Dear Parents and Caregivers,
As we move further into the season of Lent, we are invited to slow down and take stock of who we are becoming. Lent is not just about giving something up, it is about making room for prayer, for reflection and for honest growth. This connects deeply with our whole-school value of courage.
Courage is not always loud or dramatic. Often, it is quiet and steady, choosing to do the right thing when no one is watching or beginning again after a mistake. This week I witnessed a student apologise for unkindness and say, “Mrs Potts, I know I can do better.” It was a simple statement, but it was also incredibly brave. That willingness to take responsibility and strive to grow is exactly the kind of courage we hope to nurture in our students.
My hope is that during this Lenten season we encourage one another to live with that same quiet courage each day, trusting that God is shaping us gently and purposefully along the way.
🏊♀️ Swimming Carnival
We are very much looking forward to our upcoming Swimming Carnival on Friday for Years 4-6. It is always a wonderful day of house spirit, encouragement and participation. Events like this highlight that learning extends well beyond the classroom, it is also found in the teamwork, sportsmanship, and shared experiences we see throughout the day.
With warm weather forecast, it is going to be a hot day. We will have sunscreen available, and we ask that all students bring and wear rash vests for additional sun protection. A sincere thank you to Mrs Mac, who always organises such wonderful carnivals for us to enjoy. Her preparation ensures the day runs smoothly and is memorable for all participants and spectators.
📚 Professional Development Day
This week’s Professional Development Day was extremely valuable for staff. Time together to reflect, learn and plan ensures we continue to strengthen our teaching practices and provide the best possible learning experiences for our students. Staff worked collaboratively on our Vision for Learning, Data review and Early Childhood self and group reflections, engaging in rich discussion and thoughtful reflection about how we continue to grow as a learning community. Ongoing professional growth is an important part of maintaining high standards and responding thoughtfully to student needs.
✏️ NAPLAN
NAPLAN begins on Wednesday for our students in Years 3 and 5. NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) is a nationwide assessment that measures skills in reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy. While it provides a snapshot of student achievement at a particular point in time, it is only one piece of a much broader picture.
At St Denis, we use NAPLAN data alongside classroom assessments, teacher observations, and other school-based data to inform our planning and ensure we are meeting students where they are in their learning journey. Our focus remains on growth, progress and supporting every child to achieve their personal best.
🎓 Leaders’ Forum
Next Monday the leadership team will attend the Leaders’ Forum, where leadership teams from every Catholic primary and secondary school within CEWA across Western Australia gather to hear key educational messages and share insights. It is a valuable opportunity to reflect on system priorities, strengthen collaboration and ensure we continue to lead with clarity and purpose at St Denis.
🌅 Community Sundowner
A big thank you to Nat Scali, Ann-Marie Bahbah and the Year 2 class for creating such a wonderful Sundowner for our community. It was a lovely evening of connection and celebration. We invite families who attended to complete the feedback form, as your input will greatly assist us in planning our 2027 Sundowner.
SUNDOWNER FEEDBACK
As always, thank you for your ongoing partnership and support.
Warm Regards,
Sarah Potts
PRINCIPAL
