Newsletter 9

Dear Parents and Carers

A great number of Year 6 students made their Confirmation on the weekend.  This aligns with the current period in the church calendar, the Feast of Pentecost, where we commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Jewish Feast of Weeks.  At this time, the Apostles received the Gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Congratulations to the Year 6s and their families and thank you to the Parish, Fr Cyprian, Fr Errol, Ronellie our Catechist, Mr Carter and Year 6 staff Mrs McGinley, Mrs Staley and Mr Croxford for your efforts in preparing and supporting the students. Please continue to keep these students in your prayers.

Next Wednesday morning, a representation of our student leaders will attend the launch of LifeLink.   The LifeLink organisation was established by the Archdiocese of Perth in 1994 to provide for the ongoing financial support of agencies established or assisted by the Church to assist those most vulnerable in our community.    These agencies include: IdentityWA, The Shopfront, CentreCare Inc, Catholic Ministry for People who are Deaf or Hearing Impaired, Catholic Outreach, Emmanuel Centre, DayDawn Advocacy Centre, Emmaus Community, Centacare Employment and Training, and Samaritan Projects.  LifeLink funded agencies reach out to help tens of thousands of Western Australian families and individuals in need.  There will be a fundraiser later in the term.  Supporting this gives us the opportunity to practise our school values of Faith and Service.

Congratulations to students who took part in the School Sport WA Cross Country.  Well done on your efforts, commitment to training and your teamwork.  The behaviour and sportspersonship demonstrated on the day were outstanding.

Well done to the organisers, supporters and helpers at the P&F Disco last Friday evening.  The organisation was fantastic, the event ran smoothly, and the students enjoyed themselves in a safe and fun environment.  Well done to all involved.  Events like this don’t occur without the motivation, commitment and hard work of our volunteers.  We are very grateful for your time and efforts.

As well as being powerful learning tools, iPads and devices are often used by students in their own time at home for entertainment.  If you allow your child to put their own apps on to a device, please ensure the apps are age appropriate and that you are fully aware of the privacy settings and whether the app allows them to communicate with others.  Many online games and apps contain content and material that is not suitable for students and desensitizes their feelings of empathy, concern and care.  Social media platforms are often misused and can be avenues for students to use inappropriate language or to ostracize each other.  Students should consider that if they wouldn’t write something on a class noticeboard, then it is not suitable for a group chat or message. Please ensure that children have a balanced use of technology and that they are participating in non-digital activities to promote their health and wellbeing.  Please talk to your children about balanced use of IT and ensuring that it is used at appropriate times.  Research what a digital footprint is and discuss this with your child.  There is no substitute for open communication and supervision when assisting your child to use technology responsibly.

Student reports will be available at the end of the term on SEQTA. The report is a summary of your child’s progress against the achievements standards that relate to the content that was covered in Semester One.  The report will help you have a conversation with your child in regard to their achievement, effort, responsibility and attitude towards learning.  It will help you celebrate successes and to also determine some areas of focus for Semester Two. It is important that students own their efforts and achievements and that as adults in our children’s lives we ensure that they understand and appreciate they are the most influential person, with family and school support, in determining the results they achieve.

Best wishes and God Bless