In Focus No 15 - 2019 - September

This week the world observed the 18^th anniversary of September 11. The events of 9/11 shocked the world and changed our views on safety and security forever. Talk back radio hosts ask viewers where were you when you heard the news?  I was in bed, in and out of wakefulness as only a pregnant woman can be. I heard the phone ring and was annoyed that someone would be so rude as to call our landline so late at night. It was my sister, saying “turn on the television”. On asking “why?” she simply said “just turn on the television”. The imagery of the first twin tower on fire was horrifying, but the plane striking the second tower made it apparent that this was not an accident. The footage was hard to process at first. We watched in shock as the towers collapsed one by one, and as time passed, the imagery of the dust covered New Yorkers running through the streets and exhausted police and firefighters will remain our minds forever. Fear and uncertainty for the future was pervasive. The thought of bringing a child into this new world was hard to fathom. The word terrorism had been confined to other places, other cultures, but as an Australian, the frontier of domestic terrorism and who would be next has sadly played out in our lives. We live in an uncertain world. It is hard for us not to be fearful or anxious about the future. Climate change, economic uncertainly, housing affordability, job security are terms thrown around news headlines every day. However, every generation has faced fear and uncertainly to greater or lesser extent. My grandparents were married during the Depression and my grandmother made mud bricks whilst my grandfather was off cutting sleepers and shearing. They built their humble cottage out of materials they had on the farm. My father was a soldier in World War II, fighting in Papua New Guinea. I wonder if, in the midst of the jungle, he worried if he would ever come home? When I was a child, the Cold War raged and the spectre of nuclear war overshadowed our lives.  Reaching 30 seemed fanciful. For this generation of children, talk of climate change and environmental catastrophe are ever present. An underlying anxiety is not surprising in our society today, fueled by negative press and social media. So what do we do? In the face of adversity, humans rally together and stories of heroism, resilience and prevailing against unsurmountable odds restore our faith in humanity. The human race is ingenious and adaptable. Scientific breakthroughs turn the seemingly impossible into a reality. Hope, compassion, strength in community, and a belief that things can turn around are significant aspects to a positive view of the future. In our School, we understand the importance of health, wellbeing and spiritual growth for a positive view on the world and hope for a better future. Active learning, nature play, positive behavior expectations, strong relationships and pastoral care are many of the ways we grow our students to be ready for the world around them.

R U OK? Day

Through our Compass Programme, the Senior School students engaged in R U OK? Day to explore what it means to be a good friend, a good listener and the importance of checking on a mate. The day was filled with activities centred around building relationships, wellness and active participation. Thank you to Mr Halliday and the staff for organising the full programme of events.

ACC Carnival

Our Interschool team competed at the WA Athletics Stadium on Tuesday. I was impressed by their team spirit and the way they encouraged and supported each other on the day. Thank you to Mr Weddikkara and the PE Department for preparing the team so well. 

Voyager Activities Day

It was delightful to welcome our Year 7 2020 Voyager applicants to our Wellard Campus on Wednesday for the Voyager Activities Day. Students from other schools joined our PCACS applicants to participate in Music, Mathematics and English challenges and games. The day was designed to introduce the students to these unique specialist programmes and to assist with the selection process.

P&F

It has been a busy few weeks for our dedicated volunteers on our P&F committee –Bookweek morning teas at both Campuses, canteen at both Senior and Junior School Athletics Carnivals and holding the annual Father’s Day event. I thank Clarissa Thomson and the team for their energy and passion to provide these experiences for our community. If you can assist the P&F with future events, they always welcome volunteers to assist.

Arts and Technologies Week

Our Annual Arts and Technologies week commences with our Sundowner and Exhibition on Friday 20 September, with the display of student work, Music Concert and various workshops continuing on into Week 10. Culminating with PCACS Got Talent Final on the last day of the term. I look forward to seeing the array of talent on display from our students, staff and families.

God bless.

Ms Felicity House
PRINCIPAL

National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)

Schools recently received the 2019 NAPLAN results for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 and this week hard copies have been posted to families.  The School’s overall results are very impressive and we are very proud of our students and commend the efforts of our teachers whose dedication to improve the literacy and numeracy skills of all students is evident in not only the NAPLAN results, but the growth and development of each student in our care.  Families can access a brochure that provides detailed information about how to understand a child’s individual student report via this link:

https://k10outline.scsa.wa.edu.au/home/assessment/testing/naplan/parents/results-reporting

I provide a timely reminder that whilst tests such as NAPLAN are an indicator of academic achievement, they are not the only mechanism to measure success at school.  Therefore, if you do have any queries, please talk with your child’s teacher to receive a broader perspective of your child’s achievement and to establish goals for this term.

Kindergarten Children Take to the Stage!

On Tuesday the Kindergarten children delighted a large audience with their beautiful Chapel performance about Jonah and the Whale.  During their performance they shared their version of Jonah and the Whale, their thoughts about God and some heartfelt prayers for their families, friends and our school. It is so encouraging to see the youngest of our School perform so confidently.  They should feel incredibly proud!

Year 3 Cook Bush Tucker!

Yesterday students from Year 3 cooked delicious bush tucker with the help of their teachers and some Year 6 helpers. The aroma throughout the classrooms was divine!  On the menu was kangaroo, lemon myrtle and hibiscus tea, and bush bread flavoured with bush tomato and wattle seed. The Year 3 children learned about native seasonings such as pepper berry and lemon myrtle.  This exciting cooking experience is part of their Indigenous Studies. 

Year 2 – 6 Athletics Carnival

What a brilliant day it was last Friday!  The fine weather brought lovely sunshine, setting the tone for a wonderful day at Wellard Oval for the Years 2-6 Athletics Carnival.

All students are commended for their excellent performance during the events and for showing enthusiastic team spirit throughout the day.  I am incredibly proud of the way our PCACS students supported and congratulated each other, irrespective of what House they belong to.  It was a wonderful inclusion having the Year 2 students involved with the older students this year. 

Staff, P&F Association, and other family members are thanked for their hard work and support during the carnival.  Rhiannon Chapman is particularly thanked for her precise organisation prior and during the day.

I look forward to hearing the announcement of the House Winner and the Champion Students at next week’s assembly on Wednesday at 8.45am.  As always, parents are very welcome to attend.

Click HERE to view the a video snapshot of the day.

Kindergarten to Year 1 Tabloid Sports

Today the Kindergarten – Year 1 students travelled by bus to Wellard Campus to participate in their Tabloid Sports Carnival.  This was a very exciting day, especially for our Kindergarten children who participated in their first ever PCACS carnival. 

Thank you to Lisette Lawler for organising this wonderful experience for our Early Learning children, and to the Calista staff and Year 6 students for facilitating the events.  It was fabulous to see all the families and friends cheering on the children.  Thanks for your support!

Speeches and Voting for Prefect Positions for 2020

Throughout this week the Year 5s delivered their speeches to the Year 3-6 students for the 2020 Junior School Prefect.  They are congratulated on their excellent speeches.  Later this year I look forward to announcing who will fill the Prefect roles for 2020, which include these positions:

• Junior School Head Boy
• Junior School Head Girl
• Junior School House Sports Captain (One per House)
• Junior School House Service Captain (One per House)

Wishing you a fabulous fortnight ahead and enjoy whatever comes your way.  God bless!

Mrs Shirley Steel
HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

Governor’s Prayer Breakfast

The 27^th annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast was held at the Crown Ballroom and I was privileged to accompany Year 11 students Mitchell Mullineux, Annelise Morton and Year 10 students Chelsea Leek and James Wigfield to this event.  The Honourable Kim Beasley, AC Governor of Western Australia welcomed those who attended and began by highlighting the small beginning of this event to the vastly significant gathering that it is today.  His Excellency’s welcome praised the dedicated volunteers with big hearts that help other people, to make a difference to their communities.  One key message that resonated to me was that real connectedness and relationships only comes when we give of our time, skills and care to others.  His Excellency encouraged those attending to enjoy the warm fellowship that this occasion always provides, and this we did. 

The keynote speaking, Mr Brian Pickering who is the National Coordinator of the Australian Prayer Network presented a perspective on two platforms: a faith that guides people using the Gospel messages and a faith that is guided by universal values.  He presented the idea that the two gives all people a united direction as a community and that prayer is the conduit.

Congratulations to our students who represented the School on this official occasion with distinction.  This opportunity will impress upon them the need to continue to have a united approach to regular prayer opportunities in our School community.

National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)

Schools will receive the 2019 NAPLAN results for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 by the end of Term 3.  Parents / carers can download the link below to access a brochure that provides detailed information about how to understand a child’s individual student report.

https://k10outline.scsa.wa.edu.au/home/assessment/testing/naplan/parents/results-reporting

The School’s overall results are very impressive and we are very proud of our students and commend the efforts of our teachers whose dedication to improve the literacy and numeracy skills of all students is evident in not only the NAPLAN results but the growth and development of each student in our care.

Contact Mrs Shirley Steel (Years 3 and 5) or Ms Stringer (Years 7 and 9) for further information if required.

Workplace Learning: A Year 10 Experience

Year 10 students will be given the opportunity to gain valuable employability work skills in a workplace of their choice commencing Monday 25 November to Friday 29 November.  With their final Year 10 examinations completed this will be a welcomed option for each student to seek a placement and gain some real practical hands on skill sets.  This will open up doors for the students to begin thinking about their future career pathways and start a process to plot their post school course applications and add value to their broader life experiences.

Students will be guided through the preparation for their work placements during Year 10 Careers.  We encourage parents / carers to discuss possible work placements for their child and to assist with the applications process.  All documents for Year 10 Workplace Learning can be located on the School website and SEQTA Engage and Learning.

We are very pleased to announce this learning opportunity for all Year 10 students. 

Please contact the School if you require further information.

Ms Judith Stringer
HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Sibling Enrolments Applications

Parents are reminded if you have not already submitted your future enrolment applications for siblings for 2020/2021 please do so as soon as possible.  We are planning in advance for the next two years and to ensure we are resourced with specialist staff and equipped with necessary resources within the School, knowing accurate enrolment numbers is important in this planning process.

Withdrawal Notice

If your child/ren are not returning to School for 2020, families are reminded to submit your withdrawal notice as soon as possible.  

Notice of withdrawal of a student must be given in writing to the Principal.  This is the only acceptable method of notifying the School of the withdrawal of a student.  One full terms notice (this excludes School holidays) must be given, on or before the first day of term prior to the intended date of withdrawal.  One term's tuition fees will be charged in lieu of such notice should a student be withdrawn with insufficient notice being provided.

On Thursday 12 September, the PCACS Senior School students celebrated R U OK? Day.  R U OK? Day is a day dedicated to inspiring and empowering everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them by asking the simple question “Are you OK?”.  Our goal was to develop workshops and activities that would give students the opportunity to improve their own health and wellbeing and encourage them to care for those around them. 

The schedule of activities for the day are designed to provide students with a range of experiences that will challenge them, inspire them, and provide opportunities for fun and meaningful connection. Students rotated through a variety of workshops and activities including, a gratitude session, Fitness, African Dance, The Blue Tree Project, Inflatable Games, a Magician, and workshops run by ‘Armed for Life’ exploring the topics of resilience, risk taking, bullying and self-esteem.

It was fantastic to see the PCACS community come together once again and embrace the R U OK? message.  Students and staff were fully engaged in the day’s activities and the overwhelming feedback has been that we as a community were able to develop skills and strategies to improve our mental health and wellbeing.  The challenge for everyone is to remember the message behind the day and ensure we continue to care for those around us and promote healthy choices on a daily basis.

Mr Adam Halliday
DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL CARE

Hello parents and friends,

Well what a busy term we have all had! Supporting Book Week with morning teas, and of course both the Junior and Senior Athletics Carnivals the P&F has enjoyed watching students showcase their many talents across this term. We want to take this opportunity to thank all the parents who donated food or their time to help make the canteens run smoothly and we hope everyone enjoyed the introduction of a sausage sizzle at these events.

Although the weather didn’t play in our favour our annual Dads Camp Out was still a huge success. With over 50 families in attendance everyone enjoyed some delicious food and dads bonded over the bbq or roasting marshmallows around the camp fire. Everyone loved playing table tennis in the under cover area but the hit of the night was everyone playing games in the Keith Lindbeck Centre. All in all it was a fantastic night and we hope that everyone enjoyed it as much as we did.

The P&F is now taking a well earned break before starting to plan our term four events. Parents, make sure to save the date for Saturday 2 November 2019 as we will be running an exciting new parent only event. More details to come in the coming weeks but get your sitters organised now!

We are also very much looking forward to our end of year Summer Carnival which will again be taking place on the afternoon of the last day of school next term. More details to come on that one closer to the event.

Hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather...not long now till school holidays!

Ms Clarissa Thomson
P&F PRESIDENT

This week our Junior School students have competed in the Semi-Finals of Peter Carnley’s Got Talent.  Heats were held in music classes during Week 6 with 20 semi-finalists selected to perform during lunchtimes this week, to select our four finalists.  Students were judged on their technical ability, stage appearance and personality, creativity and originality as well as the entertainment value of their performance.  Congratulations to all our semi-finalists who made it through.  Finalists will perform in front of our guest judge at the final assembly of term.

Congratulations to our Junior School finalists:

Heat 1: Ivy Dickson, Reesa Moosabbir & Ciera Carter (2W) 

Heat 2: Leon Stones (6B)

Heat 3: Zayde Kingston and Mandi Fang (5Mc)

Wildcard Entry: Charlotte Pridmore (5Mc)

Our Senior School students get their chance next week.  If you have not already signed up, please see Ms Walter in the music office.  

On Thursday 12 September our Certificate II students travelled to Peter Moyes Anglican Community School to perform in the annual ASC Rock Concert.  The Year 11 and 12 music students have been preparing for this performance as a part of the Music VET course, which provides students with the foundation skills of the music and production industry.  Over the year, students are introduced to the music business, gain technical skills on their instruments of specialisation and learn the basics of audio engineering, including recording.  In preparation for this concert, students built on their ensemble skills, working with their band mates to rehearse and perform 2 pieces – Unwell (Matchbox 20) and Shallow (Lady Gaga).  

The students were the first act of the evening, and performed magnificently, setting a great tone for the rest of the concert.  Congratulations to Caelen Browning, Gerrick Cheok, Cassandra Palermo, Micheal Carroll and Faith Clowry for all of your hard work.

The Certificate II in Music Industry is available to Year 11 and 12 students.  For more information, please see Ms Walter, Learning Area Coordinator – Music and Performing Arts or email music@pcacs.wa.edu.au

Arts and Technologies are thriving at Peter Carnley Anglican Community School!

Students and staff have been busy preparing for Arts and Technologies Week and would love to see all of the PCACS community come together at the Keith Lindbeck Centre for the Sundowner and Exhibition Opening, 5.00pm, Friday 20 September.

This year, Arts and Technologies Week includes the following fantastic events and initiatives:

PCACS Got Talent

Junior School students have been presenting their wonderful acts and the Finals are shaping very well. Senior School Student Heats run in early September.

The top three Finalists from Junior and Senior School perform at the Principal's Assembly, Thursday 26 September.

K-2 Colouring-in Competition

Students are busy working on a design by Year 11 student Shekinah Wilkinson. 1^st place and Highly Commended Awards will be given to each year group and student work will be placed in the Arts and Technologies Exhibition.

2019 Arts and Technologies Sundowner: Keith Lindbeck Centre, 5:00pm Friday 20 September

This is a great opportunity for the PCACS community to get together before the formal opening of the Arts and Technologies Exhibition.  Friends, family and the wider community are all invited!

This year there will be:

• Student music buskers
• Free food and beverages
• Carnley’s Cuppa’s Year 12 Student Fundraiser
• Music and Drama
• Fashion Show 

2019 Arts and Technologies Exhibition: KLC 5:30pm – 7.00pm, Friday 20 September

A range of student, staff and community artworks will be on display for everyone to enjoy. A number of awards will recognise the wonderful work of our artists and this year we will have voting for a ‘People’s Choice Award’. It’s a great night, so come along and enjoy it with us!

2019 Arts and Technologies Guest Artist: Vanessa Liebenberg

We are very pleased to announce that our 2019 Guest Artist is Vanessa Liebenberg. Vanessa is local artist and Textile Designer who states on her website, ‘My work reflects whatever I am exploring at the time in my life. I like unexpected results as one finds in life, so I tend not to plan too much, but rather build my work up through layers of different media, technique and pattern. Nature creeps into my work, as the beauty, pattern, colours and intricacies around us astound and inspire me.’ Examples of Vanessa’s work can be viewed at https://www.vanessaliebenberg.com/#/

Arts and Technologies at Calista

Calista students will enjoy the Art Promenade display in the foyer of the Calista campus and engage in a range of Arts and Technologies activities. It’s Arts Dress-up Day at Calista on Tuesday 23 September and students will also enjoy a ‘Meet the Band Performance’ on Tuesday afternoon, presented by Senior School Music students and Ms Walter.

Arts and Technologies Week Music Concert: ‘A Night On Broadway’.

• Calista Auditorium
• Monday 23 September 7.00pm – 8.30pm

Come along to the Calista Auditorium and enjoy a great night of music presented by our talented music students.

Senior School Arts and Technologies Week Activities

Students and staff will be busy participating in a range of activities throughout Arts and Technologies Week, including:

• Painting a mural on the Sea Container located in the Technology area
• Photography Workshops
• Pie Making Workshops
• Fashion Show preparation
• Music and Drama rehearsals
• Junior School Music Incursion: ‘Flamingo Strings’

So, as you can see, it’s going to be a terrific time at PCACS.

2019 Arts and Technologies Week: An Exciting New Journey Awaits!

Mr Ross Dods
DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM

ACC Athletics Carnival

2019’s ACC Interschool Athletics squad was the biggest so far, 85 students competing for the School in the F division Carnival on Tuesday 10 September.  With some amazing weather (possibly even too hot) the team started extremely well and after the first part of the day we were sitting comfortably in second position.  With strong opposition and tiring legs, unfortunately we could not hold onto this position and progressively moved down the ladder.  The students performed admirably throughout the day and performed to the best of their ability. In the end we finished in 5^th position, the same as 2018. 

Nevertheless, the students should be proud of their efforts and displayed excellent sportsmanship and spirit throughout the day. It was also wonderful to have Year 8 student Caleb Whyte compete in the “No limits” category for the first time.  Congratulations to all students involved.  We had some outstanding individual performances:

Congratulations to all students who competed as well as a big thank you to, Mr Halliday, Mr Radulovic, Mrs Layman and Mrs Clark for their help on the day.  We also had 10 student officials who assisted, and did an outstanding job.

RKAS Sport

This term’s RKAS sport has now finished, our Year 7-9 Boys and Girls Soccer team, did a fabulous job and competed well in another tough competition. Both teams finished 4^th and were commended on their competitiveness and sportsmanship.  Thanks to our coaches Mr Radulovic, Mrs Barrett and Mrs Ward as well as our umpires Theo Arlan, Alex Riseley and Armaandeep Singh.

Next term’s sports are Basketball for Year 7-9 Girls and Year 7 Boys and the new sport to RKAS, Touch Rugby which will be a mixed competition offered to Year 8 and 9 students.  I will be going around in the coming weeks to tutor groups to seek nominations for this. 

PCACS Netball and Basketball

We are at the business end the season with our Netball and Basketball teams. Good luck to all teams who have reached the finals and congratulations to all the other teams for a fantastic season. We will no doubt hear about how our teams fared in the coming newsletters.  I encourage as many people as possible to go down to Mike Barnett Stadium and cheer our teams on.

Calling all basketball players (or future basketball stars).  The PCACS Basketball club summer season is starting soon and nominations are out for new and existing players.  If you would like to play basketball we are looking for players for our Under 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 boys and girls teams.  For more information see the school website and go to Sport under the Programmes tab or contact Fiona Sullivan at Fiona.sullivan1@iinet.net.au.

ACC Super Series

This will be the third year that PCACS will be entering the ACC Year 7 Super Series.  We will be entering a girls Netball team.  We have selected a strong group of 10 girls after a series of trials who will now train with coaches Mrs Barrett and Mrs Trent ready for the carnival next term.  Thanks to all the girls who came to the selection trials and good luck to our team.  The competition will be in Week 2 of Term 4 at the State Netball Centre.

Mr Roh Weddikkara
LEARNING AREA COORDINATOR - HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Every Monday lunchtime a group of up to 20 students from Years 5 to 12 meet to discuss issues that are relevant to them and that they are interested in seeing change.  They look into local, national and international issues. 

For the past few months, a group of Year 7 girls have been researching and investigating animal welfare.  Their interest in animal welfare and animal shelters led to them contacting the Animal Protection Society of WA.  As a result, on Monday 9 September, the students made a visit to APSWA to find out more about the work they do.  The students were surprised to see well-kept facilities run mainly by volunteers.  There are over 85 cats currently at APSWA and 24 dogs.  The animals were well cared for and loved by the workers.  APSWA receive no government funding and, as such, rely on donations from community members and groups.  It costs them $36,000 annually to feed all of the cats.  Sharon, the volunteer who showed us around the property and answered our questions, said that the most significant thing to educate the community on was the importance of sterilising animals as this will stop the cycle of over population of cats and dogs.  Kwinana is one of the areas that they collect the most abandoned and injured animals.

Some reflections from the students:

‘Eye–opening. I expected it to be heart breaking but it made me happy because they get cared for more than at a pound or in some homes.  APSWA receive no government funding but it costs $36000 year to just feed the cats.  There are so many volunteers.  The animals need to be adopted so they can be cared for their specific needs.  It was sad to see how many of the animals had separation anxiety.’ – Olivia, Year 8

‘There were cats roaming around.  It was good that they weren’t just locked away.  APSWA are not well known and rely on donations from the community.’ – Maia, Year 7

‘Even though APSWA are not well known, they still do so much amazing work.’ – Samantha, Year 7

‘It was good because they actually take care of the animals.   It was inspiring to see the volunteers putting in so much although they are not getting paid.’ – Charlee, Year 7

How can you help APSWA?

• If you would like to donate to APSWA, their current needs include: wet and dry pet food (no home brand please) and laundry detergent (top loader).  Donations can be dropped off directly at APSWA in Southern River; members of the public are welcome to visit the premises.  Alternatively, you can drop them in the box at Student Services and we will arrange for them to be delivered.
• Anyone over 16 can volunteer their time to help walk dogs, clean out cages and feed the animals.
• Monetary donations will go towards renovations for warmth and cooling in the kitten sheds, veterinary care, toys for dogs and building maintenance.  Donations can be made here: https://www.givenow.com.au/animalprotectionwa
• Dogs and cats can be adopted by loving families who can provide the appropriate care for these animals.

For more information on APSWA please visit: https://www.apswa.asn.au/

Mrs Rebecca Weddikkara
SERVICE LEARNING COORDINATOR

Calling all basketball players (or future basketball stars).  The PCACS Basketball club summer season is starting soon and nominations are out for new and existing players.  If you would like to play basketball we are looking for players for our Under 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 boys and girls teams. 

For more information see the school website and go to sport under the programmes tab or contact Fiona Sullivan at Fiona.sullivan1@iinet.net.au."

On Sunday 8 September, the Kwinana Knights Years 7/8 girls AFL football team played in the Grand Final against Piara Waters...and won!!

The girls had a very different 2018 season, only winning two games and struggling for players. The 2019 season was a very different story, a recruitment drive and new coaches gave the girls a full team and first class coaching, to have a very successful season, only losing one game throughout the home and away season, resulting in them Premiers for the 2019 season, winning the Grand Final 75 to 19 points

PCACS Year 8 student Ruby Wipp captained the team of talented female players including Year 7 student Mia Anderson. Our Assistant Coach Peter Harris, a PCACS parent (father to Charlee and Taylor) did an excellent job with the girls, passing on valuable skills and knowledge. We are all looking forward to next season.