Dear Families

The 2024 school year has been full of exceptional learning and successes. The growth of the children, the completion of the Horgan building refurbishment, and the success of our new Parent Engagement Group (PEG) has been wonderful to experience this year. I take this opportunity to thank and congratulate all those who have made it such a successful year.

Thank you Parents

To all the parents, caregivers, families and friends of St Therese School. Your ongoing support and respect demonstrate how much you value your child’s education at St Therese. Great things happen when we work in partnership. Your ongoing acts of generosity towards our social justice works throughout the year is to be commended.

Thank you to our Staff

The staff at St Therese School go above and beyond their professional roles and it’s their dedication, compassion and high expectations that make St Therese a school of choice for so many families. Upon their leaving I thank, Mrs Melissa Fairlie retiring after 23 years as an ESO and Library Manager, Mrs Nicole Moxham (Music Teacher), Ms Kate O’Reilly (Year 1/2 Teacher and TRT), Ms Sheree Grimshaw (TRT) and Ms Katie Mackenzie-Smith (ESO). I thank them for their dedication to shaping the history of St Therese School.

As we reflect on the past year, we take a moment to honour the memory of our beloved colleague Mr Paul Snelling, who suddenly passed in July this year. He was not only a teacher but a guiding light for our children, always encouraging them to embrace their individuality and to be their own brand.

Paul had a unique ability to inspire students to think about their identity and the legacy they wish to leave behind. His lessons went beyond academics, they instilled confidence and self-awareness in every child he taught.

In the spirit of Paul Snelling, I invite everyone - students, staff and families to reflect on the important question of: How do you want to be remembered? Let us carry forward Paul’s legacy by embracing our uniqueness and encouraging each other to shine brightly in our own ways.

We miss Paul dearly, but we can honour his memory by living out the principles he cherished. Let us continue to inspire each other and the next generation in the same way he inspired us.

Thank you to our School Board

Thank you to Mark Peterson, Board Chair, who comes to the end of his six-year term at the end of this year, and all the members of the School Board who give their time freely and support the school leadership team to strategically plan the direction of our wonderful school. I also thank Fiona Matters for the six years she has served on the School Board including her role as previous Chair.

We are privileged to have Father John lead us in our Catholic Identity. His knowledge, wisdom and mentorship is greatly appreciated.

Thank you to all the Students

Thank you for all your great learning and success throughout the school year. I am so proud to be your Principal. I am amazed at your resilience and am inspired by you each day. Enjoy the summer break.

Farewell Graduates

Last Friday night we had a beautiful liturgy celebrated by Father John, followed by a family dinner for our Year 6 students and their families. It was a special occasion and a privilege to welcome our special guest, Nadia Clancy MP for Elder who awarded Peter van Eyk the Clancy Community Award for 2024, we extend our congratulations to Peter. I thank all the families for the contributions they have made in our community and wish them all the best as they continue to support their children through secondary school and beyond.

The Year 6 students have been a fabulous group of students who will be dearly missed. We wish each of you every success and much happiness in the future. Take with you great memories of your time here at St Therese School.

Dominican Old Scholar Award

Each year a student is presented with the Dominican Old Scholars Award. This is awarded to a Year 6 student who stands out as being a positive learner, responsible and committed to the values of St Therese. Please join me in congratulating Jack Matters as the recipient of this award for 2024. Jack received his award from Sr. Maureen O’Connell, a Dominican Sister who is an old scholar and previous teacher of St Therese school, and a retired Principal of Catholic Education South Australia.

School Leaders

I thank Claire and Peter on their wonderful student leadership at St Therese this year. It’s been a pleasure working with them and watching them grow as young leaders. I wish them all the best as they begin their secondary school journey. I would like to congratulate Skye and Ethan on being appointed school leaders for 2025. I am sure that both Skye and Ethan will represent our school community in a positive and energetic manner.

School Fees Freeze 2025

We will once again freeze our School Fees for 2025. As always, if families are having financial difficulties, please make a time to discuss a payment plan with Sonya, our Finance Manager or me. Information about school card application will be available in the new year.

School Office Closure

Our school office will be closed from 4pm 11th December 2024 until Tuesday 28th January 2025. For urgent matters you can email info@sts.catholic.edu.au which will be checked intermittently throughout the holiday period.

2025 Term One Date Claimers

Home-School Partnership meetings (pupil-free day): Tuesday 28th January 2025. This is an opportunity for you and your child to meet with their teacher for 2025. The booking link will be provided via SZapp.

School starts: Wednesday 29th January 2025 @ 8:50am

Christmas Blessings

The Christmas spirit comes in many forms, but the source of our Christmas remains the same. We celebrated Jesus as we gathered for our Advent celebrations. We sang with joy and prayed in adoration for the coming of our Savior.

As the school year ends and people exchange Christmas greetings, the sentiments of joy and peace have been evident not only in the school yard but also at our Christmas Markets and Carols evening. It is now time for a break and time to celebrate the wonders of Jesus’ love.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and let us pray for a New Year filled with peace, joy and love.

I look forward to seeing you all in 2025 after the summer break.

Warmest wishes,
Dee-anne Peters
Principal