Each parent has his or her unique contribution to make;

some special quality that can help build a community

that really cares for children.

Let us pray that all parents will experience a sense of warmth

and welcome, and that there will be a rich sharing of ideas,

talents and enthusiasm as together we go about our work of

helping our children to grow and learn.

Amen

Dear Parents and Carers,

Students in schools where strong parent/staff relationships exists, achieve better outcomes. We each have a responsibility to work cooperatively and to support each other for the well-being and development of our children. At Orana, this is evident with our numerous parent volunteers, vibrant P and F, committed Advisory Council and overall welcoming feel at drop-off and pick-up time. We have so much to be grateful for when we reflect on being part of the Orana community. Thank-you all for your contributions to our community.

Condolences

Please keep Sue Tormay and her family in your thoughts and prayers. Sue’s father passed away. We pray that Sue’s family are comforted by each other and their treasured memories.

Performing Arts Festival Final Concert

On Monday evening, the Performing Arts Festival concluded with the Festival Concert at Newman College. Our band was invited to perform; performing superbly to a packed audience. Our talented musicians collected many awards which are highlighted in the Performing Arts section below. Congratulations and thank-you to all of our music students, music tutors and Ms Draper. Thank-you also to the parents for their time and support of their children.

RU OK? Day

Yesterday was RUOK? Day. This is our national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that any day is the day to ask, 'are you OK?' and support those struggling with life. This simple open question can be the start of a very important conversation. There are some excellent resources on the RUOK website.

Sacrament of Confirmation

This weekend, our Year 6 students will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, the last of the sacraments of initiation. Please pray for our Confirmation candidates. Many thanks to Father Thai, Father CJ, the parish catechists and parents and all who have supported these students in their faith journey.

Athletics Carnival

Next week we will hold our Athletics Carnival. I am sure it will be a fabulous day for students, families and staff. Many thanks to Tayla Lake for the early planning and to William Ellis for coordinating the carnival. Also, thanks to the parent volunteers and staff who will assist in the smooth running of the day. Unfortunately, due to the inclement weather resulting in a date change, I will be away at the Catholic Primary Principal Conference. Best wishes to all students.

P and F Update

At the end of the year, Shehan Goonetilleke will step down from the role of chairperson (formally known as President). Shehan has capably led the P and F over the last two years and we thank him for his service to the school community. We are looking for a new chairperson for next year. If you have any questions, please contact the P and F. The P and F Chair role description is below:

-Provide leadership for the P and F.

-Preside at all P and F meetings.

-Act as the P and F’s representative.

-Encourage parents and others to participate in the activities of the P and F.

-Actively pursue a collaborative working relationship with the Principal and leadership team.

As we come to the end of Term 3, children begin to tire. Please ensure that your children arrive at school well-rested and ready to learn; wearing the correct uniform and with all required items, so we can finish the term at the same high standard that we started the term with. When planning for Term 4, please prepare for wearing the correct summer uniform, including shoes and appropriate haircuts.

God bless and take care.

Dee Johnston

Principal

Sacrament of Confirmation - Term Three

Our Year Six children who have previously celebrated Reconciliation and Eucharist, will be celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation this weekend at Saints John and Paul Church - 16th September 5.30pm or 17th September 10.30am. We wish them all the best for this important occasion. All other year levels at Orana have also been learning about Confirmation in their Religious Education lessons to coincide with this special event.

Sacrament of Reconciliation - Year Three

Our Year Three children who are baptised Catholic, will begin their preparation to celebrate the sacrament beginning in Term Four. The following dates are important to add to calendars:

• This coming Thursday, 21st September, 7-8pm in the school hall: Parent Faith Formation (no children)
• Thursday, 12th October, 4.30-5.30pm OR 5.45-6.45pm in Saints John and Paul Church: Parent and Child Workshop
• 14th 5.30pm or 15th October at 10.30am - Commitment Mass at Saints John and Paul Church
• Wednesday, 8th November all day: Retreat at Schoenstatt Shrine
• Thursday, 9th November 5.30pm at Saints John and Paul Church: Rehearsal
• Thursday, 16th November 6pm: Sacrament Celebration

The Catholic Schools Performing Arts Festival has now concluded for 2023. On Monday night, the Orana Concert Band performed in the 'Spirit of the Arts' Concert at Newman College. This concert featured a selection of festival shield winners including instrumental solos, duet, ensemble, dance, drama and vocal items.

Orana was awarded the Catholic School Parents WA Award for Primary Concert Band. This is the 7th consecutive year the Orana band has won the primary school band shield. The Orana Classical Guitar Ensemble was awarded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart Award for Instrumental Ensemble Primary. As well as collecting these two shields, Orana was awarded top honours again, receiving the Zenith Award for Overall Excellence in Performance and Participation in the Spirit of the Performing Arts Festival.

Today at our senior assembly, we awarded 16 Merit, 15 Excellence and 25 Outstanding additional certificates for individual and group performances.

Congratulations to all our participants in this year's festival. Thank you to our team of talented instrumental tutors who prepare our students throughout the year for numerous performances and exams. Orana staff, parents and carers, your support of the musicians and performing arts programme at Orana is also crucial to our success. Thank you to everyone on a great team effort.

Sarah Draper

Music Teacher/Coordinator

LUNCH ORDERS COMING SOON

Lunch orders are coming to Orana in Term 4! The P&F has engaged an online provider, Locavora, to make and deliver school lunches on Mondays and Wednesdays. Ordering is done online and can be placed up until 8.30am on the day of delivery. Distribution of orders will be reliant upon parent volunteers to help cross-check orders and sort into classroom baskets. Click on https://www.orana.wa.edu.au/lunch-orders-monday-and-wednesday/ from the Orana website to sign up in preparation for ordering lunches in Term Four.

COMMUNITY CAMP OUT

This year, we will be having our Community Camp Out at Ern Halliday Recreation Centre from 11th to 12th November 2023.

More information will follow next week on Facebook, Seesaw and the Notice Board.

ORANA FAMILY BUSINESS SHOUTOUT

Orana Family Business Shoutout is back. We would like to promote your business on our new and improved Notice board for September. We would like your company name/Logo and a short introduction to your business including any promotions you would like to offer the Community in no more that 4-5 lines, in order for us to accommodate everyone. Please email us on oranapandf@gmail.com

Our Term Three Homeless Food Service was held on Tuesday, 5th September. Thank You to everyone in our school community. All the absolutely beautiful meals were very well received and appreciated.

It was a record of over 250 hot meals prepared by our AMAZING chefs!! So plenty of meals were distributed to those in need. Well done, Team Orana!

Week 10 - Wellness Week

Tuesday 19th September - Write a Story Day Competition (selected Yr5 & Yr6 Students)

Wednesday 20th September - Graduation Committee Meeting - 3.30pm - Yr 6 classrooms

Thursday 21st September - Athletics Carnival

Friday 22nd September - Athletics Carnival (Back Up Day)

Friday 22nd September - Year 1 Liturgy 9.30am

Friday 22nd September - Staff Appreciation Day P&F

Friday 22nd September - Junior Assembly - 2.30pm

Friday 22nd September - Last Day of School for Term 3

Saturday 23rd September - Certificate and Celebration Confirmation - 5.30pm - 6.30pm

Sunday 24th September - Certificate and Celebration Confirmation - 10.30pm - 11.30pm

Term 4 Week 1

Monday 9th October - PUPIL FREE DAY

Tuesday 10th October - 1st Day back for Term 4

Wednesday 11th October - 20th October - Swimming Lessons - Yr1 - Yr6

Thursday 12th October - Parent/ Child Workshop - Reconciliation (JP Church) 4.30pm - 5.30pm or 5.45pm - 6.45pm

Term 4

Monday 9th October

Don't forget to sign up for the Parish Pilgrimage Walk to St Mary's Cathedral! This can be done outside of the church at any weekend Mass. It is not too late!

Please note: There will be no playgroup on the Pupil Free Day Monday 9th October.