Newsletter 14 - August 31
Principal's Page
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Last week Leadership were involved in two days of professional learning. CEWA Consultants and Directors travelled to Geraldton on Tuesday 22 August for the Geraldton Leaders Forum. Topics discussed and shared included Bishop Michaels Address, Faith Survey, Human Resources Development and Accessible and Affordable Schools. On Wednesday 23 August, St Lawrence's hosted all Geraldton Regional Catholic Principals and Leadership Teams for professional discussions in Principals as Missionary Disciples, Enhancing Student Learning through Insights and Inquiry and Transition Unit Support. The two days also gave Leadership the opportunity to network with other Principals from the region to help understand and improve our sometimes complex jobs.
This week Mr Damien O'Malley and I attended an Incident Response and Crisis Management Planning PL in Perth. At St Lawrences we already have in place a comprehensive Crisis Management Plan. The course was an excellent opportunity to fine tune and review current practices.
The Lion King JR
I was fortunate enough to attend both performances of The Lion King last weekend and I was not disappointed. Following the 5pm show I made a special presentation to Jenny Attrill and Julie Hart for the many hours since last November they have put into the show making it come alive at QPT on the big stage. The 59 member cast should also be congratulated for the many months of hard work and fine tuning what was an unforgettable evening. As I sat next to some VIP guest including other Catholic Geraldton Principals, politicians and a star of our last production (Mary Poppins), the gasps and smiles and loud clapping and cheering made me realise that days like these, I am really blessed to have such a special job here at St Lawrence's. Congratulations to all the cast and crew.
Sacrament of Confirmation - Retreat Day
Today our Year 6 students had time for self-reflection, prayer and silence as they spent the day preparing themselves for the Sacrament of Confirmation which will be held on Thursday 7 September. Please keep each of them in your prayers.
Chapman Valley Show
On Saturday I look forward to our Year 1 students entertaining the crowd as they perform in the annual Chapman Valley Show. Don’t forget to check out the Education Pavilion where you will find work completed by our students on display. Should be a fantastic family day out.
Happy Days
David Tunchon
Principal
Religious Education
Fruit of the Spirit Focus: Kindness: Doing an act for another person just because we can.
Year Six Sacrament of Confirmation: Term Three, Week Eight: Thursday September 7th, 6:00pm, Undercover Area
If you plan on attending, we have kites in the office! First in best dressed!
Administration News
2T (Miss Stribley) Change of Assembly Date:
Please be aware that the Assembly date scheduled for 8th September has now been moved to the following week and will now take place on Friday 15th September at the usual time of 2:20pm.
School Uniform Reminder
It has been brought to the Leadership's Team attention that numerous students are not following the schools uniform policy. We would like to tighten up on these rules set for all students. In particular we would like to address the length of hair and extreme cuts and designs. We have added an extract from the uniform policy for you as a reminder. Teachers will be following up with students who are breaching these rules.
PERSONAL GROOMING & ACCESSORIES
HAIR
Black or teal hair ties or scrunchies
Hair touching the collar is to be tied back
Hair should be of a natural colour
No extreme cuts or designs
JEWELLERY
One plain ring may be worn
A plain chain with a religious symbol may be worn under the uniform
A watch may be worn
EARRINGS
One pair of plain sleepers or studs can be worn
Boys are permitted to wear one single earring
Parking Issues
Parents, please be respectful and courteous to the businesses and private residences that are near our school when parking. Please ensure that you are not blocking driveways or access points when picking and dropping off your children.
Dress as your favourite Sports Hero/Team (Missions effort)
During Week 10, Wednesday 20th September, all students (for a cold coin donation) are encouraged to dress in their favourite Sports Hero or Team colours. Children MUST wear closed in shoes. All proceeds will go to support our local St Vincent de Paul (Vinnies).
Happy Birthday to the people who have recently celebrated their birthdays!
Hudson M, Alexander W, Maali R, Penelope A, James D, Indigo F, Tilly R, Crystal A, Ky S, Scarlett B, Oakley D, Lacee KD, Benjamin B, Yshanella V, Koa M, Ruby J, George P, Violet C, Logan C, Kobe G, Nevaeh S, Brendyn D, Levi M, Phoenix E, Eloise T, Cody H, Riley H, Gracie S, Harley I, Brooklyn V, Bailey N and India H!
P & F News
P&F News
Next Meeting – Week 9
The P&F meeting scheduled for Term 3 will be Monday 11th September at 4.30pm in the Staffroom. As has been mentioned previously in the newsletter, the first half of the Agenda will be items about the Carols on the Green, the remaining fundraiser for the year. We are hoping for all volunteers to the Carols on the Green Subcommittee will attend this meeting as we finalise details for the event. A meeting dedicated to the Raffles will be scheduled in Week 10 with day, time and venue to be confirmed. The Agenda for the P&F Meeting will be made available next week.
Carols on the Green volunteers and donations
We are still looking for volunteers to join the Carols on the Green subcommittee. If you want to join in and can be at the event or can’t help and would like to make a donation instead, please get in touch. To give you an idea of where and how you can contribute these are the stalls and their coordinators: Lolly and Popcorn Stall – Sam Heirich and Claire Bickers, Sausage Sizzle – Ashe Murdock, Raffles Stall – Amy Campbell, Choc Luck Stall – Vanessa Heyhoe. We are still looking for someone to coordinate the Lucky Dips Stall. Thankyou to those who have been in touch with me and confirmed where you would like to help and join in, it is appreciated.
Year 7 & 8 Nagle students and Christian Service Learning
Thankyou to those parents of Nagle students who have been in touch and confirmed students who can help at the Carols on the Green. There are still lots of opportunities for other students to join in and help. If you hear of any Year 7 & 8 Nagle students looking for ways to gain hours towards their Christian Service Learning, please forward their names to me.
2024 Year 6 Leavers Shirts Parent Coordinators
The budget set down by the P&F this year has included Year 6 Leavers shirts for 2024. The Leavers shirts as they have been for the 2023 will be funded by the P&F. We are seeking two Year 5 parents to coordinate the shirts for the 2024 Year 6 cohort.
It will require two parents to work together with the current Year 5 teachers in Term 4, to source shirt designs (where students will vote for their favourite Leavers shirt), arrange shirt samples for sizing, be available to assist with the sizing of students (keeping a record of each child’s size), then work with the Administration to place the order. The whole process needs to be completed prior to the end of Term 4 so shirts arrive in time for the commencement of the school year. The parents who coordinated the Year 6 shirts this year will be more than willing to pass on information and advice regarding timelines and the process. If you would like to coordinate the 2024 Year 6 Leavers shirts, please let me know as soon as possible.
Just a reminder to everyone that you are all welcome to the P&F Meetings, we would love to see you there. Come and join us in Week 9 Monday 11th September at 4.30pm.
Kind regards,
Julie O’Malley
P&F Chairperson
HPE News
Finance News
Just a reminder that all 2023 school fees are due to be paid in full by 31st December, unless a current payment plan is in place.
If you do not yet have a payment plan, please contact Belinda in the office as soon as possible to arrange.