Whitford Catholic Primary School
Newsletter 6 - 13 March 2019
Message from the Principal
Dear Parents and Guardians
I thought the scripture reading at the beginning of this newsletter was a lovely reminder of our need to be patient with others and to take time to see what life has to offer. When thinking of our children, it reinforces the importance of providing a wonderfully rich environment to scaffold learning, development and the growth of strong and positive values. Watching patiently as our children flourish and grow, is no doubt our most rewarding experience.
Swimming Carnival
I take this opportunity of congratulating Mr D’Adamo, staff, parent helpers and the students from Years 3-6 for working together to make our swimming carnival on Tuesday, such a successful event. Year Six Faction Captains must be commended on rallying their teams and it was fabulous to see how well students competed, encouraged each other and tried their best throughout the entire day. A top effort to Mercy Faction for again winning the carnival and to all Runner-Up and Champions on the Day. More information further in this newsletter.
WCPS Dedicated Family Parish Mass this Sunday
Further developing stronger links between the school, parish and home is an important part of our ongoing growth as a school. This coming Sunday, a number of our students and families from Years 4-6 will be involved in the Parish Mass at 9.30am, followed by an invitation for families to pop into the ‘Little Glories Cafe’ before heading home after mass. We would encourage our children and families to support this mass and I suggest you look out for Mr De Maio, who will be waiting to greet you as you enter the Church. Thank you for your support.
Harmony Day
This coming Friday we celebrate ‘The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence Day’. Our school, standing together with over 5600 schools across the nation, is inspiring and sends a powerful message that bullying and violence is NEVER OK. Please check further in this newsletter, information about the day #BullyingNoWay#NDA2019.
St Patrick’s Day
Many in our community will no doubt be celebrating St Patrick’s Day over the weekend, in commemoration of St Patrick who, being one of Ireland’s patron saints, ministered Christianity in Ireland during the fifth century. Any children in our school who wish to extend these celebrations, may wear something GREEN with their normal school uniform on Monday.
Nature Playground Update
After watching ground works happening and the installation of small retaining walls, it is now very pleasing to see our climbing frame starting to take shape. This should be a great addition to the playground, with staff and students very much looking forward to seeing it up and ready to go.
Peter Benson – Sparks: How Youth Thrive
If you have 20 minutes to sit down and relax with a cuppa, I recommend you take the time to watch this TEDx Talk by Peter Benson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqzUHcW58Us
Although reference is made to children in America, it is no different to our children here in Australia. This should provide food for thought and certainly some good conversation. Hope you enjoy it.
Cardinal Pell
The news over recent weeks of the conviction of Cardinal Pell has been deeply distressing for our Catholic community, particularly for those whose lives have been impacted by sexual abuse. I wish to remind families that as a school community, we have stringent measures in place to ensure the safety of all students and staff at WCPS. Please refer to the Code of Conduct that is available for viewing on our school website. The wellbeing of all in our school remains our highest priority. Please feel free to contact me directly if you require support in this matter.
Kindest regards
Tamara McGougan
Principal
WCPS Dedicated Mass & Cafe Morning Tea - Sunday 17th March, 9.30am
This weekend, the OLM Parish has dedicated this weekend’s 9:30am Children's' Liturgy to Whitford Catholic students. Some of our students will be participating in the readings, prayers of the faithful and offertory. Father Cyprian and Father Truc would love to see as many WCPS families as possible this weekend to help celebrate the Mass.
Parent Teacher Meetings - Monday 25 March - SCHOOL CLOSES AT 12NOON
Parent/Teacher Meetings will take place from 12noon until 6pm on Monday 25 March. PLEASE NOTE THAT SCHOOL WILL FINISH AT 12NOON on this day to accommodate meetings.
These meetings are an integral part of the school’s reporting system and are an excellent opportunity for parents and teachers to share information and discuss your child’s strengths, areas for growth and individual needs.
By attending, you are sending a powerful message to your children; that the important parent/teacher team is united and has their best interests at heart.
To book a meeting with your child’s Class Teacher or Specialist Teacher, please follow the link below:
https://www.schoolinterviews.com.au/code?code=ze5nx
Please note that these meetings are for 10 minutes only and a bell will sound at the end of every session. If you think you need more time with teachers, please contact the teachers directly to arrange an alternative meeting time.
After school care is available from 12noon on this day. Please contact Little Buckets directly on 0401 378 751.
PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE CANTEEN WILL BE CLOSED FOR LUNCH AND RECESS ON THIS DAY DUE TO PARENT TEACHER INTERVIEWS BUT WILL BE OPEN TUESDAY 26 MARCH
Important Dates
FRIDAY 15 MARCH
- HARMONY DAY / STAND AGAINST BULLYING DAY - wear orange.
- 02:15pm - 03:00pm Senior Assembly - presented by 4 Blue
SUNDAY 17 MARCH
- 09:30am - 10:30am Year 4 - 6 WCPS Dedicated Mass
MONDAY 18 MARCH
- Wear Green to celebrate St Patrick's Day
- 06:30pm - 07:30pm ZuluDesk - Parent Information Session
TUESDAY 19 MARCH
WEDNESDAY 20 MARCH
- 09:00am - 10:00am Year 4 to attend Mass
- 07:30pm - 09:00pm WCPS P&F Meeting
THURSDAY 21 MARCH
Year 3 Badminton Lessons
- 09:00am - 10:00am 6 Gold Surfing Lessons
FRIDAY 22 MARCH
MONDAY 25 MARCH
- Parent/Teacher Meetings - SCHOOL CLOSES AT 12 NOON
Harmony Week / WCPS Day Of Action Against Bullying
Don't forget Friday 15 March students are invited to wear something orange, the traditional colour for Harmony Day.
St Patrick's Day
We are also celebrating St Patrick’s Day on Monday by inviting students to wear the colour green.
Zulu Desk Information Evening
Just a reminder to all Year 3 parents and any other parents who may be interested that an Information Evening has been organised for this coming Monday at 6.30pm, in the school Library to explain the workings of Zulu Desk. The session will outline how you can use ZuluDesk Parent at home to set restrictions and keep an eye on your child's online behaviour. We will endeavour to also go through how it can link up with any new iOS settings i.e. Screen Time settings.
I have placed a link to a survey below. Thank you to the parents that have already completed it. If you have not yet completed could you please do so as it will give me an idea of how many parents will be in attendance. Even if you are not planning on attending it would be great if you could fill it out as it all helps in the planning stage - it should not take more than two minutes.
Have a great day and once again if there are any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Regards
Mike Barns
Year 6B Teacher
The Cool Kids Child Anxiety Program – For eligible Year 5 students
Anxiety is also known as worry, fear, nervousness, shyness………. it can have lots of names!
Anxious and fearful behaviour is common in children. Most children learn how to manage a range of fears and worries.
Everyone gets anxiety, but some people become anxious more easily, more often and more intensely.
Mrs Elaine Mahon - Social Worker, will be running a School Based Cool Kids Anxiety Program for eligible students, starting with the Year 5 cohort next term.
The Cool Kids Child Anxiety Program is a structured, skills-based program that teaches children and their parent(s) how to better manage a child’s anxiety. It is designed for children aged 6 –12 years of age. The aim of the program is for children and parents to gain knowledge, confidence and skills in understanding and managing anxiety.
If you believe:
* Your child feels more anxious than other children their age and ability
* Anxiety stops your child from participating in activities at school or socially
* Anxiety interferes with your child’s ability to do things other children of similar age do easily
* Your child’s anxiety and fears seem out of proportion to what is happening in their life
And would like more information on the Cool Kids Program, please CLICK HERE to view the Cool Kids brochure.
If you would like to discuss the Program and the referral process involved, please contact Mrs Elaine Mahon via email to arrange an appointment.
Mrs Elaine Mahon – elaine.mahon@cewa.edu.au
Social Worker
Project Compassion
As mentioned in last weeks newsletter, Project Compassion boxes have gone home to all families. Please note that our school has also registered online and if you would prefer to make an online donation please click on the link below.
Tati from Indonesia
Tati is a Dayak woman, living in a remote forest of West Kalimantan, Indonesia, with her husband and two of her three children.
Her two youngest children go to school nearby while her 19-year-old son lives in a rented room close his school 60 kilometres away. The family pays for his living-away-from-home expenses, in addition to providing for school expenses.
Tati’s Dayak culture is deeply linked to the rainforest and her family has relied on it for sustenance for generations.Over the last few years, communities which depend on the native forests have seen them shrink, along with vital habitats for endangered orangutans, rhinos and tigers.
Caritas Australia, with its partners Caritas Indonesia – KARINA and the Diocesan Caritas are working with local communities to develop alternative sustainable livelihoods, by training them in ecotourism activities.
Before Tati joined the Caritas program, she and her husband mainly earned their income from rubber tapping and raising chickens.
Now, Tati has increased her family income ten times over by cooking for tourists and making souvenirs. Her community is also developing a strong financial base so that it can manage its own land. Around 600 people have directly benefitted from the program so far – with hopes it can be expanded to other districts.
Student Achievement - Have Sum Fun Online
Congratulations to Year 6 students Sienna Forsyth, Lachlan McAlpine, Cian Corcoran and Ethan Nicholls who competed in an online Maths competition which ran over 3 weeks. The Whitte’s Wizards, as they were known, finished third out of 60 schools. A remarkable effort!
Assembly
This week's Senior Assembly will be held on Friday 13 March in the school hall at 2.15pm. The assembly will be presented by 4B and Merit Awards will be presented to the following students:
Merit Winners
3B
Jesse Ratcliffe
Lachlan Beveridge
Nash Cavanagh
3G
Sofia Velluntini
Mia Gumbleton
Lachlan Hayes
3W
Patrick Campbell
Daniel Fallon
Caeden Lee
4B
Alexander Le-Tran
Jamie Corcoran
Cara Stritch
4G
Lekshman Aloysious
Liam Corbett
Samara Rowan
Rianna Sudano
4W
Karina Slade
Tanner Schrader
Marcus Dunlop
Harry O'Shea
5B
Olivia Dimitrovich
Joseph Starbuck
Cayden Protzman
5G
Ruby Mooney
Sofia Penaranda
Leo Whelahan
5W
Luca Traynor
Michael Cream
Clare Penaranda
6B
Sydni Latiolais
Chloe Chaplin
Evan Daniels
6G
Molly McGurk
Tobee Witheridge
6W
Sari Barrett
Archie Massey
Connor Finnegan
PE News
Congratulations to Mercy faction who won yesterday's Swimming Carnival at HBF Arena. Well done also to all of our Champion Boys and Girls, as well as our Runner Up Champions. We have so many talented swimmers who performed extremely well on the day. Congratulations to all the competitors who did their best and took part.
The day was a huge success and the all the students had an opportunity to swim and contribute to their team's points tally. I would like to thank all the teachers and parents who helped out on the day and made the running of the carnival pain free. Your efforts are always so valued and the day wouldn't be possible without your help.
The points results were as follows;
Mercy (Blue): 1568
Frayne (Yellow): 1392
O'Connor (Red): 1304
McAuley (Green): 1186
Champions and Runners Up;
Year 3 Champion Girl: Amelia Hill
Year 3 Runner Up: Ruth Pilkington
Year 3 Champion Boy: Patrick Campbell
Year 3 Runner Up: Kai Barrett
Year 4 Champion Girl: Estelle Annand
Year 4 Runner Up: Abby Herman and Taylah O'Hanlon
Year 4 Champion Boy: Anthony Mikhail
Year 4 Runner Up: Charlie Lihou
Year 5 Champion Girl: Tyler Bull
Year 5 Runners Up: Jaydn Buckley & Taleah Broadley
Year 5 Champion Boy: Shay Burke
Year 5 Runner Up: Tadgh Barrowclough
Year 6 Champion Girl: Adelaide Hilton
Year 6 Runner Up: Sari Barrett
Year 6 Champion Boy: Jarrod Ferris
Year 6 Runner Up: Lachlan McAlpine
The Interschool Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday 22 March at HBF Arena. Details of this event will be forwarded soon.
Adriano D'Adamo
PE Specialist
Canteen
CANTEEN CLOSED MONDAY 25TH MARCH DUE TO PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS
CANTEEN WILL BE OPEN ON TUESDAY 26 MARCH 2019
Sushi available for Tuesday 26 March for $5.50, orders close noon Thursday 21 March. No late orders accepted. Please send in bag or extra 10c.
Your choice of Tuna, Chicken or Vegetarian.
Thursday 11 April – End of Term Special:
¼ Dominos Pizza & Juice Box for $6.00. Orders close noon Thursday 4 April. No late orders accepted. For Gluten Free option please speak to
Kerry in canteen.
We are desperate for Volunteers for Tuesday 26 March and Term 2.
If you can help please contact the office or come and see us at the Canteen. Thank you.
Thursday 14th March
Recess:
Pizza Slice $1.60
Cake Slice 70c
Roster:
Mary McGrath, Kylie Vanderwiel, Clare Cherian
Monday 18th March
Recess:
Yummy Drummy $1.00
Pikelet 70c
Roster:
Kristy Ferguson, Nicole Woods, Michelle Shier
Thursday 21st February
Recess:
TBA
Roster:
Jo Lihou, Meg Grant, Daniela De Lima
Tuesday 26th March – Sushi $5.50
Normal menu available
Recess:
Chicken Wedges $1.40
Lamington Fingers 70c
Roster:We have no volunteers for this day if you can spare some time to help out it would be greatly appreciated.
P&F News
Save the Date
Be sure to save the date for our Lapathon. It will be held on Tuesday 2 April and will be our first major fundraising event for the year. Be sure to look out for the fundraising envelopes which will come out next week along with more information.
Looking for a great Mother’s Day gift idea?? Well look no further…….
Photographer Lanie Sims is kindly doing another “quickie family photo session”, Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th of May at WCPS.
Securing your spot is as easy as this…..
- 1. click on the following link
- 2. Choose the WCPS dates (May 4/5th)
- 3. Choose your time
- 4. Lastly payment
5. 6 awesome edited prints will arrive in your inbox, to print as you wish!!
https://laniesimsquickiebooking.as.me/whitfordsps
Nature Play Project - Playground Update
A whole lot of adventure is headed to WCPS but we still need your help.
Groundworks for the Nature Based Playground have commenced on the far side of the school oval, in preparation for the construction of a Climbing Frame, Goliath Swing and Mud Kitchen, to be completed in 4-6 weeks.
Over the last two years, the P&F have set aside $40K from funds raised to enable works to commence on a new playground for our school community. The cost of this project however is $82K, which means that school fundraising by the P&F for 2019 will go toward payment of this project.
Your continued support for our fundraising events throughout the year will ensure we reach our goal and help to create some fabulous play spaces for our children.
Together we can reach our goal of $82K
Entertainment Books 2019/2020
Hurry! Bonus Early Bird Offers. Limited Time Only.
Whitford Catholic Primary School is fundraising with Entertainment!
Your support really helps our School, so we’re thrilled to let you know about special bonus Early Bird Entertainment Membership Offers for loyal supporters.
Pre-order the NEW 2019 | 2020 Entertainment Membership and receive bonus offers you can use right away!
Click here to order your Entertainment Book
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Whitford Catholic Primary School
Lisa Briscoe
0438317561
Parish News
THIS EASTER, we are so excited to be hosting international author and speaker, JEFF CAVINS, at our parish. Jeff is no stranger to most of us as almost every parish has run one of his famous Bible Timeline studies at one point or another. This is a very unique opportunity to hear him speak live. It is also a chance to engage with others from the parish as well as from the archdiocese, and of course most importantly deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ through the Mass, the talk, Adoration and Confession (which will be offered on the night).
DATE: 26 APRIL 2019, FRIDAY
TIME: 5.30 pm - 9.30 pm (The evening will begin with Mass, the talk starts at 7.00 pm)
TALK: “I’m not being fed: Discovering the food that satisfies the soul”
For more information and registration please pick up a brochure at the back of the Church or visit www.evangelisationaustralia.com. For your convenience, the team from Evangelisation Australia will be at all Masses on the weekend of 16/17 March to answer any questions and take your registration. This is an incredible opportunity for the parish, so we hope to see you all there! God bless
Newsletter Advertising
If anyone is interested in advertising in the newsletter for 2019 would you please send an email to admin@wcps.wa.edu.au.
OUR SPONSORS
Community News
Hot-Shots Tennis lessons with InStyle Tennis!
Tennis lessons at Whitfords Catholic Primary School are held Tuesday 7.35-8.20am. All players receive a free t-shirt! And Mum’s, after school drop off why not try Cardio Tennis at Sorrento TC. 9.15am Mon-Fri! Great fun and all ages/ levels welcome! Details and online registration at instyletennis.com.au/ 0433 777 195