E-News
In this Issue:
Important Notices
Events
Student Achievement
The Arts News
Languages News
Sustainability News
Community News
Important Notices
Executive Director End of Year Message 2022
Dear colleagues, parents, and friends of Catholic education
Catholic schools have long been cornerstones of the communities we serve across Western Australia, providing opportunities for every student to discover their God-given potential.
Looking back on the 2022 school year, we can again be proud of the great impact our efforts are having on the lives of students as well as the broader communities we serve.
Despite the challenges our school communities faced after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted early in the year, it was the welcoming spirit at the heart of our communities, the expertise, and dedication of staff, and our shared Gospel values that will be recalled as a hallmark of the year now past.
I am grateful for the perseverance of our teachers, students and parents who have continued to adapt to new ways of teaching and learning. I also thank our school leadership teams and all staff in our offices and schools for ensuring our schools remained constant in their mission to be inclusive and outstanding learning environments.
Considering the financial pressures many WA families find themselves in, providing an affordable Catholic education to all who seek one has continued to be of paramount importance. As we reflect on this, we are reminded that our calling is to support every student to prepare for an ever-changing world. This remains central to the remarkable achievements and progress in our schools this year and I acknowledge all in our community for your commitment to this mission.
In this season of Advent, and as we prepare for the joyous celebration of Christmas, may you and your loved ones receive the blessings of peace, joy, hope and love. For those spending time with loved ones from out of state or overseas this will be a particularly special Christmas after a period of being apart. With the familiar sounds of friends and family gathered together, we are reminded of the timeless blessing of the good news of the coming of Jesus Christ.
I wish you all a blessed Christmas and I look forward to welcoming you back in the new year as we continue our mission to deliver Christ-centred and child-focused education in WA.
Yours sincerely
Dr Debra Sayce
Executive Director
New College Calendar
We are pleased to announce the new College Community Calendar is now live on the College website. The new Community Calendar contains all pertinent dates and events for 2023. Follow this link to view and subscribe to the calendar:
www.motherteresa.wa.edu.au/calendar
2023 Booklists
2023 Booklists are now available to view on the College website. Follow this link to view and download the booklists:
www.motherteresa.wa.edu.au/booklists
Home Delivery:
For free home delivery, place your order by Thursday 15th December 2022. Home delivery orders can be placed online past the 'Return Date' but may incur a late fee.
School Collection Day:
Collection of booklist items from the College will be on Friday 27 January 2023 from 2.30pm - 3.15pm in the Learning Hub.
College Office - Holiday Opening Hours
The College Reception/Administration will close on Friday 9 December 2022 at 4.00pm and reopen Monday 23 January 2023 at 8.00am.
Monday 23 January: 8am - 4.00pm
Tuesday 24 January: 8am - 4.00pm
Wednesday 25 January: 8am - 4.00pm
Thursday 26 January: closed for Public Holiday
Friday 27 January: 8am - 4.00pm
Uniform Shop Opening Hours
2023 General Sales
Wednesday 18 January: 8.00am - 12.00pm & 1.00pm - 3.45pm
Monday 23 January: 8.00am - 12.00pm & 1.00pm - 3.45pm
Tuesday 24 January: 8.00am - 12.00pm & 1.00pm - 3.45pm
Wednesday 25 January: 8.00am - 12.00pm & 1.00pm - 3.45pm
Tuesday 31 January: 8.00am - 12.00pm & 1.00pm - 3.45pm
Wednesday 1 February: 8.00am - 12.00pm & 1.00pm - 3.45pm
Thursday 2 February: 8.00am - 12.00pm & 1.00pm - 3.45pm
We will be back to trading normal hours from Tuesday 7 February 2023.
Tuesday and Thursday: 8.00am - 12.00pm & 12.30pm - 3.45pm.
Term Dates for 2023
Term 1:
Wednesday 1 February: All Junior School, Year 7 and Year 12 Students commence
Thursday 2 February: All Year 8,9, 10 and 11 Students commence
Friday 3 March: Pupil Free Day
Monday 6 March: Labour Day Public Holiday
Thursday 6 April: End of Term 1
Term 2:
Monday 24 April: Pupil Free day
Tuesday 25 April: Anzac Day Public Holiday
Wednesday 26 April: Students commence for Term 2
Monday 5 June: WA Day Public Holiday
Friday 30 June: End of Term 2
Term 3:
Monday 17 July: Pupil Free Day
Tuesday 18 July: Students commence for Term 3
Friday 25 August: Pupil Free Day
Friday 22 September: End of term 3
Term 4:
Monday 9 October: Students commence Term 4
Monday 23 October: Pupil Free Day
Friday 8 December: End of Term 4
2023 Junior School Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons for students in Pre Primary - Year 6 will be in Term 1 2023 at Rockingham Aquatic Center. Lessons will be daily from 13/02/2023 to 24/02/2023 and are compulsory for all students. For more information, please visit: www.motherteresa.wa.edu.au/events
Please complete the attached enrolment form and return it to the classroom teacher by Friday week 1 Term 1 (03/02/2023).
Events
CEWA Inter-School Chess Tournament
During the term, four of our students battled it out in the annual online CEWA Inter-School Chess Tournament. The tournament consisted of 3 rounds of 10 games where our students pit their wits against other Primary School students across the state in a battle of strategic skill. Congratulations to Dylan Chauhan (Year 6), Alexander Cross (Year 6), Jayden Lam (Year 6) and Grayson Faulkner (Year 3) who represented the College valiantly at this event.
An extra special congratulations to Dylan Chauhan who finished in second place overall out of 78 competitors!
Year 9 Retreat
This week, our Year 9 cohort went to Serpentine Camping Centre for our end of year retreat. The retreat was a combination of the end of our Rite Journey program as well as a spiritual retreat to celebrate the end of the year. The students took part in a reflective walk, played games in competition with the other Rite Journey classes and finished the day with a liturgy, where students created their own Prayers of the Faithful and thanked God for the year that they have had together. All the teachers involved were extremely impressed with how well the students behaved and how willing they were to participate in the activities. I am proud of how far we have all come together and look forward to seeing what our young people can achieve in the future.
- Mr Ryan Gaynor (Year 9 Coordinator)
Community Christmas Carols
Last Friday, our community came together for our end of year Community Christmas Carols. It was a fantastic evening and we would like to thank our College families and friends for joining us on this special occasion. A special mention must also go to our talented students who put on a spectacular performance! Thank you to Katie and Greg Kingston from Kingston’s Kitchen for organising the sausage sizzle, drinks and fairy floss.
![20221202_164911[62].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ed7226e6cd7d9667d41555e/1670558900603-QRQEY9F5HJYO4UPTIWDT/20221202_164911%5B62%5D.jpg)
Student Achievement
Touch Rugby WA Junior State Championships
Three of our students recently competed in the Touch Rugby WA Junior State Championships. These students haven't competed in Touch at this level before. Year 7 student Zac Trainor played with the Baldivis Heat u12 Mixed team and made it through to the Semi-Finals, only to be knocked out by the other Baldivis Heat u12 Mixed team. This is Zac's first year playing Touch and he was one of the team's key defensive players.
Year 7 student Koen and Year 5 student Habana Etheredge played in the Baldivis Heat U12 Boys team and became the 2022 Touch WA Junior State Champions for u12 Boys. Most players on the team (including Koen and Habana) have only played Touch at a fun level for one previous season. Their dedication to training and teamwork had them take away the win. They all showed amazing spirit and sportsmanship throughout a long weekend. Congratulations boys!
Taekwondo National Championships
Last weekend, Jacob Haley (Year 7), Tom Sampson (Year 9) and Sara Haley (Year 10) represented WA at the 2022 Taekwondo National Championships in Bendigo, Victoria. They performed exceptionally and all came away with medals.
Here are the results:
Jacob - Silver for Sparring 🥈
Sara - Gold for Poomsae and Bronze for Sparring 🥇🥉
Tom - Silver for Black Belt Cadet 🥈
Well done everyone. We are very proud of your achievements!
Change Maker Awards
Year 5 student, Hudson Bardsley, was recently a finalist in the 2022 Change Maker Awards held at Crown Towers. The Change Maker Awards highlighted Hudson's fantastic achievements this year in the Containers for Change scheme.
Hudson submitted over 40,000 units to Containers for Change, with money received in return donated to local charities. His most recent donation included purchasing groceries for the CWA Belles to give to the Lucy Saw Women's Refuge Appeal. Hudson has also donated to the Breast Cancer Foundation, Lids 4 Kids and put some money into his savings account for the future.
While he didn't take out the winning award, he was celebrated by 700 others and met some other very inspiring Change Makers. He had an amazing night learning about more ways he can continue his drive for sustainability. Well done Hudson! We are very proud of you.
We love to celebrate student achievement so if you have a success story and photo you'd like to share, please email: marketing@motherteresa.wa.edu.au
Arts News
Arts Scholarships and Music Bursaries
Mother Teresa Catholic College is proud to offer an outstanding and definitive Arts Program in 2023. The program has been designed to promote, encourage, and instil its participants with the life and industry-relevant skills to help kick start their passion for a career in The Arts.
Arts Scholarships and Music Bursaries will be available to any students who show an eagerness to promote and strengthen the College's ongoing commitment to the development of The Arts, while also showing an outstanding commitment with a true aptitude for various arts disciplines within the community.
AUDITION DAY: Wednesday 25 January 2023
View full Terms & Conditions
Arts Scholarships
Please complete this online form to apply for the 2023 Arts Scholarship. Arts Scholarships are open to students from Year 7 to Year 12 in 2023. Students will be contacted directly if they are successful in gaining a position in the interview/audition stage.
NOTE: This Scholarship covers the following disciplines DRAMA, DANCE, VISUAL ARTS and MUSIC.
2023 ARTS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION FORM
Instrumental Music Bursaries
Please complete this online form to apply for the 2023 Music Tuition Bursary. Music Tuition Bursaries are open to students from Year 4 to Year 12 in 2023. Students will be contacted directly if they are successful in gaining a position in the interview/audition stage.
NOTE: This Bursary covers INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TUITION FOR ONE SEMESTER ONLY, in the following disciplines Vocal, Guitar, Brass, Piano, Violin and Drums.
Languages News
Year 7 Indonesian Cooking Experience
Last week we did cooking for Indonesian, which was a great experience! I enjoyed learning a new recipe that is important to Indonesian culture, Mie Goreng (translation: fried noodles). It was really tasty; a good mix of spices and it was delicious. I would definitely make this again and if I ever went to Indonesia, I would definitely order this dish. Aside from the taste, the experience and knowledge I also gained from Indonesian culture was really awesome. Overall, it was a great experience.
- Evelyn Radomiljac
Student reflections:
After cooking Mie Goreng, Ibu Wijayanti shared the recipe with us and most of the people in the class were inspired by this. I went home and cooked it for my family, and they enjoyed it very much. I couldn’t thank Ibu Wijayanti more.
- Joshua Heap
I very much enjoy learning how to cook an easy delicious dish - this experience is something we could use in life. I hope we can do more in the future and learn how to cook Nasi Goreng or Rendang Sapi.
- Angus Forbes
The food was really good. Just looking at it made my mouth water. To be honest everything about it was excellent. Adding the sambal, the chilli paste, made it 100 times better.
- Jhett Derrick
Sustainability News
Thank you to everyone who supported our Market Stall. The Green Team did an amazing job selling the freshly grown produce and promoting Sustainability in our College. A big thank you to Mrs Sneyd and Mrs Hodgson for making the delicious apple slinkies. We raised $98 which will be used to buy the food for the chickens when they go on holidays next week. The Stennett family and Faed Family are kindly looking after our chickens during the break. We look forward to hearing about their adventures next year when they return to school.
This year we have diverted over 500 kilograms of fruit and vegetable scraps going to landfill by giving it to the chickens, worms and compost bins. Other items we have collected and recycled this year are batteries, textas, ink cartridges, mobile phones, glasses, books, cardboard, bread bags, milk bottles, cans and glass jars. Another super effort showing how we all care for our environment.
Thank you to everyone who supported our Sustainability Raffle. First Prize was won by Liz Hodgson. Second Prize was won by Ann Priest and Third Prize was won by Renae Graham.
A Migrant Story - Through Plant and Growth
This term, the Year 6 team inquired into ‘Places and Our Connections Through Time’ to explore the central idea below:
The unit allowed the Year 6 students to integrate the following learning areas:
HASS (Geography); Science (Earth and Space); Health (Being Safe and Healthy); Language (Recount); Mathematics (Statistics and Coordinates); Design And Tech (Sustainability).
For the Year 6 Sustainability connections with Ms McClenaghan, students explored how a non-native living thing may survive in a country like Australia, inquiring into the biological sciences of plants, e.g. the effect environmental changes may have on individual living things. Over the course of the eight-week inquiry, students worked in small teams to consider the following:
Partner Task:
Name a given migrant plant – using both the scientific and common names of your migrant plant. Offer information about its description when fully grown (e.g., What do we want our migrant plant to look like?)
Inquire about where their migrant plant is native to. What country did/do they grow freely within? Describe the natural environment of the country. CITE your sources (remembering to validate the sources by checking the information on another two sites.
Small Group Task:
Specifically for your migrant plant, develop a ‘care plan’ to ensure your migrant plant survives in its new location (GROWTH and CARE?) Create your chart to record and reflect on your care plan. Diarize, care and reflect on your migrant plant daily to ensure its growth Evaluate the care differences required in a non-natural country (Australia) to the native country of their plant.
Within the unit of inquiry, students learnt about testing the ‘ph’ levels of the soil, adding nutrients to help their plants grow, and engaged in problem-solving on how to keep insects away from their plants. They also compared why some plants grew better than others and why plants need pollination to help with fruiting as well. They also learnt about the importance of ‘companion planting’ to benefit plantgrowth. (for example: Do tomatoes grow well with basil?)
Throughout the term, students were able to see how their migrant plants progressed and at the end of the term, made Chilli and Tomato Jam with Ms McClenaghan from the generated produce. Over the course of the unit, the students learnt much about other countries around the world; and learnt just how fortunate we are to live in Perth, West Australia.
Community News
City of Rockingham - Christmas Festival
Our Christmas Festival is back and ready to help get you in the holiday spirit.
The event will feature:
music and dance entertainment over two stages, one at The Lookout and one in Churchill Park, both with accessible viewing areas
Christmas lights at 8pm
visit from Santa
roaming entertainment
a sensory-friendly chill out zone space with sensory activities and noise cancelling headphones
free children's craft activities, including Christmas cookie decorating, and wooden baubles and toys to decorate and take home
market stalls
City of Rockingham Libraries stall and activities
snow pit and snow machine
food vans.
If coming by car, see our helpful parking map. Limited additional parking will be available at the Village Green from 4.30pm until full. Transperth bus route 555 services will be running every 15 minutes between 4pm-9pm.
Mass Times:
Our CHRISTMAS MASSES will be as follows…
SAT 24th Dec Carols ~5.30pm followed by Mass @ 6pm
Carols ~11.30pm followed by Midnight Mass
SUN 25th Dec Carols ~9.00am followed by Mass @ 9.30am
NEW YEAR’S MASS TIMES
Sat 31/12/22 @ 6.00pm
Sun 1/1/2023 @ 7.30am & 9.30am
Please note there is NO evening Mass.
Masses
Saturday vigil : 6 pm
Sunday morning : 9:30 am (with Children's liturgy)
Sunday evening : 5 pm
Tuesday to Friday (except first Friday): 9 am
First Friday of every month: 6 pm
First Saturday of each month: 9.00 am
Reconciliation
Saturday: 5:30 pm (before Mass)
Sunday: 4:30 pm (before Mass)
Tuesday to Friday: Before Mass or during Holy Hour
Holy Hour
Tuesday : 6 pm
Wednesday : 8 am
First Friday of every Month: 5 pm
Rosary
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (except 1st Friday of the month) : after 9am Mass
Sunday : 8.30am
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