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ֱ News Term 2 Week 11: From the Leader of Primary

This week our semester one reports will be released to families via SEQTA. There is a lot of time and effort that goes into preparing student reports, and I hope families can take some time over the holiday break to discuss the report with their child, and even set some goals or areas of focus for next semester. If I could, I would especially encourage parents to look at the ‘effort’ mark in the report as well as the values on the final page. This is the indicator of how much your child is working to their potential, and for many students, can often mean more than a letter grade. It is in indication of the effort, commitment, and attitude they have towards their learning – things that will matter long after the C’s & B’s are forgotten.

I will never forget in my first year of teaching in Kalgoorlie, a time when I was sitting with a family who opened their child’s report. After a quick scan of the letter grades, they quickly admonished their child for not doing better – a child who, although had struggled at times, had always given his best in class. While I am sure this came from a place of love and only wanting their child to succeed, it was heartbreaking to see all the hard work and efforts of this boy evaporate in a single moment. I really hope that families can find something to celebrate for their child this semester – to find something they are proud of and to be able to celebrate that pride and achievement with their child. Sometimes we need to remember that there are many ways children can let their light shine, and it is our job to try and see that too. Once you have celebrated, you can focus on the goals or areas for improvement – seeking to encourage our children to be the best learners and young people they can be.

I would like to thank all students for their efforts in the classroom this semester, and wish them all a safe, relaxing, and restful break.

Highlights from Past Two Weeks

Speak Up Awards 

Last week, students across the campus gathered in the hall to observe the six amazing finalists in our Speak Up Awards competition. Students in Year 5 and 6 have been hard at work this term devising four-minute speeches with the purpose to inform, entertain, or persuade an audience. Students delivered these speeches in their classes, and for some students, again in front of their year level. Six students were then selected across both year group to compete in the final. A big congratulations must go to Thomas Van, Hamish MacGregor, Isabella Crisona, Liam White, Annabelle Adamini, and Harry Dolan for all their hard work and efforts in taking part.

Three students were awarded places on the day and will head through to the next round of the competition where they will compete against other schools. Congratulations to Harry, Isabella, and Liam on their success and we wish them all the best as the move forward into the next round of the competition!

Cross Country 

Last Friday we were blessed with beautiful weather for our Cross-Country carnival. Students raced with great enthusiasm, and it was so pleasing to see so many students encouraging of on another. There were some fantastic displays if athletic ability on the day, and we were grateful to be able to welcome our parent community to attend too. Our winner of the Cross Country Carnival will be announced at our first assembly in Term 3. In the meantime, I hope you will join me in congratulating our age champions and runners up!

Year 3 boys

  • 1st place: David Van der Walt
  • 2nd place: Julian Cameron
  • 3rd place: Hunter Bailey

Year 3 girls 

  • 1st place: Demi Boyce
  • 2nd place: Amelie Santoro
  • 3rd place: Amelia Scott

Year 4 boys

  • 1st place: Stefan Moschopoulos
  • 2nd place: Otis Keane
  • 3rd place: Austin Cumberworth

Year 4 girls 

  • 1st place: Allegra Clark
  • 2nd place: Jessica Avins
  • 3rd place: Layla Bornmann

Year 5 boys 

  • 1st place: Luke Rombouts
  • 2nd place: Dylan Hookway
  • 3rd place: TBA

Year 5 girls 

  • 1st place: Kaydee Van Deventer
  • 2nd place: Annabelle Adamini
  • 3rd place: Livia Bogdanov

Year 6 boys

  • 1st place: Jaspar Martin-Booth
  • 2nd place: Liam Murphy
  • 3rd place: Xavier Dunstan

Year 6 girls 

  • 1st place: Clancy Boss
  • 2nd place: Chloe Rear
  • 3rd place: Madelyn Bertolini

 

Reports

Please see update regarding reports from our Vice Principal here.

Important Information For The Next Two Weeks

Parent Teacher Interviews 

Just a reminder to all families that our Parent-Teacher interviews will take place on Tuesday 20 July. The interviews are 3-way interviews and your child is invited to attend. These interviews are a valuable part of the collaboration process between teachers and families, and we encourage all parents to be in touch with their teachers. Students will return to school on Wednesday 21 July to commence Term 3.

Grooming & Uniform 

At the beginning of this term, I spoke about the importance of wearing our uniform correctly and students being appropriately groomed coming to school, especially when it comes to our haircuts. I have since noticed around the school there are some very smartly dressed and well-groomed young men and women on our campus! I would like to extend my thanks to these students and their families for their support of our community, and to others who have been making an effort to wear their uniform with pride each day. With school holidays approaching, it is a good time to remind our boys especially of the standards for haircuts. Students returning to school in Term 3 must make sure that:

  • hairstyles must be clean, neat and tidy
  • hair should not be long enough that the fringe falls over the eyebrows
  • hair should be of a consistent length all over (eg no undercuts, no long sweeps) 
  • hair must be of blade length number 3 or longer
  • extreme hair styles and extreme changes of hair colour are unacceptable.

We really appreciate the support of students and families in helping to create a consistent, smart, and professional look for our school community.

UWA Research Project

The University of Western Australia (UWA) has an exciting opportunity for ֱ to participate in research.

The overall aim of the research project is to examine first impressions towards children with and without autism to better understand the social experiences of children and help understand the stigma towards children on the autism spectrum. Experiencing social rejection at an early age can be very difficult for children, and research suggests that one factor that may impact children’s social lives are first impressions.

First impressions can influence how we respond to unfamiliar people, and so understanding the factors that impact how first impressions are formed can be very valuable information in developing programs that foster social inclusivity. This study also investigates how adults form impressions of children because adults who work with children, such as parents and teachers, can have great influence on children’s social decisions.

The project encourages children to learn about first impressions with the message of inclusivity and acceptance of other children’s differences.

At this stage, they are inviting parents and their children aged 6-11 years to participate in this study and would appreciate any help from ֱ families on this project. The results of this current study will be used to inform the design of a later study involving children who are on the autism spectrum.

If you and your child are interested in participating, please follow this link to provide your consent and answer some questions regarding your child’s development:

The link will also provide you with further information and guidance on how you and your child may participate in this exciting project.

ֱ News Term 2 Week 11: From the Leader of Early Childhood

Highlights from Past Two Weeks 

After a long 11-week term, that ended with the restrictions of lockdown, I would like to congratulate all our Marian students on their efforts and attitude. It truly is a delight to come to work each day and be greeted by happy, smiling children. The very best part of my job is connecting with children, and I love hearing their stories and their successes.

There will be lots of successes to celebrate in the Semester 1 reports, and I urge you to discuss your child’s report with them. Research tells us that children are more likely to succeed when they clearly understand their learning expectations and when their parents take an active part in their learning journey. Perhaps you could ask your child what they think their greatest success has been this year? And what goal they would like to set themselves for the remainder of the year? This can form the basis of regular talking points, as they continue to learn and grow across 2021.

Year 2 Liturgy 

Thank you to our Year 2 students and teachers for the beautiful liturgy that they prepared around the topic of Prayer. The children all sung enthusiastically and participated very reverently.

Pyjama Day 

To end the term, students and teachers were very eager to head to school in their pyjamas today! I know it was lovely to snuggle up in ugg boots and cosy clothing during this particularly cold weather. Hopefully, these holidays bring plenty more pyjama days for children and their families.

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For more information regarding report please click here.

Important Information For The Next Two Weeks

Parent / Teacher Interviews 

Families will have received communication on Wednesday regarding the Parent / Teacher interviews, which are scheduled for Tuesday 20 July. These interviews are not compulsory and provide families with a formal opportunity to meet with their children’s teachers and discuss any concerns that they might have.

At the Marian Campus, we ask that parents attend the meeting without their children so teachers are free to discuss any concerns that they might have with the parents.

MercyCare School Holiday Program 

To register your inetrest in Mercy Care’s School Holiday Program for ֱ Students please

Pre-Primary Drop-Off Process 

From the commencement of Term 3, Pre-Primary students will undertake a new before-school routine. This new routine will allow our Pre-Primary students to participate in the weekly Prayer Assemblies that are held each Wednesday morning, and help to prepare them for their transition into Year 1.

The new routine requires Pre-Primary children to line up in the undercover area on the marked red lines when the morning bell sounds at 8.45am. The school gate is open from 8.20am for access to the Campus and children are welcome to play on the playground and oval before school, but Pre-Primary students must be actively supervised by their parents/guardians until the morning bell.

When the morning bell sounds at 8.45am, we ask that you assist your child to line up in the undercover area with their school bag and await the arrival of their classroom teacher, who will accompany them to the classroom.

If you have any further questions regarding this new process, please speak to your child’s classroom teacher.

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I ask parents to please ensure that their child is dropped and collected from school punctually.

Students should be on school grounds prior to the morning bell at 8.45am, so that they can enter the classroom at the start of the day with their classroom teacher. When children arrive late to class, this can be very disruptive to the teacher and upsetting for the child who will often have missed key information about their learning.

Likewise, we ask parents to collect their child promptly at the end of the school day. Pre-Kindy collection is at 2.45pm and Kindy – Year 2 students finish at 3.00pm.

If you anticipate that you are going to be late to collect your child, we ask that you call the Marian Campus office on 9387 9900, so that we can notify your child and their teacher. This prevents unnecessary stress for your child.

UWA Research Project

The University of Western Australia (UWA) has an exciting opportunity for ֱ to participate in research.

The overall aim of the research project is to examine first impressions towards children with and without autism to better understand the social experiences of children and help understand the stigma towards children on the autism spectrum. Experiencing social rejection at an early age can be very difficult for children, and research suggests that one factor that may impact children’s social lives are first impressions.

First impressions can influence how we respond to unfamiliar people, and so understanding the factors that impact how first impressions are formed can be very valuable information in developing programs that foster social inclusivity. This study also investigates how adults form impressions of children because adults who work with children, such as parents and teachers, can have great influence on children’s social decisions.

The project encourages children to learn about first impressions with the message of inclusivity and acceptance of other children’s differences.

At this stage, they are inviting parents and their children aged 6-11 years to participate in this study and would appreciate any help from ֱ families on this project. The results of this current study will be used to inform the design of a later study involving children who are on the autism spectrum.

If you and your child are interested in participating, please follow this link to provide your consent and answer some questions regarding your child’s development:

The link will also provide you with further information and guidance on how you and your child may participate in this exciting project.

ֱ News Term 2 Week 11: From the Leader of Mission and Catholic Identity

Vision for Mission: to form “Good Christians and Good Citizens”. 

This term we have launched our Vision for Mission, in line with our Vision for Learning and Strategic Directions. These documents underpin the way our school seeks “to make Jesus Christ known and loved” in our community. All of us have a role to play in bringing College’s vision to fruition, staff, students and families. As we are about to enter the school holiday period, quite possibly with a lockdown, I encourage all families to consider our Marist characteristics of ‘Family Spirit’ & ‘Presence’. This means to take time to reflect on the things in our lives that are most important, our relationships with God, ourselves, creation and one another. It is a good reminder to consider those who are vulnerable and less fortunate that us, to evaluate how we can continue to put others before ourselves.

 

With everything we have achieved this term, through our fundraising and advocacy, I would like to say thank you to our staff, students and families for their generosity and compassion. We look forward to continuing our support for our different agencies in Semester Two.

Thursday morning Community Mass 

Our Thursday morning community Mass is the perfect way to begin your Thursday. Each week a different Guild and primary Year group will lead the celebration with one of our local priests who support of College. All families and students are invited to attend this weekly celebration. We return to Thursday morning Mass in Week 1 of Term 3.

St Vincent de Paul Winter Sleepout & Blanket Appeal 2021 

From Monday 19 July to Friday 6 August, in the lead up to our Winter Sleepout, we are asking students to donate a blanket for the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal. Your donation can help provide blankets and warm clothing for a family experiencing homelessness. Large collection baskets will be located in the entrance of the Chapel.

On Friday 6 August students in Year 7 – 12 are invited to participate in the St Vincent de Paul Winter Sleepout. A parent information letter and expression of interest form will be sent out at the beginning of Term 3. Please return the expression of interest form if your child would like to participate to Hannah Parker, Leader of Youth Ministry and Advocacy, by Friday the 30th of July. 

St Vincent de Paul stores in Western Australia are facing a shortage of winter clothing for the neediest in our community. In support of Vinnies, we remind families that any warm clothing they have can be donated to their local Winnies store.

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The Gamechangers meeting time for students in Year 7 and 8 will change to Tuesday from 3.30pm – 4.30pm every fortnight. This allows our Gamechangers groups from Year 7 – 12 to come together for their meetings and foster a sense of ‘Family Spirit’, peer mentoring and leadership. If you have any concerns please contact Hannah Parker, Leader of Youth Ministry and Advocacy, at ᲹԲԲ.貹Աɳ.ɲ...

ֱ News Term 2 Week 11: From the Vice Principal

Term 3 Dates 

Monday 19 July Pupil Free Day – COLLEGE CLOSED (Staff Faith Formation PL)
Tuesday 20 July K-12 Parent/Teacher/Student Interview Day
Wednesday 21 July PK-12 Student return
Friday 13 August Pupil Free Day – COLLEGE CLOSED (Staff PL)
Monday 16 August Pupil Free Day – COLLEGE CLOSED (CEWA Faith Day)
Thursday 23 September Y12 last day
Friday 24 September END OF TERM 3

Student Leadership 

Last Friday our student leaders in Year 6 gathered for breakfast with our Year 12 leaders. We used this opportunity to connect with each other and deliver a leadership workshop on ‘Knowing your values’. Students all know that part of leadership is being able to understand, relate, and lead others, but another key component is being able to understand ourselves, and the things that drive our thoughts and actions. Students were able to gain an understanding of what it means to have values and took part in an exercise that allowed to better understand those values that are important to them. The workshop was received well by students, and we are looking forward to our next one in Term 3 already!

Staff Professional Learning 

All staff will participate in Faith Formation Professional Learning on Monday 19 July and Parent Teacher Interviews on Tuesday 20 July. I extend my thanks to staff for their professionalism in preparing for these important professional learning and parent engagement opportunities.

Return to School – Term 3 

Students in PK to Year 12 will return to the College on Wednesday 21 July.  Please ensure that all students adhere to College uniform and grooming expectations from the first day. Thank you in advance for your support.

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All PK to Year 9 and Years 11 and 12 reports will be available to access via SEQTA Engage on Friday 2 July by 5.00pm.  Year 10 reports went live two weeks ago. Please find the SEQTA login instructions below.

SEQTA Login 
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Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews

The College will host Parent Teacher Interviews for  all students K-12 on Tuesday 20 July from 10.00am – 7.30pm.  

Primary interviews will take place in classrooms and Secondary interviews will take place in the Marist Auditorium.

  • Students from Years 3 to 12 are required to attend the interviews, they do not need to be in College uniform
  • Marian students are not required to attend the interviews

Download PTO Parent Instructions

Year 11 Dinner Dance

In light of the COVID lockdown this week, the College had to postpone our Year 11 Dinner Dance and Leadership Day. We have secured a new booking with AQUA for Friday of the first week back, 23 July. It is anticipated that students will engage in the leadership workshop at school during the day, will leave early and will then attend their Dinner Dance that evening. Attendance at the Dinner Dance is dependent upon attendance at the leadership workshop. Further information will be provided by the Leader of Wellbeing.

Urgent: Enrolment of Siblings 

A reminder that all parents are required to submit enrolment applications for siblings who wish to attend ֱ.  The College does not hold records of siblings unless the families have submitted applications for each sibling. If you have not already done so, please submit sibling applications as soon as possible, especially if a sibling is hoping to commence at ֱ Kindergarten or Year 7 in 2022 and 2023.

ֱ Parents Consultative Committee Meeting Term 3 

The next meeting is being held on Monday 9 August, 7.00pm in the Auditorium Studios.

The NPCC meetings, convened by the Principal and attended by various members of the College Leadership Team, is a representative group, voice and forum to gain insight into our school improvement plan and to discuss school concerns. The NPCC serves to help advance the best interests of those within our College Community. Whilst policy is determined and set by the College Executive and supported by the Advisory Council, the NPCC is a critically important group in providing input and feedback.

Start of Term 3

The College will have limited administration support on the Monday and Tuesday pupil free days of Week One next term. All enquiries need to come through the Marcellin Campus; our Administrative Staff are undertaking professional learning on both days.

Should a situation develop that forces the College to deliver remote learning to our students, we are well-placed to move into that space. Should this be the case, the College will contact families in advance of the return to school date for students.

Staffing Changes

Our Principal Mr Finneran has taken long service leave for the first half of Term 3. We also have several staff members taking long service leave and moving into promotional positions next term. A summary of these changes is provided below. Ms Jamie Pedler and Ms Ruth Ross are leaving our community this term to pursue opportunities in St George’s Anglican Grammar School and Mater Dei College, respectively. We would like to thank Ms Pedler for her significant contribution to the College in the areas of Health and Physical Education and Guild Coordination and Ms Ross for her contribution in Student Services. We wish them both the very best for their new challenges.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ms Yvette Pearce for her leadership of Year 11 over the first Semester and for her commitment to our students and the College. Ms Pearce has opted to focus on her teaching career and will therefore continue at the College as a teacher, across several learning areas.

Leaving

  • Jamie Pedler: HPE Teacher
  • Ruth Ross: Student Services Administration

Long Service Leave 

  • Lucy Zambonetti- Year 5 Teacher Term 3 and 4
  • Stella Northey – Early Learning Sports Teacher Term 3 and 4
  • John Spriggins – Physics Teacher Term 3 and 4
  • Allison McCartan – Leader of Learning Diversity Term 3
  • Gill Kennedy – Education Assistant Diversity Education Term 3
  • Cathy Benedetto – Canteen Assistant Term 3 and 4
  • Duncan Pugh – Health and Physical Education Teacher Term 3
  • Ann Joyce – Canteen Assistant Term 3
  • John Finneran – Principal first five weeks of Term 3

New Staff

  • Melissa Heaver – Year 5 Teacher Term 3 and 4
  • Lara Vlahov – Early Learning Sports Teacher Term 3 and 4
  • Joe Ricciardone – Physics Teacher Term 3 and 4

Promotional Positions

  • Simon Martino – Acting Vice Principal (5 Weeks Term 3)
  • Mathew Puljiz – Acting Leader of Wellbeing Year 11
  • Sarah Pagett – Acting Leader of Learning Diversity Education
  • Cristina Guzzomi – Student and Guild Leadership
  • Michael Sullivan – Guild Coordinator Thomas More
  • Aleisha Crump – Guild Coordinator Brigid
  • Hannah Parker – Leader of Ministry and Catholic Identity Secondary (5 Weeks Term 3)
  • Jane Short – Leader of Ministry and Catholic Identity Primary (5 Weeks Term 3)

Code of Conduct

The Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum is a program that spans from 3 years up to Year 12.  Our College delivers this curriculum during classroom teaching, and through the Wellbeing Programs and Health curriculum.

As a Catholic community we are committed to educating the whole person. In order to do this, we need to ensure a safe, supportive and engaging environment. The basis for this environment is that all in the community model what healthy, respectful relationships look like. The Code of Conduct is the definitive guide to the behaviours we want to model to, and expect from, our children and young people. We want to create a culture that assists our children and young people on their learning journey. We can only achieve such a culture in partnership with all who participate in our community. The Keeping Safe Child Protection curriculum is a program that spans from 3 years up to Year 12.  Our College delivers this curriculum during classroom teaching, and through the Wellbeing Programs and Health curriculum.

A reminder to all families that the Code of Conduct can be accessed via the College website. The Code is mandated by Catholic Education Western Australia and the application of the code extends to all staff, students, parents, guardians, caregivers and volunteers.

Any perceived breaches of the Code can be discussed with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. As always, if students ever need support, they are encouraged to contact their Leader of Wellbeing, a College psychologist, Counsellor or classroom teacher.

The Code seeks to value the dignity of every person, foster positive relationships, ensure confidentiality and accountability and supports professional boundaries. Events held during school hours, and those College associated events outside of school hours are also supported by the Code of Conduct. Additionally, postings on social media platforms that identify the College or College events are bound by the Code of Conduct. We thank you in advance for your understanding and look forward to a positive partnership that supports our students, your children.

Director of Mission and Catholic Identity – Champagnat Day

Champagnat Day 

This significant day in the life of the College, celebrates our Marist Charism and seeks to raise funds for Australian Marist Solidarity. I am pleased to announce the generosity of our staff, students and families allowed us to raise over $12000. This money will be used to support the Kuya Centre for Street Children in the Philippines, a place where pre-covid we would take a group of Year 11 students on immersion.

The Champagnat Day celebrations at ֱ began with Mass celebrated by Fr Garner in the Gym for Years 7 – 12 and in the Marist Auditorium for Kindy – Year 6 with Fr Kaz. During the celebrations our Champagnat Award winners for Year 7 – 12 were announced. We congratulate the following students;

We also celebrated staff who have served in Marist Education for significant periods of their career.  Thank you to the follow staff for your continued contribution to the lives of our students and staff here at ֱ;

Following Mass our students from primary participated in a range of activities that centred on learning more about the Marist story. Students were able to enjoy a sausage sizzle, animal farm and bouncy castles. Secondary students participated in a range of Fete activities and had a selection of delicious food stalls. Secondary students finished the day with a display of talent in the form of ‘battle of the bands’.

I loved Champagnat Day because we met our buddies for the first time. My buddy was lovely and showed me how to make a St Marcellin puppet and we made a ‘Stop Motion’ video about St Marcellin. I loved playing handball with my buddy, visiting the animal farm and having a hotdog for lunch. 
Harrison Keller – Year 2 Blue

It was finally Marcellin Champagnat Day! We started the day meeting our buddies and then we walked to Mass, we loved singing songs together. We had a great time getting to know our buddies and made posters and puppets about St Marcellin Champagnat. In the afternoon we were lucky to have a go on big inflatable slides. It was sad to say goodbye at the end of the day but we had the time of our life. 
Annabelle Adamini, Emersyn Duck – Year 5 Green

Last Friday the college hosted the annual Champagnat Day. The day began with a Mass where we all had time to reflect and celebrate the school’s patron saint, Marcellin Champagnat. Following this we were given time to relax with our peers. We were free to purchase a variety of food and listen to the live band. On the oval there were many stalls and games set up where students were played games such as; laser tag or live fuse-ball. Finally following these activities there was a talent show where students from the school let their light shine and we all got to listen to some amazing performances. Overall, this was an amazing day on our school calendar! 
Year 11 Students

The day was a resounding success. Many thanks to our families for their support of our fundraising and our staff and students for the spirit in which they participated. The day reminds us of the importance of our Marist characteristics of Family Spirit and Presence. It is through days like this that students foster positive relationships with their peers and staff. We pray that the Charism of Champagnat to make Jesus Christ known and loved continues to be the foundation for our students at ֱ as we seek to form “good Christians and good citizens”.

Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat 

The Marist Association is a group of people who choose to commit to actively living the Marist charism. We meet several times throughout the year for formation and the Eucharist at St Joseph’s Parish. The group is made up of teachers and people who have an affiliation to Marist life.

On Sunday 6 June, members of the Marist Association of St Marcellin Champagnat gathered to celebrate the Eucharist at St Joseph’s Parish in Subiaco. As a group we came together to pray and renew our commitment to the Marist charism and build our Family Spirit. We also welcomed new members to the Association.  It was a wonderful evening celebrating our Marist connection and story.