OLOF TIMES
2nd July 2021
Our Vision
Our Lady of Fatima Palmyra is a Catholic School that aspires to
provide a respectful, secure and caring learning environment
where our community is committed to following
the teachings of Jesus.
From the Principal
Dearest Parents and Caregivers,
Dear Parents and Guardians
As we venture to the end of term, our students continue to give their best to their learning. I see this each day in the enthusiasm they have in coming to school. Most mornings while on oval duty, first up, I see how they burst out with energy and interest for the day ahead. This is attitude is great to see considering the mornings are cold and their days are packed with activity. I can imagine your mornings are flat out in getting them ready for the day. Oh, I remember the days, (with my own kids), through winter, organising lunches, getting homework sorted, everything they need in their bags and making sure they have the right uniform on does make it a little hectic. Well, I remember my wife telling me all that, so I can imagine it must be hectic!!! I must say that you all have done a great job.
I also appreciate that there will be days where mornings become a little more than hectic. It is just how it is with having kids. Please do not stress if you are ever running a little late on some days. It is all okay! Just come into the office and sign your children in. We all know how life rolls. Just think, after today, you will be able to slow down those morning routines for a couple of weeks.
Every so often I shoot off into the bush to go and cut wood for our woodfire at home. Occasionally, I take a friend or one of my boys with me. This is a great time to unwind and let the mind rest up. It is also a good time to stop and think of what life is about. As I was talking with my mate on this particular trip, we were chatting about life in general and what it meant to us. He mentioned that he’d found this great quote, below, on Facebook and sent it to me.
The quote is from someone who had performed on the X-Factor US. Her name was Nightbirde, and she performed an original song. Her story was that she has been living with cancer and had found strength in her music and song writing. A person’s story is everything. Sometimes we forget this. Personally, I know I can get caught up in all the ‘stuff’ that happens in a day, but I know that if we keep listening to the stories of those we have moments of time with, then we will make their world better, but ours will also be made more special.
There is something about Nightbirde’s quote, ‘You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore, before you decide to be happy.’ Life is always going to be throwing us challenges, whether small or large, and if we could just live this a little in our day, we would be much better for it.
We often talk about gentleness and if we take time to be gentle on self and others, we take some of the pressure off everything needing to be perfect or needing to get everything we do right. That is not reality! I talked about this often to people. The thing about being in schools, and working closely with kids, is I get to witness this firsthand in so many moments and experiences. The best part for us is, that we can find opportunities all the time to make a decision to be happy even when things may be a little tough or difficult. When I think of Nightbirde’s quote, I think about the moments of toughness over the next few weeks, (especially with COVID), and I think it is all going to be okay.
I then shared a quote of my own with this mate of mine. This is a quote from a great man, Nelson Mandela. The quote, as you can see is below. For me, I think this puts life into perspective especially when we get caught up in some of the tough stuff that we find difficult to move past and let go of. I continue to learn more and grow more whenever I discover some of these quotes from the stories of others. Obviously, Nelson Mandela’s experience as stated below, is something we will never experience, but if we relate it to the things that happen in our day, I think it applies 100%. After all, isn’t this why we exist. Existing to give goodness out to the world through gentleness, and in this case deep forgiveness. I think we can find much from this story.
No more needs to be said! I think it sets a standard for all of us to live by. For me, plenty of growth still needed in being able to live my life like this.
THANK YOU!
It is with mixed emotions that I bid farewell to such an amazing school community. I have been so incredibly blessed and privileged to have been given the opportunity to work at this wonderful school.
I have worked alongside the most dedicated teachers, education assistants, administration team (Gaynor and Amy), ancillary staff, two fantastic and dedicated Assistant Principals and wonderful Parish Priest. The added bonus of the tremendous love and support from students, parents and the parish community, this has made my short stay at Our Lady of Fatima School an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience. As a school community, we have something very special in our little school, and I will be forever thankful for being part of this.
As I journey along 'the road to Emmaus' (our new Catholic school in the Swan Valley), I genuinely wish to thank you all for firstly making me feel so welcome and secondly, for the support you continue to give the school.
I especially would like to thank the School Advisory Council and the school P&F. These two working bodies, although under two different names, really work together for the betterment of our school. To all those involved on these committees, a huge thanks for the time and effort and dedication that you give to this school. I am sure that the school community appreciate all your work.
A special thank you, must go to our Parish Priest, Fr. Francis, one of the coolest, kindest and down to earth men I have ever met. The Parish of Our Lady of Fatima is so fortunate to have a man of this calibre, thank you, Fr. Francis, for your ongoing support, trust and fantastic conversations along the way.
God bless you all. Please, if somewhere down the track you see me at footy game, on the streets or in a pub, please come up and say hello.
CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES
I would like to again, congratulate our new principal, Mrs Jacinta Petersen. Jacinta has been in the school many times now and has met the children and staff. She has also come to our recent P&F meeting and School Advisory Council meeting. I feel that Jacinta’s transition into the school will be a very smooth one.
Jacinta is very excited to be our new principal and I know she will be an awesome principal. I would like to wish Jacinta, God’s blessings and all the very best for the future and hope that she has a rewarding and enriching time at Our Lady of Fatima School
WHEELCHAIRS FOR KIDS
Well, our Year Six students have certainly started working hard for our Wheelchair For Kids (W4K) project. Yesterday, Thursday 1 July we finished Term Two off with a Crazy Sock and Bright Colour Day. All students certainly loved getting dressed up, as did the staff. The day was organised by our Year 6 students. Along with this they have also commenced collecting soft toys, blankets and ring-pulls. We raised $325 on the day. This will be enough for just over one and a half wheelchairs. Well done to you all! Let’s see what we have by the end of the year!!!
I would also like to thank those families who have donated soft toys and knitted blankets. The blankets and the soft toys are given to these poor children when they receive their wheelchair. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Please continue to knit blankets for W4K. (Sizes = 900 x 900mm)
We will continue to work on this project throughout the year and hopefully will have a great donation to hand over to W4K in December
SOME GROOVY YEAR 6 socks
BEST DRESSED (no comment please 😊)
OUR COLLECTION TO DATE
2022 ENROLMENTS
I would like to remind our parents that if you are not returning to Our Lady of Fatima in 2022, there is a Term’s notice to be given to the school. Please address your note to our new principal, Mrs Jacinta Petersen via the school’s email address; admin@olof.wa.ed.au
By doing this you will also assist us in offering students on waiting lists a place in a particular year level.
Positions for 3 and 4 Kindergarten are almost at maximum level, which is fantastic. If you have a child in these two classes and have not yet enrolled, I would highly recommend enrolling now as there are only a couple of positions available.
FAREWELL MR CONIGLIO
Thursday morning, in place of our scheduled assembly, our students had the opportunity to celebrate Mr Coniglio’s time here at Our Lady of Fatima School. The students wrote a heart-warming goodbye and each class presented him with a special card. The students wrote: Today is Mr Coniglio’s last day at Our Lady of Fatima. We have loved having him as our principal this semester. You have definitely had a positive impact on the school and left it better. You are always cheerful and happy every day on the school oval and when you visit our classes. Students love coming up to your office to share work and get a sticker. You make a hard day happier by saying hello and taking your time to care. You have also shared your faith with us, and we loved you teaching us about Jesus at Monday morning assemblies. We wish you all the best for the future and hope you come back and visit us.
Wishing you all a fantastic weekend!
God Bless!
Sandro Coniglio
Parent Skills and Talent Register
Our School Advisory Council and Parents and Friends Association often work on projects that benefit our school community and we would love to consult with parents that have expertise and can contribute to these projects! By completing this form, we could call on your business to quote on school based capital works projects, school maintenance, advertising or event management. Your assistance in completing this form is appreciated!
Days to remember 2021- please check our updated calendar on our website
Pupil free day - Friday 2 July
Pupil free day - Monday 16 August
Pupil free day - Monday 11 October
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten 2022
At Our Lady of Fatima School we believe education should always be fun. We provide our students with the foundations for life-long learning which empowers children to thrive in their community with a real sense of belonging and enjoyment of education.
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten enrolments for 2022 are open now. Please find our enrolment form at: https://olof.wa.edu.au/assets/files/Application-_OLOF20212.pdf
Enrolment interviews for Kindergarten 2022 have commenced. Parents and Carers of students currently attending Our Lady of Fatima School are reminded that they are required to submit an Enrolment Application Form if they intend to enrol a younger sibling into the Kindergarten program for 2022 or beyond. We are excited to share that in 2022 we are adding an extra fortnightly Kindergarten session and Kindergarten classes will run Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday each week next year and a full day on a Thursday for Pre-Kindergarten!
A big congratulations to Audrey F in Year Six who has gained entry into the State Gifted and Talented program for high school. This is a fantastic achievement with only 30 students state-wide provided this opportunity. We know that Audrey will flourish in this environment and this is very exciting for her to look forward to next year.
P&F Mulch Drive
City of Melville has launched its school holiday program for July
Keyed Up Music Lessons
Keyed Up Music Lessons
Keyed Up Music will be teaching keyboard and guitar lessons in Term 3 on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday during school. Lessons start at $18.65 for groups of four per lesson. If you are interested in your son/daughter learning an instrument, ring Savanna on 6107 8841 or 0479 171 424 or enrol at www.keyedupmusic.com.au/enrolment-form
Support our school at Gilbert's fresh market and The Foodies Basket
Gilbert's Support Our School Program donates 1% of the money spent by you to your nominated school every time you shop with us! Sign up for free at the checkout and scan each time you shop.
As at 16/06/2020 the Gilbert’s Fresh, Hilton SOS Program has 31 schools, and 2,236 customers signed up, plus, Gilbert’s has donated $40,945.00 to local schools since the program commenced in October 2017.
The Foodies Basket, Attadale donates a $1 for every 100 points accumulated. Just give our School name or show your card each time you purchase.
Uniform Shop
Contact Us
Email: admin@olof.wa.edu.au
Website: www.olof.wa.edu.au
Location: 3 Harris St, Palmyra WA, Australia
Phone: 08 9333 7900