School Newsletter Issue 01

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Welcome to the 2020 school year! I hope that you were able to enjoy family time over the summer break and that our students are refreshed and ready for school. It is really wonderful to have them back from holidays. The School is simply not a school without them!

Our theme for 2020 is Growth, building on those of the past three years – Inspire!, Optimism and Wellbeing. During the holidays I was reminded of the power that is inherent in having a ‘Growth Mindset’, how important it is to have an unwavering belief that improvement really is possible and then to work towards it with enthusiasm. Far more effective than the opposite which is a ‘Fixed Mindset’.

I shared this analogy with staff last week and the Secondary students at our Student Leaders Commissioning on Wednesday: It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder to learn to fly while remaining an egg. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad. C.S. Lewis 
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A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAPLAIN

In December 2019, Helen and I journeyed to Laos to negotiate and experience working with an NGO called Big Mouse House. This organisation prints books in Laotian and English and has set up two schools where students learn English. 

Our six days in the country were very rewarding. We will be returning with a travelling party of nine teachers and family from Frederick Irwin and Peter Carnley in September 2020,  to spend a week teaching in the two schools, as well as having a cultural experience.

Called Walkabout Nomads, this group is a group that goes at its own expense to give of themselves to those who see learning spoken English as an important skill, as their country embraces more and more tourists and provides more educational opportunities.

Helen and I are blessed to be able to lead this group which has grown out of the school’s own student-based Walkabout pilgrimages.

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF PRIMARY - MEADOW SPRINGS

Dear Parents and Caregivers

On Monday, it was wonderful to have the students back for the new school year and to hear stories from the holiday break. They returned excited and ready to begin the new year and, although some students experienced some initial nerves about what lay ahead, they quickly embraced their new teachers, classrooms and class members.

Changing schools and classes can be a daunting experience, but with support and encouragement, it is one of the simpler challenges of life that can be successfully overcome. If your child is feeling a little overwhelmed, let their classroom teacher know so they can support them in this transition. Schools provide a safe environment where experiencing such feelings while being supported through them, helps to lay a strong foundation for resilience in the future. Promoting child agency around decision making is a healthy way to lessen anxiety and help children to cope with life’s unexpected twists and turns.

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A MESSAGE FROM OUR HEAD OF PRIMARY - HALLS HEAD

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone back to school. The staff have worked very hard to create wonderful learning environments for our students and have looked forward to this first week. It is always a special day welcoming the students back and I enjoy catching up with families as well. I have met with students in every class to speak about the excitement of 2020 and to express how pleased we were to see them.

It is amazing to reflect on the fact that we are now beginning our third year at the Halls Head campus, and I am so appreciative of everyone that makes our School special. We will continue to provide our students with opportunities to learn through play and to develop agency. We will continue to prioritise giving students a voice and we will continue to foster our students’ curiosity by developing their inquiry skills. I look forward to being involved in our students’ growth and development in this exciting year.

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A MESSAGE FROM OUR HEAD OF PRIMARY - HALLS HEAD

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone back to school. The staff have worked very hard to create wonderful learning environments for our students and have looked forward to this first week. It is always a special day welcoming the students back and I enjoy catching up with families as well. I have met with students in every class to speak about the excitement of 2020 and to express how pleased we were to see them.

It is amazing to reflect on the fact that we are now beginning our third year at the Halls Head campus, and I am so appreciative of everyone that makes our School special. We will continue to provide our students with opportunities to learn through play and to develop agency. We will continue to prioritise giving students a voice and we will continue to foster our students’ curiosity by developing their inquiry skills. I look forward to being involved in our students’ growth and development in this exciting year.

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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 6 June 2020 at Frederick Irwin starting at 9.00am. Closing date for applications: Wednesday 27 May 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 23 May 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 13 May 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 FREDERICK IRWIN AFTER-SCHOOL GOLF PROGRAMME

Frederick Irwin’s After-School Golf Programme will be continuing this year.

Classes are conducted by PGA Professional Craig “Tappie” Tapp on a Monday afternoon from 3.45pm - 5.00pm at the Meadow Springs Golf Course. The program is available for both primary and secondary students, with the cost for the 7-week program at $70.

There are a limited number of places available for new students and if your son/daughter is interested, or you would like more information, please contact Mr Daniel Harrop on harropd@fias.wa.edu.au

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