St Kieran Catholic Primary School eNewsletter

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Y Safe

ySafe will be running a Parent Workshop on supporting children with screen time and keeping safe online. The session will be on Monday, April 29 from 6pm to 7pm. Check your email for information and the online registration form or click on this form to register.

Uniform

We are starting to see the cooler mornings come in and over the next few weeks it will get colder. This is a great time to ensure that you have your child's name written on the uniform. It is very difficult to find the owners of these items we have brand new jumpers with no names on these at all.

Unwell Students

As we are well and truly in the colder months can we please ask that unwell students are not sent to school. Our staff will call parents if a child is unwell or presents unwell - we are not trained medical staff and if a child says they are unwell or looks unwell we will call the families to collect them. Sending an unwell child to school in turn has an impact on the other students as well as the staff and of course the families at St Kieran. Your consideration around this matter is appreciated.

Final Berry Street Training Day Domain 5: 'Character'

On Monday 15th of April , all staff at St Kieran took part in Berry Street Education Model training with four other neighbouring catholic primary schools. This was the fourth and final day of the training program.

Berry Street Education Model is a cohesive, collective and collaborative action in and by a school community that has been strategically constructed to improve student learning, behaviour and wellbeing, and the conditions that support these. The BSEM offers a whole-school approach to pedagogy and behavioural management that can be used consistently in the classroom and throughout the whole-school. It provides a way to teach the content of any subject area while addressing the social and emotional learning needs of the students in the process.

The BSEM course is the foundation training to bring the Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) into classrooms and whole-school.

Educators learn how to help students meet their own learning needs by:

understanding the benefits of trauma-informed teaching on child development and ability to learn
creating a supportive and trauma-informed positive education classroom
bolstering student-teacher relationships
applying positive relational classroom behaviour management strategies
instilling strengths-based practices across the school.

The Final Domain the staff investigated was 'Character'. The 5 modules are: BODY, STAMINA, ENGAGEMENT and CHARACTER, all anchored by RELATIONSHIP.

Within the 'Character' Domain students are introduced to and explore character strengths. They explore the strengths that form their character and define what is right for them. Please click to watch this video to learn more about character strengths. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLUOlLRbazA

The strengths based approach in this Character Domain is integral to the Berry Street Education Model. A 'strengths philosophy" describes an approach that focuses on what is right with an individual or group. Our specific aims are for the student to identify areas of talent and to extrapolate and apply the strengths that are developed through that talent to a variety of life's domains, including interpersonal relationships, vocational pathways and further education.

Please click here and take the free VIA Character Strength Survey yourself to find out your character strengths and share with your child and how you use your strengths to https://www.viacharacter.org/

Please take the time to ask you children about the things they are learning regarding BESM and for more information please refer to the video What is Berry Street Education Model? or website https://www.berrystreet.org.au/

Kindergarten Enrolments 2025

We are accepting Kindy Enrolment's for Kindy 2025 and this term will be conducting interviews. Please don’t leave this until the last minute as we have many people we could not accommodate in 2024. Please submit your application and make sure you have your children enrolled at St Kieran Catholic Primary School.
We do have a small number of spaces across other year levels and if friends or families are wishing to look at enrolling their children at our school.

School Calendar

A reminder to all families to continue to check the school calendar on our website for dates and events that are coming up during the term. We have a number of days that the school is closed this term Thursday 25th April, Friday 31st May, Monday 3 June

Junior Basketball Competition | Players Wanted

Principal's Message

In Flanders Fields

BY JOHN MCCRAE

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

 We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.

 Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

As April draws to a close, we prepare to commemorate a significant day in our nation's history: ANZAC Day. This solemn occasion holds a special place in our hearts as we come together to honour the bravery, sacrifice, and camaraderie of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought valiantly in World War I.

ANZAC Day, observed on April 25th each year, marks the anniversary of the landing of ANZAC troops at Gallipoli in 1915. It serves as a poignant reminder of the courage and resilience displayed by our servicemen and women in defence of our freedom and values.

Here within the St Kieran community we hold ANZAC Day in high regard, recognising it not only as a day of remembrance but also as an opportunity to instil in our students the importance of honouring those who have served and continue to serve our country. Through various educational activities and discussions, we aim to deepen our students' understanding of the sacrifices made by ANZAC soldiers and their families.

One of the most touching aspects of ANZAC Day is the dawn service, which symbolises the darkness of war giving way to the light of hope and peace. While our younger students may not attend dawn services, we encourage families to take a moment together to reflect on the significance of this occasion.

Moreover, the tradition of wearing red poppies on ANZAC Day serves as a poignant symbol of remembrance, inspired by the poem "In Flanders Fields" written during World War I. In classrooms, students may engage in crafting poppies or learning about their symbolism, fostering a sense of connection to our nation's history. (See poem below)

As we commemorate ANZAC Day, let us also extend our gratitude to the men and women of the Australian Defence Force who continue to serve our country with honour and dedication. Their sacrifices remind us of the importance of cherishing and preserving the freedoms we enjoy today.

In closing, let us approach ANZAC Day with reverence and gratitude, honouring the legacy of courage and sacrifice that defines our nation. Together, let us remember and reflect, ensuring that the spirit of ANZAC lives on in our hearts and minds.

Lest we forget.

We look forward to seeing you all during this term and I hope you are all safe and well.

Best wishes and take care.

Mr Daine Burnett
Principal
daine.burnett@cewa.edu.au

Aranmore Catholic College Academic, STEM and Leadership Scholarships CLOSING SOON

Scholarships at Aranmore not only provide financial assistance but also offer unique opportunities for personal and academic growth under the guidance and care of highly qualified specialist teachers. Our 2025 Academic, Catherine McAuley Leadership and Br Kelly STEM Scholarships are closing soon (Netball & Rugby Scholarships close at the end of Term 2). Please visit the College website www.aranmore.wa.edu.au for more information and to apply.

Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist Parent and Child Workshops

This term is a busy one for our Years 3 and 4 students as they undertake their preparation for Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist respectively. These sacraments represent more than mere rituals; they signify pivotal moments in the spiritual journey of our children. Reconciliation, often referred to as Confession, offers the opportunity for our students to experience the boundless mercy and forgiveness of God. It is a chance for them to reflect on their actions, seek reconciliation with God and others, and experience the profound joy of being welcomed back into the loving embrace of the Father.

Holy Communion, likewise, is a sacred Rite of Passage, where our children receive the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time. It is a moment of profound connection with Jesus, as they become one with Him in the Eucharist. This sacrament nourishes their souls, strengthens their faith, and deepens their connection to the Christian community.

The history of Reconciliation and Holy Communion is rooted in the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ. In the Gospels, we see Jesus instituting the Eucharist at the Last Supper, commanding His disciples to "Do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). He also granted the apostles the authority to forgive sins, stating, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained" (John 20:22-23). From these passages, the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion emerged as essential components of the Catholic faith.

In today's world, where the pace of life can often be frenetic and distractions abound, the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion offer our students a source of solace, strength, and spiritual nourishment. They remind us of the enduring presence of God in our lives and the boundless love He has for each one of us.

As our students prepare to receive these sacraments, let us surround them with love, prayer, and support. May they approach this special time with reverence, gratitude, and a deep sense of awe for the mysteries they are about to encounter.

Let us also remember to keep them in our prayers as they continue on their journey of faith, guided by the light of Christ and the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.

Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist Parent and Child Workshops

This term is a busy one for our Years 3 and 4 students as they undertake their preparation for Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist respectively.

As communicated in Term 1, we had to make changes to the Reconciliation Parent and Child Workshops. The Workshop will on Thursday May 9 at either 4:00pm or 5:30pm. Please use the form to nominate your Workshop time:

Click: Reconciliation Workshop Form

The Holy Eucharist Parent and Child Workshops will be running as normal. Parents have already nominated their workshop. If you have not submitted your child's Holy Eucharist enrolment form, please do so as soon as possible.

Eucharist Workshops:

May 28 at 4:00pm and 5:15pm

May 30 at 4:00pm

John Forrest Secondary College - Specialist Cricket, Tennis & Netball Programs 2025

The Murdoch University After School Program in Mathematics and Physical Sciences

Flyer_for_After_School_Program_Maths_and_Physical_Sciences_.pdf

Parking

Unfortunately this seems to be an ongoing concern and while many families do the right thing for everyone it continues to create frustrations for many. The school staff do not have the legal ability to enforce parent driving behaviours, however if you are putting a child at risk by not following our very simple instructions we will follow up with you and address this.

DO NOT turn right into the Kiss and Drive - please wait your turn in the queue.
Do NOT overtake the queue and push in front of the Kiss and Drive line. Be respectful of others.
Keep the Corner of Tyler Street and Morgans Street free from all traffic.
DO NOT pick up or drop your child off on the road outside of the administration - find a parking legal bay or use the Kiss and Drive.
If you DO Not have an ACROD Permit please don’t use the disabled bays.
Ciaran Centre Families are the only families welcome to use the front administration parking.
DO NOT park at the Servite Friars house of residence and business - this is private property.

I do ask that families don’t use the Acrod Bays unless they have permit - we now have a large number of families that need these bays and recently have not been able to access these. Ciaran Centre families are more than welcome to use the bays at the front of the school as well.

Perth Redbacks

The Redbacks club will be running a before school basketball program in Term 2. This program will cater to new beginners and experienced players wanting to learn new skills and develop their understanding of the basic fundamentals involved in the sport. The players can expect there to be plenty of fun activities, skills drills and competitive games.

Start date/ Duration - The 8 week program will commence on the 2nd May with the final session being completed on the 20th June. This will be every Thursday morning from 7:20 - 8:10 am.

What to wear/bring - Please ensure your child is wearing their school sports uniform, hats, and appropriate sporting shoes (running or basketball shoes). They will also need to bring their drink bottles to the sessions. Sports equipment will be supplied, but all the players are more than welcome to bring their own basketball.

Fees/Registration - The registration fee will be $80.00 (GST excl) per participant for the full term program. Please complete the registration through the following link: https://www.playhq.com/basketball-wa/register/c4b0ab 

I look forward to seeing you all next term. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions. Denzel Jackson denzel@perthredbacks.asn.au

Uniform - Shoes

We understand that the new Uniform requirements take awhile to adjust too and with this in mind as you update your children's school academic shoes this year can you please make sure they are the below shoes as per the guidelines for both boys and girls lace up black shoes. Please note the Mary Jane type or style of shoes that are not lace up and should be replaced when possible or due for upgrading.

School shoes are 'normal/standard' school shoes for the academic uniform for both boys and girls. Not black sneakers, Air Forces, Air Max, Skate Shoes, Mary Jane or other alternatives that can be found. Sport shoes should be appropriate sport shoes, not fashion shoes, that are suitable for sport. Please keep this mind when looking for items during 2024.

Kindergarten Enrolments 2025

We are accepting Kindy Enrolment's for Kindy 2025 and later this term start organising interviews. Please don’t leave this until the last minute as we have many people we could not accommodate in 2024. Please submit your application and make sure you have your children enrolled at St Kieran Catholic Primary School.

School Calendar

Principal's Message

God, our Father,
bless us, so that Your Spirit within us will give us a common bond,
as together we take responsibility for the well-being of Your gift of creation to us.
We ask for strength and determination to create more space in our lives for You,
so that by the example of our lives,
our children will be inspired to follow Your ways. 
Amen.

Being a parent is a hard job, a complicated job and sometimes a tough job. Probably, it’s the most important job parents will ever have, because as their child’s first teacher, they will make a difference one way or another. However, parents have the opportunity to form a viable partnership with their child’s teacher, because together they have a common goal: a successful school year for each child. Teachers need to know that we are all on their side and if we aren’t, we need to be able to express ourselves as to why not. 

It’s important to remember that parents and teachers are partners in helping each child achieve a successful transition to adulthood. This combined support is essential if the transition is to be a positive developmental experience for your child. A good relationship with your child’s teacher will make it easier for you to stay informed about your child’s progress across all areas of schooling and to work together if problems arise during the year. 

On occasion, you might find that your teacher has constructive criticism about your child; it’s important to keep an open mind to the teacher’s comments. Neither the child nor the teacher is perfect – nor parents for that matter – so, if a problem arises, it’s important to consider both sides of the story. The outcome should be the one that helps your child succeed at school. There needs to be a sensitivity that respects the teacher as a well-trained professional and respects the parents who have special knowledge of their child. 

Teachers are dedicated and caring and want to be good teachers. Jonathan Sarks, Rabbi and author of “The Politics of Hope”, said about them: “Teachers open our eyes to the world. They give us curiosity and confidence. They teach us to ask questions. They connect us to our past and future. They are the guardians of our social heritage. Life without a teacher is surely not a life.” 

Everyone likes to be appreciated and teachers are no exception. If we go for the “We” attitude and work with our child’s teacher, then our child will have a great school year and so will we, and, with a bit of luck, so will the teacher. 

Welcome back to another busy term - this one is a long one! I hope you all had a great break and look forward to seeing you all soon!

Best wishes and take care.

Mr Daine Burnett
Principal
daine.burnett@cewa.edu.au