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Newsletter Week 7
Second Week of Lent
“Anyone who wants to be great among you must be your servant.” (Matt 20:27)
Last night, Fr Duane showed the first video of the ALPHA program to parents wishing to enrol their child in Confirmation this year. Part of this video talks about the search for what will give you the most happiness in life. For many, the first answer to this question is wealth will bring happiness. While this is often the dream that motivates many, there are countless examples of where this is simply not the case. There are many famous and / or very wealthy people who lead sad or lonely lives. Jim Carrey expressed it this way:
Freddy Mercury (lead singer of Queen) spoke about the intense loneliness he encountered despite worldwide recognition, fame and wealth. With all that behind him, he was still yearning for something else, some connection that would fill a void in his life. This theme ties in very well with Lent. It is a Spiritual connection that we should all be striving for. Regardless of the possessions or the wealth we have, this is what will make our lives complete.
Jesus, you know I want more than an easy life.
Grant me the grace to pursue an authentic life of service
for love of you.
Amen
St Therese Catholic School Core Values
Inclusion Excellence Respect Collaboration Community
Parent-School Partnership
Supportive Environment
Parents and school commit to maintaining a safe, supportive and respectful school environment. - We live this in our community by:
- Upholding school rules, directives, policies and processes in place to ensure the wellbeing of all, and the effective learning and wellbeing of students.
- Respecting that the school has external accountabilities in respect to staff and student wellbeing and safety.
- Following school based communication protocols that:
- uphold the privacy of all and aligned with current legislation
- are considerate of the school as a workplace and the commitments of families.
- Ensuring processes for raising and resolving concerns are clearly communicated and adhered to.
- Adhering to the standards of the CEDoW Social Media Statement.
- Ensuring our language and behaviour are not aggressive, abusive, intimidating or threatening.
Enrolling Now for Kinder 2024
Throughout Term 1 we will be accepting enrolment applications for Kinder 2024. Please visit our website or drop into the office for an enrolment form.
Open Afternoon for Enrolments
Tomorrow we will have an open afternoon from 4 - 6pm for parents considering enrolment at St Therese. Parents and children will be very welcome to come and have a look around and to ask any questions. Current families are very welcome but we would also like you to spread the word for any family friends who may be considering our school for their child.
REPRESENTATIVE SPORT
Diocesan Rugby League
Last week we had two students nominated to attend selections for the Diocesan Rugby League Team. The great news is that Hunter P & Lewis McL (both in Yr 6B) were selected and will now represent the Diocese in Canberra next term.
Diocesan Netball
Congratulations to Jessica McL (5G) who was selected in the Diocesan Netball Team. This is always very hotly contested and she was up against students in Year 6.
Coastal Swimming
The Zones Of Regulation
Principal's Awards
Mikaela B = 2G
Allira K - 2G
Iylah K - 2G
Isabella E - 3B
Jayden N - 3G
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”
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
Season of Lent
Thank you to students and families who are generously donating to our Project Compassion Boxes. It is heart warming to hear student stories about doing extra jobs or going without treats to enable them to give the money instead to a great cause. Each class room has a project commission box on their prayer space to accept these donations.
SACRAMENTAL NEWS 2023
- Compulsory information meeting for parent/ caregiver. (Students do not attend)
- 1 hr duration ( 2 seperate opportunities)
- Payment option either cash or tap device.
- Held in the new Parish Centre
- Bring a copy of Baptisimal certificate
- Confirmation registration next week 7pm either (next week) - Tues 7/3 or Thurs 9/3
- Reconciliation and / or First Holy Communion registration (week after) at 7pm either - Tues 14/3 or Thurs 16/3
- Please see attached note or hard copy note from your child.
VISUAL ARTS
Zentangles, by Year 4 have highlighted the use of Line, Shape, Patterns and colour using their individual designs and imagination.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
URGENT
Cross Country - 23 March
Students have commenced running activities as part of their PE / Sport lessons in preparation for this carnival. Any additional support from parents during the week or on weekends would really help the children. From the school carnival, we will be choosing the top three runners in 9, 10, 11 & 12 year boys and girls divisions to represent St Therese at the next carnival. This event needs to be consented via COMPASS. If you are having trouble doing this please contact Louise in the School Office on 4229 1818.
Peace Run
On Friday, our school will be visited by the relay runners involved in the Australian leg of the Peace Run. This relay, carrying the Peace Torch, has been ongoing since 1987. Pope Francis, Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa, among many others, have all had some involvement in the Peace Run over this time. The relay in Australia started in Brisbane and will finish up in Canberra next week.
School photos will be on in Week 1, TERM 2, Thursday, 27 April 2023.
All children are to come to school in correct FULL SUMMER uniform. Hair decorations are not permitted and ribbons/scrunchies are to be in toning with the uniform i.e. browns and yellows.
‘The School Photographer’ will be the photographer again this year. This year, we have gone to a total DIGITAL ORDERING SYSTEM.
ALL photos will still be sent to the school as per previous years. This is replacing the envelope system.
All photo orders are to be paid and ordered via the attached QR code using CODE:
- clicking onto “I’m a Parent” “Order 2023 Photos”.
- You will then be directed to the secure online ordering portal entering the code noted above.
When you log onto the website using the QR code or address, it will advise how to order the Sibling photo as well and any other merchandise available if you choose.
If you have any questions please contact the School Office ASAP on 42291818.
BOOK CLUB
Edition 2 out now, due by Wednesaday 15 March 2023.
Please order via the LOOP - https://mybookclubs.scholastic.com.au
eSafety Commission Parent and Carer Webinars
The eSafety Commission has newly launched Parent and Carer webinars for Term 1 2023. These could be worth sharing with your school communities.
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eSafety 101: how eSafety can help you (30min) |
Setting your child up for success online (30min) |
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This 30-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people in primary and secondary school.
It will cover:
Term 1 dates (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) 21 March 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm
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This 30-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of children in primary school.
It will cover:
Term 1 dates (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) 28 February 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm 14 March 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm |
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Getting the most out of gaming (45min) |
Navigating online friendships (30min) |
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This 45-minute webinar provides families with strategies for supporting children and young people to have safe, positive experiences when playing games online. It is designed for parents and carers of children aged 7 to 14.
It will cover:
Term 1 dates (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) 14 March 7:30 pm to 8:15 pm
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This 30-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people in secondary school.
It will cover:
Term 1 dates (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) 29 March 7:30 pm to 8:00 pm
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Extended Leave (10 days or more)
For extended leave for holidays, parents are asked to complete an ‘Application for Exemption from Attendance at School’ form. This is available from the office.
HOW TO LODGE AN ABSENCE USING THE COMPASS APP
WHO DO WE CONTACT?
To assist with the leading of initiatives and the general running of school activities each stage is allocated a leader. For 2023 the following staff have been allocated to the four stages:
Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten) Mrs Trish Staff
Stage 1 (Year 1 and Year 2) Mrs Trish Staff
Stage 2 (Year 3 and Year 4) Mrs Anne-Marie Gilmore
Stage 3 (Year 5 and Year 6) Mrs Dimitra Vezinias
Should you have any questions or concerns, your first port of call should always be your child's teacher. Should you require further clarification you can make contact with the Stage Leader.
UPCOMING IMPORTANT EVENTS
Year 3 & Year 2 attending Parish Mass
- 9.30am 10 March
2023 Confirmation - Parent Information and Registration Night in Parish Centre
- 7pm 7 March OR
- 7pm 9 March
Opening & Blessing of the Parish Centre
- 12 March
2023 Reconciliation and First Holy Communion - Parent Information and registration night
- 7pm 14 March OR
- 7pm 16 March
2023 NAPLAN
- 15 -27 March
St Patrick's Day - Faith In Action - Green Mufti Day
- 17 March
Multicutural Mass
- 10.00am 19 March
STUDENT BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays
8 March 2023 - 14 March 2023
Billy S - 1G, Riel T - 2G, Blake W - KG, Ethan B - 6G, Liberty C - 1B, Carissa C - 4B, Eva S - 5B, Luca B - KG.
PARISH INFORMATION
LENT
Note also, "fasting" does not mean avoiding all food for the whole day. Rather, "in current Catholic practice, fasting means having only one full meal on a day. Smaller quantities of food may be eaten at two other meals but no food should be consumed at any other time during the day."
STATIONS OF THE CROSS TIMES
Fridays of Lent:
5pm West Wollongong
7pm Unanderra
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
BAPTISMS
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 2023
2023
March 2023
8 - International Women's Day
Bishop Brian Visit to St Therese
9 - 7pm 2023 Confirmation - Parent Information and Registration Night
Peace Run (Sri Chinmoy Oneness)
10 - 9.30am Year 2 Mass attending Parish Mass
12 - Opening & Blessing of the Parish Centre
14 - 7pm 2023 Reconciliation and First Holy Communion - Parent Information and registration night
15 - 27 - NAPLAN PERIOD
16 - 7pm 2023 Reconciliation and First Holy Communion - Parent Information and registration night
National Close The Gap Day
17 - St Patrick's Day - Faith In Action - Green Mufti Day
19 - 10.00am Sunday Mass of Many Cultures
21 - Harmony Day
11.20am Year 1 Liturgy - St Joseph
23 - 2023 Cross Country Carnival - Kembla Grange
24 - 9.30am Parish Mass Year 6 attending
11.20am Prayer Annunciation of the Lord (Year 2)
April 2023
2 - 8 - Holy Week
2 - Palm Sunday
6 - 11.20am Holy Week Liturgy in the Church
Last Day of Term 1 2023
7 - Good Friday
8 - Easter Saturday
9 - Easter Sunday
10 - Easter Monday
24 - Term 2 Commences - Staff Development Day - Pupil Free Day
25 - ANZAC DAY - Public Holiday
26 - Students Return
27 - School Photos - SUMMER UNIFORM TO BE WORN
May 2023
3 - 5 - Year 6 Camp - Fitzroy Falls
10 - Da Vinci Decathlon
Mothers' Day Stall - in Hall
12 - 11.30am Edmund Rice College Band
16 - 7.00pm P & F Meeting in Library
19 - National Walk Safely To School Day
22 - Athletics Carnival Beaton Park
26 - National Sorry Day
29 - Reconcilation Week
June 2023
5 - World Environment Day
6 - 5.00pm Confirmation
7.00pm Comfirmation
20 - 7.00pm P & F Meeting in Library
21 - 22 - Year 5 Excursion to Taronga Zoo