Newsletter 18th September 2024 - Term 3 Week 9

Principal's Message

Dear Parent/Carer,

As we approach the end of Term 3, I would like to thank the students, staff and parent community for a wonderful term.  I wish all of you a safe and restful holiday, before an exciting Term 4.

Community Events

St Therese’s have always had such a vibrant community, so I wanted to extend a special thank you to Odette, Zoe and Cathy for the Art Trail and the Ball Committee, especially Kim.  Thank you also to Alfie’s, Melts and Mr Ward and his band for the treats and entertainment at the Art Trail.  It was a truly wonderful spring evening, as we celebrated the artistic abilities of all our students.  This Saturday, we will have our inaugural St Therese’s Ball, which will be a glamorous and enjoyable evening.  All money raised from the Ball, will go towards shade sails for the school.

Staff Changes

At the end of the term, we farewell some staff: Mrs Dawson who will be on leave for Term 4, Mrs Kelly who will be returning to Sydney to care for family, Miss Creighton who has taken on a teaching position and Mrs Devenish who has been on 3N while Mrs Murray is on leave.  We thank you all for everything you have done for our students, staff and parents, you will be greatly missed next term.  We welcome to staff the following staff for Term 4: Mr Woods (2W) on alternating Wednesdays, Thursday and Friday, Mrs Fletcher (2N) Thursdays and Ms Murray (3N) on Monday and Tuesday.

School Uniform

Over the past few weeks, we have seen a decline in uniform adherence among the students.  All students are expected to wear their full summer uniform with pride.  Sport uniform is to be worn only on the designated sport day, with the formal uniform the remainder of the week.  Students are also expected to wear the correct footwear to school, which are leather shoes on formal days and joggers only on sport days.  Brand name socks, jumpers etc. are not part of the uniform, and as such as not to be worn.  Please see below acceptable accessories that may be worn:

• Earrings may be sleepers or studs
• A wristwatch – if children wear Smart Watches, they are to be on school mode for the entire school day.  Children must not use their Smart Watch to communicate with anyone, or to take photos etc.
• A necklace with a small cross

The following are not part of our school uniform and so must not be worn to school:

• Nail polish or fake nails
• Hair that is coloured in any way, either with dye, hair spray etc.
• Make-up

We appreciate your supporting in ensuring all children are wearing their correct uniform at all times.

Kaylene Maretich

Acting Principal

Assistant Principal's Message

World Mission Month – Socktober

Our school student leadership team attended the Socktober celebrations for Catholic Mission month at McDonald Jones Stadium. Spencer, Claire, Vienne, Lachlan, Alex, Bailey, Mackenzie, Brock and Jasmyn were representatives of our school. They were excellent school ambassadors and enjoyed taking part in the Prayer Celebration and the activities on the playing field. The theme for Catholic Mission is ‘Go and invite everyone to the banquet’ and will focus on raising money for disadvantaged children in Mongolia.  

Additionally, Jerome from year 5, was part of the Aspire Choir that sang during the Prayer Celebration and he did a fantastic job.

Inquisitive Minds

Year 1 to Year 6 were part of Inquisitive Minds workshops that were held last Thursday and Friday. The workshops were fun hands-on Maths lessons and competitions which built a passion for Maths and Problem Solving. The students needed to demonstrate cooperative learning and a range of strategies to solve problems. The students were highly engaged through the lessons and showed great teamwork when answering the questions.  

As Term 3 concludes I wish everyone a restful break. The students have worked hard throughout the term and continue to consolidate their learning. Have a good rest and be ready for a busy Term 4!

Mark Konik
Acting Assistant Principal

Catholic Identity & Curriculum

Catholic Culture News

Faith Formation

Francis' Focus – Who better to help guide us in the true depth and meaning of our Catholic faith than the charismatic and authentic leader of our Church, Pope Francis. Below Pope Francis reminds us of who Jesus really is and what His mission was truly about:

‘Today’s Gospel passage,’ Pope Francis says, ‘turns to the question that permeates the whole Gospel of Mark: who is Jesus?’

The Pope points out that Jesus ‘is not interested in the opinions and gossip of the people’; nor is he fishing for ‘pre-packaged formulas’. In fact, as the Pope notes, ‘a faith that is reduced to formulas is a short-sighted faith.’ This is not what Jesus seeks.

Rather, as the Pope puts it, Jesus ‘wants his disciples of yesterday and today to establish a personal relationship with him’ in a way that has practical implications. In asking who he is, Jesus is also asking us who we want to be.

‘Each person is called to respond, in his or her heart,’ the Pope says, ‘allowing each one to be illuminated by the light that the Father gives us.’ But this can be challenging. Like Peter, we can easily and reflexively recoil at the idea of a Christ whose mission ‘contrasts with our expectations, with worldly expectations.’ We switch easily from recognition of Christ to rejection of his real mission.

The Pope affirms that ‘the profession of faith in Jesus Christ cannot stop at words.’ Our thoughts and words about Jesus must translate into action that is ‘characterised by God’s love’ and expressed through ‘an abundance of love for neighbour.’

Religious Education

Year 3 – Topic: Encountering God’s Forgiveness & Healing

In this module, students develop their understanding of the loving relationship God offers to people unconditionally; and their understanding of sin, as evident in the free choices that harm the individual and their loving relationships with God, with others and with all creation. They make connections between sin (missing the target) and the consequences of their choices.

They investigate how the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) can help to build a world of love. They explore ways in which believers seek to heal these relationships through reconciliation. They investigate ways in which believers celebrate reconciliation with God and with others in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

They further develop their understanding of prayer in the Christian tradition through an exploration of prayer for forgiveness (acts of contrition and Penitential Act) They make connections between Jesus’ healing ministry and the Church community’s celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

They demonstrate an understanding of how the celebrations of Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation continue Jesus’ mission and ministry in the life of the community.

Prayer, Celebration & Mission

Socktober Mission Day – This year, we will postpone our regular Term 3 Mission Day until the Friday of Week 3 next term (1^st Nov.). This is since the official Diocesan launch of Catholic Mission’s Socktober only took place earlier this week at McDonald Jones Stadium, with Mr Konik and our school leaders in attendance.

Sacramental Program 2024/25 – The next Sacramental Program will commence with a parent information and registration evening being held early next term (Wednesday 16^th October at 6pm). This will primarily be for those students who are in Year 3, however, if your child has previously missed the program or you wish for them now to participate, please don’t hesitate to contact me. The first sacrament, Reconciliation, will then be received by the students a few weeks later in Week 5.

Upcoming Stage Masses -

• Week 9:
• Stage 3 Mass – 9:30am, Friday 20^th September in the Church.
• Week 10:
• Infants Mass – 9:30am, Friday 27^th September in the Church.

Luke Smith

RE Coordinator

School Community News

PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION

Congratulations to Anna W, Penny F, Mia H and Anna O who represented our school at the Central Public Speaking Competition at St James Kotara South. Their bravery, ability to think quickly and craft and present a speech to an audience of adults was so impressive. Speech topics ranged from subjects such as toys, heroes, people that inspire us and the importance of respect. Mia and Anna also did impromptu speeches on what career they would like to do! The standard of speeches was so high, and we are immensely proud of these students. We look forward to hearing their speeches at the Week 10 assembly.

Mrs McNeil

From The Father Walsh Performing Arts Room

End of Year Carols By Candlelight Concert 
Preparations have begun on our end of year Carols by Candlelight concert. The theme for this year's event is LET'S DANCE CHRISTMAS. There has been much success at our school this year in the area of dance - Aspire dance representatives, our dance and aerobics teams performing at a national level, not to mention our whole school participation in the dance KLA during term 1. We look forward to sharing some amazing songs of dance with you on Friday 22^nd November. See details below. It will be a wonderful concert bringing our whole school community together.

Aspire Auditions - Registrations Now Open
This year's Aspire production "Disconnected" was a fabulous display of the amazing talent of students within our diocese (with many present and past St. Therese's students amongst the cohort). 
Registrations for ASPIRE 2025 auditions are now OPEN for current students from Year 4 to Year 12.
The auditions will be held at the Newcastle Convention and Exhibition Centre NEX, King Street, Newcastle (West City).
To register, please follow the link:  http://mn.shor.tn/ASPIREAuditions and complete the online registration form.
The audition application process closes Friday 27 September 2024. 
The following link show details regarding the audition process for each ensemble - dance, instrumental, vocal, drama:
2025 AUDITIONS | ASPIRE (mn.catholic.edu.au)
If you require further information, please contact Anne Atkins on 4979-1331 or email:  anne.atkins@mn.catholic.edu.au
Aspire has a range of wonderful programs for diocesan students in the field of the Performing Arts. Please take the time to check their website to see what is available. ASPIRE - Catholic Schools Performing Arts (mn.catholic.edu.au) 
Kind Regards,

Alina Brymora
Performing Arts Teacher

Poetry Club- Term 3
We are looking forward to seeing everyone at Poetry Club in Term 3 at 8am in the library on the Wednesday 18^th September

Volunteering
Throughout the year, we welcome all parents/carers to volunteer at the school. To volunteer, you must complete the volunteer's induction. This process can take up to 6 weeks, so you are encouraged to complete this early.

School Fees
Thank you to those families that have been making payments towards their fees. Our preferred payment methods are BPay, direct debit or credit card. If you choose to use CompassPay, please double check the amount before you submit the payment. Refunds can no longer be given for incorrect amounts paid unless your account is in credit.

National Child Protection Week

National Child Protection Week (NCPW) invites all Australians to play their part to promote the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
This year NCPW is taking place from 1-7 September.  
By speaking regularly with children about their personal safety and how they can protect themselves, as well as “tuning in” to their worries, children are more likely to trust us and feel comfortable to talk with us when something big is going on.
This year, the theme is ‘Every conversation matters’.
The children at St Therese's have participated in creating our display for Child Protection Week.

We have created the "The St Therese's Conversation Tree".
To create the tree each class discussed why having a conversation is important. We also looked at our 5 safety network people who we know we can trust and confide in if we need help.

Well done St Therese's!

Alex Toscano
Primary Coordinator (Early Stage 1 and Stage 1) and Year 2N Teacher

Inquisitive Minds at St Therese's

Last Thursday and Friday students in the primary grades participated in the "Inquisitive Minds" challenge. Inquisitive Minds challenge both Primary and Secondary school students with hands-on activities and problem-solving workshops which have been designed to improve students’ attitude and performance in Maths. Here are some of our Year 3 "Mathemagicians" having fun!

Principal Awards

Congratulations and thank you, children, for upholding the values and principles of St Therese’s. The following students will receive a Principal’s Award at next week’s School Assembly, Monday 23/9, 2:30pm

Melissa Pyers and Alex Toscano

Primary Coordinators

Wellbeing

Did you know ….

80% of our happiness is derived from:

• Friendship.
• Health.
• Work fulfillment.
• Loving relationships.
• Spirituality. 

When you do something kind for someone else your brain releases the love hormone oxytocin. This makes you feel good too. Check out Martin Heppell from The Resilience Project talking about being kind and the benefits of kindness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO-ja3h5INc

“Kindness is the greatest wealth of all. Small acts of kindness last longer than a lifetime” - Eddie Jaku (Author of ‘The Happiest Man on Earth’).

To learn more about Empathy and how to talk to your child about this, checkout the content through our access to the TRP Parent Hub

https://theresilienceproject.com.au/2023-parent-carer-hub-inspire-hugh/

Parent FAQ's

My child has a diagnosed mental illness. Will this interfere with/ replace our current supports/strategies?

The Resilience Project schools program is a prevention-based program and will not replace any formal treatment your child may be accessing.

The Resilience Project schools program should not cause any interference with your child’s current plan in fact the strategies your child learns will most likely benefit them. However, we would encourage you to let your child’s mental health professional know that they are completing the program at school and seek their guidance on this.

Likewise it would also be helpful if you let your child’s teacher know about your child’s plan (if you haven’t already) so that the teacher can keep an extra close eye out.

I'm concerned my child may be experiencing mental ill-health, where can I go for help?

1. The Resilience Project is not a treatment or assessment service. 

1. If you are worried about your child;

• Speaking with your General Practitioner is a great place to start.

• Our schools Learning Support team can also assist you with local support services that work with young people.
• Websites such as Beyond Blue and Headspace have some great resources and information, too.

Melissa Pyers 
Primary Coordinator and Pedagogical Mentor

Sport

Last Friday at the POLDING Athletic Championships we had 5 students competing in their selected event/s. We would like to congratulate Chase P, Ignatius P,  Benjamin C, Isabella G and Mary W on their efforts as they all did their best in representing the Diocese. Special mention of Mary W, who came third in the 1500m and will be competing at the next level in the State Championships. 

Well done everyone. 

 Jye Bowen 

Canteen

Important Dates

20Sept- Mass Stage 3, 9.30am
21Sept - St Therese's Ball
23Sept - Whole School Assembly 2.30pm
27Sept - Infants Mass 9.30am
              Last Day of Term 3

14Oct - First Day of Term 4
15Oct - Kinder Excursion Hunter Valley Zoo
21Oct - Whole School Assembly
25Oct - Grandparents Day