St Kieran Newsletter Term 1, Week 4 - 22 February 2024

Heavenly Father, 
Without You I can do nothing. 

By Your Spirit help me to know what is right 
and to be eager in doing Your will. 
Teach me to find new life through penance. 
Keep me from sin, and help me live 
by Your commandment of love. 
God of love, bring me back to You. 
Send Your Spirit to make me strong 
in faith and active in good works. 
May my acts of penance bring me Your forgiveness, 
open my heart to Your love, and prepare me for the coming feast 
of the Resurrection of Jesus. 
Amen. 

Often during Lent we focus on sacrifice rather than our engagement. Lent is often a time given over to “holy” words of repentance and promises of self-reform but: “However many words you speak, what good will they do if you do not act on them?” 

The challenges of our times are not only political and social, they are spiritual. It is difficult to grow spiritually, morally or ethically, if we fail to give due recognition that all people are equally valuable and important. We can’t grow spiritually, morally or ethically if we belittle people different to us in their appearance, manner and customs in order to make us feel more important as human beings. We will begin to grow spiritually, morally and ethically, when we are ready to sincerely embrace the truth and fascination of our differences and welcome the common yearnings we have about life.  

Stephanie Dowrick expresses this sentiment beautifully when she writes: “Seeing life itself as sacred - yours, mine, all of life - makes our differences far less frightening. More importantly, it makes sense of how like one another we are in our simplest and most profound longings.  

Whatever our culture, religion or language, we want food, shelter and good health. We want to be able to get up in the morning, enthusiastically, and sleep safely at night. We want health, safety and happiness for our loved ones. We want to know that our lives are purposeful and sometimes gracious. We want to feel part of something greater than ourselves. We want and need inspiration and meaning.”  

St Paul in his inspiring letter to the people of Philippi encouraged them to, “Show an agreeable attitude to everyone”. He suggested how they might be able to do this: “All that is true, all that is worthy of reverence, all that is holy and good, all that is lovely to look at and beautiful to hear, all that has virtue and all that deserves praise, let that be the content of your thinking.” Phil. 4: 5,8,9.  

Our spirituality is as personal as our breath or our fingerprint, but, as we move through the forty days of Lent, we might on occasion, surrender freely to the quiet within us, to rediscover the resources and strengths that are there. We might begin to see better and appreciate more, the value of our existence, to see ourselves with more gratitude and respect and to see others in a like manner.  

Take the time over this season of Lent to ensure that we fast on the physical but lets also try and fast on the spiritual and in turn ourselves. 

Best wishes and take care. 

Mr Daine Burnett 
Principal 
daine.burnett@cewa.edu.au 

School Calendar

A reminder to all families to continue to check the school calendar on our website for dates and events that are coming up during the term. We have a public holiday on Monday March 4. 

Kindergarten Enrolments 2025

We are accepting Kindy Enrolment's for Kindy 2025 and later this term start organising interviews. Please don’t leave this until the last minute as we have many people we could not accommodate in 2024. Please submit your application and make sure you have your children enrolled at St Kieran Catholic Primary School.

NAPLAN 2024

NAPLAN is a National Literacy and Numeracy assessment that students in Year 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year. The NAPLAN test window starts on Wednesday 13th March and finishes on Monday 25th March, 2024. The tests dates for St Kieran are: 13th, 14th and 15th March, with catch up sessions in the following week.  

For more information about NAPLAN https://nap.edu.au/ 

iPad Parent Meeting

Thank you to all the Year 2 and 3 parents that came along to our iPad Parent Information night. It was great to see many parents interested in this program. Also thank you to all the staff that stayed back at school to present and support the families with this. 

As discussed here is the link to JAMF School and the presentation for the night has also been uploaded to our school website. 

Jamf School Parent Portal 

iPad Parent Presentation https://www.stkieran.wa.edu.au/_file/media/2485/240220094755049/1_to_1_ipad_program_2024.pdf 

Uniform

The new uniform is now compulsory for 2024, there are no variations to this. Staff will be sending home notifications of incorrect uniform to families. A reminder that for the academic uniform the below shoes are to be worn - black lace up school shoes for both boys and girls. I would ask all parents to refer to the Uniform Policy on our school website. https://stkierancps.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/2012/school_uniform_guidelines_2024.pdf 

Traffic Warden Unavailable

The Traffic Warden who works at the Children’s Crossing on Cape Street, near Tyler Street is unable to work this location until further notice. Unfortunately they have no relief staff available to cover the position. Please take appropriate action and inform your child to be vigilant whilst crossing without a warden present. Regards STKPS.

Procedure to Deal with Incidents

Unfortunately at times during the school day there are incidents that may arise that require intervention or follow up by either the staff or by parents. To assist with this process the procedure is located on the website, it may give you some strategies to work through during these times of heightening emotions. The one element to remember is that mistakes can be made and as a catholic school we forgive and reconcile and move forward together. 

https://stkierancps.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/1351/dispute_complaint_resolution_procedure.pdf 

School Rules

The St Kieran School rules are listed below and as members of the community we are always expected to follow these. Can we ask that all parents talk to their children about these rules and if you like feel free to implement these at home. 

• Be Safe - Always use your body and equipment in ways that will keep you and others safe. 
• Be Respectful - Consider others and the environment, allowing people to treat others as they wish to be treated.  
• Be Responsible - Take ownership of your actions, choices, learning and belongings. 

Mobile Phones and Smart Watches

Smart watches can be worn to school; however, we ask parents to turn off any features that allow the watch to be used for anything other than telling the time while at school. If a student is using it for any other reason, then it is exactly like a mobile phone and it MUST be handed in to the front office. If your child is required to bring a mobile phone to school, for instance they walk home or catch the bus, then a mobile phone permission form must be completed and the phone needs to be handed in to the office each morning and collected at the end of the school day. At no time is a phone permitted to be left in a students bag. 

Code of Conduct

The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to describe minimum standards of conduct in all behaviour and decision making to ensure the safety and well-being of students. The Code of Conduct applies to staff, students, volunteers, parents and guardians in our community.  The document is available on our school website and everyone in our community is expected to abide by this. https://www.stkieran.wa.edu.au/st-kieran-code-of-conduct-and-guidelines 

A breach of the Code may constitute a failure to follow a lawful direction from the Principal and therefore the Principal will have the discretion as to what action to take, which may include counselling, professional development or sanctions under any agreement between you and the Principal. If you are a parent, volunteer or visitor, the Principal may take such action as is appropriate in your circumstances to maintain the safety and well-being of students. If at anytime members of our community feel that a person has breached the code the forms for breaching or notification are located here on our school website https://www.stkieran.wa.edu.au/reporting These forms report directly to the principal. 

Berry Street Education Model Update

As part of our commitment to providing the best possible education for our students, we have embraced the principles of the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) by completing our third professional development day on Monday 29^th of January concentrating on Stamina and Engagement of students in the classroom.

Stamina: In the context of BSEM, stamina refers to the resilience and endurance students need to navigate challenges effectively, both academically and emotionally. Through our professional development sessions, teachers learn strategies to cultivate students' stamina, helping them persevere in the face of difficulties and setbacks. Whether it's tackling complex math problems or dealing with interpersonal conflicts, building stamina equips our students with the inner strength needed to thrive in and out of the classroom.

Engagement: Engagement lies at the heart of effective teaching and learning. In the BSEM framework, engagement goes beyond mere participation; it encompasses a deep, meaningful connection with learning experiences. Our professional development workshops focused on creating dynamic, interactive lessons that captivate students' interest and ignite their curiosity. By fostering active engagement, we aim to make learning a joyful, fulfilling journey for every child.

By integrating these principles into our educational approach at St Kieran, we continue to strive to create a supportive environment where every student feels empowered to reach their full potential.

Allergy Aware

A reminder that we are Allergy Aware at St Kieran, we have many of our families that rely on our vigilance, which means we all need to be mindful of the following life threatening allergic reactions at the school. Below is a list of allergies we are aware of: 

• All Nuts 
• Eggs (raw or cooked), meringues   
• Kiwi fruit, bananas, figs 
• Mosquito bites 
• Insect repellents 
• Honey and Bee venom 
• Legumes  

Eucharist Commitment Mass

First Eucharist (Holy Communion) Commitment Masses are coming up! Saturday March 9 at 6:30pm and Sunday March 10 at 9:00am.

St Kieran Run Club 2024

On the 28th of February (Wednesday of Week 5) the St Kieran Run Club will be commencing again for 2024. The sessions will run from 7.30 - 8.00am every Wednesday morning at Grenville Reserve and are for students in Year 3-6 only.

Thanks,

Matt Taylor
Physical Education Teacher

Kieran Connect Family Night

CEWA Easter Competition

Your chance to win!!!

Easter Acts of Kindness Competition.

Help a friend, share a smile, or a say a kind word to someone who needs it. Your creativity is the limit!

Entries will have the chance to win fabulous prizes and be recognised for their inspiring efforts. 

For details on how to enter, visit: https://www.cewa.edu.au/easter2024/

Piano Tuition at St Kieran 2024

Enrolments are now being taken for Piano Tuition being held at St Kieran’s by a registered teacher with over 20 years of experience. Lessons are conducted on an individual basis throughout the school term. They are alternated as much as possible, so that the same class lesson will not be affected each week.

It is most important that you have either a piano or keyboard to practice on. 

For further details or to enrol please contact Priscilla Smith on 0414 418 568.

Limited places are available.

John XXIII College: Year 7 2027 Applications Closing Soon

A reminder to all Year 4 families who are interested in a John XXIII College secondary education for their child, to please ensure their application form has been submitted by Friday 15 March 2024.

John XXIII College seeks to develop people of competence, conscience and compassion who are committed to seek justice and serve others.  Our vision is for all students to strive for excellence for themselves, their peers, and their community. 

To find out more visit: www.johnxxiii.edu.au/enrolments

Mercedes College Open Day | Tuesday 12 March, 2024

Stirling Junior Football Club Open Day!

Stirling Junior Football Club 2024 Club Open Day.

This is a free community event, so come and join us for an exciting day of fun and football.

Time: 3pm - 5pm

Richard Guelfi Reserve, 51 Delawney St, Balcatta.

• AFL player Dom Sheed from the West Coast Eagles!
• Kicking competition
• Waterslide
• Face painting
• Sausage Sizzle
• Player raffles
• Mouthguard appointments
• Plus much more….

Bring the whole family down for fun activities and football drills for the kids.

New players are very welcomed and registration is available on the day in our club rooms. Our committee will be available to help with any of your questions.

Hope to see as many of our members on the day and we welcome any new players interested in joining this fantastic club!

Harlies Hockey Club