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Our school is a place of faith and learning
“From the first moment that a student sets foot in a Catholic school, he or she ought to have the impression of entering a new environment, one illuminated by the light of faith, and having its own unique characteristics. The inspiration of Jesus must be translated from the ideal into the real. The Gospel spirit should be evident in a Christian way of thought and life which permeates all facets of the educational climate”.
Dear Parents, Guardians and Carers
This week I have been fortunate to spend time at St Brendan’s primary school in Lakes Entrance and the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust. St Brendan’s has worked closely with their local community to create rich links between the First Nation culture and the faith tradition of the school that are now an important part of their school Culture.
The picture below shows the Church that is an important part of the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust. Situated on the shore of Lake Tyers the land is an important part of Victoria’s Indigenous history and community.
The Trust is home to Aboriginal families who have fought for many years to retain their land and cultural identity.
During my day there I learnt that the area, traditionally known as Bung Yarnda, was originally home to the Gunai/Kurnai people. In the 1860s, it became a mission where Aboriginal people from across Victoria were forcibly relocated. Over time, residents campaigned for self-governance, and in 1971, the land was officially handed back to the Aboriginal community, forming the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust.
The Trust today operates as a self-governing Aboriginal community, ensuring that residents maintain control over their land, culture, and future. It remains a significant site for Indigenous heritage, offering a place for cultural preservation and community development.
Coming after Reconciliation week it is important that we appreciate the resilience of Aboriginal communities and their elders who for many years have advocated the importance of land rights and self-determination. As educators and parents, we can support Indigenous perspectives by fostering awareness and respect for Aboriginal history.
For more information, you can visit the [Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust website (http://laketyersaboriginaltrust.com.au/).
Thank you for your continued support in promoting cultural understanding within our school community.
Kind regards
Jodie
2025 SCHOOL TERM DATES
Term 2
Tuesday 22nd April - Friday 4th July
Public Holiday - Anzac Day - Friday 25th April
Term 3
Monday 21st July - Friday 19th September
Monday 21st July - Is a no longer a Pupil Free Day, Students will return Monday 21st July 2025
Term 4
Monday 6th October - Friday 19th December
Reminder you can also check the PAM calendar for important dates.
Friday 4th July Last day of term 2. Buses leave at 2.20pm instead of 3.20pm
Monday 21st July Student Free Day NO BUSES RUNNING
Tuesday 22nd July First Day of Term 3 for buses
Friday 19th September Student Free Day St Thomas
Last day of term 3. Buses leave at 2.20pm instead of 3.20pm
Monday 6 th October First Day of Term 4
Monday 3 rd November Student Free Day NO BUSES RUNNING
Tuesday 4 th November Melbourne Cup Day NO BUSES RUNNING
Thursday 18 th December Last day for St Thomas
Dear parents, guardians and carers
Re: Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)
Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).
Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:
- year of schooling
- category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
- level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.
This information assists schools to:
- formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
- consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
- develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.
The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.
The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage, and disclosure of personal information. To find out more, please refer to the attached fact sheet or access NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au).
If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the school.
Kind Regards
Louise Cheshire
Learning Adjustment / Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader
St. Thomas Primary School, Sale
| Foundation A - Mrs Goudie & Mrs Manning | Aiden Nerone & Bobby Bristow |
| Foundation B - Mrs Brayshaw | Hugo Finlay |
| Year 1 A - Mrs Morelli / Mrs Ray | Elke Hickling& Vayda Skehan |
| Year 1 B - Mrs Phillips / Mrs Ray | Darcy Potts & Bronte Skeen |
| Year 2 A - Mrs Davis / Mrs Jones | Nixon Ieradi & Ryder Love |
| Year 2 B - Mrs Bennett | |
| Year 3 A - Mrs Lee | Oscar Goudie, Katie Clarkson, Audrey Schaefer & Jacob Skehan |
| Year 3 B - Mrs Ko | Everett Rae & Louis Bristow |
| Year 4 A - Mrs Wilson | Mason Downing & Matthew Swasbrick |
| Year 4 B - Mr Brunt | Cleo Avery, Ryan Lamb, Charlie Safstrom & Finn Jellis |
| Year 5 A - Miss Cameron | Harry Ierardi, Addi Morelli & Miya Bird |
| Year 5 B - Ms Berry / Mrs Glover | Tate Gallatly & Jaggar Nikolajew |
| Year 6 A - Mrs Irwin | River Cordwell & Ava Fairhall |
| Year 6 B - Mrs Bradley / Mrs Fox | |
We have a number of items available in the second hand uniform shop. To purchase or check out what's available please contact Anna Baynes on 0419117649.
JOINT STATEMENT FROM
Bishop Greg Bennet & Mr Paul Velten
Catholic Bishop of Sale Director of Catholic Education
Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd
Community Update 3: The Future of
Our Lady of Sion Convent and
former Sion Campus, Sale.
The Our Lady of Sion Convent building in Sale is a much-loved local landmark with historical and
educational significance for Catholics, the Catholic education community, and the broader community
in Sale.
In this third update, we want to bring members of St Mary’s Parish, St Thomas’ Primary School, and
other members of the Sale community, up to date about the significant progress that has occurred
since August 2023 in the redevelopment of the former Our Lady of Sion Convent site into an exciting,
state-of-the-art education facility, serving the mission of the Diocese of Sale.
A significant challenge in the redevelopment planning process is to ensure that the comprehensive
renovation of this iconic 125-year-old building will be done in ways that will (a) meet the needs of
students and staff in a contemporary educational context, and (b) comply with the more rigorous
21st-century building codes, while still retaining the building’s original beauty, grandeur and
character. This process requires meticulous planning and sensitive consultation with numerous
stakeholders.
The architects and consultants are progressing in the design and preparation works. The
Architectural team continues to meet with heritage advisors, specialist engineers and the St Thomas’
Primary School community.
There has also been ongoing consultation with the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion to identify how their
extensive contribution to Catholic education on this site can be acknowledged and celebrated, to
ensure their legacy endures among future generations.
We are happy to announce that, earlier this year, the Victorian Minister for Planning, through the
Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), granted a planning permit for the proposed works.
We can also confirm that we were successful in obtaining a Commonwealth Capital Grant from the
Federal Government for the construction of additional new student learning spaces on the site. These
proposed education facilities are an essential element of the overall St Thomas’ Primary School
masterplan and are separate to the redevelopment work on the former Sion Convent building.
While the planning process continues, it is anticipated that work will soon commence to bring the
property back to a clean site, as well as beginning some preservation of the former Sion Convent.
Community members may see the demolition of some non-heritage and ad-hoc structures that have
been identified as being unsuitable as contemporary learning spaces. These buildings are not
included in the proposed development masterplan. There will also be some associated groundwork
and temporary building maintenance essential to preserving the former Sion Convent building whilst
it is in caretaker mode.
While we are excited about the considerable progress that has been made in the past ten months, a
great deal of work is still to be done before a definitive announcement can be made to key
stakeholders about the approval of the project. Please keep this project, the re-development team,
and the St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School community, in your prayers.
Background and Timeline:
November 2020: The site became vacant following the formal relocation of the Catholic College
Sale Junior campus. Many expressed their dreams and hopes for the future use
of this treasured local landmark.
August 2021: The Bishop of Sale, through his Diocesan Committee chaired by the former
Member for Gippsland South and parishioner of St Mary’s Cathedral, the
Honourable Mr Peter Ryan, began exploring possible uses of the convent
building. The Diocese of Sale Catholic Education Ltd (DOSCEL) engaged
specialist consultants to explore the possible relocation of St Thomas’ Catholic
Primary School, Sale to the Sion Campus site.
November 2021: A community survey was undertaken to gather feedback on relocating
St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School to the Sion Campus site.
October 2022: It was announced that through the work of DOSCEL and the Diocesan
Committee, consideration would focus on the development of the whole site as a
state-of-the-art education facility with the Convent building which includes the
Chapel being the centrepiece of the school.
December 2022: Early conceptual designs for a Preliminary Proposed Masterplan were
developed by a project architect for consideration and assessment.
January - June 2023: Extensive investigations continued and a range of consultant specialists
including engineers, surveyors and a Heritage Advisor were appointed.
June 2022: Preliminary Proposed Masterplan moved to Detailed Design Phase. Architects
commenced engagement with Town Planning.
February 2024: Planning permit granted by the Minister for Planning through the Department of
Transport and Planning
February 2024: Commonwealth Government Capital Grant confirmed.
For Project Updates on Our Lady of Sion Convent and Sion Campus go to:
Sale Swimming Club is looking for new swimmers to join the club at the beginning of 25/26 season.
Swim trials will be occurring in June. Please complete form to express interest or if you would like to discuss further please contact New Parent Office Michelle Brewis on 0419395218 or new.parent.officer@