At St. Therese, effective literacy instruction focuses on structured literacy, emphasizing explicit teaching aligned with the Science of Language and Reading. The "Big 6" components—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and oral language—are taught systematically. Assessment tools like DIBELS and Pat R guide instruction, supplemented by intervention programs as needed. Writing skills are enhanced through VCOP and Big Write approaches, with termly assessments informing targeted feedback and instruction.

St. Therese’ approaches numeracy education with a holistic and engaging methodology. We use various teaching strategies to make numeracy accessible and meaningful for students.

We integrate real-world applications and hands-on activities to demonstrate the relevance of numeracy skills. For instance, students could incorporate games, puzzles, and group activities that promote problem-solving and critical thinking.

At St. Therese Primary we also emphasize personalized learning, tailoring instruction to individual student needs and learning styles.

Furthermore, we leverage technology, such as educational apps or interactive software, to enhance numeracy lessons and provide students with additional practice. St. Therese Primary encourages parental involvement to support numeracy development at home.

At St. Therese, our approach to teaching physical education, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), performing arts, and art reflects a commitment to holistic education and fostering well-rounded students.

In physical education, the school likely emphasizes the importance of physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Students participate in a range of activities and sports, developing skills and understanding the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle.

In physical education, we emphasize the importance of physical fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Students actively participate in a variety of activities and sports, gaining skills that promote lifelong health and well-being.

For STEM subjects, we integrate hands-on experiments, projects, and technology to engage students in scientific exploration and problem-solving. Our curriculum encourages curiosity and critical thinking, preparing students for future success in STEM fields.

In performing arts, we encourage students to explore their creativity through music, drama, and dance. They have opportunities to showcase their talents and build confidence through performances and productions.

In art classes, we nurture students' artistic abilities through diverse mediums and techniques. Students learn about art history, develop their skills, and express themselves creatively through their artwork.

Overall, our goal is to provide a comprehensive education that cultivates physical, intellectual, and creative growth in every student.

VISUAL ART

Our Visual Art program at St Therese Primary School is about having fun while discovering and growing your artistic talents. Students develop their creativity and imagination and refine their practical and fine motor skills. You’ll learn to use different tools and materials to create amazing art.

The Visual Arts Program is taught in line with the Victorian Curriculum and will be implemented at all levels. Students will have the opportunity to explore the art areas of drawing, collage, painting, printmaking, construction, modelling and threads and textiles. Students will develop and incorporate the art elements of, colour and value, line, space, form, texture and shape within the making of these art areas.

Excitingly, our spacious and well-equipped art room provides the perfect space for igniting creativity and exploration. With weekly 50-minute lessons, students have ample time to unleash their artistic potential. Additionally, throughout the year, small groups of students have the opportunity to work on art projects aimed at enhancing our school grounds, adding their creative touch to our environment.

Plus, every two years, we celebrate our students; creativity with the whole school community at the Specialist Spectacular, where their remarkable artwork takes center stage, creating lasting memories with family and friends.

Performing Arts

At our school, we believe in nurturing creativity and expression through our vibrant Performing Arts program, open to all students from Foundation to Grade 6. Our comprehensive curriculum offers a variety of exciting opportunities for every child to shine.

Students can dive into drama classes, join the lively school dancers, or become a part of our talented school band. Our annual whole school performances, such as the Christmas Concert, Specialist Spectacular, and School roduction, are highlights of the year, bringing together the entire school community in celebration of our students' hard work and talent.

Additionally, our budding performers have the chance to showcase their skills at external events like the Geelong Music and Movement Festival, where they can experience the thrill of performing on a larger stage.

Physical Education

At St. Therese, our physical education program is thoughtfully designed with 50-minute lessons for each class. This structure ensures that every student receives ample time to engage in a variety of physical activities, promoting their physical, mental, and social development.

Students learn and practice fundamental movement skills such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching. Students can refine their skills and learn more advanced techniques and strategies for different sports and activities. We help students improve and gain confidence in their abilities. As well as develop positive attitudes towards physical activity, establishing healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

Our 50-minute physical education lessons at St. Therese are designed to maximize student engagement, learning, and enjoyment. By providing ample time for a variety of activities and skill development, we ensure that each student has the opportunity to thrive physically, mentally, and socially. Our goal is to inspire a lifelong love of physical activity and healthy living in every student.

STEM

At St. Therese we believe that early exposure to Technology is crucial

for nurturing inquisitive minds and fostering a love for learning. Our Tech program is designed to engage primary school students with hands-on, fun-filled activities that inspire creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Our program encourages students to ask questions and research their wonderings. Students gain confidence in their abilities and learn to develop skills in teamwork, communication and collaboration. Here’s a glimpse into the exciting world of STEM at our school.

Science Exploring the Wonders of the Natural World.

Our science activities encourage curiosity and to explore the wonders of the natural world. Through interactive experiments, students learn about fundamental concepts such as the water cycle, plant biology, and the properties of materials.

Nature Trails Students embark on guided scavenger hunts around the school grounds, identifying different plants, insects, and rocks and their various properties. This hands-on activity not only reinforces classroom lessons but also instils an appreciation for the environment.

Technology Embracing the Digital World

In today’s digital era, technological literacy is vital. Our technology activities introduce students to the basics of coding, digital storytelling, and safe internet practices. Using kid-friendly software transforming them from passive consumers of technology into active creators.

Coding with Scratch Junior

Students are engaged in the world of coding with a visual rogramming language designed for young children. They learn to create interactive stories and games, developing problem-solving skills and logical thinking playfully and engagingly.

Engineering Building the Future

Engineering activities at St. Therese encourage students to design, build, and test their creations. From building bridges with popsicle sticks to designing their own constructions, students learn about structural integrity and the engineering design process. These projects foster teamwork, innovation, and perseverance as students work through on their designs to achieve the best results.

Lego Club and Lego Activities

Using Lego bricks, students tackle various engineering challenges, such as building the tallest tower or designing a car that can travel the farthest distance. These challenges stimulate creativity and teach basic engineering principles in a supportive environment.

Mathematics

Our mathematics activities are enjoyable experiences. engaging them in games and puzzles that reinforce their arithmetic, geometry, and data analysis skills. By applying math to real-world problems, they understand the relevance and importance of math in everyday life.

Our Journey

At St Therese, our STEM program is more than just an educational curriculum. It’s a journey of discovery, creativity, and innovation. We are committed to providing an environment where students can explore their interests, develop new skills, and cultivate a lifelong interest and passion for STEM activities.

St. Therese wrote: “It’s the Little things that matter.”

Our Patron summed up our approach to Religious Education: It is indeed the Little things that matter.

At. St. Therese Religious Education is both explicitly taught through mandated lessons each week and is also, intrinsically taught in our relationships and everyday interactions, where we model the teachings of Jesus.

Teaching Religious Education invites a deeper relationship with God, through knowledge and encounter, right relationships with others, a greater connectedness with the Church, and empowerment to work to create a just world. This creates a genuine purpose to our teaching and constantly reminds us that we are a Catholic School in the way we act, not just in our

name.

There are three pillars that form our faith commitment:

Prayer

Drawing from rich prayer traditions, a variety of ways of praying are encouraged: individual and communal, vocal and silent, informal and liturgical. Through prayer, the sacred is acknowledged, assented to and celebrated. It marks the times when we affirm the presence of God and the sacredness of everyday life.

Celebrating

The joys and the hopes, the grief and the anxieties, as well as daily moments big and small, provide rich opportunities for the school community to celebrate the mystery of Christ truly present in its midst. The liturgical seasons and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, are woven through the school year, forming a pattern of celebrations where God is uniquely and richly encountered.

Celebrations of liturgy and sacraments are part of the formal, public prayer and worship of the Church.

Belonging

Inspired by a God who reaches out to us in love, the Catholic school is called into a community where inter-connectedness and quality relationships shape and affirm the identity of each person. The community encourages belonging in diversity by listening to and celebrating the narratives of each member, ensuring all voices are heard.

Belonging to a Catholic school community anchors the individual and collective identity in God through the story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus

Religious Education at St Therese expresses an authentic understanding of Christ and his teaching, seeking to bring into harmony - faith, culture and life…