Newsletter 3 - 4 March 2021

Principal's Page

Leaders Forum 
Last week some of the Leadership Team attended the CEWA Leaders Forum in Perth with over 500 system leaders from across the state. Though it was beneficial to catch up with fellow principals and assistant principals it was also an opportunity to listen to some very influential people. Noongar elder Dr Robert Isaacs AM, OAM welcomed us to country with a very moving tribute accompanied by four indigenous students on the didgeridoo. Sue Ellery - Minister of Education, Lisa Rogers - Director General of the Department of Education and Debra Sayce - Director of Catholic Education were a few of the guest speakers. 

Deputy Director of CEWA Mr Wayne Bull spoke at length about Quality Catholic Education reminding us that Catholic Education is the face of Christ and that our school vision must be Christ Centred - Child Focused. For our education  system to be the best it can be our number one priority is always safety and security. With this in mind our Teaching and Learning Programs as well as our connections to government and non-government systems will ensure that this happens. 

The final session of the forum was the launch of the Quality Catholic Education Policy Hub. As one connected autonomous system under CEWA Limited, all Catholic schools across the state now have access to the Executives Directives based on the four pillars of Catholic Identity, Community, Education and Stewardship. Exciting times for St Lawrence's and Catholic Education in WA. 

2021 Climate Survey 
From the 10 March to 31 March St Lawrence's Staff, Parents/Guardians and all students will have the opportunity to take part in the Schools Climate Survey. The survey has not been completed for a couple of years but is necessary for the school because: 

• the survey finds out about the climate at THIS school 
• the survey is an opportunity for parents to tell the school staff how things are going for them and their children 
• the school values your feedback and will try to respond to the information that you provide  
• the feedback does NOT include the data of individuals; rather, feedback involves a graph based on feedback from all parents. To ensure anonymity, aggregated scores are not provided for groups of less than four parents  
• it is your impressions that we are seeking. There are no right or wrong answers  
• the response format requires parents to consider how often each statement takes place in terms of: Almost Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often and Almost Always. 

The parent survey can be completed online or a paper version may be requested from the front office. All parents/guardians will receive a flyer with instructions and passwords on Wednesday 10 March. 

Giving Without Receiving 
I would like to share with you a good news story.  

As you may be aware, 5M organised a gold coin donation event to support those who were affected by the recent bushfires. However our fundraiser was a little different this time. There was no free dress, there was no extended lunch, there was no raffle or free icy pole. Instead families were asked to give without receiving. Each day, 2 students just walked from class to class with a bucket collecting coins for those in need, to help those before themselves, to 'Love and serve the Lord'. 

We have sent a cheque for $783 to the Lord Mayor's Distress Relief Fund. Thank you St Lawrence's Community for caring. 

Swimming Carnival 
Congratulations to Thomas Faction for winning last week's Swimming Carnival. Thank you to Mr Gaby, staff and parent volunteers who made the day run so smoothly. We are blessed to have parents back on site at these events. I was most impress with the sportsmanship that was shown throughout the carnival. Thank you to the P&F for purchasing the new sound system in which Mrs Oliveri was very happy to christen. You can find all the results from the carnival further down in the newsletter. 

St Lawrence’s School Code of Conduct 
Fortnightly in our school newsletter, we will explore an aspect of the Code of Conduct, so we can all gain a better understanding and how it applies to each of us. 
Code of Conduct - Statement 6 
You treat personal information about members of the school community as private and confidential 

• Safety of all students is paramount 
• Respect the privacy of others 
• Speak up, be upfront, within the school community, where appropriate 
• Secure systems are in place at St Lawrence's 
• Documentation is kept safe and secure
  

To see a full copy of St Lawrence’s School Code of Conduct go to:
https://www.stlps.wa.edu.au/Profiles/stlawrence/Assets/ClientData/Documents/Policies/codeofconduct.pdf

Happy Days

David Tunchon

Principal

SZapp - Schoolzine App

SZapp is a mobile app that’s free for parents to download and is a great way to keep up to date with all of our latest news and information. You will find tiles for the latest newsletter, Class Dojo, SEQTA, links to the absentee form and more.  Click the link below to find out how to set up the app.
The code to access the Szapp is 2733.

Religious Education

Upcoming Events
Reconciliation: Year 4-6 students will receive Reconciliation during Lent with Father Gerard and Father  Robert.

Parish Masses: Our Years 3-6 classes have begun to attend the 10:30 am Parish Mass on a Wednesday as their Class Mass. Classes are rostered on throughout the year and this information can be found on the school calendar. 

Family Masses: Family Masses will occur again this year, these will be held in the school undercover area. 

Our first Family Mass will be organised by our Year 5 classes, 6:00pm on Saturday March 13th. Please join the year fives and St Lawrence's parish for this Mass. 

Sacrament of Reconciliation for Year Three Students: Saturday 27th March: 3:00 –5:30pm,              St Lawrence's Church, Bluff Point 

Missions Term One: Project Compassion is our major focus for term one, families received a project compassion box at the beginning of Lent, when your box is full please return it to the school office. 

Year Three Reconciliation
Father Gerard has visited all our year three classes over the last week to take them through a commitment service for the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Class teachers will send out a timetable for parents to select a time for their child to make their First Reconciliation with Father Gerard on Saturday March 27. Each student will fill out an appointment card reminder to take home when their time has been confirmed. Please read his Sacramental Letter outlining the importance of Reconciliation. 

Reconciliation preparation with Father Gerard

Invitation from St Lawrence's Catholic Parish
The parishioners at St Lawrence’s Parish would like to extend an invitation to the school community to the following events. 
Children’s Mass
Sunday 7^th March-9am Mass will be celebrated for the Children of the parish – please come along. All ages welcome.

Children’s Liturgy  - ‘Let the Children Come’
The children of the parish are invited to access the Liturgy of the Word in an age appropriate way during the 9am mass, each Sunday during term time. We would love to see more families involved in this ministry. For further information please call Helen 0415231777 or see Fr Gerard.

Ladies Lenten Lunch
A chance for ladies to gather this Lenten season. (flyer below)
There will be a short talk from a guest speaker over a light lunch and a simple craft activity whilst chatting and enjoying each others company. Activity for primary aged children provided so that busy mums can attend. Share the word and bring a friend. 11am – 2pm Saturday 20^th March,  Fitzgerald Hall. Free but bookings essential as places are limited. Call Helen 0415231777 to save your spot! #prayfastgive #prayfastLOVE

Godstart Picnic
All those family’s of under 4s that have been baptised in our parish are invited to a bring-a-plate picnic at St Georges Beach park, from 9.15am Friday 26^th March. Anyone who has children wishing to be baptised at St Lawrence’s are also invited.

Blokes BBQ Breakfast
Saturday 19^th June, from 8am @ Fitzgerald Hall. #savethedate

Administration News

Year 6 Camp Parent Information Night
A reminder that a Parent Information Night is being held on Tuesday 16 March in the Undercover Area from 5pm-6pm regarding the Year 6 Camp. This meeting is for parents/carers of Year 6 students, we kindly ask that you do not bring children to the meeting.  

NAPLAN

On Wednesday 3 March, an information sheet was sent home for Parents and Carers of Year 3 & 5 children. Please read the information carefully. If you have any questions please refer to the links provided by NAPLAN or speak with the Principal or Assistant Principals. 

2021 School Photo Schedule
FULL SCHOOL UNIFORM-BOYS (Greys) GIRLS (SCHOOL DRESS) for Years 1-6, PP and Kindy as per normal. 
If your child has sport on the day of photos they will need to bring their FULL SCHOOL UNIFORM to change in to. 

Wednesday 24 March 
Family Photos-with surname (A-L) 
9:00am-10:40am PPB, Kindy L1 (Jenny Casey), Kindy L2 (Emma Ellis), Kindy 3 L3 (Kirsty Crudeli), PPO 
11:10am-12:45pm  PPZ, 5M, 5B, 5C, 3D, 3K 
1:30pm-2:30pm   3T, 4A, 4B, 4W 

Thursday 25 March 
Family Photos- with surname (M-Z) 
9:00am-10:45am   1I, 1B, 1D, 2J, 2SM, 2ST, 6M 
11:10am-12:45pm  6W, 6R, Year 6 Graduation Photo, Ministry Leaders, Class Leaders, Head Boy/Girl 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the following children who have recently celebrated birthdays: Wil G, Leo T, Sanumi A, Macie N, Scarlett J, Jacob O, Tyson O, Digby W, Kai W, Amelia H, Charlie O, Noah G, Hunter R, Michael McL, Jack T, Makai U, Aaliyah F, Logan F, Charlee J, Charlee M, Jake D. 

Merit Certificate Recipients

News from HPE

What a fantastic afternoon we had for our swimming carnival this year. I was so impressed with the level of sportsmanship and participation shown by the students which led to an enjoyable day had by all. Thank you so much to all the staff and parents for their help on the day creating a smooth running and exciting carnival for our students. Well done to Taylahni C, Bailey R, Miley D and Georgia H who won the Sportsmanship Award for their faction. Congratulations also goes to Thomas who were the winning faction on the day.

The individual champions on the day were as follows:
Year 4 Champion Girl Tilly K
Year 4 Runner Up Champion Girl Amelia H
Year 4 Champion Boy Charlie O
Year 4 Runner Up Champion Boy George G
Year 5 Champion Girl Gaia S
Year 5 Runner Up Champion Girl Dion P
Year 5 Champion Boy Angus M
Year 5 Runner Up Champion Boy Hudson W
Year 6 Champion Girls Opal P
Year 6 Runner Up Champion Girl Rahni T
Year 6 Champion Boy Maveric H
Year 6 Runner Up Champion Boy Tyson O

Final Scores
Thomas 666 points
Kelly 546 points
Gummer 453 points
O'Collins 447 points

Swimming Carnival Fun!!

P&F News

New Sound System from Opus Music
The new sound system we purchased was delivered in time for the swimming carnival. As promised the portable system was perfect for our first outdoor event. Both Mr O’Malley and Mr Gaby confirmed that it was easy to use with a 5 minute set up and pack down on the day. Thank you to Ash and Col at Opus Music for their help and advice with this purchase.

Easter Raffle
Stacey and her team have been busy preparing for the Easter Raffle since our last P&F Meeting. A reminder of our timeline - Raffle Tickets will appear in your child’s bag Week 8, Monday 22 March. Crates will be ready for collection of donations in classrooms on Wednesday 24 March. Bundling of prizes will occur during Week 9, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with raffle draws commencing at 12pm on that day. We will publish another timeline in the newsletter and Facebook group again during the term.

Bogan Bingo
Thank you to our parents who have channelled their inner bogan and volunteered for the subcommittee to coordinate our Bogan Bingo Night in Term 2. We will hold our first subcommittee meeting on Monday 15 March at 5.30pm directly after the P&F Meeting in the Staffroom. If you would like to come along to contribute some ideas or just listen and be a part of it, you are more than welcome.

Save the date for 29 May and a reminder that tickets numbers are capped for 200 bogans. More details to come after our meeting on Monday.

Minutes of P&F Meetings
You can keep up to date with the items discussed at our meetings. Minutes for each meeting are promptly uploaded to our social platforms and the website by our Secretary Melissa Smith. We plan to have a busy year in 2021 acting on the ideas of events for both parents and our children that you have communicated to us. Term 2 and 3 events will be tabled at our next meeting.

Requests for Funding ideas
As communicated in our last set of minutes we have developed a funding request application. If you have an idea that would benefit our children at school, please contact Melissa Smith our Secretary and she will make one available to you for collection (this application is also for staff).

Our next meeting is Week 7, Monday 15 March commencing at 4.30pm in the Staffroom. We would love to see you there.

Kind regards,

Julie O’Malley

P&F President

Community Notices

It is with pleasure that we advise that the Harmony Festival will be held between 11am and 3pm on Saturday 13 March, 2021 at Stow Gardens.
It will be a little different in the lay out as it is necessary to comply with regulations in line with social distancing.
The venue will have a fence just over a metre high around the main events space and it will be necessary to sign in using the SafeWA app or a contact register. 
You will be provided with a wristband to wear while on the event space as there is only 1500 people permitted in the area at one time.
There will be food stalls on the edge of the event space with some emu egg carving and weaving demonstrations  within the event space.  Some children’s activities will be under the Moreton Bay tree near the Old Visitor’s Centre as well as Old Macdonald’s Farm in the vicinity.  Pony rides will be near the Yacht Club under the trees between 1pm and 3pm.
When you leave the event space and plan not to return, the wristband will be removed so that other people will be able to enter the area.

Just confirmed: Special guest for the day is Jenny Lam who was part of Masterchef Australia 2018 when she was part of Season 10’s top 24. 

Ms Lam will be giving an address between 11am and 11.30am.

Things are a little different this year but we hope that you can come and join us for the four hours of cultural entertainment on stage andtake time to meet old and new friends at the Festival.

Yvonne Lovedee (Secretary) Midwest Multicultural Association

BLUFF POINT DENTAL
The Bluff Point DTC had an internal water leak during the Christmas break and consequently the clinic is closed until cupboards/bench tops can be replaced. 
The Bluff Point DTC is closed until further notice. If you have an appointment, we will contact you to reschedule. In the case of emergency only, please contact the Allendale DTC 99214218 or the Rangeway DTC on 99214373.