Student opportunities and activities

Whole school events

At Thomas Acres Public School, we believe that strong connections between students, families, and the wider community are the cornerstone of a happy, supportive, and thriving learning environment. Our whole school events are thoughtfully designed not just to engage, but to celebrate diversity, foster belonging, and build lasting relationships. These opportunities empower every student to feel valued, inspired, and confident to reach their full potential.

Our events provide meaningful moments for everyone to connect, share their unique experiences, and take pride in their achievements. At Thomas Acres Public School, we are committed to working collaboratively to nurture a school community where every student is supported, included, and encouraged to excel academically, socially, and emotionally.

Throughout the year, we host a variety of enriching events that bring our school community together in joyful celebration and shared learning, including:

100 Days of Kindergarten – This special milestone marks the incredible journey of our Kindergarten students’ first 100 days of learning and growing. Filled with themed dress-ups and engaging activities, it’s a wonderful way to acknowledge their progress, boost their confidence, and ignite excitement for the many adventures ahead in their school life.

Book Week – A week dedicated to cultivating a lifelong love of reading and storytelling. Through creative themed dress-ups, interactive activities, and captivating storytelling sessions, students and staff unite to celebrate the magic of books, spark imagination, and encourage curiosity that fuels academic success.

Christmas Festival – Our vibrant end-of-year celebration brings together students, families, and community members for a festive occasion filled with joyful carol singing, thrilling fun rides, delicious food trucks, and a spectacular fireworks display. It’s a highlight that fosters community spirit, gratitude, and shared joy as we close the school year.

Easter Hat Parade – This colourful event invites students to express their creativity by designing and showcasing imaginative Easter hats. It promotes artistic expression, teamwork, and school pride, creating a fun and memorable experience that strengthens our community bonds each term.

End of Year Awards Presentation - is a prestigious event where we celebrate students’ academic achievements and growth. The School Dux and School Citizenship awards are announced, alongside the introduction of our School Captains, Vice Captains, and Junior AEGC Leaders for the following year. Families of award recipients are personally invited to join us in recognising and honouring our students’ success and leadership.

Education Week – A special week dedicated to celebrating student learning and achievement. Families are warmly invited to visit classrooms, enjoy lively student performances, and share a picnic lunch with teachers and peers. This event deepens connections and allows everyone to witness the rich learning experiences happening every day at our school.

Graduation Evening – A proud and heartfelt occasion to honour the accomplishments of our Year 6 students as they prepare to transition to high school. This memorable evening celebrates their academic growth, resilience, and friendships, providing a meaningful send-off that inspires confidence and optimism for their future.

Harmony Day – A vibrant celebration that embraces cultural diversity and inclusion. Through engaging activities, performances, and shared stories, our students learn to appreciate and respect the many cultures represented at Thomas Acres, fostering empathy, understanding, and a strong sense of belonging.

Kindergarten Orientation – A welcoming and supportive event designed to ease new Kindergarten students and their families into school life. With tours, meet-and-greets, and informative sessions, it helps families feel comfortable, connected, and excited about the start of their educational journey.

NAIDOC Week – A dedicated week to honour and celebrate the rich culture, history, and achievements of First Nations peoples. Students engage in meaningful activities, performances, and storytelling that deepen their knowledge, respect, and appreciation for Indigenous heritage and contributions.

Sports and Services Awards – A special occasion to recognise students’ outstanding sporting achievements and dedicated service as leaders or helpers in our school community. This is also when we proudly announce the Sportsperson of the Year and Premier’s Sporting Challenge medal winners. Families of award recipients are personally invited to celebrate these accomplishments and contributions with us.

TAPS Chats – This friendly initiative invites parents and carers to join informal conversations with their children’s teachers in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Over a coffee or hot chocolate, families can discuss student learning, share insights, and build strong partnerships that support student success and wellbeing.

Sporting opportunities

At our school, we believe in nurturing more than just academic growth; we are committed to the holistic development of every student. Our vibrant sports programs play a vital role in this mission by providing a wide range of opportunities for students to engage in physical activity, develop essential life skills, and foster a strong sense of community. Through participation in sports, students learn the values of teamwork, resilience, discipline, and fair play—qualities that extend far beyond the playing field.

From friendly inter-school matches that promote camaraderie and school spirit, to highly competitive showdowns that challenge students to push their limits, our sports programs cater to all levels of ability and interest. Every child is encouraged to explore their individual potential, build self-confidence, and experience the joy of personal achievement. Beyond physical fitness, involvement in sport helps students develop leadership skills, manage both success and setbacks gracefully, and cultivate a lifelong love of healthy activity. In doing so, we support the growth of well-rounded individuals who are prepared to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Campbelltown PSSA Trials – Students have the opportunity to try out for Campbelltown zone teams in various sports. Successful participants can progress to regional, state, and even national competitions, representing their school and community with pride.

PSSA Gala Days – Our students participate in PSSA Gala Days, competing against other schools in a variety of summer and winter sports such as netball, soccer, rugby league, hockey, basketball, softball, and tiger tag. These days promote teamwork, skill development, and school spirit in a fun and inclusive environment.

School Sport -  Offers students the chance to participate in a variety of sporting activities, expertly guided by our teachers on a rotating basis. This approach allows students to develop a broad range of skills, stay active, and discover new interests while building teamwork, coordination, and confidence in a supportive environment.

Sports in Schools Australia – This program provides our students with access to expert coaches in a wide range of sports. It helps them develop their sporting skills, build confidence, and foster a lifelong love of physical activity through professional guidance.

Swimming, Cross Country and Athletic Carnivals – These carnivals are exciting opportunities for students to build teamwork, personal excellence, and sportsmanship. Each event encourages students to challenge themselves, celebrate their achievements, and develop a lifelong appreciation for fitness and healthy competition.

Water Safety and Swimming Scheme – Students in Year 2 and 3 have the opportunity to take part in this program to learn vital swimming and water safety skills. The scheme equips them with essential knowledge and confidence to stay safe in and around water.

Extra-Curricular opportunities and activities

At our school, learning extends far beyond the classroom. We pride ourselves on offering a wide range of opportunities and activities that nurture every child’s talents, passions and curiosity. From academic challenges to performing and creative arts, our students are encouraged to explore, discover and grow in an environment that values each child. These experiences not only enrich their school life but also build confidence, resilience and a lifelong love of learning.

Art for wellbeing - provides a supportive space where students can express their emotions through visual art, raising creativity and self-discovery. This group encourages positive friendship and connection, helping students build resilience and a sense of belonging whilst promoting positive mental health and overall wellbeing.

Drumming Group - is equipped with Djembe drums to help students develop rhythm, coordination, and creativity whilst building confidence through regular performances. Meeting every Friday morning, it promotes teamwork, discipline, and a strong sense of community.

Koori Group, Bro Speak and Sista Speak – enables our First Nations students to honour and express their cultural traditions through music, dance, storytelling, and art. This nurtures cultural pride and a deep connection to their heritage, whilst promoting collaboration and respect that benefits the whole school community.

MANA Group – provides our Polynesian students the chance to celebrate their heritage through song, dance and traditional arts. It builds pride, confidence and a strong sense of belonging, whilst also fostering teamwork and inclusivity that enrich the whole school community.  MANA refers to inner-strength and power.

School Band - offers students a fun way to develop musical skills, boost confidence, and build friendships. Through practice and performances, they enhance creativity, discipline, teamwork, and enjoying making music together.

Southern Stars - this annual spectacular provides students with a unique opportunity to showcase their dancing talents, build confidence, and develop teamwork and performance skills, encouraging a love for the arts and creating lasting memories through collaboration with peers.

Multicultural Perspective Public Speaking Competition - helps students build confidence, communication skills, and cultural understanding by encouraging them to explore and share diverse perspectives in a supportive environment.

Premier’s Debating Challenge - helps students develop critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork skills, whilst enhancing their ability to construct and articulate persuasive arguments, listen actively, and engage respectfully with diverse viewpoints.

Premier’s Reading Challenge - helps students develop a lifelong love of reading by encouraging them to explore a wide range of books. It improves literacy skills, expands vocabulary, boosts comprehension, and builds confidence as students track their progress and achieve their reading goals.

Premier’s Spelling Bee and Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee Challenges – enables students to improve their vocabulary, spelling accuracy, language skills, boosts confidence, concentration, and academic motivation in a fun and engaging way.