PSSA 'A Division' Cross Country Champions
Yesterday we had 30 students from Year 4 to 6 compete in the PSSA Cross Country Carnival, held in Meadow Springs. I was fortunate enough to be able to go along and support the team and what an amazing experience it was. Apart from the many fantastic individual performances, all students ran to the very best of their abilities, giving their all for themselves and the school. Due to their wonderful efforts, St Damien’s CPS won the ‘Overall Schools’ competition.
The students are to be congratulated for the way they competed and for their exemplary efforts and behaviour during the carnival. They are all very deserved of their success due to the hard work and extra training they have all committed to in the recent months.
A big thank you goes to Miss Sanders for her efforts in training the students and organising the team and to Mrs Parker for assisting with Runners’ Club each week. This is a fantastic result and we are very proud of our competing students.
Parish News
Over the past three and a half years we have been truly blessed to have Fr Vincent as our Parish Priest here at St Damien’s. Unfortunately, Fr Vincent’s time will come to an end in October, as he has been commissioned to Albany as the Parish Priest in their parishes.
In October, we will welcome our new Parish Priest, Fr Christian Saminal, from Albany.
Parent Teacher Interviews
Parent Teacher Interviews are being held today. I hope they are a great opportunity for parents to get an understanding of how their child/children are progressing at school and to discuss potential learning goals set for the remainder of the year.
Canteen Volunteers
We are very blessed to have a canteen onsite and operational 5 days a week for families to enjoy the convenience and joy in ordering from. For the canteen to function, it greatly benefits from the assistance of parent volunteers. We are currently seeking parental volunteers during the week in the canteen.
Tasks volunteers could do include sorting through orders, assisting in the preparing of lunch orders, selling items during recess and/or lunch, and so on. There is no limit on the time volunteers are required to assist; anything from one hour at the start of the school day onwards would greatly benefit the canteen managers.
If you are able to assist in the canteen in any capacity, whether it be on a casual or more regular basis, please contact the school office to discuss further.
Year 4 Holy Communion
Preparation for our Year 4 students receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion begins on Wednesday 3rd August, beginning at 5:00pm, with the Parent Information Meeting and Enrolment Mass being held. We wish the candidates, families and relevant staff the very best as they journey through the preparation period of the Sacrament.
100 Days of School Celebration
A reminder that on this Friday 29th July, we will be celebrating our first 100 days of school. Students are invited to dress up as centurions on the day. The P&F are supporting this event with some prizes being presented at the assembly and to all classes during the day. Please read the attached flyer on the newsletter for more information.
Emergency Evacuation Drill Practice
This Monday, 1st August, we will be having an ‘Emergency Evacuation’ practice drill (weather permitting). Students have been educated during the week what the purpose of an ‘Emergency Evacuation’ is and how to conduct themselves during the drill. This practice drill is an important part of the school’s Crisis Management Plan and promotes the safety and wellbeing of all students and staff onsite during a time of an emergency.
Bishop's Religious Literacy Assessment (BRLA)
Students in Years 3 and 5 will be participating in the BRLA next Wednesday (Year 5) and Friday (Year 3). Practice assessments have been conducted this week, in preparation for the formal assessment being conducted in week 3.
The purpose of the BRLA is to measure student learning of the content in the RE curriculum and it provides a ‘point in time’ snapshot of student performance in RE across the Year 3 and 5 levels. It is an online assessment where students’ knowledge and understanding of the content of the RE curriculum is assessed using a combination of multiple choice, short and extended test items.
Friday Morning Assembly
There is a whole school assembly this Friday 29th July, beginning at 8:45am, with both St Damien’s and Principal’s awards being presented. Parents and friends of the school community are welcome to come and join us for the assembly.
Principal's Awards
This week some students have been sent to my office to receive a Principal’s Award for completing some exceptional work. I congratulate Paige Cross, Saige Harvey, Arlo Caine and Riley Schutz , from Year 5 Gold, for their outstanding work in Mathematics. Well done and keep up the great work!
God Bless,
Daniel Gooch
Principal
