Welcome to our first newsletter for Term 3. I trust the holidays provided an opportunity for families to spend time together, in this year of challenges, family time seems even more important than ever. Term 3 is the term when we host many events including carnivals and special ‘weeks’. Within the current restrictions, we are blessed to be able to plan for our traditional Term 3 events with some clever modifications and additions. We look forward to Operation Op Shop and our very own Anglican Sleepover next week. Raising awareness of the challenges faced by people who find themselves homeless and the work of the agencies who assist including The Street Connect Bus gives our students a valuable avenue to channel their energy in a time when the need in our community is more apparent than ever.
Parents and Friends
It is wonderful to be able to host parents on site again this term, with a great turn out at both Calista and Wellard Junior School Assemblies. There was also an excellent turn out for the Senior School Parent Teacher Interviews, where valuable feedback about student progress was discussed. This week we held a P&F Special General Meeting where the P&F adopted a new Constitution. Key changes include updating language conventions, providing greater clarity through the inclusion of definitions and an enhanced voting and handover procedure. I thank the parents who attended the meeting and look forward to future P&F events including the AGM to be held later this term.
Exciting New Developments for 2021
Despite the challenges of 2020, we well and truly have our sights set on 2021 and beyond, with some exciting new initiatives coming on board. At the Year 11 2021 Parent Evening last week, we launched our new timetable and subject offerings for our senior students. The new Year 11 selection process offers an enhanced choice of ATAR, General and VET studies with the addition of Meridian. By choosing Meridian, the students will be offered the opportunity to study, complete Endorsed Programmes and engage in PE and Wellbeing practices.
Pre Kindergarten at Calista
PCACS are making preparations for Pre Kindy in 2021. Information and a survey have been sent to current and future families. Please contact Mrs Shirley Steel for further information or a tour.
Voyager
Designed to engage, inspire and extend our brightest and most talented students, Voyager students study specialised courses in English, Mathematics, Music or all three. We are thrilled that Science will join the suite of Voyager offerings in 2021. Through Voyager Music, the successful applicants are offered free Music tuition, opportunities to perform and specialised classes. Applications for Voyager are now open for Year 6 students entering Year 7 in 2021.
Special Visitors to our Calista Campus
We were honoured to host The Deputy Premier, Member for Kwinana, The Honourable Roger Cook last week at Calista. Taking time out of his busy schedule, The Deputy Premier was delighted to join the Year 1s for a special assembly where he presented a State flag. This week, the Member for Brand, Ms Madeleine King joined our Calista Assembly to present the Australian and Aboriginal flags to the Calista students after visiting the Year 6s at Wellard last term. We thank both Mr Cook and Ms King for their generosity both in time and through the gift of the new flags.
Staff News
We welcome back to Mrs Divya Khetarpal who has returned from long service leave and congratulate Mr Adam Lakey as he steps into the Year 10 Coordinator role.
Mr Andrew Maddy has left our School community and we welcome Miss Ellyse Jones who will be teaching Science and Mathematics.
Ms Casey Vinci has joined the English Learning Area and will also be working our OLNA students.
We farewell Mrs Natalie Gonsalves as she takes maternity leave and welcome Mrs Lisa Corbett who has joined us as the Junior School Art Teacher
We also congratulate Mr Adam Halliday and his wife Jessica on the birth of their baby daughter Mia, and Mr Alex Radulovic and his wife Angela on the birth of their son.
Ms Felicity House
PRINCIPAL