E-News

Welcome to This Week's College E-Newsletter!

As we move to the end of Term 1 at the College, we’re delighted to share news, updates and celebrations from our vibrant community. From outstanding achievements by our students to important reminders for the weeks ahead, there’s plenty to explore in this edition.

We hope you enjoy reading and staying connected with all the wonderful things happening at our College.

We are reminded of the richness that comes from a holistic education at Mother Teresa Catholic College: one that challenges students academically, nurtures their talents and encourages them to live out our motto of being Strong in Faith and Love.

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2026 Community Calendar

College Events

Harmony Week

The morning sun shone brightly over Mother Teresa Catholic College, and there was a buzz in the air that felt different from any other school day. It was Harmony Day, part of Harmony Week and the whole College community had been looking forward to it.

As students arrived through the gates, the campus quickly filled with colour, patterns, and traditions from all around the world. Instead of the usual uniforms, many students proudly wore cultural dresses and outfits that told stories about their families and where they came from. Flowing fabrics, embroidered designs, and bright colours could be seen everywhere you looked.

Parents and families gathered near the Junior School oval, smiling and taking photos as students met up with friends. Some students explained the meaning behind their clothing, sharing little pieces of their culture. Others simply admired how unique and beautiful everyone looked.

Soon, the parade began. One by one, students walked around the oval, waving to their friends and teachers as music and laughter filled the air. The crowd clapped and cheered, celebrating the many nationalities that make up the College community. It felt like the whole world had come together in one place.

Teachers watched proudly as students supported one another, encouraging shy classmates and celebrating every culture represented. It wasn’t just about the clothes—it was about sharing, understanding, and feeling proud of who you are.

By the end of the parade, the oval was full of smiles. The day became a special reminder for everyone at Mother Teresa Catholic College that their differences make the community stronger. Harmony Day showed how important it is to include others, respect every culture, and make sure everyone feels like they belong.

And as students returned to their classes, many were still talking excitedly about the outfits, the parade, and the stories they had heard. It was a day they wouldn’t forget, a day where diversity was celebrated and harmony truly came to life.

The grand finale of Harmony Week was a breathtaking performance by the students of the Mbira Ensemble. The students’ cultures include Zimbabwean, Liberian, Malawian, Indian and Sri Lanka, creating a beautiful tapestry of sound that echoed through the College.

It was a perfect ending to a week that celebrated diversity, inclusion, and belonging, a reminder that every culture has a voice, and together, those voices create something truly extraordinary.

KIC Youth Art Awards

On Thursday, 19 March, the Kwinana Industries Council hosted their Annual Youth Art Awards at the Gary Holland Centre, bringing together talented students from colleges across the local community to celebrate creativity and artistic excellence.

We are delighted to share that students from Mother Teresa Catholic College achieved remarkable results, showcasing their talent and dedication:

Category 1: Visual Art 2D - Overall Winner – Bella M for her artwork Eudaimonia
Highly Commended – Mia C for her work I Will Always Love You
Category 2: Visual Art 3D - Highly Commended – Bianca P for her piece The Path Is Darker Than It Seems
Category 3: Digital Media - Overall Winner – Alumni Thomas K for Burnout

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all students and alumni for their outstanding achievements. Your creativity, skill, and hard work continue to make us proud.

UPDATE:

Bella M, has since been selected as a finalist in the prestigious Lester Prize Youth Awards 2026.

The Lester Prize is one of Australia’s leading portraiture competitions, attracting hundreds of entries from across the country. A select number of finalists are chosen for exhibition at the WA Museum Boola Bardip, where their work is presented in a professional gallery setting.

Bella’s mixed media portrait, Eudaimonia, honours her grandfather, an Australian Airforce veteran, and explores the idea of a life lived with meaning and purpose. Her work demonstrates both technical skill and a deeply personal connection, beautifully capturing identity, legacy, and gratitude.

This outstanding artwork has already been recognised with First Place at the Angelico Art Exhibition in 2025 and First Place at the KIC Youth Art Awards this month in March 2026, further highlighting the strength and impact of Bella’s work.

Bella’s Artist Statement:
This mixed media artwork portrays my grandad, an Australian Airforce veteran, proudly wearing his medals. Using coloured pencil, posca, and paint, I aimed to capture his identity and express gratitude and emotional connection. Eudaimonia captures a life of meaning and honour through my grandad’s service and personal legacy.

Congratulations to Bella on this exceptional and well-deserved achievement!

Caritas ‘Project Compassion’

On Wednesday, 1 April, our Secondary students were invited to take part in a fun and meaningful day by bringing a gold coin donation and wearing a sports top representing their favourite team.

Every donation gave students the chance to win one of our Easter hampers, while also contributing to a very worthy cause. All funds raised went towards Project Compassion, supporting the important work of Caritas Australia. Raising $1,000 overall!

During the Lenten season, MTCC proudly supported this initiative as part of our commitment to fostering compassion, kindness and care for those in need. It was a valuable reminder to our students that even small acts of generosity can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

It was wonderful to see students wearing their team colours with pride and coming together to make a positive impact in our wider community.

Congratulations to Sophie M from Year 9 for winning the Hamper.

To learn more about Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion, visit:
https://www.projectcompassion.org.au/fundraising

P&F and MTCC Easter Dress-up Day

It was a delightful morning at MTCC for our Easter Dress-Up Day!

Our Principal, Jay, wore his Easter Bunny outfit and greeted students and their families with high fives!

Thank you to everyone who donated towards this wonderful charity.

Congratulations to all our P&F Raffle winners and to Jalessa, who won our Project Compassion Hamper!

Junior School

Student of the Month

This Term, our Junior School came together for ‘Student of the Month’ assemblies, celebrating the achievements of students from Pre-Primary to Year 6. The assembly was filled with excitement, laughter and a wonderful sense of community as we recognised the hard work and dedication of our youngest learners.

Our Year 1 ‘Kaya’ class took to the stage and delighted the audience with a showcase of their learning this term. Students sang joyful songs that brought smiles to everyone’s faces, and they presented a fun and engaging retell about making pancakes on ‘Shrove Tuesday’. Their enthusiasm and confidence were truly inspiring and highlighted the creativity and curiosity fostered in our Junior School.

We extend our warmest congratulations to all of our award winners. Your effort, perseverance, and achievements are commendable and we are incredibly proud of each one of you.

A heartfelt thank you goes to all the parents and caregivers who attended and supported our students. Your encouragement and presence make a meaningful difference and help create a vibrant, nurturing College community.

The assemblies were a beautiful reminder of the joy of learning, the value of celebrating each other’s successes and the importance of community in helping our students grow and thrive.

Art Mural Years 3-6

Our Years 3–6 students got creative with “Draw All You Can” prompt cards!

Working independently or with a partner, they designed imaginative artworks featuring a main image, scattered elements and repeated patterns.

They explored contrast by colouring the negative space black and used one bright colour to make their designs pop!

All artworks came together to create a vibrant mural celebrating creativity, colour and design.

Year 3 Reconciliation Retreat

Recently, our Year 3 students took part in a special retreat as they continue preparing for Reconciliation in Religion this year. Reconciliation is about learning how to ask God for forgiveness and reconnect with him when we make mistakes, helping students grow in understanding, kindness, and faith.

On the day, all three Year 3 classes came together, along with some children from the parish, to spend time learning more about Reconciliation. The retreat was led by the team from 24/7 Youth Ministry, who created a fun and engaging experience for the students.

Throughout the day, the students participated in a variety of activities including games, videos, music and group sessions. These activities helped them explore the meaning of forgiveness and how we can always turn back to God when we make mistakes. This experience also helped prepare our students for when they were reconciled on Thursday, 26 March.

It was a wonderful day of learning and reflection and a great opportunity for the students to come together as a community as they prepared to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation on 26 March.

Junior School Inter-School Swimming Carnvial

Well done to all the students who participated in today’s Interschool Swimming Carnival at Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre. Our Years 4–6 team did a fantastic job in the pool and showed great effort and teamwork throughout the day.

We’re proud to share that we finished 3rd overall, which means we’ve kept our place in A Division — a great achievement for the team!

A special congratulations to Brodie and Lewis, who both received Champion Boy on the day. An outstanding effort!

It was great to see everyone supporting one another and representing the school so well.

Kindergarten Muddy Incursion

Educated by Nature visited the kindergarten and brought Muddy Gully with them!

They transformed the playground into a large, muddy play space full of squishy mud, water, and exciting things to explore. At first, some of the children were hesitant to get messy, but as they watched their friends mixing mud, splashing, and laughing, they decided to join in.

The students made mud pies and pretend food, painted their arms with mud, and squished it between their fingers and toes. The mud felt cold, slippery, and a little funny—but also incredibly exciting! They stomped around, leaving footprints everywhere, and worked together to build and create different structures.

Throughout the session, the children practiced sharing tools, taking turns, and helping each other carry buckets and mix mud. Laughter rang out as they discovered how fun it was to splash, dig, and experiment together. Some of the more adventurous students even jumped straight into the muddier areas!

By the end, the children were very muddy and very happy. Their clothes, boots, and hands were covered in mud, but their smiles showed how much fun they had. They learned that trying new things—even when they seem strange at first—can be exciting, and that getting messy, exploring nature, and playing together is one of the best kinds of fun!

Secondary School

Inter-house Swimming Carnival Presentations

In Week 5, the College held the Secondary School Inter-house Swimming Carnival Presentations inside the Occupied Stairs space. It was wonderful to come together as a community to celebrate the achievements and efforts of our students following a fantastic day of competition in the pool.

Students proudly received their medals from the Principal in front of their parents and caregivers, making the moment even more special and memorable. Seeing the smiles on their faces and the applause from family members, friends, and staff highlighted just how much these achievements meant to everyone involved.

The presentations were followed by a lovely morning tea, where students, parents, and staff had the opportunity to connect, reflect on the carnival, and celebrate the spirit of participation and teamwork that was evident throughout the event. It was a great way to continue the celebrations in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

We extend our congratulations to KEP House for taking home the shield on the day — a fantastic accomplishment that reflects their determination, teamwork, and house spirit. We would also like to acknowledge all of our runners-up and event winners for their outstanding performances in the pool.

A big thank you to our staff, families, and supporters who came along to cheer on our students and help make the morning so special. We are incredibly proud of every student who participated in the carnival and represented their house with enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

Year 11 River Cruise

Last Friday evening, our MTCC Year 11 students enjoyed a fantastic night together at their River Cruise in the city aboard the Crystal Swan. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to celebrate, relax and spend time with friends outside of the classroom.

Everyone looked amazing, with students dressing up for the occasion and bringing great energy to the evening. The atmosphere was full of excitement, laughter and plenty of memorable moments as the cruise made its way along the river and the city lights created a beautiful backdrop for the night.

Events like these are such a special part of the senior school journey, giving students the chance to strengthen friendships and create lasting memories together. It was clear that everyone had a wonderful time and the positive spirit of the group made the evening truly special.

Thank you to the staff who supported the event and helped make the night such a success for our Year 11 cohort.

Year 7 Camp

On Wednesday, 25 March, the students were buzzing with excitement as they set off for Year 7 Camp. The Swan Valley Adventure Centre was ready and waiting for us. After quickly dropping off our bags and enjoying a quick snack, we were straight into our first activity.

Over the course of the camp, students took on a variety of challenges, each with its own thrills and fears. Activities included Archery, High Ropes, Crate Stacking, Raft Building, Flying Fox and Swimming (our canoeing plans took a splashy detour!). The energy was great to see as students encouraged one another and most gave every activity their very best.

Mr Dixon was especially proud of the way students displayed excellent manners and respect while interacting with both staff and peers.

We hope everyone had a wonderful time and returned from camp having made at least one new friend.

Year 9 Heavy Metals Career Taster

On Wednesday, 11 March, our Year 9 Students attended an exciting Heavy Metals Career Taster at Clarkson TAFE, accompanied by Mr Cox, Head of Learning Area- Technologies and Mrs Irons, Head of Year 9.

Impeccably dressed in their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), students gained valuable insight into life at TAFE, explored a range of career opportunities within the heavy metals industry and learned about the critical importance of safety in a workshop environment.

Students were fortunate to take part in a hands‑on project, each welding their very own over‑the‑door metal basketball hoop. Battling the heat of the workshop, they experienced what a career in this industry may look like, while also developing practical, employable skills they can proudly add to their resumes.

Our Year 9 Students are incredibly grateful to Ms Liley, Future Pathways and Engagement Coordinator, for organising this amazing opportunity and continuing to provide meaningful experiences that support students in exploring future pathways.

Swimming Success for Olivia Atkinson

Olivia has had a big summer season competing with her swimming club, Rockingham Stingrays Swimming Club.

She took part in the Swimming WA Open Water Series, racing in the 5 km Under 18 category at Mullaloo Beach, Coogee Beach, Rockingham Beach and Scarborough Beach. Her strong performances qualified her for the national open water competition held in January at Koombana Bay.

At the Australian event, Olivia competed in a 6 km relay with her teammates and also took on the challenging 5 km individual race in tough conditions, finishing an impressive 25th in Australia in the 16–17 age group.

Throughout the season, Olivia has maintained a demanding training schedule of around 16 hours each week, including early morning sessions, while preparing for the Rottnest Channel Swim as part of a duo team. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled due to severe weather and changing wind conditions.

Olivia will finish her open water season with a cold southern swim in Denmark on Easter Sunday. Her training will continue through winter with seven sessions a week, including early mornings in the outdoor pools at Aqua Jetty as she prepares for the next open water season starting in October.

Congratulations, Olivia, on your dedication and achievements!

MARKAS Basketball Carnivals – Results Summary

Mother Teresa Catholic College students represented the College with pride across both the Junior and Senior MARKAS Basketball Carnivals this week. Competing against strong opposition, our teams demonstrated great skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout the days.

Junior Carnival Results

Junior Boys A – 2nd Place
Junior Boys B – 3rd Place
Junior Girls – 4th Place

Senior Carnival Results

Senior Boys A – 1st Place
Senior Boys B – 1st Place
Senior Girls – 2nd Place

A special congratulations to our Senior Boys A and B teams for their outstanding clean sweep of the competition. Well done to all players and staff for a fantastic showing across both carnivals!

ACC Interschool Swimming Carnival

Our Secondary students recently competed in the ACC Interschool Swimming Carnival at Claremont, representing the College with pride and determination.

Overall, the team placed 7th, just 7 points shy of 6th place. While this result means we will move to H Division next year, there were many highlights to celebrate.

Our girls achieved outstanding results, finishing 2nd in the Junior Girls division and 3rd overall in the Girls category. These are fantastic achievements and a reflection of their hard work and team spirit.

Most importantly, all students represented the College exceptionally well, demonstrating great sportsmanship, effort and pride throughout the day. They should all be very proud of their performances.

KIC iSCIENCE graduation – Monday, 30 March

Congratulations to Year 10 students Charlee, Carter and Martina on successfully graduating from the Term One 2026 KIC iSCIENCE Project. Martina also did an outstanding job as one of the student hosts for the graduation evening and all students confidently presented their learning to families, school representatives and industry partners.

Throughout the program, students engaged in a wide range of STEM experiences, including a full day at Murdoch University and site visits to NewGen, Coogee Chemicals and CSBP. These experiences provided valuable insight into real-world industries and helped students explore future study and career pathways in science, technology and engineering.

Carter and Martina were also awarded scholarships to attend the STEM @ Murdoch program later this year, recognising their strong applications and enthusiasm for learning. This opportunity will allow them to further develop their skills through hands-on activities guided by industry professionals.

We also congratulate our Year 11 KIC pre-apprentices, Max, Jhett and Nicolas, who have commenced their studies at South Metropolitan TAFE, and wish all VET students every success in their chosen pathways this year.

Surfing with the Disabled

Our Secondary students recently had the privilege of attending the Surfing with the Disabled event hosted by Disabled Surfers Association of Western Australia at Leighton Beach. This inspiring community initiative provides people of all abilities the opportunity to experience the joy and freedom of surfing in a safe and supportive environment.

Throughout the day, our students assisted participants, encouraged surfers in the water, and worked alongside dedicated volunteers to help create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of service, empathy, and community connection. We are incredibly proud of the compassion and enthusiasm our students demonstrated, and we look forward to continuing our involvement in such meaningful outreach opportunities.

Euan Buchan - Australian Surf Life Saving Championships

Year 9, Euan Buchan had an unforgettable week up at Kirra Beach during the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships in Queensland, coming 2nd in the 1km team relay!.

The conditions were classic Kirra: warm weather, decent swell with people lining the beach watching the racing. Euan and his teammate were focused on doing their best and enjoying the competition.

Across the week, Euan had some great races. He made it through to the board race semifinals, which was a big achievement with such a strong field and also made the board rescue semifinals with his partner.

Congratulations on your national silver medal!

Gold for Kayla at the Asia Pacific Cup

We are proud to share an update on Kayla’s journey at the 14th Asia Pacific Cup in Kuala Lumpur.

After an outstanding tournament, Kayla and her team have taken home gold in the Under 14 Girls Championship. Competing against teams from 18 countries, they performed exceptionally well throughout and truly earned their success.

Kayla will be returning to Australia tomorrow evening, just in time to attend MARKAS Junior training on Tuesday and Senior training on Wednesday. We look forward to hearing about her experiences and the highlights of the competition when she returns.

Congratulations, Kayla, on a fantastic achievement.

Reminders

Week 2 Year 6 CAMP
Friday, 24 April - ANZAC Day Service
Week 4 P&F Mother’s Day Stalls
Week 4 Friday 15 May - Inter-house X-Country Junior School

Arts Department Production

The Arts Department has been working tirelessly for months to direct, produce, choreograph, design and organise this year’s production of Little Shop of Horrors.

This will be staged at Mandurah Performing Arts Centre on the 1st and 2nd of May.

Tickets are currently on sale at MANPAC and can be purchased here: https://www.manpac.com.au/events/little-shop-of-horrors/

Staff are encouraged to use the discount code: UAREAPPRECIATED

We hope our families can support and join us!

Library News

Book Fair

Thank you to all families that supported our first Book Fair for 2026!

It was lovely to see the students so excited to choose their favourite Scholastic items and books! We made just over $3,500.00 is sales, which means we can buy more books and resources for our Learning Hub.

As it’s now the end of Term 1, can we please ask that all students return any borrowed books to the Learning Hub before the start of Term 2. Thank you.

Healthy reading habits are forged through Book Club. Parents can order books easily through the Scholastic LOOP platform. See instructions here.

MTCC Parents & Friends

Family Movie Night

What a way to kick off the year!

Our Family Movie Night was an absolute hit - and honestly, the kind of night that reminds you why community matters. The turnout was incredible, the atmosphere was buzzing and seeing families spread out across the oval, laughing, chatting, and settling in together under the evening sky was something special. From picnic rugs to popcorn runs, it was one of those simple, wholesome nights done right and we loved every second of it.

Thanks to your generosity, we also raised $242.90 in gold coin donations, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed. Every dollar goes straight back into creating more opportunities and events for our school community.

A huge thank you to everyone who came along and supported the event. It’s your presence that turns an idea into something memorable.

A New Chapter for P&F!

We are also so proud to officially share our P&F relaunch.

Over the past few months, there has been a lot happening behind the scenes - planning, refining, reworking - all with one goal in mind: creating something stronger, more connected and more aligned with our school community.

With our new name and logo, we feel more closely tied to the College than ever before and it truly reflects who we are and where we’re heading. This isn’t just a fresh look - it’s a fresh start.

Our relaunch celebration was made even more special with the presence of a representative from Reece Whitby, along with the friendly faces from OSHClub. Over the past year, both have provided incredible support to not only the P&F but the wider school community. It was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate their contributions, and we are truly grateful. We’re excited to continue building these relationships and look forward to seeing what we can achieve together!

Alongside this, we’ve launched our new website, designed to be your one-stop hub for everything P&F.

Whether you’re looking to:

Catch up on previous meeting minutes
Check upcoming meetings and events
Stay informed with important updates

…it’s all there, easy to access and always up to date. We’ve built it to make staying connected simple - because when communication is clear, everything runs smoother. Check out our new website:

www.mtccpnf.com.au/wordpress

Stay Connected and Get Involved

If you don’t want to miss a single thing happening this year, make sure you’re following us on:

Facebook & Instagram - “Parents & Friends of Mother Teresa”

Get Involved and We Need You!

Here’s the honest truth - we’ve got big plans but we can’t do it alone.

We are putting out a massive call for committee members. The more hands we have, the lighter the load and the bigger and better our events can be. Whether you’ve got a little time or a lot, there’s a place for you here.

Join the committee: https://forms.gle/7btE9gB257ZHfoZE8

Receive volunteer opportunity emails throughout the year: https://forms.gle/GAy2fNYtmwcZcMgF7

Even if you can’t commit to everything, showing up when you can makes a real difference. This is your community too and we’d love to build it alongside you.

We’re incredibly proud of the momentum we’ve built already this year and if this is how we’ve started…just wait for what’s coming next.

Looking Ahead to Easter

As we approach Easter, it’s a time to pause, reflect and appreciate what matters most - faith, family and community. It’s also a beautiful opportunity to slow down and enjoy quality time with loved ones.

We wish all our families a safe, relaxing and joy-filled school holiday break and we look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for Term 2, which is already shaping up to be packed with fun and exciting events.

Community News

OSHC

Above is the OSHC Holiday Program Brochure for the April holiday period. Scan to book online.

City of Rockingham Holiday Program

The Rockingham Youth Centre is pleased to announce that our Autumn School Holiday Programs are now open!

All programs are FREE of charge. For those that require registration, bookings can be made online via the “What’s On” page.

We would greatly appreciate your support in promoting these opportunities to your students—we’re sure they’ll enjoy having a variety of activities to choose from during the upcoming school holidays

NEW Dental Clinic Open ‘Drift Dental Co’ Secret Harbour

‘Drift Dental Co’ is a new Family Dental Clinic which has just opened across the road from the Secret Harbour shopping Centre.

Book your appointment with Toni or Dr Megan and meet the team.

NEW Patient special $195.00!

Miss Joe’s Golden Day

On Sunday, 29 March 2026, Miss Joe — Joe-Anne Dannenberg — competed in the 2026 WA State Masters Athletics Championships.

Her hard work and training paid off, winning two Gold Medals in her age group for the 60m and 200m.

The 100m race was cancelled on Saturday due to bad weather, but Miss Joe stayed positive.

Miss Joe loves encouraging her students to believe in themselves and never let anything hold them back from their dreams.

MTCC Basketball Club - Players Wanted

We are currently seeking expressions of interest for players to join MTCC Basketball for the upcoming Winter Season.

At present, we are still looking for players in the following age groups:

Under 8 (mixed)
Under 10 (boys)

If your child is interested in playing, please complete the expression of interest form below:
https://forms.office.com/r/PxjL9wamqf

If you have any questions, please contact us at mtccbasketball@outlook.com for further information.

We would love to welcome new players to the team!

Fundraiser

Grace B in Year 4 and her Mum, Kelly are hard at work fundraising for the Walk for Women's Cancer this year on May 2.

They are currently running a Lucky Number Raffle for $20.00 per number. The 1st prize is $500.00 and 2nd prize is $250.00.

If you’d like a number, see the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DZQvEVp4b/

A Day in the Life at Murdoch University is back!

During the school holidays on the 8 and 9 April, this popular hands‑on experience invites high school students onto our beautiful South Street campus to explore what uni is really like.

Students can step into real classes, meet our academics and current Murdoch students, and get a feel for the courses and careers that inspire them. With interactive workshops, campus tours and plenty of time for questions, it’s the perfect way for young people to discover their strengths, interests and future pathways.

Registrations are now open! Students only need to register for one day.

Register Here!