E-News

Welcome to This Week's College E-Newsletter!

Welcome to this week's edition of the Mother Teresa Catholic College E-Newsletter. In this issue, we address the importance of respectful communication within our school community, highlight upcoming events, and provide essential reminders for the term ahead.

Message from the Principal

The Importance of Respectful Communication

At Mother Teresa Catholic College, we are deeply committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for all members of our school community. Central to this vision is the relationship between home and school, which plays a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being and success of every student.

In recent weeks, however, we have seen a rise in instances of inappropriate communication directed at staff members. These encounters, while isolated, are concerning and do not align with the values we hold as a Catholic school.

We acknowledge and value the role of parents as advocates for their children. Your involvement and insights are critical, and we welcome open and honest communication. However, it is essential that all interactions, whether in person, by phone, or via email, are conducted respectfully. Our staff are dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to support the learning and development of your children, and they deserve to be treated with courtesy and dignity.

We remind all families that inappropriate communication may constitute a breach of the College’s Parent Code of Conduct, which outlines the expected standards of behaviour for our community. This document can be found on our school website, and we encourage all parents to familiarise themselves with its contents if not done so already.

If you have any concerns about your child’s experience at school, whether academic, social, or emotional, please do not hesitate to reach out to their teachers as the first point of communication. We are here to work in partnership with you, and we are always open to constructive conversations aimed at supporting your child’s growth.

Together, let us continue to build a community where mutual respect and positive relationships underpin all that we do.

Mr. Jay Sutton

College Principal

2025 Events Calendar

Important Notices

Continuing Our Journey of Reconciliation: A Community Installation in the Learning Hub

As part of National Reconciliation Week (27 May – 3 June), Mother Teresa Catholic College continues its commitment to building respectful and inclusive relationships by inviting students to contribute to a powerful new community installation. This year, each homeroom will create a piece that reflects on the 2025 theme, “Bridging Now to Next,” focusing on how we can all play a role in shaping a future grounded in understanding, equity, and unity.

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to reflect on our shared history and to celebrate the rich cultures and contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It commemorates two significant milestones in Australia’s reconciliation journey—the 1967 referendum and the 1992 Mabo decision—and encourages us to learn, reflect, and take meaningful action.

Through guided activities and discussions during homeroom time, students will explore the five dimensions of reconciliation: race relations, equality and equity, institutional integrity, unity, and historical acceptance. Their reflections will come together as part of the installation displayed in the Learning Hub, serving as a collective expression of our College’s dedication to reconciliation.

We invite all members of our community to visit the display, engage with the messages shared by our students, and consider how we can walk together in truth and respect—bridging the past with a shared vision for the future.

Upcoming Exams for Years 10, 11 and 12

As we progress through Term 2, we wish to advise students and families that the upcoming examination period is approaching for our senior students.

• Year 11 and Year 12 Exams: Week 5 and Week 6

• Year 10 Exams: Week 7

For Year 10 students, please note that normal school attendance applies during the exam period. Students are expected to remain at school for the full day. Students must attend their regular timetabled classes as usual after completing an exam.

Students in Years 11 and 12 who are not sitting exams during this time are encouraged to use the opportunity to complete any outstanding assessments, review feedback, and prepare for the upcoming semester. This is a valuable chance to consolidate learning, seek support from teachers, and maintain momentum heading into the second half of the year.

We thank families for their continued support during this important academic period and wish all our students the very best in their studies.

Exam Preparation and Wellbeing

We understand that exam time can be a source of stress for many students. Here are some practical tips to support effective study and maintain well-being during this period:

1. Plan Ahead
Create a study timetable that breaks subjects into manageable chunks. Set priorities for the areas that require more attention and allow time for revision.

2. Stay Active
Regular physical activity can help improve focus and reduce anxiety. A short walk, stretch, or sporting activity can refresh the mind between study sessions.

3. Eat Well
Fuel your body and brain with nutritious meals. Avoid excessive sugar or caffeine, especially close to bedtime.

4. Sleep Matters
Aim for 8 hours of quality sleep each night. A rested brain retains information better and copes more effectively with stress.

5. Take Breaks
Study in short bursts with regular breaks. Try the 50/10 method—50 minutes of focused study followed by a 10-minute break.

6. Ask for Help
If you're feeling overwhelmed, speak to your teachers, caregivers, or your Head of Year. There is always support available.

We encourage all students to approach their exams with confidence, understanding that preparation and a healthy mindset are mutually beneficial. We wish our Year 10–12 students all the best for the upcoming assessments.

Junior School Notices

Year One Students Step Back in Time with ‘Play in the Past’

On Tuesday 20 May, our Year One students took a delightful step into history as part of their Inquiry unit, participating in the interactive incursion Play in the Past.

With great excitement, students explored a range of everyday objects from the past, including vintage kitchen items, rotary phones, video cameras, records, CDs, binoculars, typewriters, and classic toys. One of the highlights of the day was placing different types of telephones along a timeline, learning how communication has evolved over time.

Adding to the fun, students had the opportunity to dress up in clothing from the “olden days,” sparking their imaginations and bringing history to life in a tangible and memorable way.

We extend our sincere thanks to the parent volunteers who joined us for the incursion—your support made the day even more special.

Secondary School Notices

Career Taster Excursion: The Reel Thing

On Monday 19 May, a group of our senior students attended The Reel Thing Career Taster at North Metropolitan TAFE in Northbridge. The excursion offered students a unique, hands-on insight into the dynamic world of film, television, and media production.

Hosted at NMTAFE’s purpose-built creative campus, students had the opportunity to experience a live working TV and film studio. They engaged in a series of small-scale projects using industry-standard equipment and were introduced to a range of creative roles including Camera Operator, Lighting Technician, Video & Sound Recorder, Television Equipment Operator, Film & Video Editor, and Video Producer.

The day provided a valuable chance for students to explore possible career pathways in the creative industries and to better understand the skills and training required in these exciting fields. We thank the staff at NMTAFE for facilitating such an engaging and informative session, and acknowledge our College staff for supporting this meaningful learning opportunity.

Creative Creations on Canvas

Last week, our Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts students were privileged to participate in a hands-on workshop with acclaimed fine artist Melissa Clements. A celebrated finalist in the Archibald Prize (2023), the Darling Portrait Prize (2022), and the Lester Prize (2021), Melissa brought her wealth of experience and passion for classical painting into the classroom.

Throughout the session, students delved into traditional techniques while engaging in rich discussions around themes of memory, identity, and the human experience. Melissa shared her creative process and personal insights, helping students to explore how cultural and personal narratives influence visual storytelling.

It was a truly inspiring and enriching opportunity that deepened students’ artistic understanding and offered a glimpse into the world of professional artistic practice.

Kindness Challenge

On Wednesday, May 14, our Year 8 Students took part in the annual Kindness Challenge- a day dedicated to exploring the transformative power of compassion, connection, and character. Now in its second year, this meaningful incursion has quickly become a highlight on the Year 8 Calendar, and for good reason.

Led once again by Catherine Kolomyjec, Stanford Ambassador for Applied Compassion, the day offered students the chance to reflect on their character strengths, build empathy, and take part in interactive activities that encouraged thoughtful connection with their peers and staff. The experience built on the momentum of our Year 8 Retreat in Term 1 and offered students a practical and uplifting way to see kindness in action.

The atmosphere in the Gym was full of energy and genuine warmth as students laughed, listened, and leaned into the challenge of being intentionally kind in both big and small ways. From quiet moments of reflection to collaborative challenges, the ripple effect was evident not only among students, but among staff who dropped in to witness the day unfold. A sincere thank you to our dedicated Year 8 Homeroom Teachers, whose compassion shines through in their daily interactions and who walk alongside our Cohort with genuine care and commitment.

We are proud of our Year 8 Cohort for embracing this opportunity to lead with heart, and we look forward to seeing how the seeds of kindness planted this week continue to grow throughout the year.

Athletics Carnival 2025

The sun was out and spirits were high for the 2025 Secondary Athletics Carnival! This year marks the second year the College has held the carnival in early Term 2, and so far this has proved to be a positive change, especially in terms of the weather! This year also saw some new traditions established at Mother Teresa Catholic College. The first was the Year 12’s wearing free dress and competing in the 400m costume race. We had a team of Bondi Rescue Life Guartds, Fred Flintstone, Maverick from Top Gun, and a group of escaped convicts! We also held the inaugural ‘Mother Teresa Gift,’ a 100m handicap race for boys and girls, which saw the fastest 100m sprinters in the school face off for an additional medal. The day also saw students complete their rotations across track and field events, with many records being broken and the lead for champion changing hands several times throughout the day. The final event of the day saw the tradition of the staff vs the year 12’s 4x100m relay continue. The staff were well represented by teams from Science, HASS and HPE while the Technologies team elected to recruit from the student population! The result was a resounding win for the Technologies department which was a fitting end to the day.

The following students broke college records:

Mackenzie Sims            Year 7 Girls Discus                        20.61m

Darcie Driscoll              Year 7 Girls 90m Hurdles           19.64

Genevieve Rivalland     Year 7 Girls Long Jump              4.3m1

Tareeq Lambat                Year 7 Boys Javelin                     22.80m

Tareeq Lambat                Year 7 Boys 90m Hurdles         16.72

Tareeq Lambat                Year 7 Boys 200m                        29.66

Tareeq Lambat                Year 7 Boys Long Jump              4.86m

Charlie Brady                  Year 7 Boys High Jump               1.32m

Laurise Hargreaves       Year 8 Girls High Jump               1.46m

Thomas Lee                      Year 8 Boys Javelin                      27.01

Ethan Dee                         Year 8 Boys 90m Hurdles           17.81

Hayley O’Dea                   Year 9 Girls Javelin                     33.15

Hayley O’Dea                   Year 9 Girls Discus                      22.40

Hayley O’Dea                   Year 9 Girls 90m Hurdles         17.75

Hayley O’Dea                   Year 9 Girls Long Jump              4.49m

Hayley O’Dea                   Year 9 Girls Shot Put                  10.12

Chelsea Wheeler             Year 9 Girls High Jump              1.34m

Garang Thuch                   Year 9 Boys High Jump              1.53m

Tate Noble                         Year 9 Boys 200m                         28.16

Gracie Dabala                   Year 10 Girls Discus                   20.60m

Gracie Dabala                   Year 10 Girls 90m Hurdles       18.97

Lachie Buchan                   Year 10 Boys Long Jump           5.18m

Hugo Cole                           Year 10 Boys Shot Put               12.08m

Abbey Lea                            Year 11 Girls High Jump            1.35m

Lachlan Weeks                  Year 11 Boys 90m Hurdles        15.59

Mitchell Stirling                Year 11 Boys 200m                      25.34

Riley Rosenberg               Year 12 Girls Javelin                    28.00m

Alicia Coles                        Year 12 Girls 1500m                     6:24.24

Riley Rosenberg               Year 12 Girls 90m Hurdles         17.24

Layla Dabala                     Year 12 Girls 800m                        2:59.19

Anesu Magombedze       Year 12 Girls High Jump               1.37m

Armand Nel                       Year 12 Boys Javelin                     31.27m

Armand Nel                       Year 12 Boys Discus                      30.67m

Ethan Nascimento           Year 12 Boys 1500m                     5:25.12

Ethan Nascimento           Year 12 Boys 90m Hurdles         15.94

Ethan Nascimento            Year 12 Boys 800m                      2:31.52

Ethan Nascimento           Year 12 Boys High Jump              1.65m

Ethan Nascimento           Year 12 Boys 400m                        1:05.44

Ethan Nascimento           Year 12 Boys Long Jump               5.19m
Russell Chadzamira        Year 12 Boys 200m                          26.95

Overall Shield

1st Boodjar

2nd Kep

3rd Maar

4th Kaal

Boys Gift Winner

Tareeq Lambat

Girls Gift Winner

Lianna Mohsenin & Aalyra Woods

The data from the carnival is undergoing final checks, and individual medalists will be announced at the next assembly or pastoral care period. The results from the school carnival will be used for selection for the interschool athletics team, which will compete at the ACC G Division carnival in term 3. We will shortly release the interschool training schedule.

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Library News

Under the Sea Book Fair

This week marked the end of the Under the Sea Book Fair. A huge thank you to all who came along and purchased some books, we hope you’re loving your new reads! Thanks to your generous support, we sold nearly $6000 worth of stock, some of which goes to helping the library purchase resources over the coming year. 

We are so grateful for your support and can’t wait to see you at the next Book Fair in Term 4!

National Simultaneous Storytime

On Wednesday 21st May, over 2 million people across Australia paused to read The Truck Cat by Deborah Frenkel as part of National Simultaneous Storytime – and our students joined in as well.

Our primary students gathered in the gym to enjoy this heartwarming story, read aloud by four of our fantastic year 12 leaders. To celebrate the book’s multicultural themes, Mrs Garcia and Mr P also shared the story in Spanish and Indonesian, bringing the tale to life in multiple languages!

Staff also added to the fun, by dressing up as truck drivers to match the book!

Student & Staff Achievement

A Distinguished Afternoon at Government House

One of our students [Ashton H] had the remarkable opportunity to meet His Excellency the Honourable Christopher John Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia, during a special afternoon tea at Government House.

Alongside fellow 2025 National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) WA delegates, the student was warmly welcomed by His Excellency, who engaged the group in meaningful conversation about their recent experiences in Canberra. He also generously shared insights into his current role as Governor and the broader responsibilities that come with the office.

The visit offered a unique chance to learn more about Western Australia’s political and legal landscape from someone who has played a pivotal role in shaping it—particularly during his tenure as WA Police Commissioner throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. His passion for public service and commitment to civic education made for an inspiring and memorable experience.

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Community News

Join the Mother Teresa Catholic College Netball Club!

The Mother Teresa Catholic College Netball Club is more than just a sports team—it’s a vibrant, inclusive community where students can develop their skills, build friendships, and stay active. Netball is a fantastic way to boost fitness, enhance coordination, and develop teamwork, all while having fun.

Beyond the physical benefits, our club fosters confidence, social skills, and a strong sense of belonging. Players not only grow on the court but also in their personal development, making lifelong memories along the way.

Run by dedicated volunteers, we rely on the support of our College community. Whether you're interested in coaching, managing, or lending a hand at events, there’s always a place for you!

Come join us and be part of something special. Let’s play, grow, and succeed—together!

https://www.motherteresa.wa.edu.au/netball

Tonight’s the Night!

The Junior School Disco is officially underway! As of the morning of Friday, 23rd May, we had sold an incredible 535 tickets and 378 sausage sizzles—and counting!

A huge thank you to the Disco Committee, who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to organise everything from sausages and bread to drinks and all the finer details. Your efforts are truly appreciated. Events like these wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and support of our wonderful volunteers and families.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the school for their continued support and flexibility in accommodating our many requests. Building a strong school spirit and sense of community relies on collaboration, and we are proud of the partnerships we continue to nurture.

Be sure to check out the school and Friends of Mother Teresa social media pages for photos and highlights from the evening.

Wishing you all a fantastic weekend!

Dominique Brown
President, Friends of Mother Teresa

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Parish News

MASS TIMES

MONDAY: NO SERVICE

TUESDAY: 9:00AM

WEDNESDAY: 9:00AM

THURSDAY: 8:00AM

FRIDAY: 9:00AM

SATURDAY: 6:00PM

SUNDAY: 9:30AM & 5:00PM

RECONCILIATION

SATURDAY: 5:30PM TO 5:50PM

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