Emmaus Catholic Primary School
Term 3 Week 4 Newsletter: Friday 14 August 2026
Loving God,
As we celebrate the Assumption of Mary,
we give thanks for her example of faith, trust and humility.
Like Mary, help us to say “yes” to you,
to notice the needs of others
and to bring the love and joy of Jesus wherever we go.
May Mary’s journey to Heaven remind us
of your promise of hope and eternal life,
and inspire us to walk together in faith each day.
Mary, Mother of Jesus, pray for us.
Amen
PARENT & CARER CODE OF CONDUCT - SUPPORTING A SAFE & RESPECTFUL SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Dear Parents & Carers
At Emmaus Catholic Primary School, the safety, wellbeing and dignity of every member of our community is of the highest importance. This includes our students, parents and carers, staff, volunteers and visitors.
Some of you may have seen and read a newspaper article, last week in the West Australian, on Catholic Schools and the Parent and Carers Code of Conduct.
As part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment, Catholic Education WA, have introduced an updated Parent and Carer Code of Conduct. The Code outlines the standards of behaviour and communication we expect from all adults who engage with our school community. This Code is not a set of rules handed down to families, however, a code that parents with children in Catholic schools helped write up.
The Code of Conduct is not simply a set of rules. It is an important document that helps us establish clear expectations and provides a shared framework for respectful and constructive interactions. It supports our collective responsibility to ensure that our school remains a place where everyone feels safe, valued, heard and respected.
We recognise that parents and carers play a vital role in their child's education and that positive partnerships between home and school have a significant impact on student learning and wellbeing. We, therefore, encourage open communication and welcome questions, concerns and feedback. At the same time, it is important that these interactions occur in a manner that is respectful, appropriate and focused on achieving positive outcomes for students.
At Emmaus we have a strong working relationship with our families, and we want to maintain this as we grow.
The updated Code provides guidance around respectful communication, appropriate conduct when engaging with staff and other members of the community, and expectations when raising concerns or resolving issues. It also makes clear that behaviour that is threatening, intimidating, abusive, discriminatory or otherwise inappropriate has no place within our school community.
We ask all parents and carers to take the time to read the updated Parent and Carer Code of Conduct, that was sent home via a link earlier this term, (also see link below), carefully and familiarise themselves with its expectations. By working together and modelling respectful behaviour, we help our children understand the importance of kindness, responsibility, self-regulation and positive relationships.
https://www.emmaus.wa.edu.au/parents/parent-information/
Thank you for your continued support and for the important role you play in creating a safe and positive school environment. Our shared commitment to respectful partnerships ensures that the wellbeing of our entire school community remains at the centre of everything we do.
PRINCIPAL APPRECIATION DAY - CELEBRATING MR CONIGLIO
This week, as we recognise Principal Appreciation Day, it is a wonderful opportunity to pause and acknowledge the extraordinary contribution of our Principal, Mr Sandro Coniglio, and the leadership, energy and heart he brings to Emmaus Catholic Primary School each and every day.
Being a Principal involves far more than what we might see from the outside. Behind the scenes, Mr Coniglio works tirelessly alongside staff to ensure that every decision we make keeps our students at its centre. He regularly works with teachers and leadership to analyse student data, identify individual learning needs and determine how we can best target our teaching and support. Just as importantly, he makes time to visit classrooms, talk with teachers and, of course, check in with the children themselves. He takes a genuine interest in what they are learning, what they are achieving and what matters to them.
One of Mr Coniglio’s greatest strengths is that he is a highly visible and pastoral leader. You will often find him mingling with students in the playground at break times, chatting with children at the front of the school, popping into classrooms or stopping to speak with families. He knows our children, celebrates their successes and takes a genuine interest in their lives. At a school blessed with children from such wonderfully diverse backgrounds, abilities, personalities and experiences, Mr Coniglio demonstrates an enormous capacity to see, value and care for each child as an individual.
His pastoral care extends equally to our families and staff. Mr Coniglio is generous with his time, supportive when challenges arise and committed to ensuring that Emmaus remains a community in which people feel welcomed, listened to and valued. His leadership reflects the Catholic character of our school—not simply through words, but through the relationships he builds and the compassion, dignity and respect he shows to others.
And, of course, we could not celebrate Mr Coniglio without mentioning his sense of humour! Whether it is an unexpected comment at assembly, joining in the fun at a school event, sharing a joke with students or simply finding an opportunity to make people smile, he brings an abundance of laughter, warmth and joy to our community. Our assemblies and special events certainly would not be the same without his personality shining through!
Perhaps what is most evident, however, is how much Mr Coniglio genuinely loves Emmaus and its children. He is enormously proud of our students and of the school community we are building together. Our children know that their Principal is not someone who simply leads from an office—he is present among them, knows them, encourages them and journeys alongside them.
On Principal Appreciation Day, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr Sandro Coniglio for his exceptional leadership of Emmaus Catholic Primary School. His vision, dedication, faith, humour and deeply pastoral approach have played an integral role in shaping the culture of our growing school. We are incredibly fortunate to have a Principal who leads with both head and heart, who expects the best while caring deeply for the people he serves, and whose commitment to our students is evident every single day.
Thank you, Mr Coniglio, for all that you do and for the joy, care and leadership you bring to Emmaus. You are our Emmaus Super-Hero! We are immensely grateful to have you leading us as we continue Journeying Together.
Mrs Hackner & Mrs Fernandez
Today our Emmaus community came together for a special Mass to celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Assumption celebrates the belief that, at the end of her earthly life, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken body and soul into the glory of Heaven. For Catholics, Mary is a wonderful example of faith, trust, humility and service. Her Assumption is also a sign of hope, reminding us of God's promise of eternal life and the hope we share through the Resurrection of Jesus.
A special thank you to Father Bona for joining us and leading our school community in the celebration of the Eucharist. We also extend our thanks and congratulations to our Year 5 students, who have thoughtfully prepared and hosted this special Mass. Through their readings, prayers and participation, they led our community in celebrating Mary and reflecting on the example she gives us of saying “yes” to God and showing love through service to others.
This term, our Year 6 Confirmation candidates prepare for their holy Sacrament. Parents, please note these important dates:
CONFIRMATION RETREAT (students only)
When: Tuesday 8 September
Where: At Emmaus CPS
Time: All day; Commences at 9am
What: Mrs Bateman will facilitate the retreat. Students are to wear sport uniform (leavers shirts)
CONFIRMATION WORKSHOPS (parents and students)
When: Wednesday 9 September OR Thursday 10 September
(Parents pre-book with Sacrament Coordinator)
Where: Parish Centre at St Helena of the Holy Cross Parish
Times: 4:00pm OR 5:30pm
What: Mr Harris from CEWA Catechist Services will facilitate an interactive session with parents and children. Note that a brief rehearsal follows the workshop session.
RECONCILIATION BEFORE CONFIRMATION (students only)
When: Wednesday 16 September
Where: At Emmaus CPS
Time: 10am
What: Confirmation candidates receive reconciliation ahead of their Confirmation, facilitated by Fr Bona.
SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION (parents and students)
When: Sunday 20 September
Where: St Helena of the Holy Cross Church
Times: 11:30am OR 3pm
(Parents pre-book with Sacrament Coordinator)
For enquiries, please contact Hannah Wager (Sacrament Coordinator): youth@sthelenaellenbrook.com
Congratulations to Ano in Year 5 for being awarded the "Emmaus Way" award at the Week 3 Assembly. Cleo will sure have a great time in your care over these weeks. Take a look at the awesome traits that Ano demonstrates in our school every day.
The children enjoyed dressing up as a farmer or farm animal for our incursion with Farmer Mick and his farm animals. Farmer Mick introduced us to all his animals and taught us about the features of each animal and their role on the farm. We loved feeding the kids and lambs who were very hungry, they drank their milk bottles so fast!
We gently nursed the chicks and patted Humphrey the pony, Barney the Sheep, Gina the goat, Gordan the goose, Daisy the duck and everyone’s favourite Batman the rabbit!
Ricky the Rooster and his girlfriend Henrietta were happy to see us, they needed a rest because they are the first animals to wake up early every morning.
On Thursday 6 August, the Year 3 students had a fun filled day exploring and learning at Kings Park!
We enthusiastically participated in our Child vs Wild activity, working in teams to build shelters using tarps, ropes and natural materials such as logs, rocks and sticks. We also had a go at making damper. Unfortunately, the fire wasn’t warm enough to cook all of the damper, so not everyone was able to enjoy a taste!
Next, we learnt some important bush first aid techniques, including what to do if someone is bitten by a snake.
During our Brilliant Botanists lesson, we became plant scientists! We dissected a seed and discovered the importance of germination, photosynthesis and pollination. We also planted our own native cuttings, which we are hoping to watch grow over the coming weeks.
It was a fantastic day filled with teamwork, hands-on learning, exploration and lots of fun!
We ask families to please ensure students are wearing the correct Emmaus school uniform each day. Wearing our uniform correctly promotes a sense of pride, belonging and unity within our school community.
A few important reminders:
- Ties are compulsory for all students in Years 1–6 when wearing the formal uniform.
- Uniform shorts and trousers must be the approved Emmaus Uniform Shop items, including the Emmaus embroidery. Similar items purchased from retailers such as Kmart or BIG W are not part of our school uniform.
- Sports shoes must be white or predominantly white running shoes. Black or brightly coloured shoes are not part of the approved sports uniform.
Thank you to our families for supporting these expectations and helping our students wear their Emmaus uniform with pride.
This term the Year 2s have been learning the positive impact of friendships through the UR Strong program. We have learnt that the students are their own besties (because we are awesome how we are) and how our feelings are our friends and are important to acknowledge and feel. This week we have been exploring how friends are unique and why friendships can be different depending on the person you are friends with. We have been drawing our feelings and how our friendships look. It's great to use art to share our feelings!
VacSwim offers fun swimming lessons over the October and summer school holidays. it aims to give children across Western Australia the skills to stay safe and confident in the water.
For more information on who can enrol and how to enrol, dates and costs, please open the attachment below.
Parenting comes with its share of challenges, and sometimes a little extra support can make a big difference. If you're a parent or carer of a child under 6 years old and receiving Parenting Payment, Carer Payment or Special Benefit, Parent Pathways may be able to help.
Parent Pathways is a free, personalised and flexible program that helps parents and carers work towards their personal, study and employment goals while supporting their family's wellbeing. With guidance from a dedicated Parent Pathways Mentor, you can build confidence, explore education and employment opportunities, and connect with local services and support networks.
Appointments are offered in welcoming, child-friendly environments, and eligible participants may be able to access assistance with training, study, transport, technology and even driver's licence costs. Additional support may also be available to help cover counselling and psychology gap fees where appropriate. When you join Parent Pathways, you may also be eligible for Engagement Support Vouchers to help with everyday expenses. This includes a $100 welcome voucher for groceries or fuel, plus additional $50 vouchers for attending regular appointments, with eligible participants able to receive up to $250 in vouchers each year.
To learn more about Parent Pathways and check your eligibility, contact your local Parent Pathways team on 1300 436 756 or scan the QR code for more information.
The next newsletter will be issued on Friday 28 August.
Mr Coniglio
Principal