Last week, the Year 2 students participated in an incursion hosted by Indigenous Tours WA. The children learned about the local Wadjuk People and the important Dreaming trail that is the Swan River.  As the Year 2s are currently in the process of setting up the Gardening Club in our main playground, it was a great opportunity for them to develop a greater understanding of the connection between Indigenous people and the land, while also sharing some great information about native Australian plants.  The children were also able to view a variety of bush tools and implements and learned how they were made. We were very proud of the Year 2s for asking some excellent questions during the presentation!
WELLBEING
What are the Zones of Regulation?
The Zones of Regulation is a conceptual framework designed to teach children self-regulation. A large part of self-regulation is identifying our emotions which can assist us to communicate to other’s how we are feeling. The Zones of Regulation provides us with tools and strategies which are explicitly taught to help regulate ourselves if needed.
The Blue Zone: is used to describe low states of alertness and ‘down’ feelings such as sad, sick, or tired.
The Green Zone: is used to describe a calm, alert state and feelings such as happy, focused or content.
The Yellow Zone: is used to describe a heightened state of alertness such as excitement, silliness, or stress.
The Red Zone: is used to describe a state of extremely high energy and intense overwhelming feelings that are harder to control such as anger, devastation, or panic.
We have probably experienced all these zones at one time or another and that’s ok! In The Zones of Regulation, we teach the children to identify which zone they are in and how to regulate these feelings to gain a sense of wellbeing.
Last week, 1 Green hosted the Marian Assembly and shared their own learning in The Zones of Regulation. We learned about the different colour zones and what emotions we may experience in these zones. Congratulations to 1 Green for a fun and informative assembly.
Edwina Battersby & Justin Kirry (Leaders of Wellbeing)
Welcoming Parents into Classrooms
As part of continuing to build community, we will be welcoming parents back into classrooms from next week.
As mentioned in the previous Newsletter, parent rosters have already commenced in many of our ECE classrooms. Our students are now settled and familiar with the Mindful Mornings routine when they arrive at school and so we are providing parents the opportunity to visit their child’s classroom during our Mindful Mornings time.
As of next week, parents are able to visit classrooms in the morning on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays during the following morning times:
Kindy & Pre-Primary: 8:45-8:55am
Years 1-6: 8:30-8:40am
This morning time as listed above is provided to any parents who may wish to visit the classroom to view their child’s work, view the classroom environment or to participate in a small activity with their child.
This period of time is not the opportunity to speak to your child’s teacher about their progress or the time to socialise with other parents. We ask that parents are respectful of our Mindful Mornings routine and join in the activities or view the classroom in a quiet and calm way with their children. If a younger sibling is attending with you, please be mindful of them as they move around the room with older students, and be aware of the play/work spaces that teachers have set up for their students to be used later in the day so that these aren’t interfered with.
When it is time to leave, we ask that parents quickly exit the classroom to ensure students are able to separate quickly from their parent. It may be worth speaking with your child over the coming days about how you may come into the classroom every now and then, but then when it is time for parents to go and class to start, the children will need to give their parent a quick hug/kiss and say goodbye. Preparing your child for this will be helpful in minimising any separation anxiety that may occur at this time.
We are also exploring further opportunities for parent engagement in the classroom later in the year.
We look forward to welcoming parents back into the school to view the amazing learning spaces our teachers and students have created.
Marian Colouring In Competition
In celebration of the College Production, The Lion King JR, we are excited to hold a colouring-in competition for our Marian Campus students.
One winner will be chosen from each year group from Kindy to Y2. The wonderful prizes include a Family Pass (4 tickets) to the matinee performance of Lion King JR, a backstage VIP tour and a unique photo opportunity with the cast.
Submissions will be accepted online through our College Website link found here
‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time.’ Matthew 28:18-20Ìý
This month we have been celebrating May as the month of Mary. Earlier this week, Mr Nelson’s Year 11 PCG team led us in a crowning ceremony of Mary, to recognise her special place in our community. You can watch the ceremony .
Here is a short prayer that you might like to pray or share with others over the week.
Dear God,
As we gather together in this month of May, we ask for the intercession of Mary, the Mother of Jesus and our spiritual mother. We thank you for the gift of her love, compassion, and guidance, which continues to inspire us and lead us closer to you.
We pray for ourselves and each other, that we may be blessed with wisdom, strength, and grace as we seek lead and serve our school community. May we be guided by Mary’s example of humility, obedience, and faith, and may we always seek to put the needs of others before our own.
We ask that Mary intercede for us in all our endeavours. May she help us to be faithful witnesses to your love and mercy, and may she guide us towards a deeper relationship with you.
We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Amen.
Year 3 and Year 4 RetreatsÌý
Over the past two weeks, students in Year 3 and Year 4 have had the opportunity to participate in a Sacramental Retreat, presented by 24:7 Youth Ministry. The students have been learning about the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist in their classrooms, and the retreats were a fantastic opportunity to deepen their understanding of the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist. We keep our Year 3 and Year 4 students in our prayers as they receive the sacraments this year. Some of our students have prepared reflections on their day.Ìý
I loved all the activities, especially the one when we cut the paper cup into pieces and we had to put them back together. This helped show us that it is hard when we break the rules, but we can say sorry and make friends again. – Leo Andrezejewski
I learnt that sometimes your decisions can affect people around you and Reconciliation is a time when you say sorry for the mistakes you make. I loved the game which helped us learn about Reconciliation and the games where we linked arms. – Emily Anderson
The Reconciliation Retreat was a fantastic day and we all had lots of fun. I learnt that you can always become friends with people again if you are kind and caring and say sorry. – Chanel Italiano
Marist Connect NightÌý
Last night, some of our senior students joined students from St Joseph’s School in Northam for our Marist Connect night. These are held once every term and are a good chance for the young people of our College to connect with other students from Marist communities. The theme of the evening was perspectives, and how we can take the time to be more aware of ourselves and those around us. This helps lead us to be curious about others rather than judgemental and to try and understand others rather than enter into conflict. It was also a good time for students to take some time out from the very busy and sometimes stressful time of exam preparation and instead just connect with their friends while forming new relationships. A big thanks to our Izzy from Marist Youth Ministry for her support in coordinating and leading the evening.Ìý
LifeLink Launch
Yesterday, Mrs Peters and I travelled with a group of students to Aranmore Catholic College for the launch of the Archbishop’s LifeLink Appeal for 2023. Led by the Archbishop of Perth, Timothy Costelloe, and Director of Catholic Education Western Australia Dr. Debra Sayce, the day was a great opportunity to better understand some of the work of LifeLink, as well as engage in some conversation about what it means to be part of the Church today. Students had the chance to discuss a number of contemporary issues including how we can make the Church inviting to those living on the margins of society, and the example we can draw from the words and actions of Pope Francis. It was a wonderful event, and we are looking forward to hosting the Primary Schools Launch here at ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ in just a few weeks time.Ìý
Year 8 Game Changers RetreatÌý
On the 9th of May, the Year 8 game changers group had the opportunity to take a day away from school to develop their leadership and team-building skills, and also to reflect on the importance of relationships in their lives. We kicked the day off with a few games to help the students get to know each other, then their teamwork skills were put to the test when they were challenged with 3 mini-workshops, including one that required them to build a tower from marshmallows and pasta! After lunch, and a reminder of Mother Mary’s relationship with her friend Elizabeth, the Game Changers group were given the opportunity to reflect on their own relationships with their family and friends and the importance of such relationships throughout their lives. Thus, by the end of the retreat, this small group of students had some huge ambitions to work together and create a better school environment for the year ahead! – Izzy Ochtman (Marist Youth Ministry & Youth Chaplain)Ìý
Upcoming Events
Thursday 25 May – Year 5 & 6 Liturgy
Tuesday 30 May – Game Changers Meeting (Years 7-10)
Wednesday 31 May – Year 10 Mass
Thursday 1 June – Marian Campus Liturgy (St. Cecilia’s Church 9.00am)
Community MassÌýÌý
A reminder that the whole College community is warmly invited to join us in the Champagnat Chapel at 8.10am on Thursday mornings for Mass celebrated by one of our local Parish Priests and hosted by our students from Marcellin and Lavalla.
Please see the upcoming schedule for the next two weeks:
Welcome back to Term 2. I hope all families enjoyed a relaxing and restful school holiday break. It has been wonderful to see the smiling faces of students and staff as they return to school. It has been a wonderful start to the term, and it is shaping up to be an exciting term full of fun activities and wonderful learning opportunities.Ìý
Camp
Year 6 Camp was held from Wednesday to Friday of this week and was a huge success. The Year 6’s were blessed with beautiful weather over the three days and had a wonderful time participating in a range of fun activities including flying fox, kayaking and billy carts. I was able to spend last night and today at camp with the cohort and can report that our students represented our school with pride and are to be commended for their enthusiasm, participation and effort throughout the camp, including the way they challenged themselves with the activities. A big thank you to the Year 6 staff, as well as the extra support teachers who spent countless hours organising the camp, as well as attending camp over the three days. It is a big ask for teaching staff to take on this role and spend time away from their families during the camp period. I’m sure all Year 6 students (and staff) will sleep well tonight!Ìý
Homework
The Primary staff have been reviewing the Homework Guidelines and below is the suggested time per night for each year level. Homework will continue to be shared in each classes weekly seesaw post.Ìý
I would like to remind parents that even with our updated morning routine, the official start of the school day (when lessons formally commence) has not changed and remains at 8:45am. Our updated morning routine caters for those students who get dropped to school before 8:45am. Students who arrive at 8:20am, when supervision by a duty teacher begins, can play outside until 8:30am. At 8:30am the first bell rings to let students know that classrooms are open, at which time they make their way to the classrooms. If students are not at school at 8:30am this is no issue, and parents should certainly not feel rushed to arrive at school by 8:30am. Most students arrive anytime between 8:30-8:45am and when they arrive, they make their way up to the classroom. The duty teacher is still around to ensure students get to class safely. Arriving by 8:45am the latest is key in ensuring your child is ready for the day and can begin the start of the day session with their teacher and class.
Our Mindful Mornings morning routine commenced at the start of this week, with students being welcomed into the classrooms from 8:30am. This update has come about from a wellbeing viewpoint, tying in with our fantastic new Social Emotional Program Zones of Regulation which our Primary Leaders of Wellbeing have written about further on in this Newsletter. When I shared information about this program at the Zero to Hero parent night last term, one of the presenters who is an Occupational Therapist shared her delight in knowing we were introducing this program into the Primary school as it is research-based, highly effective and was originally developed by an Occupational Therapist.
The update to 8:30-8:45am in classrooms is not an extension of the academic school day. It has been made to implement Mindful Mornings, linking with our new Zones of Regulation Program, to allow our students to start their day in a calm and positive way, setting them up to achieve success across all domains of their education each and every day.
A member of the Primary Leadership Team was speaking with a parent in the Marian playground this week before school. This mother shared positive feedback about the new routine and so eloquently summed up some of the reasoning for this change. She said, ‘we can’t expect kids to run around for 20-25 minutes each morning and then flick a switch and suddenly be calm and ready to learn as soon as they walk in the classroom door.’
Research has shown that starting the day in a calm and mindful manner can lessen anxiety, dysregulation, and negative thinking in children. This has a flow-on effect for the remainder of the day, allowing students to be ready to learn when the second bell goes at 8:45am and learning begins – creating the optimum environment for students to reach their potential.
The mindful morning activities involve a wide range of activities for students to participate in when they enter the classrooms from 8:30am. These may include (dependent on age); puzzles, Lego, building blocks, reading, mindfulness colouring in, construction, trucks, home corner role plays, games, craft, and drawing, amongst a wide variety of other activities, as well as the opportunity for older students to finish off any work as part of developing positive independent learning habits. This time also provides students the chance to further build relationships with their teachers by spending this informal time with them before the school day begins.
This style of morning routine is commonplace amongst most Catholic schools in Perth and has been widely successful in achieving the intended outcomes for student wellbeing and school readiness.
Our morning routine is supplemented with Run Club, which occurs Friday mornings at Marian and Wednesday mornings at Lavalla, for those who are interested. This is a wonderful opportunity to build fitness and prepare for the upcoming Cross Country Carnival. My thanks to Tasha Richards and Lara Vlahov for their work in organising and running these events.
This updated morning routine brings both Marian and Lavalla campuses into alignment. As we near the consolidation of the Primary, it is important that we align across a wide range of areas to ensure the smoothest transition possible for students, parents, and staff on that exciting day where we become one campus for the very first time. The leadership team are strategically planning ahead to lessen the anxiety and stresses that a move like this can have on a community in the most holistic way possible, emotionally, academically and logistically.
As with any change, it will take time for students to get used to the updated routine but over the first week we have already seen students settle into this in an impressive way.
Parents in ClassroomsÌý
As mentioned in my welcome letter to parents posted on SeeSaw on Wednesday 26 April, the updated morning routine will tie in with welcoming parents back into classrooms. Our Kindy classes have already commenced parent rosters, and our Pre-Primary classes will commence in Week 4. These are wonderful opportunities for parents to spend time assisting in these early childhood classrooms. Our Year 1 classes have now also commenced parent reading rosters, which is important in this particular year level as the opportunity to read aloud to adults is crucial in helping our early readers to develop positive reading skills and behaviours. A reminder that parents who are volunteering on roster are required to sign in and out at the front office.
The next stage of our plan will be to welcome parents into the Year 1-6 classrooms during the 8:30-8:45am morning time. We will allow our students two more weeks to settle into the new morning routine, and from Week 5 onwards parents will be able to spend time in classrooms in the morning to view the classroom environment.
I will provide further information on how this will work in Week 4’s Newsletter, in preparation for parents being welcomed into classrooms in the morning between 8:30am-8:45am, commencing in Week 5.
Wellbeing
The Zones of Regulation
This term, we are very excited to be implementing TheZones of Regulation throughout the Primary School from Pre-Kindy to Year 6. TheZones of Regulation is a curriculum designed to foster self-regulation and emotional control and links to the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework.
TheZones of RegulationFramework provides a simple way to think about, talk, and care for our feelings. It uses easy language, a visual structure and is systematic in its approach. It uses four colours (red, blue, green, and yellow) to help us identify how we are feeling on the inside and allows us to explore the tools that support us with emotional regulation.
TheZones of Regulationprovides a common language and compassionate framework to support mental health and skill development for all, while also serving as an inclusion strategy for neurodiverse learners, or those who have specific social, emotional, and behavioural needs. The benefits of using this framework in schools include improved self-regulation skills, better social interactions, and increased academic success.
As part of our implementation of this new program, you will have noticed we have amended the morning routine and children are now provided the opportunity to prepare themselves in their classroom from 8.30am onwards during Mindful Mornings. Children are participating in mindful activities such as reading for enjoyment, Lego, mindful colouring and spending valuable time with their teachers and friends. Evidence suggests that allowing students the chance to start their day calmly and in a more mindful manner, leads to better organisation and a readiness to learn. This promotes and supports effective teaching and learning.
Throughout the year, we will be sharing some more of TheZones of Regulationtips, tools, and techniques that you can share with your children at home. Stay tuned!
Edwina Battersby & Justin Kirry (Leaders of Wellbeing)
Mother’s Day
Next week we will be joining together to celebrate and give thanks for our Mothers, Grandmothers and all mother-figures. We would like to invite all in our community to join us in these celebrations. Marcellin & Lavalla – Thursday 11 May, and Marian – Friday 12 May
Click for details
Year 3 – 6 Faction Cross Country – Friday 19 May 2023 Ìý
The Year 3 – 6 Cross Country will be held on Friday 19May.  We encourage all students to participate to the best of their ability and enjoy the team spirit of this event. Click for details.
Lost Property
There is a large number of items in lost property at both campuses. If you are missing items please visit lost property to check if any of the items belong to you. Please be reminded to label all items with your child’s name.ÌýÌý
Welcome to our first newsletter for Term Two, I hope that you had a safe and restful break with family and friends over Easter.
It is with great excitement that I write this newsletter as the new Principal of ÐãÐãÖ±²¥.Ìý I am honoured to become part of this community which has already given me such a warm welcome.Ìý I am looking forward to becoming acquainted with students, families and getting to know the diverse ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Community, finding out the strengths and talents of our students and helping our teachers to support our students in their learning journeys.Ìý
I would like to thank Dr Lucie McCrory who was acting Principal in Term One. Her professionalism and leadership was exemplary and to be commended as it was a very challenging term. Mr Simon Martino supported Dr McCrory as acting Vice Principal and also showed exceptional leadership.
I would also like to welcome new staff members and families to the College Community. Best wishes for the term ahead and I trust the Marist experience will be a rewarding one.
Formation Day
Staff from ÐãÐãÖ±²¥, Bunbury Catholic College and St Joseph’s Northam gathered at ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ on Monday 24 April for a joint Marist Formation Day.
In 2023, we are invited by our Marist theme – Created and Called: a revolution of love and tenderness, to look at our lives and to see how we might better be the people that God has created and called us to be, the Marist Formation Team focused on this on the day.
Anzac Service
ANZAC ceremonies were held on Wednesday 26 April at each of the campuses. Each of the ceremonies highlighting the significance and importance of ANZAC day. We remembered and gave thanks for those women and men who served and for those they left behind. The students led a respectful and reverent service and I sincerely thank the staff and students who were involved. I also had the opportunity to speak with the students briefly and share my support of them in their ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ journey. One message that I want them to hear is that their personal best in whatever they do is always good enough, and it should be shared and celebrated
Y7-Y9 Parent Teacher Interviews
Parent, Teacher, Student interviews provide a formal opportunity for teachers and parents to discuss student achievements and progress. Feedback was given along with actionable steps for students to meet their goals. The hybrid model of both face-to face and online via Teams was well received by families
Y7-Y12 Guild Cross Country Carnival
Our annual Year 7 to Year 12 Cross Country was completed on Friday, it was fantastic to see so many enthusiastic runners on the day. Congratulations to all the students who participated,there were some superb performances. Thank you to the PE staff who organised the day and the students for their participation and efforts. It was a fantastic day.
Year 12 Tie Ceremony
On Monday, Year 12 gathered in the Champagnat Chapel to receive their ties. This was another milestone moment in their ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Journey and we took a moment to consider the significance of this event.
Year 6 Camp
The camp is a milestone event in the life of a Year 6 and both the students and staff entered into the adventure with great spirit and unity. I am sure Year 6 will have many stories to share and cherish from the great learning and community experiences they encountered on camp. Thank you to our staff, Delia Kretzman, Robyn Hatchett, Sarah Dalton, Justin Kirry, Marnie Fitzpatrick, Stuart McClorey, Marnie Fitzpatrick, Kathy Biancuzzo and Ryan von Bergheim who attended and for the work they did to make this a truly memorable event for all.
Events Ahead
We look forward to significant events occurring within the next few weeks which include Years 9-10 Singapore Immersion Trip departing this Saturday, Mother’s Day celebrations on Thursday 11 May and Friday 12 May, Years 7-12 Principal’s Assembly on Wednesday 17 May and Years 11-12 Marist Connect Night scheduled on Thursday 18 May.
Wishing our families all the best for the weeks ahead.
I trust that students and families were able to enjoy down time during the Term 1 holidays and that students returned to school with a renewed sense of vitality, ready to embrace both the joys and the challenges of Term 2.
Over the break I had the absolute pleasure and privilege of attending the Marist Pilgrimage 2023. The experience saw 30 Marists from across the country spend three weeks overseas retracing the stories of the Old and New Testament in Jerusalem surrounds, the Old City, Jordan, Palestine and Bethlehem. We then followed in Marcellin’s footsteps across Rome and France. Each place and space had its own unique energy and emotion associated with it, which opened a deeper insight into my Christian faith, the Marist heart, and our spiritual stories. A pilgrimage of this nature can be experienced as the fifth Gospel, completing the spiritual understanding, and that was certainly the case for me.
Highlights of the first part of the pilgrimage included visiting the town of Magdala, where Mary Magdalene is suggested to have come from. The presence in the Chapel of the Encounter was particularly moving, as was celebrating the eucharist in Jesus’ tomb. Visiting Marcellin’s hometown and sitting at the Marist table in Lavalla were powerful experiences.
We had an audience with the Pope and enjoyed our time learning about the future Marist global intuitions with the Brothers in the Marist General House in Rome, led by Brother Ernesto Sanchez, Superior General. The pilgrims spent a week in the first official Marist home of L’Hermitage in St-Chamond, France, which felt like home away from home. The Brothers’ welcoming hospitality across the three countries was warm and inviting.
The pilgrimage was a spiritually nurturing experience that will no doubt lead to sustained friendships and significant encounters that will stay with me for life.
Singapore Immersion 6 to 13 May
ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ recognises the challenge and importance of creating resilient, global thinkers; students who are agile, collaborative, and embracing of the demands of our modern world. I am delighted the College are once again able to facilitate this Project Based Immersion in collaboration with Republic Polytechnic Singapore. We have 18 students across Years 9 and 10 who will be immersed in classes facilitated at the Polytechnic where their learning and metacognition (thinking about thinking) will be challenged. This experience will ultimately provide the participants with skills they can apply to their learning within the setting of ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ and beyond the College walls.
We wish the students and accompanying teachers a safe journey and look forward to sharing their experiences upon their return. Thank you to Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning Mrs Beth Murphy for leading the immersion and to Digital Innovator Mr Joel Kandiah, Digital Integrator Cate McKnight and teacher Adeline Hendriks for your efforts in attending the immersion.
Uniform Review and Alignment Committee – Expression of Interest
Expressions of Interest (EOI) are being sought to join the Uniform Review and Alignment Committee. By 2025 all students PK-12 will be on one site, and it is important to have alignment of our uniform. The College will therefore be auditing our current uniform items across the College. It is essential we receive EOI’s from a broad range of parents, PK-12, to form this committee. We encourage you to by Friday 12 May. The committee will be announced as soon as possible after this day.
School Photos
Please ensure students are well-groomed and ready for their Year Group’s scheduled photo days. Order envelopes with details on ordering procedures have been distributed to students. Students are required to bring their envelopes to school on their scheduled photo day, regardless of whether an order has been made.
Staffing
We welcome the following new staff to the College, Matthew Brown – Arts Technician and Joaquin Connelly – Education Assistant. And welcome back Janet March and Rosalia Testa as they return after their time away.
Catholic Performing Arts Festival
We have a very exciting performance opportunity this year and we invite our ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ Music Students Years 4 – 12 to participate.
Catholic Performing Arts Festival is an annual event which provides Year 4 – 12 students an opportunity to perform on any instrument they have been learning and be provided with feedback from a professional musician in the industry. They can perform as a soloist or duet, attached is the calendar details outlining the dates for each available section to enter. The ÐãÐãÖ±²¥ ensembles will be entered at the discretion of the ensemble director.
We have a very short timeline to enter these applications, and therefore if you would like to participate, please:
Notify your tutor and they will complete your online entry form (if you are receiving Music Tuition from ÐãÐãÖ±²¥)
OR
Email Selena Barrett or Aleisha Dows our Music administrator, by Tuesday May 2ndÌýwith the following details:
Solo Performers Name
Teachers Name
Teachers Email
Student Year Levels
Item Name
Item Duration (MM:SS)
Item Composer/Arranger
We encourage all students from Years 4 – 12 to participate, as it is a wonderful opportunity to grow and develop as a performer. Click here for a draft calendar.
