E-News 28 November 2023

 

Welcome to Week 8

Building Belonging – K-12 House Structure

As you would know, Community is one of our 4 key strategic pillars at the College supporting our Mission of 'Igniting the Spirit’ which drives us toward our Vision of being ‘Outstanding for Others’.

A core element of the Community pillar is building a genuine sense of belonging at the College. When students feel welcome and connected in an environment where quality relationships are prioritised, they are better positioned to learn and grow. At Av԰ Christi College we aim to provide the conditions to allow our students to flourish – part of this is to build a rich culture of belonging so students can confidently be themselves and consistently stretch their thinking to discover and develop as whole persons.

We promote a safe environment where all members of our community feel known and cared for. A genuine sense of connection is fostered with an unconditional and positive regard for the dignity of all. Our understanding of one another builds rapport and establishes a sense of connection ensuring that learners embrace their strengths and contribute to the wider College community.

This philosophy of real connectedness across our College has driven discussion and planning around the introduction of a K-12 House structure commencing next year. Our House system:

• Provides pastoral care, guidance and support

• Builds community and identity

• Encourages unity, teamwork and communication

• Enriches student life through a range of faith-based, cultural and sporting activities

• Allows students to interact within and across year levels, building a vertical connection from K-12

• Raises funds for Catholic charities through the celebration of House Patron Days

• Builds awareness and charism of key Patron Saints

• Provides important leadership opportunities for students

The K-12 Houses are:

• Chisholm - Open Hands, Open Hearts

• De Vialar - Devotion and Compassion

• MacKillop - See Need, Evoke Change

• Merici - Act, Strive, Believe

• Pallotti - Serve and Do

• Romero - Aspire to Be More

• Salvado - Perseverance and Stewardship

• Xavier - Empowered to Achieve

We are 'one' K-12 College that celebrates every student from the moment they join our community. We want all of our students to feel part of a connected House group and interact with students across the different year levels. We are excited at the many peer support, mentoring and leadership opportunities that the House structure will provide our students in the Junior and Senior schools.

The K-12 House structure will create an important alignment across the school and provide a sense of certainty for students upon arrival at the College. It gives students a sense of the bigger, connected picture and provides an extended opportunity for them to learn about their House and their associated Patron Saint. Importantly, it also grows a sense of social justice across the school as we serve and fundraise for causes and ministries connected to the charism of each House.

I am most grateful to the staff, students and parents who have engaged in the conversation to move to a K-12 House system. I would particularly like to recognise the Friends of Av԰ who have provided some excellent input into the process, including how we implement the new system next year. I would again encourage all parents and caregivers to engage fully in our Friends of Av԰ – it is such a privilege, and of great benefit to the growth of the school, to have so many connected and enthusiastic families inputting strongly into the strategic development of Av԰ Christi College.

Given family members are connected to the same House, many siblings in the Junior school will already be aware of what House they are associated with. We are very pleased to celebrate this connection now rather than waiting until students attend Year 7. We are equally delighted to connect families new to the school to their House the moment they arrive.

The Head of Junior School, Ms Katya Anderson will be providing families in the Junior School with specific details on the launch of the House structure in the K-6 years. We are looking forward with enthusiasm at the energy around this process.

We are very excited at how the introduction of the K-12 House system will unite us further as one College with a common vision of building a flourishing community environment for all of our students.

Best wishes and every blessing,

Jeff Allen
Principal

 

Dear Parents and Guardians

I am thrilled to share with you the fantastic news about the success of our Junior Disco, which took place on Friday, 17th November.

The Junior Disco was filled with laughter, music, and pure joy as our young students gathered to dance and create lasting memories. We want to express our sincere gratitude to all the Community Connectors and teachers who contributed to this event's resounding success.

Here are some highlights from the Junior Disco:

1. Enthusiastic Participation: The energy and enthusiasm of our junior students were genuinely infectious. It was heart-warming to see them dressed up in their favourite dance attire, showcasing their dance moves, and having a great time with their friends.

2. Positive Community Spirit: The Junior Disco was not just an event; it was a celebration of our strong and supportive school community. It was wonderful witnessing students come together to create an environment where everyone felt included and valued.

Events like the Junior Disco foster a sense of community and provide our students with positive experiences outside the classroom. I am already looking forward to future events that bring us together as a school community.

Once again, thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the Junior Disco. Your support and involvement are genuinely appreciated.

Final weeks of 2023

As the end of the school year draws nearer, many exciting events are happening in these final weeks. All offer an opportunity for us to gather as a community and celebrate.

Kindy Christmas Prayer Liturgy

Our beautiful Kindy team will lead us in the Christmas Prayer Liturgy on Wednesday, 29 November. Parents and siblings are invited to join us in the undercover area as the kindy students share with us the Nativity story.

2024 Kindy Orientation Morning

I warmly welcome the students and families of our kindy 2024 cohort to an Orientation morning, which will take place on Thursday, 30 November.

All information regarding the morning has been sent to families from the Enrolments team.

Awards Assembly

The 2023 Av԰ Christi College Awards Assembly is a celebratory morning where we will recognise the achievements of students across all year levels and their contribution to the life of the College. The families of students receiving an award have been notified by the College.

Move-up Day

On Monday, 4 December, students from Kindy to Year 5 will undertake a transition session, which is designed to provide students with a smooth move into their 2024 class.

Students will be informed of their 2024 classroom allocation and will then spend an afternoon session with their 2024 classroom teacher and classmates. This session will be focused on familiarising students with their new learning space and undertaking some fun activities.

Class lists will be distributed to families that afternoon, and parents are encouraged to support their child’s placement and successful transition by engaging in positive discussion about the process and excitement about the future possibilities for their child. As advised above, no changes to class allocations will be possible.

Christmas Carols Evening

Get ready for a jingle-filled night of festive fun as we proudly present the K-12 Christmas Carols Concert on Tuesday, 5 December! Our little stars from Kindergarten to Grade 6 are all set to steal the show and spread holiday cheer with their heart-warming performances.

The evening will also be an opportunity for us to celebrate as a community the tradition of the Year 5 to 6 Passing of the Light. This is to honour and celebrate the next step in these students' school journey.

Year 6 Celebration Evening

As we approach the end of another fantastic academic year, I am thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of our Year 6 students and bid them farewell with an unforgettable evening of joy and reflection as they embark on the exciting journey into Year 7. The Year 6 Celebration Evening is scheduled for Thursday, 7 November, from 4:30pm to 6:30 pm.

The Guard of Honour is a symbolic passage through which our Year 6 students will transition into the next phase of their educational journey. I invite all families to join us in creating a warm and celebratory atmosphere as we applaud and cheer for our graduating class. The guard of honour will take place on Friday, 8 December at 2:30 pm.

Wishing you all a joyful and festive holiday season ahead!

Warm regards,

Katya Anderson
Head of Junior School

Parking, Drop-off and Collection Zone

This is a reminder regarding parking, drop off and pick up:

  • Please demonstrate courtesy and care when parking, dropping off and picking up students around the College.

  • Parents and caregivers who are dropping off and picking up students are reminded to ensure you park and drop-off / collect students only in the allocated zones. 

  • Please do not park on verges and in unmarked parking areas as this creates a safety hazard. 

  • The Dean Road entrance to the College near the Theatre and Gymnasium is not an allocated drop off zone, as this is reserved for staff parking and is a goods delivery zone. 

  • From 4 December onwards, the College will be closing the Dean Road vehicle access gate after 9am each day and the gate will remain closed to vehicles. 

  • The pedestrian gate on Dean Road will remain open to ensure access to this side of the College for those entering and exiting on bike or by foot. 

  • Patrons using the Gymnasium, Aquatic Centre or Theatre facilities after hours will be required to park in the parking area off Hawke Pass, at the church off Dean Road, or in the Murdoch Drive parking.

  • Students who drive to school are requested to park in the allocated parking area off Hawke Pass, and not in the residential streets surrounding the College.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we seek to ensure a safe environment for our community.

 COVID Monitoring

Parents and caregivers are reminded to monitor students who are unwell, and refrain from sending them to school if they have symptoms of sickness. As there is still COVID within the community, we would appreciate your support to keep students home if they are symptomatic. Student Services have noticed an increase in unwell students and will contact families when students present as unwell and require additional care. 

Purchasing of College Uniform for 2024

The College is pleased to announce the launch of the K-12 Uniform as detailed in the . There is a two-year transition period for students to wear the new uniform. The new uniform range will be required to be worn by students from January 2026.

An itemised price list of the new uniform items will be uploaded to the College website, by 8 December 2023.  
The new uniform range will be available for purchase no later than 10 January 2024 via online. Orders may be collected on the following dates between 9-3pm from the James Nestor foyer (next to the Uniform Shop):

  • Wednesday, 17 January / Friday, 19 January

  • Monday , 22 January / Wednesday, 24 January

  • Monday, 29 January / Tuesday, 30 January / Wednesday, 31 January

If you would like to visit the College Uniform Shop, it will be open during School Holidays on:

  • Monday, 29 January and Tuesday, 30 January 2024 (9.00am – 3.30 pm)

  • Wednesday, 31 January 2024 (8.00am – 1.40pm)

More information on the transition process, including the acceptable uniform combinations and answers to frequently asked questions, can be viewed .

All new families who commence at Av԰ Christi College in 2024 are strongly recommended (but not required) to purchase the complete new set of the new range of College uniforms. Discontinued uniform items are available for sale and are reduced by 50%, while stocks last.

 

College Events 

College Christmas Carols Concert

We are thrilled to announce an enchanting evening of festive joy as students take centre stage for the K to 12 Christmas Carols Concert on Tuesday, 5 December.

  • 4:30pm to 5:30pm  - Families are welcome to have a picnic on the oval

  • 5:30pm – 7:15pm – Christmas Carol Concert

Annual College Community Meeting

All families are warmly invited to attend the Annual College Community Meeting.

Date: Tuesday 28 November 2023 
Time: Commencing at 6.30pm
Location: Senior School Staffroom

Term 4 Upcoming Events:

The above dates are correct at the time of publication, however, please access the calendar for future dates and deadlines.

The latest events with detailed information can also be found by visiting the events page.

 

WA Middle School Ethics Olympiad

We are absolutely delighted that two Av԰ Christi College (Year8) teams competed in the 2023 WA Middle School Ethics Olympiad on 14 November 2023.

One of our teams was the Overall Winner, winning Gold Medals and the other team was given an honourable mention from the Judges! The winning team has also been invited to participate in the 2024 Australasian Ethics Olympiad. This is an incredible achievement given the calibre of the competition and we are extremely proud of the outstanding results.

The Ethics Olympiad is unique in that it empowers students from across the globe to engage in rigorous and critical discussions of real-life 'Ethical Issues and Moral Dilemmas'. It fosters collaboration and teamwork and enables students to dissect and explore the Morals and Values that govern our everyday behaviour. View more photos HERE.

 

Australian Mathematics Competition

We're thrilled that 5 Av԰ Christi College students have achieved 'High Distinctions' in the 2023 Australian Mathematics Competition. Students awarded 'High Distinctions' are in the Top 3% of their year.

Congratulations to:

  • Haydn G and David S (Year 8)

  • Gabriel C, Ryan F and Jonas G (Year 7)

Each student has secured a highly coveted spot in the Mathematical Association of WA's 'Problem Solving Program' for 2024. This accomplishment is a testament to their commitment and exceptional mathematical talent.

The West Australian Pulse 2024 Showcase

Congratulations to Josh Land Sophie P, who’s works have been selected for inclusion in The West Australian Pulse 2024 Showcase. ‘Pulse’ is an annual showcase of Year 12 Visual Arts graduates works by a judging panel including WA artists, AGWA Curatorial team at the Art Gallery of WA. View more Year 12 works HERE.

Senior School Arts

Music Programs 2024

Are you interested in continuing your music pathway and or looking to learn a new instrument? 
The College Music department has opened enrolments for and .

Dance Programs 2024

Are you interested in joining the College Dance program?
2024 is now open.

‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ Props Request

Please contact Mrs McCrystal or Mrs Palmer if you are able to donate or loan any of the following:

Chaise lounge / Dated handset telephone / Screen type room dividers 
Fake Persian carpet / Giant cardboard boxes (the ones that hold large appliances)
Rusty wheelbarrow and old metal pots, ladles or tools / Mature potted palm tree

Thank you in advance from the 2024 CCBB Team. 

Final Reminder to

The Year 12 Ball, celebrating the commencement of the the final academic year for students, will be held on the 27 January 2024.

Frasers Restaurant & Function Centre
Kings Park, Fraser Avenue
Time : 6.30 - 10.30pm
Dress Code: Evening (Please ensure modest dress, appropriate for Conservative Catholic College)

Please book Year 12 Ball Ticket

 

Junior School Disco

The Junior Disco was filled with laughter, music, and pure joy as our young students gathered to dance and create lasting memories. We want to express our sincere gratitude to all the Community Connectors and teachers who contributed to this event's resounding success. Please view more photos HERE.

Library News

A reminder to students and parents that all library books are due back to the Primary Library by Friday 24/11/23 for us to commence our annual stocktake.

Students are encouraged to use our fantastic local public libraries over the holiday period.

Mrs Catherine Munro
Library Technician

 

Nicholas Willey (Year 6)

Congratulations to Nicholas Willey, who  has been awarded a ‘Highly Commended’ at the 2023 Lyrical Flute International Championship, by the  adjudicators including Sir James and Lady Jeanne Galway!

⭐ Share Your Story ⭐

We love celebrating student success, so if you have a story to share please send details and a photo to: marketing@corpus.wa.edu.au

 

St Thomas More Bateman Parish Update

St Thomas More Parish Sacramental  Program

Sacramental classes for St Thomas More Parish commence on Wednesday the 7th February from 4.00pm, please enrol and upload all necessary certificates. There will be no enrolment day next year as all enrolments are online. (During class on 7 February, 2024, ‘Form 10 - Safeguarding’ will need to be completed.)

If you are experiencing difficulties in enrolling online please send us  an email on catechist.bateman@perthcatholic.org.au  or on 93101747 on Tuesday and a Wednesday.

All children (from pre-school age on) are warmly welcomed to attend the Religious Education Sacramental program. Special arrangements can be made for High School children and Av԰ Christi College children who may not have celebrated their age relevant Sacrament.

Sacramental dates for next year will be published at a later date this year.                                      

 

Learn to Swim at Av԰

Av԰ Christi College offers a Learn to Swim Program onsite at the Jennifer Reilly Aquatic Centre. The aquatic centre features a covered and heated 25 metre, eight-lane indoor lap and water polo pool, a separate 12 metre learn-to-swim pool and terrace seating for 180 people.

Our Learn to Swim Program is facilitated by Speed With Style, a company who provide a unique approach to swim teaching called Individualised Custom Teaching, which was developed by Dr Nigel Williams in collaboration with head coach and Speed with Style Founder - John Williams.

The Learn to Swim program is available to both Av԰ Christi College students and those external to the College.

You can register and find more information about Speed with Style on the
College website: www.corpus.wa.edu.au/speed-with-style

Reporting of Absentees

If your child is absent from school there are a variety of ways in which parents can inform the College, more information is located here. Absentees can be reported through a variety of means, including the online form, SMS or email absentee@corpus.wa.edu.au. The least preferred method is via call due to the translation of the voice message being unclear at times, please reserve calling for emergencies only. It is very important that you provide your child’s full name, their classroom/homeroom, and the reason for their absence. Please ensure any emails are sent to Absentee@corpus.wa.edu.au and not individual staff email accounts within Student Services. The College will shortly be undertaking a review of the variety of methods used to report absences and is looking to streamlining the number of methods in which this can be done.

Enrolments Update

Sibling Applications

We encourage applications well in advance of the entry year and encourage families to keep up to date with the Enrolment timelines as advertised on our website.

Currently Accepting

  • 2026 cohort applications for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Year 7.

  • 2027 cohort and beyond.

To be eligible for enrolment, all applicants must have submitted an application per child.

If you are yet to do so, please apply online: 

In case you missed it...

Keep up to date with news as it happens by following our social media accounts and by checking out our latest updates.

Av԰ Communications