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Newsletter Week 10
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Joseph’s Mercy & Fidelity
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. Matthew 1:22–24
Try to imagine Joseph’s dilemma. He loved Mary, but suddenly she was pregnant. And Joseph knew that he was not the father. So his first thought was not to chastise her, question her, or ridicule her. Instead, the Gospel says that Joseph was “unwilling to expose her to shame.” This is a beautiful statement about the mercy and goodness of Saint Joseph. Instead of being self-concerned, his concern was for Mary not to experience shame at this unexpected pregnancy.
But of course the story goes much further. The angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, explaining to him that “it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her” and that this Child “will save his people from their sins.” Joseph’s response, as quoted above, was to then do “as the angel of the Lord had commanded him” and to take Mary and her new child into his home. Therefore, this Gospel passage for today reveals to us the mercy of Joseph as well as his fidelity to the will of God, no matter what God asked of him. These two qualities will greatly assist our lives, also, if we can strive to imitate Saint Joseph.
First, we all need to have mercy in life. This means that our only interest must be the good of the other. Too often when we have conflict in life, or are faced with some unexpected difficulty, we turn our eyes in upon ourselves. But a merciful heart never thinks about itself first. Instead, it thinks about the other and is fully detached from its own feelings to the point that the merciful soul is able to desire mercy for everyone, even those who have hurt it. Of course our Blessed Mother did not do anything to hurt Saint Joseph, but before he understood how she became pregnant, he certainly would have been tempted to be upset and hurt by her unexpected pregnancy. Thus, in imitation of Saint Joseph, we must always seek to have a heart full of mercy.
Perhaps Saint Joseph’s crowning virtue was his fidelity—not only to his new wife, but also to the will of God as it was revealed to Him through the mediation of this angel. And though we do not have angels appearing to us in dreams in the same way, we are gifted with the Gospels, the teachings of the Church and the lives of the saints to lead us into God’s will. Additionally, when we are truly open, God will certainly communicate to us His perfect will for our lives through our prayer and in our consciences. Our only duty must be unwavering fidelity to all that God speaks.
My most merciful Jesus, You inspired Saint Joseph to be compassionate to Your dear mother at the time of great confusion over her pregnancy. Help me to imitate the mercy and goodness of Saint Joseph by never judging and by growing in a desire for mercy for all people, including those who have hurt me. May I do this in complete fidelity to Your most holy will. Jesus, I trust in You.
St Therese Catholic School Core Values
Inclusion Excellence Respect
Collaboration Community
Staff Changes
- Miss Mary Panozzo has indicated that she will not be returning in 2023. Mary has been on Long Service Leave since mid-September which has given her the time and space to think through her options in the future. Mary has been a long standing member of the St Therese staff and leadership team and we will look for an opportunity to farewell her appropriately in 2023.
- Mrs Paula O’Hara has only been with us for two short years but has made a big impact especially in Stage 1 and in offering extension activities for many students in the Primary grades.
- We welcome to St Therese, Ms Ashleigh McLachlan who will take on Mr Edwards teaching duties for the 2023 school year. Ashleigh is an experienced classroom teacher having taught at Stella Maris, Shellharbour as well as a number of years casual teaching in both Catholic and State Schools.
- Leadership changes
- With Andrew Edwards taking a 12 month position at Nazareth in Shellharbour for 2023, Mrs Patricia Staff will take on his Middle Leader role. Trish will be on 2 Blue for Monday to Wednesday with her executive release day being Thursdays.
- Mrs Anne-Marie Gilmore will continue in her Acting Middle Leader role for Term 1 while the permanent Middle Leader position is advertised with a commencement in Term 2.
I thank both Mary and Paula for their work here at St Therese and wish them every success for whatever lies ahead for their future. Mary’s class teaching position will be covered for Term 1 by a casual teacher.
Class Teachers for 2023
Kindergarten Mrs Gail Crane & Mrs Dominique Hogarth
Year 1 Miss Stephanie Shalala & Miss Cassie Lord
Year 2 Mrs Anne-Marie Gilmore & Mrs Trish Staff / Mrs Stephanie Milner
Year 3 Mrs Maree Timpano & Ms Elizabeth Pellizzari
Year 4 Mr Mark Bunder & TBC
Year 5 Mrs Kirra Calvert & Ms Ashleigh McLaughlin
Year 6 Mrs Michelle Devine & Mr Frank Timpano
Change for 2023
With the retirement of Mr Maurice Bernardi at the end of this year, we have looked at priorities across the school and decided not to proceed with a PE teacher for 2023. Two areas we have done some work in developing but haven’t had the staffing to implement fully are Visual Arts and STEM. Last week we advertised for this position and Mrs Sue McGoldrick was the successful applicant. Sue will cover Visual Arts throughout Semester 1 and then we will reassess her role for Semester 2. Class teachers
Reports
Academic Reports for Semester 2 will be available on Compass from 3pm. If you are unable access the portal, please contact Louise as soon as possible.
Classes for 2023
Students met their teacher for 2023 this afternoon. Students will have a note in their bag which will confirm their class for next year.
End of Year Assembly / Year 6 Farewell
Next Monday, 19 December is the student’s last day of school. We will have our end of year assembly starting at 11.30am in the hall. As part of this assembly, Term Awards will be handed out and the Student Council for 2023 will be announced. Following the assembly (at about 12.45pm), students from Kinder to Year 5 will form a guard of honour through the back playground to farewell our Year 6 students. Parents are invited to join in this special event. Children will be allowed to go home with parents / carers after the Guard of Honour (about 1pm).
Swimming Carnival 2023 - Thursday, 9 February
Over the Summer break is a good time to assess swimming ability in a 50m pool. Our school carnival is open to students 7 years and over who can confidently complete one lap of the pool (50 metres). There is only one week to organise this carnival from the time students return to school. We will be calling for parent volunteers to help with the running of the half day event.
Morning OOSH
Thank you to all the parents who responded to the survey regarding the reinstatement of the morning OOSH service. While the numbers were much greater than previous, Catholic Care have indicated that staffing issues are a very big concern in the current market and we haven’t met the threshold of financially sustainable numbers. The next step will for Catholic Care to distribute an online waiting list booking form during Term 1. This will be a more formalised list that can be referred to as we continue to push for the service.
Christmas Liturgy
Last Friday we were able to celebrate a beautiful Christmas liturgy in the back playground. Once again it was a wonderful sight to see so many parents, grandparents and past students who were able to come along and join in this celebration. Again I acknowledge the preparation by all teachers but in particular the work of Mrs Calvert and Mrs Hogan.
CHRISTMAS MASS TIMETABLE for St Therese Parish
Fr Duane has now confirmed the Christmas Mass times as follows:
Saturday 24 December
- 6pm TIGS Hall West Wollongong
- 9pm St Therese Church West Wollongong
Sunday 25 December
- 10am St Therese Church West Wollongong
WONDER RECYCLING REWARDS
Principal's Awards
Charlotte - W - 1G
Violet L - 3G
Mani K -4G
Silver Medallion
Flint K - 6G
Anthony N - 6B
Elana S - 6B
Gus T - 6G
Mia T - 6B
Jessica M - 4G
Gold Medallion
Alexandra S - 5G
Layla S - 5B
St Therese School Facebook Page
www.facebook.com/westwollongong.sttherese
School Vision Statement
“Immersed in faith, pursuing excellence in learning
and positive wellbeing of all”
SEL
PB4L
Benedict Reward this Thursday
Congratulations to Benedict house for being acknowledged as the winners of positive playground choices with the most yellow tokens. This Thursday as a reward, all students from Benedict house are invited to have extra playtime on the big bank at our school. On this day Benedict students will still wear their uniform as normal, however, they are encouraged to wear a yellow hat, hair bubble or wristband.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
Christmas Hamper Donation
Our Mini Vinnies Team have begin our donations for our Christmas Hampers beginning next week. We will be collecting a variety of Christmas foods to place in Christmas Hampers for the less fortunate. All donations are gratefully accepted.
|
6B & KB |
Tinned ham, breakfast cereals, dried pasta/rice & sauce jars |
|
6G & KG |
Christmas pudding or Christmas cake, long life custard |
|
5B & 1B |
Pretzels, mixed nuts, chips and lollies |
|
5G & 1G |
Biscuits (sweet/savoury), canned fruit, pancake shake |
|
4B & 2B |
Tinned tuna, dried fruit, spreads – Nutella, honey, jam etc. |
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4G & 2G |
Tinned salmon, long life juice/cordial |
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3B & 3G |
Tea, coffee, milo, sugar, bonbons etc, long life milk |
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
HELPING CHILDREN READ
VACATION CARE
UPCOMING IMPORTANT EVENTS
Year 6 2022 Graduation Day
- Thursday 15 December 2022
Year 6 2022 Big Day Out
- Friday 16 December 2022
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL 2022 - END OF YEAR ASSEMBLY, AWARDS & YEAR 6 GUARD OF HONOUR
- Monday 19 December 2022
STUDENT BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays
14 December 2022 - 31 January 2023
Tobi A - 2B, Ivy P - 2G, Molly B - 4B, Zoe A - 3G, Ace C - 2G, Madelina B - 5G, Christian A - KG, Nate M - 5G, Darcy O - 5B, Zoie N - 1B, Siamnd A - 5B, Tatiana M - 3G, Karen M - 3B, Harry S - 2B, Thea-Rose I - 1B, Daisy M - 5G, Jaxon T - KB, Habte H - 2G, Hunter C - 2B, Anthony S - 3B, Freddy K - KG, Felix P - 1B, Mia S - 6B, Violet L - 3G, Ruby H - 2G, Aida B - KG, Amari F - 5B, Alex G - 5G, Leon G - KB.
PARISH INFORMATION
TEENAGE YOUTH GROUP, 13 – 17 YEARS
LIVE LOCAL Catholic Youth Ministry Wollongong (CYMW) has arrived in the Illawarra! LIVE Local is a Regional Youth Group run by the CYMW and NET Team, who are excellent at engaging with youth at whatever stage of faith. Come along for snacks, games, formation, prayer and music. Every Friday night in the school term from 7 - 9pm, at St Therese West Wollongong school hall. For more information, please contact our Deanery Youth Group
Coordinator, Luke Vail at luke.vail@dow.org.au
RECONCILIATION
Normal times for Reconciliation to resume from 5pm Saturday 23rd October, please refer to the weekly bulletin this Friday for the details. In addition, Fr Jerzy will be offering Reconciliation from Monday 25th October until Saturday 30th October after Mass as needed.
BAPTISMS
We are in the process of rescheduling baptisms that were postponed during lockdown. For any new requests please contact Kathy at the Parish Office (email: westwollongong@dow.org.au any time or call 4229 1074 on Tuesdays 9am-3pm).
God bless you all,
Fr Duane
Calendar Dates 2022
December 2022
14 - 2022 Semester 2 Reports Portal Opens
2023 Classes announced
15 - 6.00pm Year 6 Graduation in the Church
16 - Year 6 Big Day Out
19 - Last Day For Students Term 4 2022
11.30am Awards Assembly
12.40pm Year 6 Guard of Honour
20 - Staff Development Day Term 4 2022
2023
January 2023
27 - Term 1 Commences - Staff Return - Staff Devlopment Day (Pupil Free Day)
30- Staff Devlopment Day (Pupil Free Day)
31 - Students Return Year 1 - Year 6
Best Start Assessments Commence
February 2023
6 - Best Start Assessment Concludes
7 - Kindergarten First Day of School