Newsletter 2 - 21st February 2025
Principal's Page
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Let Us Pray:
Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations. He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Psalm 98:1-3
Acting Assistant Principal
Congratulations to Mrs Vanessa Camerer who has been appointed Acting Assistant Principal. Whilst Mrs Donna Kempton is on leave next week and Mr Damien O’Malley is on leave for a month next term, Vanessa will be stepping up into the role. Suitable relief teachers have been employed to teach Year 6 during their well deserved long service leave.
Tutoring During School Hours
When a family enrols their child at St Lawrence's, it is the Principal that determines the educational program for the student. It is important for children to attend school each day so they can access all parts of the curriculum and successfully complete their year level in the allocated time.
Recently we have had an increase of students going out for tutoring during school time. This process is being updated. If a parent wishes to use a tutor during school time they will need to apply directly to myself for this to happen. With advice from the class teacher, I will make the final decision. Application forms can be picked up from the front office.
Nagle Sibling Discount Scheme
Between St Lawrence's and Nagle Catholic College, we have saved our parents a total of $12 500 in school fees due to the Nagle Sibling Discount Scheme in 2025. The scheme was introduced back in 2019 to help out families, increase enrolments and build a stronger relationship between the Catholic Primary Schools and Nagle.
Commissioning Mass
On Saturday evening Bishop Michael celebrated our school's Commissioning Mass. It was a joyous occasion and a great way to start the school year. Congratulations to our Head Boy and Girl - Joli and Harrison as well as the other Ministry Leaders in receiving your badges. Wear them proudly.
School Traffic
As our school continues to grow, so does the traffic at pick up and drop off time. Can I please remind parents to be patient and courteous at these busy times. Railway Street is a safe shared street with a speed limit of 30kmh. Children are not allowed to cross the street without a parent. Please park in the allocated bays and ensure there is enough space for the buses to get past. The safety of your children is our greatest concern.
Happy Days
David Tunchon
Principal
Finance News
Correction – Extension Levy
In the last newsletter we advised that a one-off Extension Levy of $50 will apply to extension students from 2025 onwards – this is for French Extension and Arts Extension students ONLY (max one levy per student per year). We apologise for any confusion.
Payment Plans
A huge thank you to those families who have already submitted their Payment Option Forms. If you have not yet returned your form, please do so as soon as possible as today is the final return date.
Early Settlement Discount
A reminder that full payment is required prior to or on the 7th March to be eligible for the Early Settlement Discount. Please note this is not applicable to 3YO Kindy Fees or Concession Card discount recipients. If you are planning to pay by BPAY, please allow 3 days for the transaction to clear.
Nagle Sibling Discount
If any of your children attending St Lawrence Primary School have a sibling currently at Nagle Catholic College, families are eligible for a $100 family discount off their school fees from St Lawrence’s. Families will also be entitled to a further $100 family discount off their school fees from Nagle Catholic College. Please note that only one sibling discount for school fees is applicable per family.
To apply, please visit https://www.stlps.wa.edu.au/news/geraldton-catholic-schools-sibling-discount-scheme/36
Religion News
Fruit of the Spirit Focus: Peace
When the fruit of peace is produced within us by the Holy Spirit, we can live life to the fullest in harmony and tranquility in spite of our circumstances. As we learn to depend on the Holy Spirit and understand that He will be with us in every situation, we will be more at rest and anxiety will be further away.
Lent:
The Liturgical Season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday (March 5, 2025).
Historically called the Day of Ashes, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. There are 7 Wednesdays and 40 days (excluding Sundays) before Easter. The significance of the forty days comes from Jesus spending 40 days in the wilderness before his public ministry.
Ash Wednesday Mass:
Please join us for Mass: 9:05 am, Wednesday, March 5 - School Undercover Area, led by 5T.
Admin News
Swim Caps
Swim caps are available for purchase at the front office.
- Latex Swimming caps: $5
- Swimfit caps: $10
Pre-Primary News
CliniKids News
CliniKids' new online autism seminar – Navigating an Autism Diagnosis: A Parent's Guide to Understanding and Decision-Making – will be held on Thursday, March 13, 5-6pm (AWST).
In this free seminar, Professor Andrew Whitehouse (CliniKids Director and Professor of Autism Research at The Kids Research Institute Australia) will provide parents with a balanced exploration of key considerations when seeking an autism diagnosis for their child.
By examining both the advantages and challenges, the discussion will help parents understand how an autism diagnosis may impact on their child's self-understanding, growth and opportunities. The presentation aims to support parents to make informed decisions that align with their unique family context and their child's individual needs.
Please note, registration for the seminar is necessary to obtain the live webinar link and be involved in the Q&A session. A link of the presentation recording will be provided to those who register.
Community News
School Hockey Update
We wish to advise that junior hockey in Geraldton is moving to a Clubs model similar to Football and Basketball.
An exciting change is that there will be an all girls competition on a Thursday afternoon.
JPP/1 Mixed Grass modified games
This is a big change and will take time to implement over the next season or 2.
Our STLPS Hockey FB Page will have updates, please keep an eye on this Page.
We will make sure all our players find a new Club and GHA (Geraldton Hockey Asst) will also provide additional support.
Please follow GHA on Facebook if you don’t already.
We would like to thank the School for their support over the years in allowing trainings to be held at School and storing our very large goal keeper equipment bags.
