Our Lady of Good Counsel School

Dear Families,

As Term 3 draws to a close, it is wonderful to reflect on the many experiences and achievements we have shared as a school community this term. From our Athletics Carnival and the many performances at the Catholic Performing Arts Festival, to the Speak for Faith and Raise Your Voice speaking competitions, Tournament of Minds, Science Week, and our many exciting excursions and incursions, it has certainly been a busy and rewarding term!

Our students are incredibly fortunate to have so many opportunities to discover their strengths, develop new skills and showcase their talents. These opportunities are made possible through the commitment and dedication of our teachers and staff, many of whom give generously of their time beyond the school day.

It can be easy to take these opportunities for granted, without always appreciating the hours of planning, preparation and care that sit behind them. With Teacher Appreciation Day coming up on 30 October, I encourage our families to take five minutes to send a short message of thanks to one (or more) of your child’s teachers. A simple acknowledgement of the difference they make each day can mean so much.

Most importantly, our teachers work tirelessly to ensure that every child feels known, valued and loved, and has the opportunity to feel safe, secure and celebrated at school.

Staffing News

There are a number of staffing changes to share as we look towards 2027.

Ms Serina Ciullo, our Pre-Primary Education Assistant, will commence maternity leave at the beginning of Week 3, Term 4, as she prepares to welcome her first child. We are incredibly excited for Serina and wish her every happiness as she prepares for this very special milestone. Mrs Erin Zurzolo, who currently works across our Primary classrooms, will be joining the Pre-Primary team for the remainder of 2026.

Ms Roisin McKeown, our Year 2 teacher, has been undertaking postgraduate studies in Waldorf Steiner Pedagogy and has recently accepted a position at the Waldorf Steiner School in Nollamara for 2027. This is a wonderful opportunity for Roisin to continue developing her professional interests and is a testament to her commitment to student-centred learning. Roisin has been a highly valued member of our OLGC team and a much-loved teacher, and we are grateful for all she has contributed to our school.

Mr Matthew Marsh, who has been a regular and much-valued relief teacher at OLGC throughout this year, will join our teaching team in 2027. Matthew has already developed a wonderful rapport with our students, staff and families, and we look forward to welcoming him into this role.

Ms Sofia Monastra, our Year 3 teacher, has also been a warm, bright and engaging addition to our staff this year. Sofia has accepted a full-time position at John XXIII College for 2027 and will be a wonderful addition to their community. We are very grateful for the enthusiasm, care and commitment she has brought to the learning and development of our Year 3 students this year.

Additionally, Mrs Deb Thompson (Education Assistant - Kindy) will be retiring at the end of 2026 to enjoy some much-deserved time with her family. Deb has been such a warm and nurturing presence to our youngest learners and we are grateful for the encouraging and positive start she has provided to students during her time at OLGC.

A recruitment process is currently underway to replace Deb and Serina’s roles for 2027.

We will have the opportunity to appropriately farewell and celebrate our departing staff members at the conclusion of the school year.

Move-Up Afternoon

As in previous years, students will participate in a Move-Up Afternoon towards the end of Term 4 on Monday 30 November. This will provide an opportunity for students to meet their 2027 teacher, spend some time in their new classroom and learn a little about what they can look forward to in the new year.

Teacher placements for 2027 have not yet been finalised and will not be communicated prior to the Move-Up Afternoon. I ask that families please respect this process and refrain from asking staff about individual classroom placements. This can place staff in an uncomfortable position when placements are still being carefully considered.

Families will receive formal communication regarding 2027 classroom teachers following the Move-Up Afternoon.

School Holidays

As you read through this newsletter, I hope you take a moment to talk with your children about the many wonderful moments they have experienced and celebrated throughout this very busy term. There is certainly much to be proud of!

I wish every student and family a safe, restful and enjoyable holiday break. I hope you have the opportunity to slow down, spend time together and enjoy the simple things that a holiday brings.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on Monday, 12 October, ready for another wonderful term together.

Warm regards,
Lisa

Open Night and Art Show 2026

Please join us for our Open Doors, Open Hearts - Open Night on Friday 23 October (Term 4, Week 2) from 5.00pm to 7.00pm. Families are invited to explore our STEM program, visit our Classroom Exhibitions and enjoy our Heart, Art & Harmony Art Show 2026.

Heart, Art & Harmony Art Show
This year's Art Show celebrates the connection between wellbeing, music and community. Students have created artworks throughout the year that reflect connection, self-expression, belonging and joy, and they can't wait to share them with you. Entry to the Art Show is free, and no ticket is needed to view the exhibition.

For families who would like dinner on the night, optional ticket packages are on sale now from the Front Office. Pizza by the slice will be provided by Dolce & Salato and can be collected from the Canteen window from 5.30pm with your pre-paid ticket. Ticket options are:

• Adult Ticket ($10): one slice of pizza and one soft drink
• Children's Ticket ($10): one slice of pizza and one juice box
• Children's Ticket Option 1 ($20): one slice of pizza, one juice box and a new 2027 Art Smock
• Children's Ticket Option 2 ($10): Art Smock only

Many of our current art smocks have been well loved for years. Students who buy a smock package will receive a brand-new smock for 2027 and can personalise it at our Patch Bar on the night. Patches are 2 for $5, 4 for $8, 6 for $10 or 8 for $12. Smocks will be decorated in Art lessons in Week 3 of Term 4 and then stored at school ready for next year. Funds raised on the evening will support future Art initiatives and resources for our students. For more details, see the posters below, or email the Art teacher or pop into the Art Room.

In History this term, we have been learning about 'Then and Now'. To enrich our learning, we invited the Parish Seniors to visit our classroom and share memories, stories, and treasured artefacts from their childhoods. Students loved interviewing our special guests and discovering how everyday life has changed over the years. Their fascinating stories helped bring the past to life and created meaningful connections between generations. It was a beautiful reminder that some of the best history lessons come from listening to the experiences of others.

Environmental Ministry

During Science Week this term, we helped support a range of exciting activities that encouraged students to explore science and sustainability.

The week began with our annual Science Parade, where students from Kindy to Year 6 proudly showcased their creative science-themed costumes. After the parade, classes gathered for photos before taking part in a hands-on science activity.

One of the highlights of the week was making seed paper. Together with Mrs Preston, we helped students learn how recycled paper can be transformed into colourful seed paper by creating paper pulp and mixing different colours. We worked with students across the school to support the activity and encourage them to think about recycling in a fun and engaging way.

It was wonderful to see so many students enthusiastically involved in Science Week. We would like to thank Mrs Preston for organising the activities and everyone who made an effort with their costumes. We had a fantastic week celebrating science and learning together.

Spiritual Ministry

Throughout the term, we have been working together to write and share prayers with our school community. As Term 3 comes to a close, we created a special prayer for the school holidays.

Heavenly Father, as Term 3 comes to an end, we thank You for the wonderful opportunities, achievements and experiences we have shared this term. We pray that during the school holidays, all members of our school community remain safe, happy and protected. May we enjoy a restful break and return refreshed for the final term of the year. Amen.

We have enjoyed supporting the faith life of our school through prayer and reflection this term. We wish all students, staff and families a safe, relaxing and enjoyable holiday break.

Wellbeing Ministry

Firstly, we would like to congratulate Bridget (Blue) Faction on winning this year's Athletics Carnival. We would also like to recognise every student who participated, showed determination and gave their best effort throughout the day.

The Athletics Carnival was a fantastic opportunity for students to challenge themselves, demonstrate sportsmanship and support their peers. It was wonderful to see students encouraging one another and showing great faction spirit across all year levels.

As a ministry, we enjoy promoting wellbeing through participation, teamwork and positive relationships within our school community. We’d like to thank Mrs Wilton for all her hard work in organising the carnival and the parent volunteers who helped make the day such a success.

Communications Ministry

This term we have been interviewing students from different year levels to learn more about the exciting opportunities and events happening at OLGC.

We interviewed a Year 6 student about their experience participating in CPAF. They described it as “nerve-racking but also a new experience” and shared that it gave them the opportunity to try something new and build their confidence.

We also spoke to a Year 5 student about their Child vs Wild excursion at Kings Park. They told us they really enjoyed the experience, saying it was fun, they learned new skills, and even got to make damper. It sounded like a fantastic day of outdoor learning and adventure!

Finally, we interviewed some Year 1 students about the Jumps and Throws Athletics Day. They explained that they had to try to throw as far as they could and that they had lots of fun participating in the activities.

We enjoy keeping our school community informed by sharing students' experiences and celebrating the many opportunities available at OLGC. We look forward to bringing you more school news next term.

On Monday 7 September, we welcomed dads, grandads, uncles and special men in our students' lives to our Father's Day Breakfast. Thanks to our wonderful P&F, guests enjoyed coffee from the coffee van and ham and cheese croissants while spending time with their children, tug of war and basketball. The morning concluded with the Year 2 Prayer Assembly at 8:45am, a lovely way to finish a special start to the week. Thank you to everyone who came along and helped make the morning such a success.

What a wonderful morning we had celebrating our special dads! We enjoyed lots of fun, hands-on activities together — shaving cream sensory play, painting, building with LEGO, making crowns, soccer games and designing and making our very own planes!

It was a beautiful opportunity for our children to share their learning, creativity and play with their dads and special people. We hope all our dads and special people were thoroughly spoilt and had a very special Father’s Day!

What an amazing term! Students have been growing, learning, and challenging themselves in ways both big and small all term. It has certainly been a busy one! Parents, well done, you made it!

Transition to High School

Term 3 has seen our Year 6 students busy preparing for their transition to high school, learning everything from organisational skills and making new friends to reading timetables and unlocking combination locks. We wrapped up our sessions for the term with a special online lesson from Kids Helpline on 'Passing on Peer Pressure'.

VIP Get Comfy Movie Afternoon

Our Year 5 and 6 students were treated like the VIPs they are and enjoyed a very special movie afternoon watching the Embrace Kids documentary, which explores positive body image.

Students walked the red carpet dressed in the clothes they felt most comfortable in, challenging stereotypes that tell us we need to dress or look a certain way to be our best selves. They shared that they were inspired by the people featured in the film and took away messages such as:

• “You don't have to be perfect, just be you.”
• “It's all about the inside, not the outside.”
• “Love your body.”
• “Ignore what the media says. Be your free and amazing self!”

I am incredibly proud of the mature way our students explored this important topic and loved hearing their thoughtful reflections and insights.

VIP Get Comfy Parent Workshop

To build on the movie afternoon, parents were invited to attend a special workshop alongside their child, where they engaged in activities and reflections exploring what shapes our view of ourselves and how we can develop a healthy love and respect for our bodies and all they do for us.

We had a wonderful time learning about neural pathways and how we can shape them through our thoughts and actions. We explored the toys we play with and the media we consume, and we celebrated the beauty of diversity in our world and the bodies that occupy it.

Oh, and we enjoyed some pretty delicious pizza along the way!

A big thank you to all the parents and students who came along. It was a wonderful evening that hopefully sparked ongoing reflections and conversations at home, supporting self-love and compassion for many years to come.

Lunchtime Lounge

Term 3 has been a busy one in Lunchtime Lounge, with activities ranging from air-dry clay (always a favourite!) to crazy craft creations using recycled materials.

A very special thank you to Nonna Teresa (Stella and Georgia DiFalco's grandmother), who joined us one week to teach students how to knit. A special thank you also to Noel Lee (Year 6), who taught both students and teachers how to finger knit!

Lunchtime Lounge provides a wonderful space for students in Years 1 to 6 to enjoy some quieter activities during Tuesday lunchtime.

If anyone is having a clear-out during the school holidays and would like to donate kinetic sand, LEGO, beads, or air-dry clay for next term's fun, please reach out and let me know at Jenny.Biancotti@cewa.edu.au.

The Early Years were very excited to have a special visit from the Educated by Nature team. Kindy, Pre-Primary, Year 1 and 2 students used their imagination to create cubby villages and small worlds. They had a tea party with natural materials and explored old fashioned grinders to make potions.

On the 23 September 2026, our talented Year 5 and 6 students took to the stage for the Raise Your Voice interschool competition, proudly representing OLGC alongside students from St John’s and St Dominic’s. Students shared passionate and thought-provoking speeches on topics that were important and meaningful to them.

Congratulations to Chloe and Isabella from Year 5, and Sanjo and Stella from Year 6, who were selected to represent OLGC at the competition.

A very special congratulations to Chloe Mulholland, who received first place in the Year 5 competition!

A big thank you also goes to Penny Duncalf and Isabella Hemelaar, who shared their wonderful musical talents on the day, and to our fantastic MC, Lacey, who did an amazing job guiding us through the event.

We are proud of all our students who stepped up, shared their talents, found their voice and represented OLGC with such confidence!

Year 5 and 6 enjoyed an exciting excursion to Kings Park, where students put their survival skills to the test! They learnt how to build a shelter using natural materials, explored the importance of fire for survival and discovered how people can safely live in the Australian bush. A highlight of the day was making and tasting their own damper. It was a fantastic hands-on experience filled with teamwork, problem-solving and adventure!

Congratulations to all students who participated in the 2026 Spirit of the Arts Catholic Performing Arts Festival. The festival commenced at the end of July and concluded with the Finale Concert on 15 September at Newman College.

Following our outstanding success with the instrumental ensembles and solo instrumentalists, the choir performed on 28 August at the Vasto Club, where they received a Certificate of Excellence and some outstanding adjudicator comments. The choir performed two pieces that celebrated the joy of music while highlighting OLGC's shared responsibility to care for the beautiful world God has entrusted to us. We were inspired by Laudato Si', Pope Francis' call to care for our common home through respect, gratitude, and thoughtful stewardship of creation.

The songs Shake the Papaya Down and Giant of the Forest were carefully chosen to reflect this commitment. Shake the Papaya Down was performed as a joyful celebration of nature's abundance, reminding us to appreciate the gifts the earth provides and the importance of living in harmony with the environment. Giant of the Forest honoured the majestic trees that sustain life, provide shelter, and remind us of the strength, beauty, and resilience found in God's creation. Through music, we shared an important message: that every small action can make a difference and that, together, we can be faithful stewards of our common home for generations to come.

At the Finale Concert, held at Newman College on 15 September, OLGC was fortunate to receive two prestigious accolades. The first was a Performing Arts Scholarship awarded to Noel-Lee Kickett by HSS. The second was the Zenith Award for Sustained Improvement (Primary). This award was accepted by Isabella Hemelaar on behalf of the entire school in the form of a plaque, which we are proud to keep. The school also received a perpetual trophy in the form of a clock, which will be displayed in our administration office for the coming year.

Thank you to all students, parents, and instrumental tutors for making this year's Spirit of the Arts Catholic Performing Arts Festival such a success. I look forward to the many achievements we can accomplish together next year.

Mrs Kirsten Bennett

What a fantastic day we had at our Athletics Carnival on Friday 4 September at UWA Sports Park! Students filled the grounds with colour, energy and plenty of team spirit as our three factions, Bonniface, Bridget and Byrne, went head to head across a full program of running events and team games. The cheering from the sidelines was loud all day, and it was wonderful to see students encouraging not only their own teammates but competitors from every faction.

Our Jumps and Throws Carnival was held separately on 26 August, giving students the chance to show off their skills in the field events. The points earned on the day counted towards our individual champion awards. Congratulations to everyone who gave each event a go and showed great sportsmanship.

After a hard-fought contest, congratulations to Bridget, who took out first place for 2026! Well done to Byrne in second place and Bonniface in third. Every faction competed with great heart and should be very proud of their efforts, with Bonniface being awarded the Spirit Award for showing great sportsmanship and cheering on their team mates!

A special congratulations to our 2026 Year Group Champions and Runners-Up:

• Year 3: Champion Girl Ella.B., Runner-Up Lucy | Champion Boy Carter, Runner-Up Noah
• Year 4: Champion Girl Iris, Runner-Up Giorgia | Champion Boy Zane, Runner-Up Giorgio
• Year 5: Champion Girl Isabella, Runner-Up Lilah | Champion Boy Sam, Runner-Up Dylan
• Year 6: Champion Girl Ilaria, Runner-Up Lacey | Champion Boy Sanjo, Runner-Up Michael

A huge thank you to our Sports teacher, Ashleigh Wilton, for all her hard work organising both carnivals. Thank you also to our staff and to all the parents who volunteered or came along to support on the day. We are so proud of every student who ran, jumped and threw their best!

On Saturday 5 September, our Tournament of Minds team headed to ECU Joondalup to compete in The Arts challenge. After weeks of preparation, including early morning practices and many recesses and lunchtimes, the students presented a creative solution inspired by the life and work of Charlie Chaplin. They also took on the spontaneous challenge on the day. Although the team did not progress to the State Final this year, they tackled a challenge with no easy answer and presented it with real confidence, creativity and teamwork, representing OLGC beautifully and putting our school values on show. A huge thank you to Mrs Ciullo for leading the team, to Yr 11 students Juliet and Tom from Sacred Heart College for helping prepare the students for the spontaneous challenge, and to our families for their wonderful support along the way. .

Next term, OLGC will once again welcome Year 6 students from St Joseph's School Wyndham for their annual camp to Perth. This wonderful partnership has continued for several years, giving students from our remote Catholic Education Western Australia community the opportunity to experience life in the city and build connections with our OLGC community.

This year, six Year 6 students will visit from 16 to 23 October, in Week 1 of Term 4. During their stay, the students will take part in a busy program of activities, explore Perth, and spend time with our staff and students.

Hosting these camps is a team effort, and our school community has always risen to the occasion. Families and staff have been asked to consider provding meals, donating or loaning items to help make the week special.

A big thank you to everyone who has already offered support. If you would like to get involved by providing a meal or loaning mattresses, bedding and pillows please sign-up:

https://www.perfectpotluck.com/meals.php?t=MSNN4699&v=255cdee3bb

We look forward to welcoming our St Joseph's Wyndham friends and giving them a memorable Perth experience.