Dear Parents, Children and Friends,

 The Season of Lent Begins Next Wednesday

On Wednesday 6 March at 11am we join together as a community to celebrate Ash Wednesday in our school hall. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection and fasting which prepares us for the resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday. 

During these days of Lent we are called to commit ourselves to renewing our faith and spiritual life. We are called to help others and try to make a difference to our family, ourselves and our world. Perhaps we can do this by giving of ourselves to others, rather than giving something up. 

Practical Ways to Celebrate Lent

Lent gives us 40 days to reflect on Jesus Christ and our own spirituality. Here are 15 suggestions to try during Lent.

1. Go to confession.
2. Be active in Caritas and Project Compassion.
3. Pray on a daily basis to deepen your connection to Jesus.
4. Shut off the computer or TV and read the Bible.
5. Volunteer your time.
6. Send thank you notes to those that helped you.
7. Prepare meals for a shelter or someone who might be needing help and support.
8. Donate clothes and toys to charity.
9. Pray for someone you do not know.
10. Smile more often.
11. Try to stop complaining and being critical of others.
12. Plant a garden to learn how to nourish living things.
13. Call a friend or relative you lost touch with.
14. Take someone to Mass with you.
15. Be a happy and positive person.

 Kindy Enrolments for 2020 & 2021

We are currently taking enrolments and interviewing for Kindergarten in 2020 and 2021. I ask families to please ensure they have lodged their Kindy application so your child’s place can be secured. Should you wish to take a tour of our play based, child centred Kindergarten program, please contact me at miranda.swann@cewa.edu.au or call 9404 2400.

We also have a limited number of Pre Kindy and Kindergarten places available for 2019. Please register your interest with the office.

 Year Six Camp

Please keep the Year Six children and teachers in your thoughts and prayers as they prepare for school camp; beginning on Wednesday 6 March. I am sure the children will find the experience one they will never forget.

 Intimate Images Bill

Last week, State Parliament passed the new Criminal Law Amendment (Intimate Images) Bill making it illegal to distribute an intimate image of a person without consent.

In the case of someone under 16, the law says they cannot legally consent to an image of themselves being shared. The law aims to strike a balance between protecting young people from this harmful behaviour, and not unduly criminalising them.

The new intimate image laws will come into effect following the commencement of the Criminal Law Amendment (Intimate Images) Act 2018 (WA) on 15 April 2019.

As young people under the age of 16 are not exempt from this new offence, it is imperative that information regarding these new laws is shared with our students and their parents.

The key messages for young people are:

• It is against the law to take, keep, send or ask for an intimate image of a person under the age of 18
• It is against the law to share an intimate image of a person of any age without their consent. 

The Department of Justice has provided advice and frequently asked questions for parents and educators. These FAQs can assist to inform and guide the conversation we have as parents with our children.

With the increasing use of digital technology and social media it is important that we continue to work together to ensure that our communities are safe places of learning and development for all our children.

Merit Assembly this Friday

It was wonderful to see so many parents and grandparents at the assembly last week. I would like to invite you to join us for a Merit Assembly at 8.35am this Friday. I look forward to seeing you there.  

Pupil Free Day: Friday 1 March

Just a reminder that this Friday is a pupil free day and the school will be closed. Our education assistants, office staff and teachers will undertake a professional development with a Sandra Petersen from the Catholic Education Religious Education Team on Staff Wellbeing and the importance of balance in our lives.

 Upcoming Important Dates

• 27/28 February Confirmation Parent Information Evening at 7pm at St

Simon Peter Church

• 1 March PUPIL FREE DAY (NO SCHOOL)
• 4 March PUBLIC HOLIDAY (NO SCHOOL)
• 6 March Ash Wednesday Liturgy at 11am
• 6-8 March Year Six Camp
• 8 March Merit Assembly at 8.35am
• 9-10 March Confirmation Enquiry Mass at St Simon Peter Church

 May God bless our school and those within it.

Miranda Swann

Principal