E-News
Welcome to This Week's College E-Newsletter!
Welcome to this week’s edition of our College E-Newsletter! As we move further into Term 1, our community is thriving with exciting events, important updates, and celebrations of student and staff achievements. In this edition, you’ll find a message from our Principal inviting families to share their insights in the "Shaping the Future… Together" survey, key dates for upcoming events like Parent-Teacher Meetings and the Junior School Swimming Carnival, as well as important notices for both Junior and Secondary students. We also highlight the latest library news, showcase outstanding accomplishments within our College, and share updates from our parish and wider community. Stay informed and engaged as we continue to grow together!
Library News
Message from the Principal
Shaping the Future Together—Share Your Voice!
At Mother Teresa Catholic College, we are committed to building a strong and vibrant learning community, and your voice is essential in shaping our future.
Yesterday, we launched the Shaping the Future… Together survey, inviting parents and caregivers to share their vision for the College over the next three to five years. This is a valuable opportunity to provide feedback on what matters most to you and your family as we continue to grow and develop.
The survey will remain open until next Friday, and we encourage all parents to take a few moments to participate. Your insights will help guide our strategic direction and ensure that we create the best possible learning environment for every student.
Thank you for partnering with us in shaping the future of Mother Teresa Catholic College.
Mr. Jay Sutton
2025 Events Calendar
![Swimming lessons [PP to Year 1]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ed7226e6cd7d9667d41555e/1736059652683-6E28629FHJPXWL6KRHPX/Swim+Icon.jpg)
Important Notices
Kiss and Drive: Keeping Our Students Safe
At Mother Teresa Catholic College, student safety is our top priority, and that includes ensuring a smooth and secure experience during drop-off and pick-up times. We understand that traffic can be frustrating, but by working together and following some simple guidelines, we can ensure that every student gets home safely at the end of the day.
Stay Calm, Stay Polite, Stay Safe
The Kiss and Drive system is designed to keep traffic flowing efficiently while maintaining a safe environment for our students. Here’s how you can help:
Be Patient and Courteous—We know time is precious, but a few extra moments of kindness can make all the difference. Yield to other drivers and be mindful of students and staff.
Keep Moving Forward—When dropping off or picking up, pull forward as far as possible to allow multiple cars to load and unload at the same time.
Stay in Your Vehicle—The Kiss and Drive is a quick drop-off and pick-up zone. If you need to exit your vehicle, please park in a designated area.
Use the Designated Lane—Avoid double-parking or stopping in crosswalks, or on the main road, as this can block visibility and other traffic and create hazardous conditions.
Follow Staff Instructions—Our team is there to help ensure safety. Please respect their directions and adhere to the flow of traffic.
A Community Effort
We all play a role in creating a safe and efficient Kiss and Drive experience. By remaining calm, following the rules, and keeping safety at the forefront of our actions, we can ensure that our students arrive and depart safely each day.
Thank you for your cooperation and for making our school community a safer place for everyone!
Final Reminder: Secondary Assistance Scheme Applications Closing Soon!
Attention Parents and Caregivers! The deadline to apply for the Secondary Assistance Scheme (SAS) is fast approaching. If you haven’t submitted your application yet, now is the time to act!
The SAS provides valuable financial support to eligible low-income families with children enrolled in Years 7-12 in Western Australian secondary schools. Successful applicants receive:
$300 Clothing Allowance – to help with school uniforms.
$235 Education Program Allowance – paid directly to the school for educational expenses.
To qualify, you must hold a valid concession card and meet the necessary eligibility criteria.
Don’t miss out on this important assistance! Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline.
For more details and to access the Application Form, click the link below:
The Student Lounge
In 2023, the idea of a student-led podcast was initiated—The Student Lounge—designed to give students hands-on experience in the world of podcasting. This initiative allows students to explore various roles, from hosting and interviewing to audio production and content creation. More than just a podcast, The Student Lounge actively engages with our community, diving into all things MTCC through insightful discussions and interviews.
Over the past two years, The Student Lounge has grown into a successful and impactful initiative, continuing its journey into 2025. In 2024, our podcast was nominated for the CEWA QCR Awards, which recognise outstanding contributions within Catholic school communities across Western Australia. This nomination is a testament to the dedication, creativity, and passion of our students who bring the podcast to life.
As we move forward, we remain committed to giving students a voice, fostering curiosity, and celebrating the people and stories that shape our community. Stay tuned for more episodes and exciting conversations!
👉 Listen now
Arts Scholarships—CLOSING SOON
Mother Teresa Catholic College takes great pride in offering the Arts Scholarship, available to students who demonstrate a profound dedication to advancing and enriching the College’s commitment to the Arts.
This prestigious award is designed to recognise and support individuals who exhibit an unwavering eagerness to foster the growth and prominence of artistic endeavours within our community.
To be considered for the Arts Scholarship, candidates must:
Showcase exceptional aptitude and commitment across diverse arts disciplines.
Display a genuine passion for the arts and contribute to the vibrant cultural life of the College.
Through this scholarship, we aim to celebrate and nurture students with exceptional talent, passion, and dedication to the arts.
Please note:
To view selection criteria, click here.
Junior School Notices
Message from the Head of School [Year 3 - 6]
It has been a big few weeks in the Year 3–6 Cluster with NAPLAN taking place and a swimming carnival to get ready for.
NAPLAN provides the College with a vast amount of information about where their students are achieving against a benchmark. It is an assessment that we can use to compare against how we see the students and cohorts perform in their normal day-to-day schooling. It doesn't give us information about who our students are, their thoughts, dreams, worries, or what motivates them to learn more. Our teachers, on a day-to-day basis, are gathering information that contributes to a picture of the well-being of the whole child.
The students and teachers are to be congratulated for how they managed themselves through what is a very formal assessment.
We're all looking forward to our Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival, which is being held next Thursday. If any parents are available to assist, please contact Erika Fernandes at erika.fernandes@cewa.edu.au
Yours sincerely,
Deanne Sutherland
Exciting Times in Our Sustainability Centre!
Our students are thrilled to welcome the newest additions to our school—our very own chickens! These feathered friends are settling into their new home, with the help of some dedicated Year 6 students acting as "chicken cuddlers" to get them accustomed to being held. Our diverse flock includes two Black Australorps, one Cream Crested Legbar, one Blue Australorp, and one Lavender Araucana.
Meanwhile, the Sustainability Centre has been buzzing with even more wildlife! This week, we spotted a friendly lizard and some adorable frogs—proof that our ecosystem is thriving.
In the gardens, our Pre-Primary students have been busy learning about plant growth while planting beetroot, lettuce, and spring onions, along with pea seeds. They will nurture these plants as they grow, gaining hands-on experience in caring for their garden beds.
Our Year One students have been exploring sustainability by learning what our worms love to eat, understanding the role of silver perch fish in our aquaponics tanks, and discovering the importance of sorting items correctly into the Containers for Change bins.
A big shout-out to our amazing Green Team! These dedicated students have been volunteering their lunchtime to support the Sustainability Centre, showing their commitment to caring for our environment.
It's wonderful to see our students so engaged in building a sustainable future!
Secondary School Notices
Students Witness Music Come to Life
Last Thursday, our Secondary music students had an unforgettable experience! They stepped behind the scenes at the West Australian Symphony Orchestra’s open rehearsal of Beethoven’s iconic Fifth Symphony—one of the most powerful and recognisable works in classical music. Students were given the opportunity to take a walk through the Conservatorium of Music at the University of Western Australia before making their way to UWA’s Winthrop Hall, ready to immerse themselves in the fast-paced atmosphere of a professional orchestral rehearsal.
The day began with an insightful pre-show talk, where students explored Beethoven’s world, learning about the history and artistry behind this legendary piece. Then, they witnessed the orchestra in action and were treated to a rehearsal of UWA Chair of Composition James Ledger’s The Light Fantastic, which was to have its world premiere at the concert that evening. Students were blown away with the musicianship of the piano soloist for Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganoni as he rehearsed with the orchestra for over 30 minutes without the use of sheet music – a very impressive feat indeed! This wasn’t just a rehearsal—it was a masterclass in dedication, collaboration, and musical excellence. An inspiring day that deepened their appreciation for the art of performance!
Term One Sub Association Sport Program Off to a Strong Start
The Term One Sub Association sport program is well underway, with teams showcasing strong performances across various competitions.
The Senior Boys’ basketball team continued their dominant run, making it three wins from three after a resounding victory over Kolbe, exceeding the 40-point mercy rule. Meanwhile, the Senior Girls’ team put up a valiant effort but narrowly missed out on a win, falling short by just five points against Kolbe.
A huge thank you to Ryan Godfrey and Karen Layman for ensuring the best possible start to RKAS in 2025. Their efforts have been instrumental in getting the season off to such a promising start.
This week, the Senior Girls played away at Court Grammar, while the Senior Boys hosted Court Grammar at home. Special thanks go to Renee Stennett, Tanika Cardoso, and Jim Relleno for their dedication in ensuring scorecards for each game were accurately completed.
In addition to basketball, the RKAS Cricket Carnival took place on Tuesday, March 11, at Baldivis Sporting Complex. Open to Year 7/8 players, the event saw our team proudly represent the school in a competitive environment. A big thank you to Hayden Hancock and Tanika Cardoso for coaching and preparing the team for this exciting event.
With such a strong start, we look forward to seeing more fantastic performances throughout the season!
Call for denim donations!
Do you have old denim jeans or unwanted denim jackets gathering dust in your wardrobe? Our Year 10 Textiles students would love to give them a new life!
As part of our Semester 2 upcycling project, the Technologies Department is seeking donations of adult denim jeans and denim jackets to be transformed into creative new pieces. Students will be repurposing jeans into stylish messenger bags and embellishing jackets to give them a fresh, fashionable twist.
If you have any denim items to donate, please drop them off at the school administration office. Your contributions will support hands-on learning, sustainability, and creativity in our Textiles program.
Thank you for your support in this project a success!
Join the Art Club!
Are you passionate about Visual Arts? Join the Art Club every Wednesday at lunchtime in G5! It's a great opportunity to explore your creativity and work on exciting projects.
Entries for the Shaun Tan awards will be created during these sessions; check out this link: https://www.subiaco.wa.gov.au/shauntanaward or Direqt Mrs. Healy for more information.
Tickets now on-sale!
Mother Teresa Catholic College proudly presents its highly anticipated production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Secondary School Edition at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre! This spellbinding adaptation of the award-winning West End and Broadway play brings the next chapter of J.K. Rowling’s beloved wizarding world to life with an extraordinary cast of young performers.
About the Play:
Set 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child follows Harry, now a Ministry of Magic employee, and his youngest son, Albus Severus Potter, as they navigate the weight of the family legacy. When Albus befriends Scorpius Malfoy—Draco’s son—the two embark on a time-bending journey that threatens to unravel the past, present, and future of the wizarding world. With themes of friendship, destiny, and the power of love, this magical production is an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Join us for an evening of enchantment, adventure, and breathtaking theatrical magic as our talented students bring this extraordinary tale to the stage. Whether you’re a lifelong Harry Potter fan or discovering the magic for the first time, this production is not to be missed!
BOOK TICKETS NOW
Secondary Swimming Carnival
The 2025 Secondary College Swimming Carnival was a historic event, marking the first time in MTCC history that the carnival was open to all students, with events catering to all abilities.
Held in Week 4, the carnival saw an enthusiastic turnout, with students embracing the opportunity to showcase their swimming skills and competitive spirit.
The day was a tremendous success, with several College records being shattered in the pool! The energy and excitement from students, along with the dedication of staff who supported them throughout the event, made the day even more special. It was fantastic to see students pushing their limits and making the most of their swimming potential.
Adding to the vibrant atmosphere was an iconic 80s and 90s music playlist, setting the perfect backdrop for an action-packed day.
The event was humorously commentated by Mr. Cranwell, Mr. Calkin, and guest voiceovers from other staff members, ensuring there was never a dull moment.
Thank you to all students and staff who participated, cheered, and contributed to making the 2025 Secondary College Swimming Carnival such a memorable occasion!
Overall Shield Result
1st Kep 576,
2nd Kaa 547,
3rd Boodjar 461,
4th Maar. 293
Champions and Runners up
Our individual champions and runners-up will be recognised at the next secondary assembly.
NEW RECORDS
Nia J 50m Freestyle 33.41
Nia J 100m Freestyle 1:15.12
Nia J 50m Breastroke 44.30
Nia J 50m Butterfly 39.85
Euan B 50m Freestyle 31.73
Euan B 100m Freestyle 1:09.66
Euan B 50m Breaststroke 44.10
Euan B 50m Backstroke 37.94
Euan B 50m Butterfly 35.24
Olivia A 50m Freestyle 32.88
Olivia A 100m Freestyle 1:10.42
Olivia A 50m Breastroke 44.67
Olivia A 50m Backstroke 39.98
Taj M 50m Freestyle 29.40
Taj M 100m Freestyle 1:11.22
Taj M 50m Breaststroke 44.63
Ashton H 50m Backstroke 38.57
Ashton H 50m Butterfly 38.19
Year 8 Retreat: A Day of Reflection and Growth
On Friday, Year 8 students participated in a full-day retreat at the Gary Holland Community Centre. The event provided a valuable opportunity for students to engage in meaningful activities designed to foster personal growth, self-awareness, and resilience.
Grounded in the Values in Action (VIA) Character Strengths framework, students explored their unique strengths and reflected on how these qualities shape their identities. Through interactive sessions, discussions, and reflective exercises, they gained insights into how to apply their strengths in their daily lives.
The retreat also encouraged students to build confidence and deepen their connections with both staff and peers. The day was filled with engaging activities that inspired self-discovery and encouraged a supportive community spirit.
Overall, the Year 8 Retreat was a rewarding experience, leaving students with valuable lessons and a renewed sense of personal empowerment.
Students Take Action for Eat Up – Over 2,000 Sandwiches Made!
As part of our Christian Service Learning program, over 50 students eagerly volunteered their time to take part in the Eat Up initiative, an organisation dedicated to providing free lunches for students in need across Australia.
Founded in 2013 by Lyndon from Shepparton, Eat Up began as a small initiative after he read about children attending school without lunch. What started with a few homemade sandwiches has now grown into Australia’s only national organisation ensuring students don’t go hungry.
With enthusiasm and teamwork, our students exceeded their goal, preparing over 2,000 sandwiches in just over an hour! Their commitment to helping others and making a difference is truly inspiring.
A huge thank you to all the staff who supported this initiative, and especially to Mr. Fassom for organising such a meaningful event. We are incredibly proud of our students for embracing the spirit of service and giving back to the community.
KIC iSCIENCE Project Term One
Congratulations to the students selected for the first KiC iSCIENCE Project in 2025! On Wednesday, 12 March, students and their parents attended an Information Night to learn more about the program before its official launch next week.
The iSCIENCE Project is designed for Year 10 students who are preparing to study ATAR courses in Year 11 and 12, with the goal of pursuing university education. Throughout the program, students will gain hands-on experience through site tours at CSBP and Coogee Chemicals and participate in a series of interactive workshops. They will also receive valuable insights into Science, Math, and Technology courses during a visit to Murdoch University, where they will meet lecturers and tour the campus.
The iSCIENCE Project runs twice a year, in Term One and Term Four. A big congratulations to Shivani, Vinaya, Andrea and Yohan, who secured a place in the Term One program! They are pictured alongside students from other local high schools who are also taking part in this exciting initiative.
Year 12 Heavy Diesel KIC Pre-apprentices
Welcome back to the Year 12 KIC Heavy Diesel Pre-apprentices, who have returned to TAFE for the final year of their Pre-apprenticeship! Over the next six months, these students will spend one day per week at South Metropolitan TAFE’s Thornlie campus, completing their heavy diesel units of competency.
The Thornlie Campus boasts state-of-the-art equipment used in the heavy diesel industry, providing students with top-tier knowledge and hands-on training to prepare them for their future careers. For all students completing the second year of their qualification in Year 12, we look forward to supporting you on this journey and watching you achieve your goals.
Year 11 KIC Female Engineering Pre-apprentices
Exciting news for our Year 11 KIC Female Engineering Pre-apprentices! Thanks to Mineral Resources, each student received a welding helmet to kickstart their TAFE studies. Over the next two years, these dedicated students will balance school attendance, complete at least 150 hours of work placement, and attend TAFE one day per week. Upon graduation, they will earn a Certificate II in Engineering.
We are incredibly proud of all our new VET students embarking on their studies at TAFE this year. This marks the first step in their career pathways, and we wish them every success as they begin this exciting journey.
Library News
Children’s Book Council of Australia – Celebrating Literature
Each year, the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) generates excitement for Book Week by unveiling its list of Notable Books in February, followed by the official shortlist in March. These selections highlight the finest works in Australian children’s and young adult literature. If you are searching for your next great read, be sure to explore the Notables list available on the CBCA website.
Aspiring Writers – A Creative Opportunity
Budding authors from Pre-Primary to Year 8 are invited to participate in the ‘Make Your Own Storybook’ Competition, hosted by the CBCA WA branch. This competition offers students a unique opportunity to design and craft their own books, with the chance to win exciting prizes. More information, including submission details, can be found on the CBCA website—start planning your story today!
Book Club Update
Great news for our book-loving students! Orders from Issue 1 were delivered last week, and Issue 2 has now arrived in classrooms. Please note that orders for Issue 2 are due by Thursday, March 20—be sure to place your order before the deadline.
eBooks for High School Students
High school students have access to a vast collection of eBooks through our ePlatform subscription. Many students, particularly in Year 7, have been exploring digital reading and discovering new literary adventures. Login details for the ePlatform are available below—happy reading!
Student & Staff Achievement
Celebrating Our Community’s Success!
At Mother Teresa Catholic College, we take pride in celebrating the achievements of our students and staff. Whether it’s academic excellence, sporting victories, creative accomplishments, or acts of kindness, we love sharing these moments with our community.
If you have a story to tell, we’d love to hear it! Send us your achievements, along with photos, to marketing@motherteresa.wa.edu.au, and let’s celebrate together.
Every success—big or small—deserves recognition, so don’t hesitate to share your journey with us! 🎉
Year 12 Student Ashton, Selected to Represent Western Australia
We are proud to announce that Year 12 ATAR Politics and Law student and Student Leader, Ashton, has been selected as one of 15 delegates from Western Australia to attend the prestigious National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) in Canberra.
The NSCC is a key event in the Australian Government’s Civics and Citizenship Education (CCE) program, bringing together 120 senior students from across the country to explore critical aspects of the Australian Constitution.
As part of the program, Ashton will work at Old Parliament House, collaborating with fellow Year 12 Politics students to debate and discuss this important issue. We are incredibly proud of Ashton’s achievement and wish him all the best on this exciting journey. Representing our College on a national stage is a tremendous honour, and we have no doubt that he will make us proud with his dedication, passion, and leadership. Congratulations, Ashton!
Euan to Compete at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships!
We are thrilled to announce that our very own Euan will be competing in the 2025 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships, set to take place on the Gold Coast, Queensland, from 29 March – 6 April. This prestigious event, known as The Aussies, is the largest of its kind, bringing together competitors from 314 Surf Clubs across the country to take part in over 480 beach and ocean events.
Euan will be participating in the Kellogg’s Nutri-Grain Nipper and Youth Championships, which will run from 29 – 30 March. This competition is a true test of skill, endurance, and surf lifesaving expertise, and we couldn’t be prouder to see Euan representing his Surf community on such a grand stage.
We wish Euan the best of luck as he takes on this incredible challenge. His dedication and hard work are truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to cheer him on!
Bronze Medal Success for Lachlan
The 2025 WA State Track & Field Championships, powered by Fuel to Go & Play, took place from Friday, March 7, to Sunday, March 9, showcasing some of the finest young athletic talent in Western Australia.
On Saturday, MTCC student Lauchlan captured everyone’s attention in the under 17 high jump event with an outstanding performance. In a field of strong competitors, Lachlan displayed remarkable focus and determination, soaring to new heights and securing the bronze medal.
This achievement is a testament to Lachlan’s dedication, hard work, and perseverance in training. His commitment to excellence has been evident throughout the season, and this well-earned success is a reflection of his relentless pursuit of improvement.
Congratulations, Lachlan, on this fantastic accomplishment! Your efforts continue to inspire those around you, and we look forward to seeing what you achieve next on your athletics journey.
A Heartfelt Thank You from Peter and Evalyn
Peter and Evalyn would love to pass on a huge thank you to everyone who supported them in the Starlight Super Swim with donations and kind messages.
Throughout February, Peter swam an incredible 26.2km, and Evalyn was right behind him with 25.95km—an amazing achievement! Their dedication paid off, as they raised a total of $1,264, far beyond what they ever imagined. Their longest single swim? A whopping 5km each in one session!
When asked what the best part of participating in the Starlight Super Swim was, they both agreed: the greatest reward was knowing they were helping sick kids.
A special thanks to the MTCC staff for their kind words of encouragement along the way. Your support meant the world to them!
Community News
Join the Mother Teresa Catholic College Netball Club!
The Mother Teresa Catholic College Netball Club is more than just a sports team—it’s a vibrant, inclusive community where students can develop their skills, build friendships, and stay active. Netball is a fantastic way to boost fitness, enhance coordination, and develop teamwork, all while having fun.
Beyond the physical benefits, our club fosters confidence, social skills, and a strong sense of belonging. Players not only grow on the court but also in their personal development, making lifelong memories along the way.
Run by dedicated volunteers, we rely on the support of our College community. Whether you're interested in coaching, managing, or lending a hand at events, there’s always a place for you!
Come join us and be part of something special. Let’s play, grow, and succeed—together!
Looking for a fun and safe place to connect, learn, and unwind after school? The City of Rockingham Youth Station is the perfect spot for students to engage in a variety of exciting activities throughout the school term!
This fantastic initiative provides young people with a welcoming space to socialise, develop new skills, and access support in a fun and friendly environment. Whether you're into art, music, gaming, sports, or just looking to hang out with friends, there’s something for everyone at the Youth Station.
The Youth Station is more than just an activity hub; it’s a community where young people can feel supported and inspired. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or get involved, the doors are open, and everyone is welcome.
For more details on upcoming activities, check out the City of Rockingham Youth Station guide above and be part of the fun!
Parish News
MASS TIMES
MONDAY: NO SERVICE
TUESDAY: 9:00AM
WEDNESDAY: 9:00AM
THURSDAY: 8:00AM
FRIDAY: 9:00AM
SATURDAY: 6:00PM
SUNDAY: 9:30AM & 5:00PM
RECONCILIATION
SATURDAY: 5:30PM TO 5:50PM
