Today is World Teachers Day, a day where we acknowledge the outstanding work done by the educators in not only our school but in every school across the world. It's important to understand that it is not only the classroom teachers but also the education assistants that need to be acknowledged for the work that they do each day. This year as we are aware has been like no other in our living memory and it is put enormous stress on not only the children and our families but also to those who educate our children in a school environment. So please if you get a chance, take the opportunity to say thank you because that positive feedback and acknowledgement will make the day of a special educator.

Last term, you may have seen in the news media that there would be no increase in fees in the 163 schools in Catholic Education in Western Australia. We can confirm that this will be the case at St Kieran.  We have tried to go through all aspects of our school budget and where we can make savings, like removing the bus component from the swimming pool because we will now be using the Tuart Hill swimming club pool run by Servite College, these costs will be passed on to parents in the fee structure for 2021. The fee structure for next year will be presented at the annual general meeting, which is now moved to Tuesday, 24 November at 7 pm. We are aiming to present all reports electronically the day before the meeting as we are aware that we will be unable to accommodate a large adult crowd on the night of the meeting so we want to make sure that every parent has access to the information.

A separate message will come out regarding nominations for the board for the next two-year period, with three places becoming vacant. These positions will be voted on at that meeting.

We understand that there are still a number of our families are struggling financially and we want them to reach out to the school if they haven't already and to let us know what we can do to assist them. It is really important that this communication is had in the next couple weeks so that there is no undue stress placed on any family from the end of this year to the beginning of next. Please remember that all these discussions are confidential, and our aim is to support you in the education of your child.

I would like to acknowledge and thank the parents who have put their hand up to help run the three events for our children this evening. It is through the goodwill of our families that we can provide these opportunities for the children. We really appreciate the willingness of everyone to support these events and to also be extremely mindful of making activities safe and enjoyable for everyone. 

Congratulations to Noah Kerbolt who is the first winner of our after school stars award. Noah was the lucky ticket drawn out and he picked out a great set of colouring pencils as his award, which will go with his great love for drawing. Well done Noah!

Have a great weekend.

Peter Cutrona
Principal