Dear Parents, Friends, Staff and Students

It was with pleasure that we welcomed students back to school this week for the commencement of Term 2.  I hope you all managed to enjoy a restful school holiday with family and friends.

The term has commenced with the good news that COVID-19 restrictions are easing here in Western Australia.  A separate letter accompanies this newsletter explaining how the easing of restrictions will be applied at school.  We look forward to the term ahead, where we can have our parents on site and involved in the day-to-day activities that occur at school.

ANZAC Day Ceremony

The Year 6 students, under the guidance of Miss Zurzolo, lead us this morning in a moving ceremony to commemorate and remember the significant role the ANZAC soldiers played in the freedoms we enjoy in Australia today.  We are grateful that Warrant Officer, Kenneth Townley, could come along to address the school on behalf of the Australian Army.

God of love and liberty, we bring our thanks this day for the peace and security we enjoy,
which was won for us through the courage and devotion of those who gave their lives in time of war.
We pray that their labour and sacrifice may not be in vain,
but that their spirit may live on in us and in generations to come.
That the liberty, truth, and justice which they sought to preserve
may be seen and known in all the nations upon earth.
This we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Mother’s Day Liturgy and Morning Tea

Parents, grandmothers and friends are invited to join us for a Mother’s Day Liturgy and morning tea on Friday 6th May commencing at 9.00am in the undercover area at school.  Now that we can have visitors on site we welcome all guests to come along.  The two person capacity limit, per family, that was in place last term no longer applies.  Please bring a small plate of food to share.  Tea and coffee will be available from the canteen.

Sacramental Commitment Masses

Students receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist or Confirmation during this year, are required to attend one of the Sacramental Commitment Masses over this weekend at St Francis of Assisi Church. Students may attend any of the weekend Masses on 30th April or 1st May.

Mass times are:

Saturday: 6.00pm
Sunday: 8.00am, 9.30am and 6.00pm

Term 2 Planner

An update Term 2 planner is attached to this newsletter. Please keep an eye on dates for events planned throughout the term.

Easter Raffle

The community support for the Easter Egg Raffle, towards the end of Term 1, was wonderful.  Sincerest thanks to the P&F committee for their organisation of the raffle. I am pleased to report that the Easter Egg Raffle raised $515 towards the P&F fundraising for 2022.

Matthew Gibney Election Polling Station

The school premises will be used as a polling station on federal election day, 21st May.  The P&F are organising the good old “Democracy Sausage Sizzle” and a cake stall on the day.  Please contact Stephanie Kaciuba or Adam Bennetts if you are interested in helping out on the day.  Please promote the Matthew Gibney Polling Station to your family and friends.

P&F Lap-a-Thon

The sun came out just in time for the students to enjoy the lap-a-thon. Thank you to the P&F committee for organising the event, and to Mrs Hewitt for setting up the course. The students surprised us with just how many laps they can complete in a short period of time.  I am sure some would have slept most soundly on Thursday night! Sponsorship money can be sent in to the administration office over the next weeks.

Staffing

We have some staff on periods of leave in Term 2.  Diane Scriven will be on leave from the commencement of Week 3 until the end of the term.  We wish Di and her family well as they enjoy time together, and we look forward to welcoming Di when she returns in Term 3.  Tania Kays is enjoying two weeks of well-deserved long service leave.  Tania will be back with us in Week 3.  Please welcome Geraldine Nolan, who will be working in a relief capacity, in Tania’s absence. We welcome Mrs Keddie and Mrs Tormey back from their leave next week.

Winter Uniforms

Parents are reminded that winter uniforms need to be worn to school in Terms 2 and 3. The Uniform Shop continues to be open each Thursday morning if parents require uniform supplies.  A number of the boys are continuing to wear their summer shorts.  This is the incorrect uniform for Term 2. Our student should wear their uniform with pride.  Parent assistance with ensuring the correct uniform is worn is appreciated.

School Holiday Projects

Parents may have noticed the new line markings in the car park and on the drive ways that was completed during the holidays.  Hopefully the new markings will assist parents to note the “no stopping” bay in the drive through area.

The second stage of the Nature Playground Project is almost complete.  We look forward to the children enjoying the new structure in the next few weeks.

Our Kindy and Pre-Primary students have begun to enjoy the new mud kitchen.  The mud kitchen is a terrific addition to the early childhood play area and we look forward to the imaginative ways it will be used by our young students.

Covid-19 Self Reporting and WA Health Portal

Thank you to our parents for continuing to use the self-reporting portal to report both positive and negative COVID-19 test results. Parents are encouraged to continue using the portal as we progress through the term. The portal is available on our website and can be accessed via the link: COVID-19 Self-Reporting Portal

How good were the Dockers last week?? Commiserations to Eagles supporters. Let’s hope for an improved performance this weekend.

Warmest regards

Therese Hussey
Principal