St Denis School Newsletter

• Leaders' Conference Reflection
• Reconciliation
• Year 5 Day Camp
• URSTRONG Parent Workshop
• Quality Education System Review (QCESR)
• Catholic Performing Arts 2026
• CSAC Spotlight
• Sports News

✝️ Prayer

Loving God,

We thank you for your great love and mercy.

This week we pray especially for our students who are preparing to receive

the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Help them to know that you are always close to them,

ready to forgive, guide and love them.

Give them the courage to say sorry when they make mistakes,

the strength to try again, and hearts that are kind and forgiving towards others.

May they always remember that your mercy brings peace,

your love brings hope, and every new beginning brings them closer to you.

We ask this through Jesus,

who teaches us to love and forgive.

Amen.

Week 7

Friday 20 March 9:00am

Sacrament of Reconciliation, St Denis Church

Saturday 21 March: 6:30pm and Sunday 22 March: 9:00am

Confirmation Commitment Masses

WEEK 8

Monday 23 March: Harmony Day

Thursday 26 March: Year 5 Day Camp

6:00pm: Session 1. UR STRONG Parent Online Workshop

Friday 27 March: Year 5 Day Camp

Year 2 Assembly 9:00am

6:00pm: Session 2. UR STRONG Parent Online Workshop

Week 9

Wednesday 1 April: Caritas Fundraiser Day

Thursday 2 April: 9:00am

Stations of the Cross

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Leaders Conference Reflection

Last week at the CEWA Leaders Forum I was fortunate to hear from futurist Dr Ben Hamer, who spoke about the rapid pace of change in our world and what this means for the future of education and work. One message that stood out strongly was the importance of nurturing curiosity in our students. Ben reminded us that many of the careers our children will one day enter, do not yet exist, and that the most important skill we can develop in young people is the confidence to ask questions, think critically and remain curious about the world around them.

As he spoke about how quickly technology has evolved, I couldn’t help but laugh thinking about my own first mobile phone (about the size of a brick) and the unforgettable sound of dial-up internet screeching away while it tried to connect. At the time it felt incredibly advanced, yet it shows just how quickly the world can change. It was a good reminder that our students will experience changes far greater than we could have imagined when we were at school.

His message connected beautifully with the guest speaker Father Eamon, who spoke about Human Integral Development. He reminded us that while the world continues to change, our response should always be guided by faith and reflection, asking ourselves, “Where is God in this?” As a Catholic school, our relationship with God provides the lens through which we view learning, growth and the challenges of an evolving world.

Together, these messages are a powerful reminder that while we prepare our students for the future, we do so by nurturing both their curiosity and their faith, encouraging them to ask questions, seek understanding and remain grounded in their relationship with God.

Reconciliation

We are excited to celebrate the Sacrament of First Reconciliation with our Year 3 students this Friday. This is a special milestone in their faith journey, providing an opportunity for students to experience God’s love, mercy and forgiveness. Through this sacrament, students learn about the importance of reflecting on their choices, saying sorry when they have made mistakes, and beginning again with a renewed heart. We thank Mrs White for the thoughtful way she has prepared the students for this important moment in their spiritual life.

Year 5 Day Camp

Next week our Year 5 students will take part in our Day Camp experience. This year we are trying something new, with two days of surfing lessons followed by activities back at school and a delicious lunch together. Moving to a day camp format allows us to provide a rich experience for students while still enjoying the comfort and familiarity of school. It promises to be a wonderful opportunity for students to challenge themselves, build confidence, strengthen friendships and create lasting memories. Thank you to Mr Magry for the time and effort he has put into organising this experience. I’m looking forward to seeing our students out there catching some waves!

URSTRONG Parent Workshop

We strongly encourage parents to attend the upcoming online URSTRONG workshop. URSTRONG is the friendship program we use across the school to help students build healthy, respectful relationships. During this session, facilitators will share the key language and concepts students learn in class, as well as practical strategies parents can use at home when supporting children through friendship challenges. It is a valuable opportunity to strengthen the partnership between school and home in helping our students develop the skills they need for positive friendships.

Quality Catholic Education System Review (QCESR)

Early next term our school will participate in a Quality Catholic Education System Review (QCESR). This review is part of the ongoing commitment of Catholic Education Western Australia to ensure that schools continue to grow and provide the best possible learning environment for students. The process involves reviewing school data, meeting with parent representatives, staff and leadership, and reflecting on the ways our school lives out its mission, supports student wellbeing, and strengthens teaching and learning. The review provides valuable feedback and helps guide our future planning, ensuring we continue to build on our strengths while identifying opportunities for ongoing improvement.

Catholic Performing Arts 2026

This year St Denis will be participating in Catholic Performing Arts with the introduction of a Boys’ Choir and Girls’ Choir. Cathy Cotton has already begun working with students and there has been wonderful interest, involvement and excitement from those taking part.

Due to some recent changes in staffing and the scheduling of performance dates which clash with the Sacramental program, we will not be entering the Creative Dance or Liturgical Dance sections this year. We hope to review this opportunity again in 2027.

Warm Regards,

Sarah Potts

PRINCIPAL

The Catholic School Advisory Council (CSAC) supports the principal by providing informed advice on the long‑term planning and strategic direction of the school. Made up of dedicated parents, the council works in partnership with school leadership to ensure the school continues to grow, operate sustainably, and uphold its mission and values for all families.

Natasa Cosoleto

Hi, I'm Natasa (pronounced Natasha), mum to Oscar in Year 2 and Dom in Kindy. Life at home is fairly loud, competitive and often involves an injury. I have an embarrassingly strong love for reality TV, which helps balance out the rest of our weekends that mostly revolve around sport, whether that is watching it, talking about it, or playing it. I joined CSAC as a great way to be more involved in the school community and get to know other parents.

Matthew Baginski

I really enjoy getting involved in and watching the kids’ sport, especially the early-morning games, which I genuinely don’t mind. I joined the CSAC after former principal Justin Tuohy cornered me at the Pirate Bar during a parent social night and wouldn’t let me leave until I agreed! In all seriousness, I find volunteering my time and contributing to the school community incredibly rewarding. As a family, one of our favourite getaways is Seabird, just over an hour north of Perth, yet it always feels like you’re a million miles away once you’re there relaxing with a beverage.

Belinda Lush

Outside of school, I love spending time with my family and doing anything dance‑related. I can never stay away from it for long. Highland Dancing is a long‑time passion of mine, one that has taken me around the world for performances and created many special memories. I joined the CSAC to help create opportunities for students to feel connected and be part of something positive within our school community. On weekends, you’ll often find me enjoying good coffee, fresh air, time outdoors and a family bike ride to finish the day.

Our annual swimming carnival was held on Friday 6th March at the beautiful Bold Park Aquatic Centre. With brilliant blue skies, enthusiastic students and a stunning venue, it was a fantastic day enjoyed by all.

Throughout the day there were many impressive individual achievements, with students giving their best in the competitive events. Just as importantly, there was plenty of fun and laughter during the novelty events, including the ever-popular boogie board relay and noodle relay, which brought lots of excitement and great faction spirit.

This carnival was also the first event featuring our new faction names. After a wonderful day of participation and teamwork, the final results were: Benizi finishing in first place with 507 points, followed by Mackillop with 315 points, and McAuley with 307 points.

Congratulations to all students who challenged themselves and, for some, bravely overcame fears to participate. Your effort and determination were fantastic to see. There were also some outstanding individual performances, as reflected in the Age Champion results.

A sincere thank you to our parent helpers — Chantelle, Crystal, Christine, Alex (Grace’s brother) — whose support helped make the day run so smoothly. Your time and assistance were greatly appreciated. Shout out to our amazing staff who work extremely well as a team to produce a great carnival.

It was a wonderful day of swimming, sportsmanship and faction spirit. Well done to everyone involved!

The annual cricket carnival held at Yokine Reserve on Thursday 19th March was a fantastic success. Despite the very hot conditions, our students demonstrated great enthusiasm, passion, and resilience throughout the day.

We had two teams representing the school, made up of 10 boys and 10 girls from Years 5 and 6. Both teams displayed excellent sportsmanship in all matches against St Lawrence, Majella, St Gerard’s, and OLOL. Their teamwork and positive attitude were outstanding, and it was a wonderful achievement to finish the day undefeated, winning every game.

Congratulations to all students involved for representing the school with pride and respect.

2 Orchid Street, Joondanna

Perth, Western Australia, 6060

08 9242 3422

admin@stdenis.wa.edu.au