E-News

Welcome to This Week's College E-Newsletter!

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Mother Teresa Catholic College Newsletter. In this issue, we reflect on a historic moment in the Catholic Church with the election of Pope Leo XIV and explore how his message of unity and compassion aligns with our College values.

You’ll also find reminders about upcoming events, including the Scholastic Book Fair, Secondary House Athletics Carnival, and Junior School Disco, as well as important dates for the WA Day public holiday and pupil-free day in Week 6. As we move further into Term 2, this edition also includes timely reflections on College uniform expectations and the importance of presenting with pride.

Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers.

This week, we join the global Catholic community in celebrating a momentous occasion—the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, as the 267th Pope of the Catholic Church. As the first American-born pontiff, Pope Leo XIV brings a renewed spirit of unity and compassion to the role, echoing the values so powerfully championed by his predecessor, Pope Francis.

In his first address, Pope Leo XIV spoke of peace, inclusivity, and advocacy for the marginalised—messages that deeply resonate with our College’s mission. At Mother Teresa Catholic College, we remain committed to nurturing a community where all are welcomed and valued, grounded in faith, service, and respect.

As the term progresses and the cooler months arrive, it’s also a timely moment to reflect on how we carry these shared values in our day-to-day lives—beginning with how we present ourselves. The College uniform is more than just attire; it’s a visible expression of unity, equality, and pride in our community. Wearing it correctly and respectfully shows our commitment to upholding the dignity of all and contributing to a positive, faith-filled learning environment.

We ask families to revisit our Uniform and Appearance Guidelines, available on the College website, to ensure all students are prepared with the appropriate winter uniform and understand our expectations around grooming and presentation.

Let us continue to pray for Pope Leo XIV as he begins his papal journey, and thank you for your ongoing support in helping our students grow into respectful, responsible, and proud members of our College community.

Mr. Jay Sutton

College Principal

2025 Events Calendar

Important Notices

Upcoming Long Weekend & Exam Preparation

We would like to remind all families that Week 6 of this term will feature an extended break, featuring a public holiday on Monday, 2 June, and a pupil-free day on Tuesday, 3 June. We hope this long weekend provides a valuable opportunity for rest, family time, and preparation as we approach the busy end of Semester One.

As the term progresses, we extend our best wishes to all students—particularly those in our senior cohorts—who will be sitting their mid-year exams in the coming weeks. This period can bring a mix of excitement and pressure, but with the right approach, it can also be a valuable opportunity for growth and reflection.

Here are a few simple tips to help students prepare both mentally and physically for the exam period:

• Plan ahead: Create a realistic study schedule that allows for regular breaks and balanced revision across all subjects.

• Stay active: Light exercise like walking, stretching, or sports can help relieve stress and improve focus.

• Eat well & sleep well: Nourishing meals and consistent sleep are essential for concentration and energy.

• Stay connected: Talk to friends, teachers, or family if you're feeling overwhelmed—support is always available.

• Stay positive: Focus on doing your best, not on being perfect. Every challenge is a chance to learn.

We’re proud of the dedication our students show and encourage them to approach exams with confidence, resilience, and care for their well-being.

Cadets Lead with Honour at MTCC ANZAC Day Service

By Mason Powell-Wright

Mother Teresa Catholic College was proud to be supported by student members of the Australian Army and Navy Cadets during our ANZAC Day Service, held on Tuesday 29 April.

The formal proceedings began with a respectful parade, led by Cadet Under Officer Xavier De Young, who served as Parading CUO for the day. He was joined by Cadet Sergeant Flik Robson-Gillespie, Cadet Corporal Mason Powell-Wright, Cadet Seb Medici, and Navy Cadet Leading Seaman Emilia Land. Together, they carried out ceremonial duties with precision and pride, including the raising of the flag to half-mast in a moving tribute to the fallen.

These cadets, all current students at MTCC, generously offer their time and services each year to honour Australia’s servicemen and women. Their participation is a meaningful gesture of gratitude towards the College community that supports their ongoing formation.

As part of the ceremony, Cadet Emilia Land also delivered a reflective address alongside Principal Mr. Sutton and student representatives from Years 12, 9, 8, and 6. The College remained respectfully silent as speeches were delivered, and the significance of the day was deeply felt by all present.

The service concluded with the playing of the Rouse as the flag was raised to full mast, followed by the cadets marching off with dignity and purpose.

We extend our sincere thanks to all cadets involved for their service, leadership, and contribution to our College ANZAC Day observance.

Junior School Notices

Literacy Learning in Action

At Mother Teresa Catholic College, we are committed to building strong foundations in literacy from the earliest years. Our dedicated staff have been working together to continually strengthen our teaching practices across reading, writing, and phonics. One key element of our Literacy program is daily phonics instruction for students from Pre-Primary to Year 2. Using the Sounds-Write approach—a highly effective, evidence-based program—our students engage in structured lessons that support the development of essential reading and writing skills. Through explicit teaching, hands-on activities, and consistent practice, our young learners are deepening their understanding of sounds, letters, and word building. As you’ll see in the photos of some Pre-Primary students, they’ve been showing wonderful persistence, enthusiasm, and pride in their learning. We are incredibly proud of their progress!

Happy Mother’s Day

To all the amazing mothers and mother-figures in our community, we wish you a joyful and love-filled Mother’s Day. Thank you for the care, strength, and warmth you bring to your families and to our school. May this special day bring you all the appreciation you so deeply deserve. We hope you find time to relax and feel the love through all the hand-made creations that the children have worked hard to make for you.

Kindergarten Students Celebrate with a Pampering Afternoon Tea

Yesterday, our Kindy students hosted a heartwarming Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, turning their classrooms into joyful hubs of love, laughter, and pampering. With big smiles and even bigger hearts, the children treated their mums and special guests to an afternoon they won’t soon forget.

From colourful nail polish sessions and beauty treatments to imaginative dress-ups, our young hosts made sure their loved ones felt like royalty. Guests were also treated to delicious custom-made milk biscuits, lovingly decorated with icing and marshmallows by the students themselves.

The celebrations continued with personalised guided tours of the Kindy playground, where students proudly showcased their favourite places to play and learn. It was a beautiful opportunity for our families to share in the excitement, energy, and wonder of early childhood at Mother Teresa Catholic College.

A huge thank you to our dedicated Early Years staff for helping make this special event memorable. And to all the incredible mums and carers in our community—thank you for everything you do.

Sustainability in Action

This week, our enthusiastic Kindy students took on the task of planting a vibrant assortment of vegetable seeds and seedlings in their wicking beds. With carrots, broad beans, potatoes, spring onions, lettuce, and even Brussels sprouts now in the ground, students are learning firsthand what plants need to grow and thrive.

As part of our broader sustainability focus, students have also been introduced to Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ powerful call to care for our common home. This message is lived out daily at Mother Teresa Catholic College as we foster a deep respect for creation and responsible stewardship in our community.

A heartfelt thank you to all our families who continue to support Waste Free Wednesday. By packing lunches without disposable packaging, we are working together to reduce landfill waste and model sustainable habits for our young learners.

Together, we’re planting the seeds—for gardens, for learning, and for a more sustainable future.

Year 6 Students Rise to the Challenge at Dare Adventure Camp

This week, our Year 6 students embraced adventure and personal growth during their much-anticipated camp at Dare Adventure Camp in Dwellingup, held from Monday 5 to Wednesday 7 May.

The two-night camp provided students with a valuable opportunity to build strong relationships, step outside their comfort zones, and develop essential life skills through a variety of exciting outdoor education activities. Set in the stunning natural surroundings of Dwellingup, the camp fostered a deep appreciation for the environment and encouraged students to connect with one another away from the classroom.

Led by the passionate team at DARE Outdoor Adventures, the program was designed to promote teamwork, strengthen communication skills, and support students as they tackled new and varied challenges. Whether it was kayaking, rock climbing, or navigating group activities, our students showed resilience, courage, and collaboration throughout.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 6 cohort and grateful to our dedicated staff who helped make this experience such a success. The memories made and lessons learned will no doubt stay with our students as they continue to grow into confident, compassionate leaders of tomorrow.

Secondary School Notices

Year 11 CFC Students Explore Early Childhood Development Through Play

On Tuesday, our Year 11 Children, Family, and Community (CFC) students participated in a hands-on incursion with our pre-primary classes, offering a valuable opportunity to explore early childhood development in action.

During the visit, the Year 11 students engaged with the younger children during their investigation session—joining in their play and observing their behaviours, communication styles, and social interactions. This direct engagement allowed students to connect classroom theory with real-life observations of developmental stages in early childhood.

As part of their ongoing studies, the Year 11s will now design and create a recycled toy tailored to a specific developmental stage. They will return in Week 10 to present these toys to the pre-primary students, offering another chance to observe how their creations support learning and play.

This authentic learning experience not only deepens understanding but also strengthens the College's sense of community across year levels.

Thank You, Alcoa: Supporting Safety and Skills at MTCC

Mother Teresa Catholic College extends a sincere thank you to Alcoa for their generous donation of cotton workshirts, supporting students in our metalwork program. These shirts are essential safety gear for students undertaking hot work activities such as welding and metal cutting.

Alcoa’s contribution not only enhances the safety of our learning environment but also highlights the powerful impact of industry partnerships in supporting the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Their commitment to education and workforce development is deeply appreciated and clearly demonstrated through this meaningful donation.

Hands-on, practical learning is a cornerstone of the College’s approach to preparing students for future careers. Thanks to Alcoa, our students are better equipped to participate confidently and safely in these real-world tasks.

We are grateful for Alcoa’s continued support and look forward to building on this valuable partnership in the future.

Year 9 Explore Science in Action at Scitech

Earlier this week, more than 160 of our Year 9 students embarked on an exciting excursion to Scitech in West Perth. Over two days, students engaged with a range of hands-on exhibits that brought scientific concepts to life—many of which go far beyond the resources available in a typical school setting.

Highlights of the visit included the captivating light displays, the Mars exploration exhibit, the interactive "Data Driven" experience, the awe-inspiring Planetarium, and the dynamic Science Demonstration Theatre.

Our students not only embraced the opportunity to expand their scientific understanding but also stood out for their exemplary conduct. Teachers and members of the public alike commented on their politeness and the kindness they showed to younger visitors. Even our bus drivers were impressed by the students' respectful and courteous behaviour throughout the trip.

We are proud to acknowledge our Year 9 cohort as outstanding ambassadors for Mother Teresa Catholic College. Well done!

MTCC Humanities Tour Wrap-up

During the recent holidays, 38 students and 5 teachers embarked on the biannual MTCC Humanities Tour to Canberra and Sydney. Students have since been reflecting on and sharing their learning and memories from the tour, which will last a lifetime. 

“We loved exploring the cities and learning about the history of Sydney and Canberra. Some highlights were the hundreds of activities in Questacon, acting out a law-making session in the Parliament House, and hearing about real cases that occurred in the High Court. We recommend younger students go to Canberra when they have the chance, as it’s a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and get to know the teachers better, even though they wake us up early with loud, annoying music! We also enjoyed beating Mr. Ryan at mini golf and making him buy us ice cream!”

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their civics and citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government is contributing funding of $510 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. This is an incredible opportunity for our students!

Call for Denim Donations!

Do you have old denim jeans or unwanted denim jackets gathering dust in your wardrobe? Our Year 10 Textiles students would love to give them a new life!

As part of our Semester 2 upcycling project, the Technologies Department is seeking donations of adult denim jeans and denim jackets to be transformed into creative new pieces. Students will be repurposing jeans into stylish messenger bags and embellishing jackets to give them a fresh, fashionable twist.

If you have any denim items to donate, please drop them off at the school administration office. Your contributions will support hands-on learning, sustainability, and creativity in our Textiles program.

Thank you for your support in this project a success!

Sporting Spirit Soars at MTCC!

We’re gearing up for a massive fortnight of sport at Mother Teresa Catholic College!

First up, our Secondary Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 16 May on the Secondary Oval. Students will compete in a full day of events, showcasing their speed, strength, and school spirit. The carnival kicks off at 9:00am and will wrap up around 2:30pm.
Families are warmly invited to attend and cheer on our athletes! Please refer to the attached event program for approximate timings.

Note: the schedule is subject to change at the organiser’s discretion.

Meanwhile, we’re thrilled to celebrate an incredible victory from our Senior Boys Basketball Team, who clinched a thrilling 27–26 win over Kennedy Baptist College in the Round of 16.
In a tense, defence-heavy contest, our boys showed outstanding resilience and composure to overcome one of the state’s strongest Specialist Basketball Schools. This hard-fought win is a huge credit to their dedication — and a proud moment for our HPE Department and entire College community.

The team now turns their focus to the Quarter Final clash against Chisholm Catholic College, to be held on Wednesday 14 May right here at MTCC (Time TBC). If you want to witness elite school sport at its best, we encourage you to head to the Gym and support our boys as they continue their journey.

A big thank you to our HPE Department for their ongoing support of the team, especially Tanaka Cardoso for her help in setting up games and Jim Relleno for stepping in as scorer in Renee Stennett’s absence.

Go MTCC!

---

Library News

From May 14 – May 19, the library will be hosting our Under the Sea Scholastic Book Fair 

Opening hours:
8:00–8:30 AM
3:00–3:45 PM
Come explore a fantastic selection of books and discover your next great read. We can’t wait to see you there!

Book Club

Issue 3 arrived in classes on Tuesday. All orders are due by Friday, May 16th.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

The Premier’s Reading Challenge is up and running. We’ve had several students sign up, and some are close to reaching their goals already!

Remember that every week you log a book is a chance to win amazing prizes! 

Happy reading! 📚💙

Student & Staff Achievement

Celebrating Our Community’s Success!

At Mother Teresa Catholic College, we take pride in celebrating the achievements of our students and staff. Whether it’s academic excellence, sporting victories, creative accomplishments, or acts of kindness, we love sharing these moments with our community.

If you have a story to tell, we’d love to hear it! Send us your achievements, along with photos, to marketing@motherteresa.wa.edu.au, and let’s celebrate together.

Every success—big or small—deserves recognition, so don’t hesitate to share your journey with us! 🎉

---

Student Achievement Spotlight: Toby’s Squash Success

Congratulations to Toby for his outstanding efforts at a recent international squash tournament, where he competed in the Under 13s division. Despite battling a knee injury from Day 2, Toby showed remarkable resilience, finishing 13th out of 25 competitors. His sportsmanship, determination, and friendly spirit stood out as he played against opponents from China, Pakistan, and New Zealand—making new friends along the way and reconnecting with many others.

Toby’s match results speak to his grit:

• Day 1: Win (11–2, 11–8, 13–11)

• Day 2: Loss (5–11, 11–7, 11–9, 2–11, 8–11)

• Day 3: Loss (11–13, 11–3, 7–11, 4–11)

• Day 4: Win (11–5, 11–6, 11–9)

• Day 5: Win (11–6, 11–6, 11–5)

Back home, Toby wasted no time returning to the court, participating in a one-day Squash Australia Squash Stars Schools Program and a two-day WA State Training Camp. His hard work has paid off—Toby has now progressed from the Youth Squad to the prestigious Talent Squad.

Well done, Toby! Your passion, perseverance, and positive attitude are an inspiration.

Vote for Tiyasha – People's Choice at the Lakelands Song Quest!

A spectacular congratulations to Year 7 student Tiyasha, who wowed audiences and judges alike at the IPL Radio Under 13 Song Quest, held last Saturday at Lakelands. Her stunning performance earned her the prestigious Judges’ Award – a fantastic achievement showcasing her talent, confidence, and stage presence.

Now, Tiyasha has the chance to take home the People’s Choice Award – and she needs your support! The performer with the most votes will receive the Lakelands Song Quest People’s Choice Award along with a $500 Lakelands digital gift card. The runner-up will also be awarded a $250 gift card.

Voting is open NOW and closes Sunday 11 May.

Winners announced Monday 12 May 2025.

Let’s get behind Tiyasha and show our College community spirit—cast your vote and help her shine even brighter!

https://forms.office.com/r/QZf2gdkpwA

Sawyer Swings for Bronze in Singapore!

Congratulations to Year 8 student Sawyer, who recently represented Western Australia as part of the WA Allstars Under 14 team at the prestigious Lion City Invitational Baseball Tournament in Singapore.

Competing against international talent, Sawyer and his teammates showcased impressive skill, teamwork, and determination throughout the tournament. Their hard work paid off as the team proudly brought home the bronze medal—a fantastic achievement on the international stage!

Well done, Sawyer, on this incredible experience and outstanding result. We’re proud to celebrate your success!

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

Friends of Mother Teresa—Term 2 Update

What a fantastic start to Term 2! Friends of Mother Teresa (FOMT) is incredibly proud of everything we’ve accomplished so far this year. We’ve hit the ground running with two major fundraising events already — the Car Park Raffle and our ever-popular Mother’s Day Raffle — which even ran across the school holidays!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the Mother’s Day Raffle. Thanks to the incredible generosity of local businesses, we were able to create eight beautiful hampers. Be sure to check out our Facebook page to see the wonderful businesses that made the event possible.

We’re also thrilled to share that this week we presented a cheque for $1,500 to Father Alexis for the parish air-conditioning fund — an amazing result made possible by the proceeds from our Easter Raffle and dress-up day.

The final fundraising totals are in! Funds raised from these events will go directly towards new bag racks for the Junior School:

• Car Park Raffle: 65 tickets sold—$325 raised

• Mother’s Day Raffle: 1,288 tickets sold—$2,153 raised

Next up is our School Disco! Flyers containing all the details have been sent home — please place it on the fridge and keep an eye on our social media and school posters for updates. We’d love your help on the night, so please consider signing up to volunteer if you can.

We also had a fantastic FOMT meeting on Tuesday, 6 May, with a terrific turnout. A special thank you to Nicole Beresford from Catholic School Parents for joining us to speak about how their organisation supports FOMT and discuss our terms of reference. All parents are welcome, so we hope to see you at our next meeting!

Thank you for your ongoing support. Have a wonderful weekend — and we can’t wait to see you on the dance floor at the disco!

Warm regards,
Dominique Brown
President, Friends of Mother Teresa

---

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

---

---