Emmaus Catholic Primary School

A Prayer for the end of term

Loving Father, as we come to the end of Term 3, we turn to you in confidence and place any difficult relationships into the healing hands of Jesus, your Son.

Enable us to leave behind any pain of the past and any regrets or bitterness, entrusting the past to your mercy, the present to your love, and the future to your providence.

Help us appreciate more the need to keep a good balance in our lives.

May the upcoming break be for us a time of rest and recreation to help restore us and re-create us in your image and likeness, as we enjoy more of the love and presence of our families, on whom we ask your blessing.

Amen.

Dear Parents & Caregivers

What an Athletics Carnival!

Last Thursday, we enjoyed a fantastic Sports Athletics Carnival filled with energy, enthusiasm and plenty of smiles! It was wonderful to see our children getting involved, trying their best and encouraging one another throughout the day.

Every child should be incredibly proud of their efforts. Whether they were racing, throwing or cheering from the sidelines or trying something new, they showed great determination and a wonderful willingness to have a go. There were plenty of moments of teamwork, sportsmanship and perseverance, and it was fantastic to see the children supporting and celebrating each other.

A huge congratulations to all of our students for their enthusiasm and positive attitude. Your willingness to participate, give things a go and keep trying made the day such a success. We are so proud of you all! Because of the students having a go we had a unique situation in our final placings. One that I have not experienced or seen before at an Athletics Carnival. We had a draw for first place between Bardan (Green) and Maara (Gold). The pleasing part about this is that these factions also had some students who two years ago or even last year were reluctant to participate or didn’t participate. This year they did and with their efforts they scored points for their faction which helped achieve this draw. Awesome!

A big thank you must also go to Mr Ski for organising the day for us, to Mr Lenzo for line marking the track and to staff who helped on the day with the early set-up, packing up and general supervision of the students on the day. Many thanks also to the Holy Cross students who came along on the day to help out. We are so appreciative of your support.

Thank you to our P&F for organising the cake stall and sausage sizzle on the day. It was so encouraging seeing so many parents around the serving area and mingling. Many thanks to those parents who either cooked the sausages or served the lunches at the break. We are certainly grateful for your support. Thanks to the families and volunteers who helped make the day such a memorable occasion.

One discouraging aspect of the carnival was some families taking their children home at lunch or just before. Please be aware that this is a whole school day and that the students need to finish off the carnival. Most of these students still had the relays to run and games to compete in, however, because they had gone, we had to find replacements from lower classes. These families will be asked to write a note for a half day absence from their teachers.

A very special congratulations to our Year 6 students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation over the weekend.

This was a significant milestone in their faith journey, and we are incredibly proud of each of them. It was wonderful to see them make this important commitment surrounded by their families, sponsors and our wider school community.

May the gifts of the Holy Spirit continue to guide, strengthen and inspire our students as they grow in faith and live out the values of kindness, courage, compassion and love.

Congratulations, Year 6! We hope you continue to carry the joy and strength of this special celebration with you as you journey forward in faith.

Many thanks to the students below who attended the sacrament on the weekend to be part of our choir. Also, a big thanks to those parents who drove the students to mass for this occasion without having family involved in the sacrament. Thank you to: Emme, Phoebe, Zara, Addie, Elsie, Steven, Drayden, Eli M, Ryleigh and Keziah.

Wishing You All the Best!

We wish Kate Cameron all the very best as she begins her long service leave in Term 4.

Thank you for your dedication, commitment and contribution to our team over the last 4 years. Kate is one of our founding members. We hope you enjoy this well-deserved break and make the most of the time ahead.

Enjoy your leave, Kate — you’ll be missed!

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and very best wishes to Mrs Catherine Anderson as she leaves her role as an Educational Assistant and moves on from our school for new ventures.

As a foundational member of our school community, Catherine has made a lasting contribution through her care, dedication and support of our students and staff. She will be greatly missed, and we are incredibly grateful for all she has given to our school over the years.

We wish Catherine every happiness and success for the next chapter of her journey.

Thank you, Catherine! God bless you on your next chapter in life!

Sandro Coniglio

Principal

School Start and Finish Times

Pre-Kindy (Thurs and Fri) 8:45 am (doors open) - 3:00 pm

Kindy (Mon - Wed) 8:45 am (doors open) - 3:00 pm

Pre-Primary - Year 6 (Mon - Fri) 8:30 am (doors open) - 3:00 pm

Administration 8:15 am - 4:00 pm

As parents, our natural instinct is to protect our children. When they forget something, struggle with schoolwork, experience friendship difficulties, lose a race or worry that they might not succeed at something, it can be tempting to step in and remove the challenge. Sometimes, however, the most helpful thing we can do is not rescue our children from struggle, but support them through it.

James Anderson (Education Consultant) describes productive struggle as the space where children are stretched but are still capable of moving forward with effort and appropriate support. When adults remove the challenge too quickly, children can miss important opportunities to develop persistence, problem-solving skills, confidence and resilience.

This is particularly relevant when children tell us they do not want to participate because they are worried about failing, losing, being slower than others or not being as capable as their peers. At school, this might look like a child wanting to withdraw from competitive sports because they know they are unlikely to place, or a parent considering withdrawing their child from upcoming swimming lessons because of concern that they may not pass their swimming level. While wanting to protect children from disappointment is understandable, avoiding the experience can inadvertently reinforce the message that we should only participate when success is assured.

Our recent Athletics Carnival provided some wonderful reminders of why participation matters. Some of the most uplifting moments were not necessarily those involving ribbons or first-place finishes. Staff, parents and fellow students experienced genuine elation and pride watching children persevere, try their very best and cross the finish line, even when they finished well behind the leading runners. Their peers cheered because they recognised something worth celebrating: the courage to keep going. For those children, finishing the race was an achievement in itself.

The same principle can apply to the upcoming swimming lessons. A child who does not progress to the next swimming level has not necessarily failed. They have had an opportunity to practise, receive feedback, identify what they still need to learn and discover that not achieving something yet is very different from being unable to achieve it. Research on parental autonomy support similarly points to the value of allowing children appropriate opportunities to make choices, solve problems and develop competence, while knowing that supportive adults remain alongside them.

Supporting children through struggle does not mean dismissing genuine anxiety, distress or additional needs. Some children require adjustments and additional support to participate successfully. The distinction is between providing the support a child genuinely needs and removing a manageable challenge simply because it feels uncomfortable.

So, when your child encounters a difficulty, consider resisting the immediate urge to fix or remove it. Instead, we might say: “I know this feels hard, but I believe you can have a go.” “You don't have to be the best; just do your best.” “What could help you get through this?” or “I'll be proud of you for giving it a go.” Big Life Journal similarly emphasises that appropriately supported struggle gives children opportunities to practise persistence, learn from mistakes and build confidence in their capacity to overcome challenges.

Our children do not need every obstacle removed from their path. They need caring adults who will walk alongside them as they encounter those obstacles—encouraging, supporting and believing in them while gradually allowing them to discover what they are capable of themselves.

At Emmaus, that is very much part of Journeying Together. Sometimes the greatest gift we can give a child is not an easier road, but the confidence to know: “This might be hard, but I can keep going.”

To read more about students' "struggle as a strength", read this article: 7 Reasons Why Struggle is Important for Kids | Big Life Journal

The Midvale Hub is a community support hub that helps children, families, and community members access a range of services in one welcoming place. They offer support with education, parenting, wellbeing, counselling, family assistance, food relief, community programs, and connections to local services. The Hub works closely with schools and organisations to help families feel supported, connected, and empowered within their community.

Emmaus is very happy to be forming a closer partnership with the Hub and we look forward to working together on some upcoming parent workshops and opportunities that will support our families and wider school community. Please click the link below for further information on parent workshops.

https://www.midvalehub.org.au/

Loretta Hackner & Emma Fernandez

Assistant Principals

Last weekend, we proudly celebrated our Year 6 students who received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St Helena of the Holy Cross Parish.

In preparation for this important milestone in their faith journey, the students spent time learning about the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, exploring the lives of saints and choosing a Confirmation saint who inspires them. They also participated in a special Confirmation Retreat, providing an opportunity for prayer, reflection and preparation for receiving the sacrament.

The Confirmation celebration was a wonderful occasion for our students, families, school and parish community to come together in faith. We congratulate all of our Year 6 students who were confirmed and pray that the Holy Spirit continues to guide and strengthen them as they live out their faith through their words and actions.

A special thank you to our families, parish community and everyone who supported the students throughout their preparation and helped make the celebration so meaningful.

Congratulations to all of our newly confirmed Year 6 students!

Father Bona, our Parish Priest at St Helena of the Holy Cross, is wanting to expand the Sacramental Team, leading into 2027. Any Catholic parents who have some spare time to offer assistance and ideas and are willing to join the team, please contact Loretta Hackner (Assistant Principal) to register interest: Loretta.Hackner@cewa.edu.au

A round of applause to our latest "Emmaus Way" Award winner.... Elijah L (Year 1 Blue). Cleo the bear is super-excited to be hanging out with Eli over the holiday break. Take a look at the AWESOME qualities that Eli exhibits everyday that makes him stand out for this awesome recognition:

During Week 9, the Year 2 class had the opportunity to explore Whiteman Park for the day. Our excursion began with an exciting exploration of the Revolutions Museum, where we went back in time to 1900 to meet our guide. She then taught the students about forms of transport in the early 1900s (carts, horses, trains, and trams), and the students got to compare these forms of transport to modern-day cars, buses, and bikes. The class was able to climb onto Penny Farthings (those old bikes with the giant wheels), explore old trams and see classic vehicles like an EJ Holden.

After recess, we challenged ourselves by completing a scavenger hunt in the Children’s Forest. Students found beautiful flowers, hidden statues, and creative structures. With all the walking, the class was very tired but after lunch they pushed on and learnt how to throw Frisbees and play on the large playground. All the students had a great time, with lots of learning, laughter and fun! Thank you to everyone who was able to assist with the excursion!

On Tuesday 15 September, we gathered as a school community to celebrate Emmaus Day. This date marks the anniversary of the day we were officially granted registration as Emmaus Catholic Primary School. Our Year 3 students led us through a beautiful and reverent Emmaus Day Liturgy, providing a meaningful way to reflect on our school’s identity and faith.

As part of the celebrations, every class from Kindy to Year 6 contributed to creating our special Emmaus mosaic letters. The design incorporates our school colours and the Road to Emmaus, representing the pilgrimage of the two disciples travelling together to Emmaus, with Jesus alongside them. It reminds us of the road we continue to walk together as a community in Christ’s presence, as people of faith, hope, trust and humility.

These letters will become a lasting part of our school and will be used at future events and special celebrations. Keep an eye out for the finished creation on display in Term 4!

On Thursday 17 September we held our highly anticipated Athletics Carnival for our students from Pre-Primary to Year 6. The students were amazing to watch with determination and courage throughout the different events. All our students competed in every event we offered which is something that is unique and we love the spirit that it fosters of having a go, experiencing fun and success even when things can be challenging.

Throughout the day we saw students with huge smiles on their faces while competing in throws, novelty games, sprints, relays and always a fan favourite - team games! It is always fantastic seeing the enjoyment of the students and the pride and encouragement coming from families and staff throughout the day.

Congratulations to all the students for being courageous and doing their best and a huge well done to both Maara and Bardan for taking home the Faction Shield in a never before seen joint tie through a fierce battle all day!

Kevin Curkoski

Physical Education Teacher

Year 3

Boys Champion: Joseph H

Boys Runner Up: Earl Rey B

Girls Champion: Stephanie G

Girls Runner Up: Addie S & Myrah B & Sadie S

Year 4

Boys Champion: Harry B

Boys Runner Up: Stevie M & Clinton B & Mahijith T

Girls Champion: Emme S

Girls Runner Up: Evangeline C

Year 5

Boys Champion: Adom O & Ezekiel R

Boys Runner Up: Anotida S

Girls Champion: Isla C

Girls Runner Up: Ruby J

Year 6

Boys Champion: Lucas S

Boys Runner Up: Liam T

Girls Champion: Mackenzie G

Girls Runner Up: Cara S

On Wednesday, Emmaus was a kaleidoscope of colour as students across the school donned their favourite footy team gear, crazy hair and crazy hats – and even our teachers joined in the fun! There were plenty of weird and wacky looks, all in support of the wonderful work of Brother Ollie’s Wheelchairs for Kids.

At our recent assembly, Mr Di Carlo shared with our students the incredible difference their donations can make, helping to fund much-needed wheelchairs for children around the world who have limited mobility.

A huge thank you to everyone who embraced the fun and donated so generously. It was wonderful to see our Emmaus community come together to have some fun while supporting such a worthwhile cause. Wheelchairs for Kids will be super-stoked to receive our $589.70 donation.

This week, our Year 2 and Year 5 students enjoyed getting together to play Numero! It was wonderful to see students having fun while developing their mathematical thinking, problem-solving and number skills. There was plenty of strategy and teamwork as students challenged themselves and learned from one another. What a fun way to practise maths!

We are so proud of our finished product! Congratulations to Year 1 Blue and Year 1 Green on an outstanding term of STEM Club. Throughout the term, students brought together Science, Technologies, The Arts, and Design Thinking to create Farmer Emmanuel, our Emmaus scarecrow celebrating Farm Animals as Heroes of WA Farms and their vital role in agriculture.

Throughout Term 3, students explored a range of farm animals and the important contributions they make to WA Agriculture. They discovered how alpacas help protect lambs and other young farm animals from predators, how bees support healthy crop production, and how farm animals contribute not only through products such as eggs, wool, and milk, but also by helping to create sustainable farming environments.

From researching farm animals, designing Farmer Emmanuel's patchwork shirt, constructing animals, and developing an audiobook celebrating these Farm Heroes, students embraced every stage of the project with enthusiasm, creativity, and curiosity. Most importantly, they had lots of fun while learning!

Farmer Emmanuel will be on display throughout the week at the Perth Royal Show in the Poultry Pavilion.

If you are visiting the Show during the holidays, be sure to stop by, snap a photo with our scarecrow, and share it with us via Seesaw or email it to Stephanie.Freeman@cewa.edu.au. We would love to celebrate your photos with the students when we return next term.

Presentations will take place on Saturday 26 September at 11:00 am in the Poultry Pavilion, where competition winners will be announced. If you happen to be attending the Show, feel free to stop by and support our students. If possible, a recording of the presentations would also be greatly appreciated.

Scan the QR code below to listen to the story (read by our students) and view the pictures of Farmer Emmanuel and his heroes!

Congratulations again to all our STEM Club students on this wonderful achievement!

Year One Team and Mrs Freeman

Last Friday, our Year 5 and Year 6 students took part in the Loving for Life Growing and Changing Program. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to learn about changes that come with growing up, as well as the importance of self-respect, positive friendships and healthy relationships.

Our students participated in some thoughtful discussions and activities and showed great maturity and enthusiasm throughout the day. It was lovely to see them asking questions and sharing ideas, as they explored this important stage of their lives.

A big thank you to the Loving for Life team for providing such a positive and valuable learning experience for our students.

A big congratulations to all of our students who participated in the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) earlier this term. The participants all received their certificates at this morning's assembly and we were super-impressed with their overall performances.

The AMC is an opportunity for students to test their logical thinking and problem-solving skills against a series of challenging questions. We are incredibly proud of our Year 3–6 students who were selected to represent our school, and we commend everyone who stepped up to the challenge and put in their best effort!

If your child participated in One Big Voice, you may wish to look at their website and consider purchasing photos. Click the link below to access the website: One Big Voice | 2026 Evening

Our much-loved Emmaus Open Night is not too far away. Save the date, invite your extended families and head into school to check out all the awesome learning across the grades!

There will be a coffee van, ice cream and our P&F Sausage Sizzle on the night.

For catering purposes, our organisers are needing attending families to indicate if they intend buying a Sausage Sizzle meal. Please register your interest here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/MtjuGzJTjR

We commence next term with National Science Week and invite all our students to join in the ''Seeds of Science" Showcase. Create a useful invention, conduct an experiment, or plan a presentation to teach a Science idea. Over the holidays, plan and create your project and bring it in, in the first week back, ready to share with others across the school. See the details below:

Emmaus Wellbeing Coordinators 2026

Ms Kate Cameron (Wellness & SEL Coordinator) & Mrs Hannah Thomas (Social Worker)

This term, our Year 5 students explored the importance of character strengths and reflected on the positive qualities that make each of us unique. Students identified a personal strength, such as kindness, perseverance, courage or creativity, and shared how they use this strength in their everyday lives at school and at home.

Students celebrated what makes them special while recognising that everyone's strengths help build a positive classroom community.

This term in Year 1, we have been exploring our Wellbeing focus of Relationships. Students have been practicing the skills that help us build positive relationships with others, including listening, sharing ideas, taking turns, problem-solving and working together towards a shared goal. They have enjoyed putting these skills into action through collaborative challenges such as completing puzzles and building creations together.

We have also been learning about the warning signs our bodies can give us when we feel worried, unsafe or very excited. These signs might be things like butterflies in our tummy, a fast-beating heart or tight muscles. Knowing who we can go to for help is an important part of having safe and trusting relationships.

Get ready....The 2026 Book Fair is on the way! Leading into our Open Night event, the Book Fair will be up and running and book sales will commence on Thursday 22 October and end on Wednesday 28 October. Head to the Library at these times to grab a book bargain:

• Before school 8:15 - 8:45am
• After school 3:00 - 3:30pm

Issue 6 orders have now been dispersed to students. There are only two more Book Club issues to go before the year's end. Don't forget... all purchased contribute to a selection of additional resources for our Library and classroom reading materials.

A digital copy of the most recent Term 4, 2026 Parent Calendar is included below. Please note that any revised changes to the school calendars are updated and will be posted on our online calendar and in newsletter attachments.

👉 TERM 4 👈

Week 1

Monday 12 October

• Science Week commences

Wednesday 14 October

• Year 5 Maths Club 8:00 - 8:30 am

Friday 16 October

• Interschool Athletics Carnival

Week 2

Tuesday 20 October

• P&F Planning meeting for 2027 (9:00 - 11:00 am)

Wednesday 21 October

• Year 5 Maths Club 8:00 - 8:30 am

Thursday 22 October

• Scholastic Book Fair starts

Friday 23 October

• Open Night 4:00- 6:00 pm (music performances 4:00 - 5:00 Focus Music 5:00 - 6:00 pm Emmaus choirs). Sausage sizzle.
• Newsletter issued

Our 2026 Colour Run is coming!

Tuesday 27 October at 2:00 pm

School Oval.

To start raising money, click on the link below to set up your profile.

The more money you raise, the bigger the prizes!

My Profile Page | My Profile Page

OSHClub are excited to have been selected as the dedicated onsite provider at Emmaus CPS!

OSHClub offers care for students before and after school, on pupil free days and school holidays.

click on the link below for more information!

Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) are conducting a survey with the University of New England. A strong parent voice shapes stronger outcomes for children. This Learning and Wellbeing survey is an important opportunity for parents to share their experiences, insights and hopes for your child's learning and wellbeing. When parents speak, decision makers listen, and when your perspectives are gathered collectively, they become a powerful source of evidence that can influence policy and guide improvement across our schools.

Surveys are an efficient and confidential way to understand what matters most to families. By taking a few minutes to participate, you help create a clearer picture of how children are experiencing school and how the partnership between home and school can be strengthened. When children see the adults in their lives, parents and teachers, communicating and working together respectfully, it builds the psychological and emotional safety they need to flourish.

Your voice genuinely makes a difference, and we would be very grateful for your participation in this survey. Please click: Catholic School Parents Australia (CSPA) 2026 Parent Survey on Student Wellbeing and Learning

Every year Dental Health Services (DHS) offers parents and carers the chance to register their kids for free dental care at the School Dental Service (SDS). The offer is open to every student from the year they turn 5 until their 17th birthday and includes check-ups, fillings and simple extractions.

Your child may soon bring home an envelope with an enrolment form, Frequently Asked Questions and a reply-paid envelope from DHS. Just fill in the enrolment form, pop it in the reply-paid envelope and put it in your nearest post box.

Once DHS receives the form, their team will register your child and arrange for you to receive an appointment in the mail.

If you would like further information on DHS and the SDS please visit their website on: Home | Dental Health Services, Government of Western Australia

Take a look at the Eastern Districts Junior Cricket Club Registration flyer and poster in the attachments below. The Club is based across the road at the Dayton District Open Space.

FREE League Stars School Holiday Clinic is being held at Charlottes Vineyard Oval, home of the Ellenbrook Rabbitohs, on Wednesday 7 October.

There are two clinic types available:

🏉 League Stars SKILLS for children Ages 5–9

A full day of active fun including footy skills, obstacle courses, League Tag games, challenges and creative indoor activities. No previous footy experience is required!

🏉 League Stars GAME for children Ages 10–12

A full day of team-based activities including League Tag games, skill challenges, trivia and team-building sessions. Kids can register with friends or join a team on the day.

📅 Wednesday 7 October

⏰ 9am–3pm

📍 Charlottes Vineyard Oval, the Home of the Ellenbrook Rabbitohs

💚 FREE to attend but registration is essential as places are limited.

Children will need to wear active clothing and enclosed shoes/boots and bring morning tea, lunch and a drink bottle.

The next newsletter will be issued on Friday 23 October.

Mr Coniglio

Principal