Dear Families and Friends,
Every day, our staff and students walk under three important words as they enter the school: Preach, Prayer, and Blessing. These words are at the heart of Santa Clara School’s spirit and mission.
A school's charism is what makes it special — it shapes who we are, what we value, and how we guide our students in faith. Preach, Prayer, and Blessing remind us that education is not just about learning in the classroom; it’s about growing in faith, character, purpose and living out Gospel teachings in our everyday lives.
In the gospel of Luke 6:17, 20-23, Jesus reminds us that God's blessings are with the poor, the hungry and those who suffer for doing what is right. It calls us to trust in God's kingdom, where true joy and justice are found. Daily we receive blessings from God. How often do we stop in the busyness of the day to give thanks for what we have received? Jesus in the ‘Sermon on the Plains’ also challenged us to be a blessing to each to other. When have you been a blessing to another today? I invite all to explore these two questions with your children. What a wonderful way to find out how your child’s day was.
In seeking Truth, we flourish.
Julie Southwell
Principal
Wellbeing
Tomorrow is a student-free day, and we hope families take the chance to relax and reconnect, whether you're heading away or staying home. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday, 4 March. Tomorrow, our staff will be focusing on strategic planning for wellbeing, ensuring a positive and supportive environment for all. We look forward to keeping you updated on the new strategies and processes being put in place.
Parent Engagement Evening
It was wonderful to see so many families come to meet their teachers and hear all about each year levels’ program and focus for the year. During the community presentation, I shared information about our school and OSHC and how collectively we share the space. A requirement of OSHC’s right to occupy is for no children to be playing in the undercover, grass or basketball areas before and after school. I request all children to make their way to the school oval or soft fall area before school where a teacher is on duty.
Enrolments 2026
Families with siblings intending to start Kindy in 2026, please ensure you have completed an enrolment form obtained via the website or front office. New students to Santa Clara School for 2026, enrolments for Kindy are now open. Interviews of new enrolments for 2026 will take place end of Term 1 and into Term 2. Our Year 4 and 5 classes have limited vacancies for new students. Families, please spread the word that enrolments for 2026 are now happening.
The Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct sets out the basic standards we all need to follow to keep our students safe and supported. It applies to staff, students, parents, guardians, and volunteers — everyone in our school community. At Santa Clara, we have 12 key statements that guide how adults should behave to ensure student safety. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be unpacking these in the newsletter, so stay tuned!
Capital Grants Funding for Catholic Schools
Catholic Education Western Australia (CEWA) is advocating for State Government capital grants to support Catholic schools, as WA is the only state that does not provide this funding. This lack of support places the financial burden on parents through school fees and loans.
Ahead of the 8 March State Election, CEWA has requested funding to ensure students have access to appropriate learning facilities. We encourage you to contact local candidates to understand their stance on capital funding for Catholic schools. Further details relating to capital grants funding is attached to this newsletter. I encourage all families to read and, if in a position to discuss with your local member, please do so.
Community Events
Next week, our families have two opportunities to connect as a community. We invite all to join us at Mass on the 5 March as we acknowledge Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. We are hoping all families can also make our P&F Welcome Picnic, The P&F have planned some exciting activities for the children. For the parents what a wonderful way to connect with each other and form new friendships. I and the staff very much look forward to meeting you all.
St Norbert College News
Mrs Sharon Rainford, Principal St Norbert’s, came and spoke to our Year 4 students last week about all the College has to offer. Mrs Rainford informed me how delighted she was with the exceptional behaviour of our students and the insightful questions they asked about high school. I am very much looking forward to working with St Norbert’s College to further explore opportunities for our children in attending special events held at the college.
St Norbert College Tour
St Norbert College warmly invites prospective students and their parents to tour our beautiful College, its contemporary facilities and extensive grounds. Tours will be conducted Friday, 28 February 2025 at 9.00am and 1.00pm. Bookings can be made at https://www.trybooking.com/CYQHS. This is a pupil free day for Santa Clara Students.
St Norbert College Enrolments for Year 7 in 2027
We will commence our enrolments for 2027 in the next few weeks. Application forms may be obtained by visiting our website www.norbert.wa.edu to apply online or by phoning the Enrolment Officer, Mrs Roberts, on 9350 5433 to receive an Enrolment Package.
Sibling Discount
Santa Clara School is once again partnering with St Norbert College in 2025 to continue the Sibling Discount. If you have a child attending St Norbert College and a child attending Santa Clara School concurrently, the Sibling Discount corresponding to discounts of 20%, 40% and 100% will apply to the child attending Santa Clara School. Parents are asked to complete the Sibling Discount Form and submit it to our Santa Clara School Administration Office before the end of Term One.
We very much value and appreciate this partnership and the benefit it has for our students and their families.
