St Kieran Newsletter Term 3, Week 8 - 11th September 2025

Principal's Message

Lord,  
Let us not forget that taking part in sporting activities is meant to improve our physical well being,  
develop our self-esteem,  
teach us respect for ourselves and for the abilities of those with whom we play.  
May our contribution as adults,  
be to focus on these areas of development in a positive manner.  
Amen. 

Often I talk to the students about being good sports and what it looks like. Now I am a pretty competitive person, there is no question about this and have grown up with a life in sport. The one thing that I have always been told is try your hardest, give your best effort, it is not about the results just how hard you try. This is something I talk to my own children about - I never care about the result just how hard your try and of you are giving your best effort! This coupled with being a good sport - makes sport fun! 

Being a good sport is the responsibility, not only of the players and their coaches or teachers, but also of those who come to watch and support. The players or participants should be encouraged to engage in friendly rivalry that is marked by fair play. The activities should offer the opportunity for positive learning experiences that are associated with the values of dignity, equality, fairness and respect. This is one thing I love about athletics carnivals and the children at St Kieran as often you will see the cheering and supportive behaviour encouraging the students no matter how well they are doing or where they are finishing. 

We should be encouraging our children to take to the field to play with other children, to have fun and enjoy doing what they can do best in the best possible way. If the other team is better than our team, we should congratulate them for being so; and if our team comes out on top, we should thank the other team for bringing out the best in us. And don’t forget, good sportsmanship starts with us all. 

Now this weekend adds a little bit more into this story around being good sports and we have a real life story to tell you. Mr Peletier and myself coach football - AFL against each other and this weekend our sides play off against each other in the grand final. Mr Peletier has won the 3 games this year by 16, 11 and 2 points - they have been pretty close. While extremely competitive on the Sunday, by Monday we roll around and get into life as per normal - this is what good sports do - people and relationships are always far greater than the result. In saying this if the wrong side loses on the weekend don’t be surprised to see Mr Peletier doing more before and after school duties for the rest of the term and possibly washing Mr Burnett's car! 

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. We conclude Term 3 for students on Friday 26th September.  

School Faction Carnival

Next Friday is the School Faction Carnival. Students are to arrive at school at the usual time and they will walk down to Grenville Oval together with their Faction. The event will begin around 9am and conclude at 2.30pm. Please note these are only estimates of times.  

Parents must stay in the designated spectator area for the duration of the carnival. Students will not be allowed to leave their faction bay to visit the spectator area, so please ensure your child has everything they need in their school bag. There is no lunch orders on the day.  

After the presentations, students will line up on the track with their class teacher. It is at this point that students may be signed out to leave.  

Contact Details - Parents

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

3 Year Old Kindy 2026 Enrolments

We are finalising 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. 

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 or to be used during the school day. 

If you have any concerns or questions please reach out to one of the Leadership Team. 

Annual Community Meeting

Our Annual Community Meeting will be held on Wednesday 20th November at 5pm in the Upper Learning Area. This will be a combination of the School Advisory and Kieran Connect Meeting's. 

The School Advisory Committee operates under the Terms of Reference, and these are listed on our school website. As a School Advisory Council, we continue to look to support our school values and those of CEWA. If you ever have any questions regarding the School Advisory Council please contact Mr Burnett. 

School Playground and Play Equipment

For the safety of all children, we kindly remind families that students are not to use the school playground equipment before or after school. During these times, staff are not on duty and unable to supervise, which increases the risk of accidents or injury. 

We appreciate your support in helping us keep everyone safe. 

Placement of Students in Classes for 2026

Each year, staff use professional judgement to make fair and informed decisions about where they place students for the following year. These decisions are based on many aspects that consider the whole child. Staff consider academic ability, behavioural concerns, socio-emotional considerations, gender, learning needs, as well as friendships evident at school and attempt to even the distribution across both classes when making these decisions. 

If you have a significant matter that you wish to discuss with the Principal, please email Mr Burnett directly before Thursday 18th September daine.burnett@cewa.edu.au this date is not extended. 

Fathers Camping Trip Weekend 2025! 

We have booked all campsites at Yanchep National Park from Friday 17th to Sunday 19th October and we have space available for more Dads and kids. All ages are welcome! Kindy through to Year 6.  

Join us for one or two nights for some fun, adventure, games and activities. Proudly supported by St Kieran Catholic Primary School and Kieran Connect. Arrive Friday Arvo or evening with Saturday team games and high ropes course followed by a group dinner. Sunday caves/hike/beach. Pub Lunch for the Dads and kids! 

If you would like to join us, please email me at dtraynor78@hotmail.com or message me on 0437 800 948. 

There are a few spaces left. Get in quick! 

Traffic Crossing - Crosswalk Attendant

If any of our families or community members would like to explore the possibility of becoming a Cross walk Attendant please make contact with the office and we can direct you down the correct path for training and further information.  

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. 

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. 

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. ConfirmationEnrolmentForm 

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.  

Catch up - Sacrament of Confirmation Commitment Masses Sat 9August 6:30pm. If you miss this Mass, please contact Fr Wilson to arrange another time.  

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 chlid 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 occurs on Saturdays 8:20am or 6:00pm. Also available by appointment, contact parish office 

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. 

Boost Your Child’s Maths Skills at Home with NumBots & Times Tables Rock Stars!

We’re excited to let you know about two fantastic apps that your child can use at home to support their maths learning: NumBots and Times Tables Rock Stars! 

NumBots is designed to help young children develop a strong understanding of number bonds, addition, and subtraction through engaging games and challenges. Regular short sessions (just 5–10 minutes a day) can make a big difference in building your child’s fluency and understanding. 

Times Tables Rock Stars helps children master their multiplication and division facts in a fun, competitive way. Whether they're playing in a single-player mode or challenging classmates in a ‘Rock Battle’, they’ll be improving speed and accuracy with every game. 

🏠 How to Use at Home: 

• Both apps are on your child’s school iPad or they are available on tablets, phones, and computers to download for free
• Logins have been provided to all the children by their class teacher– if you need help accessing your child’s account, please contact their class teacher.
• Just a few minutes of practice each day can have a big impact!

By using these apps at home, you’ll be giving your child a great opportunity to reinforce what they’ve learned in class – and have fun doing it! 

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students grow in confidence and ability in maths. 

Social Media Age Restriction Hub

We would like to share with you the eSafety Commissioner's Social Media Age Restrictions Hub. The hub is being put forward as the source of truth about Australia's world-first social media age restrictions, taking effect on 10 December 2025. This hub will support educators and parents to understand and prepare for the change.   

Link: Social Media Age Restrictions Hub 

Make a Move Dance Showcase

Next week we are looking forward to seeing our students perform in the Make a Move concert! These are the times for next week:

Blue Classes                 Wed 17^th Sept               2 pm – approx. 2.45 pm

White Classes              Thur 18^th Sept             2 pm – approx. 2.45 pm

Sports Carnival Details

Carnival Date: 19^th of September
Venue: Grenville Reserve
Program Overview: Check Seesaw for a list of events students are in.

Track Races

• Sprint races are compulsory for all students:
• PP: 50m
• Year 1–2: 50m & 75m
• 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:
• 100m, 200m, 400m
• 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/PP

• Students have practised events during sport time and attend the carnival for one hour to complete their races and games.
• 50m Race and Hurdle Relay

Year 1 – Year 2

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

Year 3 – 6

• Compete in:
• Field events: Long jump, javelin, shot put (2 attempts, ribbons awarded in PE).
• 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

Sports Carnival - Coffee Van

Sports Carnival Accessories Packs

Sports Carnival Accessory packs are back for all students!
Be sure to place your order.
Any questions email Pia - misspia75@yahoo.com.au
Don’t miss out!

https://ordering.cdfpay.flexischools.com.au

R U OK? DAY

Today for R U OK? Day each year group took part in special wellbeing-focused lessons, such as

• Writing a “Being a Good Friend” poem.
• Participating in a ‘’friendship scavenger hunt’’.
• Identifying trusted people to talk to when support is needed.

Awareness posters have been displayed around the school to raise awareness. Colouring activities and fun resources have been included in clubs to encourage participation and mindfulness.

More information and resources are available at:
https://www.ruok.org.au/r-u-ok-day

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.

Carols in the Quad

SAVE THE DATE! Carols in the Quad will be held on Thursday 4th December at 6:30pm.