E-News
In this Issue:
Important Notices
Student & Staff Achievement
Events
The Arts News
Sports and Outdoor Education News
Christian Service Learning (CSL) News
Library News
Sustainability News
Community News
Important Notices
Principal Announcement
Dear Families and Friends of the Mother Teresa Catholic College Community,
On behalf of Mr Wayne Bull, Executive Director of Catholic Education Western Australia, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Jay Sutton as Principal of Mother Teresa Catholic College, Baldivis, effective 1 January 2025.
Jay brings a wealth of experience to our community, currently serving as Principal of St Augustine’s College in Kyabram, Victoria, since 2022. His previous roles include Deputy Principal at St Edward’s College, part of Edmund Rice Education Australia, from 2015 to 2021, and Leader of Learning in Humanities, Information Technology, and Vocational Education and Training at Mercy College from 2000 to 2014.
We are thrilled about Jay’s appointment and the positive influence he will bring to our school community. We are confident that his leadership will be instrumental in guiding our school forward, and we look forward to the mentorship and vision he will provide.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Jay on this well-deserved appointment and eagerly anticipate the contributions he will make to our community.
We also wish to express our sincere gratitude to Mr Joe Hoyne for his ongoing dedication as Acting Principal until the end of this year.
Julie Hornby
Catholic Education WA (CEWA)
Upcoming Pupil Free Days
A friendly reminder to our community of the upcoming Pupil Free Day on Monday 26 August 2024 (Catholic Day). The College will be closed from 4pm Thursday 22 August and will re-open at 8am on Tuesday 27 August 2024.
Exploring Heritage through Music
Our Middle School teacher, Ms. Magwa, is bringing the rich traditions of Africa to life by teaching students how to play traditional African instruments, including the Mbira, Hosho (shakers), and Ngoma (drums). This hands-on experience not only connects our students with their African heritage but also offers an exciting way to celebrate the many cultures within our school community.
Students gather every Tuesday after school for practice. If you’re interested in joining or learning more, be sure to contact Ms. Magwa!
Student & Staff Achievement
Student Achievement - Bella Mihyo (Year 8)
A huge congratulations to our talented Year 8 student, Bella Mihyo, for her outstanding achievements at the 2024 Angelico Art Exhibition!
Bella received the following awards:
1st Prize for 2-Dimensional Artwork (Years 7-10) for Warm Hues
Highly Commended (Years 7-10) for Edgar
Winner of the Catholic Schools Parents WA Encouragement Award for Edgar
Bella consistently showcases her dedication and creativity, representing Mother Teresa Catholic College beautifully. These awards are well-deserved recognition of her hard work and passion for art. Well done, Bella!
Staff Achievement - Mr Joe Macdonald
A huge congratulations to our very own groundsperson, Joe Macdonald, who celebrated a thrilling victory in the NBL1 West Championship with the Mandurah Magic at RAC Arena!
In what was an intense and hard-fought game, Joe and the team showed incredible determination and skill to secure their first-ever finals win for the Mandurah Magic Men. This is a monumental achievement, and we couldn’t be prouder of you Joe!
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
Events
Book Week 2024
This week, the College celebrated Book Week. In the lead up to Book Week, Primary students have been reading the shortlisted books, nominated by the Children’s Book Council of Australia, and voted on their favourites.
This week, the whole College was able to vote for their favourite bookmark in our annual bookmark competition – congratulations to our winners:
Year 1 / 2 – Maya Robson
Year 3 / 4 – Evalyn Van Beekhuizen
Year 5 / 6 – Erin Colton
Year 7-12 – Emily Fenton
Staff – Mr Evan Jones
During lunchtimes, the high school students were able to participate in an escape room, a school wide game of Cluedo, a photobooth and an introduction to Magic the Gathering, run by Game On! Mandurah. Thursday was the dress up day with the annual parade. The costumes were amazing, with so many students and staff putting in a huge amount of effort to showcase their favourite characters.
Thank you to all those who participated and helped run activities, we’ll see you again in your best dressed costumes next year!
First Holy Communion
Our College community joined together recently at St Teresa of Calcutta Parish to celebrate students taking part in the Sacrament of Eucharist. Congratulations to all students who received their first Holy Communion in our parish community. We commend our students for their dedication, preparation, and commitment to their faith journey. Thank you to our parish community, parents, teachers, catechists, and clergy who played an integral role in guiding and nurturing our students on their spiritual path.
We wish our students all the best in their faith journeys!
Kindy Beekeeping Incursion
On Thursday 15 August, our Kindy students participated in an exciting Beekeeping Incursion presented by Luke from Buzz Ed. Students were fascinated as they learned all about the different types of bees and the intricate structure of their hives. They even got to taste some of Luke’s delicious honey and see raw honeycomb up close!
The fun didn't stop there - students had the opportunity to craft their own little bees and explore the incredible life cycle of these amazing creatures. It was a sweet, hands-on experience that left everyone buzzing with excitement!
Science Week in Junior School
In celebration of National Science Week, our Junior School students enjoyed an exciting Science demonstration led by Mr. van der Kwast. Students were captivated by vibrant colour-changing chemicals in bottles and the mesmerising elephant's toothpaste experiment. The demonstration also featured a magical genie appearing in the form of water vapour and oxygen, leaving the audience in awe. This interactive Science event was a huge hit with our students, and we hope it inspired a deeper curiosity about the wonders of Science!
Fremantle Literature Centre Incursion
On Tuesday 20 August, Year 3 students had an incursion presented by the Fremantle Literature Centre. They looked at the some of the original artwork for the book Fabulous Friend Machine, by Nick Bland. They discussed the moral of the story, which was about being safe online and remembering to be a good friend in real life. What a terrific way to start Book Week!
Pre-Kindy Farm Incursion
On Friday 16 August, our Pre-Kindy students enjoyed an exciting and educational visit from the Farmyard on Wheels, hosted by Farmer Mick. The children had a wonderful time interacting with a variety of farm animals, learning about their care, and discovering more about farm life. From petting fluffy sheep to feeding friendly goats, the experience was both fun and enriching, sparking curiosity and joy among our youngest learners. A big thank you to Farmer Mick for bringing the farm to us and creating such a memorable day for our Pre-Kindy kids!
The Arts News
2025 Arts Scholarships and Music Bursaries - OPEN NOW
Mother Teresa Catholic College is pleased to provide The Arts Scholarship and Music Bursary to students who demonstrate a deep commitment to enhancing and strengthening the College's passion for The Arts. To be eligible for these prestigious awards, students must demonstrate a steadfast enthusiasm for promoting the development and significance of artistic pursuits within our institution.
Additionally, candidates must showcase an exceptional level of commitment and display genuine aptitude across diverse arts disciplines within the community. Through these scholarships and bursaries, we aim to recognise and support individuals who exemplify exceptional talent, passion, and dedication to the arts, contributing to the vibrant artistic culture of Mother Teresa Catholic College.
To apply for the 2025 Arts Scholarship or Music Tuition Bursary, please fill in the form below.
View full Terms & Conditions
Sports and Outdoor Education (ODE) News
RKAS Junior Volleyball Carnival
Christian Service Learning (CSL) News
The CREW - Service Opportunities
There is a service opportunity with The CREW in Rockingham sorting hampers on Wednesdays after school (4.00 - 5.30pm). All year groups can help (limit of 10 students in each session). The College to transport there, students to be picked up in Rockingham once concluded.
Service days:
28th August
25th September (Week 1 of Term 3 School holidays - students to organise own transport)
23rd October
27th November
Register your interest at the sign-up sheet by Mr Wadworth’s office or email: owen.wadsworth@cewa.edu.au
Library News
Sustainability News
The Pre-Primary students are learning lots in the Sustainability area connected to their inquiry unit and Science unit. They have the opportunity to care for our worms by feeding them cardboard, shredded paper and our fruit scraps. They also looked at the needs of the plants and the chickens. They had fun collecting and counting the eggs.
The Year 1 butterfly garden has many Monarch butterflies on the feeding station, sitting in the muddy puddles and resting on the rocks and flowers. Many students are coming to the area to watch them hatch, eat and take their first flight.
The Year 2 students have been looking at ways we use water in the Sustainability area which is connected to their Science unit: Earth’s resources are used in a variety of ways. They created a pic collage showing and labelling all the ways we use water and discussed why water is precious.
Our Year 3 students have been learning about how mushrooms are a fungi and do not need sunshine to grow. They are caring for button, portobello, blue oyster and pink oyster mushrooms. Once they have grown, we will be tasting the mushrooms raw and cooked.
We have many students who care for our school grounds and collect rubbish at lunchtime. A big thank you to our wonderful Year 2 students: Summer, Maddison and Chibuike.
Community News
Carers WA Conference 2024
Registrations are open for the Carers WA Conference 2024, the premiere event celebrating National Carers Week. It is free to attend online or in-person (waitlist) for all service providers, or carers registered with Carers WA.
This year's theme, 'Empowering the unpaid carer: Navigating identity, belonging and change', will explore and discuss the current and emerging issues for caring across WA.
When: Thursday, 17th October 2024
Where: Online | In-Person
Cost: Free
Up to two staff tickets per service provider organisation, and one ticket per registered carer are provided.
This event is proudly supported by Lotterywest and the Department of Communities WA.
To register, click here.
Rockingham Youth Centre - Term 3 and 4 Flyer
Department of Education - Parent Information Session
VacSwim Program
VacSwim provides children aged five to 17 years with the opportunity to develop and progress their swimming and water safety skills during the October and summer school holidays. We offer programs for beginner, intermediate and advanced swimmers at over 175 locations across Western Australia.
For further information, details of locations and how to enrol, please visit our website.
Murdoch University Open Nights
28th & 29th of August and 4th of September
5:30pm – 7:30pm
Murdoch University invites you to join us for our 2024 Open Nights.
Spread over three nights, prospective students, their families and the wider community are invited to Explore, Discover and Immerse themselves in everything that Murdoch University has to offer.
Hear first-hand from our students and academics about what to expect when studying at Murdoch.
Explore double major and double degree combinations and possibilities
Tour our state-of-the-art facilities
Find out where our courses can take you in your career
Learn from current students about the practical experiences and opportunities available while you're studying
Find out how to gain entry through portfolio and enabling pathways
Ask questions about the application process, scholarships and support services
Register for your preferred nights now!
Wednesday 28th August Health & Education
Thursday 29th August Sciences, Information Technology, Engineering & Maths
Wednesday 4th September Business, Law, Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
Masses
Tuesday - Wednesday: 9.00am
Thursday: 8.00am
Friday: 9.00am
Saturday: 6.00pm
Sunday: 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
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