St Kieran Newsletter Term 3, Week 3 - 1st August 2024

Principal's Message

THE BURNT TOAST THEORY 

When things don’t go your way… 

The story (not mine)…Last February, I had a flight out of Sydney that was cancelled several minutes after we were asked to get ready for boarding. The airline management announced that their engineer couldn’t get the aircraft to operate. 

We were the only passengers left in the terminal. The airport had literally closed for the day already. You may not know this but Sydney International Airport has a curfew for flights. No aircraft is allowed to fly in and out between 11PM and 6AM. 

We were asked to go through immigration again and then proceeded to collect our luggage. After which, we were given Uber vouchers so that we can all go home for the night. Everyone started to be grumpy. Well, as expected. But the first thought was 'thank goodness they managed to identify the operational/technical issue of the aircraft before asking us to board and eventually take off.' 

This is where the Burnt Toast Theory comes in. It suggests that when delays happen or when things don’t go as planned, it could actually be a blessing in disguise. Those major or minor life’s inconveniences might actually be protecting you from something that is far greater. Essentially, if you burn your toast in the morning (something challenging happens), the time you spend making another slice may have protected you from something else. Or maybe it causes you to be late for a meeting, but as you stroll in, you cross paths with someone who will become incredibly meaningful in your life that you wouldn’t have met otherwise. 

It’s kind of like the universe or God always has your back. As what we can always tell ourselves:  

If you get what you want, that is God’s direction. If you do not get what you want, that is God’s protection. You may not understand His ways but you just have to trust His will. 

So the next time things don’t go your way, always remember that you are being redirected to something better we may not see it at first but we will see it. 

Have a great week and look after everyone. 

Best wishes and take care. 

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

School Calendar

Term 3 will see the school closed on Friday the 23rd August (Catholic Day) and Term 3 conclude for students on Thursday 19th September (Friday 20th September is a Staff Development Day). 

Contact Details - Parents

It is imperative that parents and families update the school when your personal details change during the year. If you change your email address or mobile phone please ensure that the school administration is contacted and we can update these details for communication purposes. 

Australian Girls Choir Workshop

On the 29th of August at 12:30pm in the Music Room, the Australian Girls Choir will be running an assessment workshop. This will be opened to girls from pre-primary to year 6 and will feature singing and movement activities. Participants will receive personalised assessment report and further information about 2025 classes. A form will be coming home next week (week 3) for those interested in joining! 

Community Masses

St Kieran Catholic Primary School and St Kieran Parish have a longstanding, collaborative relationship. To sustain this, we will facilitate Community Masses with the Parish while remaining committed to our School Improvement goals. 

To enhance students' understanding of their Faction Patrons and foster community spirit, we encourage students to wear faction colours at the Mass. The dates for this year’s Community Masses (Saturday 6:30pm) evening Mass at St Kieran Parish) are: 

• 27 July - Francis Faction (Anniversary of Francis being Canonised 16/7) 
• 10 August - MacKillop Faction (Anniversary of the death of Mary MacKillop 8/8) 
• 14 September - Frayne Faction (Mercy Day 24/9) 
• 9 November - Mercy Faction (Passing of Catherine McAuley 11/11) 

We would encourage families to set aside the dates for your child's Faction Mass and join the Parish for this wonderful celebration. 

Morgans Street Kiss and Drive

We know the morning and afternoon drive through can be a very busy place, which relies on all families doing the right thing to ensure it runs smoothly. In order to keep it flowing, we ask that parents stay in their car at these times. If you need to get out of the car to assist your child with their seatbelt, then please park your car in an appropriate place and walk into school. Students are encouraged to independently get themselves in and out of the car, manage their bags and do up their own seatbelt.  

There is no right turn into the Morgans Street Kiss and Drive at anytime - parents do line up along Tyler Street to access this - please follow the directions. There are signs asking parents to continue to Drive Forward so we can get as many children out of the cars as quickly as possible in the morning. When a parent stops at the Morgans Street gate it stops all the other cars behind them, which then creates issues on Morgans Street for our local residents. 

https://www.stkieran.wa.edu.au/parking-and-pick-up-procedures 

Parking Tyler Street

Just a reminder that the parking at the front of the school is from those families using the Ciaran Centre and those people who have ACROD Permits. We would ask that parents move in and out of these bays quickly and don’t hold up spaces while waiting for children. During the wet weather there was some concerning behaviour around parents letting children out of the car while on the road or even collecting their children while they were waiting on the road. This is an illegal activity and puts children's safety at risk. 

St Kieran Parish Car Park and Shrine

The St Kieran Parish have very generously permitted families to use the carpark and also the shrine which is a very reverent area, for parents to be able to collect their children. This area is not supervised by the staff at St Kieran, so we do ask that parents do supervise and speak to their own children about their behaviour that is expected after school. 

Uniform

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 

School shoes are 'normal/standard' school shoes for the academic uniform for both boys and girls. Not black sneakers, Air Forces, Air Max, Skate Shoes, Mary Jane or other alternatives that can be found. Sport shoes should be appropriate sport shoes, not fashion shoes, that are suitable for sport.  

Unwell Students

As we are well and truly in the colder months can we please ask that unwell students are not sent to school. Our staff will call parents if a child is unwell or presents unwell - we are not trained medical staff and if a child says they are unwell or looks unwell we will call the families to collect them. Sending an unwell child to school in turn has an impact on the other students as well as the staff and of course the families at St Kieran. Your consideration around this matter is appreciated. 

Student Accidents - Support Aids

We know at times children have accidents at home and at school that may require a cast, crutches, slings, moon boots and other support braces to assist in their recovery. To ensure that we provide a safe environment and that parents and children are aware of their risks with these, parents will need to make contact with member of the Leadership Team before returning to school so we are aware of requirements of each child and how to cater for them.

Mobile Phones and Smart Watches

If for any reason your child must have a mobile phone at school, you are asked to complete the Mobile Phone Form requesting permission. If permission is granted the mobile phone will be given to administration at the start of the day and collected at the end of each teaching day. At no time will mobile phones be permitted outside this.    

Smart Watches or other wearable devices 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. 

Please click on the link below for more information on our Mobile Phone Usage Guideline. This is also located on the school website for further reference if required. https://stkierancps.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/1353/mobile_phone_usage_guidelines_students.pdf 

Year 3 Mathematics

During mathematics, the Year 3 classes have begun their unit in Measurement and Geometry through exploring the concept of length. As a class we have been exploring the metric system, investigating how to measure using centimetres and metres using hands on experiences. The students have explored various measuring tools such as rulers, measuring tape and trundle wheels. We look forward to seeing more of the measuring these mathematicians can do!

Year 6 Parliament House Excursion

On Thursday 1st August the Year 6's were lucky enough to go on an Excursion to Parliament House for a tour. They also got to participate in an activity at The Constitutional Centre as well. They all had a lovely day learning about the roles and responsibilities within the Parliament House as well as the Law and the different levels of Government.

Library News

Week 3 is finally coming to a close Parents. Mr. Peletier here with a few quick updates about our amazing Book Week coming next week

Book Week is scheduled from Monday to Thursday next week, Students and Parents will be able to access the event in the morning from 8:20am - 8:35am and in the afternoon after school from 3:00pm to 3:30pm. This event will be located within the library at St Kieran. Cash Sales will be available as well as Eftpos. I will be on the school grounds for the full week allowing students plenty of time to grab amazing Scholastic Products, Books and Trinkets. 

Finally, to close out our book week, The Book Parade will be on the Friday. Students will be given the opportunity to dress up as their favourite book characters. This year's theme is Reading is Magic. Staff will also be joining in to celebrate the end of book week. 

I can't wait to see the students excited for Book Week and all dressed up on Friday to close book week out. 

Mr. Aaron Peletier
Library Technician

Book Week

Book week is next week which means that there is one week left to get those costumes all ready for the Book Week Parade next Friday! This year's theme is 'Reading is Magic' and we can't wait to see what characters all the students dress up as. 

Book Week, Book Swap

Pre-Kindy - Tuesday, 6 August 2024Kindy / Pre-Primary - Wednesday, 7 August 2024
Please bring a pre-loved book on your child's allocated day to swap with their classmates. Any parent / grandparent interested in reading a book to their child / grandchild's class that day, or if you have any spare books you would like to donate to this event, please let your child's teacher know or email the Kindy Reps - Emily Reilly at emily_reilly@hotmail.com and Santha Alangaram at itszsanth@gmail.com

Angelico Art Exhibition

This year’s Angelico Arts Exhibition will be on display on Saturday 17th August between 1:30-3:00pm. St Kieran Catholic Primary School will have 7 entries on show, be sure to get down to 221 St Georges Terrace to check them out!

Father's Day Breakfast

Join us for our annual Father's Day Breakfast.
The Pre-Primary parents are planning a beautiful morning to celebrate all fathers and father figures on 30 August 2024 in the assembly / undercroft area. Children are welcome.
Place your breakfast order and be in the draw to win some great door prizes. Orders open on 5 August 2024. Link to follow soon.
PS: There is no extra charge for tea, coffee, or juice.

St Kieran Parish Cake Sale

Murdoch After School Program