We are now accepting enrolments for Kindergarten 2022. First round applications close at the end of Term 1 (April 8, 2022). Applications are available online or from the office.

Open Day for Kinder 2023

Thursday, 3 March

4pm - 6pm

For new families, and the not so new,

come and see what St Therese Catholic School has to offer.

Sleep Patterns / Routines

The first half of this term has presented many challenges such as Covid restrictions, wet weather, demountables and building noise. Regardless of this, maintaining procedures and routines is very important for children. Whether they like the routine or not is another story, but predictability and consistency builds confidence. Children feel that they know what is happening and the expectations associated with that.

Sleep routines are no different. I have had a number of teachers across most grades saying that children are coming to school tired, often saying they were up late or they don’t go to bed till whatever time. I understand there are special occasions and routines change - these occasions are important and should be enjoyed however outside of this, I would encourage parents to set realistic bedtimes for during the week. Set firm guidelines around the use of screens especially in bedrooms. 

The Australian Government Health website states:

Ensuring good sleep

Getting enough good-quality sleep is essential to healthy growth. We recommend that each night:  

• children aged 5 to 13 years get 9 to 11 hours of uninterrupted sleep
• young people aged 14 to 17 years get 8 to 10 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

To establish and maintain healthy sleep patterns, we recommend:

• having a consistent bedtime and wake-up time
• avoiding screen time 1 hour before sleep
• keeping screens out of the bedroom.

Changes to Kiss & Drop - from NEXT MONDAY

Currently we have been using the basketball court as a Kiss & Drop Zone in the mornings. This was due to parents not being allowed on site due to covid restrictions. With this now easing, the basketball court will revert back to an area parents can park and walk children into school. Prior to covid, this was always the case for this area. Important rules about using the basketball court:

• Reverse parking is the best option as you have greater visibility
• Hold your child’s hand as they walk from the car till at least the hall gate
• Walk around the edge of the basketball court rather than through traffic
• Be patient as it is a very tight area

The Kiss & Drop Zones on Powell St are still operational and should be the preferred drop off areas. Please move all the way to the front of the zone if possible so that there is space for other cars to pull in.

Kiss & Collect

This appears to be working well. Two reminders:

1. Wait half way down the concrete driveway (ie don’t bank up all the way to the bottom) to allow cars more space when leaving
2. If children need help with seatbelts, please move up to the presbytery carpark to do this so that we can keep the flow of traffic moving.

Raincoats / Umbrellas

Rapid Antigen Tests

Due to a delay in supply and the complications of severe wet weather, the next issue of RAT kits has been delayed. It is hoped that these will arrive by the middle of next week. Each student will be issued with 8 tests to be used at parent’s discretion when symptoms develop.

P & F Volunteers Needed

Thank you to Carly Leighton for volunteering for the position of P & F Secretary for 2022. Carly is the mother of Jasper (6B) and Ivy (4G)