St Lawrence & Mary Immaculate Parish Balcatta:

Parish Priest: Fr Emil Ciecierega SDS Assistant Priest: Fr Adam Babinski SDS

The Example of Jesus

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race

that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross,

despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand

of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet

resisted to the point of shedding your blood. Hebrew.12:1-4

Dear Parents and Friends

Inspiring Christ-Centre Leaders

We have now appointed our new Strategic Planning Team. Mrs Tania Preston, Mrs Roselyn Pizzino,

and Mrs Marie Boyle along with Mrs Gabrielle Brennan and Mrs Jacki Tucker have all accepted their

nominations to this team. Coming soon they will all complete a day of Professional Development with

Mr Paul Hille. This day will look at developing strategies, processes and procedures for developing

our new strategic plan and how to interrogate the data to ensure a comprehensive approach has been

undertaken.

St Lawrence Primary School 386 Albert Street Balcatta WA

Telephone: 9344 4944 Fax: 9344 5099 Email: admin@stlawbal.wa.edu.au

Home Page: www.stlawbal.wa.edu.au

Newsletter No. 25 21 August 2019

School Vision Statement The vision of St Lawrence Catholic Primary School, Balcatta

is to share the message of God’s love and friendship in a community of learners, developing the full potential of each child.

Year Six Camp

Our wonderful Year Six children have adventured off to camp 2019!

It was lovely to see them all so excited Tuesday morning as they

boarded the bus bound for Waroona. We wish them much fun and many

joyous adventures and our joint prayers for a safe return. I will be

attending camp from Wednesday until Friday.

Year One

I was yet again very impressed with our Year One

students last week. Not only did they present an

outstanding Assembly last Friday, but on one of

my regular walks through I came across some

budding scientist investigating mini-beasts first

hand. These creative problem solvers under the

guidance of their brilliant teacher were

investigating the attributes on earth worms…first

hand! They had created a before and after diagram

of their investigation. These clearly demonstrated

the epic learning that had taken place.

Well done to these future movers and shakers in

the scientific world.

Catholic Schools of Excellence

As part of our ongoing commitment to

excellence we have over the last three

terms engaged the services of Mrs Jenny

Jongste. Jenny is a specialist in Information

and Communication Technology (ICT) in

education. She has been working with staff

to develop their skills and enhance their

teaching pedagogies as well as providing

advice to the Leadership Team on future

directions. Jenny not only works directly

with our teachers and support staff, she also

supports classes in developing appropriate

skills and pedagogical practices to meet the

Australian Curriculum Information and

Communication Technology (ICT)

Capability.

I have taken the information below directly from the Australian Curriculum documentation that all

Australian schools are mandated to follow. We at St Lawrence are striving to be outstanding examples

of education in the 21st Century and ICT is just one of the many areas we endeavour to shine in.

In the Australian Curriculum, students develop Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capability as

they learn to use ICT effectively and appropriately to access, create and communicate information and ideas,

solve problems and work collaboratively in all learning areas at school and in their lives beyond school. ICT

capability involves students learning to make the most of the digital technologies available to them, adapting to

new ways of doing things as technologies evolve and limiting the risks to themselves and others in a digital

environment.

To participate in a knowledge-based economy and to be empowered within a technologically sophisticated society

now and into the future, students need the knowledge, skills and confidence to make ICT work for them at school,

at home, at work and in their communities. Information and communication technologies are fast and automated,

interactive and multimodal, and they support the rapid communication and representation of knowledge to many

audiences and its adaptation in different contexts. They transform the ways that students think and learn and give

them greater control over how, where and when they learn.

The nature and scope of ICT capability is not fixed, but is responsive to ongoing technological developments. This

is evident in the emergence of advanced internet technology over the past few years and the resulting changes in

the ways that students construct knowledge and interact with others.

Students develop capability in using ICT for tasks associated with information access and management,

information creation and presentation, problem-solving, decision-making, communication, creative expression

and empirical reasoning. This includes conducting research, creating multimedia information products, analysing

data, designing solutions to problems, controlling processes and devices, and supporting computation while

working independently and in collaboration with others.

Students develop knowledge, skills and dispositions around ICT and its use, and the ability to transfer these across

environments and applications. They learn to use ICT with confidence, care and consideration, understanding its

possibilities, limitations and impact on individuals, groups and communities.

We will commence our preparation for the 2020 roll out of our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

programme with a parent meeting for Years Two and Three parents and guardians on Tuesday 27th

August at 7pm in the Year 3 classroom.

2020 Enrolments

We have completed enrolments for 2020. Most of our classes are

currently at capacity or very near. Our 2020 Pre-primary, Kindy

and Three Year old are full or very close. Thank you to all the

families who continue to support our school. Our wonderful

reputation combined with our dedicated staff, outstanding

equipment, programmes and resources keep St Lawrence as a

school of choice. The community feel and spirit throughout the

school and parish all come together to make the magic that is St

Lawrence.

I am immensely proud of all our children and their wonderful achievements. Perhaps however the most

joyous celebration for me is how polite, happy and delightful our children are. A credit to themselves,

their families and their school. God bless you all.

Catholic Pastoral Communities

The Latin word sacramentum means "a sign of

the sacred." The seven sacraments are ceremonies

that point to what is sacred, significant and

important for Christians. They are special

occasions for experiencing God's saving presence.

That is what theologians mean when they say that

sacraments are at the same time signs and

instruments of God's grace. Our Year Six children

are continuing their Sacramental journey and will

receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and

Confirmation soon. Please keep all of these

students in your prayers as they complete their

final preparations.

At Confirmation the children will receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit; these are seven in total and grow

in the children as they move through their journey of Faith.

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit

WISDOM - This is a gift that comes about over time. A wise person has learned how to look at life from

all perspectives, to see and understand the whole picture of a situation. Someone who is wise can see

how everything is part of God's love.

UNDERSTANDING - The ability to see from another person's heart, to feel the feelings of others and

to put these before our own.

KNOWLEDGE - The ability to find important information and facts and look at them objectively and

intelligently.

COURAGE - The ability to follow our convictions and conscience no matter what the cost. Courage

gives us the strength to do what is right in spite of obstacles and difficulties.

RIGHT JUDGEMENT - The gift in which a person is open to others' insights about a problem and

skilled at working with these people to solve that problem.

REVERENCE - The gift of reverence is honouring God and God's people.

WONDER & AWE - The ability to be amazed by things in life, to be awake to the realisation that we

are always in God's presence. God created the beauty of the universe but also listens to us, cares for us,

and loves us beyond all measure.

Accessible, Affordable and Sustainable

ABSENCES and LATE ARRIVALS

We are required by the Education Act (1999) s28 to keep accurate records of student absences. The

Attendance Register kept by each class teacher is a legal document. A note explaining the absences

needs to be produced on return to school. This explanation of an absence needs to be in written form

(phone calls, SMS or a word to the teacher is not an acceptable substitute.)

An email meeting the following criteria, is also acceptable:

The name of the student

The class of the student

The reason for the absence

The full name of the parent/guardian at the end of the message (the ‘from’ email address is not

sufficient as it does not necessarily have the full name of the person who is sending it)

God bless each and every one of you.

Sheldon Carey. M Ed, B Ed, Grad Dip

Principal

PASTORAL CARE We pray for all children and staff who are attending Camp 2019.

May they travel safely, enjoying the new experiences and

opportunities and return to us all renewed,

refreshed, healthy and safe.

Amen

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Roy, Caroline and Brooklynne O’Flynn

(Year 2) on the sad passing of her beloved brother and uncle Jonathan.

To the Terranova family on the birth of their beautiful baby girl Faith Rose

sister to Jordan (Year 1).

To the Caballes & Spera family on the birth of their beautiful boy Paul brother

to AJ (Year 6).

Learning at Home Tips:

Did you know that the games you play with your toddlers and preschoolers can influence their interest in learning math and

science as they grow older? Young children are capable of learning such concepts as big and small, high and low, fast and

slow, and heavy and light. By helping your children learn these concepts, you are helping them begin to learn about math

and science.

According to educational experts from the National Science Foundation ("Helping Children Learn at Home," 1997), "young

children are natural mathematicians and scientists" because of their curiosity and their desire to explore and experiment.

When parents encourage their children to ask questions and help children explore and discover the natural world, they are

helping build an interest in math and science. Many experts say that children who have such experiences when they are very

young develop an enjoyment for and a confidence in math and science that pays off as they get older. Here are some ideas

for what you can do to develop your pre-schooler’s interest in math and science.

Go for a walk with your child. Take time to stop along the way and watch things that children notice, such as flowers,

animals, and bugs. Talk with your child about what you see, and ask about what he sees.

Draw pictures together. Draw a picture of what you have seen, whether it was on your walk together, on your front steps, in

the backyard, or from your window. Ask your child to draw a plant, an animal, or a favourite place, and then ask her to tell

you about the drawing.

Turn a drawing into a story. Write down what your child says about the picture he just drew. Ask him to make up a story

about the picture, and save it with other artwork and stories he has developed.

Listen to your child and ask questions about what she is seeing and doing. Children need to have time every day to tell

another person about what they have seen or what they think. When you ask your child to tell you about a walk or a trip to

the zoo, you are encouraging her to think and choose words.

Choose toys that help your child learn. Young children learn about the world primarily by playing. As a result, they need

toys that encourage them to imagine and explore, which are not necessarily those that are advertised on television. Helping children learn at home. (1997, March 27). Pointers for Parents (National Science and Technology Week Publication SP/96-8). Arlington, VA: National Science Foundation.

Pupil Free Day Monday 26 August 2019 – Catholic Day

PARISH CHILDREN’S LITURGY

Children’s Mass will be at 5pm this Sunday 25th August. We all look forward to as many children as

possible reading and singing in the choir. Prayers of the Faithful will be allocated by Mrs Jacki Tucker.

Could all singers please try to arrive early for practice. A movie night is planned for Friday 6th

September, so save the date and watch this space for details.

SAFEGUARDING PROJECT

The Safeguarding project was set up by the Archdiocese of Perth in 2014, to promote the fundamental

right of children, youth and venerable adults to physical and psychological safety at all times.

Safeguarding officers were asked to volunteer and trained, and appointed to every parish to be a point

of contact for any concerns in this area and to raise awareness of the importance of protecting these

rights for all.

Child protection week is 1st to the 8th September. During this week many events to raise awareness of

the importance of child protection will be held.

One of these events is the Child Protection Week competition. Forms are available from the foyer of

the church. Please encourage your children to enter. There are 3 age categories and a prize will be

awarded in each category. The overall winner will win a $500 voucher and will be a guest at the Child

Protection Week breakfast at the Duxton Hotel, where they will be awarded their prize by Archbishop

Timothy Costelloe on Thursday the 5th September. Completed forms are to be placed in the box in the

foyer of the church by Sunday the 25th of August. During Child Protection Week free workshops for

parents are available. Please see flyers in the foyer of the church for details.

Information leaflets and booklets are available at the back of the church, along with the contact details

of the parish safeguarding officers : Toni Mattiaccio and Linda Westwood.

Mrs Toni Mattiaccio mattiaccio.ton@cewa.edu.au.

St Lawrence Pray for us.

FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

Our Year 6 students are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.

The Sacrament of Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation. The sacrament is

called Confirmation because the faith given in Baptism is now confirmed and made

strong. During Baptism, parents and Godparents make promises to renounce Satan

and believe in God and the Church on the child’s behalf. At Confirmation, the

confirmation candidate personally renews those same promises.

Important dates for Year 6 parents and students:

Parent information meeting

Wednesday 28th August 7.00pm in the School Hall

Confirmation Parent and

Student Workshop

Wednesday 4th September

5.00pm or 6.30pm in the

Learning Centre

Confirmation Retreat Day for students

Thursday 19th September

School Hall

Confirmation Masses

Saturday 21st September

and Sunday 22nd September

Saturday 6pm

Sunday 8.30am

ASSEMBLY

The Year Four Class will present the Assembly on Friday. Merit Awards will be distributed at this

assembly.

YEAR 6 CAMP

On Tuesday morning our Year 6 students headed off to Forest Edge

camp in Waroona for four days of fun and adventure. This camp

will be something these students will remember forever. The skills

the students learn on this camp will assist them in their journey

becoming young adults, and is a great way to bond with each other

for the remainder of the year. We are happy to report that they are

having a terrific time and making the most of their camp

experience.

We sincerely thank Mr Haydon, Mrs Major, Mr Carey, Mrs Austin and

Mr Tonge for giving up their time, so that our students have this

memorable experience.

Mrs Jacki Tucker and Mrs Gabrielle Brennan

CLASS NEWS

YEAR THREE

In Science, we have been working hard on our floating

houses. We will be doing our first test run on Thursday.

Hopefully they all float. This week in Religion we will

begin our preparation for the Sacrament of

Reconciliation, which is due early next term. To

complete our Art and Craft activity the children will need

to bring in a photo of themselves with their dad. This

photo can be emailed to me. Just a reminder that the

BYOD iPad information night is on Tuesday 27th

August at 7pm. The night will include a representative

from IT Dynamics running through the Mobile

Management system, ZuluDesk. This is an easy to use

tool to allow teachers and parents full control over how a

student’s iPad is used. It has a range of features which

allows it to ‘Lock in” apps or specified website for an

allocated time. A representative from JB HiFi will also

explain the School Portal where you will be able to

purchase iPads at a discounted educational price. We

encourage all families to attend this information session

to make the most of the expert help.

Miss Kathleen Tranquille, Year Three Teacher and IT Co-ordinator

YEAR FOUR

The Year 4s are working hard on their assembly items for Friday. In English, we have been writing

persuasive letters that we are preparing to send to different organisations. In Mathematics, we have

been working on equivalent fractions and fractions of groups. We are learning how much easier it is

when you know your times tables. We are looking forward to our excursion next week to Curtin

University to work with real scientists in a working laboratory.

Miss Anna Brenkley, Year Four Teacher

YEAR FIVE

It is wonderful to see the Year Fives displaying

excellent leadership qualities as they complete

some of the Year Six jobs around the school

while the Year Sixes are away on camp. I have

been very proud of their enthusiasm.

In class we are continuing to read Blueback by

Tim Winton and appreciate the wonderful

language he uses to help us get to know and

better understand the life of Abel Jackson and

his mum Dora. Abel and Dora are also teaching

us about sustainability, the importance of the

land and only taking what we need. A reminder

that some children do not have all the necessary

stationery to complete their work. Please have

a chat to your child about this to ensure they are

ready for learning each day.

Have a great week.

Mrs Roselyn Pizzino, Year Five Class Teacher

YEAR SIX

We enjoyed time with our Year One buddies, as you

can see in the photos, doing an art activity for the

Solemnity of the Assumption. We also joined with the

Year Five students for a talk on dental health and

received a bag of dental goodies.

I have asked the students making their Confirmation

next month to bring in their Mass Booklets for

viewing. The Parent evening will be at 7pm on

Wednesday, August 28. Each student has a booklet to

compile about their saint which is due August 30.

They will then use their poster and booklet to make an

oral presentation to the class.

At the conclusion of camp they have an extra day to

recover as Monday is a student free day. They will be

eager to put together their Keynote reflection about

their camp experience.

Mr Phil Haydon, Year Six Teacher

MERIT AWARD WINNERS

Pre Primary: Luke C, Amelia C, Tory C, Leonardo OZ, Kiana R.

Year One: Zavier P, Milana C, Tim H, Jovana S, Paige S, Katia S, Raymond W.

Year Two: Samuel C, Miles O, John P, Sarwam D.

Year Three: Nikolina P, Emily P, Rita F, Massimo C.

Year Four: Chloe C, Callum C, Chiara D, Isabel G, Blake R, Joseph W.

Year Five: Jordan P, Annabella B, Luciano M, Kim H, Ben M.

ST LAWRENCE FEAST DAY

Our community celebrated St Lawrence Feast Day with prayer, families, food and fun. It was a

wonderful day to come together as a community and to support those in need just like our patron saint.

We raised a huge $1655.10 which will be donated to Sr Chitra and the Servite sisters for their work

with Kora Childcare.

Well done to everyone.

LIBRARY NEWS

Book Week this year has been very exciting.

The children have really enjoyed sessions of art

and craft during their library times.

Pre Primary and Year 1 created rainbow bears

with the help of stencils and rubbing plates.

Year 2 made a story map of Tricky’s Bad Day

using a story slider, and the children in upper

primary created a scene for a superhero.

We also had many children come up to the

library to buy some second hand books from our

stall, and to create origami cicadas with

Mrs Frenzel.

We have really enjoyed celebrating the books

created by extremely talented Australian authors

and illustrators for children, and look forward to

next year’s theme.

Mrs Jane Stanton, Teacher Librarian

UNIFORM SHOP NEWS

SPORTS CARNIVAL Training has now commenced for the Sports Carnival in Week 9, Friday 20th September. Students in

Pre-Primary to Year 6 are to wear their coloured Faction T-Shirt's on their sports days.

Kindy students may also wear a Faction T-shirt on their sports day and are welcome to purchase one

from the Uniform Shop. Faction T-Shirt will also be required to be worn on Sports Carnival Day.

Please note students in Gold faction should not be wearing their yellow St Lawrence Sport Shirt.

Gold faction t-shirt is required.

SCHOOL VESTS As per responses to parent feedback regarding school jumpers, a Woollen School Vest is now available

for purchase for students in Year 1 to Year 6.

Stock is available at the Uniform Shop in Sizes 6, 8 and 10 and selling price is $56.00. The vest may

be substituted or used as an option when weather is not so inclement. The School Jumper is the correct

school uniform for all formal occasions and must be worn accordingly.

School Vests are 80% Wool & 20% Nylon and are machine washable on a wool/delicate cycle.

UNIFORM FITTINGS FOR STUDENTS IN YEAR 1, 2020 A roster system is placed on the Pre-Primary noticeboard for your child for uniform fittings for

commencement of Year 1 in 2020. Please ensure you place your name in a suitable time slot. Fittings

commence Week 8, Monday 9th September and conclude in Week 9.

Pre-primary parents have been sent an email on the 14th August with all the details.

SECOND HAND UNIFORMS

Second Hand Uniforms are available for sale at the Uniform Shop. Thank you to the parents who have

already kindly donated unwanted uniforms in good, saleable condition (NO Hats, Ties or Socks and

items washed, please). Stock is selling fast, so please come in to find a great bargain.

Prices start from $5.00 to $30.

Uniform Shop Opening Hours

Wednesday 8.30 am to 9.30am and Thursday 2.30pm to 3.30pm

Mrs Angie Miola, Uniform Shop Manager

P&F NEWS

Thursday 22nd of August is the Father's Day stall from

1:30pm - there will be items for sale ranging from $1 to $5.

Each child will receive a free gift bag with their purchase.

Our Year 6's who are away at camp, Kindy, Year 5 students and

any students who are absent, will be choosing their gifts on

Tuesday 27th of August.

Please join us on Friday 30th August at 7:45am for bacon and

egg rolls!

Please send in your RSVP's as soon as possible for catering

purposes.

P&F President and Executive

CANTEEN NEWS

Thank you to my helpers last week, Michelle M and Jasenka M. Your help was very much

appreciated!

Year 3’s are rostered for next week. Please see me if you are able to help.

Father’s Day Raffle tickets are now on sale - $2 each or 3 for $5. Some fantastic prizes to be won.

Come and check them out in the canteen!

Birthday cupcakes

are proving popular.

Come and see us if you

would like to order.

Cost $20 for the class!

Christina Russo, Canteen Manager

Frances Caccamo and Antonella Crupi, Assistants

NETBALL NEWS

St Lawrence Netball Club 2019 Wind Up

Saturday 12th October, 2pm onwards

(More details to come)

2020 St Lawrence Netball Club Committee

Nominations are now open for all positions.

We need parent volunteers to fill these roles to ensure the club can continue. Please contact Leah for

more information on 0419960663.

Good luck to all the teams for the last 2 games of the season.

Thank you, Netball Committee

Interschool Cross Country

On Wednesday 28th August 32 students will compete in the Inter School Cross Country Carnival at

Yokine Reserve. Good luck to all students involved. Permission notes will be sent home shortly.

Mrs Claire Major Physical Education Teacher

Latest images of our Year 6 campers!