Retirement

After many, many years of dedication to the students and families of St Therese, Mrs Gail Crane has decided to retire officially at the end of this year. As you are aware, Gail has been on Long Service Leave this year which has given her a taste of what’s ahead in her retirement … obviously that ‘taste’ has gone down well. For the past 10 years, during the Kinder enrolment, transition and orientation process, I have had parents asking for Gail or dropping subtle hints that it would be good if my child had Gail as their teacher. This reflects the obvious love, care and commitment that Gail has shown to the children and families of St Therese for longer than I have been here. While Gail is retiring, I feel we may well see her popping in as a casual from time to time to ensure she gets her kid-fix that has kept her looking so young and energised.

Powell St Afternoon Traffic

Another reminder not to block traffic, especially driveways in the afternoon. The Kiss & Collect flow of traffic does not start until 2.50pm. Please consider other road users, especially local residents.

Christmas Season

As we are getting close to the Christmas Season, I would ask that students do not start bringing in Christmas cards until December. Could I also ask that families talk about the reason behind the giving and receiving of cards / gifts during this time. From a school perspective, we often see the smiles and joy at this time but we also see the hurt when someone feels left out or a card is rejected. Encourage children to write something meaningful  apart from “To …, Merry Christmas from …”

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).

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.

Congratulations Bridie L (5G)

Last Friday, Bridie represented St Therese in the Grand Final of the Diocesan Year 5 Public Speaking Competition. Bridie was very well prepared and finished with a Highly Commended Award. An awesome effort considering 30 schools were involved at the start of the competition and the grand final showcased the top 6!

James Carey Day -  Music and Motivational Speaking

A huge thank you to James for sharing his time with us. Our students benefited enormously hearing directly from James himself about his life experiences. We look forward to catching up with James again and sharing a song or two in the future. An amazing young man.

**From James himself - I had a great day at st therese last week .

It felt really special sharing my story with all of your amazing students and listening to our songs together with the ever talented Mrs hogan .

A special shout out to year 3 who had some fabulous contributions to our conversation and I will also remeber this day as my first time having lunch inside the staff room !  

What a wonderful school you have and thankyou for sharing this memorable day with me. .

**Quote from Marli 4B - “James was very inspirational and we loved having him at our school. I really liked his singing and he was really open about his Kabuki syndrome and how he has overcome many obstacles”

**Quote from Jonah 6G - "Everyone was amazed that James could sing so well because he told us that he didn’t start learning to speak until he was 5 years old. My favourite part was when he sung his HSC song and when he told us that he’s met some famous people like Michael from Love on the spectrum and Emma from the wiggles.

Mrs Hogan

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.