E-News
In this Issue:
Important Notices
Events
Student & Staff Achievement
Languages News
Science News
Sports & Outdoor Education News
Sustainability News
Friends of Mother Teresa (FOMT) News
Community News
Important Notices
Upcoming Junior School Pupil-Free Day
Dear Parents and Caregivers
I am writing to inform you of an upcoming professional development day, a pupil free day, for the Junior School staff at Mother Teresa Catholic College. We have gained in principle approvement to run the additional Staff PD Day for the Junior School from Catholic Education WA and are awaiting final approve from the Department of Education.
On Friday 1 March, all Junior School staff will be participating in 'Berry Street Education Model (BSEM)' professional development.
This decision has been made at short notice due to the importance we place on ongoing staff training and development, particularly in areas that directly impact the well-being and educational outcomes of our students.
The 'Berry Street' approach focuses on providing staff with valuable insights and strategies to support the social, emotional, and behavioural needs of our students. As you know, nurturing a positive and supportive learning environment is crucial for the holistic development of our young learners. Therefore, investing in training opportunities like the 'Berry Street' program is essential for ensuring that our staff are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the diverse needs of all our students.
While we understand that short notice may cause inconvenience for some families, I assure you that this professional development day is crucial for the continuous improvement of our school community. We are committed to providing the best possible educational experience for your child, and initiatives like these are integral to achieving that goal.
On the day of the professional development session, there will be no regular classes for students in the Junior School. However normal OSHC Holiday Care services will be available as per other pupil free days
Please note Secondary school students will attend School as normal and will undertake timetabled classes on this day
I appreciate your understanding and support as we work to enhance the educational experience for all students at MTCC.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the upcoming professional development day, please do not hesitate to contact the College.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Kind Regards
Ms Geri O'Keefe
Reconciliation Parent Student Workshop
Tuesday 5 March is the parent and student workshop for those families wishing their children participate in the sacrament of Reconciliation. This workshop explores our understanding and relationship with God, elements of reconciliation, its importance within family life, and the three rites of our Church Reconciliation.
Please complete this online form to indicate your intentions: https://forms.office.com/r/hnTUr1DsAd
Attendance is required at the Workshop on the 5th of March as well as the Commitment Mass on the 9th March (6.00pm) in order for your child to participate in the program.
Please contact Deanne Sutherland (deanne.sutherland@cewa.edu.au) if you have any further questions.
E Scooter Laws in Perth Western Australia
As electric scooters or e scooters continue to gain popularity as a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation, it is essential for riders and enthusiasts to be aware of the laws and regulations governing their use.
Perth, and a lot of Western Australia, is perfect for scooting around on an E Scooter but can you legally ride an E Scooter in Perth and the rest of Western Australia?
Western Australia E Scooter Laws
In Western Australia, electric scooters or e scooters are classified as Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs). These devices typically have two wheels, are powered by an electric motor, and are designed for one person to stand and operate. Personal Mobility Device laws apply to e scooters & must be followed to legally ride an e scooter in Perth and the rest of Western Australia.
Age Restrictions - Must Be At Least 16 Years Old
To legally operate an electric scooter in Perth and the rest of Western Australia, riders must be at least 16 years of age. It is important to note that younger individuals may ride electric scooters only on private property with the property owner's consent.
E Scooter Vehicle Specifications Requirements
E Scooters are subject to speed and vehicle specification restrictions in Western Australia. According to the current regulations, an electric scooter must:
Be no more than 125cm long, 70cm wide, and 135cm high.
Weigh a maximum of 25 kilograms.
Not be capable of traveling faster than 25 kilometers per hour on level ground.
Speed Limits
Electric scooters can be ridden on shared paths, footpaths, and public paths in Western Australia, as long as riders adhere to the prescribed speed limit. The maximum speed allowed for an electric scooter on public paths, shared paths, and footpaths is 10 kilometers per hour. If an electric scooter is being used on a road or road-related area in Western Australia, it must not exceed the posted speed limit of that particular area. In addition, they are not permitted to be ridden on roads or road-related areas where the speed limit exceeds 50 kilometers per hour.
Safety Equipment
To ensure rider safety, Western Australia's electric scooter laws require riders to wear an approved bicycle helmet when operating an electric scooter on public paths or road-related areas. This safety measure helps protect riders in the event of an accident or collision.
Complying E Scooters can be ridden on:
footpaths, bicycle paths and shared paths
roads where there are no dividing lines AND the speed limit is 50 km/h or less
bicycle lanes (on roads with a speed limit of 50km/h or less).
Where Can't I Ride My E Scooter in Western Australia
roads with a dividing line
roads where the speed limit is more than 50km/h
any path designated ‘no wheeled devices’
any path or road where a ‘no bicycle’ sign or marking applies
Enforcement and Penalties
Law enforcement authorities in Western Australia are responsible for enforcing the electric scooter laws. Riders found breaching these regulations may face penalties, fines, or other legal consequences.
With the increasing popularity of electric scooters as a mode of transportation, it is crucial for riders in Western Australia to familiarize themselves with the specific laws and regulations governing their use. By adhering to age restrictions, speed limits, safety equipment requirements, and other guidelines, riders can ensure a safe and legal riding experience. It is essential to stay updated with any changes or updates to the electric scooter laws in Western Australia to promote responsible and enjoyable riding for all.
College Parking & Traffic Flow Map
In our ongoing efforts to enhance safety and streamline traffic flow within our community, we have updated our College Parking & Traffic Flow Map. The Map has been updated to include the new Northern Carpark and Gate 5.
To maintain a secure and efficient environment, we kindly request all families, staff, visitors, and service providers strictly adhere to the guidelines outlined in the updated map. Familiarising yourself with the designated set down zones, as well as observing speed limits and traffic signs, will contribute to a safer experience for all community members.
Please take a moment to review the updated map below.
College Carparks - Students Crossing Eighty Road
A reminder that all students must exit the College via the pedestrian gates and MUST NOT leave the College grounds via vehicle gates. If they need to cross Eighty Road they MUST cross the road via the pedestrian crossing in front of the Admin building.
Secondary students are not to exit, by foot, scooter or bike via the car park and Gates 4 and 5. They must walk their bikes and scooters and exit via the main pedestrian gate. This is to ensure the safety of all in our community.
Events
Ash Wednesday Mass
On Wednesday 14 February, our College gathered in reverence to mark the beginning of Lent with a profound Ash Wednesday Mass. The liturgy included participation from all staff, students and our College community, creating a sense of unity and shared spiritual journey. The ashes used in this ceremony were crafted from burnt palm branches from last year's Palm Sunday, symbolising the cyclical nature of life and renewal. It was a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of our journey. Thank you to everyone who participated, contributing to a meaningful start to this season of Lent.
Junior School Make a Move
This Term, our Junior School students are participating in the Make a Move Performance Program. The student-centred program is linked to the Australian Curriculum and is designed especially for students to unleash their creativity through dance and performance.
Students participate in weekly lessons with a final performance at the end of the program. Witnessing these young minds explore, create, and make their moves has been truly inspiring. We can’t wait to see how it all comes together!
Student & Staff Achievement
Wishing Success to Our Dynamic Mother-Daughter Duo at Athletics State Championships
We send our best wishes to the remarkable mother-daughter duo, Jo Dannenberg and Holly-Anne Buchan, as they gear up for the AthleticsWest State Championships this weekend.
Miss Jo, one of our dedicated Education Assistants, is set to compete in the Open Women's category, showcasing her skills in the 100 & 200 metres. Holly-Anne, a talented Year 12 student, will be competing in the Under 20’s category, demonstrating her athletic abilities in the 200 & 400 metres.
Their dedication and commitment to excellence is inspiring to us all. Congratulations and good luck - the MTCC community will be cheering you on!
We love to celebrate student and staff achievement! If you have a success story and photo you'd like to share, email: marketing@motherteresa.wa.edu.au
Languages News
Indonesian Dance Incursion
On Thursday 22 February, our Year 7-10 Indonesian students participated in an Indonesian dance incursion. The incursion was conducted by the amazing Alfira and Murtala from Suara Indonesia Dance Group. They presented an energetic mix of dance, body percussion and songs to show the diversity of cultures found within the Indonesian archipelago, as well as the historical and narrative spirit of the dances.
Our students loved getting involved in the traditional Indonesian body percussion dances as a collective group. Students also picked up many useful Indonesian words and phrases along the way. Thank you Suara Indonesian Dance Group for a highly educational and entertaining presentation. Bagus!
Science News
Year 12 Physics
In Year 12 Physics, students are investigating changes of energy due to gravity and projectile motion. The challenge here was to calculate the range of a golf ball rolled down a piece of recycled tubing on our Occupied Stairs, and then the average force of friction acting on the ball.
Sports & Outdoor Education News
Secondary Swimming Carnival
On Wednesday 21 February, we held our Secondary Swimming Carnival at the Warnbro Aqua Jetty. Students from Years 7-12 competed across a range of competitive and novelty events. It was pleasing to see a high standard of competitive swimming on display, with the addition of the 200m Individual Medley to the carnival program. Recreational swimmers were also well catered for with events including the kick board relay and the boogie board relay.
Our medallists for 2024 were:
Year 7
Champion Boy: Hudson Bardsley
Runner Up Boy: Euan Buchan
Champion Girl: Chloe Landon
Runner Up Girl: Jasmine Weeks
Year 8
Champion Boy: Xavier Dawson
Runner Up Boy: James Melder & Jhylan Locker
Champion Girl: Sophie Skates
Runner Up Girl: Hayley O’Dea
Year 9
Champion Boy: Issac Conroy
Runner Up Boy: Jacob Haley
Champion Girl: Olivia Atkinson
Runner Up Girl: Paige Meiklejohn
Year 10
Champion Boy: Kaie Ratanjee
Runner Up Boy: Stig Kalande
Champion Girl: Emily Millward
Runner Up Girl: Katie Brearley
Year 11
Champion Boy: Ashton Herd
Runner Up Boy: Ethan Nascimento
Year 12
Champion Girl: Holly-Anne Buchan
Our record breakers were:
Year 7:
Chloe Landon – 200m IM
Hudson Bardsley – 200m IM
Year 8:
Sophie Skates – 200m IM
Xavier Dawson – 200m IM
Year 9:
Olivia Atkinson – 200m IM, 100m Freestyle, 50m Breaststroke, 50 Backstroke
Isaac Conroy - 200m IM, 100m Freestyle, 50m Breaststroke, 50 Backstroke, 50m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly
Year 10:
Emily Millward – 50m Backstroke
Year 11:
Ashton Herd – 100m Freestyle, 50m Freestyle, 50m Backstroke, 50m Breaststroke, 50m Butterfly
Year 12:
Holly-Anne Buchan – 200m IM, 50m Backstroke, 50m Breaststroke, 50m Butterfly
To see the full list of results, visit: https://mtc.resultshq.com.au
Our next swimming event on the calendar is the ACC H Division Interschool Swimming Carnival on Wednesday 13 March.
RKAS Basketball Double Victory
Excitement fills the air as MTCC secures back-to-back triumphs in interschool basketball! On Wednesday 21 February, our Senior Boys (10-12) Basketball team, led by Coach 'Carter' Relleno, faced off against The King's College in the impressive confines of our new gymnasium. In a spirited clash of skills and sportsmanship, MTCC emerged victorious with a final score of 55-35, showcasing the hard work and dedication of our talented players.
This achievement follows their inaugural win against Living Waters LC in the first Rockingham Kwinana Associated Schools (RKAS) outing last week. Congratulations to the team for showcasing exceptional teamwork, strategic plays, and unwavering determination. This success is a testament to their hard work and the guidance of our coaching staff.
As we build on this early success, stay tuned for more updates as MTCC continues to make its mark on the court, building a legacy of sports excellence!
RugbyWA Rugby 7s Carnival
On Thursday 22 February, our MTCC Rugby team (Years 7-9) participated in the RugbyWA Rugby7s Carnival at Thornlie Senior High School. It was a great opportunity for the team to play against some experienced players and fine-tune their rugby knowledge and skills. Great job team!
Sustainability News
The sunflowers are blooming and the vegetables are growing. The chickens are very happy with their new misting system which is keeping them cool in this hot weather. We also have some frogs who have made their home in the garden beds. Over the last few weeks, the students have been discussing what Sustainability means, what it looks like, sounds like and feels like. As well as committing to a small change they can make to show how they can care for our planet.
During the Sustainability lessons the Pre-Primary students have been learning about what is living and non-living. They also enjoyed feeding the chickens and collecting the eggs. After observing the worms farms and compost bins the Year 3 students made a T chart comparing the differences. Mrs Crowdy’s class are lucky to have two cute guinea pigs called Milo and Oreo as class pets. The students have been measuring and graphing their weight as well as learning about the how to care for the guinea pigs. They are using lots of our shredded recycled paper in their cage which then gets put into our compost bins; a great way to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.
Our ‘Containers for Change’ bins have arrived. If you would like to add your empty cans or bottles, the bins are positioned near the canteen and at the Sustainability Centre. All the money raised will go back into the College. Thank you to all the wonderful families who are supporting ‘Waste Free Wednesday’. It is great to see so many lunchboxes with no paper waste. This is a way to show we are caring for our school environment by reducing the rubbish around the College grounds.
Friends of Mother Teresa (FOMT) News
FOMT Team 2024
President: Kelly-Anne Kain
Vice President & Advisory Council Member: Jonathan Kain
Secretery: Kelly Winter
Treasurer: Emma Van Beekhuizen
Facebook/ Media: Emma Herbert
Committee Members: Allyce Wright & Dominique Brown
FOMT Staff Advisor: Catherine Conway
Volunteers Welcomed
Are you a disco star? Do you love a good sausage sizzle? Or perhaps you are a stall extraordinaire!
We would love to hear from you.
Please see the link below to express your interest.
Friends of Mother Teresa Event Volunteer Registration (office.com)
Get ready to “snowball” into laughter
Join us under the stars for a screening of Smallfoot!
When: Friday 15 March
Where: Senior School Oval, MTCC
Cost: Gold coin donation on entrance
Food Trucks from 5pm
Movie starts at 7pm
Community News
OSHClub
OSHClub’s Rise then Shine before school program and Stay and Play after school program are based on research and designed to facilitate play. Their programs provide children with opportunities for experimentation, imagination, and freedom of expression!
Before and after a structured day at school, it’s important for children to have the chance to relax and participate in activities they enjoy. Every child has their own idea of what’s fun, so OSHClub offer a wide range of engaging activities during Before and After School Care (Rise then Shine and Stay and Play programs) to accommodate every child’s desire. While OSHClub still offer all the usual fun activities and clubs, they also have 7 adventure categories! Each adventure category gives children the opportunity to develop life skills and explore their interests through specially designed experiences and activities.
Visit the OSHClub website to learn more about their before and after school care program, including before and after school program opening hours, pricing, and information about the service.
Routine Childhood Vaccinations
eSafety
Helping Australians have safer experiences online, eSafety is Australia's independent regulator for online safety.
We educate Australians about online safety risks and help to remove harmful content such as cyberbullying of children, adult cyber abuse and intimate images or videos shared without consent.
How the Online Safety Act supports those most at risk
eSafety's research shows that some individuals and communities are more at risk of being targeted by online abuse, and at risk of serious harm, due to a range of intersectional factors. These factors include race, religion, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and mental health conditions. New laws help eSafety protect those who are most at risk, so we can all have safe, positive online experiences. Please visit our website for more information: https://www.esafety.gov.au/whats-on/online-safety
ATAR Revision and Skills Development Courses
April Holidays – ATAR Revision Courses for Years 11-12
Increase your confidence and prepare for exams with our April Holiday ATAR Revision Courses. Each course is 6-hours (3 hours per day, over 2 days) and will provide thorough subject revision and exam question practice to give you the best possible preparation for Semester 1 exams.
With our ATAR revision courses you will receive:
Interactive course revision and exam preparation led by qualified subject specialists.
In-depth review of the syllabus.
Exam practice and preparation.
Quality course notes to support and extend study and revision.
We also offer courses in:
Study Skills: Learn how to study effectively and spend less time studying. We teach you how to improve your time management, goal setting, reading strategies, exam and stress management techniques.
Essay Writing: In only 6 hours learn essay writing skills that will refine your writing skills for life. You will learn how to create great essays using a structure that can be adapted to any subject.
Venues: Churchlands SHS, Rossmoyne SHS, Perth Modern School and Online.
April Holidays – Skills Development Courses for Years 7-10
Courses available in English, Maths, Science, Essay Writing , Learning Skills and Creative Writing. Each course is 6-hours (3 hours per day, over 2 days) and is taught by a specialist, qualified teacher who will help build your confidence and develop the skills needed to succeed in high school.
Improve your school results:
Increase your confidence and school performance
Revise subject concepts and build skills
Receive expert teaching from subject specialists
Venues: Rossmoyne SHS and Churchlands SHS
Early Bird SAVE 10% Enrol with full payment by Monday, March 11th to SAVE 10%
Leeuwin Southern Explorer Voyages
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFETIME! Give your students a unique and unforgettable excursion on Australia’s largest sail training tall ship. Participants may be eligible for a WACE unit and WASSA recognition. Youth Explorer Voyage contributes towards your Duke of Edinburgh Awards. Sponsorships available.
More info: https://sailleeuwin.com/
Masses
Tuesday - Friday: 9.00am
Saturdays: 6.00pm
Sundays: 9.30am & 5.00pm
1st Friday of each month: Adoration (following 9am Mass)
Benediction 10.15am
Reconciliation
Saturday: 5.30 - 5.50pm (prior to Mass)
Online Community
Join our online College community to keep up to date with news as it happens. Click the links below!