In this Issue:

Message from the Principal
Important Notices
Events
The Arts News
Sports & Outdoor Education News
VET/Workplace Learning News
Defence Club News
Sustainability News
Community News

Message from the Principal

As another bustling year of learning, friendship and fun draws to a close at Mother Teresa Catholic College, I hope that in the midst of all the pre-Christmas busy-ness, we may take time in our families as we wait for the season of hope and joy.

In our families may we experience the light of laughter, the warmth of love and the wonder of the God who came to live amongst us. May peace embrace our troubled world. And may we and all our loved ones know the presence and peace of the Christ-child. May we ‘make Jesus real’ each day in our homes and communities this Christmas.

Let’s look after one another so we all stay safe throughout the New Year, ready to rejoin our College community, refreshed and revitalised, in 2024.

Ms Geri O’Keefe
Principal

Important Notices

2024 Term Dates

Term 1: Wednesday 31 January to Thursday 28 March

(Years 8-11 commence Thursday 1 February)

Term 2: Monday 15 April to Friday 28 June

Term 3: Monday 15 July to Friday 20 September

Term 4: Monday 7 October to Friday 6 December (TBC)

Parents and Caregivers are advised that term dates for students may vary depending on the placement of professional development and planning days for staff. Please check the College calendar for up to date information: www.motherteresa.wa.edu.au/calendar

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

2024 Back to School Opening Hours

Monday 22 January 8.00am to 12.00pm 1.00pm to 3.45pm

Tuesday 23 January 8.00am to 12.00pm 1.00pm to 3.45pm

Wednesday 24 January 8.00am to 12.00pm 1.00pm to 3.45pm

Thursday 25 January 8.00am to 12.00pm 1.00pm to 1.45pm

Monday 29 January 8.00am to 12.00pm 1.00pm to 3.45pm

Tuesday 30 January 8.00am to 12.00pm 1.00pm to 3.45pm

Wednesday 31 January 8.00am to 12.00pm 1.00pm to 3.45pm

Thursday 1 February 8.00am to 12.00pm 1.00pm to 3.45pm

Normal trading days resume in Week 2.

The Student Lounge Episode 4 - The Arts: Sydney and Melbourne Tours

In our final episode for the year, your hosts, Year 10 students Ava, Charlotte, Liam, and Quinn, delve into the vibrant world of The Arts at the College. Join them as they unpack the highlights of the 2023 Sydney Arts Tour and offer a sneak peek into the artistic adventure awaiting in the 2025 Melbourne Arts Tour. Plus, an exclusive interview with the Team Leader of Arts and Technology, Mr. Brad Tudor.

Junior School 2024 Year 6 House Leaders

Maar House
Archie Maar
Sarah Albert

Kep House
Harlan Scott
Mackenzie Lang

Boodjar House
Amelie Minotti
Avau Lino Masoe Tofilau

Kaal House
Violet Smith
Bede Smith

Year 6 Award Winners
Making Jesus Real – Daniel Albert
Community Award – Hudson Bardsley
Sportsmanship Award – Luis Nascimento
Academic Achievement Award – Kayla Muronda
Arts Award – Addison Roots
City of Rockingham Leadership Award – Daniel Minotti and Viraj Therala

Student Achievement

Lewis Buchan (Year 1)

Year 1 student Lewis Buchan took part in his first Nippers Carnival (U8 & U9) in Cottesloe last weekend. He did an amazing job, despite the heat and overwhelming crowds of adults and kids, coming 1st and 2nd in his swim, board and sprints. He went through to the finals.

He showed excellent sportsmanship cheering on his teammates. Congratulations Lewis!

Events

End of Year Alternate Program

This year, the College trialled an End of Year Alternate Program with a modified timetable, which enabled Team Leaders and staff to offer a meaningful experience for Secondary students in the last week of Term 4. The Program incorporated the academics and well-being of students with a focus on personal growth, understanding, and knowledge, all whilst having a positive experience.

Students participated in several engaging activities across many Learning Areas, including Religion, English, Science, HASS, Maths, Technology, Art, Health and Physical Education. We hope all students enjoyed our End of Year Alternate Program and we thank all staff for working towards making this week a positive and engaging end to the School year!

Year 8 Retreat

On Tuesday 5 December, our Year 8 students embarked on a faith enrichment and character-building retreat at the Baldivis Sports Complex. Throughout the day, students were encouraged to discover their personal character strengths and weaknesses, and recognise strengths in their peers.

Research shows that using your character strengths can help to improve relationships, manage and overcome problems and enhance overall well-being. We hope our Year 8s had an enjoyable and insightful retreat! It was a fantastic opportunity for the cohort to join together and strengthen their bonds.

Year 9 Faith Enrichment Retreat

On Thursday 30 November, our Year 9 students embarked on a faith enrichment retreat aimed at deepening their spiritual connection. As they journeyed together, they engaged in prayer, reflection, and activities that encouraged them to contemplate their beliefs and values. Students formed bonds and friendships that reinforced the sense of unity that we cherish here at the College. This retreat was a transformative experience to help our students grow as future leaders and ambassadors in their community

The Arts News

The Little Mermaid - Tickets on Sale

Stuck on what to gift for Christmas? Why not tickets to see our upcoming College production of The Little Mermaid?! Get ready for a magical underwater adventure that the whole family will treasure!

DATES AND TIMES

Thursday 18 April 2024 7.00 pm
Friday 19 April 2024 7.00 pm
Saturday 20 April 2024 1.00 pm

Get your tickets now: www.manpac.com.au/events/the-little-mermaid-2

Sports & Outdoor Education News

HPE Learning Area Project

On Wednesday 6 December, students in years 7-9 participated in the HPE Learning Area Project at Port Kennedy Beach. The purpose of the day was to give students the opportunity to improve their swimming and water safety skills and knowledge. Students completed activities including run/swim/run, tube rescues, kayaking and beach flags.

Year 10 Outdoor Ed Camp

On Thursday 30 November, Year 10s embarked on the final camp experience of the year. The camp began with a 6km hike from Chuditch to Nanga Mill where they had lunch and set up camp. After lunch, two groups were established to experience the best adventure activities the region had to offer. In this case, mountain biking on the award winning Murray Valley Trails and the other group kayaking up the picturesque Murray River. In the evening a game of spotlight kept the group entertained before bedding down early. In the morning, the groups swapped activities before heading home via Dwellingup.

Thank you to Mr Mitchell and Ms McRedmond for coming to assist as well as Mr Gaynor for coming down in the evening to see how his year group were getting on.

Year 9 Basketball Peel Summer Carnival

VET/Workplace Learning News

White Card Training

On Monday 4 December, Year 9 students had the opportunity to gain their White Card by completing CPCWHS1001 Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry (Release 2) White Card training. A White Card (or construction card) is a mandatory requirement for anyone wanting to work on a construction site, including site managers, supervisors, tradespeople and labourers.

This course is an excellent stepping stone for a wide range of career opportunities. Congratulations to our students for taking this step toward building a successful future!

Christian Service Learning (CSL) News

Red Cross Soup Patrol

We attended our last Fremantle Soup Patrol on Monday 4 December. We would like to extend our thanks to all staff and students for volunteering their time to serving soup and supplies from the Red Cross van to those in need in the Fremantle area. Stay tuned next year for more Soup Patrol volunteering opportunities as we look at supporting those a little closer to home.

Surfing with the Disabled

A number of students and staff took to the beach on Saturday 2 December to support Surfing with the Disabled. It was a great day out and a very rewarding experience. The next Surfing with the Disabled is on Saturday 27 January and we encourage all students and staff to get involved! All volunteered hours over the School holidays will count towards next year’s program.

For more information, visit: www.disabledsurfers.org/events

Vinnies Christmas Food Drive

Vinnies Rockingham has given us a big thank you for our food donations. Over 80 families have already reached out to them for some extra help with food and gifts over Christmas, and your efforts - along with several other local schools - will go a long way toward meeting those needs.

We thank our community for the care and generosity shown to those less fortunate in this special season!

Defence Club News

Defence students enjoyed celebrating the end of the year together at Christmas Celebrations. Junior School students enjoyed plaster painting, Christmas card making, icy poles and a lucky dip Christmas gift. Senior school students enjoyed a shared pizza lunch. We look forward to Defence activities continuing in 2023 with a family picnic to kick off the year (further details to come.)

If you have a serving Defence member in your family and your students are currently not Defence club members, please reach out to Mrs Rachel Esler directly at Rachel.esler@cewa.edu.au to sign up for Defence School Mentor services.

Sustainability News

Thank you to everyone who purchased a raffle ticket to win the amazing sustainable items. First prize was won by Mrs Cipriano, Second Prize was won by Dave Dawson and Third prize, the living Christmas tree, was won by Mrs Canny. All the money raised will go back into the Sustainability Centre buying the items we need during the school holidays (chicken feed, hay, mealworms, fish food) to keep it running.

Another thank you to our amazing staff members who have given up their Tuesday and Thursday mornings to make the wonderful apple slinkies. A big thank you to Mrs Hodgson, Mrs Sneyd, Miss Mann, Mrs Elphinstone, Mrs Smith and Mrs Faed.

Today some Year 3 and Year 4 students reinvigorated the herb pots out the front of the church ready for Christmas. They added flowers to attract the beneficial bugs, new herb plants, worm wee, mulch and then gave the plants a big drink. Father Alexis came out to chat to the students as they were working and was very appreciative of all their hard work.

Thank you to everyone in our community who has supported our Sustainability Program and Initiatives at our school, especially Waste Free Wednesday. Together we can all work together to avoid waste making landfill our last resort.

Community News

Internet Safe Education

Tips for Managing Screentime on the School Holidays

As the school holidays approach, it's natural for kids to get excited about having more free time to spend on their favourite screens. However, as parents and caregivers, it's important to encourage healthy screen time habits to ensure that our children maintain a healthy balance of activities. With so many entertainment options available, it can be challenging to manage screen time effectively. Check out our latest blog for some tips to help manage screentime harmoniously over the school holidays. We wish you and your school community a Happy Holidays!

Online Community

Join our online College community to keep up to date with news as it happens. Click the links below!

The is the final edition of the Mother Teresa Catholic College e-News for 2023.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Enjoy a safe and restful school holiday break. We look forward to welcoming our students back next year.

E-News