St Kieran Newsletter Term 2, Week 8 - 19th June 2025

Once upon a time, all the colours in the world started to quarrel; each claimed that they were the best, the most important, the most useful, or the most favourite.  

GREEN said, "Clearly I am the most important. I am the sign of life and hope. I was chosen for the grass, the trees and the leaves. Without me all the animals would die. Look out into the countryside and you will see that I am in the majority."  

BLUE interrupted. "You only think about the earth but consider the sky and the sea. It is the water that is the basis of life and this is drawn up by the clouds from the blue sea. The sky gives space, and peace and serenity. Without my peace you would all be nothing but busybodies."  

YELLOW chuckled: "You are all so serious. I bring laughter, gaiety and warmth into the world. The sun is yellow, the moon is yellow, the stars are yellow. Every time you look at a sunflower the whole world starts to smile. Without me there would be no fun."  

ORANGE next started to blow its own trumpet. "I am the colour of health and strength. I may be scarce, but I am precious because I serve the inner needs of human life. I carry all the important vitamins. Think of the carrots, the pumpkins and the oranges. I don't hang around all the time, but when I fill the sky at sunrise, or give you a majestic sunset to admire, my beauty is so striking that no one ever gives another thought to any of you!"  

RED could stand it no longer. Red shouted out, "I'm the ruler of you all. Blood, life's blood. I am the colour of danger and bravery. I am willing to fight for a cause. I bring fire in the blood. Without me the earth would be as empty as the moon. I am the colour of passion and of love, the red rose, the poinsettia and the poppy."  

PURPLE rose up to its full height. He was very tall and spoke with great pomp: "I am the colour of royalty and power. Kings, chiefs and bishops have chosen me, for I am the sign of authority and of wisdom. People do not question me. They listen and obey."  

INDIGO spoke more quietly than the others, but just as determinedly. "Think of me, I am the colour of silence. You hardly notice me but without me you all become superficial. I represent thought and reflection, twilight and deep waters. You need me for balance and contrast, for prayer and inner peace."  

And so, all the colours went on boasting, each convinced that they were the best. Their quarrelling grew louder and louder. Suddenly there was a startling flash of brilliant white lightning; thunder rolled and boomed out. The suddenly, RAIN started to pour down relentlessly. The colours all crouched down in fear, drawing close to one another for comfort.  

Then RAIN spoke: "You foolish colours, fighting amongst yourselves, each trying to dominate the other. Did you not know that God made you all, each for a special purpose, unique and different. God loves you all, he wants you all. Join hands with one another and come with me. He will stretch you across the sky in a great bow of colour as a reminder that He loves you all, that you can live together in peace, a promise that he is with you, a sign of hope for all for tomorrow."  

So, whenever He uses a good RAIN to wash the world, He puts the RAINBOW in the sky, and when we see it we should remember that He wants us all to appreciate, and live with, each other in peace and not try to fight and dominate everyone.  

“Loving God,  help us to open our hearts to your message of unity, diversity and love. 

Let us be grateful for the gift of each other – each person bringing their own colour to this beautiful rainbow of our school. 

Amen.” 

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 conclude Term 2 for students on Thursday 3rd July. Term 3 begins on Monday 21st July for staff and students. 

Kindy 2026 Enrolments

We are accepting Kindy Enrolments for 2026, with interviews beginning conducted for students to start at St Kieran next year. All parents need to submit an application to make sure your child is enrolled at St Kieran Catholic Primary School for 2026. 

If you have any questions or would like clarification, please ring or contact the School Administration. 

School Photos

Tomorrow, Friday 20th June and Monday 23rd June we will have school photos.  

All students from Years 1-6 are expected to wear their full academic school uniform with the correct black school shoes for the full 2 days of school photos.  

All photos will be taken at St Catherine’s House of Hospitality, over the road from the school office at 113 Tyler Street.  

Please refer to the SEQTA email sent previously for further information and exact times.  

Servite College Enrolments

We strongly encourage all families at St Kieran to ensure they have their enrolment application submitted at Servite College as soon as possible for their children. If families leave this process until the middle years of primary school, you maybe placed on a waiting list. The earlier your application is submitted to Servite College the better. A reminder that Servite and St Kieran are completely different schools with applications for enrolment submitted separately. 

Uniform

We are starting to see the cooler mornings come in and over the next few weeks it will get colder as we move into winter. This is a great time to ensure that you have your child's name written on their uniform. It is very difficult to find the owners of items when there are no names on home. Please ensure your child wears the correct "V neck" jumper with the academic uniform and only wears the zip up jacket with the sports uniform.  

Unwell Students

As we are moving into 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. 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. 

Seesaw

Can all parents make sure you have access to your child's Seesaw. Teachers constantly post assessment results and pieces during the term. This is a great way to keep you updated on the progress of your child. 

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING - St Catherine's House of Hospitality

St Catherine’s House of Hospitality is a retreat and conference centre located at 113 Tyler Street, Tuart Hill. In order to keep the Centre affordable for those who need it, we are reliant on the support of volunteers. We’d love to hear from you if you can offer a few hours a month. Opportunities for volunteering include: hospitality(setting up the dining room and serving in the kitchen); cooking and gardening. You’ll join a vibrant community where strong friendships are made.  Volunteers are invited to a social get-together at St Catherine's on either Thursday 26 June at 1.30pm or Monday 30 June at 9.30am. Please ring Sr  Elizabeth RSM on 9443 9020 or email stcatherines@westnet.com.au 

Reports - UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD’S REPORT

Parents will receive 2 formal academic reports this year: 

June/July – Mid Year Report 

December – End of Year Report   

MID YEAR REPORT - July 

This report provides parents with a ‘snapshot in time’ of how their child is progressing in relation to the end of year achievement standard for each learning area for their year level. The grade provided is taking into account the curriculum which has been taught and assessed to that point in time.   

END OF YEAR REPORT - December 

This report provides parents with an overview of how their child has progressed, across the entire year, in relation to the end of year Achievement Standard for each learning area for their year level. The grade provided is taking into account the curriculum which has been taught and assessed across the entire year, not just Semester 2. 

Understanding the Grading System 

Is a ‘C’ grade good? Yes, you should celebrate C grades as this indicates that your child has progressed to the desired level of understanding for his/her year level. 

Is a ‘C’ grade just a pass like it used to be? No, a C grade today, is the expected Achievement Standard for each year level and each Learning Area. 

Does an ‘A’ or ‘B’ grade mean my child is working a year or two above their current grade? No, an ‘A’ or ‘B’ grade means that your child is responding to the content taught to a deeper level. They may be thinking more critically about the content, which is a wonderful skill to demonstrate. 

How are final grades determined? Teachers collect numerous samples of work and assessments to determine the final grade. The grade is determined with the use of the School Curriculum and Standards Authority’s (SCSA) Judging Standards. For more information on this go to https://parent.scsa.wa.edu.au/ 

We hope this information assists you to understand the reporting process at St Kieran Catholic Primary School. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask your child’s teacher. 

eSafety - Creating a Family Technology Plan: a blog from eSafe Kids

What is a Family Technology Plan? 

A family technology plan is a shared set of rules and expectations that guide safe, respectful, and balanced technology use at home. It's designed to encourage healthy habits, foster open communication, and align digital practices with your family's values. 

Key Areas a Family Technology Plan Might Cover: 

1. Screen Time 
   • When and how long screens can be used (e.g. after homework, not during weekdays). 
   • Designated screen-free times (e.g. before bed). 
   • Screen-free zones (e.g. bedrooms, bathrooms, dinner table). 
2. Online Safety & Security 
   • Set privacy settings, create strong passwords, and teach children not to overshare. 
   • Use a family email for app/game sign-ups. 
   • Discuss permission for downloads, purchases, and subscriptions. 
3. Digital Wellbeing 
   • Prioritise sleep, exercise, family time, and mental health. 
   • Encourage breaks, mindful use, and healthy device habits. 
4. Digital Citizenship & Behaviour 
   • Promote kindness, responsibility, and respectful communication online. 
   • Address cyberbullying, content sharing, and school rules. 
5. Reputation Management 
   • Teach kids that what’s shared online can last forever. 
   • Use the “2 minutes, 2 years” rule before posting. 
6. Device Use Guidelines 
   • Define where and when devices can be used. 
   • Discuss treatment, care, and storage of devices. 
   • Consider third-party parental controls. 
7. Boundaries & Consequences 
   • Clearly explain what rules are non-negotiable (e.g. no phones overnight). 
   • Outline consequences for misuse of technology.

"Loan, Not Own" Mindset 

Children are loaned a device—not given ownership. With it comes responsibilities and boundaries. Parents are not just gatekeepers, but guides and mentors in navigating the digital world. 

Bottom Line 

Start early, adapt as your child grows, and aim for a tech culture at home that reflects respect, safety, balance, and belonging—online and offline. 

To read the full article and access resources, please access this link 

LifeLink fundraiser - Last day of Term Two Free Dress Day – Shine Like the Good Samaritan!

On Thursday, July 3, we invite all students to take part in our LifeLink: Kindness is on the way - Good Samaritan Free Dress Day to raise funds for the Samaritan Project (Archdiocese of WA). Students are encouraged to come in free dress for a gold coin donation – or donations can also be made via our secure fundraising link. You will need to create a log in if you have not created one already.   

Each student is welcome to choose a colour to wear that represents a value close to their heart: 

❤️ Red – Love 

💙 Blue – Peace 

💚 Green – Growth 

(And many more… let your values shine!) 

This day is a joyful way for our students to celebrate the message of the Good Samaritan, who reminds us that we all shine in different ways when we act with kindness. 

Let’s come together in colour, compassion, and community. 

Holy Eucharist Sacramental Program Reminder

The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist program is underway and the Parent and Child Workshops as well as the Holy Eucharist Retreat are coming up. 

Date                               Event.                                                                         Time 

Tues June 24                 Holy Eucharist Parent and Child Workshop                 4:00pm 

Tues June 24                 Holy Eucharist Parent and Child Workshop                 5:15pm 

Thurs June 26              Holy Eucharist Parent and Child Workshop                 4:00pm   

Fri June 27                      Holy Eucharist Retreat                                                               All day (8:25am –3:00pm) 

Sat July 26                      Sacrament of Holy Eucharist Mass (4B)                        5:00pm 

Sun July 27                     Sacrament of Holy Eucharist Mass (4W)                      10:30am 

HOLY EUCHARIST RETREAT

On Friday, June 27, all students in Year 4 will be attending the Holy Eucharist Retreat as a part of their unit of work in Religious Education.   

Year 4 students from St Kieran will arrive to school as normal with classroom doors open at 8:25am. Classroom teachers will take attendance and will escort all students to St Catherine’s House of Hospitality (over the road from St Kieran Catholic Primary School). 

Students will stay at St Catherine’s for the full day, returning to St Kieran Catholic Primary School before 3:00pm. 

Dress:                    Students are permitted to be in school appropriate casual dress with 

                              enclosed shoes.  

Food:                     Lunch orders will not be available on this day. Students are to bring in 

                              food for recess and lunch as well as a water bottle. 

Cross Country Update

Dear Parents and Guardians,
As you are aware, the 2025 Year 3–6 Cross Country event was postponed due to wet weather. It has now been rescheduled for Thursday, 26th June (Week 9). Students will wear their Faction Sports uniform and appropriate running shoes on the day.

Please note: If wet weather occurs again on the day, the Cross Country will take place during a scheduled class time instead.

Year 3 and 4 Times/Distances (Approx)

• 9.15am: Year 4 Boys 1500m (3 laps)
• 9.30am: Year 4 Girls 1500m (3 laps)
• 9.45am: Year 3 Boys 1000m (2 laps)
• 10:00am: Year 3 Girls 1000m (2 laps)

Year 5 and 6 Times (Approx)

• 11.15am Year 5 Boys 2000m (4 laps)
• 11.30am Year 5 Girls 2000m (4 laps)
• 11.45am Year 6 Boys 2000m (4 laps)
• 12.00pm Year 6 Girls 2000m (4 laps)

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Kind regards,

Matt Taylor
Physical Education Teacher
matthew.taylor@cewa.edu.au

Sign of the Week

Learning one Auslan sign a week is a simple but powerful way to increase our awareness and inclusion at St. Kieran. By committing to learning just one sign each week, we break down barriers and build empathy. It reminds us to be more mindful of accessibility and gives us the tools to connect with more people. Over time, these small efforts add up, leading to greater fluency and a more inclusive environment for everyone

Kieran Connect Community Cookbook

Exciting Fundraising Opportunity – Join Us in Creating Our School Cookbook!

This year, the KC Committee is thrilled to announce a special fundraising project: a School Community Cookbook!

We’re planning to launch it in Term 4, filled with delicious, heartwarming recipes, photos, and drawings contributed by families across our school. We’re currently in the early planning stages and would love your help to bring this project to life. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Spread the Word – Help us share this initiative and encourage families to submit their favourite recipes along with photos and/or drawings. From yummy baked treats to favourite family meals passed down through generations, we’re looking for all kinds of recipes - the more delicious and diverse, the better!

• Submit a recipe with a photo or drawing – Please email a recipe, along with a photo or drawing (kid’s drawings are very welcome) to your year Rep by the Tuesday 22 July, Term 3. Photos should be as large a file size as possible – preferably over 2mb. These can be snaps of the cooking process or the finished dish, and feel free to include family members too. Get creative and have fun! Don’t forget to consider the best lighting options and composition when taking photos.

Start talking with your kids and relatives and enjoy some joyful moments while choosing which recipes you’d like to share with us. Take the opportunity to cook together and make this a project you can all embrace.

Your support will make a huge difference. This is a wonderful way to celebrate our school’s spirit and creativity while raising valuable funds.

Auslan Story Time

Join the City of Stirling as they partner with Deaf Connect to celebrate the launch of Auslan Story Time, an exciting new program kicking off in Term 3 at Stirling Libraries - Osborne.

Enjoy a free engaging storytelling session with an Auslan interpreter, plus fun activities. This event is open to all families, deaf, hard of hearing and hearing families are encouraged to participate.

Saturday 28 June 2025

9.30am-11.30am

Stirling Libraries - Osborne (9 Royal Street, Tuart Hill)

REGISTER NOW | https://www.stirling.wa.gov.au/auslan-storytime

The WA Student Assistance Payment

Just 2 weeks left to claim!
The WA Student Assistance Payment helps with school costs — don’t miss out.

$150 for each Kindergarten and primary student
$250 for each secondary student

Claim now through the ServiceWA app, online or by post in a claim form.
Claims close Friday 4 July 2025.
Visit www.education.wa.edu.au/wasap for eligibility info and how to claim.

You can find your child's WASN number in the Report Section on SEQTA

JFE Showroom Opening Hours

We will be closing from 2pm,  Friday 4^th July, normal hours resume Monday 14^th July.
Any online orders placed for collection after  Friday 4th July will be ready to collect Monday 14^th July.

1/85 Guthrie Street
Osborne Park 
WA6017
P: (08) 9204 1701
W: www.jfe.net.au
E:  sales@jfe.net.au

Before-School Tennis Coaching – Term 3 at St Kieran Primary!

We’re excited to announce that before-school tennis coaching with Tennis Excellence is back for Term 3 – exclusively for St Kieran Primary students!

These fun and inclusive sessions are open to all students in Years 1–6 and will be held every week on site!

 Program Details:

• Years 1-3 – Tuesday 7:30 – 8:10am 
• Years 4-6 - Tuesday 7:30 – 8:10am 

 Led by our qualified Tennis Excellence coaching team who all have Working with Children checks, these sessions are a great way for kids to build confidence, stay active, and start the school day with a smile.

 Spots are limited – enrol now! 

https://www.tennisexcellence.com.au/enrol/programs/school-programs/alexander-park/

School Holiday Clinics – Special Offer

Also, don’t miss out on the July Holiday Tennis Clinics – a fantastic way for kids to stay active, have fun, and improve their skills during the break.

💥 Save 20% — Early Bird Pricing Ends Soon! Book any Tennis Excellence Holiday Clinic by Friday 13 June and save 20%! Plus: Book a full week and get the 5th day FREE. Offer also applies to adult and teen programs.

 Open to all levels – no tennis experience needed! Head to the website to learn more and book your clinic: Holiday Clinics | Tennis Excellence

July School Holiday Programs

Yokine's Kids Pop-Up Market 13 July 2025

Next up: the Kids Pop-Up Market! Come along and support young stallholders aged 7–17 as they sell pre-loved toys, handmade crafts, books, games, and more. Here is the link to the event for more information: https://weareyokine.au/events/kids-pop-up-market-2025/