Classes for 2025

As has been the case in the past, parents do have the opportunity to contact me if they wish to discuss class placement for 2025. This is not an opportunity to select a teacher but a time to discuss your child’s learning style and/or friendships. While I am happy to discuss issues with parents, no guarantees can be made as we only have two classes available to split students. During the planning process, requests will be considered along with teacher knowledge of students, to come up with the best combinations possible for student learning.The opportuniry closes on Friday 8th November.

Staffing Update:

Congratulations to Mrs Emma Thomas who has accepted a permanent teaching position at St Peter & Paul’s Catholic School, Kiama from the beginning of 2025. Emma came to St Therese at the beginning of this year having taught for many years in the state school system. Emma has contributed a great deal to our school and especially to Year 2 Blue where she has shared her extensive knowledge of curriculum and a wealth of new ideas. While we are very sad to be losing Emma, we are happy that she has gained a permanent position in the diocese and we will still be in contact, and be able to ‘pick her brain’ for many years to come.

Swimming Carnival @ University of Wollongong (UOW) Pool - 11 February, 2025

Next year we have booked the pool at Wollongong University for our school swimming selection trials. The change of venue was brought about by the limited availability at Unanderra with school teams required by February 17. This selection trial is open to all children turning 8yrs to 12yrs in 2025. As the pool is quite different at the university, I would strongly suggest that parents take children to the uni pool over the Christmas holidays to familiarise them with the pool and to check that they are competent in swimming at least 50 metres. Freestyle events start at 8yrs while all off strokes (backstroke, breaststroke & butterfly) start at Juniors (all children 10yrs and younger).

Church Car Park

Identified as one of our biggest risks for both morning drop off and afternoon pick up. Children MUST be escorted by their parent when walking through this car park. Running ahead, catching up with friends or parents telling children to go ahead by them selves poses the greatest risk. From the corner of the church to the back playground is fine for children to walk alone. Of an afternoon, parents are already required to walk up to collect children - they then must walk with their parent to the car.

Kiss & Drop in the morning is a much safer option is parents are busy - children are dropped off on the footpath, they do not need to weave their way through cars and it is a supervised area.

Holy Spirit College Memorial Mass

Each year, Holy Spirit College hosts a very special memorial Mass to remember deceased students and staff of the college. Families of the deceased are invited to attend this Mass on 

• Sunday, 17 November, 2024 starting at 10am
• Venue: Grant Centre/Chapel (entry via Kent St), Holy Spirit College, Bellambi

If you would like to attend, please RSVP directly to the college on info.hsc@dow.catholic.edu.au or phone 0242 852 877

Christmas Eve Mass

6pm at Edmund Rice Hall (NOT TIGS), Tuesday, 24 December. This is a message Fr Duane has asked us to start advertising early as it is a significant change to the normal routine.

eSafety Commission: Free Webinars for Parents and Carers

 

Supporting healthy technology use as your child transitions into high school.

This webinar explores the social pressures, peer influences, and technological challenges young people face as they transition into high school. It also offers practical strategies for navigating online friendships and connections to help minimise negative experiences.

It's suitable for parents and carers of children in upper primary school (ages 11 to 12) and Year 7.

• Thursday 28 November, 12.30 pm AEDT

Register here.

eSafety 101: How eSafety can help

• Wednesday 4 December, 12.30 pm AEDT

Register here.

 

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.