Whitford Catholic Primary School Prayer
Father, to you we now pray
As we come together at Whitford Catholic to work, learn and play.
Help us to listen and share our thoughts too,
As we learn about our world and all about you.
We praise and thank you for the love you give,
For our families and friends and the life we live.
We ask you to bless us in everything we do
And help us to love others, like you taught us to.
Give us faith in ourselves and faith in you,
And be with us always, our whole life through.
Amen.
Message From The Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
Thank you to all community members for a positive start to Term 3. I hope everyone had the opportunity to have a break and enjoy time with family and friends over the holidays. The week after the holidays is always the hardest for students as we re-establish routines ready for a new term. It is important that, at this time, we maintain patience and understand that it is difficult for children to make transitions quickly. The way we support children around this will make them more willing to get back into the term, make them feel better about themselves and their school and build a trusting family relationship where children feel they will be assisted to get back on track. Be clear about expectations but be supportive at the same time.
On Thursday morning, our Year 1-6 students will celebrate the Mercy Feast Day Mass. This is an opportunity to come together at the beginning of the school term and to acknowledge our Mercy heritage. Take the time to scan the QR Code on our Mercy Walk on the ramp leading to the Gym to learn more about the Mercy story and how it relates to our school. Mercy is the foundation of all our school houses and our values. The values specifically associated with our Mercy house are Faith and Trust.
Faith
We believe in God, ourselves and each other.
We are active participants in our Catholic Community.
Trust
We build strong and cooperative relationships.
We value the contributions and ability of others.
NAIDOC Week occurred over the school holidays from 5th July to 12th July. NAIDOC Week celebrations are held to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of First Nations peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in First Nations communities, but by Australians from all walks of life. The theme for 2026 is “50 Years of Deadly”. More information is available on the following website: https://www.naidoc.org.au/
A reminder that supervision is provided for students from Year 1 to Year 6 before school from 8.10am and after school until 3.20pm. If arriving at school before 8.30am, children are requested to sit in the central courtyard area. Please ensure students are not on site unsupervised outside of these times unless participating in an organised activity. Students involved in organised activities are to be supervised by parents if they fall outside of supervision times. Parents with children in Kindergarten are required to accompany their child to the classroom in the morning where they begin at 8.40am and collect their child from the class teacher at the end of the school day at 2.45pm. Students in Pre-Primary are required to be brought to the classroom from 8.30am and collected in the afternoon. Alternatively, they may use the drive through on Barradine. All school play equipment is out of bounds before and after school. Little Buckets provides before and after school care services on site. Their details are available on our school website on the following link.
This term, students are required to wear winter uniform. The way a student wears their uniform promotes the school value of Excellence – We demonstrate pride in ourselves, each other, family, and school. The uniform policy and uniform requirements can be found on our website on the following link.
As parents and staff of a Catholic school we are constantly responsible for how we influence our children. The ways we relate to each other, the ways we solve problems, the ways we approach life and any challenges are closely watched and often modelled by our children. It is crucial then that we set a standard that our children can aspire to. Together we have the opportunity to make a very positive difference in the lives of our children.
You may remember this TED Talk from one of last year’s newsletters available at the link below. It outlines how important the first five years of a child’s life are for their positive development. In a world where technology is so prominent in our homes, it is worth looking at what is really important in forming healthy connected people.
https://www.ted.com/talks/molly_wright_how_every_child_can_thrive_by_five
Building positive connections continues to be important beyond the early years in all children’s lives and as they grow and develop maturity, the breadth of these connections deepens. Students build upon the connections in their home and extend this to building connections with people beyond their own homes including with trusted adults, friends and peers and within other groups that they belong. It is important to give time to building these connections and creating quality, respectful relationships. This will give our children the confidence to thrive and to also to accept challenges and become successful problem solvers.
This weekend, students who are making the Sacrament of First Holy Communion will be attending either the Saturday evening mass or one of the Sunday masses to demonstrate their commitment to making the sacrament. Please keep these students in your prayers.
Best wishes and God Bless
Mark Marando
Principal
Calendar
Week 1
Thursday, 23 July
Catholic Performing Arts Opening Mass
Mercy Feast Day Mass | Yr 1-6
Saturday 25 July
First Holy Communion Commitment Mass (All Masses except Saturday 8am)
Sunday, 26 July
First Holy Communion Commitment Mass (All Masses )
Week 2
Wednesday, 29 July
REA Assessment Practice (Years 3-5)
PP White Class Liturgy
Thursday, 30 July
Zero2Hero – Year 5
Friday, 31 July
REA Assessment Practice (Years 3-5) Catchup
Senior Assembly 5B
Saturday 1 August
P&F Adults Only Bingo Night
TERM 2026 DATES
Term 1
2 February to 2 April 2026
Term 2
21 April to 3 July 2026
Term 3
21 July to 24 September 2026
Term 4
13 October to 11 December 2026
TERM 2027 DATES
Term 1
28 January to 9 April 2027
Term 2
27 April to 25 June 2027
Term 3
19 July to 23 September 2027
Term 4
12 October to 10 December 2027
Book Club Reminder!
The orders need to be finalised by Thursday, 6th of August.
P&F EVENTS
Bogan Bingo Night
Parents, Bingo tickets are LIVE!
It’s time to lock in your spot for one of the most popular parents nights of the year!
🎱 Parents’ Bogan Bingo Night
📅 Saturday 1 August
📍 Mullaloo Surf Beach Club
🕕 6:00pm – 11:00pm
🎟️ $40 per person
🍴 BYO food
🍻 Licensed Bar service (no outside drinks permitted)
Dust off the flanno, tease up the mullet and come dressed in your best bogan gear!
✨ Hosted by Bogan Bingo
🏆 A whopping $2,000 prize pool
👑 Costume competitions & prizes
🎉 Hilarious games and entertainment
🛍️ Silent auctions, raffle hampers and plenty more surprises throughout the night!
🎫 Ticket sales are limited, so grab yours before they’re gone!
May the best bogan… and the best mullet… win! 🏆
💛 We’re also still welcoming event sponsors. If your family or business would like to get involved and support our fundraiser, it’s not too late! Get in touch with us anytime💛
Look forward to a night full of fun & laughs!
WA Student Assistance Payment
The WA Student Assistance Payment helps parents and carers with cost-of-living pressures associated with sending their children to school.
All Western Australian school students with an active enrolment at a public school, non-government school or registered for home education are eligible for the WA Student Assistance Payment.
You can claim $250 for each secondary student and $150 for students attending primary school or Kindergarten.
The fastest and most convenient way to claim is through the ServiceWA app. More information on how to claim through the ServiceWA app is available at WA.gov.au/WASAP2026
All claims must be received by Friday 25 September 2026.
Eligibility
Eligible students must be enrolled in Kindergarten to Year 12 at a Western Australian public school, non-government school or registered for home education and have a valid WA student number (WASN).
How to claim
Submit your claim through ServiceWA.
WASN (SCSA Government ID Number)
This can be found in SEQTA under the Reports tab.
Protect your family from influenza
The Department of Health is encouraging families to protect themselves and the broader community against influenza this season. Influenza is a highly contagious illness that can make children and adolescents very sick,
even if they are usually healthy. Protecting your child against influenza through vaccination can help to minimise disruptions to their learning and protect vulnerable members of your communities, such as infants and older adults.
The influenza virus changes every year, so the influenza vaccine is updated annually to ensure protection against the most common strains. That is why it’s important to get an influenza vaccine each year.
Influenza vaccination is recommended for children aged six months and older.
This year:
• influenza vaccines are free until 31 July 2026 for all Western Australians aged 6
months and older (check with your provider about any consultation fees)
• children and adolescents aged two to 17 years can receive FluMist®, a needle-free
nasal spray vaccine, as an alternative to the standard influenza vaccine given by
injection.
The influenza vaccines available in WA have a strong safety record, are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and are closely monitored each year. FluMist® has also been safely used internationally for many years. Children can receive their influenza vaccination through their GP, participating pharmacies
(for children aged years and older), Aboriginal Medical Services, or other community immunisation providers.
We encourage families to speak with their immunisation provider if they have questions about influenza vaccination.
More information about influenza vaccination can be read here:
https://access.health.wa.gov.au/immunisation.
Vaccination remains the best way to protect against influenza, and it is not too late to be vaccinated this season.
We wish all students and their families a safe and healthy winter.
International Friendship Day
Thursday 30th July is International Friendship Day.
International Friendship Day highlights the value of friendships in our lives as being essential for emotional support, mental wellbeing, and personal growth. Friendships provide a sense of belonging, reduce stress, and contribute to a happier, more fulfilling life.
Friendships are about building connection, safety and wellbeing together. They require inclusion, kindness and reconciliation. Friendships involve building connectivity and respect which can strengthen the bond and power of your friendship.
Celebrating International Friendship Day allows us to express gratitude to our friends, acknowledge their importance, and strengthen the bonds that hold us together. It is a reminder to cherish and nurture these relationships, recognising that friends are the family we choose for ourselves.
Take the time on this day, and any other day, to reach out and let your friends know how much you appreciate them and maybe even organise a playdate for your child and a friendly catch-up with your own friends!
Exciting Update for our Early Years’ Uniform – 2027
As part of an exciting new chapter for our Early Years’, our Pre-Kindy and Kindergarten Co-Horts will be introduced to new branding from 2027. This updated branding will also feature on the Early Years’ uniform range and our School Values.
To support families during this transition, the current uniform will remain acceptable throughout 2027. This means children may still wear either the current or new style of t-shirt during the 2027 school year.
Please note, that from the beginning of 2028, all Pre-Kindy and Kindy students will be required to wear the new uniform style.
To assist families with this change:
- The new style uniform will be available to purchase from Tara Uniforms from December 2026
- Existing uniforms will be available to purchase through the Admin Office at a clearance price of 3 shirts for $30 *While stocks last*
Kindy 2028 | Enrolments Now Open!
Enrolments for students starting Kindy in 2028 (born July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024) are now open! Please ensure you complete an “Expression of Interest” to secure your place!
Ken's Club
Over the past couple of years, Ken White has been generously offering his time to support our Year 4 students with their times tables. We’re now excited to grow this wonderful initiative and invite WCPS Grandparents to join Ken’s Club 2026 – helping students build confidence and master their times tables!
If you would like to be part of this rewarding program, please email your expression of interest to: admin@wcps.wa.edu.au
Parking & Drive-Through
Please note, Marmion Avenue is not a designated drop-off/pick-up zone. Stopping or collecting students in this area places children, families, and drivers at significant risk.
To ensure a safe and orderly pick-up, all parents are asked to use one of the following approved locations:
- The front car park
- Barradine Drive
- Culwalla Close (via the underpass)
These areas are designed to provide a safer environment for student collection and help us maintain smooth traffic flow around the school.
We also ask families to take extra care when parking and manoeuvring in surrounding streets. We understand that pick-up time can be very busy, and we appreciate your cooperation in reinforcing safe practices. The safety of our school community is our highest priority.
CEWA Announcement | Three-week Mid-Year Break
Catholic Education WA (CEWA) has announced it intends to implement a three-week mid-year break across its 150 schools from the 2027 academic year. The implementation of this initiative will not only bring our school in line with practices at other Independent Catholic Schools but is based on significant research into how the change will positively impact teaching, learning, and wellbeing. I want to stress that there won’t be any changes to the hours of instruction your child receives as a result of this initiative, however small adjustments to individual term calendars and school timetables may be required. Please see the link below for frequently asked questions regarding the implementation of the three-week break.
Winter Uniform | Term 3
Uniforms are available from Tara Matrix online (search for Whitford Catholic Primary School) or by visiting their showroom at 1 Hasler Road, Osborne Park.
Social Media
To stay updated with the incredible adventures and activities our students have been up to, from heartwarming moments in the classroom to exciting field trips and everything in between, make sure you follow our socials!
Simply click on the below to like and follow for more exclusive WCPS content…
After School Activities
SENIOR ART CLUB | Term 3
Year 4 to Year 6
Tuesdays | 3pm-4.30pm (21 July – 8 September 2026)
8 week course.
All art supplies are included.
For External Classes and School Holiday Workshops please head to www.oceansideartstudio.com.au
NICK CORRIGAN’S SOCCER SCHOOLS | Term 3
Kindy to Year 3
Monday 27th July to Monday 14th September
Kindy: 2.50pm | 25 minute class
Older Class: 3.25pm | 1hour class
Chess Club | Term 3
Chess Club is back for Term 3 with our amazing instructor Teh! He is a highly-skilled chess coach and even travels internationally with his son for tournaments.
- Monday | 3pm-4pm
- Frayne Library
- $160 per student
- Only a few spots left!
Keyed Up Music
Learn music at Whitford Catholic Primary School!
Enrolments for Keyed Up Music lessons are now open, visit their website to save a spot to start your child’s musical journey. Enrolments • Piano Lessons and Guitar Lessons Perth – Keyed Up Music – Piano Lessons and Guitar Lessons Perth
- Keyboard and guitar starting from $23.50 for a group lesson.
- Held after school. Enrol now for lessons!
Contact: 0479 171 424
Young Engineers STEM Club | Term 3!
Beginner Engineering and Robotics (Yr 1 -6)
2026 – Term 3 (28 July – 15 Sept, 2026, Tuesdays)
Beginner’s Engineering and Robotics Club @ Hass Room
Time 3:05 to 4:35 PM
We are excited to announce that Term 3 enrolments are now open!
This term’s exciting theme is All on Wheels Engineering, where students will explore the fascinating world of automation, engineering, and coding through a variety of fun, hands-on projects. Students will build and program amazing moving models while learning about engineering concepts such as gears, elastic energy, speed transmission, sensors, and interactive coding.
Whether your child is continuing with us or joining for the first time, Term 3 promises to be another exciting STEM adventure full of creativity, problem-solving, and innovation.
We encourage you to secure your child’s place early, as classes fill quickly.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another fantastic term of engineering fun!
Community Notices
The Discover Sailing Centre are holding some Tackers & Teens Courses (Junior Sailing) over the upcoming School holidays.
Tackers is an Australian Sailing program for 7 – 12 year olds to teach kids the basics of sailing in a safe and fun environment. Children do not require any previous sailing experience or Hillarys Yacht Club membership to participate. All equipment is provided (including life jackets) until they move up into the Optimist Green Fleet to begin club racing. All courses are delivered by Australian Sailing qualified instructors.
Our Teens program is aimed at ages 12+.
For more information, contact Kim Pring on 9246 2833 or Email on: Training@hillarysyachtclub.com.au
Term 3 (27 July-20 Sept) enrolments now open!
Art classes for 2.5-14 years old
Visit: www.creativekidsartclub.com.au
Whitfords PlayConnect+ Playgroup
Free playgroups for children 0-5 years with delayed development and/or disability (no diagnosis is necessary).
Where: Whitford Family Centre, 21C Endeavour Road, Hillarys
When: Tuesday (during school term)
Time: 9.30am to 11.30am
Curtin University Hockey Club – “Pirates!”
School’s back – Hockey Starts, if you are keen to play and still looking for a club, Curtin University Hockey Club – “Pirates!” are seeking a few extra players to fill their J5/6 and J7/8 hockey teams. Please reach out to Gabby via juniors@cuhc.org.au or on 0422 946 967.
Mullaloo Boardriders
Memberships from $50 to $150.
All inclusive club based on community and good vibes.
For more information
Junior Basketball Competition
We are currently seeking under 8’s, 14’s, and 16’s teams for a viable competition and there are also a few spaces left in the under 10’s and 12’s.
The program is open to all skills levels from beginners to advanced with a focus on fun and fairness.
For more information
Quinns Rocks MyTime
This peer support program offers a safe space to come and meet others with a child with disability, developmental delay or chronic medical condition. These facilitated sessions are an opportunity for parents and carers to connect, share and gain information. Join us for our first session on Friday 13th February, 9.30am-11.30am, ongoing through the school term.
Children under 4 years welcome to attend!
Share Your World | Become a Foster Carer
You can make an extraordinary difference in the life of a young person by sharing those ordinary, everyday moments. To learn more about foster care
Saver Plus
Get up to $500 for education costs…
Achieve a savings goal for 10 months, and ANZ will match it up to $500.
To be eligible, you need to meet these requirements:
- 18 years or older
- A regular income (you or your partner)
- Attend free online financial education workshops
- Are studying yourself or have a child at school, or starting next year
- Current Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card
Contact: Saverplus.org.au or 1300 610 355
PCCRW
At PCCRW, we are working towards a sustainable approach to address this growing environmental concern. Everything that comes to PCCRW is repurposed, recycled, donated!
We accepted donations of op shop-grade clothing, school uniforms and much more…. Book in for a free pick up through our website: www.pccrw.com.au
School CCTV Notice
Please be aware that the school is monitored by CCTV for the safety of our students, staff and vistors.
For more information, please contact the office.
Dogs on School Grounds
Under no circumstances are dogs of any size or kind to be brought on to school grounds. Some students have allergies to dogs and others may be frightened of dogs or especially attracted to dogs, which may cause a dangerous situation for students and staff. Parent cooperation with this matter is appreciated.
Social Media
PUBLISHING PHOTOS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Please note that, while staff at WCPS take a lot of care to ensure that children who do not have permission to be published do not appear on the school’s social media, this process is undertaken manually and occasionally photos will be missed.
If you notice your child has been published and you would like their photo removed, please contact the school office.