Newsletter 14th May Term 2, Week 3

Principal's Message

Catholic Identity: In 2025, we will establish pedagogical practices that improve student religious literacy and provide opportunities for encounter with Christ.

Learning: In 2025 we will establish effective and consistent pedagogical practices for all students by all teachers.

Wellbeing: In 2025 we will establish a school-wide common language in Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L) incorporating our Mercy pillars.

Week 3
‘Pilgrims of Hope’    Luke 4:16-21
Heavenly Father,
Just like your Son, Jesus Christ, you have called us and anointed us to bring Good News to the world. Pour out your Spirit upon us to give us the courage to hear and heed this call in our daily lives.
May each one of us be a pilgrim of hope, shining your light for others on the journey. Unite us in community and purpose as we strive to do your will- ‘One Call, One Mission.’ Together, may we bring your son into the hearts and lives of all, through our words and deeds.
When the way seems uncertain, strengthen our faith. When the way is hard, fill us with joy. When we are hurting, send us your peace. When relationships are strained, unite us through love. When all seems lost, may the resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, restore our hope!
We make this prayer, through Christ Our Lord.

AMEN

School Improvement Plan 2025
In Learning, St Therese’s main school improvement goal is implementing a focused approach to learning in our main Key Learning Areas of English, Mathematics and Religion. In doing so, this requires a focus on this subject during our professional learning meetings in reflecting and fine tuning the way that we program, assess and teach these key learning areas.
 In addition, this term our Professional Learning Team meetings (held on Thursdays) are focusing on student data in writing and how we can use the Learning Progressions from our NSW English Syllabus to support and advance our students skills in this aspect of English. These meetings are led by our Pedagogical Mentors (PMs) Trish McNeil (K-2), Therese Jackman (Year 3-4) and Melissa Pyers (Year 5-6).
In Wellbeing we are working on the further implementation of a new PB4L matrix which started in term 4 2024. As you are aware, this has involved a revision of class merit awards with a greater focus on the Mercy pillars to acknowledge the work of our founding sisters of Mercy. Encouragement of greater dialogue in classrooms and the playground is occurring through the introduction of weekly PB4L classroom lessons which focus on our fortnightly rule. These lessons have been written by our teachers who are members of St Therese’s PB4L team.
Every Monday we are now meeting briefly as school community at 9:15 so that our PB4L student leaders can introduce the rule, giving us a shared understanding of the expectations of this rule for our week ahead.

St Therese’s Dance Troupes
Since the start of term 1, close to 60 children across Kinder- year 3 have dedicatedly rehearsed (before school) every week under the guidance of Miss Toscano’s choreography, passion and commitment. On 24 May at Trinity College, they will begin their competitions, and we wish them every success. I wish to thank Miss Toscano, Mrs French and the parents who have assisted her in the organisation of these groups.

Mercy Caring Group
In the footsteps of our founding sisters of Mercy, St Therese’s has a long-established group titled the ‘Mercy Caring Group’. The purpose of this team is to do just as Catherine McAuley did and help those in need. This may be through a meal, washing or transport to school, supermarket vouchers, transport to appointments etc.
If you are willing to help others by being on this list, please send your name to NWL-Admin@mn.catholic.edu.au titled ‘Mercy Caring Group’.
If at any time, you (or a parent in our community you know) is ever in need, please contact Sallyanne Stanbridge (Principal) so that we can contact this family and assist them in a way that will best help them. All such contact is treated confidentially to respect the privacy and dignity of those in need.

Staffing
Luke Smith has resigned from his position as Religious Education Co-Ordinator at St Therese’s. At the end of 2025 he will leave St Therese’s and move to Brazil with his wife Sue.
The Religious Education Co-Ordinator position (commencing in 2026) will be advertised in coming weeks.
We welcome Melanie Faehndrich back to the Learning Support Team. Angela Schneider will remain (acting) in the Learning Support Co-Ordinator role with the support of Melanie – whilst she is on reduced hours.

Principal Professional Learning
I will be attending the Catholic Schools NSW Primary Principal’s Conference in the Hunter Valley 20-23 May (inclusive).
I will also attend Year 6 camp 26-28 May. Please contact Kaylene Maretich in my absence if there is a need to.
I will also take a group of teachers (year 5), Mrs Lynette Baker (Teacher Librarian) and executive team members to the Edu Tech conference in Sydney on 11 June. This is to continue our focus as part of our School Improvement Plan in building the teacher’s skill base in various pedagogical models. 

Winter Uniform
Changeover to full winter uniform occurs on Monday 2 June. Your support is greatly appreciated to maintain our very high uniform standard. All items are available from Lowe’s at Westfield Kotara.
Parents are reminded that nail polish and fancy accessories have no place at school. 
Students are permitted to wear the following. 
-Blue hair ties or ribbons
-Jewellery - studs only to be worn in pierced ears, watch, crucifix or cross  
- Hair should be neat and tidy and should not impede vision or act as a distraction.

Communication Between Home and School
St Therese’s uses its fortnightly newsletter, Compass and Facebook as our main forms of communication between home and school. Please be aware that any social media groups outside of our school Facebook that have been created are not moderated or endorsed by our school. Communication is the key between home and school. It is important for you and your child that there is open communication. Please contact your child’s teacher sooner rather than later if you need anything clarified or if you have a concern. Most times, if there is an issue, it is easily solved between teacher and parent. Please contact Sallyanne Stanbridge (Principal) or Kaylene Maretich (Assistant Principal) if you still require assistance.

Interviews with Teachers
Parent/teacher meetings occur in week 6 of term 1 and term 3. However, in the meantime, if you are concerned as to your child’s progress or wish to talk to the teacher, please inform us by note, email (admin@newlambton.catholic.edu.au) or a phone call and we will be most willing to make an appointment before or after school. Unfortunately, we cannot see parents ‘at the door’ or while in the playground on duty, as the teacher’s first responsibility is for the supervision of the children under his/her care.
Semester One reports are currently being prepared by teachers and will be available to parents via Compass in week 9 of this term. (Friday 27 June)

Complaints Resolution and Feedback page for Parents and Carers
The diocese has a comprehensive complaints and feedback process. Brochures are available in our school foyer should you wish to access these.
The CSO website contains a link to the Complaints Resolution Framework. Please see Complaints Resolution and Feedback at https://www.mn.catholic.edu.au/about/complaints-resolution-and-feedback/

Sallyanne Stanbridge
Principal

Assistant Principal's Message

Curriculum Handbooks
Following on from feedback at the PEG Meetings last year, we have developed Handbooks for each grade, the links to these are in this Newsletter.  The Handbooks will also be uploaded to our website.  The Handbooks give an overview of what is being taught in each grade, for each Key Learning Area.  These will give you an idea of what your child/ren are engaged in at school, and you might like to discuss what they are learning.  This shows your child their education is important, and also gives you an idea of “their world” at St Therese’s.  We welcome any feedback on the Handbooks.

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L)
This fortnight we continue out focus on the Mercy value of RESPECT, by demonstrating playing fairly and safely.  Phoebe and Olivia presented this rule at our assembly on Monday.  We will be working with our students on playing fairly by obeying the rules of the game, taking it out when needed and including others in our games.  We will also be focusing students on being safe in play by respecting our play rosters, which are designed to ensure fair access to all areas of the school playground.  We encourage all children to enjoy their play, but also to remember that the focus should be on fun, rather than competitiveness.
It has been wonderful to see the tokens building in our House Colours.  So far, there seems to be an even number of tokens in each of the colour houses.  The tokens are awarded on the playground and at afternoon dismissal, to students demonstrating our focus behaviours.  Well done everyone, keep up the great work!

Mother’s Day Stall
Thank you to the wonderful mums that volunteered for our Mother’s Day Stall last Thursday.  The students loved “buying” their mums a gift and were very excited about taking these home last week.  Thank you also to the children for their beautiful manners and the respect they demonstrated at the Stall.

Parent Webinars
Upcoming information sessions and webinars for parents and carers.  Parents and carers are the most important educators in their child’s life. To assist you in this important role, a list of upcoming webinars provided by reputable providers, free of charge, has been compiled and is available on the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Catholic Schools webpage.
A snapshot of Term 2 webinars featured on the webpage is included below.
Online safety-focused sessions:

• Understanding and using parental controls to help protect your child online, hosted by the eSafety Commissioner
• eSafety 101, hosted by the eSafety Commissioner
• Exploring the online experiences of boys and young men, hosted by the eSafety Commissioner
• Sexual extortion: What parents and carers need to know, hosted by the eSafety Commissioner
• The Social Media Guide: What Every Parent Needs to Know in 2025, hosted by The Cyber Safety Project

Mental health-focused sessions:

• Anxiety and Depression in Children and Adolescents, hosted by Learning Links
• Teen Mental Health Matters, hosted by The BlackDog Institute

Parenting sessions:

• What kids need now, before the teenage years, hosted by CCSP NSW/ACT and Michelle Mitchell
• More information about these webinars, including registration links, can be found on the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle’s Catholic Schools webpage www.mn.catholic.edu.au/our-community/supporting-parents-and-carers/upcoming-parent-and-carer-information-sessions/

Please note that the webpage will be updated regularly with news of additional webinars, and you can visit the site at any time. 

Kaylene Maretich
Assistant Principal

Catholic Identity & Curriculum

Faith Formation: Shortly before our new Pope, Leo XIV, was elected as new leader of the Catholic Church I came across this beautiful reflection. May we join together in praying for Pope Leo XIV, that he may not only be guided but sustained by the Holy Spirit –

When You See the White Smoke…
Don’t think of prestige. Don’t rush to post, to speculate, or to celebrate power.
Kneel. And pray.
Because the man who will soon step out onto the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica is not claiming a throne—but embracing a cross.
He is not a victor, but a sacrificial lamb chosen to lead a weary world.
At that very moment, he may be in the small, hidden “Chapel of Tears” beside the Sistine Chapel—weeping. Not in triumph, but in awe and fear, asking God: “Why me?”
He will recount his frailties. He will list every reason why he feels unworthy.
But God will not need strength—He will give mercy.
This man will carry the full weight of Peter’s office.
He will grow tired.
He will suffer silently.
He will grow old—perhaps too soon.
He will not retire in comfort.
He will die in service.
His burden will be unseen by many, but his soul will feel it every day.
When you see the white smoke... pray for him.
He is not stepping into glory—he is walking into sacrifice.

Religious Education
This week’s focus in RE is on Year 4:
In Stage 2 the overarching theme is "Sharing the Story'. In Year 4, the Module 2 theme is ‘The Spirit at Work in the World’ - This module explores the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It explores the work of the Holy Spirit present in the Church and in the world. Students will come to understand the role of the Holy Spirit in the sacraments, especially the Sacrament of Confirmation and Gifts of the Holy Spirit strengthened in Confirmation. They will also investigate the symbols and rituals associated with the Sacrament of Confirmation. The students will reflect on how the Holy Spirit strengthens them to be Christ for others and to live out the mission of Jesus. Students will recognise that Christians are empowered by the Holy Spirit to act like Jesus and continue Jesus’ work of witness and service. At the conclusion of this module students will appreciate the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding and shaping human activity in the Church and in our world.

Prayer, Celebration & Mission
Coming Events – The dates below indicate some of the Faith Life and Mission events coming up for Term 2:

• Sunday 25^th May - Family/School parish Mass & Rite of Commitment Mass for Confirmation candidates (9:15am)
• Monday 26^th May at 9:15am - Reconciliation Week liturgy (Main Hall)
• Tuesday 3^rd June at 9:30am – Catholic Schools Week liturgy followed by open-classrooms (Main Hall)
• Thursday 12^th June at 6pm - Sacrament of Confirmation
• Thursday 19^th June - Infants Stage Mass (9:30am in the church)
• Sunday 22nd June - Family/School parish Mass (9:15am)
• Thursday 26^th June - Stage 3 Mass (9:30am in the church)
• Thursday 3^rd July - Stage 2 Mass (9:30am in the church)

Luke Smith
Religious Education Coordinator

School Community News

Kindergarten 2026

Just a reminder to our families that the enrolments for Kindergarten 2026 close on Friday 23rd May.  If you are intending to enrol you can access the enrolment application on our school website under Enrolments.  

Walk Safely to School Day – 16th May 2025
In celebration of National Road Safey Week, St Therese’s will be participating in the Walk Safely to School Day on Friday the 16th of May.
If your child wishes to attend, please meet Mr. Ireson and the other teachers and students at Adamstown Train Station at 8am. We will then all walk to school together. Parents and Carers are also welcome to come along to walk with their child/ren.

Poetry Club News
A heartfelt thankyou to Susan Sheridan who has volunteered for over three years mentoring our students in the Poetry Club. Susan has shared her knowledge and passion for Poetry and as a result, many students have developed a love of writing and performing. Poetry Club will continue as normal this term. For Term 3 and 4, it will move to a lunchtime club in the library. Please note, there will not be an end of year performance. Watch this space as to the future directions of Poetry Club!

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.

Wellbeing

3N Meditation Walk

3L- Resetting our brain with Emotional Literacy

3W

Part of the Resilience Project includes opportunities to have "GEM" chats as a class. Topics of GEM chats include topics like: What are you grateful for? What makes you smile? What acts of kindness can you do today? This week we spoke about what things we are proud of and how that made us feel. It was wonderful to celebrate our achievements and acknowledge our efforts.

During our Resilience Project lessons, Year 4, have been learning about displaying gratitude and about managing screen time.

The Resilience Project gave us some excellent points about monitoring our screen time use. They were:

Enjoy Screens

Not Too Much

Mostly Together

4N had a robust discussion about how too much screen time impacts our health and reduces time from playing outside. We love having discussions during Resilience Project lessons. We share and respect opinions and are guided by the learning from TRP.

Archie is aware of the time he is on screens and will often get off when he feels like it is too much and will play in the backyard or play with his brother. Issy talked about the blue light and its effect on sleep quality. Alex felt being on screens too much can affect your learning and impacts how you listen. Lila discussed that you can become moody when on screens for too long. Reading a book, colouring in or a mindfulness activity appealed to Audrey rather than being on screens.

Melissa Pyers
Primary Coordinator, Pedagogical Mentor and Year 6 Teacher

Sport

Sport Days
Term 2 sport days are:

• Kindergarten - Friday
• Year 1 - Tuesday
• Year 2 - Wednesday
• Year 3 - Tuesday (Weeks 1-4) & Wednesday (Week 5-10)
• Year 4 - Wednesday (Weeks 1-4) & Friday (Weeks 5-10)
• Year 5 - Friday (Weeks 1-4) & Tuesday (Weeks 5-10)
• 6N - Tuesday
• 6W - Wednesday
• 6L- Friday

Polding Winter Sports Trials

Congratulations to all the students that represented St Therese’s at the Polding Winter Sports Trials held in Bathurst, on the 2^nd May.  A special congratulations to Chase P (Football), Grace O (Netball) and Patrick H (Rugby League) who have all progressed to the NSWPSSA State Championships for each of their respective sports. This is an outstanding achievement, and we are so proud of you all! Wishing you all the best of luck and we cannot wait to hear how you all get on at the next level.

Canteen

Important Dates

15 May - AFL Gala Day Yrs 5 & 6 boys
22 May - Book Fair
26 May - Yr 6 Camp
27 May - Yr 6 Camp
28 May - Yr 6 Camp
02 Jun - Catholic Schools Week
02 Jun - Whole School Assembly 2.30pm
03 Jun  -  FACE Meeting 8.30am
           -  Liturgy 9.15am followed by Open Classrooms
09 Jun - Public Holiday
16 Jun - Pupil Free Day - Staff Professional Development