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Newsletter Week 6
Last week, the Church celebrated Social Justice Sunday, an annual reminder of our commitment, as Catholics, to the needs of those less fortunate.
Prayer for Social Justice Sunday
Adapted from Pope Francis’ Fratelli Tutti
O God, Trinity of love,
from the profound communion of your divine life,
pour out upon us a torrent of sisterly and brotherly love.
Grant us the love reflected in the actions of Jesus,
in his family of Nazareth,
and in the early Christian community.
Grant that we Christians may live the Gospel,
discovering Christ in each human being,
recognising him crucified
in the sufferings of the abandoned
and forgotten of our world,
and risen in each sister or brother
who makes a new start.
Come, Holy Spirit, show us your beauty,
reflected in all the peoples of the earth,
so that we may discover anew
that all are important and all are necessary,
different faces of the one humanity
that God so loves.
AMEN.
Change to Parent Newsletter
In keeping with what is happening across most other Catholic Schools, the Parent Newsletter from Term 4 will be sent out fortnightly. This change is timely in that we now utilise FaceBook, Instagram and Compass Alerts along with the newsletter. From Term 4, the newsletter will be sent on Wednesday of the odd weeks.
Fathers’ Day Stall
Thank you to the volunteers who have worked over a long period of time to make the Fathers’ Day stall such a success. Once again, we are in a privileged position to see the excitement on the faces of children as they put their heart and soul into choosing what they feel is just right for their dad or father figure. This would not be possible without this great support from parents.
Fathers’ Day Sausage Sizzle & Liturgy
Starting at 7.30am. This is a very informal morning with dad’s being able to join in some games and have a look around while enjoying a sausage and a coffee. At 8.40am we will move into the hall for a Fathers’ Day liturgy led by Kindergarten. Visitors will then be able to spend some time visiting classrooms until about 10am. When we talk about Fathers’ Day with students, we also include, and explain, Father Figures. We have many combinations of parents / carers at St Therese and we welcome all those who provide this role in supporting the growth and development of children.
Raffle Tickets
As has been mentioned previously, Jessica McL in Year 6B has been selected into two NSW State Teams in the sports of AFL and Netball. To achieve this, Jess progressed through Diocesan, Mackillop, PSSA to finally gain State selection. Her AFL took the whole family to Geelong in Victoria for a week with another week in Melbourne coming up for the Netball. To assist with the significant costs, team members are asked to sell a book of raffle tickets. For her AFL selection, Jess’ family bought all the tickets. This time however, they are looking to gather some support from the school community. Tickets are $5.00 each. Prizes are:
- 1st: An Apple iPad Pro
- 2nd: $500 Rebel Voucher
- 3rd: $250 Rebel Voucher
- 4th: JBL Flip Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- 5th: JBL Flip Portable Bluetooth Speaker
The raffle will be drawn on Monday, 6 January, 2025. If you are able to assist, please see Mary-Anne or Louise in the school office or send in the money in an envelope marked with your name and child’s class.
Church Car Park - Fr Duane’s Concerns
After speaking with Fr Duane yesterday, concerns were raised about parents allowing children to walk / run through the church car park when being dropped off in the morning or picked up in the afternoon. In using this space:
- Parents must walk with children between the car and the primary building (and vice versa)
- Smaller children must hold a parent’s hand in this area
There are two drop off zones on Powell St where parents are not required to get out of the car if that is easier.
Kiss & Collect
Just a reminder that we start at 2.50pm. Blocking Powell St for long periods while the car line is not moving is illegal. Parents / grandparents are also asked to be considerate of local residents who may be trying to enter or exit their driveways.
P & F Meeting
This meeting will be held in the Parish Centre on Tuesday, 10 September at 7pm. All welcome.
Staff Development Days
The next Staff Development Days are at the end of this term and the beginning of Term 4:
- Friday, 27 September (Week 10) All staff will be engaging in Day 2 of the Berry Street Education Model (a further 2 days will be held next year)
- Monday, 14 October (Week 1) All staff will be engaging in the development of a Vision for Learning
These days are student free days.
Upcoming Teacher Professional Learning Development
Throughout the year teachers have access to a variety of quality professional development opportunities. Casual teachers are employed to cover classes with the teacher ensuring the teaching program and routines are followed.
Week |
Date |
Staff Member/s |
Purpose |
|
6 |
26/8/24 |
Mrs Robilliard & Ms Pellizzari |
Year 1 Phonics Assessment |
|
6 |
26/8/24, 28/8/24, 29/8/24, 30/8/24 |
Mrs Runko, Mrs Vezinias, teachers |
Personalised Planning Meetings |
|
6 |
27/8 |
Stage 2 Teachers, Mrs South |
Stage 2 Curriculum Planning |
|
6 |
28/8 |
Stage 3 Teachers, Ms Tirchett |
Stage 3 Curriculum Planning |
Andrew Chinn Concert
On Thursday 19th September, Australian religious songwriter and singer, Andrew Chinn, will be visiting our school to share his songs with our children. Andrew’s songs, such as “These Hands”, “Rainbow”, “An African Blessing” and “Rise Up!” are used in classrooms and liturgies around Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. The concert will take place in St Therese School Hall, at 1.35pm. We look forward to seeing you there.
NDIS INFO HUBS - Illawarra and Shoalhaven
Uniting has launched all-day Info Hubs in its Illawarra and Shoalhaven offices to ensure community members can easily access information about the NDIS and other resources. No bookings required! Potential NDIS participants will:
- Learn more about the NDIS and how to apply
- Understand your options if you do not meet NDIS eligibility criteria
- Discover how to use your NDIS plan to its full potential
- Speak with an industry expert about your NDIS or Disability-related questions
Here’s when and where to find the Info Hubs in the Illawarra-Shoalhaven:
- Where? 1/1 Burra Place, Shellharbour City Centre
- When? Every first Tuesday of the month
- What time? From 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
- Where? 35 Kenny Street, Wollongong
- When? Every third Wednesday of the month
- What time? From 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
- Where? Level 2b, 57 Graham Steet, Nowra
- When? Every second Tuesday of the month
- What time? From 9.00 am to 5.00 pm
Uniting has also produced several practical resources, see these here.
St Therese Catholic School Core Values
Collaboration - Community - Excellence - Inclusion - Respect
Principal's Awards
Gold Medallion
Harriet J - 5B
St Therese School Facebook Page
www.facebook.com/westwollongong.sttherese
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation
Pope Francis has established 1 September as the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, encouraging the Catholic community worldwide to pray for our common home. The day is inspired by Pope Francis' landmark encyclical Laudato Si’, which calls on "every person living on this planet" to care for our shared Earth. The theme for 2024 is "Hope and Act with Creation" which draws its inspiration from the Letter of St. Paul to the Romans (Romans 8:19-25). As a school, we will acknowledge this day on Monday 2nd, September.
Mini Vinnies- Winter Appeal
This Tuesday, our Mini Vinnies Team gathered the donations from our Winter Appeal and put them into baskets to deliver to the St Vincent De Paul Homeless Hub at Coniston. Kelly McCrohon, Vinnies Schools & Youth Engagement Officer, was overwhelmed with the generous and much-needed donations for those in need.
P & F
FATHERS DAY EVENTS - 30 AUGUST 2024
* BBQ - starts at 7.30am -7.45am - 8.50am (Back Playground)
* Coffee Van - from 8.10am - 8.50am (Back Playground)
* Handball/Grid ball competition- 8.00am (Back Playground)
* Prayer/Liturgy- 8.50am (Hall)
* Open Classrooms - 9.15am - 10.00am
P & F Meeting
This meeting will be held in the Parish Centre on Tuesday, 10 September at 7pm. All welcome.
STUDENT BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays
28 August 2024 - 3 September 2024
Lennox F - 5B, Jordan A - 5G, Lachlan S - 2G, Pnelope H - 2B, Ted T -5B, Jake P - 5B & Tiberius C - 6B.
PARISH INFORMATION
BAPTISMS
For any new requests please contact 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
**These dates are acurate at the time of publishing but are subject to change**
2024
August 2024
30 - 7.30am Fathers' Day Breakfast
Jersey Day
2.10pm 3 Blue Assembly in the Hall
September 2024
5 - 9.15am Grandparents & Special Friends Liturgy
10.00am Open Classrooms
10.50am Grandparents & Special Friends Morninig Tea
12 - R U OK Day
10.00am Catholic Mission Launch St Michael's School Thirroul
13 - 2.10pm Kinder Assembly in Hall
19 - Andrew Chinn Concert
20 - Year 1 Excursion to Stanwell Park
Basketball Gala Day - Senior Boys and Girls
23 - Kinder Excursion to Symbio Animal Park
26 - 9.30am Mass in the Church celebrating the Feast of St Therese
Last Day of Term 3 for Students
27 - Staff Development Day - PUPIL FREE DAY
Last Day of Term 3 for Staff
October 2024
1 - Feast of St Therese
6 - Daylight Saving commences
14 - Staff Devlopment Day - PUPIL FREE DAY
Term 4 Commences for Staff
15 - Term 4 Commences for Students
16 - Kinder 2025 Playgroup Session
Cricket Gala Day
17 - ERC Band visit
18 - 2.10pm 2 Gold Assembly in Hall
22 - P & F Meeting in Library
23 - Kinder 2025 Playgroup Session
25 - Public Speaking Competition - Parish Centre
2.10pm 5 Blue Assembly in the Hall
30 - Kinder 2025 Playgroup Session
31 - World Teachers Day
November 2024
1 - All Saints Day
2.10pm 3 Gold Assembly in the Hall
2 - All Souls Day
6 - Kinder 2025 Playgroup Session
8 - 2.10pm 6 Blue Assembly in Hall
13 - Kinder 2025 Orientation Day
15 - 2.10pm Kinder Assembly in Hall
22 - 2.10pm Year 1 Assesmbly in Hall
29 - P & F Colour Run
2.10pm Year 4 Assembly in Hall
December 2024
6 - Christmas Band Tour
13 - 11.30am All school Christmas Liturgy in the Back Playground
17 - 6.00pm Year 6 Graduation in Church
18 - Last Day of Term 4 & 2024 for Students
10.50am End of Term 4 & 2024 Morning Tea in Hall
11.30am End of Term 4 & 2024 Assembly
19 - Staff Development Day - PUPIL FREE DAY
20 - Staff Development Day - PUPIL FREE DAY
Last Day of Term
CANTEEN MENU 2024
ST THERESE CANTEEN
WEDNESDAYS, THURSDAYS & FRIDAYS ONLY
