Dear Parents and Friends,

I hope that you enjoyed the long weekend and made the most of the sunshine!

The following is a reflection based on an article from 'Grace - Lenten Program 2020'.

'Back in the 1980s, many will remember the ad campaign, Do the Right Thing, which related to picking up rubbish and putting it into the bin. the aim was to encourage people to simply do the right thing and keep our streets, parks, and playgrounds clean.' Last week, our Environmental Team leaders organized a Clean Up the School day and on Friday all students participated in collecting rubbish from around the school.

'In today's Gospel (Matthew 23:1-12), Jesus calls us to an even deeper level of action, to go beyond 'doing the right thing'. We are to be servants to one another, responding to each other's deepest needs.' The students at St Therese's learn that generosity of spirit breeds generosity and mutual sharing, which leads to everyone feeling and experiencing the blessings of God.

I wonder how in today's world, we model generosity and sharing with one another? At the moment, when I watch the TV or read social media feeds, I am astonished at the behaviours being demonstrated within our society, especially at the moment in light of the panic surrounding Covid-19 with the hoarding of food, toilet paper, etc. In this second week of Lent, I wonder if we can take a moment to reflect and to think deeply about the people in our community who may not have enough of what they need to just live day-to-day. Please remember that our Social Justice Leaders are collecting small change for the Project Compassion boxes. All money raised goes to St Vincent de Paul.

I pray that we may all live generously, act compassionately and think of those who are less fortunate than we are.

Covid-19 update

We have been informed that the best defense against the new Novel Coronavirus is good hygiene habits.

At St Therese's we are doing the following:

Follow the advice of our Catholic Education office
Provide hand sanitizer to all classrooms for staff and students to use
Educate students on how to wash hands thoroughly and regularly with soap and water
Wipe down tables regularly
During Masses, the Eucharist will be provided to students, staff, and parents using the Bread only to avoid sharing the Cup. We will replace 'the sign of peace' with a smile, bow or wave, to avoid person to person contact

To assist us in keeping our school healthy we ask that students who are unwell are kept home.

Please see the letter below that was sent out to parents today regarding the school's actions.

Please use the absentee line or phone the school to inform us of the reason for any student absence.

Please contact me on 5997525 if you are concerned and would like further information.

Taiko Tenshi - Japanese Drumming Angels

Congratulations to Sensei Joy Andrews, Elle May and the wonderful drumming Year 5 and 6 students who performed at St Peter's College today for their Harmony Day celebrations. Our students represented St Therese's School with pride!

St Peter's College Enrolment Dates

St Peter's College have limited places for Year Seven next year, so if you intend your child to attend in 2020, please make application as soon as possible. Please see attached time schedule for 2022 and 20223 Enrolment process.

SUBWAY

Subway ordering has now changed. Please read the information sheet that outlines how Subway can be ordered online. Thanks for your cooperation with this change.

EASTER RAFFLE is coming

The Easter Raffle is on again. Don't forget to sell your tickets and return the money by Thursday 19th March.

On Friday, 13th March, children are invited to wear Free Dress and bring along an Easter Egg which will be used for our raffle. The raffle will be drawn on Monday 23rd March at the assembly at 3pm.

If you are able to assist with the wrapping of the Easter Eggs on Friday 20th March, please contact the office.

Harmony Day / Say No to Bullying

On Friday, March 20 we will hold our annual Harmony / Say No to Bullying Day. On this day, the children are invited to wear their national dress or alternatively, they can wear orange - this is the colour associated with standing up and saying no to bullying.

The children will participate in activities to learn about living in harmony and being strong citizens by saying no to bullying and being inclusive of others no matter their differences. An African Drumming group will also provide entertainment for the children on this day.

School Closure Days coming up

On Friday, March 27, the Staff will be involved in a School Closure Day. On this day, we are learning about our Religious Education Documents and how to teach scripture to children in a contemporary and relevant way.

On Tuesday, April 14, the Staff will be involved in a School Closure Day that is designed to provide professional learning about the best teaching methods in the area of Mathematics.

On both of these days, there will be no school for students. Thank you for your cooperation. I look forward to sharing some of the learning from these very important days.

I hope you all have a terrific week!

Kind regards,

Michelle Bruitzman

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