Principal's Message
Bishop Holohan's Jubilee Milestone
On behalf of the whole St Damien’s Catholic Primary School Community, we congratulate Bishop Gerard for celebrating 50 years as a priest and 20 years as the Bishop. We are very blessed to have Bishop Gerard as part of our school and parish communities.
Parent/Teacher Meetings
Parent/Teacher meetings have been scheduled for next Thursday 16 September, 2021. The meetings are an opportunity for parents to meet with staff and discuss how the students are progressing through the year and performing in the classroom.
Please contact the school office if you have experienced difficulty making an online booking for the upcoming Parent/Teacher meetings.
St Vincent de Paul Fundraiser Drive
The school is currently seeking donations of toiletries from families to support the St Vincent de Paul Society in Mandurah. Items such as deodorant, soap, toothpaste, toilet rolls, and so on, are being sought from students to help support those people and families in need within our local community. All donations can be made into the large tubs found in the hall.
Assistant Principal Appointment
Last week correspondence was sent out to families informing them that Peter Hazebroek has been appointed to the position of Assistant Principal beginning in January 2022. Mr Hazebroek is currently serving as Assistant Principal at St Joseph’s School in Waroona and we look forward to welcoming him back into the St Damien’s School community early next year.
R U OK Day
Today is ‘R U OK Day’. Sometimes, we do not really know what people, especially those close to us, are really going through; the chances are, someone you may know might be really struggling at the moment.
Today is the perfect day to reach out to that special someone and offer genuine support for what they may be going through, and it all starts with a simple question and a short conversation.
So please take the time to ask that someone, ‘R U OK’, and even more time to listen to what they have to say. A simple question could be the change in someone’s life that is needed.
Our staff have been treated to a morning tea treat to celebrate the day, which they thoroughly deserve.
Student Wellbeing Incursion
On Tuesday, all students in Years 3 to 6 engaged in an incursion, called, ‘The Wellbeing Show’. The incursion linked closely to the ‘RUOK’ day, which is today and focussed on students being able to think positively and creating their own happiness. Well done and thank you to Mrs Bright for organising this incursion for the students.
School Banking
School banking is back! After some time of absence due to COVID restrictions, students at St Damien’s are now able to contribute to their banks onsite on a weekly basis. The school banking facility will be open on Wednesday mornings from 8:15am to 8:45am in the Steve Dowie Hall.
For the school banking to remain open, though, parent help is required. If you are able to assist for approximately 45 minutes on the morning of the school banking time, please meet the P&F organisers at the table next Wednesday, from 8:15am to register your assistance.
Father's Day
I hope families were able to enjoy last Sunday and got the opportunity to celebrate Father’s Day with family and friends. The weather was amazing and complimented what I hope was a great day for everyone.
Year 6 Bicycle Education
On Monday, our Year 6 students began their ‘Bicycle Education’ program, as part of their Physical Education lessons. The program provides education to promote safe riding skills in the students and is a fantastic opportunity to have them prepared for the Year 6 camp in Rottnest next term.
The ‘Bicycle Education’ program will continue over the next few weeks, with an external ride along the paths of Dawesville being planned as a conclusion.
Swimming Lessons
The fortnight of swimming lessons is nearly completed for the students in Years Pre Primary to Year 2. The students are to be congratulated for their efforts and great behaviour during the lessons. We also give a big thank you to all of the staff who have assisted in preparing the students for the lessons and supervised the students during the lessons.
Principals Awards
This week some students have been sent to my office to receive a Principal’s Award for completing some exceptional work. I congratulate Angus Riley and Solomon Middlebrook, from Year 3 Gold, for their great work in Italian and Freddie Sudholz, Liam Tuffin, Noah Hatto, Brodie Goodwin, Alfie Spicer, Aleigha Retzlaff, Eli Woodhouse and Soul Reilly from 5 Blue, for their fantastic work in Italian. Well done and keep up the great work!
God Bless,
Daniel Gooch
Principal
