Queen of Apostles School

Dear God,

Everywhere I walk, let it be on your path.

Everything I see, let it be through your eyes.

Everything I do, let it be your will.

For every hardship I face, let me place it in your hands

Amen

Dear Parents

Some parents may have come across a book entitled, “The Catholic School – a guide for parents” by Barry Dwyer, in their travels through Catholic education. This book provides some useful information for parents and the school in developing, establishing and fostering the essential partnership between home and school. As has been highlighted many times before, collaboration between home and school is vital in providing our students at Queen of Apostles School with the best possible educational advantages and it is an area that we are always endeavouring to improve.

As we approach the reporting period, a good opportunity presents itself to take a step back and reflect on why we choose a particular education for our children and what that education affords them. Basically, all schools aim at developing:

• Self-confidence and high self esteem
• Sound judgement, wise decision making and a sense of responsibility
• Competence in literacy, numeracy and the new technologies
• Skills of problem solving, communicating, planning and working cooperatively
• Active and informed citizenship
• Understanding and concern for the natural environment

Why, then, do parents choose a Catholic education for their children?

Catholic schools follow the same curriculum as government schools; however, there is a religious dimension in everything that is taught in a Catholic school. This creates the additional and most important learning area of Religious Education. Religious Education plus the Catholic culture of the school, separate us from ‘other’ education systems.

What is ‘Catholic School Culture’?

The term ‘culture’ is quite stylised these days. We hear of coffee cultures, corporate cultures, cultural capitals (I believe Melbourne has that title at the moment) – a plethora of cultures exist that identify and define us. A group’s culture is the way it has of meeting its member’s needs, finding meaning in their lives and expressing that meaning. It is the mixture of ideas, values, symbols, customs and stereotypes that are shared. It is what we learn from those with whom we associate; it is life as people understand it and live it.

Our school, like all schools, is striving to develop and express its own Catholic culture. The basis for such development is through the integration of all the different aspects of human knowledge taught through all areas of the curriculum in the light of the Gospel. This is supplemented through the growth in Christian values in all members of the school community.

The school relies greatly on each of its students and staff members being able to actively contribute to this culture. This, they do, through the vibrancy of the manner in which they are true to the practice of the heritage of their Catholic faith.

For such practice to be possible for students, it is necessary for parents to pass onto their children this heritage. Families who place their children in Catholic schools have a responsibility to that school to add to its Catholic dimension. For our Catholic school to maintain itself, it must be able to count on the unity of purpose and conviction of all its members – staff, students and parents.

With this in mind, I would like to sincerely invite parents and friends to our school Thanksgiving Mass on Friday 5 December at 9.00am. The Mass is a celebration of all we have achieved over the past year and an opportunity to express gratitude for all we have as a community. At this Mass, we will be presenting hampers to St Vincent de Paul, collected from families over this term. To have school, family and Parish celebrating together as a community in Christ, is an expression of this Catholic culture and that as a community we are ‘growing’. As we come towards the end of the semester, let us continue to celebrate our ‘Catholic culture’. In the words of our Mission Statement, our aim is:

To inspire a passion for life-long learning in an environment of faith, love and care for others.

May God bless your week

Term 1: Monday 2 Feb to Thurs 2 April

Term 2: Monday 20 April to Friday 3 July

Term 3: Monday 20 July to Friday 25 September

Term 4: Monday 12 October to Friday 11 December

Thursday 2 April

Monday 20 April

Tuesday 2 June

Friday 21 August

Friday 25 September

We received a wonderful letter of gratitude from the UAC for the support our school has shown to the Flame of Love Orphanage in the Congo. As mentioned last week, our community raise over $1500 to assist the orphanage is supplying food and basic requirements for the children.

On Tuesday, we remembered all those who gave their lives in war so we could live in peace. Thank you to Mrs Killalea for preparing and leading the students in the ceremony.

Lest We Forget.

Tomorrow, the P&F are holding both a disco and Crazy Hair Day. For someone who has ‘crazy hair’ all the time, it isn’t that much of a ‘fun’ thing to do for me. For those who haven’t got curly, greying hair (yep, that’s me), the opportunity to wear ‘out there’ styles and colours will, I’m sure, be taken up with zest.

The Disco will be starting at 5.30pm. A huge thanks to the P&F for organising this. The children love you for it!

We have our ACM next Wednesday (19th November). We start the evening with nibbles and drinks in the Undercover Area. Please be advised that this is an event for parents and friends only with no supervision available for children. As alcoholic drinks will be available for parents to enjoy, children cannot be on the premises. We ask your understanding of this.

The Annual Community Meeting for the School Advisory Council and P&F will be held on Wednesday November 19th in the Undercover Area, commencing at 6.00pm. There will be pre meeting drinks and nibbles starting at 5.30pm.

Reasons you should come to the ACM:

• Show your support of the hard-working School Advisory Council and P&F
• There will be a brief review of 2026 School Advisory Council and P&F activities
• Office bearers for the P&F will be elected
• 2026 school fees will be presented
• Focus areas for 2026 will be shared
• You will be able to mingle with other parents, relax and enjoy a drink and some nibbles

At this stage there will be three vacancies for the School Advisory Council for next year. If you are interested in becoming an Advisory Council Member and would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Nomination forms are available from the office or in this newsletter. We also have two vacancies available for the P&F Executive. Parents are encouraged to nominate.

This year we are very excited to again be putting on a Christmas Concert for our community. The concert will take place on Wednesday 3 December. Each class from Kindy to Year 6 will be involved along with our choirs. The P&F book awards will also be handed out on this evening. We aim to start at 5.30pm and will be finished by 7.30pm. Please keep this date in your dairy as it promises to be a special evening.

The Advisory Council is established to support the Principal to fulfil their responsibilities in leading the Catholic Identity, Education, Community and Stewardship functions of the Catholic School in pursuit of CEWA’s vision to be Christ-centred and child-focused. The Advisory Council comprises of between four and six persons, with skills and experience relevant to the needs of the school community,

School Advisory Council Function:

· Support planning for the present and future operation of the Catholic school.

· Provide membership, at the Principal’s request, on selection panels for the employment of staff to the Catholic School in accordance with the relevant CECWA Policies and Executive Directives;

· Provide membership on the panel that recommends the appointment of a principal in accordance with the relevant CECWA Policy and Executive Directives.

· In consultation with the Principal, communicate about the Catholic School and about Catholic education to persons and organisations in the School Community;

· Endorse the Catholic School’s annual budget before submission to CECWA for approval.

· Advise the Principal on school financial matters such as performance against budget, sustainability, and capital and recurrent planning.

Criteria for Membership of the School Advisory Council shall be:

· A commitment and desire to promote Catholic education and give service to the Catholic School Community.

· A commitment to the safety, wellbeing and pastoral care of all students and staff.

· An ability to work cooperatively and constructively with the Principal, school leadership team and all other members of the Advisory Council.

· The possession of skills, competencies and experience that are reflective of, relevant and beneficial to the Catholic School Community.

· A sufficiency of time to devote to Advisory Council duties.

I urge you to give serious consideration to being on the School Advisory Council and to complete & return nomination slips by 4pm Friday 14th November 2025.

Queen of Apostles P & F Committee is the organisation of the school’s parent body. The P&F Committee is comprised of four to six persons and are appointed to the role for two years. The P & F meets at least once per school term and all parents are encouraged to attend these meetings.

Members of the P & F should:

· Collaborate with the Principal to plan, organise and promote social, sporting, cultural, educational and faith formation activities for the interaction of parents, school staff, parish and students and in doing so provide opportunities for community engagement, where relevant.

· Support the Principal in the facilitation of fundraising events for the benefit of

the students: these funds provide opportunities for students and complement the

school budget.

· Encourage parental participation in school programs, particularly those related to

parent engagement in learning.

· Act as a forum for ideas and discussion on any relevant issue that will benefit

the students.

· Act as a channel to CSPWA to seek advice or express opinion.

· Liaise with CSPWA and/or parish and other parties to organise guest speakers for the P&F members on current and suggested educational programs, faith development and other matters of interest.

· In consultation with the Principal, conduct an annual P&F event planning session to establish focus for the year ahead (support guidelines to be developed).

· Be positive advocates for the school in the local community.

· Represent the P&F as an invited member of the Catholic School Advisory Council.

· Follow the CEWA Guidelines for P&F Groups in a Catholic School.

Nomination slips should be returned to the school office no later than 4pm Friday 14th November 2025.

We look forward to your attendance at the Annual Community Meeting on Wednesday 19th November 2025 and sharing light refreshments with other community members from 5.30pm in the Undercover Area, with the meeting starting at 6:00pm.

Jennifer Anderson
Acting Principal

2025 Annual Community Meeting

Queen of Apostles School Advisory Council Nomination Form

I wish to nominate for a position on the Queen of Apostles School Advisory Council.

Name: _____________________________________________

Child’s name: _____________________________________________

2025 Annual Community Meeting

Queen of Apostles P& F Committee Nomination Form

I wish to nominate for a position on the Queen of Apostles P & F Committee

Name: _____________________________________________

Child’s name: _____________________________________________

Our canteen manager, Sharon is in need of assistance on Thursday and Friday mornings. If you can spare an hour or two on either of these days, please see Sharon. A reminder that the Volunteers Form will need to be filled out if it hasn’t already been submitted this year. Due to Child Safety regulations, only parents can volunteer in the canteen – friends or grandparents require a Working With Children Card.

The Government of WA have amended the Working with Children Act last year with the changes implemented to better protect children. Catholic Education WA has mandated this process for all volunteers, including parent volunteers in schools. This includes parents who wish to volunteer at sports carnivals, in classrooms and at P&F events. Could we ask that all parents fill in the Volunteer Declaration (link) even if you have no plans at this stage to volunteer at school. If you filled out the form last year you will need to do it again this year. Parents who wish to assist teachers on excursions will need to be on this list. Your information will be stored securely in accordance with CEWA’s Information Stewardship. We highly value parent volunteers' time and contribution to our school community and thank-you for taking the time to submit the form below.

Any grandparents that wish to volunteer in the classroom or assist in the canteen will need a Working With Children Check. Please note this does not include drop off, pick up or attendance at our Grandparents Mass and Morning Tea. Grandparents that would like to volunteer at school, please contact the school office and we can assist you in the process.

Microsoft Forms

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Term 1: Wednesday 5th February to Thursday 10th April

Friday 28th February - Pupil Free Day

Monday 3rd March - Public Holiday (LABOUR DAY)

Friday 11th April - Pupil Free Day - Parent interviews

Term 2: Tuesday 29th April to Friday 4th July

Monday 28th April - Pupil Free Day

Monday 2nd June - Public Holiday (WA Day)

Tuesday 3rd June - Pupil Free Day

Term 3: Monday 21st July to Friday 26th September

Friday 22nd August - Pupil Free Day

Monday 25th August - Catholic Day (School closed)

Term 4: Monday 13th October to Friday 12th December

Show off your wild side at the P&F Crazy Hair and Sock Day.

Wear your favourite free dress and crazy socks

Style your hair as crazy as you dare!

Bring a gold coin donation to join the fun.

All proceeds raised go towards the teachers wish lists and the year 3 classroom furniture.

If you would like to get coloured spray, put into your hair, please fill out the below permission slip and an extra gold coin. The P&F will be available from 8.00am to 8.40am to spray your hair.

Let’s get creative and make it a day to remember!

Remember: All outfits must be school-appropriate and closed in shoes preferable sneakers.

The Parents & Friends Committee is excited to host our upcoming School Disco tomorrow, at Queen of Apostles Parish Hall, please see below details,

Details;

· Junior Disco - Year Pre-Kindy to Year 2: 5.30pm to 6.45pm

· Senior Disco - Year 3 to Year 6: 7.00pm to 8.30pm

· Pizza & Cordial: 2 slices of pizza per ticket sold, cordial and party bag

Please remember all students need to be signed in and out of the disco and parents of students attending the Junior Disco must stay and supervise their child/children.

There’ll be music, dancing, games, pizza and plenty of fun.

Dress code: Fun & appropriate – thinks bright colours, neon, and glitter!

Volunteers needed! Please register at https://signup.com/go/ikAqebc if you can assist

Let’s make it a night to remember!

Aquinas College invites Years 4–6 families to a special Parent & Student Information Evening on the impending Australian social-media age restrictions and what they mean for young people, parents, and schools.

Event details

• Host: Aquinas College, Salter Point

• Audience: Students in Years 4–6 and their parents/carers (parents are welcome to attend without their child)

• Date & Time: Thursday, 18 November 2025, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm (AWST)

• Venue: Veritas Centre, Aquinas College, 58 Mount Henry Rd, Salter Point WA 6152

• RSVP / Tickets (free): Register via Humanitix: (RSVP by 16 Nov)

Why attend?
Australia is about to change how young people use social media. This session — delivered by former WA Youth Ambassador and Director of Levitate Learning, David Castelanelli — will unpack:

• What the new law means (Under-16s will no longer be able to keep accounts on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, etc) as of December 10.

• How social media really affects students’ focus, sleep, self-esteem.

• Family-friendly, practical strategies to build healthy tech habits and support digital wellbeing at home.

Event Ticket Link (free): https://events.humanitix.com/parent-and-student-information-evening-junior-school

This free event features plenty of have-a-go activities aimed at children aged 1 - 16 (though of course all are welcome!).

Event Highlights Include:

🌿 Nature crafts, mud play, and immersive hands-on activities
🪱 Learn about local flora, fauna, and sustainability
🎨 Mud-free activities, stage entertainment, “Quiet Spaces”, food trucks & more
🥗 Plus all the local favourites from the Canning River Café

Mud Zone Features (thanks to Nature Play WA):
🌱 Mudster Chef Kitchens
🌱 Two Mud Pits (for big and little kids)
🌱 Hose Down Station for post-mud cleanup

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday 22 November 2025
• Location: Kent Street Weir, Kent Street, Wilson
• Event Time: 10am-3pm