Principal’s Report – Issue 30

Dear Parents

Welcome back to the start of another school term. I hope all the students had a wonderful break, and if parents were fortunate enough to have holidays that they too enjoyed their time off.

I can’t go on any further without mentioning the OUTSTANDING performance by the West Coast Eagles in winning their fourth Premiership. What a GAME! Even those who do not really follow football would have been enthralled by the efforts and performance of both teams on that last Saturday in September. It just goes to show that one should never underestimate the ‘power of the collective’. The strength that comes when everyone is committed to a common goal and have belief in themselves and one another (as well as a bit of luck). Amazing things can happen. This was most certainly the case with the Eagles as they fought against the odds, as they were underestimated by everyone within the competition, as well as all the so-called experts who predicted them to fall behind the better teams this year.

Much to the despise and disdain of our Victorian compatriots, the West Coast Eagles were able to achieve their ultimate success by working as a TEAM, ensuring that they focused on improving themselves and the contribution they could and would make to the team, they supported and looked after one another over the season, stepping up when required, and always put the TEAM first.

As a school we can learn a lot from this somewhat unexpected and surprising victory by the Eagles. I am sure they are not surprised with their success. I am sure they BELIEVED that they could ‘go all the way’. They faced their challenges and share of adversity throughout the year, but still persevered . . . and never gave up hope of achieving ultimate success. As a group of players and coaches they trusted one another and believed in the path that the leaders had set. They were HUMBLE (on the most part) and refused to get embroiled in the ‘WHITE-NOISE’ outside of the four walls of their club.

Most importantly, I believe, they were each committed to doing the best they possibly could, individually and collectively, to ensure TEAM success. As individuals they worked hard to improve areas of deficiency (from previous years and feedback received), worked on developing their skills and their craft (you only have to look at the improvement in some of their players) and created a ‘BOND and SPIRIT’ with their team mates that built CONFIDENCE and TRUST.

We have an ASPIRATION to be A LEADing Learning School and each of us have a part to play in achieving this goal. At the same time, WE are committed to #ExpectGreatThings of ourselves and each other. We are all aware that it is only through the collective efforts of what each of us do that will help us achieve this aspiration.

We have all chosen to be a part of Infant Jesus School. As parents and staff members alike, it was OUR decision. Hopefully, even though from time to time we may face some adversity, difficulties or challenges – we are all part of the ONE TEAM and the RESPONSIBLILITY for the SUCCESSES, as well as the FAILURES is shared.

Term Four
It is hard to believe that there is a little over 11 weeks until Christmas!! Term Four is always hectic in schools. Teachers, staff and students no sooner ‘gear up’ for the term before having to ‘gear down’. Teaching programs, reports, end of year celebrations, graduation and Christmas all have to be crammed into the next nine weeks. I therefore encourage all students to continue to apply themselves and work hard with their studies this term as it is critical to their transition to the next year level.

As parents, we have seen a significant amount of growth over the past three terms in our children. How quickly they seem to be developing and maturing. As the year marches towards the final stages, it is important to take a moment and reflect on our role as the ‘most important persons’ in the lives of our children. Maybe it would benefit us if we had a checklist directed towards our role as parents. We could then can cast an eye over the list from time to time and take encouragement from our successes. Perhaps on occasions we may need to admit that, “Yes, I need to do something about this one.” I know I do! See how you go:

Fortunate is the child who has someone who believes in him/her and has high hopes for him/her
Fortunate is the child who has someone to whom he/she can carry his/her problem unafraid
Fortunate is the child who is allowed to pursue his/her curiosity into every worthwhile field of information
Fortunate is the child whose efforts to achieve have found encouragement
Fortunate is the child who has someone who understands that childhood’s grievances are real and bitter and so call for understanding and sympathy
Fortunate is the child who is led gently by the hand along the pathway of life by someone who is guide, companion and inspiration
Fortunate is the child who has learnt to be less selfish and more considerate of others
Fortunate is the child who is encouraged to look beyond the material things of life and has started to see what he/she has been blessed with each and every day.

At the morning assembly this week we spoke to all the students about our focus this term. Our Year 6 students will complete their primary education and student reports will be sent home in the last week of the term. It is most important that all students strive to do their best and finish off the school year in a very positive and healthy style. I encourage all parents to discuss this with their child/ren.

Faction Athletics Carnival
All students, parents and teachers are looking forward to the School Athletic Carnival on Friday. As you are aware, this will take place at the Inglewood Little Athletic Centre (Dianella Regional Open Space). Hopefully, the weather forecast becomes a little more positive and we have a brilliant day with lots of sunshine! If this is not the case, we will decide in the early morning (8.15am) and send a message to all parents via the School Mobile App.

Further information about the athletic carnival is contained within this newsletter, including an outline of the program for the day, for parents to download. Please refer to this section of the newsletter.

2018 CEWA Marketing Campaign
We are excited to present the Catholic Education Western Australia 2018 campaign! The messaging highlights the benefits of Catholic Education around our beautiful state. It promotes our community’s calling to provide a quality, Christ-centred education while being focused on each individual child. If you would like to learn more about the campaign, you can find additional information here: – http://smc.cewa.edu.au/resources/campaign-information/

When I Grow Up Dress Up Day
As part of this campaign we will be joining all other Catholic Schools in Western Australia and will host a “When I Grow Up Dress Up Day” on 25 October. Stay tuned for further information.

Reconciliation
We keep in our prayers this term our Year 3 students and their families as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation). This is a very important time in their lives and I know the students are indeed looking forward to taking this next step in the sacramental journey.

P&F Meeting
The October P&F Meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday 23 October at 7pm. Please note this change on the School Calendar.

School Disco
I am sure our students do not need any reminders but the School Disco is on Friday 19 October. This event coordinated and organised by our wonderful P&F Association is a tremendous occasion for all children, from Kindergarten to Year 6, to have fantastic and fun-filled night.

In Our Prayers
We pray for the White Family (Marcus 4W) for the loss of their Grandmother who recently passed away. We also pray for the Yates Family (Amelia 4W and Daniel 1W) on the loss of their Nonno who recently passed away.

Congratulations
Congratulations to the Bailey Family (Jaxon PKB) on the birth of their baby girl Madison Jayde.

Term 4 Calendar
The Term Four Calendar has been attached to this newsletter. It has been updated to reflect the term and the events scheduled. Parent Calendar Term 4 2018 Parent Calendar Term 4 2018

Some important events take place in the first two weeks of the term. These include the Faction Athletics Carnival, Reconciliation Commitment Masses and the School Disco.

Friday 12 October Faction Athletics Carnival
Saturday 13 October Reconciliation Commitment Mass (6.00pm)
Sunday 14 October Reconciliation Commitment Mass (9.30am & 6.00pm)
Monday 15 October Strategic Plan Workshop – School Board and P&F Executive
Friday 19 October School Disco

Prayer for the Week
Heavenly Father,
At the commencement of this new term
We praise you and thank you for the gift of life
And for the opportunity of growth awaiting us.
We thank you for love – the love and concern of our families, our friends and our teachers.
We ask you to bless each of us for the term ahead.
Help us to grow in faith, in goodness and in generosity.
Create in us a capacity for giving that will make us
worthy to be called Christian.
Keep us strong in the face of temptation.
Let your wisdom be our guide.
Make each of us a messenger of peace, of truth and of joy.
We make this prayer through your Son, Jesus.
Amen

Did you Know?

The average child recognizes over 200 company logos by the time they enter first grade.
Tasmania is said to have the cleanest air in the world.
In an average lifetime, a person will walk the equivalent of 5 times around the equator.

Thought for the Week
Wake up each morning with a sense of hope. God has amazing things in store for you.
And He does all things well.
Ellyn Sanna

Have a Great Week