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Newsletter Week 4
Prayer For Families
God, Our Father, loving and merciful, bring together and keep all families in perfect unity of love and mutual support. Instill in each member the spirit of understanding and affection for each other. Keep quarrels and bitterness far from them, and for their occasional failures instill forgiveness and peace. May the mutual love and affection of parents set a good example. Instill in children self-respect that they may respect others and grow in mature independence. May the mutual affection and respect of families be a sign of Christian life here and hereafter, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Uniform Transition
As usual at this time of the year, we experience great fluctuations in the weather. For this reason, students may choose either their Summer or Winter uniform depending on how they feel. Towards the end of May will will set a formal date where everyone will be required to wear Winter uniform. Just a reminder for the boys: If choosing to wear Winter, shirts must be tucked in.
Years 3 and 5 will be sitting the annual National Assessment Program- Numeracy and Literacy (NAPLAN) during the test window between 11 to the 20 May. The NAPLAN tests are another opportunity to gather data about our students' learning for both our teachers and parents.
It is vital that both Year 3 and Year 5 students have headphones at school to use during the tests.
You may like to visit the NAPLAN Public Demonstration page which will allow you and/or your child to experience the assessments.
Should you have any questions about the assessment please speak with your child's class teacher or Mr Edwards.
https://sccdow.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/1399/naplan_online_information_brochure_for_parents_and_carers.pdf
Dimitra Vezinias
Assistant Principal
Athletics Carnival
This event is scheduled for Wednesday, 19 May. Please log onto the Compass Portal to complete the online permission slip. We are also looking for more parents to assist with the running of the carnival - this can also be indicated via the Compass Portal.
DRESS LIKE A FARMER DAY - Thursday 27th May 2021
Lismore Flood Appeal 2021
It is who we are, it is what we do.” – Bishop Brian Mascord
The Australian community has always lived with the constant threat of fire, floods, drought, and cyclones. COVID-19 loomed large at the beginning of last year during the catastrophic fires that affected much of eastern Australia, in particular, the Shoalhaven area of our Diocese.
The response from the broader Australian community was immediate and significant. Despite COVID-19 understandably absorbing much of our attention, the Good Samaritan-type response from all around Australia was inspirational.
The March 2021 floods in the southern part of the Diocese of Lismore have had a devastating impact on residents and farmers.
Accordingly, the Diocese of Wollongong is supporting a Flood Appeal launched by the Bishop of Lismore, the Most Rev Gregory Homeming, to provide financial and practical support to the Lismore community.
Bishop Brian Mascord and our Director of Schools, Peter Hill, urge our parish, school, and office communities to throw their support behind this important cause.
St Therese will be holding a fundraiser "Dress like a Farmer Day" on Thursday 27 May 2021. Children can come to school dressed like a farmer and bring a gold coin donation to go towards the Lismore Flood appeal.
National Walk Safely to School Day - Friday 14 May 2021
This Friday, 14 May is Walk Safely to School Day. While this isn't mandatory, students are encouraged to walk to school on this day. If walking from home isn't possible, you might like to park a couple of blocks away and walk from there. There are some great tips on the WSTSD app including a timer and distance tracker. Some of our lovely Year 5 students will be next to the office entrance giving out awards and stickers to those students who walked safely to school on this day. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact the office.
To celebrate National Families Week CatholicCare is running a five-part webinar series to celebrate family and make the most out of family life. Each webinar will have a different focus.
Family Resilience
Understand what a resilient person and family looks like, and how you can build resilience within yourself and your family.
Family Values
Understand what values are and why they are important. By identifying our family values we can better understand and connect.
Family Connection
With our lives so busy we can struggle to keep connections within our family, learn why connection is important and how to sustain or build family connections
Family Self-Care
Learn why self-care is so important and how looking after ourselves, has a flow-on effect on the whole family.
Family Mindfulness
Learn what mindfulness is and the benefits it provides, not just for ourselves, but also the benefit it has on our family.
For more information and to register visit: https://www.catholiccare.dow.org.au/services-and-programs/family/family-care/courses/national-families-week-webinar-series/
Learning Lab Applications for June/July - Now Open!
The University of Wollongong is inviting our students to LITTLE and EARLY LEARNING LABS, an academic and creative arts enrichment holiday program. They are targeting students from Year 1 to 6 who are passionate, self-motivated and curious learners.
Dates: Little Learning Labs (Years 1 and 2): 28th – 30th June 2021
Early Learning Labs (Years 3 to 6): 6th - 8th July 2021
Venue: University of Wollongong (Wollongong campus only)
Applications close: Wednesday, 26th May 2021
LITTLE AND EARLY LEARNING LABS program brochure
For further information about workshops and the application process please visit the website, or contact the Learning Labs team via email at learning-labs@uow.edu.au or phone on (02) 4221 5557.
School Birthdays
12 May 2021 - 18 May 2021
Happy Birthday:
Charlotte Walton, Sara Henriques-Thakur, Halle Abela, Gus Konneh, Sophia Lee, Sophia Tiberio, Aaliyah Moreton.
Matilda Burrows - 5B
Merry Deih - 5B
Edoardo Insalata - 5B
St Therese School Facebook Page
www.facebook.com/westwollongong.sttherese
School Vision Statement
“St Therese Primary School – a dynamic, Catholic community
educating and empowering learners for life’s journey.”
PARISH
KEEPING THE LORD’S DAY HOLY
Join Fr Duane for Sunday Mass live streamed 5pm EVERY SUNDAY from St Therese Church at the St Therese Facebook page at:
Those without Facebook can still view it through this link which will take you to the stream
To view through YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6HKCV4D_a1JMWx0gS7rTw
NSW Premier's Reading Challenge News 2021
NSW Premier's Reading Challenge News 2021
Congratulations to the following students who have completed their PRC:
Nathan Bird 3G
Christina Dellis 3G
Alexis Momirovski 3G
There is still time to enter as it finishes in August. Students borrow extra PRC books each Tuesday and they will need their library bag. Go to the website to search the list of PRC books: https://online.det.nsw.edu.au/prc/home.html
Happy reading,
The NSW Premier’s Reading Challenge Team
Mrs Hamilton & Ms Rose
Visual Arts Enrichment Group 2021
It is wonderful to see the artist talent we have here at St Therese. Thank you to the many students who produced an artwork and shared it with us.
After careful consideration by the members of the Visual Art Committee, the following students have been selected for the lunchtime art classes for 2021.
Congratulations to: Spencer Strothers (Yr 6), Madeline Plunkett (Yr 6), Sophie O’Dwyer (Yr 6), Nicholas Rebikov-Vincent (Yr 6), Anastasia Ezeanowai (Yr 6), Gavin Kumar (Yr 5), Sophia Lee (Yr 5), Nardeen Khlqa (Yr 4), Linnie Tran (Yr 4) and Adriana Coratella (Yr 4).
We look forward to seeing the imaginative and creative artworks you produce throughout the year.
We were amazed at the quality and range of work produced. Special mention to the following students who also submitted an entry: Indiana Bettiol (Yr 5), Georgia Cummins (Yr 5), Lyla Pilon (Yr 5), Lilian Cleary (Yr 5), Christopher Wojewodka (Yr 5), Madeline Towers (Yr 5), Elizabeth Elizabeth (Yr 4), Daira Kerrigan (Yr 4), Isadora Psarris (Yr 4). Well done and we hope you continue your happy art making :)
The Visual Arts Committee
WRITEON COMPETITION
WriteOn is an annual writing competition open to all NSW primary students in Years 1 to 6. WriteOn provides students with the opportunity to become published authors. Students compose an imaginative text of up to 500 words using an image as the stimulus. Entries close on the last day of Term 2, 2021 – Friday 25 June. Go to: https://
Competition guidelines
- WriteOn is open to all students in Years 1 to 6 who are accessing NSW syllabuses.
- Entries must only be submitted by schools so please give any entries to Ms Rose for submission.
- All entries must be students’ own work and verified on submission.
- Schools should only submit their best entry from each participating Stage (maximum 3).
- Imaginative pieces may include:
- letters
- poems
- scripts for radio, screen and stage
- interviews
- journal entries
- narratives.
Judging
A panel comprised of experienced NSW primary teachers from NESA and each educational sector judges the entries. The decision of the judging panel is final.
Assessment criteria
When assessing entries, judges use the following assessment criteria:
- making connections to the stimulus image
- engaging the audience in imaginative, interpretive, emotive and/or creative ways
- maintaining a consistent structure appropriate for the type of text selected
- using a range of stylistic devices for the intended audience
- using a variety of language forms and features, vocabulary and punctuation forms throughout the piece
- considering the purpose, audience and context.
Outstanding entries from the 2020 competition have been published in The Best of WriteOn 2020 anthology.
Calendar Dates 2021
May 2021
11 to 21 - NAPLAN Assessment Period
12 to 14 - Year 6 Camp
14 - National Walk Safely to School Day
19 - Athletics Carnival - SCHOOL CANTEEN WILL BE CLOSED
20 - 5.30pm Sacrament of Reconcilation
24 - Celebrating 200 years of Catholic Education in Australia
25- Year 6 Activate Fire at Good Samaritan School Fairy Meadow
26 - National Sorry Day
27 - Dress Like a Farmer Day - Gold Coin Donation - Mufti Day
Reconcilation Week
June 2021
3 - Mabo Day
3 to 4 - Year 5 Camp to Taronga Zoo
14 - Queens Birthday/ Public Holiday
25 - Last Day of Term 2
July 2021
4 - NAIDOC Week
12 - Term 3 Commences
August 2021
5 - Year 6 Mass with the Bishop
6 - CENSUS day
10 - 7pm Confirmation Ceremony
11 - 7pm Confirmation Ceremony
15 - Feast of the Assumption
September 2021
7 - Catholic Mission Launch
10 - Christmas Art Entries Due
17 - Last Day Term 3
October 2021
5 - Term 4 Commences
29 - World Teachers Day
NOVEMBER 2021
5 - Year 6 Excursion to Canberra
11 - Remembrance Day
December 2021
3 - Whole School Mass - End of Year Thanksgiving
15 - Last Day Term 4 Students
17 - Last day Term 4 Teachers and Staff