Dear Parents and Caregivers
As we move through the season of Lent, we can use this time to reflect upon God’s love for us. Divine love is received by surrender instead of any performance principle whatsoever. Divine love is a love that operates in an unqualified way, without making distinctions between people. I once heard a priest ask the question, “What if we are already saved?” Simple question, but quite profound if you spend time thinking about it as we are so conditioned into thinking that we have to earn God’s love.
Empathy Reflection I think we all have empathy. However, we may not have the courage to display it.
Student Free Day Friday 1 March This Friday, our whole staff will be starting a professional development journey which will continue over the next 12 months where we participate in a course known as the Berry Street Education Model. This course is a trauma informed programme which equips everyone with best practices when dealing with students who encounter trauma in their lives. Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more students dealing with the devastating effects of trauma in their lives, which can have serious mental health implications for years to come. We will be teaming up with the staff at St Brigid’s in Middle Swan as we embark upon this really important journey. Therefore, the school will be closed on this date. As a bonus for the students, Monday 4 March is a public holiday so they get a nice mid term break. School resumes on Tuesday 5 March for all staff and students.
Mary Mac Swimming Carnival Our annual carnival for the students in Years 4-6 will be held at Bayswater Waves on Friday 8 March from around 9.30am to 1.15pm. Mr Boyce will be sending out all the details in advance, so please feel free to come along and support our swimmers. It is always a fun day, and our best swimmers will get selected to represent our school at the interschool carnival in May. We may need some help from parents on the day, so please let Mr Boyce know if you are available.
NAPLAN The annual tests will be held in our classrooms for the Year 3 and Year 5 students between 13 and 25 March. Details will be sent home soon. Last year, our students performed really well in these tests with our average results sitting above the national average in just about all areas. This is a testament to the wonderful work done by our staff.
Kindergarten 2025 I have made an early start this year and have already conducted some enrolment interviews. If you have a younger child who is due to commence next year, please let the front office staff know as a high priority as we don’t want anyone to miss out.
Code of Conduct Reminder All parents are reminded that everyone in our community is required to follow the CEWA Code of Conduct which is in place to protect us and make our school a safe and welcoming place for all. Unfortunately, when this code is not adhered to, conflicts can arise, leading to people feeling uncomfortable and unsafe. Please remember to always treat everyone with courtesy and respect at all times. The Code of Conduct is on the school’s website for you to read in full at any time. I will place segments of it in the newsletter each fortnight as a reminder. It is in everyone’s best interests that the Code is always adhered to.
Conduct Statement 4: You conduct yourself in accordance with laws, agreements, policies and standards relevant to your relationship with the school community.
Yours sincerely
Laurie Bechelli