From the Principal

Do all that you do with love ~

Dear Families,

Welcome

Happy New Year! It has been wonderful to welcome returning students back to school. There were so many smiling faces on the yard and lots of excitement about the year ahead. Walking through the classrooms it was as if we hadn't just had a long summer break, students were settling quickly into routines and getting to know new classmates.

We also welcome the newest, youngest members of our community and their families to St Therese's. For a group of students starting school, they were so brave and settled into the classroom really quickly. The parents have clearly done a wonderful job of preparing the children for their first day over the summer break. We look forward to watching them grow!

We have been lucky to be joined by a number of new staff members this year too. 

Miss Ha Rin Yoo is teaching in Grade 2 and Mrs Maheeka Perera is teaching Visual and Media Arts. Our Education Support team has been joined by Mr Matthew Madeley, Miss Aimee Jenkinson, Ms Tharushika Mendis and Mrs Nipuni Anthony. I know you will join us in giving them a warm welcome to the school.

School Saving Bonus

Some families have reached out asking for information regarding the School Saving Bonus (SSB). Not all students attending DOSCEL schools were eligble for this bonus, unlike the children attending government schools, this was to be allocated to students receiving the means-tested Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) in 2024. We are awaiting further information regarding this and will communicate with families entitled to the SSB as soon as we can. 

I encourage all families who are new Centrelink concession card holders to submit a CSEF application form as soon as possible. If you need assistance with this, please contact the school office.

Communication

Next week, you will receive class newsletters packed with important information. These newsletters will also include your child's teacher's email address. If you ever have questions, concerns, or useful information to share, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher. You can do this via email, phone call, or by requesting a formal meeting.

Please note that our staff at St Therese's are covered by the new fair work right - the right to disconnect. This means that parent emails will only be answered during working hours, from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Our staff will do their best to respond to emails within 24 hours, as long as it falls within their working week. We understand it can be frustrating if you don't receive a reply immediately, but we appreciate your patience and understanding.

Before and After School Drop off / Pick up

Just a friendly reminder, please check the signs regarding parking at the front of the school. We do get visits from the parking officers and a number of families have received parking tickets in the past. On the school side, this is a no standing zone - please don't leave your car during signposted hours.

Absence from school

We understand that there are times when it is necessary for families to travel during term time. Should parents wish to take their child out of school for a holiday, approval must be sought prior to travel. Please email the principal advising of reason for and dates of travel. Upon receipt of an email, parents will be provided with a letter of approval. The school is required to keep records of this nature for census purposes which occurs twice a year.

Pupil Free Days 2025

A flyer has been sent home regarding our pupil free days for 2025. It can also be found attached below.

Don't forget you can keep up to date with news and events happening at the school by following us on Instagram or Facebook!

Once again, welcome back! We can't wait to work in partnership with you this year.

Felicity Broughton