E-News
In this Issue:
Principal’s Welcome
Important Notices
Junior School Notices
Secondary School Notices
Events
Student Achievement
The Arts News
VET/Workplace Learning News
Library News
Defence Club News
Community News
Principal’s Welcome
2024 will be another wonderful year of ‘friendship, learning and fun’ – in the words of our College Song Strong in Faith and Love. Welcome back everyone, and a special welcome to our new students and families!
Now that we have farewelled our first graduating class of Year 12s last year, we have completed most of the ’firsts’ in the journey of a new School. In this, our 11th year, we look forward to consolidating who we are here at Mother Teresa Catholic College. We are a Christ-centred and inclusive learning community in which our staff are committed to creating a safe, caring and positive environment where our students are valued and can experience self-worth, equity and success, and are encouraged to achieve to their full potential.
I look forward to celebrating with you our Ash Wednesday Mass as a Whole College, and with the Parishioners, next Wednesday 14 February on the Junior School Oval at 9am. Also on Wednesday 28 February, we will celebrate our first Whole College Assembly in our new Gymnasium facility and in Term Two we will host an official Blessing and Opening of our Arts Centre, Café and Technologies Buildings (Stage 5), our Gymnasium and included Classrooms, Fitness Room and Change Rooms (Stage 6), and our new large Oval and hardcourts and environs (Stage 7). Of course we will all be well acquainted with all these wonderful facilities by then!
Embracing technology, collaborative practices and digital media in all our creative learning spaces, our students, staff and families can continue to flourish as an exciting, contemporary learning community in a new school built for the world of today - and tomorrow.
Ms Geri O’Keefe
Principal
FROM THE JUNIOR SCHOOL HEADS OF SCHOOL (Early Learning Pre-K to Yr 2 and Years 3-6)
Mrs Rosemary Paparella and Mrs Deanne Sutherland
The first day back for the year was full of excitement and nervous energy, new back-packs, fresh uniforms and new and old friends.
Our 2024 Kindy children are settling into their class groups well this week after a staggered start of half-classes and half-days last week. Our 3-year-old Kindy children have commenced, wide-eyed and chirpy, this Friday.
We got off to a flying start with all students from Pre-Primary to Year 6 participating in Swimming Lessons. It has been wonderful see the enthusiastic participation from students and the dedication of parents and teachers to supporting our children in the development of this important life skill.
We have also introduced a new and exciting dance program which develops creativity, collaboration and critical thinking skills in all of students. We are looking forward to showcasing each of the classes and individual talents to the school community at the end of the term.
FROM THE MIDDLE SCHOOL HEAD OF SCHOOL (Years 7-9)
Mrs Sharon Doyle
Welcome Middle School students and families to an exciting 2024. We have had many new students join our College Community and we would like to extend them a warm welcome to them. Our Year 7 students have had a wonderful start to their Secondary journey, participating in exciting transition activities and have even had their first incursion.
The Year 8 and 9 students returned to the College on Thursday 1 February, and have transitioned smoothly under the guidance of their Year Coordinators and teachers. We are looking forward to all the opportunities and events that lie ahead for our students in 2024.
FROM THE SENIOR SCHOOL HEAD OF SCHOOL (Years 10-12)
Mr Dryw Edwards
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our Graduating class of 2023. Our ATAR students performed brilliantly, with a median ATAR of 76.3. Our top student achieved an ATAR of 93.75 and all students that had applied for University had been offered a place in 2024. Equally, all our students that are heading to TAFE, apprenticeships or the workforce are all very well qualified and graduated with a wealth of experiences. 25 students achieved 29 Certificate qualifications and completed over 1766 hours of work experience. Our inaugural graduates were pioneers, our very first Graduating class – wonderful models for all our Year 12 students to come. We are so very proud of their achievements and wish them well.
Important Notices
Free Public Transport for Students
From Monday 5 February 2024, any Primary and Secondary School students with a valid Student SmartRider will be able to travel for free on Transperth services for any journey Monday to Friday, until the end of the School year. Please remind your child they need to tag on and off, or they will receive a default fare. If their SmartRider goes into negative balance as a result, they will not have access to free travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What if I don’t get my Student SmartRider until the end of February?
Given some School students don’t get their SmartRiders until the end of February, if a student does not have a SmartRider on 5 February they will be allowed to travel for free without a valid ticket, however, from 1 March students must have their Student SmartRider to travel for free or purchase a cash ticket. When students have received their Student SmartRider they should start using it immediately by tagging on and off each journey to avoid their SmartRider failing to activate.
2. Where can I find out more information about Student SmartRiders?
Visit www.transperth.wa.gov.au/smartrider/types-of-smartrider/student-smartrider for more information.
College Parking & Traffic Flow Map
In our ongoing efforts to enhance safety and streamline traffic flow within our community, we have updated our College Parking & Traffic Flow Map. The Map has been updated to include the new Northern Carpark and Gate 5.
To maintain a secure and efficient environment, we kindly request all families, staff, visitors, and service providers strictly adhere to the guidelines outlined in the updated map. Familiarising yourself with the designated set down zones, as well as observing speed limits and traffic signs, will contribute to a safer experience for all community members.
Please take a moment to review the updated map below.
Our College Maps can be found on our website: www.motherteresa.wa.edu.au/college-map
College Carparks - Students Crossing Eighty Road
A reminder that all students must exit the College via the pedestrian gates and MUST NOT leave the College grounds via vehicle gates. If they need to cross Eighty Road they MUST cross the road via the pedestrian crossing in front of the Admin building.
Secondary students are not to exit, by foot, scooter or bike via the car park and Gates 4 and 5 . They must walk their bikes and scooters and exit via the main pedestrian gate. This is to ensure the safety of all in our community.
Ash Wednesday Mass - Wednesday 15 February
Wednesday 15 February is Ash Wednesday. We will be holding a College Mass beginning at 9.00am on the Junior School Oval - the mass will be for all students in Year 1 through to Year 12, with Ashes being given to students in Kindy and Pre-Primary at the conclusion of the service.
All families and Parish Community members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
2024 Behaviour Tonics Parent Course
If you want to be more consistent, predictable and effective when parenting then join us to learn how... Enrol in 1-2-3 Magic & Emotion Coaching presented at Mother Teresa Catholic College in 2024 by Brad Williams.
Get practical tips and strategies that you can implement immediately to see effective, long-lasting results.
Register: https://bit.ly/408V93i
21 & 28 Feb 2024
5:45-8:15pm. Join us for nibbles and drinks from 5:30pm
Junior School Notices
Parent Teacher Information Evenings - Tuesday 13 February
Parents are reminded that Parent Teacher Information Evenings are being held on Tuesday 13 February. These meetings are a great way to meet the staff who are working with your children this year and to hear first hand about classroom routines and expectations. If you are unable to attend please contact your classroom teacher and they will send you home any information that you require.
Session 1
5.30 - 6.15pm
Session 2
6.30 - 7.15pm
Out of School Hours Care - OSHC
Families would be aware that we are lucky enough to provide an OSHC service for those families in the Junior School who require additional help in looking after children before and after school. In order to ensure the safety of students who use this facility, it has become necessary to restrict walk through access to the Undercover Area both before and after school. Access to the Kindy classrooms can be made through the gates at the top of the Early Years Car Park.
We are currently working on providing a more convenient access via the PP Playground to the JS Oval. Once this is operational we will let families know.
Junior School Before School Supervision
Supervision of students by staff is provided by the College from 8.15 - 8.30am, It is asked that all students not with a parent make their way to the stairs on arrival to School. Students who are being supervised must remain with their parents. The playing of games and running around is not appropriate.
Secondary School Notices
Secondary School Uniform Updates
We would like to commend families and students on a great start to the year with setting uniform standards. We are currently wearing Summer uniforms until Term 2. A few added guidelines below will assist families in the correct choice of uniform.
Year 11 and 12 students who have practical subjects requiring PE uniform:
Present in your formal uniform to homeroom.
Change into your PE uniform at the beginning of your practical lesson. Your teachers are aware of this and will have time set aside.
Change back into your formal uniform at the end of your practical lesson unless you have another practical lesson later in the day. In this case, you will change at the end of your last practical lesson of the day. This means that you will be arriving to School in your formal uniform and leaving at the end of the day in your formal uniform.
House Shirt Fridays - Building the College Culture and Community
What is it?
In the Secondary School, House Shirt Fridays was implemented in 2023, in order to boost House spirit and build the College culture and community.
House Shirt Fridays Expectations
· Students are able wear their House Shirts with sports bottoms and sports shoes.
o Students who do not own a House Shirt, or are not wearing one that day are expected to wear the formal uniform that aligns with the season we are in. Sports Uniforms applicable only for timetabled classes.
· If your sports class falls on a Friday, you may wear House Shirts as your sports uniform.
Uniform Requirements are regularly updated on the College Website here.
Shoes
In addition to the Uniform Requirements, the College has provided a Sports Shoes Guidelines document on the College Website here. In correlation with the opening of the College Gym, the new shoe guidelines provide families with an example list of appropriate and inappropriate footwear based on the health and safety of our Students. This list acts as an example only to guide parents in providing their child with appropriate footwear.
We appreciate your assistance as we establish a benchmark for the presentation and representation of our students at Mother Teresa Catholic College.
Secondary Upcoming Testing Dates
NAPLAN
NAPLAN testing will commence on Wednesday 13 March for our Year 9 Students and Thursday 14 March for our Year 7 students. Testing will run until Monday 25 March, with time allowed for students to sit catch up testing if they are not able to make the scheduled tests. A timetable of testing date will be provided to students closer to the time. If you would like to discuss your Year 7 or 9 child’s withdrawal or sitting of the NAPLAN testing in 2024 please contact Kelly.Winfield-Hart@cewa.edu.au
PAT Testing
Students in Year 7 who have not come to the College from a Catholic Education WA School will complete the Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT), for the College to develop benchmark data, which informs our teaching practice at Mother Teresa Catholic College. The PAT Testing is scheduled to commence in Week 3/4 of Term 1.
2024 Leavers Jackets
Our Year 12 students look fantastic in their new 2024 Leavers Jackets! Let's celebrate this milestone and wish them all the best as they embark on the final chapter of their academic journey.
Events
Year 12 Ball (Class of 2024)
It was a beautiful 'night under the stars' at Fremantle Sailing Club last Friday night as we celebrated the Year 12 Ball. Our class of 2024 and their invited guests looked incredible! Here's a sneak peek of the magical night - more photos can be found on our Facebook page.
If you have any photos you wish to share, please email them to:
marketing@motherteresa.wa.edu.au
Year 7s Armed for Life
On Monday 5 February, we welcomed Adam Przytula from Armed For Life to speak to our Year 7 students about the transition to High School. Armed For Life is an organisation that equips, engages and educates youth about mental health, developing the resilience to lead purposeful lives.
Adam addressed crucial topics like bullying and mental health while sharing invaluable tips for our students to make the most out of their school journey. This incursion was a fantastic opportunity for our Year 7 students to learn, grow, and gain valuable insights that will benefit them in the long run.
We thank Adam for presenting to our students and the City of Rockingham – Local Government for supporting this program.
Junior School Swimming Lessons
Over the past two weeks, our Junior School students have been making a splash during their swimming lessons at Rockingham Aquatic Centre. The aim of these lessons were not only to develop essential water safety skills but also to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among our young learners.
We extend our gratitude to the swimming instructors and our committed staff for their efforts in making these lessons both educational and enjoyable for our Junior School students.
Student Achievement
We are very proud of multiple MTCC students, including Isaiah Stark, Seth Phillips, Jordan Manfield, Locklan Scheffer, Akuei Duop, Dontae Tissong, James Hewitt, Alba Pike, Liam Crosby, Mitchell Stirling and Josh Stennett, who were selected to play in the Dandenong National Basketball Tournament for Rockingham Flames and Rockingham Basketball affiliated teams.
The teams went on to all play in finals and multiple teams winning the grand final, including our Year 7 and 8 MTCC boys, a huge achievement for our Rockingham Teams and our MTCC students. Congratulations!
Congratulations Class of 2023
We are proud to share the outstanding achievements of our inaugural Class of 2023! To our Year 12 graduates, we wish you all the best for the exciting journey that lies ahead. We encourage you to CONTRIBUTE with confidence, courage and creativity towards making the world a better place for all peoples.
The Arts News
The Little Mermaid - Tickets on Sale
Get ready for a magical underwater adventure that the whole family will treasure! We are proud to present our production of Disney’s beloved musical, 'The Little Mermaid'.
DATES AND TIMES
Thursday 18 April 2024 7.00 pm
Friday 19 April 2024 7.00 pm
Saturday 20 April 2024 1.00 pm
Tickets are now on sale! Book now to avoid disappointment:
www.manpac.com.au/events/the-little-mermaid-2
VET/Workplace Learning News
VETDSS Induction Day
We are thrilled to welcome our new Year 11 and 12 VETDSS (Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students) cohort for the academic year. To kickstart their VETDSS journey, we hosted a special Induction Day dedicated to introducing our 45 new students to the program and providing essential information for a successful academic year.
Our Future Pathways & Engagement Coordinator Ms Liley and VET/Workplace Learning Coordinator Mrs Sainty provided an overview of the VETDSS structure, expectations, and the support services available to ensure a smooth transition into the program.
We look forward to a successful and rewarding year for our VETDSS students.
Year 12 incursion - University and TAFE Mini-Expo
On Wednesday 7 February, our Year 12 students participated in a NAPSA (National Association of Prospective Student Advisers) Incursion and Mini-Expo. The event facilitated meaningful interactions between students and representatives, fostering a deeper understanding of course offerings, entry requirements, and career prospects.
The Mini-Expo featured representatives from various universities and TAFE institutions, allowing our Year 12 students to explore a wide range of academic and vocational pathways. We hope this incursion and Mini-Expo was a valuable experience and we look forward to all of our students following their passion and working in their desired vocation in the future!
Library News
Scholastic Book Club
Book Club has arrived! Look out for your copy of Book Club coming home in your child's schoolbag! It's packed with hundreds of books from just $3 to help you on your child's reading journey.
Defence Club News
MTCC Defence Family Picnic
Meet other Defence families and join in some games to kick off the year!
Wednesday 28th February 3.15-4.15pm
Junior School Oval
BYO afternoon tea picnic for your family. Mrs. Esler will be making her famous ice cream sundaes (Gluten Free available - please let me know of other dietary requirements.)
RSVP HERE
Questions to rachel.esler@cewa.edu.au
Community News
Mother Teresa Netball Club
Winter Season 2024 dates: Saturday 20 April through to Saturday 10 August
Registrations open for the Winter season on Saturday 10 February using the below links:
Set.Go (Date of Birth 2014 – 2017) Link here.
Fees: $265
Juniors (Date of Birth 2006 – 2012) Link here.
Fees: $285
A firm closing date for registrations has been set for Monday 25 March
New and exciting for 2024, Families may now setup instalment payments through PlayHQ for their fees.
General Club Information:
We are always on the lookout for Committee, Coaching, Team Management and Umpire volunteers. If you have any experience in these areas or just want to help the College Netball Club out, please contact MTCCNetball@cewa.edu.au
Club Training Sessions
Join the Facebook Page - Mother Teresa Netball Club - for upcoming training sessions specific to your child’s competition (Juniors or Set.Go). These sessions will commence in Week 4 of Term 1 and will be aimed to assist in the skill development of our players.
Coach Development
The Netball Club’s other key development focus in 2024 will be the Coaching Team development. If you are coaching a Team in 2024 and would like to build your coaching skills please email the Club.
We look forward to a successful 2024 season with you!
City of Rockingham
Rockingham Youth Centre - Term 1 Program
Masses
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9.00am
Thursday: 8:00am
Saturday: 6.00pm
Sunday: 9.30am & 5.00pm
1st Friday of each month: Adoration (following 9am Mass)
Benediction 10.15am
Reconciliation
Saturday: 5.30 - 5.50pm (prior to Mass)
Online Community
Join our online College community to keep up to date with news as it happens. Click the links below!