School Newsletter Issue 07

Friday 12 June 2020

Staff Notices

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parent and Carers

“We do not learn from experience ... we learn from reflecting on experience.” John Dewey

We have been and are reflecting a great deal on recent and present experience at Frederick Irwin, hoping to take lessons learnt over the past few months into the future, both within and outside of the classroom.

I believe everyone has become far more proficient in the use of technology but more important is that we have learnt to integrate it into education and our daily lives more effectively and seamlessly. Students and staff have also discovered reservoirs of resilience within themselves and many students are showing far greater independence which can only stand them in good stead both personally and academically. 

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 FROM THE CHAPLAIN

How many of you have grown up, or are still growing up, with a favourite toy or book?

I had a small panda called 'Panda', who stayed around my bedroom until I was about 14 years of age, and then went missing in one of the many moves I made with my family (25 in all). My two favourite books were 'Alice in Wonderland/through the looking glass' and 'War of the Worlds'. Both were read many times and in the case of 'War of the Worlds' finished and then immediately started again.

I can look back now and think that Panda was my one constant in all the moving, while Lewis Carrol and HG Wells helped me escape during some really tough personal times, but also gave me a lifetime love of all things fantasy and sci/fi, and fostered my creative imagination.

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FROM THE HEAD OF PRIMARY MEADOW SPRINGS

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Over the final few weeks of Term 2 PTO meetings are taking place primarily using Zoom. After some initial teething problems, it seems to be a successful way of meeting without parents and carers having to be on-site in person. The implications for future meetings are appealing, especially when it saves travel time and has flexibility for the timing of meetings.

We have also seen a lot of growth in our younger students in their independence and confidence to bring themselves into school and to solve problems when they arise. This is something I am keen to hold on to as we return to having more adults back on the school site over Semester 2. I encourage you to ensure your children carry or pull their bags and that they unpack them independently to begin their day. This small sign of independence adds to building resilience and confidence, and this ‘can do’ attitude helps in problem-solving other challenges.  
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FROM THE DEPUTY HEAD OF PRIMARY - MEADOW SPRINGS

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Uniform

You may recall that in my last newsletter item, I spoke about the importance of our students maintaining our high presentation standards in regards to uniform, hair and jewellery. Your support with this has been appreciated as the students have settled back into full-time schooling again.

The teachers and I continue to remain vigilant in reminding students through the day to be wearing their uniform with pride. We are taking particular notice of:

*Personal grooming: Please ensure your child brushes their hair, has their shirt tucked in and shoes polished before arriving at school each morning. Please also remind your child (Years 3-6) to have their top button done up as they wear their tie. Students are not allowed to wear skivvies or other long-sleeved shirts under their uniform. If cold, the students may wish to wear the school scarf to school of a morning or the relevant school jumpers (3-6) or jackets (Years K-2). Non-school scarves or the wearing of beanies are not permitted. 

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FROM THE HEAD OF PRIMARY - HALLS HEAD

Dear Parents

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank everyone in our community for their patience and understanding as we have transitioned into Phase 3 of Western Australia’s Roadmap. I know at times that the restrictions can be frustrating and seem to impact our ability to connect as a community, but appreciate how positive our parents and carers have been. I have received so much positive feedback from parents regarding the support our staff are providing students and I have certainly expressed this to them. I am extremely proud of how our community members have continued to support each other through these challenging times.

We are very engaged in observing the easing of the COVID-19 restrictions and look forward to what this will mean in the School’s context. It will be a very joyous occasion when we are able to come together as a community once more. 

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FROM THE DEPUTY HEAD PRIMARY - HALLS HEAD

Dear Parents and Caregivers

This week we have been able to open up the playgrounds fully again. It was wonderful to see the delight on the children’s faces as they once again climbed the towers and rock wall in the Year 1-6 adventure playground, or joined their friends on the swing in the K-PP playground.

We have had two table tennis tables delivered to our school and we are excited about starting to use them next week, initially for lunchtime clubs for the older students.

Over the past few weeks it has been a pleasure and honour for Mr Clark and myself to present merit certificates to students from each class. Even though we have not been able to hold assemblies this term, these classroom presentations in front of their peers have been very special. The students have quickly embraced the process and when we walk into the classrooms each Friday morning, it is very special to hear students say excitedly, ‘It’s merit certificate time!’ Photos or videos of students receiving their well-deserved merit certificates are being posted on Seesaw and shared with families.

Kind regards and best wishes

Sue Kirke

School Notices

2021 SCHOLARSHIPS - YEARS 7 AND 11, 2021

A number of Academic and Music Performance Scholarships will be awarded in 2020 for students entering Years 7 and 11 in 2021.

Academic Scholarships

Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of a common test, and a student’s past and present performance at school.

·         Years 7 and 11 Saturday 19 September 2020 at Frederick Irwin starting at 9.00am. Closing date for applications: Wednesday 9 September 2020. Application Fee: $95 (inc. GST)

Music Performance Scholarships

The Scholarships are designed to support students with musical talent, and good academic ability and achievement during their years of Secondary education.

·         Years 7 and 11 Saturday 12 September 2020 at Frederick Irwin starting at 9.00am. Further information regarding Audition time and location will be forwarded to candidates after the close of applications. Closing date for applications: Wednesday 2 September 2020. Music Scholarship Application Fee: $35 (inc. GST)

Visit this link for further information, and to apply online CLICK HERE

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2020 TERM DATES

Term 1: Monday 3 February 2020 – Thursday 9 April 2020 
Term 2: Thursday 30 April 2020 – Friday 3 July 2020 
Term 3: Wednesday 22 July 2020 – Friday 25 September 2020 
Term 4: Tuesday 13 October 2020 – Tuesday 8 December 2020

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Term 2 2020 FEE STATEMENTS

Term 2 Fee Statements were emailed to parents by Wednesday 6 May 2020 and were due for payment by Friday 15 May 2020. 

Families who have not paid or made payment arrangements with the Business Manager by the due date should be aware that a late penalty of $55.00 (GST included) may be imposed. The School has BPAY facilities and we encourage parents to avail themselves of this.

To assist families to budget for their school fee payments, we also offer weekly, fortnightly, bi-monthly or monthly payment plans.  For further information, please contact Mrs Lesley Hedley, Assistant Business Manager, in the School Office.

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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

We are aware that some families have been directly affected by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with job loss, significant reduction in work hours or business closure, causing significant financial stress.

All schools of the Anglican Schools Commission will provide tuition fee assistance to those families who are now experiencing financial stress due to loss of employment. The level of tuition fee support will be commensurate with the new financial circumstances in which families find themselves due to the impact of COVID-19 on the Australian economy. 

Affected families are invited to contact the School Business Manager, Kylie Anastazjew, bursar@fias.wa.edu.au so we can work with you on a solution that best fits your situation. Given the changing nature of measures necessary to combat COVID-19, financial arrangements will cover the period to the end of Term 2, with an assurance that we will review this position in June in relation to ongoing enrolments. 

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YEAR 7 2022 ENROLMENTS

Was your child born between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2010?  Frederick Irwin Anglican School is taking Applications for Admission to Year 7 for the 2022 school year. The School will be accepting general applications in addition to applications from brothers and sisters of existing students. Places are limited; therefore, parents who wish their son or daughter to be considered for enrolment should submit an application as soon as possible. If you have any queries, please contact the Registrar, Mrs Jackie Smith, at the School Office on (08) 9537 0000 or email registrar@fias.wa.edu.au

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School Events and Activities

WOLLASTON CERTIFICATE OF LEADERSHIP

Congratulations to our own Principal, Ms Kerry Robertson, on receiving the Wollaston Certificate of Anglican Leadership.

Ms Robertson, along with the other Anglican Schools Commission Principals, all participated in an introductory course in theology. The course included eight units of intense study over one year under the guidance of The Reverend Dr Gregory Seach, Warden of Wollaston Theological College.

On Wednesday, Deputy Principal Andrew Pennycott presented Ms Robertson with her certificate. 

RETURNING BASKETBALL UNIFORMS

As mentioned on Facebook, with the premature end to the 2019/2020 Mandurah Basketball Association's Summer Competition due to COVID-19, it has been difficult to get all team uniforms returned. We still have 18 incomplete sets, a total of 52 tops and shorts, outstanding.

If you do have a uniform at home, please have your son or daughter return them to the Health and Physical Education Office (the old Chapel next to the Gymnasium), as soon as you can.

Kind regards

Mr Peter Skeggs Head of Health and Physical Education

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CREATIVE EDGE THINKING TRIAL

Students in 6H1 have participated in the Creative Edge Thinking Trial.  Creative Edge Thinking is a creative problem solving programme for teams of up to seven participants. The Halls Head Campus team will be made up of students from Years 5 and 6.

The Year 6 students were required to solve a demanding, open-ended challenge that incorporated the following two categories; 'Language Literature' and 'Science Engineering'.

The Creative Edge Thinking Challenge is an opportunity for those with a passion for learning and problem solving to showcase their skills and talents in an exciting, vibrant and public way.

6H1 students enjoyed presenting their presentations to Mrs Rudland, Mrs Taylor and the students from 3H1.

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PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT LOOKING FOR PROPS 

The Performing Arts Department was hoping there might be some parents who could donate or lend us one of these toy pianos to assist with various sound effects. 

If you can help with the toy piano or you have any other items that may be of interest to Performing Arts, please email amy.biesler@fias.wa.edu.au

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WINTER SPORT 2020

Now that Phase 3 of the restrictions related to COVID-19 have been released we can move closer to the resumption of sports competitions. 

Many of you would be aware that each of the local sporting associations has been working really hard on how best to comply with the restrictions that are still in place. Frederick Irwin Anglican School intends to nominate teams for various associations once we know what the seasons will look like. They will obviously be shorter and restricted to some degree. 

All associations will be looking for assistance from clubs to fulfill roles to comply with the COVID-19 restrictions. 

Please put your hand up to help if you can, it will be gratefully accepted. Contacts for each sport in Frederick Irwin Anglican School are:

Basketball

Mrs Bree Mullenax briana.mullenax@fias.wa.edu.au

Hockey

Mr Kevin Watson kevin.watson@fias.wa.edu.au

Netball

Mrs Claire Booker claire.booker@fias.wa.edu.au

Soccer

Mr Peter Skeggs peter.skeggs@fias.wa.edu.au

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AFTER SCHOOL TENNIS PROGRAMME 2020

Dear Parents and Carers

Every week on our Secondary courts, Frederick Irwin Anglican School students (Primary and Secondary) have the opportunity to be coached by Lesley Hunt, former world Top 10 player and State and National Tennis Coach.

Levels that are offered are 'Introductory' and 'Advanced Skills', and the students practise skill development, court position and game play.

Sessions are run on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

If your child is interested in joining the tennis programme, please email Mr Peter Skeggs (Head of Health and Physical Education) on skeggsp@fias.wa.edu.au, or call Lesley Hunt on 0438 294 202.

SERVICE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As highlighted in the Principal's message, here are the service award winners receiving their certificates from the Right Reverend Dr Peter Lawrence, CEO of the Anglican Schools Commission.

Student Congratulations

Congratulations to the following students:

  • Amber Duncan (Year 8) has progressed through to the next round in the Write4Fun Schools' Poetry and Short Story Competition of 2020. Her poem “The Vengeful Shark” received an Achievement Award, is likely to be published in ‘The Inside Story’ and remains in the running for the 1st place prize of $1000 and her choice of gaming console. The ‘Inside Story’ will contain many poems and short stories from students all over Australia and will be available in November

  • Tully Duncan (Year 8) has recently completed her Grade 3 AMEB Piano exam and achieved A Grade Honours. 

Uniform Shop

 2020 TERM 2 OPENING HOURS

For further information including uniform news and updates please click here. 

Meadow Springs
Monday12.30pm – 3.30pm
Tuesday8.00am – 12.00pm
Thursday8.00am – 12.00pm
Friday12.30pm – 3.30pm
Halls Head
Monday8.00am – 9.30am
Thursday2.00pm –3.30pm

Tuition and Study

YEAR 10 STUDENTS INTERESTED IN THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Year 10 students are encouraged to submit an expression of interest in a five day taster course in Building and Construction at Rockingham TAFE in Term 4, 2020.  This program is a Construction Work Ready program which includes Workplace Communication and White Card.  It is designed to give students a taste of TAFE life as well as the different fields within the industry. 

If your child is interested please have them message Mrs Sattler or email VET@fias.wa.edu.au.  

TIPS FOR PARENTS
Helping students transition back to full-time schooling. 

1. BE GENTLE WITH EXPECTATIONS FOR QUITE SOME TIME

Everyone (parents, teachers and students) will be affected differently by the experiences this year and for different periods of time. We need to remember that this anxiety can manifest in many ways and therefore be gentle. We are better to err on the side of being uber-supportive this year. If you are concerned about your student's level of anxiety, reach out and seek help from a professional.

 2. KEEP LINES OF COMMUNICATION AS OPEN AS POSSIBLE

Students who are anxious often will bottle up their worries and concerns. Without being annoying (and it is a fine line), we need to let students know they can talk about what is worrying them. Both parents and teachers need to create opportunities that give students permission to share in a non-threatening environment.

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MANDURAH FAMILIES SUPPORT GUIDE

The City of Mandurah has created a Mandurah Families Support Guide, containing information, contact numbers and online links that may be helpful for local families with children of all ages. 

You can download the Support Guide here. 

Contact the School

Meadow Springs Campus

Halls Head Campus