Filter Content
Newsletter Week 8
Wednesday, 3rd Week of Lent
This week we hear more of Jesus, the Master Teacher. Jesus’ strategy was two-fold: to proclaim and to explain.
To proclaim is to share by word and action while to explain delves deeper into the meaning. As teachers and parents, we are called to do this over and over again to assist our children to make sense of the world we live in.
Let us open our hearts and minds then to jesus Christ, the teacher, allowing the Holy Spirit tp transform us, and in response, proclaim and explain our love for the Trinity - triumphant and sovereign over all. Amen
St Therese Catholic School Core Values
Inclusion Excellence Respect Collaboration Community
Bishop Brian’s Parish Visit
Over the course of the last week, we have had a school visit from our Bishop, who visited a Kinder, Year 5 and Year 6 classroom, as well as having him celebrate the Parish Masses on the weekend and officially open and bless the Parish Centre. It’s not always that we get this level of connection to the Bishop nor the Bishop to the Parish. I was very impressed with the questions asked, particularly by our senior students, and the open dialogue these questions produced. Bishop Brian was most grateful for the welcome and hospitality he received over the few days.
Farewell Ms Patricia Rose
As mentioned previously, Pat has resigned from Catholic Education to take up a research and review role with the Department of Education. Pat has been a member of staff in a number of schools in the diocese including many years here at St Therese. Pat has held many roles including classroom teacher, Reading Recovery, library, Support/Intervention teacher and her most recent role of Instructional Coach. While Pat has moved from role to role, she has been a constant in many extracurricular activities including PB4L, Book Week, Dewey Awards, WHS committee, among others. Pat’s knowledge, expertise and generosity of time will be missed however the position she is going to will suit her drive, enthusiasm and passion. As a staff and school community, we wish Pat every success in her new role. An assembly will be held next Tuesday (Pat’s last day) at 1.30pm in the hall. Parents are invited to attend if they wish.
Parent-School Partnership
Connected Community
Parents and school commit to creating a connected and welcoming community - We live this in our community by:
- Being interested and aware about school events and activities.
- Engaging in the life of the school and parish by participating in community events.
- Allowing all voices to be heard:
- individually, by participating in formal and informal opportunities to receive information and provide feedback
- collectively, by participating in or supporting forums which allow collaboration and consultation between parents and the school
- Modelling positive messaging about the school, parish and members of the school community.
The Zones Of Regulation
SEL
Principal's Awards
Elijah S - 2B
Silver Medallion
Hendrix C - 5G
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
St Patrick’s Day - Friday, 17 March
This is one of our designated Faith in Action days where we raise money for a good cause. While the money going towards helping those in need, a far greater benefit is the student awareness of others and to become more outward looking as opposed to being too self absorbed. Focusing on the needs of others is discussed at various levels across the school. Thank you to the parents (mainly Year 4) who have volunteered to create and send in ‘Green Food’ that will be on sale throughout the day. Students from Kinder to Year 6 are asked to donate a Gold Coin for the mufti day and some additional spending money.
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 been training as part of their sport time. Hopefully the weather will be in our favour and we get to run the carnival as planned.
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.
Mass of Many Cultures - Sunday, 19 March @ 10am
Fr Duane is inviting the participation of all our families at the 10am Mass this Sunday. To mark the beginning of Harmony Week, Fr Duane would love to see families in National Costume from any cultural background being present in the church. Families are also invited to bring along some cultural food to share in the Parish Centre after the Mass.
Peace Run
Last Friday, we were privileged to have had a visit by about 12 members of the Sri Chinmoy Peace Run. The participants came from all around the world and were all volunteers, spreading the message of peace for whatever time they had available before returning to their own country. What stuck me was the connection between them all. Many different cultures and many different languages (not all could speak English), but they were so happy and energetic in what they were doing - and what a great message to be spreading throughout our world today.
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.
|
eSafety 101: how eSafety can help you (30min) |
Setting your child up for success online (30min) |
|
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
|
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 |
|
Getting the most out of gaming (45min) |
Navigating online friendships (30min) |
|
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
|
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
|
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
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
Cross Country
- 9.00am to 12.30pm 23 March
STUDENT BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays
15 March 2023 - 21 March 2023
Archer P - KG, Domenico S - 6G, Lara P - 2G, Jack T - KB, Valeriya N - KG, Sasa K - 5B.
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
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
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