Governor General David Hurley and Mrs Hurley with Blue Mountains families
His Excellency General The Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Ret’d), Governor of New South Wales, accompanied by Mrs Linda Hurley, visited St Thomas Aquinas Primary, Springwood on Saturday 11 July to speak with students and families who lost their homes in the October 2013 bushfires.
Governor Hurley said he seized the opportunity to see first-hand how the rebuilding is progressing, ‘but really just to meet people and hear their own stories face-to-face.’
‘I hope it's the first of many more visits to the Blue Mountains to come,’ he said
He said he was ‘pleased to be able to personally congratulate’ St Thomas Aquinas, Springwood Principal, Sergio Rosato, for being awarded a Gold Papal Medal last year for his service to his community at a time when his own home had been destroyed by the bushfire.
Governor Hurley thanking St Thomas Aquinas students for their story
He also said it was heartwarming to know that many people are moving back into their streets and that strong community support and initiatives were continuing.
‘From what I've heard here today, people went through a tumultuous experience and had very little or no warning because the fire spread so quickly - these were very difficult situations that were different for everyone,’ Governor Hurley said. ‘Yes, nearly two years have passed, but that's not the end of it all. It's far from it.’
The commemorative plaque set on Blue Mountains sandstone
Sergio showed General Hurley the school's commemorative garden that serves as a permanent reminder of the care and effort shown by staff when leading the children to safety when the bushfires struck.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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๐ง Year 1 have been exploring sound waves in science! ๐๐ Theyโve been busy experimenting with different materials to discover which one is the most soundproof for making headphones! ๐ถ๐ก![459854762807679_1325051819621298-1]()
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๐งคโ๏ธ Cold and Bare, Show You Care โ Boots to Wear! โ๏ธ๐งฆ This powerful slogan, created by our students, has guided our winter fundraising efforts with Vinnies and what an impact weโve made together! Through Pyjama Day, the Winter Sleepout, and todayโs Boot Day, our school community has come together to live out our faith. These events helped raise awareness of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness โ especially in winter, when, as shared by local Vinnies volunteers, "our feet feel the cold first." Thanks to your incredible generosity, weโve raised $1,137 toward our goal of $1,236. Almost enough to provide three full sets of winter clothing to those in need. ๐ Donations can still be made via the QKR! App as we take the final steps towards our goal. We're only $99 away! Thank you for showing your care and walking with us in solidarity.
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03 Jul 2025
From Facebook
๐ง Year 1 have been exploring sound waves in science! ๐๐ Theyโve been busy experimenting with different materials to discover which one is the most soundproof for making headphones! ๐ถ๐ก
30 Jun 2025
From Facebook
๐งคโ๏ธ Cold and Bare, Show You Care โ Boots to Wear! โ๏ธ๐งฆ This powerful slogan, created by our students, has guided our winter fundraising efforts with Vinnies and what an impact weโve made together! Through Pyjama Day, the Winter Sleepout, and todayโs Boot Day, our school community has come together to live out our faith. These events helped raise awareness of the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness โ especially in winter, when, as shared by local Vinnies volunteers, "our feet feel the cold first." Thanks to your incredible generosity, weโve raised $1,137 toward our goal of $1,236. Almost enough to provide three full sets of winter clothing to those in need. ๐ Donations can still be made via the QKR! App as we take the final steps towards our goal. We're only $99 away! Thank you for showing your care and walking with us in solidarity.
30 Jun 2025
From Facebook
You are invited to come and explore our STA Art Exhibition. Open Monday - Wednesday 3:30-4:30 in the Inquiry Hub. We are so proud of all of our students who shared their talents with our community.
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From Facebook
In line with our Vinnies Winter Appeal slogan, we are holding a boot day to raise some much needed funds. These funds will be used by vinnies to provide warm clothing to people who are less fortunate in our local community. Cold and Bare? Show your care, "Boots to wear!" Wear your boots on Monday!
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From Facebook
The Stage 2 Soccer Gala Day โฝ๏ธ ๐ฅ was a whirlwind of excitement at Jamison Oval yesterday as our students showcased not only their growing soccer skills but also their resilience and teamwork. From the first whistle to the final goal, our four St Thomas Aquinas teams demonstrated remarkable improvement in their gameplay, adapting swiftly to each challenge presented. Their behaviour throughout the day was exemplary and they remained focused and positive, turning each shift in the weather into an opportunity to support one another and enhance their collective performance. Our Year 4 boys finished 3rd as did our girls and our Year 3 boys finished 8th and our girls finished 5th. Well done everyone on all of your bountiful effort. ๐ ๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐
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What an amazing performance today from UBUNTU Africa โ an extraordinary ensemble of young performers from Uganda and Kenya. Such a privilege to learn more about their culture.
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๐ Pyjama Day for Vinnies! ๐ค Today we wore our comfiest pyjamas to school. Not just for fun, but to raise awareness and support for those in our community who are doing it tough this winter. โ๏ธโค๏ธ Pyjama Day reminds us that while we get to go home to warm beds, many in our community arenโt as lucky. All donations go directly to Vinnies Winter Appeal, helping provide food, blankets and support to those experiencing homelessness and hardship. ๐ You can donate easily through the QKR! App โ every dollar makes a difference. Letโs cosy up and show our compassion.
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Our FIAT students have been working hard and are all set for their Winter Appeal Liturgy. It will begin at 12:45 prior to assembly. See you there!
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Year 1 have been exploring the concept of Sound Energy and Pitch. We love Being Scientists on Thursdays.
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Today, we dressed in blue to show our support for our NSW Blues team. A fun day with our classmates.
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๐๏ธ Our S.T.A Boys Stage 3 soccer teams kicked off our first gala day today showcasing their talent and teamwork in a series of exciting matches against some highly skilled school sides. With fast-paced action, clever plays, and plenty of goals, the teams gave it their all on the field. Win or lose, their positive attitude never waveredโthey played with heart, had a blast, and demonstrated fantastic sportsmanship throughout. A great effort by both our year 6 and year 5 teams, finishing up 4th place in their pools. Great work boys! โฝ๏ธ๐ฅ โฝ๏ธ๐ ๐๐คโฝ๏ธ๐ค๐ช โฝ๏ธ ๐ฅ โฝ๏ธ
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๐๐๐๐Check out these crazy finish times โฐ at the NSWCCC Championship held last week! ๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฒ Our Dominic came 8th, ๐๐๐, almost making it to State! What a magnificent achievement Dominic. Keep up your mighty effort!๐ช๐ช๐ช
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From Facebook
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