valuable feedback provided. The SAC will continue to work on different aspects of our school systems to review and give parent perspective with an eye to improving the experience of students and families.

Lent - 4th Sunday

Laetare Sunday will be celebrated on March 15, 2026, during the Fourth Sunday of Lent. It is a special moment in the Lenten journey because it invites the faithful to pause and rejoice, even while we continue our season of penance and conversion.

The word “Laetare” comes from the Latin word meaning “Rejoice.” It comes from the opening line of the Entrance Antiphon of the Mass: “Laetare, Jerusalem” — “Rejoice, Jerusalem.”

This call to rejoice reminds us that Easter is near, and the Church allows a brief moment of joyful anticipation in the midst of the solemn Lenten season.

There are a few visible signs that make this Sunday different from the other Sundays of Lent:

•  Rose-colored vestments may be worn by the priest instead of violet.
• Flowers may decorate the altar, which is usually kept simple during Lent.
• The tone of the liturgy becomes slightly more joyful, reminding us that our sacrifices lead to the joy of the Resurrection.

Kate Dourley