Back To School Prayer

Loving God,

Thank you for the rest and relaxation we enjoyed over the Summer.

Today we pray for our children as they begin their new school year.

Bless them with joy at seeing friends, excitement at new experiences and a love of learning.

Watch over all who learn, replacing fear with joy, anxiety with peace and tiredness with energy.

Grant teachers wisdom, patience and joy in serving their students.

In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen.

Teachers are truly in a blessed and privileged position in the work that we do. While extended holidays are always refreshing and energising, nothing beats the buzz of excitement at the beginning of a new school year. To stand at the front gate, or wander around the assembly area, and see the smiling faces as the children arrive is very uplifting.

I look forward to working with staff, students and parents during the year ahead to continue our role of working with parents to support the growth and development of each and every one of the unique and beautiful children in our care.

STAFFING 2024

Mrs Kerrie Maidment remains on sick leave. Kerrie has been in Bulli Hospital for the past three months where she has been receiving extensive support from various allied health professionals. She continues to show small improvements however speech and right side movement have been challenging. Please keep Kerrie in your prayers that she will continue to improve to regain the quality of life she desires and deserves.

Mr Andrew Edwards has accepted another 12 month appointment as Acting Assistant Principal at Nazareth Catholic Primary School, Shellharbour. This appointment was finalised during the school holiday period.

Beginning New Year Liturgy and Student Leaders Commissioning

This will occur on Friday, 9 February at 12pm in the church. Parents / carers are very welcome to join us for this special occasion.

School Swimming Selection Trials

This is now only 2½ weeks away being held at Unanderra Pool on Monday, 19 February. A Compass alert has already been sent for parents to register their child(ren) in the various events. 50m Freestyle events start from 8 years while all other events start from Junior which is 10 years and below. Please remember that only students competing (MUST be confident on completing 50m) will attend on this day. All other students will be at school as usual.

P & F Annual General Meeting - Tuesday, 20 February

The first meeting of the P & F each year is the AGM. It is during this meeting that nominations for executive roles are called for and voted on. We have been blessed with a very well organised and functional P & F over many years here at St Therese. During this time, many new parents have come onboard, often taking up executive positions. We would love to see many new faces at our meetings to get updates on what is happening in the school and maybe join in with some of the fundraising events. Meetings are held in the Parish Centre at 7pm.

Parish Alpha Program

This is the last week to enrol in the parish Alpha program which runs for 10 weeks on Wednesday evenings. This program is for adults, young or old, rich or poor, Catholic or not. It brings people together from all walks of life who maybe have questions about our faith or just simply want to learn more. If you would like more details or to register, contact Melissa Bridges at westwollongong@dow.org.au

Congratulations Kate A & Eva W (Year 6)

During the school holidays two of our talented Year Six students starred in Page 9 Productions’ adaptation of Little Women put on as part of the Merrigong Theatre Season at the IPAC. Kate was cast in the role of ‘Young Jo’ and Eva played ‘Young Beth’. Both girls showed an immense amount of maturity and dedication throughout all of Term 4 last year in attending rehearsals and learning a vast amount of lines. They did a total of four shows over three days from 18th-20th of January. They both felt incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a professional production and we are very proud of their efforts. Well done girls!