In this Issue:

Important Notices
Events
The Arts News
Technology News
Sports & Outdoor Education News
Religious Education News
Christian Service Learning (CSL) News
Sustainability News
Friends of Mother Teresa (FOMT) News
Community News

Important Notices

WA Student Assistance Payment

The new WA Student Assistance Payment helps parents and carers with cost-of-living pressures associated with sending their children to school. All Western Australian school students in Kindergarten to Year 12, with a valid WA student number, are eligible for this cost-of-living payment.

You can claim $250 for each secondary student and $150 for students attending primary school or kindergarten. The payment will be available through the ServiceWA app, with parents and carers encouraged to set up or update their ServiceWA account and have an active digital identity.

Claims open on Monday 15 April 2024. All claims must be received by Friday 28 June 2024.

Read more about eligibility and claiming.

How to claim

Get ready to access the WA Student Assistance Payment by setting up your ServiceWA app and logging in with your Digital Identity on ServiceWA. More information about setting up the app and step-by-step instructional videos are available on wa.gov.au/servicewaapp

Term Dates

A friendly reminder to our community that the final day of Term 1 is next Thursday 28 March 2024. Term 2 will commence on Monday 15 April 2024.

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

Term 2 marks the changeover to Winter uniform. The Uniform Shop will have additional opening times to help with all your school uniform needs. Beat the rush and get your Winter garments before the end of this Term.

Holiday General Sales Opening Hours

Tuesday 9 April
Wednesday 10 April

(8.00am to 12.00pm & 1.00pm to 3.45pm)

Back to School Opening Hours

Monday 15 April
Tuesday 16 April
Wednesday 17 April
Thursday 18 April

(8.00am to 12.00pm & 12.30pm to 3.45pm)

Friday 19 April

(8.00am to 12.00pm & 12.30pm to 2.00pm)

We have a limited number of appointments available. Time slots are in 15 minute blocks so please consider how many students are requiring a fit-out and if more than one appointment is required.

For more information and to book an appointment, visit:

www.motherteresa.wa.edu.au/uniform-shop

2025 Indonesian Tour - Save the Date

We are pleased to announce our upcoming 2025 Indonesian Tour. The dates are 26 September – 2 October 2025.

The tour will be open for current Year 8 – 10 students (Year 9 – 11 in 2025). More information will be available early Term 2.

Save the date!

Events

Junior School Swimming Carnival (Years 3-6)

On Thursday 21 March, our Year 3-6 students participated in the Junior School Swimming Carnival at Rockingham Aquatic Centre. We were blessed with a wonderful sunny day, perfect for swimming. The level of sportsmanship throughout the day was amazing, and we are so proud of our students for giving everything a go!

The day would not have been possible without the amazing help from parents and caregivers. Thank you for volunteering your time to support the College in running this fantastic event. More photos will be released soon…

Kindy Make a Move Concert

On Tuesday 19 March, our Kindy stars took centre stage at their highly anticipated Make a Move Concert! Throughout the Term, students have been participating in the creative dance program with weekly lessons. They have been on a journey of discovery, expression, and growth. All their hard work culminated in their final performance. With smiles on their faces, our kindy dancers lit up the stage with their energy and enthusiasm. A huge round of applause to program director, Meagan, our amazing kindy students, their dedicated teachers, and supportive families for making the Make a Move Concert a resounding success!

Kindy Mud Play

On Thursday 14 March, our Kindy students ventured into a world of wonder as they embraced the joy of mud play! From squishy mud pies to imaginative creations, they reveled in the sensory delight of getting their hands dirty. They squelched mud in their toes as they spread it across the mat to make a slippery muddy puddle. They mixed small bowls of mud with different coloured ochre to paint on their face and bodies (and on each others!).

Mud play offers a treasure trove of benefits for our young learners. Creativity is unleashed as mud becomes their canvas; molding, sculpting, and shaping their wildest imaginations. Nature connection is fostered as our little ones connect with the Earth, learning about its wonders and the importance of caring for our environment.

Our Kindy students had an absolute ball! Thank you to Educated by Nature for a wonderful, muddy experience.

Year 7 Camp

For three days in Week 7, our Year 7 students had a great time at Swan Valley Adventure Centre on their Year 7 Camp! They participated in a variety of fun activities including Archery, Canoeing, Raft Building, the Commando Course, Crate Stack, High Ropes Course, the Flying Fox and more! These challenging activities required great team work, collaboration and problem-solving skills.

It was amazing to see our students stepping out of their comfort zones and embracing the spirit of adventure! On the final night, our Year 7s came together for a liturgy and disco to wrap up their first Secondary School camp.

The Arts News

Disney's The Little Mermaid Musical Rehearsals

Get ready to dive under the sea with the cast and crew of the 2024 College Musical, as they bring to life the beloved tale of Disney's The Little Mermaid! Rehearsals are well underway, and excitement is bubbling as the team gears up to deliver an unforgettable performance that will transport audiences to a magical underwater world.

The anticipation surrounding this production is tangible, with students and staff alike eagerly awaiting the opportunity to witness the timeless story unfold on stage. From enchanting musical numbers to captivating choreography, every aspect of the show is being meticulously crafted to capture the essence of Ariel's journey from beneath the waves to the human world above.

As opening night approaches, excitement continues to build for what promises to be an unforgettable theatrical experience. Whether you're a long-time fan of the original Disney classic or discovering the story for the first time, Disney's The Little Mermaid Musical is sure to leave you singing and swimming with joy!

Be sure to mark your calendars and secure your tickets early, as this is one under-the-sea adventure you won't want to miss. For the best seats available, make sure to book your tickets for Thursday evening. Tickets for Friday and Saturday performances are quickly running out! Tickets available at: www.manpac.com.au/events/the-little-mermaid-2/

Here's a sneak peek behind the scenes.

Daisy Axon - Bell Shakespeare Scholarship

Recent alumni, Daisy Axon (Class of 2023), was a fortunate recipient of the 2023 John Bell Scholarship. Daisy flew to Sydney in February to work at the Bell Shakespeare HQ to engage in five days of specialist training.

She spent the week undertaking voice, movement and acting workshops with Bell Shakespeare artists, attending live theatre and observing rehearsals for the upcoming production of A Midsummer-night's Dream. She also presented her monologue to Bell Shakespeare staff and the cast and creatives of A Midsummer-night's Dream. Congratulations Daisy - We are very proud of your achievements!

The John Bell Scholarship is open to students living in regional Australia. Find out how you can audition in 2024 here: www.bellshakespeare.com.au/john-bell-scholarship

Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts Incursion

Senior Visual Arts students embarked on an artistic journey with "Oil Painting for Beginners," investigating the foundational elements of value, perspective, temperature, and skin tones. Guided by Rachelle Dusting, a distinguished artist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) from the University of Western Australia, participants benefited from her expertise under the mentorship of world-renowned artists like Robin Eley, Vincent Desiderio, and Jon Tarry.

Specialising in realism and photorealism, Rachelle went beyond boundaries, exploring new mediums such as large-scale murals and public art. As a passionate advocate for creating and teaching art, she was committed to contributing to global creative culture and uplifting the Australian art community. We look forward to more wonderful moments to engage with creativity this year.

Year 11 and 12 Drama Excursion: 'The Pool'

Our Drama students recently embarked on an enriching journey at the Black Swan State Theatre Company's Perth Festival performance of 'The Pool'. Despite the scorching 40-degree weather, the ambiance at Bold Park Aquatic Centre provided an ideal backdrop as students indulged in cold drinks and ice cream before immersing themselves in the performance.

Equipped with headphones, students observed the spectacle from the grandstands, fully engaging in the narrative. The Pool' aimed to build community spirit by sharing stories of local pool life. It beautifully portrayed how people from all walks of life come together to create memories during the Australian summer. It served as a wonderful example of Site-Specific Theatre.

Year 11 and 12 Dance Excursion

Students in Year 11 and 12 dance recently attended The Jungle Book Reimagined as part of the Perth Festival at The Heath Ledger, State Theatre. Dance, theatre, music and visually stunning animation came together to tell a new version of the classic Jungle Book story. Jungle Book reimagined was a beautifully compelling and vital piece of storytelling about our intrinsic need to belong and bond with others. It places the importance of connecting with and respecting our natural world at its heart.

Technology News

Year 12 Material Design & Technology (Metalwork)

Our Year 12 Metalwork students have been busy with their latest project – crafting decorative pit bikes from scratch! Our students have been fine-tuning their skills, welding, shaping, and grinding their bikes to perfection under the guidance of Metalwork teacher Mr Cox.

As they progress through the fabrication process, students encounter challenges that require problem-solving and innovation. They experiment with different techniques, adjusting their approach as they navigate obstacles and refine their craftsmanship. With precision and determination, they meticulously measure, cut, and assemble each component, transforming raw materials into works of art. From grinding to polishing, they are refining their creations, ensuring every detail meets their standards.

We can’t wait to see the final result! Stay tuned for the grand reveal and join us in celebrating the spirit of innovation and excellence in metalwork.

Year 11 Material Design & Technology (Woodwork)

Students in our Year 11 Woodwork class have been refining their skills, crafting bespoke wooden storage boxes and bowls. In this task, student are given the freedom to create their own custom designs, making each piece unique and special. Under the guidance of Woodwork teacher, Mr Chant, students experiment with various techniques, from intricate carving to elegant finishes, bringing their visions to life one careful cut at a time.

From selecting the perfect wood to meticulously shaping and smoothing, every step of the process is a journey of discovery. As they refine their pieces, they learn the value of patience, precision, and persistence in woodworking. The classroom becomes a canvas for their imagination, where each student's craftsmanship shines through in their custom creations. We can’t wait to see the finished products!

Year 7 Textiles

In our Year 7 Textiles class, students have embarked on a creative journey, combining sewing skills with cutting-edge technology to produce denim pencil cases adorned with a Cricut design. Each pencil case becomes a canvas for self-expression as students apply their name to their project. The fusion of denim's rugged charm with the precision of Cricut designs results in pencil cases that are not only functional but also captivating works of art. This innovative approach not only enriches their learning experience but also underscores the limitless possibilities when traditional techniques meet modern technology in the realm of textile creation.

Sports & Outdoor Education News

RKAS Super 8’s Cricket Carnival

On Wednesday 6 March, MTCC competed in the RKAS Super 8’s Cricket Carnival. We had a great day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and some fantastic cricket. The A division team won 3 out of 5 games, allowing us to walk away with 3rd place in our first RKAS Cricket Carnival. All students played in great spirit and were excellent representatives of the College.

Year 11 ODE Camp

In Week 6, our Year 11 General Outdoor Education (ODE) students embarked on their Unit 1 Expedition Camp at Lake Leschenaultia. Students had the opportunity to climb and abseil down a 27-metre natural rock face at Stathams Quarry, conquering their fears and reaching new heights!

Then it was on to Lake Leschenaultia, where they set up camp, kayaked, and had some refreshing swims amidst stunning scenery. Students enjoyed camping under the stars, forging friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

ACC Swimming Carnival

On Wednesday 13 March, our student competitors travelled to HBF Stadium for the annual ACC Swimming Carnival. We have been competitive in the ‘H’ Division of the carnival for the last two years and this year was arguably our most competitive yet!

We had some incredibly impressive swims from Holly-Anne Buchan (Year 12) in her final Swimming Carnival as an MTCC student, as well as Olivia Atkinson (Year 9), Sophie Skates (Year and Euan Buchan (Year 7). Two of our students, Andrea Smith (Year 10) and Spencer Mandy (Year 9), competed in the multi-class events of the carnival with incredible success!

Our results for the day were:
U15 Girls Overall Champion: Olivia Atkinson
2nd in the Junior Girls Aggregate
3rd in the Junior Boys Aggregate
2nd in the Senior Girls Aggregate
2nd in the Overall Female Aggregate
2nd in the Overall Shield (narrowly missing out by 76 points)

These results are a testament to the hard work of our students who train hard outside school hours as well as the HPE staff for organising and preparing the team. That concludes the swimming season for 2024. We will back next year with a revised House Swimming Carnival and prepared to take home the shield in 2025!

Religious Education News

Holy Week Picture Books

Our Year 7s first Religion assessment was to create a picture book for Year 2 students. Their books were titled ‘Holy Week’ and needed to include information about the week of Easter, including Jesus’ death and resurrection. This week some of us were lucky enough to have the chance to share our books with the Year 2 students who were very engaged during this session. What a great opportunity to share what we are learning in Religion classes.

Christian Service Learning (CSL) News

CSL Bake Sale

Our first CSL Bake Sale was held on Wednesday 13 March and it was a huge success! Organised by dedicated students and compassionate staff volunteers, the event aimed to raise funds for Caritas, a charitable organisation committed to empowering communities and alleviating poverty worldwide. From delectable cookies and mouthwatering cupcakes to irresistible brownies and famous caramel slice, there was something to satisfy every sweet tooth.

We look forward to future opportunities to come together, spread love, and create positive change, one sweet treat at a time.

Sustainability News

This Tuesday 26 March the Green Team will be running our Easter themed Sustainability Market Stall before and after school at the entrance of the Junior School. We will be selling fresh produce, eggs, worm wee, pot plants, easter crayons, lavender filled chickens and more. All the money raised goes back into the running of the Sustainability Centre.

Some of our students have been doing an amazing job putting the correct containers in the “Containers for Change Bins”. With these small changes we can all help our planet.

Last week, Year 3 students created ‘Worm Menus’ after researching what the tiger worms like to eat. After learning about life cycles, the Year 2 students have been collecting seeds from the sunflowers which have been growing in our gardens. They will plant the seeds in Spring, since they need lots of sunshine. The Pre-primary students have enjoyed collecting the eggs, searching for the growing vegetables, feeding the fish and tiger worms.

Thank you to the wonderful families who support “Waste Free Wednesday”. It is a great way to reduce the amount of waste we are sending to landfill by supporting this initiative in our College. A waste free lunch box is one that has no throw-away packaging. Everything in a waste-free lunchbox can be eaten, reused or composted.

Friends of Mother Teresa (FOMT) News

FOMT Easter Raffle

Just a reminder that the FOMT are holding an Easter raffe again this year. They are also looking for Easter craft and Easter Egg donations for the raffle. Donations can be dropped off at the College reception anytime before Tuesday. The raffle tickets are available until 9.00pm Sunday 24 March.

This year’s Easter raffle funds will be used to purchase musical instruments for both Junior and Senior school.
To purchase your tickets click the link below:
https://events.humanitix.com/mtcc-easter-raffle-2024

Movie Night - Thank you

We would just like to take the time to thank our wonderful community for supporting our outdoor movie evening. An extra special shout out to our amazing volunteers. Without you this event wouldn’t have been possible.

If you loved the joy our movie night brought and want to know how you can be involved next time. Follow the links below:

Business link

Volunteer link