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Newsletter Week 7
Lenten Prayer
Throughout Lent, I am going to repeat this same prayer each week. This is not to save me time in looking for new prayers but I encourage you to take some time to pray this prayer each week of Lent either on your own or as a family. Use it as a way to recommit to having your best Lent ever through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving
Heavenly Father,
As I enter another week of my Lenten journey, guide me to the path that leads to you. Fill my heart with gratitude, patience, strength, and peace as I strive to become the-best-version-of-myself, honestly admitting my shortcomings and sins. As I renew my resolve each day to become a better person, let me hear your voice in the deepest reaches of my heart. Give me rest in you.Help me to accept others, showing them your great love instead of casting judgment. Stay with me through the busy days this week and remind me that when I need comfort, solitude, wisdom, or guidance, I can always turn to you. Help me develop discipline and generosity through fasting and almsgiving, and come closer to you through prayer this Lent. In your name I pray,Amen.
Bearers of Christ’s Love
On 22 March, 2023 Bishop Brian Mascord released a decree titled ‘Bearers of Christ’s Love’ which outlines his vision for Catholic Schools in the Wollongong Diocese. In this Charter, Bishop Brian confirms that Catholic schools are centred on the person of Jesus Christ and tare enlivened by the Gospel he proclaimed. They are grounded and find their life within the Catholic community of believers, and through their highlighting of the relevance of Catholic faith to life and culture, share in the evangelising mission of the Church. They are communities of care, committed to developing the whole person. Catholic schools are a vital expression of the mission of the Church in the Diocese of Wollongong. Over the coming weeks, I will include in the parent newsletter, the 9 key points set out within the Charter which Catholic schools are required to operate within.
School Cross Country - 27 March
With only two weeks to go, classes have been including cardio sessions in their PE and Sport programs. Any additional training outside of school would be welcomed during the lead up to our carnival. Students will be required to run the following distances:
- Kinder - 800m
- Stage 1 - 1km
- Stages 2 & 3 - 2kms
A squad, comprising 9, 10, 11 & 12 year age groups, will be selected to compete at the Diocesan Cross Country early in Term 2. At this carnival, 9s and 10s will still run 2kms while 11s & 12s will be required to run 3kms (new distance this year).
Congratulations
- Marissa Mangos - last Saturday, Marissa was married in a beautiful ceremony in Wollongong. Marissa and Dom were blessed with a magnificent day. We wish them every blessing as they start their exciting future together. We look forward to welcoming Marissa back next week as Mrs Marissa Di Pietro.
- Nader (3G) & Christian (2G) on the birth of their new baby brother, Levi. It’s great to hear the excitement in the boys’ voices as they talk about the new addition to their family.
Update:2024 Student Semester Reports
The 2024 student semester reports have been updated to reflect the outcomes of the new K-10 English and Mathematics Syllabuses.
All Kindergarten students will receive a written report twice a year, in Semester 1 and Semester 2, with a three-point grade scale to report student achievement using the following performance descriptors:
- Thorough
- Sound
- Basic
Students in Year 1 - Year 6 will continue to receive semester reports, twice a year, using the five-point grade scale to report student achievement with the following performance descriptors:
- Extensive
- Thorough
- Sound
- Basic
- Elementary
K-6 Semester 1 reports will not contain a general comment.
Reports will be available to schools via Compass towards the end of Term 1.
NAPLAN - Yrs 3 & 5
NAPLAN started today. Assessments are as follows:
- Reading - Thursday, 14 March
- Conventions of Language - Monday, 18 March
- Numeracy Yr5 - Tuesday, 19 March
- Numeracy Yr3 - Wednesday, 20 March
- NAPLAN catch up days- 21st and 22nd March
Year 3 will complete the assessments during the morning session (9 - 11am) while Year 5 will utilise the middle session (11.30am - 1pm). Please see attached flyer with more information.
3 - 6 English and Mathematics Reformed Syllabus
Teacher Professional Learning
In 2018, the NSW Government announced a comprehensive review of the NSW school curriculum from Kindergarten to Year 12 to ensure that the NSW Education system is properly preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
The goal of the curriculum is to support students to:
- Build strong foundations in every stage of schooling
- Learn with understanding
- Develop skills in applying knowledge
- Make excellent ongoing progress
The 2024 school year is a year of implementation and learning for the 3-6 English and Mathematics Syllabus'. Teachers will engage in professional learning throughout the year to continue to build their professional knowledge around the Reformed English and Mathematics Syllabus. They will engage in collaborative learning tasks and reflect on new and current practices to develop relevant and engaging learning experiences for all students.
Dimitra Vezinias
Assistant Principal
NCCD – 2024 Parent Information
Each year at the commencement of the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data for students with disability, schools are required to notify parents.
Information Sheet for Parents and Carers in Catholic Schools, has been prepared by Catholic Schools NSW (CSNSW).
ZONES OF REGULATION
St Therese Catholic School Core Values
Collaboration - Community - Excellence - Inclusion - Respect
Principal's Awards
Charlie A - 2B
Ayan B - 2B
Valerie K - 2G
Darcy McK-W - 2B
Daniel T - 4G
Silver Medallion
Sophia T - 5G
Sophie D - 6B
Yool-Hee K - 6B
St Therese School Facebook Page
www.facebook.com/westwollongong.sttherese
School Vision Statement
“Immersed in faith, pursuing excellence in learning
and the positive wellbeing of all”
Grade Masses
Parents/Carers are warmly invited to attend our Grade Masses on a Friday morning with Fr.Duane beginning at 9:30am in our Church.
22nd March 2024 - Year 3
Upcoming Religious Events
Please refer to the Parent Calendar for upcoming RE dates, venue and times of events. If there are changes due to unforeseen circumstances they will be altered on the parent calendar as soon as possible.
Cricket - Mark Taylor Shield
On Wednesday the 7th of March St Therese's Cricket Team travelled to Bowral to verse St Thomas Aquinas in the first round of the Mark Taylor Shield (a multi diocese knockout competition). A hard fought battle resulted in a 9 run loss.
Throughout the day the boys did an absolutely amazing job batting, bowling and fielding. But more importantly they backed each other, supported each other and showed great sportsmanship throughout the day. Well done boys you should be super proud of yourselves!
Finally thank you for the amazing parents who provided equipment, helped with scoring and assisted in warming up the players. Your help was invaluable, thank you!
Diocesan Football Trials
Congratulations to Jaxon T(5B), Adele B(5B) and Koa P(5G) who were selected to attend the Diocesan Football Trials last Monday 4th March 2024.
Although Jaxon, Adele and Koa were not selected in the Wollongong Diocesan Football Team, they are commended on their invitation to attend as approximately 200 students nominated to trial.
The St Therese community congratulates Jaxon, Adele and Koa on their outstanding efforts and achievements!
Diocesan Netball Trials
Well done to Indee VE (6G), Jessica M (6B), Aria P (5B), Zahra C (5B) and Llynx S(5B) who attended the Diocesan Netball Trials last Thursday 7th March 2024.
A further congratulations to Indee (6G) and Jessica (6B) who were selected in the Wollongong Diocesan Netball Team. Although Aria (5B), Zahra 5B) and Llynx (5B) were not selected, they are commended on their attitude, application and skill-set demonstrated on the day.
The St Therese community congratulates Indee, Jessica, Aria, Zahra and Llynx on their outstanding efforts and achievements!
Figtree Kangaroos AFL
The Kangaroos are now taking registrations from boys & girls for the 2024 season. AusKick accommodates 4 - 8 year olds with age groups then leading all the way through to Seniors. AFL South Coast is all about inclusion, fun and skill development. No previous knowledge or experience is necessary with games being played on Sundays. For the next 2½ weeks, girls can be registered for FREE!
NUTRITION
The BIG Veggie Crunch
St Therese will be participating in the ‘The Big Veggie Crunch & Vegetable’ Week from Monday 18th March to Friday 22nd March, 2024. ‘The Big Veggie Crunch & Vegetable’ Week is all about promoting healthy eating habits and encourages all Primary school students across NSW to crunch together on vegetables simultaneously!
‘The Big Veggie Crunch & Vegetable’ Week:
* promotes veggies in schools
* promotes healthy eating
* invites schools, students, families and the community in a fun and healthy event
SWAP IT!
St Therese is also participating in the ‘SWAP IT’ initiative. This week’s reminder is to ensure your child’s lunchbox remains cool for the duration of their school day. Check out the tips below to keep your child’s lunchbox cool:
New Active and Creative Kids vouchers
The new Active and Creative Kids voucher is now available, helping to make activities more affordable for eligible NSW families. Parents, guardians and carers of eligible school-aged children will be able to use two $50 vouchers per calendar year.
About the new program:
- Vouchers are available to those receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A, or Family Tax Benefit Part B, or both
- Vouchers can be downloaded as a QR code and used toward either an eligible physical or creative activity
- The $50 vouchers will be issued in school term 1 and school term 3.
Vouchers must be redeemed before their expiry date
WEN
GARDENING CLUB
Gardening Club is run every WEDNESDAY at lunchtine with Mrs McGoldrick - all are welcome - PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN GLOVES.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
URGENT
INSIGHTS SURVEY: 2024 Consent for the use of student’s image and/or work & 2024 Acceptable Use Of Technology
Our 2024 Consent for the use of student’s image and/or work & 2024 Acceptable Use Of Technology have moved to an INSIGHT SURVEY, that every parent must respond to, to enable or not enable the school or CEO to take and use your child's photo or image and/or works for various platforms.
Additionally there is also the 2024 Acceptable Use Of Technology, that every parent again must respond and consent to, to enable your child to use the various technologies within a school. Please see atatched information letter and instructions how to complete your INSIGHTS survey's in COMPASS. PLease complete both surveys ASAP. If you need any assistance please contact the School Office on 42291818.
Kids love learning with Studyladder
Your child's class is now using Studyladder. This online educational program allows students to learn at their own pace at school and at home. Designed for students, teachers, and parents - Studyladder offers curriculum-aligned content in Mathematics, English and Science Literacy. The platform includes interactive lessons, videos, educational games, printables, and other engaging materials to make a student's learning experience more enjoyable.
Studyladder’s course materials are designed to give children the support they need to succeed. The interactive activities and reward programs are fun to use, providing instant feedback to keep children on track with their education.
This year every student has unlimited student access to Studyladder teacher set tasks at home!!
Your child has or will be receiving a username and password to access Studyladder. To log in, go to www.studyladder.com.au and enter these details.
Dimitra Vezinias
NSW Government Student Learning Library
The NSW Government has created a valuable resource to support learning at home in English and Mathematics for Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 students. Parents and carers are able to access the NSW Government student learning library at the following link:
https://education.nsw.gov.au/parents-and-carers/initiatives/nsw-student-learning-library#/
Additionally a video has been created to explain how to access and navigate this resource:
KEEP THE DATE
SCHOOL PHOTOS 2024 - 30 MAY 2024 - FULL WINTER UNIFORM
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.
The Cool Kids Program
FSA Health & Wellbeing are currently accepting expressions of interest for the Cool Kids Anxiety Program. The program will be facilitated by Kalynda Powell who is accredited by Macquarie University’s Centre for Emotional Health to use the Cool Kids Anxiety Program.
The Cool Kids Anxiety Program was developed by Macquarie University and is a structured 10 session program ran over 10 weeks that teaches children (age 7-12) and their parents how to better manage a child’s anxiety.
The Cool Kids Program is based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based therapeutic framework. The program focuses on teaching practical skills and involves the participation of both parents and the child.
Topics covered within the Cool Kids Anxiety Program include:
- Learning about feelings and anxiety
- Learning to think more realistically
- Parenting an anxious child
- Fighting fear by facing fear (stepladders)
- Learning other coping skills such as building social confidence or learning to solve problems
To register your interest please contact FSA Health & Wellbeing either via email at triage@familyservices.org.au or phone: 1800 372 000.
UPCOMING IMPORTANT EVENTS
2024
March 2024
13 to 25 - Naplan
14 - 7.00pm Sacrament of Confirmation Parent Information Night Invitation Parish Centre
STUDENT BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays
13 March 2024 - 19 March 2024
Luca B - 1G, Archer P - 1G, Bridie L - 5G, Sophie T - 5G, Lara P - 3G, Jack T - 1B.
PARISH INFORMATION
BAPTISMS
For any new requests please contact Kathy at the Parish Office (email: westwollongong@dow.org.au any time or call 4243 9610 on Tuesdays 9am-3pm).
God bless you all,
Fr Duane
Calendar Dates 2024
2024
March 2024
13 to 25 - Naplan
14 - 7.00pm Sacrament of Confirmation Parent Information Night Invitation Parish Centre
19 - Year 2 Gold Liturgy 11.20am in the Church
27 - Cross Country Kembla Joggers
28 - 9.30am Whole School Easter Liturgy in Church
29 - Good Friday
31 - Easter Sunday
April 2024
2 - Staff Development Day (Pupil Free Day)
3 - Year 6 Resurrection Liturgy 9.30am in the Church
8 - Year 3 Blue Liturgy 11.20am in the Church
12 - Year 1 Blue Liturgy 10.15am in the Church
Last Day of Term 1
25 - Anzac Day
29 - Term 2 Commences - Students Return
Year 5 Gold Anzac Day Prayer Service 11.20am in the Hall
Life Education Van
May 2024
8 - Mother's Day Stall
10 - Mother's Day High Tea 10.30am in Hall
Kinder Blue Mother's Day Liturgy 11.20am in Church
Walk Safely to School Day
13 - Athletics Carnival Beaton Park
17 - Year 6 Blue Liturgy 11.20am in the Church
24 - Our Lady Help of Christians Liturgy 11.20am in Church
26 - National Sorry Day
27 to 2 June - Reconciliation Week
27 to 29 - Year 6 Camp to Stanwell Tops
30 - School Photos - WINTER UNIFORM
June 2024
5 - World Environment Day
7 - Year 1 Assembly 2.10pm in Hall
10 - Public Holiday - King's Birthday
11 - Sacrament of Confitrmation 5.00pm and 7.00pm
13 to 14 - Year 5 Excursion to Cockatoo Island
14 - Year 4 Assembly 2.10pm in Hall
17 - Refugee Week
21 - Year 5 Gold Assembly 2.10pm in Hall
July 2024
3 to 10 - NAIDOC Week
5 - Year 1 Gold Liturgy 10.15am in the Church
Last Day of Term 2
22 - Term 3 Commences - Students Return
29 - Environmental Staff Development Day
CANTEEN MENU 2024
ST THERESE CANTEEN
WEDNESDAYS, THURSDAYS & FRIDAYS ONLY
