Real Schools

I am excited to announce a new partnership between our school and Real Schools, aimed at enhancing our educational environment through Restorative Practices. This collaboration will span three years, providing us with resources and support to deepen these practices into our school culture effectively.

Restorative Practices focus on building strong relationships and resolving conflicts by addressing the needs of all involved. This approach shifts the focus from punishment to understanding and responsibility, encouraging students to learn from their actions and make amends. By asking the right questions and fostering open communication, we aim to create a more supportive and respectful school community.

Real Schools have provided us with an Expert Facilitator, Jemma, who will work closely with our staff and leadership team. This partnership will include professional learning days, classroom support, and parent engagement sessions, ensuring that everyone in our school community has an opportunity to benefit from this initiative. The goal is to achieve both quick wins and sustainable changes that will leave a lasting impact on our school culture.

Save the date for the first Parent Engagement session on Tuesday 29th October @ 6:00pm. Look out for more details on SZApp in the coming weeks.

We look forward to embarking on this transformative journey together.

Right To Disconnect

In South Australia, the “right to disconnect” provisions became effective from August 26, 2024. For school parents, this means that teachers and school staff may not be available to respond to emails, calls, or other communications outside of school hours. The law applies to all national system employees, including those in education, and covers contact from both employers and third parties, such as parents.

As many of our staff work part-time, attend to operational matters before and after school, and are engaged in teaching during the school day, it is reasonable to allow some time for a response. Parents are encouraged to respect these boundaries, understanding that St Therese School staff will address communications during their working hours to ensure a healthy work-life balance for educators.

Parent Engagement at St Therese School

I wish to thank our parent community for your enthusiasm in embracing the new Parent Engagement framework this year. Your active participation and collaboration have been instrumental in making this initiative a great success. By attending meetings, providing feedback, and engaging in school activities, you have helped create a more inclusive and supportive environment for our students. I appreciate your willingness to be an integral part of our school community. I look forward to building on this success.

St Therese School Board

The school board members have also been valuable stakeholders in driving the new Parent Engagement framework during the formation and introduction phases. Their vision and guidance has helped us establish stronger connections between home and school, ultimately benefitting our entire community.

The following people are members of the current Board:

Fr John Shanahan (President)
Dee-anne Peters (Executive Officer)
Mark Peterson (Chairperson)
Patrick O'Leary (Chairperson Finance)
Carmel White (Emmaus Parish)
Carol Jarell (Staff)
Attila Meister
Barbara Rottenberg
Fiona Matters
Kate McKeough
Tristan King

I thank them for their continuing support for championing the importance of parent engagement.

Dee-anne Peters
Principal