Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome Back
I hope you all had some opportunities to break routine and relax over the school holidays. These resets, where we spend time with family and friends, are very important for our well-being, giving us the energy and enthusiasm to embark on the very busy Term 4 that lies ahead. It is important that we focus on this term, rather than rushing to look ahead to 2025. Students can become anxious if adults focus on the change and transition to the next year level sooner than necessary. As a community, let’s all enjoy all the wonderful moments that Term 4 offers. We wish our Year 6 students all the very best as they embark on their last term with us at Orana.
Catholic Identity Pillar
Sacrament of Penance
Our Year 3 students continue to prepare for to receive the Sacrament of Penance. The students attended their retreat day at the Schoenstatt Shrine. On Thursday evening the candidates attended the rehearsal. These are important steps in assisting students and families to prepare for the sacrament. The parish and school work together to support parents in developing the spiritual and Catholic growth of their children. Thank you to all who attended and a special thanks to Fr CJ, Magdalene and Luanna from the parish, Mrs Alp, Mrs Ballem, Mrs Stock, Miss Rich and parish members.
Education Pillar
Beginning of Term
As a new term begins, it is important to focus on the setting of high standards and expectations for our students. Please assist our staff by reinforcing uniform standards, homework practices and the way students work and interact with others at school.
Professional Development
On Monday, staff attended Day 2 of the Berry Street Education Model – Domain 2: Relationships, with our network cluster that includes Queen of Apostles School, St Pius X and St Patrick’s School.
Learnings included theory and practical strategies for attachment, unconditional positive regard, praise, constructive responses, self-care and whole-school relationships.
Community Pillar
Grandparents Morning
Today, we welcomed our grandparents and special guests to our school. Our talented musicians entertained a crowd of grandparents. They then visited the classrooms and shared morning tea. Thank you to all who attended and assisted in providing morning tea. Thank-you also to Sarah Draper, Father CJ, Kathryn Alp, the generous parent helpers and the P and F Committee for your support. It was a wonderful community event.
Stewardship Pillar
New Uniform Roll Out
Thank you to all parents and families for ensuring students were prepared in their summer uniforms and wearing them correctly and proudly for the start of the term. It is exciting to see students in the new style uniforms. I want to take this opportunity to thank our Advisory Council member Carmel Wilkinson for leading the uniform subcommittee. Carmel has overseen the tender, design and consultation process over the last two years. We appreciate her time and commitment to promoting our school. I also wish to thank Bruce Alp for fitting out the uniform shop, which is now open every Thursday morning. Click here to order - One World Uniforms
Class Requests
Next month, teachers will be compiling class groupings for 2025. Teachers consider various factors criteria when selecting class placements for students. The children’s best interests in our educational setting are the main priority. Students also get the opportunity to list classmates they work well with and would like to have in their class. We aim to ensure that at least one child from the list will be in the class for 2025.
If you have a valid class placement request (see criteria below), please complete this form. The form will be open to accept responses until Wednesday, 31st October. Requests cannot be made after this date.
Valid requests:
- Separating or keeping twins together.
- Providing insights into your own child’s personality or learning needs/style.
- Respectfully providing the school with insight into relationship issues a child may have with another student.
The following requests will not be considered..a) Requests for a particular teacher will not be considered as staffing is not finalised.
b) Requests for a child to be in a class with a particular student will not be considered.
Term Dates
A term calendar detailing the events for this term has been updated and is on our website. It can also be accessed on the following link www.orana.wa.edu.au/calendar
Further updates and any changes will be uploaded to our online calendar also on the website. Knowing what is coming up in the term and planning ahead reduces anxiety for all community members and ultimately for our children.
Up to Date Contact Details
Please ensure you provide the office and OSHC (if you use this service) with your up-to-date contact details. It is vital that we have the correct phone numbers for parents and emergency contacts.
Kindy Enrolments for 2025 and 2026
Places are filling fast for Kindergarten in 2025. We are also taking enrolments for 2025 for Pre-Kindergarten. If you have a child or have friends with children approaching kindergarten age, please refer them to our website or ask them to contact the office.
God bless and take care.
Kind regards,
Dee Johnston
