There has been much going on to create joy and connection across the school. Indeed, some of the highlights of the year have been enjoyed over these past two weeks. Book Week, Science Week including the ANSTO Hackathon, A Day with Dr Carnley, One Big Voice and the Senior School Athletics Carnival have provided plenty of opportunity to show House and School spirit, creativity, imagination and friendly competition.
A Day with Dr Carnley
Our School Patron, Dr Peter Carnley AC, previous Archbishop of Perth and Primate of Australia, joined us last Tuesday. Dr Carnley began his visit at our Calista Campus, joining Miss Grace Richmond’s Kindergarten class as they presented their Chapel item. Visiting all the Calista classes, he was delighted with gifts of drawings of himself and other topics of interest to our early learners. After joining the Calista staff for morning tea, he came across to Wellard and toured the Junior School classrooms. In the afternoon he spent time in the Grace Chapel with Senior School Student Leaders for an in-depth Q&A forum. Dr Carnley explored their dreams and aspirations, explained the meaning behind the School Crest and the motto Grace and Truth. He asked the students why they thought enrolments in Anglican Schools were growing so quickly, and the role the School values play in their lives. He was humbled by the love and attention he was afforded as he spent time with us. It was a privilege for both our Patron and the students who spent time with him.
Senior School Athletics
The spirit of competition was alive and well last week at the Senior School Athletics Carnival. Not only did we witness record breaking performances and fiercely fought challenges, there was also an inspiring spirit of participation and friendly House rivalry. Congratulations to all our Champions and Runners up and all those who have been chosen for the ACC Interschool Team. Congratulations to Moody for winning the House shield, gracefully accepted by Moody House Captain, Blake Pratt. Thank you to Mr Simon Bell, the HPE Department and staff for running a superbly organised carnival. It was wonderful to see so many families join us. Special thanks to the P&F and the parent volunteers for running the canteen on the day. The students were very appreciative.
Book Week
Both Calista and Wellard enjoyed this year’s Book Week Theme, Read, Grow, Inspire. It was a delight to see staff and students dressed up as their favourite book character. Thank you to Mrs Shirley Steel who took on the character of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and the staff who joined her on stage for storytelling. Book Week Parades for Calista, Junior School and Senior School displayed active imaginations. Special mention also goes to the Year 10 Coordinator, Miss Lynne Rouda, dressed as Snow White with her merry band of dwarfs (most of her Year 10s!). I hope Book Week inspires everyone to read at home with all the benefits of growing literacy, vocabulary, knowledge, memory, concentration and imagination.
Student Leadership
Another marker of the time of year is the selection process for the 2024 School Prefects is now underway. The 2024 candidates have submitted hand-written testimonials to me outlining their vision for the role and they took to the stage to deliver their speeches at the Senior School assembly. The speeches were exceptional, with each one authentic, thought-provoking and well delivered. The selection process moves to the student voting stage, followed by interviews later in the term. Congratulations to all who applied, it takes courage to put yourself forward. We wish all the candidates well as the selection process continues. Announcements will be made next term.
Operation Op Shop
Thank you to our community for supporting Operation Op Shop and the Anglicare Sleepout. Congratulations to Team PCACS who raised $12,401 making us the seventh top fundraising school in the state. This is an impressive result and will make a significant contribution towards the work of the Street Connect Bus, who work with young people living on the streets to get their lives back on track.
P&F AGM
The P&F AGM is being held on Wednesday 13 September in the Administration Seminar Room at 6.00pm. Nominations for office bearers are now open. I encourage parents to consider nominating for a role on the P&F and thank the current committee for their support of the school. Please download the nomination form here.
God bless.
Ms Felicity House
PRINCIPAL