Welcome to Term 4

Term 4 is almost always a milestone term. Thoughts of transition into primary school, transition into secondary and for me this year transition out of school altogether! Many of you, like me, will have a child going through all the ‘lasts’ in this term, last school assembly, last sportsman dinner, last whole school Mass in addition to the great traditions that our schools have built over the years. I watched with high emotion the ‘boater throw’ at St Brigid’s College last week, and which my Year 12 daughter participated in this year. I have delighted in this tradition over the past six years and can hardly believe that our time came around so quickly to participate. However, besides the lovely tradition of the event I was particularly touched by the joy and love that was present in the young women there last Thursday. My hope for all of them is that in addition to achieving their full potential in whatever road they travel after school, that they hold onto the great friendships they have developed over the past six years at secondary school. It has been a joy watching my daughter and the friends she made at the Year 7 camp, develop over the years. They have grown together, cried together, laughed together (lots of laughing!!!) and learned the importance of being there for and supporting each other. Their friendships have also led to new friendships for me with their parents. This is what we seek in our Catholic school communities and I have been fortunate to have been part of three wonderful school communities during my children’s educational journey. A big shout out to Sacred Heart School in Mundaring, Mazenod College and of course St Brigids College – thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your assistance in the education of my children. Catholic education rocks!

As you can probably tell that although my children are ready and prepared for the next step, I am not! Thankfully my position with Catholic School Parents WA will hopefully enable me to be a part of other families journeys through school,  with our continued advocacy in the area of Parent and Family Engagement in Learning and our new focus for next year around helping parents and schools build and development great and effective relationships. Good relationships are critical and underpin so much of what we do. As members of Catholic school communities we are called to respect the dignity of each and every person and to work for the common good. These will be key themes of our work for next year.

But back to Term 4, this newsletter provides information and advice around managing exam stress, Leavers (!!!!) and the CSPWA induction evening early next year.

We are also including a survey which we hope you will find time to complete. The survey is seeking information regarding current communication strategies in our schools. What works really well and what doesn’t?

On a very sad note CSPWA send our sincere condolences to the St Jerome’s Primary School community on the very sad passing of their friend, mum and past president of the P&F Association at the school – Sophia Hicks. Sophia was a tireless worker as part of the P&F and contributed immensely to the positive and vibrant culture of the school. Sophia was also a great champion of CSPWA and we are so appreciative of her input and support over the years. Sophia sadly leaves her husband and three young children and they will all be in our thoughts and prayers over the next weeks and months.

There is one more newsletter to come at the end of this term so in the meantime, enjoy everything that Term 4 brings. Take time to enjoy all the lasts, whether it is the last term in Year 3, last term in Primary school or indeed last term in Secondary school.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our office if you seek any information or if you would like a member of CSPWA to visit your school.

Enjoy the rest of the term.

Warm regards

Siobhan