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- Principal News
- National Catholic Education Commission- Election Edition
- Term 2 fees are now due
- After School Guitar and Keyboard lessons
- Year 5 "Family Life Talks" reminder
- 20% Discount on Trousers & Unisex shirts
- Social Work Corner
- Season for Growth 2019 progam
- Centenary 2020
- Canteen survey
- Free Parent Forum - R U Legal
- Entertainment Books - Books or Digital- Memberships are here
- Mercedes College musical production of Wicked
For those who may not be aware students in Year Three and Five commenced Naplan testing this week. This year about 53% of all schools are completing Naplan testing online, and we are one of those. The testing environment has not been as smooth as we would have expected, and there have certainly been dropouts and locking up of the app used as part of this testing regime. Our children have handled the situation when it has occurred extremely well and have taken the disruptions in their stride. Currently, the national authority is reviewing the situation, and we will inform parents of the outcome when we are made aware. Parents should feel confident that although Naplan does provide an in time assessment, it is certainly just one of the many aspects that we utilise to determine both the learning of the students and the areas of need and growth across our school cohorts, which we believe as most schools do, is of greater importance.
Next Friday evening our Year Three students will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the very first time. we wish all children receiving the Sacrament next Friday evening all our best wishes and prayers.
During the week we undertook an attendance audit by the Department of Education. We spent a large majority of Tuesday providing requested information around student enrolment, attendance and verification of reasons for absences of students. These are all requirements of the Education Act and it is why we will follow up absences seeking written notification in particular circumstances. The importance of this cannot be understated as it has a direct relationship to the funding the school receives from the State Government. Overall our processes and procedures were acknowledged as being appropriate as would be expected. As part of our processes, we will continue to work with parents where attendance or lateness impacts on student learning.
A reminder to parents and carers that the only safe place to drop students off before school is in the drop-off line on Morgans Street. We are still having a small number of vehicles stop outside the Tyler Street gates either on the street or in the disabled parking bays. Not only is this dangerous for your child and others it is extremely inconsiderate of those for whom the bays are set up. The Servite gates near our library remain open until just before 9 am and we would much rather children enter the school via this way than being dropped off on a busy road.
Whilst on safety in our school we would also request that parents entering the Kindergarten/ Pre Primary playground, shut all gates behind them. We have to ensure that these environments are safe for all students and with a very busy Cape Street, we have become concerned with adults entering and exiting these areas and not ensuring the gates are closing behind them. Please do your bit to make our school safe.
Have a great weekend
Peter Cutrona
Principal
National Catholic Education Commission- Election Edition
Please find below the National Catholic Education Commission Newsletter which provides a national voice for all Catholic schools.
Parents, just a reminder that Term 2 fees are now due and are required to be paid as soon as possible.
Thank you to those families who have already paid in full or who have payment arrangements in place.
Over the next few weeks, the School will be contacting any parent who has overdue or unpaid fees to follow up payment of their account. If you have any concerns in relation to payment of your fees please contact the office and a meeting can be arranged to discuss alternative payment arrangements.
Many thanks
Peter Cutrona
Principal
After School Guitar and Keyboard lessons
Lessons in guitar and keyboard will be offered by Keyed Up Music, the same company who also run our in-class music program. The classes will be held after school on-site at school and will commence as soon as there are enough students to form a group. Please direct all queries to Keyed Up Music Ph: 1300 366 243 enquiry@keyupmusic.com.au
We are currently a few students to commence both programs- If you are interested to start at the beginning of Term Three then please make contact with Keyed-Up using their details below.
Year 5 "Family Life Talks" reminder
The Girls' talk is on Tuesday 28th May 6.30pm-8pm
Boys' talk on Wednesday 29th May 6.30pm -8pm
Students are encouraged to come along with ANY adult from their family.
20% Discount on Trousers & Unisex shirts
The boys’ winter pants have arrived at Lowes store in Mirrabooka.
There will be a 20% discount day next Thursday 23rd May 2019. The discount will apply to the new Unisex Long Sleeve Shirt and Boys’ Winter Pants, only on instore purchases.
If for any reason Lowes sells out of a trouser size they will still honour the 20% discount.
As school social worker at St Kieran I am fortunate to have the opportunity of meeting many students and their families and being available to offer support with issues that may arise and with social and emotional learning.
I was in Pre-Primary this week and had a fun session with the children learning about “milkshake breathing”
Milkshake breathing is a technique to help children learn to take three or four deep breaths to assist in managing stressful emotions.
All that you need is a plastic cup, filled one third with water and a straw. Breath in slowly through your nose, counting to five, hold your breath for one, breath out through the straw counting five to ten. It makes bubbles in the cup, just like a milkshake!
This helps the children learn to take strong, slow, steady breaths which strengthens the parts of your brain that helps you stay calm. It’s fun- you may like to get your child to show you at home!
I am also working with the Year Two classes at present in some sessions to assist with social skills and resiliency.
It`s also 'Seasons' time again! Applications for this popular program are now being advertised in this newsletter and through Seqta.
Application forms will also be available from the office.
The 'Seasons' program is a small group program to support children who are managing the impact of loss or significant life changes.
I will again be offering a great program for parents called 'Tuning In To Kids'. It's a program that research shows really helps parents and children connect in a positive way.
Our children are our greatest joy but in my experience it’s not always easy being a parent, with many challenges along the way!
It can be helpful to talk things over and I welcome your contact,
Penny Storey
School Social Worker
P: 63832600 E: penny.storey@cewa.edu.au
Available: Mon (alt), Tues-Thurs
A program to support children living with the impact of significant change or loss
Parents, St Kieran is pleased to again offer the Seasons for Growth Program for students in Years 1 to 6
What is seasons for Growth all about?
Seasons is a small group, evidence based, grief and loss support and education program
Who is it for?
- Those who have experienced significant loss or change such as :
- Loss of someone close
- Parental separation or divorce
- Stepfamilies forming
- Moving to a new place
- Migration or refugee experience
- Impact of illness
- Member of family with special needs
- Family work /life changes
Seasons Helps children:
- Feel special, become more confident and build self esteem
- Have the chance to understand what they are feeling is normal
- Meet others who may have had similar experiences, Recognize `I`m not the only one’
- Have a say and learn new ways to understand and respond to their experience
How Does Seasons for Growth Work?
Seasons is offered to students from Years 1 to 6.
It is a structured eight-week program taking place in small age-related groups. There is opportunity to talk and listen, as well as take part in activities around the weekly theme including drawing, music, art, journaling, roleplays and stories. Each weekly session lasts 40-50 minutes and takes place during school at a time suitable for both teacher and class.
There is a celebration session at the end of the eight weeks.
It Is suggested that anyone affected by bereavement wait for 12 months before participating in a Seasons for Growth Program
When will Seasons start and what is the cost?
Seasons will commence in week 7 Term 2 (week commencing 10 June)
There is no cost for the Seasons Program. It is offered as part of the Pastoral Care Program at St Kieran.
Who will run the Seasons program?
The program will be run by myself and Assistant Principal, Sally Hart. We have both been trained and accredited to run the program.
How can my Son or Daughter take part in Seasons?
If you think your son or daughter may benefit from the program and they are in Years 1 to 6 we would encourage you to talk about it with them. Should they wish to participate please reply by Thursday 30 May 2019.
penny.storey@cewa.edu.au
sally.hart@cewa.edu.au
Penny Storey Social Worker Seasons for Growth Coordinator
Sally Hart Assistant Principal Seasons for Growth Companion
✂ ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Seasons for Growth Program 2019
Participation Consent Form
I _________________________________ (Parent/Carer full name)
give my consent for my son /daughter to participate in the Seasons for Growth Program
Name: ______________________________ Class:
Name: ______________________________ Class:
I have discussed this with him / her.
_________________ _____________________
Child’s signature Parent/Guardian
Michelle reached out to us with a story about her mum Patricia Rice (nee Conway). This is an excerpt from Mrs Rice’s eulogy who sadly passed away in 2018. But stories like this keep our school’s history alive! Thank you Michelle.
“Early in 1920, the Sisters of Mercy established a school in the Parish of St Kieran’s and Mum’s Dad and his sisters Ronnie and Kath were amongst the first sixteen children enrolled in the school. Mum also attended St Kieran’s Catholic School and she was quickly recognised as being the daughter/niece of the original foundation pupils.
When mum first started school, her Granddad Martin Conway, used to ride his horse from Osborne Park to their house in Joondanna to pick her up and take her to school.
He would park himself under a tree at 3.00 pm each day to take her home as well. After a while, Mr Harper, who was a family friend and their local milkman, used to take her and sister, Gloria, to school on his milk cart.
He would also come from Osborne Park to pick them up and take them home too. Many years later when her sister Roslyn was in high school Sister Mary Vianey, the principal, commented that she remembered Mum coming to school on a horse with her Granddad.”
Patricia is pictured in the third row, third from the right with a clip in her hair.
Since we moved to an offsite canteen service in 2017 we have requested feedback on the model each year. it is extremely difficult to please everyone when you have a service that caters for such a large and diverse group of people. If you have 5 minutes to provide us with some feedback that we can share with Montellos so we can provide the best possible service to your children and our families.
R U Legal
Join us at Servite for a free Parent Forum to understand laws affecting young people and legal responsibilities for all members of our community. Presented by Legal Aid WA, this session will cover common ways that young people come into conflict with the law, including sexting, cyber bullying, underage drinking and more.
Bookings: trybooking.com/BCAFF
When: 7.00pm Wednesday 29 May
Where: Auditorium, Servite College
Entertainment Books - Books or Digital- Memberships are here
The new 2019/2020 Entertainment Memberships are here, and this year we will be fundraising for our school. The memberships sell for $70 and the school receives 20% from every membership sold.
Choose between the Entertainment Digital Membership or Entertainment Book. Both memberships contain thousands of up to 50% off and 2-for-1 offers for Perth’s best restaurants, cafes, family dining and other attractions. The Membership is valid from now until 1 June 2020.
To order your Book or your Digital Membership securely online visit:
Mercedes College musical production of Wicked
Mercedes College is proud to present its 2019 Production of Wicked. Featuring a cast of over 70, this musical is coming to the Regal Theatre in Subiaco for 4 performances only, from Friday 2 August. Tickets are available at http://www.ticketek.com.au. If you would like to know about Mercedes College, follow us on Facebook.