St Kieran Newsletter Term 3, Week 2 - 31th July 2025

Principal's Message

'Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide.’  
- Napoleon Bonaparte 

Decision-making like anything requires practice. Some children want to have a say about everything that involves them. They have no problem letting parents know what they want and how life should be. Other children will avoid making decisions and will happily sit back and follow the lead of others in anything from fashion to food eaten at dinner.  

Most parents these days are keen to involve children in family decision-making processes. It is smart management to get children’s input as they are more likely to stick to decisions when they have had a say. 

It is challenging for parents to know when to make decisions for children and when to stand back and allow them to decide. Decision-making is broken into three areas: 

1. Parents Rule: these are decisions where there is no negotiation. E.g. going to school, bedtime
2. Work things out together: these are areas where you and your child negotiate outcomes. E.g. when to come home from an outing, TV programs.
3. Kids Decide: give your children full authority in some areas. E.g. choose the sport they play, school activities. 

Each of these areas will vary according to parental values, the age of children and even individual temperament. Regular family meetings provide terrific forums for parents and children to work things out together. Outcomes are best negotiated in formal settings that ensure sufficient consideration is given. As children grow and show the ability to make sensible decisions allow them more authority over their lives. Increasing independence involves greater freedom to choose, which demonstrates trust and faith in their ability to make good decisions. 

But greater freedom to choose needs to be accompanied by an increase in responsibility and also a willingness for them to experience the consequences of their decisions. 

All decisions that children make have a consequence – whether positive or negative. A child can use the following three questions to help them assess consequences of a decision they may make: 

• Is this behaviour safe for me?
• Is this behaviour fair to others?
• Is this behaviour smart and in my long-term best interests?

Children often can’t see the long-term consequences of their decisions so it is useful to give them information to help them make smart choices. 

Also some children leap before they look. They need to be reminded to slow down and consider some of the possible consequences of their actions. 

Decision-making is hard work for parents who are always treading a fine line between being too protective and promoting independence. If children are to learn how to make smart choices adults need to equip them with knowledge and skills as well as opportunities to make decisions. 

I hope you have had a great week and if you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to reach out to us.  

Take care and stay safe. 

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. There is a pupil free day on Friday 22nd August. We conclude Term 3 for students on Friday 26th September.  

Students Leaving St Kieran

Can you please let the school know as soon as possible if your child/children are moving on from St Kieran in 2026. We currently have families on our wait lists and would like to accommodate as many people as possible. Please note a terms notice should be given in order to not be charged any subsequent fees. This only applies to students who are leaving St Kieran.

3 Year Old Kindy 2026 Enrolments

We are accepting 3 Year Old Kindy Enrolments for 2026, with interviews being conducted 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

Thank you to everyone for making the effort to be in school uniform and following the guidelines 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 

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. 

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  

Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation is a vital step in a young person's faith journey, deepening their relationship with God and affirming their commitment to the teachings of the Church. Through Confirmation, students receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, empowering them to live out their faith with courage, wisdom, and love. It is a joyful celebration of growth, responsibility, and belonging within the Catholic community. 

Sacrament of Confirmation Enrolment Form: 
Please fill in this form to enrol your child into the Sacrament. ConfirmationEnrolment Form 
Payments are made to St Kieran Parish electronically. It may be helpful to have a second web browser window open at the same time as the Confirmation Enrolment Form.  

Please note that this form must be completed before Monday, October 13. 

Here is some important information for your child's Confirmation.  
Sacrament of Confirmation Commitment Masses Sat 2 August 6:30pm/ Sun 3 August 9:00am 
Retreat Day Friday Oct 24 at St Kieran Catholic Primary School/ St Catherine's House of Hospitality 
Parent and Child Workshops  Tues Oct 14 4:00pm or 5:15pm/ Thursday Oct 16 4:00pm at St Kieran Catholic Primary School. Your child will need to bring their pencil case with them.  

Sacrament of Reconciliation before the Sacrament of Confirmation:  
Reconciliation will not occur during school time for Confirmation candidates. Reconciliation will be held at St Kieran Parish on Thursday 6/11/2025 at 4:00 PM 

Sacrament of Confirmation Masses Sat October 25 and Sun October 26  
MSP Photographers will be available in the Parish Hall on the days of the Sacrament, one hour before each Mass begins. Enter via the door on Cape Street. The photographer will also take photos during the Sacrament, so we ask families not to take photos during Mass. 

 Students will be asked to sit on the end of a pew, down the centre aisle and the aisle to the side. They will not be allocated a specific seat. Each Mass will have between 32-35 students receiving the Sacrament. This means the church will be very full and there will be limited space for additional family and friends. Please keep this in mind when inviting guests. You may wish to invite guests to attend your own family celebration after the Sacrament. 

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.

Athletics Training

In Term 3 students in Year 3 - 6 will be participating in Track and Field events as part of the athletics carnival. This means that there will be no running club for Term 3 and instead students will have the opportunity to practise these events on Wednesday mornings. 

Please see below details about times/venue.

Students will sign their name off when they arrive. Please ensure students have the correct uniform to change into after the sessions. Students will be supervised by teachers during this time and will be walked back to school.

In the event of wet weather an email will be sent out the day before cancelling the session.

Any questions please don't hesitate to ask.

Kind Regards,

Matt Taylor 
Physical Education Teacher

Matthew.taylor@cewa.edu.au

Term 3 Athletics Information

Carnival Date: 19th of September

Track Races

• Sprint races are compulsory for all students:o PP: 50mo Year 1–2: 50m & 75mo Year 3–6: 100m, 200m• 400m races are A Division only.• Students are placed in divisions based on PE trial times.

Relay Races

• Year 3–6: 4x100m relay (double points: 1st=8, 2nd=6, 3rd=4, 4th=2).

Team Games

• PP – Year 6: Double Points awarded based on placing (8, 6, 4, 2).

Champion & Runner-Up Medals

• Awarded to Year 3–6 students based on points across:o 100m, 200m, 400mo Long jump, shot put, javelin• Points: 1st=4, 2nd=3, 3rd=2, 4th=1

Interschool Selection

• Year 3–6 only.• Track selection based on carnival times.• Field events based on PE class results.• Students absent on the carnival day remain eligible based on trial results. 

Year Group Overview

Kindy

• Students practise events during sport time and attend the carnival for one hour to complete their races and games.

Pre-Primary – Year 2

• Compete in 50m and 75m (Year 1/2 only) sprints and two team games (baton, and hurdle relays).• Students will complete trials during sport lessons.

Year 3 – 6

• Compete in:o Field events: Long jump, javelin, shot put (2 attempts, ribbons awarded in PE).o Track events: 100m, 200m, 400m (division based on trial times).• Team games on the day include leader ball and a hurdle relay. 

Kind regards,
Matthew Taylor
Physical Education Teacher

Kieran Connect Community Cookbook

Kieran Connect is making a Community Cookbook and we would love your yummy recipes to be included! Please send any recipes to your Year Rep by Friday 8th August.

Do We Need a Carers’ Group for St Kieran Students?

At St Kieran, we are always looking for ways to support our community and enhance the well-being of our students and their families. We are considering the formation of a Student Carers’ Group and would like to gauge your interest in this initiative.

The purpose of the carers’ group would be to provide students who are involved in a caring role in their family with e.g., a sibling, parent or guardian with temporary or permanent care needs. This group would offer students a confidential space to share experiences and feelings about their role with one another, and just as importantly to have some fun.

We propose to initially host the group after school once a term. The group will be tailored to the age range that shows the most interest.

To help us understand the level of interest and to plan accordingly, we kindly ask you to complete a short survey by 17^th August 2025. Your feedback will be invaluable in shaping the direction and focus of the Student Carers’ Group.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6KGDNW8

Kind regards

Gill Ford
St Kieran School Social Worker

Kieran Connect Parent Social Night

Come on St Kieran Parents.... Let's make this a night to remember! 

Gather up together with mums and dads. Organise the babysitter, dance the night away or simply tap your feet to the beat and mingle. 

Each ticket goes in the door prize draw for a $100 Crown voucher together with other prizes on hand. 
Look forward to seeing you all there.
https://user.cdfpay.flexischools.com.au/login

Auslan Storytime - The City of Stirling Term 3

Join The City of Stirling for an engaging storytelling experience in Auslan – perfect for little ones aged 0–5!

Led by a Deaf presenter and supported by an interpreter, these free, fun, and interactive sessions are brought to you by Deaf Connect and proudly supported by the City of Stirling and Better Beginnings.

These sessions are designed to be inclusive for all families, including Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing families.

Dates: Fortnightly on Thursdays throughout Term 3, commencing Thursday 24 July
Time: 10.30 – 11.00am
Venue: Stirling Libraries – Osborne, 9 Royal Street, Tuart Hill

See link for full list of dates - https://ctrk.klclick.com/l/01K0A3PVREQ0QRWNQS1J6A0S2Y_2

W-E-Rideable Parent Information Session