E-News 8 February 2024

 

Welcome to Week 2, Term 1

Welcome to the first edition of our College eNews for 2024.

We are very grateful to College staff, students and families for their support in what has been a busy but very fulfilling start to the new year. We are excited to continue to grow our exceptional K-12 community this year and build upon the amazing legacy of Av԰ Christi College.

Outstanding for Others

 To commence this year, we have had a clear focus on our Vision of being Outstanding for Others. Our aim is for students to strive to be outstanding in all that they do – the way that they learn, their commitment to the College and how they are of service to others. This philosophy was promoted at our whole school assembly where we spoke clearly about setting high expectations for self across all aspects of school life and then having the courage and commitment to strive toward this standard.

 During the assembly, we were delighted to welcome back our high achieving students from our Graduating Class of 2023 who highlight what it means to be Outstanding for Others. They illustrate what can be achieved by harnessing their gifts fully and applying high levels of effort and application to achieve their goals and achieve excellence in their chosen pathway. These students made learning their priority and worked diligently, and with great determination, resulting in outstanding achievements.

 In truly modelling our Vision of being Outstanding for Others, our high performing graduates were also very proactive in serving our community and positively shaping our culture. They clearly model the holistic benefits of fully involving themselves in the life of the school.

K-12 Uniform

 I would like to thank families for their excellent support of the introduction of the new K-12 College uniform this year. It has been terrific to see so many students across the College proudly wearing the new uniform. As you would be aware, we have a gradual roll out process in place over the next two years in support of families adopting the new uniform over time.

 The introduction of a new uniform is a timely reminder for students to make themselves aware of our uniform and grooming standards. In fully investing in the life of the school, and proudly representing Av԰ Christi, we want our students to wear their uniform with pride. We look forward to the ongoing support of parent and caregivers in this regard.

Parent Information Evenings

To commence the year, we have appreciated the opportunity to engage with parents and caregivers from various year levels across the school via a range of Parent Information Evenings. We appreciate the support from families in attending the school in person to meet key staff and to hear of the plans for the year ahead.

I write a lot about the importance of positive parent/caregiver engagement with the school. There is substantial evidence that improved student educational outcomes are directly connected to parent engagement – hence our desire to strongly partner with all of our families.

Whilst information evenings provide an excellent stand-alone opportunity to connect with staff, we encourage parents and caregivers to be in regular contact with homeroom and classroom teachers about their child’s growth and development. As you would be aware, parents and caregivers have the capacity to monitor student progress and connect with teachers via our College administration systems. We are pleased to promote our newly developed staff contacts page - access details are below:

  • How to access contacts page:

  • Direct link:

  • How to login to Av԰ Connect:

An additional engagement opportunity for parents is our excellent Friends of Av԰ group. We meet once a term to discuss key strategic initiatives and invite input from families. Our first meeting for the year is scheduled for Wednesday 13 March at 6.30pm in the Senior School Staffroom. All parents and caregivers are invited to attend. I would also like to thank in advance the Friends of Av԰ Executive team for their dedicated efforts in shaping agendas and organising events this year.

Strategically Thinking

In my welcome letter to families earlier this year, I highlighted our core strategic intents for this year under each of our 4 core pillars of Catholic Identity and Mission, Community, Learning and Stewardship. This alignment of planning allows for clarity and clear planning and promotes transparency for our whole community. Our planning is guided by these key intents for this year.

In promoting student voice at the College, we were delighted to hear from our Prefects, led by Head Boy Hudson Pivac and Head Girl Kiara Trant, who presented their strategic intents to all staff at our recent Professional Learning Day.

The Prefects worked diligently whilst on the Leaders’ Av԰ last year to design whole school improvement strategies, aligned to the 4 pillars, that were meaningful to them and that would leave a lasting legacy on the College. The students honed these ideas over the break to have them ready to present to staff. These initiatives were very well received and will now be integrated into our improvement plan for 2024. Congratulations to our Prefects on showing such outstanding leadership and for wholeheartedly investing in the College.

Operational Updates

Please note that we will be providing a letter for all families soon on some key operational updates across the school. As a large K-12 school, we continue to aim to provide clarity around key activities and processes at the College .

College Community Mass

The annual College Community Mass is a significant event in the life of the College. It is a special time that allows us to celebrate Mass together as one community.

Given the significance of this occasion, the Mass is a compulsory event for all staff and students. We also hope to see many parents, families and friends present to share in this celebration which is scheduled for Tuesday 27 February commencing at 5.30pm on the College Senior School Oval.

Best wishes and every blessing.

Jeff Allen

Principal

 

Welcome to the 2024 school year. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all new families joining Av԰ Christi College for the first time and welcome back returning families. 

A new year always brings with it a renewed sense of excitement at the possibilities that lie ahead, and we look forward to walking with you and your children to ensure that every child continues to realise their full potential. Our Vision and Mission - Outstanding for others continues to guide our teaching practices at Av԰ Christi, and at a Junior School level it brings focus to our child-centred and dynamic learning environments and practices.

 It has been wonderful spending some time in the classrooms listening to the great adventures that took place over the holidays and excitement as well as a few nervous about what the year ahead has in stall for them. A big congratulations to our Kindy students who, for many, this is their first time at a school as well as our Pre-Primary’s who make the move into full-time schooling. These are incredible milestones for each individual and family.

New Bell Times

This year there will be some small but significant changes in how we gather as a community. We have made adjustments to our bell times, which will allow more flexibility and cross-collaboration between the Senior and Junior School campuses.  You can view the new bell times HERE.

Junior School Drop-off and Pick-Up

With a new year we take this opportunity to remind families to be cautious and follow the car park signage and park only in designated areas. To familiarise yourself with the Junior School parking information, please click  

Please note that gates open at 8.15am when supervised duty commences in the undercover area. We ask that families do not leave children in Years 1 – 6 unsupervised prior to this time. Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Pre-Primary students are to be supervised by a parent or guardian until 8.35am.   

Kindergarten to Year 6 Parent Information Evening

On Wednesday, we gathered as a community in the undercover area to welcome the new year and get inspired by the College's Vision and Mission. From there, it was beautiful to see the teachers connect with their students' families and share what learning and community will look like this year. I want to thank all the families who were able to join us that evening. If you were unable to attend the information night, please connect with the classroom teacher to share any important notes discussed in the evening.

Prayer Assembly

Students from Year 1 to 6 will gather in the undercover for prayer at 8:40 am which we will be hosted by a different class each week. All parents and guardians are welcome to stay and participate in prayer. Please see the College Calendar and events page for the 2024 schedule.

Junior Assemblies

Assemblies will take place in the Theatre and led by our Year 6 student leaders. During this assembly, we will present the merit award winners from PP to Year 6. Parents and Guardians will be notified via SEQTA on Friday the week before if their child is receiving a merit award.

Following on from our Merit Awards, a class will then present their item, which focuses on the fabulous learning that is taking place in their room.

Please see the College Calendar and events page for the 2024 schedule.

Upcoming Events

Below are some important dates that you may wish to diarise.

  • Friday 23 February: Year 3 to 6 Swimming Carnival

  • Tuesday 27 February: Whole School Community Mass, commencing at 5.30pm.

 I am looking forward to sharing another exciting year with you and your family, filled with new adventures, exciting challenges and endless opportunities for development and growth.  

"Education is always an act of hope that, from the present, looks to the future." - Pope Francis, 2020

Yours faithfully

Miss Katya Anderson

Head of Junior School

 

The Catholic Identity and Mission Team are off to a great start for the year with many exciting events coming up!

Year 7 Quest Retreat

This Friday 9 February our Year 7 Students will be engaged with their Year 7 Quest Retreat. This retreat experience has been designed to help Year 7 students understand our College values of Courage, Commitment and Compassion through experiences that help build community and relationships.

On Friday, students need to come dressed in their sports uniform wearing House shirts. In the morning, students will attend Homeroom as normal and then their Homeroom Teacher will accompany them to the Gym for the commencement of the Retreat. As students will be engaged with the Retreat for the day, there will be no scheduled classes for Year 7 on Friday.

Students will need to pack their drink bottles and hats and ensure they apply sunscreen during the day as some activities will be outside. Recess and lunch will be provided with gluten free and vegetarian options for those students who require it.

The day will conclude with a short Liturgy in the Theatre, in time for the regular bell at 3.10pm. 

If you have any questions regarding the Year 7 Quest Retreat please ask Mr Chandler or me.

Shrove (Pancake) Tuesday

We have two events planned for both Junior and Senior School students to commemorate Shrove (Pancake) Tuesday.

Junior School:

From 8.15am, our Student Leaders will be serving pancakes to Junior School students and any parents/guardian who can attend. We encourage a gold coin donation with proceeds going to Project Compassion. Prayer Assembly will then begin from 8.45am. You are warmly welcomed to attend.

Senior School

At recess time our Student Leaders will be serving pancakes to Senior School students. Again, we encourage a gold coin donation with proceeds going to Project Compassion. 

For those who do not know - Shove Tuesday is a Catholic tradition on the day before the season of Lent - which begins on Ash Wednesday (the day after). For Catholics, Lent traditionally is a period of fasting, so Shrove Tuesday was traditionally held to use up any excess basic ingredients - hence the making and sharing of pancakes!

Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is a significant event in a Catholic School as it is the beginning of the season of Lent - a time to prepare for the arrive of Jesus at Easter. This coming Wednesday 14 February there are two different events that students and staff will attend.

Junior School and Senior School SLT:

At 9am, students in Years 3 to 6, their teachers, and the Senior School SLT will attend Mass in Saint Thomas More Parish. During this Mass they will receive the Ashes to bring back to the College for the Senior School Liturgy. These students and staff will receive their ashes during the Mass. Ms Anderson, Mrs de Groot and Mrs Damjanovic will distribute Ashes back at school to the K-Y2 students.

Senior School:

During Period 3 all Senior School students will attend a Liturgy in the Gymnasium for Ash Wednesday and to launch our major College fundraiser for the term – Project Compassion. Details on the Liturgy will be shared in the notices.

Did you know that Ash Wednesday – named after the ashes burned at the previous year’s Palm Sunday, is the beginning of the Season of Lent? Lent is the time leading up to Easter used by Catholics to prepare themselves for the arrival of Christ in the world. Traditionally, during Lent, Catholics will devote themselves to prayer, service (called almsgiving) and fasting. That is why Catholics might talk about what they are giving up for Lent or what they might do for others – this might be something interesting to discuss as a family with your child.

Major upcoming event – Community Mass – Tuesday 27 February  5.30pm

Our annual Community Mass will be on Tuesday 27 February at 5.30pm on the College Oval, accessible from Murdoch Drive. This is a significant event in the College Calendar and is compulsory for all students to attend. Parents, families, and guardians are very much welcome to come to the celebration. Our College Communications Team will send out more information about the event. The theme for the Mass this year is One bread, one body, one spirit of love! We look forward to sharing this evening with you.

Yours faithfully

Damian Ramos

Deputy Principal Catholic Identity & Mission

 
 

Upcoming College Events 

The latest events with detailed information can be found by visiting the events page.

Please always refer to the College Calendar for the latest updates.

 
 

Extra-Curricular Registrations

Please visit the Extra-Curricular page to register your interest in a range of activities on offer at the College.

A ranges of Senior and Junior School Sports, Music, Dance and clubs are on offer.

 

College Production Update

Here is a sneak peek of the fabulous energy as the cast and crew of the 2024 College Musical - 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' rehearse. The cast and crew are preparing to thrill you with an unforgettable performance!

Don't forget to save performance dates: 24, 26 & 27 April 2024.

 
 

Library News

 

Welcome to our Junior School Library for 2024.

I am looking forward to another busy and fun year with our students. Our library is open before and after school for borrowing. We are closed on Wednesday. Parents are invited to borrow additional resources for their children if they wish.

A reminder that borrowing is for seven days only with an option to renew and students must have a library bag when taking books home.

Issue 1 of Scholastic Book Club has been sent home and parents are reminded to order through LOOP online. Our library benefits from additional resources from Scholastic as we are given back 15% of the orders to purchase additional books.

Mrs Catherine Munro
Library Technician

 
 

Chloe Meldrum (Year 5)

Congratulations to Chloe and her team on achieving 4th place in the 2023 Australian All Stars Cheerleading Federation (AASCF) National Championships in Melbourne. Chloe and Team Voltage from TNT Allstars were the highest-placing WA team in their division.



 
 

Alex Hayes (Year 12)

Congratulations to Alex, who represented WA in the National Cricket Inclusion Championships held in Brisbane. Alex had his WA Representative Cap presented to him at a special ceremony over the College break at the WACA.



 
 

Sam Zollner (Year 12)

A fantastic result for Sam in the Open Water Nationals, held 24 - 27 January 2024. Sam finished with dual Bronze Medals in the 17 Year Boys 7.5k and 5k swims!

 

⭐ Share Your Story ⭐

We love celebrating student success, so if you have a story to share please send details and a photo to: marketing@corpus.wa.edu.au

 

St Thomas More Bateman Parish

Permanent Part Time Position Employment Opportunity  — Parish RE/ Sacramental Coordinator

St Thomas More Catholic Church, Bateman Parish, has a vacancy for a Religious Education/ Sacramental Coordinator. This position is 15 hours a week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays), the Coordinator of the Parish Religious Education program provides leadership to assist the parish community in building a solid foundation of faith for children and their families.  In this position, the Coordinator facilitates and manages in bringing Religious Education to children who do not attend Catholic Schools.  The Coordinator works in collaboration with the Parish Priest, Catechists, Parents, the Catholic school and the Catholic Service Team.  An understanding of parish life and support of the ethos and values of the Catholic Church is required.  Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook will be advantageous.  Training will be provided for a suitable candidate.  Applicants must also be willing to undergo a formation course.            

Applications close Friday 23rd February 2024.
A Job description is available on request. Please submit your application via email to Fr Phong Nguyen at phong.nguyen@perthcatholic.org.au

Sacramental  Program

Sacramental classes for St Thomas More Parish commence on Wednesday the 7th February from 4.00pm, please enrol and upload all necessary certificates. There will be no enrolment day next year as all enrolments are online. (During class on 7 February, 2024, ‘Form 10 - Safeguarding’ will need to be completed.)

If you are experiencing difficulties in enrolling online please send us  an email on catechist.bateman@perthcatholic.org.au  or on 93101747 on Tuesday and a Wednesday.

All children (from pre-school age on) are warmly welcomed to attend the Religious Education Sacramental program. Special arrangements can be made for High School children and Av԰ Christi College children who may not have celebrated their age relevant Sacrament.

Sacramental dates for next year will be published at a later date this year.                                      

 
 

Learn to Swim at Av԰ Christi College

Av԰ Christi College offers a Learn to Swim Program onsite at the Jennifer Reilly Aquatic Centre. The aquatic centre features a covered and heated 25 metre, eight-lane indoor lap and water polo pool, a separate 12 metre learn-to-swim pool and terrace seating for 180 people.

Our Learn to Swim Program is facilitated by Speed With Style, a company who provide a unique approach to swim teaching called Individualised Custom Teaching, which was developed by Dr Nigel Williams in collaboration with head coach and Speed with Style Founder - John Williams.

The Learn to Swim program is available to both Av԰ Christi College students and those external to the College.

You can register and find more information about Speed with Style on the
College website: www.corpus.wa.edu.au/speed-with-style

 

Reporting of Absentees

If your child is absent from school there are a variety of ways in which parents can inform the College, more information is located here. Absentees can be reported through a variety of means, including the online form, SMS or email absentee@corpus.wa.edu.au. The least preferred method is via call due to the translation of the voice message being unclear at times, please reserve calling for emergencies only. It is very important that you provide your child’s full name, their classroom/homeroom, and the reason for their absence. Please ensure any emails are sent to Absentee@corpus.wa.edu.au and not individual staff email accounts within Student Services. The College will shortly be undertaking a review of the variety of methods used to report absences and is looking to streamlining the number of methods in which this can be done.

Enrolments Update

Sibling Applications

We encourage applications well in advance of the entry year and encourage families to keep up to date with the Enrolment timelines as advertised on our website.

Currently Accepting

  • 2026 cohort applications for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Year 7.

  • 2027 cohort and beyond.

To be eligible for enrolment, all applicants must have submitted an application per child.

If you are yet to do so, please apply online: 

 

In case you missed it...

Keep up to date with news as it happens by following our social media accounts and by checking out our latest updates.

 
Av԰ Communications