Welcome Back

How quickly the years seem to roll over as we commence 2023! There was a lovely buzz in the air on Tuesday as students caught up with friends and settled into their new classes. It is this fresh start at the beginning of every year that is different to most other jobs. 

New Staff

Miss Jazmin Tikkeros - Year 4 Blue. Jazmin is a very enthusiastic beginning teacher who has communicated extensively over the past few weeks with her grade partner, Mark Bunder, and Dimitra Vezinias to ensure she was ready to go on day one. Jazmin is currently contracted for Term 1 only as we need to advertise for a leadership team member/class teacher to fill Miss Panozzo’s position.

Ms Ashleigh McLaughlan - Year 5 Blue. Ashleigh is an experienced teacher who has worked at Stella Maris and a number of schools as a casual. Ashleigh impressed us last year when she completed a number of casual days. Ashleigh is contracted for the year to cover for Mr Andrew Edwards who will complete the year at Nazareth Catholic School, Shellharbour.

Both Jazmin and Ashleigh has settled in very well with staff, students and routines.I wish them an enjoyable and productive time at St Therese.

Staffing

Kinder Mrs Dominique Hogarth Mrs Gail Crane

Year 1 Miss Stephanie Shalala Miss Cassie Lord

Year 2 Mrs Anne-Marie Gilmore * Mrs Patricia Staff * / Mrs Stephanie Milner

Year 3 Mrs Maree Timpano Ms Elizabeth Pellizzari

Year 4 Mr Mark Bunder Miss Jazmin Tikkeros (Term 1)

Year 5 Mrs Kirra Calvert * Ms Ashleigh McLaughlan

Year 6 Mr Frank Timpano Mrs Michelle Devine *

EAL//D Mrs Megan Johannson

Visual Arts Mrs Sue McGoldrick (Mon - Thurs)

Music Mrs Jenna Hogan (Thurs - Fri)

SEL Mrs Carol Hiscox (Thurs - Fri)

Reading Recovery Mrs Kerrie Maidment

Teacher Support/Executive Release Mrs Rita Crofts

Instructional Coach Ms Patricia Rose (Mon - Tues + alternate Thurs)

Assistant Principal Mrs Dimitra Vezinias *

SSSO Mrs Louise Locke *

SSO - Office/Technology Mrs Mary-Anne Townsend

* depicts Leadership Team members

SSO Staff

Mrs Natalie Murdoch

Mrs Trixi McRae

Mrs Robyn Hamilton

Mrs Charlene Cameron

Miss Marissa Mangos

Mrs Sonia Andraos

Mrs Tina Merola

Mrs Karlie Ottaway

Mrs Tanika Apps

Mrs Carol Bondy

Mrs Amal Fath Allah

Hair Cuts

As is often the case, some students have had the opportunity to have varying hairstyles during the holiday period. Now that we have commenced the new year, I remind parents of the school uniform policy and in particular, the expectation around hairstyles. This policy was agreed to upon signing the acceptance letter at enrolment. I understand the transition period as some styles grow out.

Kiss & Collect

As we begin the new year, I would like to start the afternoon dismissal on a positive note. In particular, support from parents / grandparents to adhere to the 2.50pm start time for Kiss & Collect. The gates to the presbytery will be opened at 2.45pm. Prior to this, drivers can be fined by police and/or council rangers for stopping the flow of traffic on a road. Some drivers are waiting for a considerable amount of time unnecessarily as the busy time for Kiss & Collect lasts 15-20mins. 

Please ensure family names are clearly displayed and remain visible until children are in the car. Drivers are asked not to get out of the car as this slows the whole process. If children need help with seatbelts, please move up to near the presbytery to do this.

Parking for Kinders 2023

Limited parking will be available for Kinder parents in the church car park next week. All parents can relate to the special time starting school is for families. I ask other parents to respect this. Kinder parents need to ensure you hold your child’s hand as they move through any car park area.

Swimming Carnival

The school swimming carnival will be held next week (Thursday, 9 February). This carnival is for students who can swim a whole lap of the olympic pool confidently (50 metres). Information and registration for this event has been sent via Compass. Please complete the nomination carefully as students will not be able to nominate for additional events on the day unless parents are present to give permission. Only students competing will be attending the carnival at Unanderra Pool. Students will return to school by 12.30pm.

We do require the support of some parents to assist mainly with time keeping. If you can help out, please let me know.