St Denis School Newsletter
Term 1 Week 3
-
Ash Wednesday
Faction Launch
- Uniform Reminders
- Upcoming Sundowner
- Professional Learning Meeting
- Medical Administration Update
✝️ Lenten Prayer
Lenten Prayer for the St Denis School Community
Loving God,
As we journey through the season of Lent we thank You for the gift of our St Denis community. Bless our students, families, and staff as we walk together in faith.
Help us to follow the example of Jesus by showing kindness in our playgrounds, classrooms, and homes. Guide us to welcome others with open hearts, to care for those in need, and to make choices that reflect Your love and compassion.
During this Lenten season, help us to grow through prayer and reflection. Strengthen us to forgive, to be grateful for our many blessings and to use our gifts to serve others.
May this time prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter and help us to be shining examples of Your love in our community each day. We ask this through Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Week 3
Sat 21st Feb
Sundowner: Gates open at 4:00pm
Week 4
Year 4 Assembly Postponed
Week 5
Monday 2 March
Public Holiday
Tuesday 3 March
Pupil Free Day
Friday 6 March –
Swimming Carnival Years 4-6: 11:00am -2:00pm
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Ash Wednesday at St Denis
Thank you to Father Anthony for leading our Ash Wednesday Mass in the school hall, to Mr Magri and our Year 5 students for their thoughtful preparation and participation and to the parents who joined us.
Lent is a special time of reflection and growth, marking the 40 days leading up to Easter. It’s an opportunity for us all to pause, make small sacrifices and focus on kindness, gratitude and caring for others as we prepare our hearts for the joy of Easter.
Faction launch
Last Friday at assembly, we officially launched our new Factions, MacKillop, McAuley, and Benizi, and the students’ reactions were priceless! After six months of talking about it, there were giggles, cheers, and yes, even a few tears. It reminded me that even when students are included in decisions, change can still feel a little overwhelming. I was also reminded at home, watching my youngest son insist on wearing the same socks to school because “these are lucky.” Sometimes we all need a little time to adjust, whether at home or at school.
Our amazing teachers have done an outstanding job bringing energy and enthusiasm to the classrooms, helping students embrace their new teams. The Year 6s have even created their own 'cheers’ ready for upcoming carnivals, and we’re looking forward to some focused Faction learnings as we move toward St Denis Celebrations in Term 3.
Uniform reminders
In addition to the sports days mentioned at your Parent Information Session, students may also wear their full sports uniform on days when they are participating in school related extracurricular sports such as tennis and netball.
If your child needs to wear their sports uniform on these days, please ensure it is the full correct sports uniform. This includes:
• School faction sports shirt
• School sports shorts
• White socks
• School sports jacket/track pants (optional)
Please note that the wool jumper is not to be worn with the sports uniform.
Upcoming Sundowner
We are looking forward to our first P&F event for the year, with many exciting activities planned for our students and families.
Please refer to the P&F Communication channel on Seesaw for ticket details, event times, food options, information about donations and opportunities to assist on the evening.
Entry and exit from the event will be the gates opening onto Orchid Street. First Aid will be available on site should it be required and there will be designated toilet facilities for both children and adults.
With many families attending and a variety of activities taking place, this is a gentle reminder that parents and caregivers remain responsible for supervising their children throughout the event. Please help us ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone by keeping a watchful eye on your children and remaining within the designated areas.
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to a wonderful community evening together.
Professional Learning Meeting
This week at our Professional Learning Meeting, our staff focused on Early Childhood. We looked at the National Quality Standards, the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), and the Kindergarten Curriculum, exploring how children transition through the early years of learning.
Key parts of the EYLF, such as intentional teaching, play-based learning, reflective practice, and student agency, were discussed. Our Early Childhood staff led these conversations, helping us reflect on and improve our teaching. We also explored how oral language development (talking, listening, and sharing ideas), supports children’s learning across all areas of the curriculum.
Throughout the year, our staff meet each week to discuss student data, teaching strategies, and ways to grow as educators. This year, we have started using Elastik from Years 1– 6 to track students’ progress in writing, and we look forward to sharing more about their growth as the term progresses.
Medical Administration Update
There has been an update to our procedure for administering Schedule 5 medications at school. Parents who have children already receiving this medication will be emailed directly with the details. For future reference, this information can also be found on our school website.
We encourage all families to review this update to ensure the safe and consistent management of medications for students.
Warm Regards,
Sarah Potts
PRINCIPAL
St Denis Play Group
School Dental Service
SCHOOL DENTAL SERVICE, REMINDER TO ENROL!
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 will soon bring home an envelope with an enrolment form, Frequently Asked Questions, and 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 we receive your form at DHS our team will register your child and arrange for you to receive an appointment in the mail.
If you would like further information on DHS services and the SDS please visit our
website: www.dental.wa.gov.au
John XXIII College: Year 7 2029 Applications Closing Soon
A reminder to all Year 4 families who are interested in a John XXIII College secondary education for their child, to please ensure their application form has been submitted by Monday 2 March 2026.
John XXIII College seeks to develop people of competence, conscience and compassion who are committed to seek justice and serve others. Our vision is for all students to strive for excellence for themselves, their peers, and their community.
To find out more visit: www.johnxxiii.edu.au/enrolments
