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ֱ News Term 2 Week 2 : From the Principal

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to Term 2.

We were delighted to have been able to resume our teaching and learning program on Monday following the lockdown of the Perth and Peel Regions and we look forward to the further relaxation of restrictions this weekend. I take this opportunity to thank all students for their respect of and adherence to restrictions this week. They have been very accepting of switching to online events in some instances.

Thank you also to families for supporting the College in the implementation of restrictions and having your children well prepared. It was unfortunate that some events had to be cancelled (hopefully postponed) and others switched to online formats. We are most fortunate to have the technical expertise at ֱ enabling us to pivot to online events at such short notice. Please click here to view the ֱ Covid page

ANZAC Events

One of the highlights of our first two weeks back at school was the observance and acknowledgement of Anzac Day. I attended all three ceremonies across the College, all of which marked the significant sacrifice that others have given, and continue to give, so that we may live out our lives in freedom and opportunity. All students showed a high level of respect and attention for such a solemn occasion.

At the Principal’s assembly on Wednesday, we had the pleasure of hearing from Mr Robert Wilton, retired serviceman for both the British & Australian Military Forces. He spoke about the impact of his service on his life and, in particular, his ‘daily renewable contract’.

Following Robert, during the Principal’s Address, I reiterated how our ceremony encapsulated his message. We have so much to be grateful and thankful for and it is this grace that it is incumbent on us to make the most of what we have. The term ahead is full of opportunity. Learning is such a gift – how we use it determines our success.

I put to the students – “Who do you want be?”

At ֱ we have a vision that frames the canvas of what is possible: Shine Through Discovery – Let Your Light Shine. What is your light? How will it shine?

Take every opportunity this term to be the best person God intends you to be in whatever pursuit you endeavour. Let us be mindful of those around the world who are suffering at this moment. Let us keep them in our prayers. (Please click here to read the Principal’s Address in full.)

Further information about our three Anzac Day ceremonies (Early Childhood, Primary and Secondary) can be found in other parts of this Newsletter

Year 6 Camp

We were fortunate to have been able to go ahead with the Year 6 Camp this week, albeit with relevant restrictions put in place by Forest Edge Recreation Camp. I visited the Camp last evening and the enjoyment and high spirits of the students was evident. I thank the Year 6 teachers for ensuring this very important event continued, even with the COVID restrictions in place.

ֱ Parents Consultative Committee (NPCC)

We warmly welcome all families to attend our first NPCC meeting of the year on Monday 10 May.

Featured on the meeting agenda will be an overview of our Annual School Improvement Plan for 2021 with a presentation from our Gifted and Talented Teacher K-10, Ms Lara Ognenis.

Lara will speak about our Strategic Intent for this year “To develop extension learning pathways that enhance the opportunities for gifted and talented students.” The strategies we have put in place to enable the College to achieve this intent are:

  • Implementation of a K-10 GATE program utilsing contemporary, evidence-based practices
  • Upskill teaching staff on strategies to extend gifted and talented students within mainstream classrooms.
  • Explore external and internal opportunities (competitions, programs, electives) that enable ֱ students to be challenged academically at a state and national level.

I look forward to seeing you there.

 

We look forward to the term ahead.

John Finneran
PRINCIPAL

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

Highlights from past two weeks 

New Staff

We wish to welcome Ms Sarah Francia to our College Community. Ms Francia is the classroom teacher for Year 1 Red. Jordan Day-Perkins returns this term as the Year 1 Red Classroom teacher. We hope you will join with us in making them feel welcomed and supported.

ANZAC Assembly

Year 2 Blue students and staff led us in our ANZAC Prayer Assembly last Wednesday. Thank you to Naomi Shepherd for coming to share her story with us. Staff and students were enthralled with her reflection of her contribution of service, past and present, that she has given to the Armed Forces.

Important Information for the next two weeks

Photo Day

A reminder to all families that our photo day is on Friday 14 May. It is very important that all students attend wearing the correct uniform on this day. Years 1 and 2 must wear full winter uniform, Pre-Primary students must wear full PE uniform.

We hope that all students can be present at school this day, as school photos often become a treasured memory that are looked upon with great fondness and affection in the years to come.

Mother’s Day

As part of the Business and Enterprise Program, Education Support Students will be creating a Mother’s Day stall selling items they have created and made, on Friday 7 May from 8.00am. These items make beautiful gifts and is a great opportunity to buy that special little something for Sunday.

We encourage all families to join us for our Mother’s Day Liturgy on Thursday 6 May at St Cecilia’s Church from 9:00am, presented by Year 1.

Family Fun Friday

Activities will recommence on Friday 7 May. We encourage parents to participate in this initiate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ֱ News Term 2 Week 2 – Latest Sport News

Champagnat Cup

This year ֱ will be hosting Bunbury Catholic College and St Josephs Northam on Friday week 3 for the Champagnat Cup. This is a tri-school competition across Marist Netball, Marist Basketball boys and the First XVIII football team. ֱ currently hold the Champagnat Cup after being undefeated last year. All students are invited to spectate the games during recess and lunch. Good luck to all players and coaches involved.

Friday Night Lights

Friday 7th May is Friday Night Lights at Shenton College. This is a tri-school competition for our Marist Boys and Girls Basketball. Schools involved are ֱ, Churchlands SHS and Shenton College. Games start at 5pm in the Shenton College gym. Food trucks will be available from 5pm so it is a great excuse for the whole family to come down, have some dinner and support our players. It would be great to have a big presence of support from ֱ. Good luck to all players and coaches.

ֱ Sienna Netball Club

This Saturday the ֱ Sienna Netball Club begins its 2021 season and for the first time in the Club’s history we will be represented in the Years 9-12 competition Division 1.

It’s been many years in the making to have players of this quality represent our Club at the highest level and we believe that with our depth of talent we can be here competing against the best players in the Association for years to come.

The team is as follows:-

  • Adelaide Berry                                 (ֱ)
  • Charlotte Gale                                  (Churchlands SHS)
  • Amber Grover                                  (ֱ)
  • Ellie Jones                                           (ֱ)
  • Sarena Kriletich                                (ֱ)
  • Saoirse Larkin                                    (ֱ)
  • Tayla Sadgrove                                 (ֱ)
  • Jasmine Stewart                              (Churchlands SHS)
  • Ashleigh Warner                              (ֱ)

Coach: Natasha Kriletich               (ֱ Staff)

The Club is extremely proud of this group’s achievement and wish them all the very best for their season opener on Saturday 1st May @ Mathews Netball Centre.

 

ֱ News Term 2 Week 2: From the Leader of Primary

Highlights from past two weeks 

Dear families ,

It is a great pleasure to welcome everyone back to what promises to be a very busy and exciting term for our students. The holiday break often gives us time to pause and reflect on the term that has just been, and to renew our focus and energy for the year ahead. I am very proud of the way students have started this year, and the positive way our boys and girls are seeking to make a difference in both their own lives, and even more importantly, those around them. I hope that every student can build on their positive start to the year this term, as we encounter several events including NAPLAN, Year 6 camp, and reporting. We will continue to gather as a school community each morning to begin our day, with a focus on ‘doing the little things right’ while being mindful of the small but positive ways we can all impact each other.

New Staff

I hope everyone in our community will join me in welcoming Natasha De Gois to our College this term. Natasha joins us from Mercy College where she taught in Year Four. Natasha will be teaching in the 5 Blue classroom Wednesday – Friday.

We also welcome to our campus Miss Katya Anderson. Many families will already know Miss Anderson from their time at Marian campus, however in her new role of Leader of Learning PK-6, Miss Anderson will also have presence at Lavalla.  She is very much looking forward to connecting with all her previous students who are now that little bit older and working with our teachers to create wonderful learning opportunities for all our children across the school. We are very lucky to have someone of her knowledge and expertise as part of our team.

Finally, we also welcome two pre-service teachers to our campus this term – Lachlan Howard who will be working with Miss Sankar in 5 Green, and Imogen Crostella who will be working with Mrs Fitzpatrick in 4 Blue. We hope you will join us in making our new staff feel very welcome.

Assembly

Last Friday we were treated to a very entertaining assembly item from 4 Red, who used ‘The Amazing Race’ to share with us some of the things they have been working on in class, especially their Writing. We also acknowledged those students who have started the term in a very positive manner, presenting several merit certificates to students across all year groups. We also recognised the efforts of some of our Year 6 students who achieved great results in the recent Solar Car challenge as part of the Gifted and Talented program. Congratulations to all students who have made a positive start to the term!

ֱ Lavalla

Marcellin Award

Hamish Macgregor (Year 5) was the recipient of our first Marcellin Award for Term Two. I was very proud to present Hamish with his award as his positive actions to begin the term have not only had a positive impact on our community, but he has also set a fine example for others. Hamish has been instrumental in these first weeks of school in welcoming one of our new students to the College; sitting with him, offering him support in class, and just being that welcoming face that new students hope to find in every school. Hamish, you truly embody the Marist charism of Family Spirit through your actions, and the example you have set is one that we can all learn from. We are very proud to call you a ֱ student!

Year 6 Camp

We were very lucky that the recent lockdown and resulting COVID restrictions did not impact our Year 6 Camp. Students have had a great time on camp this week where they took part in several challenging and fun activities designed to build confidence and teamwork. Students have been able to try their hand at abseiling, target shooting, crate climbs, and kayaking, among other things. One of the major themes of the camp has been positive thinking and the impact thinking positively and acting positively can have on both ourselves and each other. It is very pleasing to see students take this message to heart and to see them supporting and encouraging each other. We are sure they all had a great time! We owe a big thanks to our Year 6 teachers for their hard work in organising camp, as well as those staff who gave up time with their families to be with our students this week.

Year 5 Maker’s Market 

This week, students in Year 5 ran an event in school called the Maker’s Market. A recount of this event and the learning that preceded it is provided below from Cooper, Zac, and Ella in Year Five.

Firstly, we discussed the meaning of supply and demand. We also had to get into groups of four or five and choose a product to create. Next, we made prototypes of our product to look at what worked and what didn’t. Then we went around to classes to see what people would like to buy by doing a survey. On the 27th of April we did a Market day in which we raised $1003.70. The day was not only good for charity, but it also taught us how to read the market and how to advertise our products. At 8:20am we opened the doors to the multipurpose room, where we had people queuing from 8:00am. We estimated around 80-100 kids took part just in the morning. Two groups sold out completely before recess and most other groups sold all their products by the end of recess. By the end of the day many people walked away happy with their experience and purchase. We are really grateful to everyone who took part and supported our market.

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One of the things that really makes me proud as a school leader is seeing our students dressed smartly and taking pride in their appearance. There are many students who wear their uniform with great pride and consistency, and I would like to thank these students and their families for their commitment to our College uniform. Wearing the school uniform with pride demonstrates a willingness and commitment to our College and it is wonderful that so many families are supportive of this. This term we transition to our Winter Uniform, the requirements for which can be found. I would also like to thank those students and families who consistently uphold the College’s grooming standards.

ֱ Uniform

Curriculum Letters  

Last week families received a Curriculum Letter from their teachers. This contains information about what students will be learning this term, as well as some of the important events that will be occurring across each unit. I encourage any parents with questions about the term ahead to read the letter and be in touch with your child’s classroom teacher. On behalf of all staff, I can say we are looking forward to a very busy and productive term ahead.

Important information for next two weeks 

Year 5 & 6 Art Extension AIR program  

This term we have been lucky enough to secure Abby Telfer as an Artist for the Artist in Residence program for the Lavalla Art Extension Students. Students will be working closely with Abby for three weeks to gain an understanding of different approaches, skills, and application techniques within Textile Design. Students will be working towards creating an original design to decorate and embellish their own canvas sneakers. This week marked the beginning of the project; students immersing themselves in image research to create a digital mood board for their sneaker design. We look forward to sharing updates over the term!

Arts Club 

This week saw the introduction of an Arts lunchtime club to our campus. This is a student led initiative, and I would like to acknowledge the efforts of some of our Year 6 girls for their passion and energy in getting this club up and running. Well done to Antonia, Abby, Ava, Bailey, and Eva! Students worked this week painting rocks, and next week our Year 6 girls will be leading the group in creating a Mother’s Day piece of craft. We often speak about student leadership at our morning gatherings, and this is the perfect example. Leadership is not reserved for only those with a badge, it is within the grasp of anyone who simply wants to make a difference in their community. I applaud these girls for their initiative and the contributions they are bringing to our campus. A big thanks to our Art Specialist, Amy Farrell, who is also supporting the club through her presence and guidance.

Photo Day

A reminder to all families that our photo day is on Friday 7 May. It is very important that all students attend wearing the correct winter uniform on this day. We hope that all students can be present at school this day, as school photos often become a treasured memory that are looked upon with great fondness and affection in the years to come.

Liturgies & Retreats

Our Year 3 students will be celebrating a liturgy for their unit on Wednesday 12 May in the Champagnat Chapel at 9.00am. We hope to be able to invite families of Year 3 students to attend and will keep families informed of the latest COVID restrictions. On Friday 14 May, our Year 4 students will take part in a retreat as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Eucharist. Please keep these students in your thoughts and prayers during this important time of preparation.

 

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

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Our Marist Youth Ministry Program, Gamechangers, across Year 7-12 has begun gathering again in Term 2. Our Year 10 and Year 11 groups have had the opportunity to gather at St Joseph’s Subiaco to take part in a reflection day that focus’ on the themes relevant to the groups.

ֱ Gamechangers

Sacramental Retreats 

Our Year 3 students gathered in the Marist Auditorium to participate in their Reconciliation Sacramental retreat. This experience helps to prepare them for their upcoming sacrament and further helps their understanding of forgiveness and mercy. Thanks to 24/7 Youth Ministry for facilitating the day and to Jane Short and the classroom teachers for preparing the students.

Thursday Community Mass  

Our week 2 Thursday Community Mass was cancelled due to Covid restrictions. We look forward to welcoming staff, students and families back to our Champagnat Chapel in Week 3, Thursday 6 May at 8.10am to celebrate.

Week 3 Mass is hosted by Thomas More Guild and Year 5 students. Week 4 Mass will be hosted by Brigid Guild and Year 6 students. Hosting students are expected to attend.