St Denis School Newsletter

• Prayer Through Pictures: AWE
• Conference Wrap Up!
• Reports
• Go Socceroos!

✝️ Prayer of Awe and Wonder

Loving God,

Open our eyes to the beauty that surrounds us each day.

Help us to notice the wonder of creation,

the kindness of others

and the joy found in simple moments.

May we stand in awe of Your presence in our world,

seeing Your love in the laughter of children,

the colours of nature

and the gifts and talents You have given each of us.

Teach us to pause, to be grateful,

and to appreciate the blessings that often go unnoticed.

As a school community, may we continue to grow in faith,

curiosity, and wonder,

always seeking You in all that we do.

We thank You for the many moments of awe we experience at St Denis School,

and pray that our hearts remain open to Your goodness each day.

Amen.

Week 9

Friday 19th June: Pre-Primary Assembly at 8:50am

Week 10

Friday 26 June: End of Term Mass (St Denis Parish) at 9:00am

Friday 26 June: Dress in Green and Gold (see Principal's message)

Saturday 27 June: Year 4 Holy Communion Commitment Mass at 6:30pm OR

Sunday 28 June: Year 4 Holy Communion Commitment Mass at 9:00am

Week 11

Tuesday 30 June: Winter Carnival (Year 5 and 6 students)

Wednesday 1 July: Last day of Term for Students

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

PRAYER THROUGH PICTURES: AWE

Each Thursday the staff meet before school to join together for staff prayer. Last week we spent time reflecting on the beautiful picture book Awe by Chana Stiefel and illustrated by Susan Gal. The prayer, thoughtfully prepared by Mrs Romani and read by Mr Franchina, invited us to pause and consider the importance of noticing the world around us with fresh eyes. It encouraged us to recognise those simple, often overlooked moments in our school day that together form something truly meaningful.

This reflection deeply connected with our Catholic identity at St Denis, where we are called to live with gratitude, wonder and a sense of God’s presence in all things. As a staff community, we were reminded that awe is not something distant or rare, but something we can cultivate daily in our classrooms, on the playground and within our relationships. Our Year Four students have created some incredible artwork inspired by this book, capturing their own sense of wonder and the beauty they notice in the world around them. Thank you, Mr Franchina, for inspiring us and to Year 4 for sharing their artwork.

CONFERENCE WRAP UP!

Attending the EduTECH Conference in Sydney provided a valuable opportunity to explore the rapidly evolving role of Artificial Intelligence in education. Across a range of engaging keynote presentations and workshops, speakers highlighted that AI is no longer a future consideration but a technology already transforming teaching, learning, assessment and administration. The discussions reinforced that schools must thoughtfully consider how AI can enhance learning experiences while ensuring its implementation remains purposeful, ethical and aligned with educational goals. It is a space we will continue to investigate with careful reflection as we navigate the opportunities and challenges that accompany this significant shift. It was also encouraging to see the work being undertaken by CEWA in this area, with ongoing consultation, professional learning, and strategic planning designed to help schools adapt confidently to the changing educational landscape.

Another highlight of the conference was exploring the impressive range of robotics and extension programs being showcased. One program that received considerable praise was Puzzle Club, which was frequently referenced as an effective way to develop problem-solving, perseverance and critical thinking skills. It was pleasing to discover that this is already an established part of life at St Denis. Throughout the exhibition hall, live robotics demonstrations captivated attendees and provided a glimpse into what may become increasingly common in both schools and homes. Watching one particularly capable robot in action had me briefly wondering whether a more affordable version might soon be available to assist with the washing, dishes and vacuuming at home. Unfortunately, it seems that while artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, the dream of outsourcing household chores may still require a little more patience! Most importantly, despite all the technological innovation on display, a consistent message from presenters was that strong relationships between teachers and students remain the most powerful driver of engagement and learning. Several international speakers were also in awe of the Australian Government’s stance on social media access for children, recognising the importance of protecting wellbeing and fostering healthy development in an increasingly digital world.

REPORTS

I am looking forward to reading the mid-year reports over the coming weeks and celebrating the growth and achievements of our students. I have had the privilege of spending time in every classroom, working alongside students and observing their learning. It has been wonderful to see the progress they have made since the beginning of the year, not only in their academic development but also in their confidence and independence. The dedication of our staff and the efforts of our students are clearly evident and I know families will be proud of the growth reflected in these reports.

It was lovely to meet with a small group of parents this week to discuss our mid-year reports and the reporting process. Tomorrow, a letter will be sent to all families outlining changes to English and Mathematics reporting that will be implemented from 2026. These changes have been directed by CEWA in consultation with the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) and will apply to all primary school students.

As we approach the reporting period, teachers will continue to communicate with parents and caregivers as needed, particularly where there is a need to discuss student progress, celebrate achievements or identify areas requiring additional support before reports are issued. We value the partnership between home and school and encourage families to contact their child's teacher should they have any questions or concerns about their child's learning.

GO SOCCEROOS!

To celebrate Australia's third World Cup group match, students are invited to wear their favourite green and gold accessories to school on Friday 26 June.

Scarves, beanies, ribbons, headbands, socks, wristbands and other fun green and gold accessories are all welcome! Students should continue to wear their normal Friday uniform, including shoes, and simply add their accessories to show their support for the Socceroos.

This is a completely optional and just-for-fun activity and there is no gold coin donation required.

Let's turn St Denis green and gold as we cheer on Australia!

Have a wonderful fortnight everyone.

Sarah Potts

PRINCIPAL

Please note that Perm-A-Pleat School wear will be closed for mid-year break in July.

Closed: Friday10th July 2026

Reopen: Monday 27th July 2026.

Home Deliveries:

Last ordering day for home deliveries is Wednesday 1st July 2026.

Deliveries to School Office:

Last ordering day for consolidated school deliveries is Tuesday 30th June 2026 (term finishes 3rd July).

Catholic School Parents WA invites all members to play an active part in guiding our work by submitting any motions for consideration at the upcoming AGM on 23rd June 2026. We also encourage you to consider nominating for the CSPWA Board, or perhaps to nominate someone whose commitment and perspective would strengthen our mission of supporting families in Catholic education across Western Australia. Your involvement ensures our parent voice remains strong, representative, and future focused.

2 Orchid Street, Joondanna

Perth, Western Australia, 6060

08 9242 3422

admin@stdenis.wa.edu.au