Principal’s Message
WELCOME TO ST THERESE’S
Thrive Flourish Belong
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to our Catholic school where faith, learning and community are at the heart of all we do. We look forward to working collaboratively and journeying with you during your child’s primary school years.
Our vision is centred around the development of the whole child – academically, physically, emotionally and spiritually. We respect and nurture each child by providing quality education, challenging each child to strive for excellence in all areas of their schooling life. We believe that we are all active and successful learners where learning is challenging, balance is valued and acts of service are nurtured.
St Therese’s is built on a foundation of strong community, vibrant faith and educational values and offers a quality Catholic education from Kindergarten to Year 6. Since its establishment in 1951 by the Sisters of Mercy Parramatta, the school has flourished and become the amazing place that nurtures a love of God, self, others and learning.
Our school is embedded within the faith -filled and Christ-centred parish of
St Therese. Together we nurture your child’s personal faith in an environment of prayer, celebration and belonging. We work closely with our Parish and Priest, celebrating masses, sacraments and other special events. We acknowledge and live out the values and traditions of the Mercy Sisters and the charism of St Therese which is evident in all the little things we do with great love.
The students, parents, and staff are very proud of our school as we provide a secure, happy and faith-filled environment in which all members are challenged to be the best person they can be by following the example of Jesus Christ.
Our leadership and staff are committed to provide quality education that meets the diversity of needs of the students across the school, within the classroom and with extra curricular activities and specialised programs that cater for a diverse range of students.
I hope you enjoy browsing our website and Facebook page that highlights the things that contribute towards making our school a place of Faith, Friendship and Learning where your child can Thrive, Flourish and Belong.
Joanna Camarda
Principal
History
The school was opened in 1951 with an enrolment of 40 children and was conducted by the Sisters of Mercy (Parramatta congregation). The first classrooms were in the church of St Therese, which served as a school during the week. In 1952, a new church-school was built.
By 1968, St Therese’s had their highest enrolment of 197 students – girls from Kindergarten to Year 6 and boys from Kindergarten to Year 3. The gradual increase of government funding from the late 1960s allowed for the employment of more lay teachers, so that in 1969 there were two nuns and five lay teachers. In 1974, the parish farewelled the Sisters of Mercy and appointed the first lay principal. Another change in the late 1980s was the provision of primary school for boys to Year 6.
In 1992, an amphitheatre was erected on the site of the old presbytery and during 1996 the whole school community was moved to St Michael’s School at Meadowbank, while an extensive program of refurbishment and building occurred. The new school building was blessed and opened in 1997.
OUR VISION
St Therese is a Catholic school where we THRIVE through opportunities, FLOURISH as unique individuals, grounded by a sense of community and BELONGING.
THRIVE. FLOURISH. BELONG.
OUR MISSION
Inspired by our beliefs and our school motto:
‘Live by Truth and Love’.
St. Therese’s Catholic Primary School is a Catholic School community committed to nurturing and celebrating a love of God, self, others and learning.
St.Therese’s Catholic Primary School is enlivened by the teaching of Jesus Christ within the traditions of the Mercy Charism. We aspire to instill the values of Compassion, Respect, Excellence, Justice and Option for the Poor as we commit to a holistic approach to education. We recognise the uniqueness of each child and support them to reach their full potential in a mutually respectful environment.
Our Mission is to:
Promote our Catholic Faith through praying, learning and celebrating.
Affirm the Dignity of each individual by respecting and acknowledging one another and nurturing relationships.
Foster Learning by providing experiences that are challenging, motivating and engaging.
St Therese’s Denistone
Parish Priest: Rev Roberto Castillo
A: 440 Blaxland Road, Denistone NSW 2114
P: (02) 9809 2925
W: www.sttherese.org.au
E: admin@sttherese.org.au
Mass Times
Saturday: 9.00am, 6.00pm
Sunday: 8.00am, 9.30am