Staff Development (Pupil Free) Day

As previously notified, Monday, 7 November is a Staff Development Day focusing on developing an Agreed Practice for all teachers during a Literacy Block.

Director of Schools, Mr Peter Hill

Today we had a visit by Mr Hill who was last here in March, 2021. As there are 38 Primary and Secondary Schools in the Diocese, Peter has a schedule where he attempts to get to all schools for a few hours every two years. Today, Peter met with the School Leadership Team, had a tour of our new facilities and visited quite a few classrooms to talk with students. Peter’s visit was very reaffirming for the direction that we are heading and is keen to see the impact of the new facilities on the learning outcomes for students.

Congratulations Mrs Devine & Mr Bunder

Both Michelle and Mark have been certified as Apple Learning Coaches. This award comes after considerable Professional Development and practical sessions of working with adults demonstrating that they meet the rigorous criteria. All of this was achieved outside of their normal school commitments. Having Michelle and Mark on staff is a great bonus for us here at St Therese

Classes 2023

As usual at this time of the year, parents are invited to communicate with me if they have any concerns regarding their child’s learning in 2023. This is not an opportunity to pick and choose your child’s teacher but a time where you can let me know about your child’s learning style, friendship issues, etc. Ultimately there are many variables which impact class placement and we can only split students into one of two classes. While I will take onboard parental concerns, I cannot guarantee all requests will be met. Communication from parents must be received by Friday, 4 November.

Uniform / Hair Styles

As part of the transition back this term, I ask parents to be aware of the uniform requirements and school guidelines around hair styles. All students should now be wearing our Summer uniform.

Building Update

Years 3 - 6 have settled into their new surroundings and making great use of the fresh, open spaces. Finishing touches continue to be applied to the outside with a major concrete pour today and another early next week. Parents / Grandparents will hopefully be invited through after our Grandparents Mass on Friday, 28 October. This will be confirmed next week.

Day of the Notables

After trying to make this work last term, yesterday proved that it was a good decision to hold it back. Other grades were thrilled to be able to visit Year 5 and all the “Notable Characters” who dropped in. It was also wonderful to have a large turn out of Year 5 parents who were able to come along to meet the Notables as well as having a sneak peek of the spaces. As I moved around the Notables asking questions, it was good to see that the students had a very good understanding of the difference between being merely famous as opposed to being Notable. Congratulations to the Year 5 teachers on an awesome way to share a great deal of the students’ learning in a fun, creative way.

Playgroup Sessions

This will happen again tomorrow in the hall with session 1 starting at 9.30am and session 2 at 12pm. All children starting Kinder in 2023 are very welcome and encouraged to attend.

Excursions

• Year 2 are off to the UOW Discovery Centre on Thursday.
• Year 6 will be visiting NSW State Parliament in Sydney followed by Mary Mackillop Place in North Sydney on Friday.

 RE NEWS

St Therese Feast Day and Grandparents Mass

Friday 28 October 2022 at 9:30am

A special invitation is extended to our Grandparents, significant elderly friends and parents to attend our Whole School Mass.

Sacrament of First Holy Communion

An email will be sent out this week from the Parish office to book your ceremony and retreat session.

Mission Month

This year we will be having a crazy sock day and soccer goal kicking competition on Thursday, 27th Oct. Students will donate a gold coin to raise money for Catholic Missions. We are raising money to support families in Ethiopia who are facing malnutrition and food insecurity.

Your support as a Socktober Star is essential to the success of Father Habte and the local Church's mission in Emdibir, Ethiopia. With the crucial funds we can raise together by kicking our goals and sharing this good news story, the local Church in Emdibir can help families such as Neela and Omari's to secure their future and that of their children. (Assembly Week 1 at school)

APP FACTS FOR PARENTS

SEL