Lent
Lent offers us a very special opportunity to grow in our relationship with God and to deepen our commitment to a way of life, rooted in our baptism. In our busy world, Lent provides us with an opportunity to reflect upon our patterns, to pray more deeply, experience sorrow for what we’ve done and failed to do, and to be generous to those in need.
We thank you, God for your forgiving love and ask you to help us live and act for others. May we continue to be promise keepers, planting seeds of Unity and Reconciliation this Lenten season.
Amen
Message From The Principal
Dear Parents and Carers
Today is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent – students in Years 1-6 received ashes at mass and students in other year levels will receive ashes in their classrooms during the week. Like God’s people in the time of the prophets, we wear ashes to show that we want to turn away from whatever keeps us from God, and to have a change of heart, so that we can live in right relationship with God and each other.
On Ash Wednesday, the priest or person giving out ashes rubs them on our forehead in the shape of a cross while saying:
“Repent and believe in the Gospel”
Traditionally, during Lent, we give something up like lollies or treats. Please challenge your child to think about maybe doing something extra to help around the house instead of just giving something up – it will be a good opportunity to talk about service and the joy of helping others.
Our School Advisory Council and P&F met on Tuesday evening. These committed individuals give their time and effort to assist to improve our school and make a positive difference for our students, staff and community. I would like to thank these groups of parent leaders for their contributions to our school.
Parent Members of the School Advisory Council for 2026 are:
Chairperson: Ryan White
Deputy Chairperson: Stacey Brown
Secretary: Kristabel Rosario
Treasurer: Jason Ovens
Parish Representative: Peter Westneat
P&F Representative: Jamie Cariddi
Ceri Lamb
Ola Sommer
Members of our P&F Executive for 2026 are:
President: Jaime Cariddi
Vice President: Sine Ovens
Treasurer: Hayley Fellowes
Secretary: Holly Wyss
Laura Robertson
Debby Venciullo
Students have made a great start to the school year and now is an opportune time to revisit routines, including before and after school, to ensure that students have the greatest chance of experiencing success. Set up consistent and predictable bedtimes, wake times and procedures that transition students to and from school. It is also important to set good learning habits such as daily reading and revision. Some students may struggle to attend school at times as they move away from the freedom and flexibility of holidays – as adults in our children’s lives, it is crucial that we set clear expectations that school attendance is compulsory. If a child misses one day per week, they are missing 20% of the learning opportunities presented to them.
As part of re‑establishing these routines, wearing the school uniform neatly and correctly including appropriate hairstyles and jewellery plays an important role in helping students shift from the relaxed nature of holidays back into the expectations of school life. Uniforms provide students with a sense of belonging, pride, and readiness for learning, acting as a visual cue that the school day has begun and supporting a smooth, confident transition back into structured learning.
Thank you to families for ensuring students are wearing the uniform neatly and correctly. This promotes our school value of:
Excellence
We strive to do our best in everything we do.
We demonstrate pride in ourselves, each other, family, and school.
You may have noticed the new playground on the school oval. This was designed by our Year 3 students last year to ensure we could include what was important for our upper primary students in their play. We are very grateful to Caitlin Collins MLA for providing the majority of funds for the project as part of her $50,000 election commitment. The balance of funds was generously provided by our P&F. Students are enjoying this new facility and it has been a welcome addition to the many opportunities available for our students at play times.
In week five, as part of our bushfire plan, students and staff will take part in a bushfire evacuation drill. This is important in maintaining good processes that will ensure everyone’s safety should a bush fire occur. Talking to students about this, educating them and practising these in a calm way helps to build skills and understanding and makes them feel safe and capable.
Interviews for 2028 Kindy places will occur during this term. There is significant demand for places at Whitford Catholic Primary School, so please ensure that if you or someone close to you is intending to send their child to our school in 2028, they have completed and submitted an application form.
Best wishes and God bless
Mark Marando
Principal
Calendar
Week 3
Year 4 | Swimming Lessons
Friday, 20 February
Senior Assembly | 3G
Week 4
Year 4 | Swimming Lessons
Monday, 23 February
Year 6 Surfing Lessons
Wednesday, 25February
Year 5 Class Liturgy
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 Orders
All Book Club orders must be completed by Thursday 19th February.
NAPLAN
NAPLAN assessments will take place from the 11th of March until the 20th of March. Assessments are given in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation and numeracy. Students will complete the assessments online, except for the Year 3 Writing assessment, which will be completed on paper. The NAPLAN brochure sent home at the beginning of the term, to the parents of Year 3 and 5 students, gives more information about NAPLAN.
The NAPLAN assessments are one of the methods that schools use to determine the achievement of our students and can support school improvement by enabling teachers to monitor their students’ progress over time against the national measure. It provides additional information to support teacher judgement about improvement in a child’s level of literacy and numeracy.
Teachers will be working with students to ensure they are familiar with the test format, but it is important not to overstate the importance of the tests or to build up anxiety in the children.
Project Compassion
This Lent, we are called to stand hand in hand with thousands of others across the country and Unite Against Poverty by supporting Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion.
Last year, our school was a part of a nationwide movement that raised over $10 million to bring opportunity and change to vulnerable communities across the world. This year, with your support, we hope to have an even greater impact.
By taking home a Project Compassion donation box this year, you’ll be answering the Gospels’ call to care for our global family and walk alongside the most vulnerable. Your generosity will enable Caritas Australia to provide life-changing support to communities facing poverty, food insecurity, lack of education and water shortages, while building resilience against future challenges.
Together, through faith and action, we can bring hope and opportunity to those most in need.
Online at: projectcompassion.org.au
By phone at: 1800 024 413
SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE, IT’S TIME TO ENROL!
Every year Dental Health Services (DHS) offers parents and carers the chance to register their kids for free dental care at the School Dental Service (SDS). The offer is open to every student from the year they turn 5 until their 17th birthday and includes check-ups, fillings, and simple extractions.
Your child will soon bring home an envelope with an enrolment form, Frequently Asked Questions, and reply-paid envelope from DHS. Just fill in the enrolment form, pop it in the reply-paid envelope, and put it in your nearest post box.
Once we receive your form at DHS our team will register your child and arrange for you to receive an appointment in the mail. If you would like further information on DHS services and the SDS please visit our website: www.dental.wa.gov.au
PARENT INDUCTION INFORMATION EVENINGS
Catholic School Parents WA will be holding Parent Induction evenings in our North, Central and South metro regions:
Central | Thursday, 19th February, 6pm at St Peter’s Primary School
North | Thursday, 26 February, 6pm at Sacred Heart Sorrento
South | Thursday, 5th March, 6pm at Christ the King Beaconsfield
The Induction will cover the P&F Terms of Reference, Office Bearer role descriptions, and information on how to access our P&F resources and online induction.
- Learn about the purpose of the P&F in a Catholic school community and the roles of each committee member.
- Access resources provided by CSPWA, including Treasurer factsheets and templates, and tips on how to attract more volunteers to your P&F.
- CSPWA will provide a brief overview of the supports and services we offer parents and P&Fs, and instructions on how to access our online induction.
eRideables in Schools from 2026
Whitford Catholic Primary School is committed to ensuring that our students are empowered to travel to and from school safely. We recognise that eRideable devices such as eScooters and eBikes are a popular mode of transport accessible to many within our School community. Equally, our School recognises that eRideables are subject to legislation that prohibit a child under the age of 16 from utilising these devices.
Therefore, from Monday 2 February 2026, students who are under 16 years of age will not be permitted to use or store an eRideable device on school premises.
Examples of eRideables include but are not limited to:
• eScooters
• eSkateboards
• hoverboards
• eSkates
• eUnicycles
The Road Safety Commission has developed a webpage with information about the Road Traffic Code (legislation) which can assist individuals in understanding their personal obligations where eRideables are concerned. For more information about eRideables please click here. We thank you in advance for your support of this initiative which will ensure the ongoing safety of our students and broader school community.
Kindy 2028 | Sibling Enrolment Now Open!
Enrolments for siblings starting Kindy in 2028 (born July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024) are now open! Please ensure you complete an Expression of Interest HERE to secure your place!
WHITTY DADS
Whitty Dads Camp Out 2026!
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
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.
Summer Uniform | Term 1
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
Keyed Up Music
Learn music at Whitford Catholic Primary School!
Term 3 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 $22.55 for a group lesson.
- Held after school. Enrol now for lessons!
Contact: 0479 171 424
NICK CORRIGAN’S SOCCER SCHOOLS | Term 1
Kindy to Year 3
Monday 9 February to 30th March
Kindy: 2.50pm | 25 minute class|
Older Class: 3.25pm | 1hour class
Young Engineers STEM Club | Term 1 2026!
Beginner Engineering and Robotics (Yr 1 -6)
Welcome to Young Engineers STEM Clubs – Term 1, 2026!
We are excited to announce that enrolments are now open for our Young Engineers STEM Clubs. Our after-school programs will be resuming from Week 2 of Term 1, and we look forward to welcoming both new and returning students.
Places are limited, so we kindly encourage you to secure your child’s spot early to avoid missing out.
Please follow the enrolment link below to complete the registration process.
You will also find the attached flyer with full program details, including dates and session information.
Community Notices
enrolments@mdc.wa.edu.au or (08) 9405 4777
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
Belridge Secondary College
Junior Cricket Program: Skills Trails Day | Tuesday, 31 Mach
Enrolments 2027: Open Day Parent Tours | Wednesday, 25 March 9am
Book @ www.schoolinterviews.com.au – Event Code: ckr5d
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
2027 Kindy Enrolments Now Open!!
WCPS are now accepting Expressions of Interest for students starting Kindergarten in 2027!
Our Kindy programme aims to:
🌟Enhance personal development through a variety of stimulating activities and play, where children feel free to explore and experiment.
💙Build self-esteem and confidence in sharing cultural backgrounds, individual talents and needs
👍Encourage the development of positive social behaviour
☀️Create a safe, happy, and caring environment for all children, including those with special needs.
To find out more
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.