Our Lady of Good Counsel School

Loving God,
As we come to the end of this semester,
we pause to give thanks for all we have experienced.

Thank you for the learning, the challenges,
and the moments of joy we have shared.

Thank you for the friendships we have built
and the ways we have grown in confidence and kindness.

Help us to recognise the gifts within ourselves
and to use them to serve others.

As we prepare for a break,
bless our families with rest and peace,
and bring us back renewed and ready to learn.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Dear Families,
As we reach the end of another wonderful semester, I have found myself reflecting on just how fortunate we are to be part of such a vibrant, connected and supportive school community. Every day, I see examples of parents, staff and students working together to create a school where every child is known, valued and encouraged to flourish.

Looking back through the pages of this newsletter, it is impossible not to feel proud of all that has been achieved. Whether it has been our outstanding learning experiences, sporting events, faith celebrations, social justice initiatives, incursions, excursions, performances, parent engagement opportunities or the countless everyday moments of learning that occur in our classrooms, this semester has been rich with opportunities for our students to grow.

At the beginning of the year, during our Parent Information Evening, I spoke about Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development and the importance of recognising that children are not simply "mini adults". Their brains are still developing, and with that comes the need for us—as educators and parents—to provide opportunities that nurture not only academic achievement but also social and emotional development.

That message has become even more relevant as we continue to navigate an increasingly digital world.

Recently, I attended the EduTech Conference in Sydney, where one of the most striking observations was the contrast between two important conversations taking place simultaneously. On one hand, there was incredible excitement around artificial intelligence and the rapidly changing landscape of education. On the other, there was a growing recognition that as technology becomes more embedded in our lives, we must be even more intentional about teaching responsible digital citizenship and ensuring our children continue to develop the human skills that technology simply cannot replace.

It is encouraging to see a growing movement of families choosing a more tech-free childhood for their children, recognising the importance of face-to-face interaction, play, creativity and genuine connection. While technology undoubtedly has an important place in education and will continue to shape the future, it should never replace the experiences that build resilient, capable and compassionate young people.

Problem solving, collaboration, creativity, resilience, empathy, emotional intelligence and the ability to think critically are developed through real-life experiences. They are learned when children build cubbies together, negotiate the rules of a game, work through disagreements with friends, perform on stage despite their nerves, tackle a challenging maths problem, participate in a team, serve others through social justice, or persevere when something doesn't go according to plan.

These skills cannot be developed through passive screen time alone.

As adults, our instinct is often to smooth the path for our children, removing obstacles before they encounter them. Yet it is often within those obstacles that the richest learning occurs. Every disappointment, every challenge, every mistake and every "friendship fire" presents an opportunity for growth. Each time children navigate these situations with the guidance and support of caring adults, they become a little more confident, a little more resilient and a little better equipped for the future.

The reality is that we are preparing our students for careers, technologies and opportunities that, in many cases, do not yet exist. While we cannot predict exactly what that future will look like, we can be confident that the young people who will thrive are those who know how to communicate effectively, collaborate with others, think creatively, solve problems, adapt to change and lead with kindness and integrity.

These are the qualities we strive to nurture every day at Our Lady of Good Counsel.

As you enjoy this newsletter and reflect on the many experiences our students have embraced this semester, I encourage you to look beyond the events themselves. Each excursion, classroom activity, sporting carnival, liturgy, service opportunity, performance and playground interaction is contributing to something much greater—the formation of capable, compassionate and confident young people.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership, encouragement and trust. Together, we are creating a community where children are not only achieving academically, but are developing the character, resilience and values that will enable them to make a meaningful contribution to the world.

I wish all of our students, families and staff a safe, restful and well-deserved holiday break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for another exciting semester filled with new opportunities to learn, grow and thrive.

Warm wishes,
Lisa McClue

Library Officer - Education Assistant · 33 years of service
After 33 years at OLGC, we farewell our beloved Library Technician, Deena Northcott, and thank her for the extraordinary contribution she has made to our school since joining us in July 1993. Mrs Northcott began her journey as a Teacher's Assistant working with Year 1 and 2 students, before eventually finding her home in the library - a role she made entirely her own, working Mondays and Tuesdays and pouring her love of reading and knowledge into every student who walked through those doors. One of Mrs Northcott's proudest contributions was establishing the Learning Assistance Programme (LAP), which brought volunteers from our school community and parish into the lives of students who needed a little extra care and connection. Years later, one of those volunteers shared that a former student - now an adult - told her how much she had loved and valued that time. That is Mrs Northcott's legacy in a nutshell. Her highlights over the years read like a wonderful OLGC scrapbook - school camps to Kalgoorlie, riding a camel, Book Week parades, Feast Days, Sports Carnivals, and even removing a trapped cat from the library roof. She has watched this school grow and change in every way, and she has been a constant, caring presence through all of it. Mrs Northcott hopes to be remembered as someone who showed compassion and kindness, promoted a love of learning, and lived in a Christ-like manner of giving to others. Her advice to us all is simple and beautiful - enjoy every moment, big or small, and always be true to yourself and others. As for retirement? Mrs Northcott calls it a "permanent weekend" - no more alarms, just coffee, books, and new experiences. We think she has more than earned it. Thank you, Mrs Northcott, from the bottom of our hearts.

Education Assistant · 18+ years of service

We farewell Pieta Stirling and thank her for the warmth, dedication, and laughter she has brought to our school community. Pieta joined us in 2008 under Principal Mary Pizzaca, initially supporting students with special needs before finding her home in the early years. One of Pieta's proudest contributions has been her involvement in the pilot pre-kindy program alongside Lillian Monastra - a role she describes as both fun and deeply rewarding. It is in the pre-kindy space where Pieta truly shone, treasuring the enthusiasm, curiosity, and joy that young children bring to learning every single day. When asked what makes OLGC special, Pieta pointed to the commitment of our staff in making learning enjoyable and meaningful for every child. Her wish for OLGC is a beautiful one - that our school never loses the warmth, kindness, and nurturing support it offers to children and staff alike. We think that says it all, Pieta. Thank you for everything, and we wish you all the very best in your next chapter.

Administration Officer · 12 + years of service

After almost 12 years as a much-loved member of our Administration team, we farewell Jenny Turner and thank her for the heart and warmth she has poured into OLGC since joining us in July 2014. Mrs Turner has seen our school through so much change - three Principals, a global pandemic, new systems, new playgrounds, and countless families and staff passing through our doors. Through all of it, Mrs Turner was the constant, welcoming face of our front office, making every single person who walked in feel seen, heard, and cared for. When asked about a highlight from her time here, Mrs Turner shared the moment our staff and students surprised her with a special assembly and guard of honour for her 70th birthday - a memory she describes as making her feel very loved. That love, Mrs Turner, goes both ways. For Mrs Turner, what makes OLGC special is simple - it is a community that genuinely tries to live by its values of Love, Respect, Justice and Excellence, and she knows it every time she sees those values in action. Her wish for our staff is to remember to stop and smell the roses, and for our students, to be kind, keep their faith, and enjoy every moment of their school journey. We wish Mrs Turner a wonderful retirement filled with family, travel, and all the things she has earned after 12 years of giving so much to ours.

Education Assistant · 9 years of service

We farewell Mrs Deib and thank her for nine wonderful years of dedication and care at OLGC. Jo-Anne's journey with us began even before she was officially on staff - first volunteering and working as a relief Education Assistant before joining the team in April 2017. Over the years she worked across a wide range of year groups, from literacy intervention in the upper primary years through to Pre-Kindy, developing a deep passion for supporting students through literacy-focused learning. Jo-Anne's proudest moments came from watching students grow in confidence, work through challenges, and come to believe in themselves. Her wish for the future is that every student continues to feel supported and valued, and that staff are recognised for the individual gifts they bring. Mrs Deib, you have been a beautiful part of our community and we are so grateful for everything you gave to our students and families. God bless you always.

Our OLGC community showed generosity this semester through two important fundraising initiatives. During Project Compassion, students raised $2,485 for Caritas Australia's work with vulnerable communities around the world. A special highlight was the Year 4 Walk for Water, which gave students a powerful, hands-on experience of what life is like for those without easy access to clean water. Our Spiritual Ministry also got creative with their Icy Poles for Compassion fundraiser, a sweet way to make a real difference.

Our Wellbeing Ministry led our LifeLink fundraising efforts. Through a fun PJ Day and a weekly Milo and Biscuit stall, they helped raise funds in support of the Catholic Church's social service agencies here in the Archdiocese of Perth. LifeLink Day is an annual initiative that brings together students from Catholic schools across Perth to support Church welfare agencies that provide practical care and assistance to thousands of West Australians in need each year.

From buns and blazers to hi-vis vests, our final Lifelink fundraiser, Dress Like a Teacher Day, brought out a sea of Mr Marsh's and Mr Davis' - a true tribute to our favourite relief teacher and our hardworking groundsman!

On 7 June, nineteen of our Year 4 students received the Eucharist for the very first time right here at our OLGC Church. First Holy Communion is one of the most cherished sacraments in the life of a Catholic child, and it was a truly special morning filled with joy, reverence, and love. A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Ori Kavanaugh for her outstanding preparation of the children and her beautiful planning of the Mass. Her dedication and care made this celebration truly memorable for every family present.

On 17 May, six of our Year 6 students received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St Dominic's Church. Strengthened by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, these young people made a personal commitment to their Catholic faith. Thank you Miss Renel for preparing the students.

On 23 April, four students from Years 5 and 6 represented OLGC at Servite College for the Pilgrimage of the Migrant Jubilee Cross - a national Jubilee Year initiative honouring the faith and contributions of migrant communities across Australia. The cross carries sacred relics of the Holy Family and St Mary of the Cross MacKillop and is travelling to Catholic schools and parishes nationwide.

Our students joined peers from neighbouring schools for a Liturgy of the Word and reflection activities before the cross, writing prayers for its ongoing journey.

On 24 March, our Kindy and Pre-Primary students took part in a beautiful re-enactment of the Last Supper, organised by Mrs McCoy and Miss Graffin and led by Mrs McClue. Fr Phillip and Fr Nicholas supported the occasion, which was witnessed by parents and senior parishioners from the Innaloo-Karrinyup Parish.

On 25 March, our Year 3-6 students had the privilege of witnessing students receive the Sacrament of Baptism. Representing three families, this was a joyful and moving celebration of new life in Christ, made all the more special by having our own students present to share in the moment.

On 18 June, Bella, Luis, Hudson and Henry were baptised at St Kieran's Catholic Church. Congratulations to the Luna family on this wonderful milestone!

What a wonderful semester of connection and community at Our Lady of Good Counsel Karrinyup! Our dedicated P&F volunteers have once again brought our school family together through a series of events that reflect everything we value; Love in the way we care for one another, Respect in how we build community, Justice in ensuring our children have the best learning environment possible, and Excellence in the quality of every gathering.

We kicked off the year with our family welcome back night. Families picnicked while listening to a DJ spinning tunes, face painters kept little ones delighted, and the food trucks served up something for everyone. It was the perfect way to reconnect after the summer break and welcome new families into our community.

The Devil Wears Prada 2 sold out! And what a night it was! Mums, aunts, grandma's and friends enjoyed a well-deserved evening out, sharing laughs and building the friendships that make our school community so special.

Our Hollywood-themed Quiz Night was nothing short of spectacular, raising over $8,000 to upgrade playground equipment across the school. These funds will help us maximise the wonderful spaces our children already enjoy, creating even more opportunities for active play and connection.

A huge thank you to all the families who donated Easter chocolates for our Easter Raffle - your generosity made it a wonderful success!

A special shoutout also goes to our junior families who went above and beyond for our Bake Sale, filling the tables with an incredible spread of homemade treats for students and our wider community to enjoy. Everything looked and tasted amazing!

Finally, a massive thank you to our P&F for rolling up their sleeves and heading into the school kitchen to cook up a bulk meal donation for Shopfront - a LifeLink organisation dedicated to providing food for people experiencing homelessness. This is community spirit at its very best and a beautiful reflection of our school's commitment to caring for others.

Thank you to every family who gave their time, energy and generosity to make all of these initiatives possible. We are so proud of our P&F community!

The Year 6 students had an incredible experience at Swan Valley Adventure Centre, where they challenged themselves, strengthened friendships and created lasting memories. Throughout the camp, students participated in a range of activities including kayaking, raft building, abseiling, the flying fox, possum glider, and team-building exercises that required cooperation, communication, and perseverance. A particular highlight was watching students encourage one another to step outside their comfort zones, whether that meant climbing higher than they thought possible, launching themselves off the flying fox, or working together to build a raft!

Evenings were filled with fun and laughter through a quiz night, a creative toilet paper fashion show and time spent connecting with friends. We were incredibly proud of the way every student embraced each activity with enthusiasm, demonstrated leadership through supporting their peers, and lived out our school values of Love, Respect, Justice, and Excellence. Camp provided a wonderful opportunity for students to grow in confidence, independence and resilience while creating memories that will stay with them for years to come.

This term, the Year 5 students had the exciting opportunity to participate in their class assembly. As part of the performance, students took part in a lively courtroom debate exploring whether the wolf in ‘The Three Little Pigs' was guilty or innocent.

Students embraced their roles with enthusiasm, dressing up and bringing their characters to life on stage. The courtroom featured a judge, court officers, lawyers, the three little pigs and the wolf, as well as expert witnesses including Little Red Riding Hood, the lumberjack, and the doctor. Students confidently presented arguments, questioned witnesses and worked together to create an engaging and entertaining performance.

It was wonderful to see the creativity, teamwork and confidence students demonstrated throughout the assembly. They should be very proud of the enthusiasm and effort they put into making the performance such a success.

Semester One has taco-ed us on quite the journey. It absolutely zoomed past in a wrap of hard work, enthusiasm and plenty of fun! We kicked things off with our class Mass, celebrating the beautiful friendships that help us stick together like a perfect taco. Our learning about First Nations Peoples and their traditional ways deepened our respect and understanding, culminating in our wonderful excursion to NatureScape Kings Park. One of our biggest highlights was our Taco ‘bout Fiesta, which was a true hit! Together, with the help of Mrs B and Mrs Lumley, we reflected on how we can protect our light. In Religion, we journeyed towards receiving the Eucharist for the first time. Whether students were receiving or not, everyone supported one another and grew together - proving that, just like a great taco, we’re better when all the ingredients come together!

Year Three has truly fallen in love with a good story. From the mischievous adventures in Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox to the gentle message of hope in the Parable of the Lost Coin, our classroom has been buzzing with characters, questions and big ideas. We’ve travelled far beyond the school gates, on journeys to the jungle, across mysterious landscapes and into worlds only our imaginations could build. These shared stories have become powerful springboards for our writing. Students have been crafting fantastic tales of journeys. Stories that leap from the everyday into the extraordinary, guided by creativity and curiosity. With every new text we explore, our imaginations stretch a little further, taking us anywhere we dare to go.

Semester One has been filled with rich learning experiences and opportunities for discovery in Year 2. One of the highlights was our excursion to Kings Park, which enriched our learning about the six Noongar seasons and the deep connection that First Nations peoples have with the land. We were immersed in engaging storytelling, song and dance, and traditional hunting and gathering experiences, leading to a deeper appreciation and understanding of Noongar culture and knowledge.

The afternoon was filled with splashing and laughter during water play and, judging by the soaked clothes, soggy shoes, and smiling faces, this was certainly a favourite part of the day! Fostering creativity, collaboration, and a sense of wonder, this memorable excursion brought our classroom learning to life and created lasting memories for all.

Our Year 1 students recently enjoyed an exciting and educational excursion to Kings Park, where they participated in a hands-on Aboriginal Cultural Learning experience. Throughout the day, students explored how Perth (Boorloo) has changed over time and learned about the deep connection the Noongar people have with the land.

The children investigated a variety of native plants and animals, discovering how these natural resources were traditionally used by the Noongar people for food, medicine, tools, and shelter. They were fascinated to learn about the important roles and responsibilities within traditional Noongar society and gained a greater appreciation for Aboriginal culture and history.

Students also had the opportunity to play traditional bush games, which helped develop their coordination, teamwork, confidence, and problem-solving skills. One of the highlights of the day was learning some basic Noongar vocabulary.

The excursion provided a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with the environment, deepen their understanding of Australia's First Nations peoples, and engage in meaningful learning outside the classroom. We are incredibly proud of the enthusiasm, curiosity, and respectful behaviour displayed by all students throughout the day.

This semester, our Pre Primary students have been busy learning lots of new sounds and high-frequency words. They are beginning to write their own sentences and confidently apply their knowledge when reading books. Pre Primary also enjoyed a special visit from a St John paramedic, who taught them how they can help people in an emergency. The children are very proud of all they have achieved so far and are excited to celebrate being ‘100 Days Brighter’ early next term!

It has been an incredibly busy and energising start to the year as I settle into my new role at OLGC. I am absolutely loving every moment. It is a privilege to wear our school colours with pride and to witness the grit, determination and personal achievements of our students at every event.

Across Term 1 and Term 2, our students have shown outstanding commitment to achieving their personal bests while continuing to grow as respectful, supportive and spirited teammates.

Carnivals and Events This Year

• Faction Swimming Carnival A fantastic display of effort, teamwork and faction spirit.
• Interschool Swimming Carnival Our swimmers represented OLGC with pride and resilience.
• Faction Cross Country Students pushed through with determination and encouraged one another right to the finish line.
• Interschool Cross Country A strong performance showcasing endurance and commitment.
• West Coast Fever Primary Schools Netball Cup A wonderful opportunity for our students to shine. Both boys and years in years 3-6 took part in the participation carnival. It was fantastic to see players with experience guiding and supporting our inexperienced players throughout the day.
• Winter Carnival Our Year 5 and 6 students represented OLGC with pride, taking on neighbouring Catholic schools in a full day of soccer and netball - rain and all.

Our students continue to make us proud with their enthusiasm, courage and willingness to challenge themselves. I look forward to celebrating many more achievements as the year continues.

This semester in Japanese, our younger classes have been building their confidence through vocabulary learning and simple conversations about what they like and dislike, as well as role-playing visits to the doctor and introducing their families. Our older students have been developing their communication skills by asking for personal information, describing their daily routines, and explaining where things are using classroom and everyday language. A standout highlight for Years 5 and 6 was taking part in real-time exchange video calls with partner schools in Japan, giving them a wonderful opportunity to use their Japanese authentically and confidently. They’ll have another opportunity to talk to the Japanese schools again later this year.

This semester in art has been a vibrant continuation of the creative journey we began last term. After exploring the elements of art, with each artwork highlighting a different element, we shifted our focus toward preparing for the upcoming art show. This year’s theme, Music and Emotions, has inspired students to design artworks with a strong musical flair. Our classrooms have filled with colourful drum kits, guitars, maracas, pianos, and even imaginative sculptures of old‑school tape cassettes. Looking ahead to next term, we’ll dive deeper into how emotions in art shape creativity and explore the ways artistic expression can help us become calmer, happier people.

It was also wonderful to celebrate another successful Paint and Sip evening last term, where our school community helped raise an impressive $1000 for new art supplies. Thanks to this generosity, we’ve been able to purchase special materials that fuel all of our exciting creative projects. The night had such a warm, joyful atmosphere...so many mums came along to enjoy arancini, sip a little vino, and paint their very own tambourine, all while supporting the arts. Your attendance and kindness made the event truly memorable, and I’m hopeful we can continue this wonderful tradition into next year.

Semester One in STEM has been full of fun, hands-on, inquiry-based learning, with students exploring a range of concepts across chemical sciences, earth and space sciences, and design and technology. Our Kindy students have been busy investigating the world around them, showing impressive growth in their STEM skills, while Pre-Primary students have enjoyed creating, making toys, and exploring the properties of materials. Our Year 1 students built their own mini solar systems, investigated material changes, and developed their skills as budding scientists. The Year 2 students challenged themselves with engineering and design thinking by designing and building their own shelters. In Year 3, students explored soil samples and created their first scientific drawings, while Year 4 students became environmental warriors by studying coastal erosion and designing systems to prevent it. In Years 5 and 6, students focused on asking investigable questions and conducting their own scientific investigations. A highlight for our senior students was a group of Year 6s proudly representing OLGC in the Solar Car Challenge, winning every heat before finishing in the semi-finals. We can’t wait to continue the excitement with even more hands-on learning and discovery in Semester Two!

What a fantastic term it has been for our THINQERS students! Our Year 5 and 6 students, Isabella.H., Isaac, Samuel, Lachlan, Lacey, and Stella took part in the Cluedunnit Kids competition, a Law Society of Western Australia initiative where students are given a fictitious crime scenario and must work through police facts, witness statements, and forensic evidence to identify the guilty suspect, presenting their findings in a creative submission judged by legal professionals.

Our students truly rose to the occasion, producing a submission that was as entertaining as it was impressive. Alongside sharp problem solving and critical analysis, they drew on their dramatic and performance skills to bring their investigation to life in a creative and innovative way, showcasing the well-rounded, imaginative thinkers that the THINQERS program aims to develop.

While our Year 4 students were not yet eligible to submit due to age requirements, they worked through the same format alongside their peers, gaining valuable experience that will stand them in great stead.

Next term, we look forward to our THINQERS team competing in the Tournament of Minds, while our Year 4 students practise the same skills following the TOMs format, great preparation for the years to come!

This semester, twelve of our students from Years 3 to 5 were invited to represent OLGC in the Have Sum Fun Online Mathematics Competition - an Australian problem-solving competition where students race against the clock to solve maths puzzles.

We are very proud of the following students for taking on this challenge:

Year 3: Lucy L, Chelsea, Jack and Oliver

Year 4: Hudson, Zane, Grace K and Penny D

Year 5: Nate, Isaac, Finn and Isabella

Congratulations to all twelve students - what a wonderful way to stretch your mathematical thinking!

This year, OLGC was selected to participate in the ASEAN-Australia BRIDGE School Partnerships Program, a prestigious Australian Government initiative that connects schools across Australia and Southeast Asia. OLGC was matched with Phonmee Secondary School in Laos, with the partnership built around reciprocal school visits - Mrs Sharni Silvestri travelled to Laos in January, and partner teacher Ms. Malaisy visited OLGC in March.

As part of the program, seven of our Year 5 and 6 students - Finn, Marcella, Isaac, Lilah, Lily, Noel-Lee, and Alix - took part in a First Nations Storytelling project, collaborating virtually with students at Phonmee Secondary School to create a shared story that wove together both of their cultures and perspectives. Despite challenges with internet access across two different countries, our students showed creativity, commitment, and real teamwork throughout the process.

We are proud to share that their collaborative story, "The Bridge of Two Rivers," was awarded first place in the ASEAN-Australia BRIDGE Storytelling Contest, from entries across the entire Asia-Pacific program. The judging panel specifically recognised how student voices were front and centre throughout the submission.
You can read "The Bridge of Two Rivers" and all the winning stories on the Asialink Education website: click here to view the winning stories

What an achievement - well done to Finn, Marcella, Isaac, Lilah, Lily, Noel-Lee, and Alix, and to Mrs Silvestri for leading this experience.

This year, we are transforming our outdoor play spaces across the whole school, and we cannot do it without our incredible OLGC community. We are looking for donations of materials, families with building and trade skills, and anyone who can connect us with local businesses willing to support the cause. Click on the flyer below to download the full details, and check out our Pinterest board for a taste of the beautiful play spaces we are working towards.

OLGC Pinterest board: https://pin.it/14KzMHrEX