School Vision Statement (Part 3)

“Immersed in faith, pursuing excellence in learning

and the positive wellbeing of all”

This statement has been sent home in various newsletters, is visible in the office foyer and referred to at various meetings with staff and parents. The three key words we take from this are: faith, learning and wellbeing. This year, all staff are continuing to learn more about the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM). Two more staff development days are booked in which will have a significant impact on class engagement and motivation to learn. Currently teachers are using Zones of Regulation, Morning Circles, Ready to Learn strategies and Brain Breaks as motivation to keep students focused and to also have a voice to express when they aren’t feeling the best which may impact their learning.

Harmony Day

Today we had an awesome celebration for Harmony Day. As Mrs Johannson announced, we have students from 50 different countries from around the world represented here at St Therese. We are the most multicultural Catholic School in the Wollongong Diocese where children learn to embrace and respect diversity in culture. I am particularly pleased with the number of staff who volunteered to be part of this committee and helped out in many ways. As I walked into the Back Playground at about 7.30 this morning, many staff were already present organising props, flags, PA system, music, etc. We truly have a very generous staff who are willing to make these special occasions come to life.

Church Car Park

Next Wednesday (26/3), the church car park will be unavailable all day as formal parking bays are painted. This work will commence at 6am and continue through to at least 4pm, meaning that there will be no access for anyone. This will create additional traffic congestion and very limited street parking options. Parents are encouraged to allow additional time during drop off and pick up. 

Student Uniform

Some students have begun wearing black socks with either Summer or Sports uniforms. Our students look so good when we have everyone presenting the same, which is brown socks with the Summer uniform and white socks which Sports. This is especially important with school photos coming up on March 31.

Illawarra U11 Colin Cooper Cup Cricket Team Triumphs Over Manly-Warringah

Congratulations to Brock Smith and Charlie Mowatt for their outstanding performances as part of the Illawarra U11 Colin Cooper Cup representative cricket team, securing a thrilling 36-run grand final victory over Manly-Warringah.

Illawarra remained undefeated throughout the season and set a competitive total of 102 runs on a slow outfield. Every run counted, and the team displayed exceptional skill in all aspects of the game—batting, bowling, and fielding—proving their dominance.

Brock and Charlie were standout performers with the ball—Brock delivered an impressive spell, taking 3 wickets for 14 runs in 7 overs, while Charlie was equally dominant, claiming 2 wickets for just 3 runs off 5.1 overs. Their efforts were instrumental in leading Illawarra to a well-earned victory. Well done boys! 

2025 School Photos 

School photos will be on in Week 10, TERM 1, Monday, 31 MARCH 2025.

This year, we will be starting with a whole school photo being taken at 8.50am via the use of a drone camera. If students arrive late, they will miss the opportunity to be included in this photo.

All children are to come to school in correct FULL SUMMER uniform (NOT SPORTS UNIFORM).  Hair decorations are not permitted and ribbons/scrunchies are to be in toning with the uniform i.e. browns and yellows.
 
‘The School Photographer’ will be the photographer again this year.  We have a total DIGITAL ORDERING SYSTEM.  (See attached flyer and below for instructions)

ALL photos will still be sent to the school as per previous years. 

 All photo orders are to be paid and ordered via the attached QR code using CODE:
 

• clicking onto “I’m a Parent” “Order 2025 Photos”.
• You will then be directed to the secure online ordering portal entering the code noted above.

 
When you log onto the website using the QR code or address, it will advise how to order the Sibling photo as well and any other merchandise available if you choose.

If you have any questions please contact the School Office ASAP on 42291818. 

Minor Head Injuries

Further updates in Compass now allow for minor injuries to the head of a student be relayed to parents via SMS. These injuries are assessed as usual in the office and if deemed ‘minor’, an SMS will be sent. As usual, if deemed more significant, a parent will be contacted via a phone call. This process will free up a lot of time for office staff having to look up phone numbers and individually call parents. By minor injuries, we are looking at a soft ball bouncing on their head or lightly bumping a head on another child’s shoulder. If there is a significant bump on concrete or other hard surface, or head clash with another student, parents will always be contacted via phone.

2025 Annual Improvement Plan (AIP)

Each year every primary school in the Diocese of Wollongong sets an Annual Improvement Plan (AIP) goal.  The following provides details about our AIP goal for 2025.

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.