St Therese's Newsletter

 Learning and Teaching

What is the Science of Learning?

In Week 1 of Term 2, all staff across our diocese took part in three days of rich professional learning with Dr Jared Cooney Horvath, focusing on the Science of Learning. Throughout 2025, we will be sharing regular insights and reflections for families to consider, with the hope that these shared understandings can strengthen the partnership between school and home in support of each child’s learning journey.

 

To begin, it’s important we clarify what we mean when we say the Science of Learning.

 

The Science of Learning is a growing field of research that helps us – as educators and parents – understand how human beings learn most effectively. Drawing on evidence from neuroscience, psychology, linguistics, education, artificial intelligence and philosophy, it offers us practical, research-informed strategies that support learning, build memory, and develop expertise. These “best bets” can be applied not only in classrooms, but in homes and everyday life – supporting children and adults alike to keep learning, growing and thriving.

 

In the meantime, if you would like to learn a little more about the science of learning, please see the following link - Science of Learning basics in 3 minutes - Science of Learning

End of Semester Reports

St Therese's teachers have been busily collating their data, observations and comments in readiness for our End of Semester Reports. The Magnify Project has seen the implementation of extensive assessment tools, giving teachers greater insight into your child's strengths, challenges and next learning goals.

 

English:

Earlier this year, staff deepened their knowledge of the newly released Version 2.0 English Victorian Curriculum. Ochre English and InitiaLit have both been aligned to the Victorian Curriculum and staff have spent time analysing the links between the curriculum and Magnify programs. Although the revised curriculum has been broken into the three strands of Language, Literature and Literacy, End of Semester reports will remain aligned with the Achievement Standards including Speaking & Listening, Reading & Viewing, and Writing. 

 

Mathematics:

St Therese's began teaching Version 2.0 of the Mathematics Victorian Curriculum in 2024 and Ochre Mathematics is also aligned to this curriculum. Under the Mathematics Victorian Curriculum 2.0, your child’s teacher will report against the achievement standard as a whole, providing a single, aggregated score. This aggregated score compiles all of the strands covered throughout the semester, Number, Algebra, Measurement, Space, Statistics (commencing at Foundation Level C) and Probability (commencing at Level 3). If your child attended St Therese's in 2024 progress will be shown against the single achievement standard. 

 

End of Semester Reports will be released to families on Wednesday 2nd July. We encourage all families to read and discuss the Reports prior to our Learning Conversations on Thursday 7th August.

 

Graduate Outcome Awards

Last week, we celebrated students who displayed the Graduate Outcome of RESPECT. These students received a Graduate Outcome Award. 

 

Students who graduate from St Therese’s Primary School are people of RESPECT, who show respect for life, self, others, the wider community and environment.

 

This fortnight, staff will be on the lookout for students who display the Graduate Outcome of FAITH.

 

SSV Region Cross Country

Congratulations to the following students who put in an impressive performance at the recent SSV Region Cross Country in St Arnaud.​ Most students are progressing to the State Cross Country at the end of July in the Yarra Valley.

  • Paddy C​
  • Bradley L​
  • Mila C​ 
  • Patrick H​
  • Florence L​ 
  • Sam D

Paddy and Brad came 1st and 2nd respectively in 10-year-old Boys, with Sam D coming in 3rd (and a PB) in 12/13-year-old Boys. Our girls also put in a stellar run with Florence L coming 7th in 12/13-year-old Girls and Mila C placing 11th in 10-year-old Girls. 

 

We wish them all the very best of luck going forward.

 

SSV Division Soccer

Well done to the Boys and Girls Soccer teams who represented our school at the Division Soccer Tournament recently in Epsom.​

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They met some pretty tough competition on the day, but according to Mr Greene, they won number one for fun!​ 

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Thanks to Mr Greene and Miss Courtney for coaching on the day. Thanks also to SEDA students Copeland and Riley for refereeing on the day.

 

Check out the new SSV uniforms! They looked pretty cool on the day.

 

SSV Team VIC

 We received some exciting news recently that one of our talented sports stars has made the Team VIC side in AFL Football.

 

A massive CONGRATULATIONS to Perry W.  She has had a busy few months of tryouts around the state and is looking forward to competing in Maroochydore (and so is the rest of the family!) later in the year.

 

We look forward to following your Team VIC journey and cheering you on from St. Therese's. 

 

Right On Target! 

Our Middle 3 & 4 units recently completed a Target Games unit. In one of our last lessons, they participated in a competitive game of THROLF (a combination of Throwing and Golf). Throughout the 9 holes, there were obstacles to increase the difficulty of the Par. Students kept a scorecard to see who got the lowest score.

 

Two lucky students even got a 'Hole In One'! Congratulations to James P and Esha T from Middle 4.

 

Thank you to our PE LSO, Wil Pinniger, for creating such a great THROLF Course.