Guided by Truth
As we reach the end of Term 2, I am filled with gratitude for the many moments of joy, growth, and togetherness we have experienced as a school community. Guided through the pillars of Catholic Identity, Education, Community, and Stewardship, we have built strong connections.
Some of the highlights from this wonderful term:
Catholic Identity
This term, several of our Year 4 and one Year 6 student received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. It was a beautiful celebration of their faith journey, shared with their families and the Santa Clara Parish community. We also celebrated the Feast of St. Catherine of Siena, one of our school’s faction saints. Her example reminds us to be courageous in our convictions, strong in our love for others, and faithful in our relationship with God.
Education
Our students have continued to thrive in their learning this term, supported by engaging experiences both in and beyond the classroom. Mid-Year Reports will be available through SEQTA Engage tomorrow, at the end of the school day. These reflect the hard work and progress of our students so far this year. We are proud of each child’s efforts and celebrate their commitment to learning. Our Kindy children will be bringing home their portfolios, delighting in sharing their learning with their families.
Year 2 students explored the wonders of marine life at the Western Australian Aquarium, deepening their understanding of sea creatures and ecosystems. A hands-on history experience for our Year 4 and 5 students at Fremantle Prison provided students with valuable insight into Western Australia’s past and its justice system. Their curiosity and thoughtful engagement were commendable.
Our youngest learners, Kindy to Year 1, were immersed in loose parts play during their incursion. Imaginative play, music making, tent building and making potions, sparking joy and supporting early language development.
With the generous support of our P&F, students have been engaging online with the Nessy program, building foundational reading and spelling skills through fun and personalised learning.
Community
Community spirit continues to shine at Santa Clara.
A heartfelt thank you to all who joined us to honour our mums and mother figures at our Mother’s Day Morning Tea. The morning was filled with warmth, music, and joyful connection.
What a fun night at the P&F School Disco! Our students had an absolute ball, dancing, laughing, and sharing a night of friendship and fun. Thank you to our P&F
Your kindness and generosity have made a difference to those in need. The Vinnies Winter Appeal and LifeLink PJ Day initiatives teach our students that small acts of giving can have a big impact.
Stewardship
This term presented numerous opportunities for our students to lead, develop resilience, and challenge themselves. The Santa Clara Student’s Code of Conduct continues to be refined by our Year 6 students after input from all classes. We look forward to launching the Code sometime in Term 3.
Our early risers trained hard at the running club for our Faction Cross Country Carnival, demonstrating persistence and community spirit. Well done also to our students who competed in the Lightning Carnival and Interschool Cross Country. You represented Santa Clara with pride, courage, and true sportsmanship.
Across the school we are increasing our Sustainability practices. We have donated three bins full of containers for change to the Parish, and our Year Six Environmental Team have been recycling all our paper waste each Thursday from around the school.
The school continues to work with the City of Cannington towards a solution that will increase the number of available parking bays on Palmerston Street. I thank Luke Webster (SAC Chair), Lord Mayor Patrick Hall, and his team for their input into the concerns expressed by our community and for being solution-focused in developing a plan that addresses the needs of the school and the residents affected by the school drop-off and pick-up.
In Gratitude
Everything we have achieved this term has been made possible by the incredible work of our staff and the unwavering support of our parents and families. Your involvement and encouragement help create the rich, nurturing environment we are so proud of here at Santa Clara.
I wish all families a restful and safe school holiday. May it be a time of refreshment and joy with your loved ones. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 3.
In seeking Truth, we flourish.Julie Southwell
Principal
Staffing Update
This term, we said goodbye to Mr Zak Abraham. Zak has been a dedicated member of the Santa Clara staff for 14 years, serving in the roles of groundskeeper and cleaner.
Mrs Susannah Naim, who has been on leave in Semester 1, has decided to continue pursuing other adventures. Miss Heidi Welsh will be continuing as her replacement in Pre-primary.
We wish both Zak and Susannah many blessings as they embark on their journey forward from Santa Clara.
The children are excitedly engaged in our Auslan lessons, and we are delighted that Mrs Carroll Kowald will be continuing with us as the Year 3-6 Auslan teacher. In Term 3, Miss Fitzpatrick will deliver the Early Years Movement Skills program.
Working closely with Catholic Education WA (CEWA), we welcome Miss Esmee Geyer Mavrick from the CEWA Psychology team. Esmee will be based at our school on a Wednesday. In a support role, Esmee will work closely with our staff and with students identified as having additional needs. We warmly welcome Esmee.
