St Kieran Catholic Primary School eNewsletter

Lord, guide us today in the choices 

we make for ourselves and our children.

May they all be life-giving 

and based upon values 

that are lasting and beneficial. 

Amen.

There is an African proverb that says, “Do not look where you fell but where you slipped.” One possible meaning of this proverb is that if you wish to avoid having a “fall” in life, be careful with the steps you take along the way. As parents, we not only have to take care of our own life’s journey but, as well, to take care of how our family are growing.

If we were to accept that an idealist is a person who represents things as they might be rather than as they are, then, there is a strong likelihood that at some stage of life we have all been idealists. We’ve all been starry-eyed about something whether it be our first day in secondary school, our first job; but somehow, whatever it was, it didn’t live up to our expectations and we were confronted with reality, the reality with which we have to live.

It is so easy to talk about the ideals of our Christian faith but so difficult to live them. Reconciliation, forgiveness and acceptance of one another are easy to talk about, but, when confronted with the huge diversity of people in our society, they are so difficult to live out. It’s not easy to demonstrate love to a person with whom we have a personality clash or whose behaviour we find difficult to accept. Yet, God’s love says to us, “I love you unconditionally, no matter what you have done”. These words are a wonderful encouragement to keep plugging away and not to be disheartened by failure.

As parents, we all wanted to have that perfect child and to provide for that child a home that was an ideal nurturing environment. And even though our child maybe not perfect and our home is ideal only on occasion, we continue to do our best and to get as close as we can to fulfil our ideals. This strong sense of idealism we should share with our children, particularly in those areas of life that really matter.

It is of great importance that we give our children a proper perspective of the value of education. From the time we are born we are all learners. From our earliest years we take in information that keeps us from harming ourselves and enables us to ask for assistance. Throughout our childhood and adolescence, we acquire skills that equip us to achieve our independence as individuals and to take our place in our family as people in our own right. Going to school is not always exciting, interesting or necessarily something to be happy about. Ongoing education after school is probably not much better. However, we need to keep plugging away and be idealistic about what we can achieve through our personal development.

Possibly, the single most important quality we can help our children to develop and that will enhance every part of their lives, is the value of integrity. To have integrity means that you are totally honest and truthful in every part of your life. In order to be totally honest with others, you firstly have to be totally honest with yourself. If you are always honest and true to yourself, you cannot be false to anyone else. What a different society we would have if everyone had integrity as a personal ideal. It is said that compassion is the highest form of love. In Jesus’ time there was little compassion in any society in the world. It was a time of contrasts: the powerful and the disenfranchised, the rich and the poor, the free and the enslaved, the socially accepted and the outcasts. Jesus stood out in His society as a person of active compassion: “And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them and healed their sick.” Matt. 14:14. “When Jesus saw her, He had compassion for her and said to her, ‘Don’t weep’. Then He came and touched the coffin and said, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise’.” Luke 7. 13:14.

It is our job as parents to keep putting before our children an optimistic view of life, to encourage them to see things as they might be – and can be - if they keep striving for their ideals. What better ideals than to encourage our children to ongoing education, integrity and compassion.

I hope you are all managing to stay safe and well, please take care and have a great finish to the term, safe holidays and we look forward to seeing you back at St Kieran for the start of Term 3.

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

Staff News

This is to let you know that Mr Aaron Peletier has recently informed me that his last day at St Kieran will be at the end of this term. We thank Mr Peletier for his service to our school community and wish him all the very best in his future endeavours and aspirations. Mrs Toni Doherty will be stepping into the library role for the remainder of 2025, thank you Mrs Doherty.

Miss Brooke Kuriata has also let us know that she is going to finish her time at St Kieran this term and take some time to travel and focus on her studies. We really do thank Miss Kuriata for being part of our community and wish her all the very best and hope to see her back at St Kieran doing relief during the term. Mr Owen Waldock will be taking on this role for the remainder of 2025 - welcome and thank you Owen.

3 Year Old Kindy 2026 Enrolments

We are accepting 3 Year Old Kindy Enrolments for 2026, with interviews beginning in Term 3 for students to start at St Kieran next year. All parents need to submit an application to make sure your child is enrolled for 3 Year Old Kindy at St Kieran Catholic Primary School for 2026.

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

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

Thankyou to everyone for making the effort to be in school uniform during the term. A reminder that for the academic uniform the below shoes are to be worn - black lace up school shoes for both boys and girls. 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. 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

Unwell Students

As we are in the older 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.

St Kieran Catholic Primary School Sun Smart Guidelines

St Kieran has produced Sun Smart Guidelines and is looking forward to becoming a Sun Smart School.

 Our Sun Smart Guidelines are designed to help the students, families and staff at St Kieran to protect themselves from the sun’s harsh UV rays.  

Feel free to review the draft copy of our new St Kieran Sun Smart Guidelines. If you have any comments about the guidelines, please feel free to email these to: Julie.pusey@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.

The WA Student Assistance Payment

Just 1 DAY 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.

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/