As we begin the final term of the 2024 school year, I am excited to share some of the brilliant initiatives that promise to bring our school community together.

Real Schools

We have officially launched our three-year partnership with Real Schools, led by Adam Voigt and our expert facilitator, Jemma Rust. This collaboration aims to enhance our school culture and foster positive relationships among students, teachers and families.

A heartfelt thank you to all our parents who attended our recent session; your engagement is vital for our shared success. We look forward to working together to create a nurturing environment that supports our students’ growth and well-being. Together we can make a significant impact.

The partnership with Real Schools is set to implement several future initiatives aimed at enhancing our school environment. Planned activities include:

• Professional Development Workshops: ongoing training for staff to improve educational practices and student engagement
• Parent Engagement Sessions: face-to-face sessions and sharing of articles to foster communication and collaboration with families
• Student Empowerment Programs: Initiatives designed to empower students and develop their leadership and social skills
• Community Events: Activities that encourage community involvement and strengthen school-family connections

We are excited about these initiatives and look forward to collaborating with all stakeholders.

Positive Behaviour Strategies (PBS)

We are also pleased to share our school’s commitment to fostering a positive learning environment through Positive Behaviour Strategies. These strategies are designed to support students’ social, emotional, and academic growth by promoting respectful and positive behaviours. The key strategies are:

• Clear Expectations: we establish and communicate clear behavioural expectations for all students, ensuring a consistent understanding across the school community
• Positive Reinforcement: staff actively acknowledge and praise positive student behaviours, reinforcing a supportive class and whole school community
• Tiered Support: our approach includes multi-tiered support systems, addressing the diverse needs of all students, from general to more individualised interventions

We have seen that these strategies enhance our school culture and are seeing improved outcomes for students.

Commissioner’s Student Voice Postcards

Helen Connolly, the Commissioner for Children and Young People - South Australia has passed on her thanks to the staff of St Therese School for once again supporting our students to participate in the Commissioner’s Student Voice Postcards initiative.
Helen and her team collate the key themes from children across the state to produce the next The Things That Matter report.

On behalf of the St Therese School staff, I thank you for your continuing support in these important initiatives. Term four is a wonderful time of the year, filled with opportunities for connection, learning and celebration. I am looking forward to seeing many families at the events as listed in the school calendar on SZapp.

Your involvement sets a great example for our students about the importance of being involved and giving back.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our school. Together, we create an engaging and nurturing environment for all children to thrive.

Dee-anne Peters
Principal