Message from the Principal

Dear Families,

We have had a fantastic start to Term 4. The installation and opening of the new Junior Playground has been an absolute delight. It was a joy to watch our children play, negotiate, and create in this space. We can't thank the Parent and Friends committee and greater community over the past 2 1/2 years for all their hard work and commitment to our school.

The highlight of Week 1 was our St Therese's Feast Day Mass and Award ceremony on Friday. As I stated at the end of our liturgy, I don't think I have ever been prouder of our students and community. Marcia Arnold beautifully and thoughtfully prepared the liturgy, which was presided over by Fr Jake. Our students' reverent, respectful, and enthusiastic participation was breathtaking.

Improvement Projects this term:

Arrival of new furniture ( All classrooms have had their furniture updated in the past 2 years)
Completion of the landscaping at the Lowndes St entrance.
Refurbishment of the Uniform Shop into a meeting room.
Carpeting of the Foundation wet area room.
Oval rejuvenation.
Commencement of Senior Toilet refurbishment

Uniform Shop

As per the email sent on Monday 7th October:

The uniform shop will cease onsite trading on 31st October.

Hats can still be purchased from the school office and we will have a complete size kit to support ordering.

2025 Class Considerations

As per the email sent on Monday 7th October:

During this term, our teachers will be placing children in their classes for 2025.

In our community, we believe:

Education concerns the development of the whole person spiritually, academically, physically, socially and emotionally.
A relevant, balanced and challenging education provides a strong foundation for inspiration and ongoing achievement and success.
Learning together is about inclusiveness - being welcoming and respectful of all.
The creation of class groups should be balanced, fair and equitable.

With this in mind, we will begin the task of class allocation following the process below:

Current teachers create an initial draft for student placement.
The leadership team reviews class allocation ensuring equity across the social, emotional, physical and academic needs of the students.
Teachers are then asked to review any changes made.
Classes are made public on Orientation Day and are final unless there is evidence of an oversight.

If you believe there are circumstances that I need to be made aware of regarding the placement of your child, please communicate this in writing to principal@stkennington.catholic.edu.au prior to 4 pm on Friday 18th October.

Change in School Calendar

In preparation for 2025 and Magnify Sandhurst, our Staff Professional Learning Day (Pupil Free Day) which was scheduled for Monday 4th November has now been rescheduled to Thursday 19th December. Students will now finish the 2024 school year on Wednesday 18th December at 3:20 pm.

Mobile Phones / Smart Watches (REPEAT)

Please refer to our Mobile Phone and Smart Watch policy. These devices are not to be used at school. If your child needs a device for safe passage to and from school, it must stay in the child's bag. This includes smartwatches, as they are a distraction to learning for the student and others. St Therese's takes no responsibility for the device if it is lost or damaged; the responsibility lies with the family.

Mobile Phones and Communication Devices (Student Use Of) Policy.pdf

Family Maths Challenge

This term, our Family Challenge shifts to Mathematics. Each fortnight, a new Maths Challenge will be posted in our Newsletter and printed for home. Completed entries can be handed in at the Office. Great prizes to be won!