As we close out another busy and eventful term, it is a great time to reflect, while also looking forward to some much needed and earned rest and recharge.
It was an absolute privilege to announce our position as a finalist at the WA Education Awards on Tuesday. While always a lovely surprise to be recognised, we are not surprised as we see firsthand the commitment of our educators and the lengths, they go to support our communities' children and their academic and social and emotional growth. The next stage of the process includes two judges visiting the school this coming Monday. On their visit they will be touring the school, talking to as many students and teachers as possible, getting a firsthand understanding of what makes our school so great. As part of that process, the judges are eager to speak with any parents of students who have been positively impacted by any of our programs. While we have a number of parents keen to share, if you would like to join the discussion, or even show your support, you are welcome to meet outside the staff room on Monday, from 11am. The judges are on an extremely busy timeline, and won’t be around for long, but it is a great opportunity for our community to shine. There might even be some morning tea to make it worthwhile! If you can’t make it but feel strongly about sharing your story, you may put it in writing this weekend and add to other supportive emails we have received that will be on show. For all interested attendees or emails, please send through to luke.johnson@education.wa.edu.au so we have a good gauge of numbers. We will then eagerly await the completion of the process and the announcement of the winner in November!
Great examples that contribute to our amazing tapestry of learning can be found each and every week, and this week was no different. Michael Howesmith and IMMS teacher, Andrea Carter, led the CPS String Orchestra and band at the Aboda Band and Orchestra Festival held at Churchlands SHS. Our teams were judged to be Outstanding in their performances. Our young band members and supportive teachers should be extremely proud of themselves, as they continue to aim high and achieve amazing results. Thank you, Mr Howesmith and Mrs. Carter.
On Wednesday, Michael Marshall led the CPS Interschool team at the network Interschool Athletics carnival, this year hosted by Woodland PS. It was another spirited performance, with our students strongly demonstrating our school values while on the way towards outstanding achievements, both as a school and individually. It was a fantastic team effort that was awarded our highest placing in a number of years. Thank you Mr Marshall, and congratulations to our athletes.
Next week, the opportunities continue to roll on as Di Idle and the year 6 students prepare for their Musical, ‘The X Factory’. It is always an authentic learning experience for all our graduating students, whether they have major roles or supporting parts. Thank you, Mrs. Idle, and the year 6 teachers for your mountain of work in preparing our students to reach this point. I cannot wait to enjoy the show next week!
Our community partners have also continued to be extremely busy, both raising funds for the students and building community. The DUCKs had a very successful day at the Innaloo Bunnings Sausage Sizzle a couple of weeks ago, raising almost $2000, while the Year 2 & 3 parents and P & C have just successfully run another brilliant Colour Run / Lapathon event. We are all extremely tired and have sore legs as you read, however we have finished the week on a marvelous, colourful high! Thank you to both the DUCKs, Year 2 & 3 parents, Shannon Ryan, Jess Vanson and the P& C Committee. Make sure you get your sponsored laps paid by next Wednesday to be in the draw for the raffle next Friday. Also, look out for how to buy tickets to the upcoming Student Disco next week, it should be an exciting way to start the new term!
As this term ends, we do have both sad and happy news to announce on the staffing front. While we are extremely sad to be losing her, we are really happy for Lucy Gething (Room 8) who will be leaving Churchlands to become a teacher in the Royal Children’s Hospital – School in Hospital program, starting in term 4. Mrs Gething has been a wonderful teacher at CPS over the last 5 years and will be dearly missed by both students and staff. We know that her new role is an absolute perfect fit for her, and we wish her all the best! We welcome Mr Connor Pollard who will be moving into Room 8, Monday to Wednesdays, in term 4. Please make him feel welcome next term.
We would also like to wish Hannah Reid (Room 11) the best of luck as she takes her maternity leave next term. While Mrs Reid focuses on that very special (and busy) time of her life, we also welcome Mrs Nicole Fraser who will be teaching in Room 11 on Mondays, while Mrs Pember teaches Tuesday to Friday.
On a final note, a couple of community announcement requests. Firstly, could all families who plan on NOT being at Churchlands Primary School in 2025 please alert the office as classroom planning is well underway.
Also, we have noticed a number of dogs on premises, at drop-off and pick-up (and even during the day). Unfortunately, while we love our furry friends, we do have a ‘blanket’ no dogs on school premises during school hours (7.30am to 5pm). We have had incidents of ‘dogs misbehaving’ over the years, and it can cause anxiety for some of our students and younger siblings.
Finally, we wish our community a very restful and safe holiday period over the next couple of weeks. Enjoy the sunshine, the footy (especially if your team is still playing), and that special family time together. We look forward to seeing students back for term 4 on Tuesday October 8.
Luke Johnson
Acting Principal
