Newsletter 15 - 2 September 2021
Principal's Page
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Mary Poppins
Back in November 2020, approximately 50 very nervous Yr 3-5 students, individually stood in front of Mrs Attrill, Mrs Hart and I. They each auditioned for a part in the musical Mary Poppins Jr.
On Saturday afternoon, 9 months later, the magic of Mary Poppins came to life at the Queens Park Theatre.
Two full house performances brought the talents of St Lawrence’s Performing Arts Extension to the pinnacle of their school program. And it was - 🎵 Practically Perfect in every way 🎵
Congratulations to the co-directors Mrs Attrill and Mrs Hart, as well as the talented cast and the many, many helpers who put the extravaganza together. This biannual event will return in 2023. There has been a whisper that the Lion King 🦁 will grace the stage - but we will just have to wait and see.
Chapman Valley Show
This weekend is the Chapman Valley Show. St Lawrence's will have its own tent out there for the first time. Please drop by and say hello. Our Yr 1 students are having a display as well as at 12.20pm they will be performing in the main stage area. It should be a great day for everyone. Hope to see you out there.
Randolph Stow Awards
Congratulations to Ryan L from 6M who entered a story into this year's awards. Ryan received second place for his story - Voices from the Stars. Esmae O from 6B also entered a prose into this year's awards. It was called A Scaly Tail. She received a highly commended.
Congratulations to both of you.
Leading Well-Being
I have been involved in 6 days of professional learning throughout the year in developing a wellbeing strategy for staff and students at St Lawrence’s. Mrs Maddy Dent has volunteered to be our staff well-being champion and has been working with our social committee to ensure our staff are well looked after. With a growing staff of 70 and using the results of our climate survey, Maddy and her team have developed a Staff Well-Being Week starting on Monday. Parents are able to benefit from this with a Coffee Van being at school on Monday morning.
St Lawrence’s School Code of Conduct - Voice of the student
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 the students of St Lawrence's. This week I have interviewed fresh from winning the athletics carnival Jada and Coby.
Code of Conduct - Statement 2
You give priority to students' safety and well-being in all your behaviour and decision making.
- Take care of your own well-being and safety.
- Make sure everyone is safe and consider everyone’s decisions.
- Make decisions in helping your own self confidence.
- Speak kindly to others and help out when not sure.
- Ensure our school is a happy environment.
- Speak and listen appropriately to others - especially the child’s point of view.
- Stand up for safety and well- being of students.
- Student learning should not be disturbed.
- Always be safe when using digital technology.
- Always do your best regardless of the outcome.
Next Week Events
I will be in Perth on Monday with other Principal's from triple stream Catholic schools. We will be meeting at Whitfords Catholic Primary School. This is a great opportunity for me to view how other large Catholic Primary Schools operate and talk to fellow principals about best practice.
On Tuesday evening please keep in your prayers our Yr 6 students who will be Confirmed by Bishop Michael. The ceremony will start at 6pm in our undercover area. Thank you to our Yr 6 teachers who have prepared our children for this special occasion.
On Friday I would like to wish our Interschool Cross Country Team all the best as they compete against other primary schools down at Eadon Clarke Sporting Grounds starting at 9.30am with a walk around the track.
Father's Day Prayer
God, our Father
Bless these men,
that they may find strength as fathers.
Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.
Grant that we, their sons and daughters,
may honour them always
with a spirit of profound respect.
Amen
Happy Days
David Tunchon
Principal
Letter from Bishop Michael Morrissey
Religious Education
Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22
"What the Spirit brings is different; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against things like that, of course."
Our fruit focus for weeks seven and eight of this term is the fruit of "Goodness".
Goodness – To be a good person is a great gift. The fruit of Goodness seems to mean that one has all the fruit of the Spirit – because they are just a ‘good person’.
I wonder how I might become more of a good person, Jesus? Help me to achieve this fruit by being considerate of other people: my teachers, my fellow students and ensuring all are safe.
Confirmation
Our Year Six students celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation on Tuesday September 7th, 6:00pm in the undercover area. The Bishop of the Diocese bestows this Sacrament on young people as the final sacrament of initiation into the catholic church. Candidates are anointed with the oil of chrism as a sign that they have been sealed with the Holy Spirit. Bishop Michael Morrissey will con-celebrate Mass with Father Gerard.
Confirmation is a very special Sacrament and as such we ask that children dress appropriately for a special occasion, each candidate will be allocated a row of five seats. These will be for the Year 6 Candidate/Sponsor/Parents and one other person. If candidates have more than this number of family members they are most welcome to attend but will not have designated seats. Year six students not making their Confirmation are most welcome to attend as members of the choir. A reminder to please sanitise your hands at the sanistising station on the way in to the undercover area, the sign of peace is just an acknowledging nod saying peace be with you (not shaking hands) and there will be monetary collections at this Mass. A professional photographer has been organised for this event.
Prayer for Confirmation Candidates
Lord, you send out Your Spirit to touch the hearts of all people, so that they may believe in You and in Jesus whom You sent. Look kindly on all candidates for Confirmation as they listen to Your voice. Open their hearts to Your Spirit and bring to fulfilment the good work that You have begun in them. As we prepare these children for Confirmation, make each of us an instrument of Your love. Teach us to appreciate what is holy in others, and to be patient with what we do not understand. Deepen our faith in the Gospel and help us to pass it on by our example. We pray that You will continue to guide us and sustain us.
Through Christ our Lord,
Amen.
Term Three Missions Fundraiser
Our Term Three Missions focus is the Catholic Agency: St Vincent De Paul. This society assists people experiencing poverty and inequality and works to shape a more just and compassionate society.
On the last day of the school term – Thursday September 23, we will be encouraging the children to dress as their favourite "Sports Hero" for a gold coin donation. Their sporting hero could be an olympian/para olympian, netballer, soccer player, football player or even a cricketer, just to name a few examples.
At recess and lunch times our year six students will also run kicking /shooting hoops competitions for students to participate in. Entry to these competitions will be a silver coin donation.
Term Two Communio Fundraiser
On Wednesday September 1, St Lawrence's Primary School presented Bishop Michael Morrissey with a cheque for $4500 that we raised during Term Two for the Geraldton Diocese Communion Appeal.
Athletics Carnival Results
On Friday 20th August, we held our School Athletics Carnival. Luckily the weather held out, and a fantastic day was enjoyed by all. All of our students put in 110%, and we always love to see the high level of anticipation and participation that our students, parents and staff have for the day.
A huge thanks to Mr Gaby and Mrs Burro for all their hard work leading up to and on the day itself, as well as all the other staff and parents who assisted to ensure the day ran smoothly. Of course a big thank you to Louise, our amazing MC, who made the day even more enjoyable with her commentary and dancing!
Well done to all participants and to our overall team winners for 2021, Thomas.
Children's Book Week 2021
Another successful Book Parade was held on Thursday 26th August. The theme for 2021, “New Worlds, Old Worlds, Other Worlds”, saw many students embracing the theme with amazing costumes based on their favourite book characters. The parade always brings an atmosphere of fun and excitement for the students, and most of it is a celebration of books, and the enjoyment of losing yourself in a story! Congratulations and thanks to parents and families for helping students make this such a fun day. A big thank you also to our P & F for donating book vouchers for prizes this year.
In other library news, the annual Scholastic Book Fair will be held in Term Four in November. Details to follow next term. Keep reading everyone!
Administration News
Child Protection Week (5-11 September)
Child Protection Week invites individuals to look at how they can prioritise safety and wellbeing for children and young people and put their needs first during the National Child Protection Week and every week. The Department of Communities, Child Protection and Family Support team will also host a fun after school activity at Maitland Park, cnr Cathedral Avenue/Maitland Street in Geraldton during Child Protection Week – Details TBA, 3pm – 5pm with child friendly activities and, of course, a sausage sizzle, and we would love to invite anyone from the STLPS community to drop by and say hello.
Interschool X Country
A reminder that Friday 10th September is the running of the Interschool Cross Country Carnival. This will take place at Eadon Clarke Oval, from 9:30am onwards.
Interschool Jumps and Throws
Interschool Jumps and Throws will take place on Tuesday 14th September (8:45am-12:30pm approx) at the Geraldton Athletics Oval on 8th Street, behind the Aquarena.
Interschool Carnival
The Interschool Carnival will take place on Thursday 16th September (8:45am-12:30pm approx) at the Geraldton Athletics Oval on 8th Street, behind the Aquarena.
Pupil Free Day
A reminder that Friday, 24th September is a Pupil Free Day and no staff will be on site at school this day as they will be attending Professional Development off-site.
School Policies
You may have noticed a change to our website with our policy page now referring to Catholic Education Western Australia Ltd Policies. The purpose of this is to create clear consistent messaging on one platform with the embedded policy hub being a ‘one stop shop’ for all community members regardless of which Catholic school they attend. This page will continue to contain the most up-to-date policies and executive directives for your easy reference. The inclusion of this page does not in any way affect our current school operations and school procedures can be found here https://www.stlps.wa.edu.au/school/policies/policy.aspx
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the following students who will be celebrating their BIRTHDAY soon:
Candy F, Daly Mc, Sophie K, Jace G, Leo T, Ruby H, Hudson A, Kingsley J, Felicity B, Skyla G, Rowan Mc, Ciaran N, Arlo M, Maddow P, Jack M, Myla L, Mookie B, Caiden M & Riley W.
Water Bottle Reminder
Please remind students to bring their water bottle to school with them every day. We do have cups available at the office if a student has forgotten their water bottle, however we are giving out approximately 20-30 cups per day, over 100 per week! As we always strive to minimise our school's environmental impact, we would love to be able to reduce this number.
Before School
A reminder that Before School Supervision begins at 8:15am.
Year 1 & 2 students remain in the Undercover Area
Year 3 & 4 students are asked to move to outside the Year 3 Rooms
Year 5 & 6 are asked to move to outside Year 5/6 Rooms
After School Pick Up (Grenville Street)
It has come to our attention that some children are waiting for their parents on the grassed area near the Lighthouse Memorial, off Grenville Street. Please be reminded that students are to wait at the Kiss and Drop until parents arrive at the Cross Walk. Thank you for your assistance with this, the safety of our children is paramount.
Davis Street Carpark
Just a reminder that the Davis Street Carpark is extremely busy on a Wednesday. Can we remind parents please to use this car park only if you are dropping and picking children up from Kindy and Preprimary. The chains are locked for this carpark at 3.30pm.
P & F News
Outdoor Family Movie Night – Saturday September 18th
Our Family Outdoor Movie Night is only two weeks away and the subcommittee has been working hard preparing for the evening. There have been posters displayed around the school this week by our Year 4 promotions team, as a reminder that Peter Rabbit 2 will be screening. The following details about the evening could assist you with your planning:
Time: Gates will open at 5pm with the screening at 6.15pm on the Northside Oval
Entry and Exit: One entry and exit through the teacher’s carpark and the space between OSH and the Year 6 classrooms. Please show proof of your ticket purchase, a screenshot on phone is acceptable
Tickets must be booked through Eventbrite – link advertised in the Parent Information Group page. All tickets $5 each with under 2 years free (it won’t be necessary to indicate how many under 2's you will be bringing along).
BYO beanbags, rugs, chairs whatever you need to be comfortable
Catering and food options:
Hot foods are available – there will be a hotdog combo pack available for pre order through Eventbrite. Hotdogs will still be available to purchase on arrival. Must be cash only.
Lazy Susan’s Kitchen is providing a small menu – 3 options, $12 each that includes Mexican Spiced Sweet Potato with a chilli lime dressing, Crispy Chicken Taco and a BBQ Pulled Beef & Slaw Roll. There is opportunity to pre-order from Susan through her facebook page where the event is pinned to the top of the page, comment through the ‘pinned event’. Susan’s menu will be available also for purchase on arrival. She will accept cash and has EFTPOS facilities.
Candybar will be operating. Cash only. Popcorn, cool drinks, a selection of lollies and icecream buckets will be available.
In the event of terrible weather we have contingencies in place.
I would like to thank in advance the sponsors who have helped make this event possible – Events Entertainment WA (Siti and Daniel Starling) and Angie Farden-Buckingham and Management at PFD Foods.
We are really looking forward to bringing our first ever outdoor movie night to you. The subcommittee have worked really hard to ensure that all is perfect for an evening of relaxation and enjoyment with family and friends from our school community.
If you need any further information do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
Next P&F Meeting
Our next meeting is Monday September 20th where our normal meeting will be preceded by the advertised Special Meeting to pass our new Constitution. If you have any agenda items for this meeting please forward to our secretary Melissa Smith and plan to be at the meeting to present your item. Look forward to seeing you there.
Carols on the Green Subcommittee Callout!
Our next event is the Carols on the Green in Term 4 scheduled for Thursday 2nd December. If you would like to be involved with the team to coordinate this evening please get in touch with me. The areas of the evening will be: Entertainment, Raffles, Sausage sizzle, Lolly Stall, Catering and for the first time the Craft Stall for a market evening appeal. We are really keen to recruit some new faces and learn the ‘job’ especially as some of our mums are moving on at the end of 2022 (to high-school!) and need to start passing the baton. Or if you are unsure of an area for the evening and just want to help we look forward to hearing from you too.
See you at the movies everyone!
Take care and kind regards,
Julie O’Malley
President
Community Notices
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.
If you have an appointment, they will contact you to reschedule. In the case of emergency only, please contact the Allendale DTC 9921 4218 or the Rangeway DTC on 9921 4373.