PCACS News - No 15 - 2022

At PCACS we actively encourage our School community to be respectful, to care for others and to be involved in activities that are good for the soul. A significant message is seeking help and knowing when to come forward for yourself or others when things are simply not OK. On this RUOK Day in 2022, we are reminded to meaningfully connect with people around us and to start a conversation with those who might need help. Thank you to our amazing staff and students who have been busily making preparations for this special day, and continue to create an awareness for our students that their mental wellbeing is at the heart of our intentions as educators at PCACS.

Student Activities - a very busy fortnight

Staying involved, participating in all the offerings and remaining active is a signature of life at PCACS. Once again, another busy fortnight of activities and excursions for our students. We have hosted Junior School Athletics Carnival days, Junior School Learner Strengths Day, our Early Learning students participated in the Trek for Samoa Lapathon, students have been out and about at the ASC Piano Competition, competing in the ACC Athletics Carnival, RKAS Sporting Competition, YOH Fest, Senior School Inspiring Australians student Forum at UWA and the Junior School IPSHA Speakers Challenge at Scotch College, the CLTAWA State Mandarin Speaking Competition and CLTAWA State Chinese Writing Competitions, Edudance, Constable Care incursion, Perth Zoo excursion, Junior School Service Captains Speeches, R U OK Day and Year 4 sleepover.

P&F Annual General Meeting

I encourage you to come along and join the P&F. We are not about fundraising, but friend raising and helping out in our School community. The P&F AGM is being held on Wednesday 21 September in the Administration Seminar Room at 6.00pm. Nominations for office bearers are now open.

God bless.

Ms Felicity House
PRINCIPAL

Basketball Academy

Next year, the School is partnering with Grace Basketball to offer a Specialist Basketball Academy. PCACS has an exceptionally strong basketball culture. School teams are prominent in the Rockingham Basketball Association and are coached by volunteers from the School community. PCACS is also highly competitive in the local Rockingham-Kwinana Associated Schools sporting competition and in Year level basketball competitions.

There is always a large number of students involved in lunchtime opportunities to play basketball on the School’s courts. Basketball was the obvious choice for a specialist-sporting programme for both girls and boys as part of the next phase of growth at PCACS.

Ricky Grace (AM) is a former player and captain of the Perth Wildcats (4 x NBL Championships, 4 x selected in the All NBL First team) and Australian Boomers national representative (Sydney Olympics squad). Ricky was inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of fame in 2010. Ricky and his team at Grace Basketball are highly experienced in delivering a systematic basketball training and coaching programme for teenagers. Ricky also has a Masters Degree in Educational leadership. It is an exciting partnership for the School, and I am looking forward to the Academy growing, sending teams to national and international competitions and continuing to support the high-level aspirations of our basketballers.

Late last Term, we asked for expressions of interest to ensure the programme would be a successful addition to the opportunities at PCACS. Towards the end of this Term, an application form and handbook will be released on the School website. I encourage all interested families who have students in Years 7-10 in 2023 to read the information carefully. All families must complete the application form if interested (including those who completed the initial expression of interest). Participation in the Academy will come with high expectations regarding standards of behaviour within the programme and throughout all aspects of a student’s enrolment at PCACS. It will be a privilege to be part of the Academy and such privileges have responsibilities. These responsibilities will be clearly outlined in the Academy Handbook.

Laptop Programme

A reminder to all families with students in Years 7-9 in 2023 that a laptop will be required. Attached to this newsletter is the information pamphlet from HP regarding device choices that were covered during the family information evening earlier this Term. If you have not already done so, please choose and order your child’s laptop to ensure delivery before the commencement of the 2023 school year. If you have any questions regarding the laptop programme, please contact the School.

God bless

Mr Steve Wynhorst
HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

Strength of Heart – What’s not to love about Strength of Heart?

This fortnight I focus my message on Strength of Heart, prompted by what I witnessed at our recent Junior School Athletics Carnival and at the Trek for Samoa Lapathon at Calista. At both events, there was genuine Strength of Heart demonstrated within our student community. Strength of Heart is one of our Learner Strengths and is typified by students showing empathy, kindness, compassion, respect and service to others.

During the Junior School Athletics Carnival there were many occasions when students cheered encouraging words and congratulated those for participating, irrespective of whether they were winners or not. When students receive encouragement and kindness from their peers, it spurs them to try a little harder and perpetuates a positive, caring and cohesive community. 

I felt very proud to witness the Strength of Heart behaviours at the Carnival; however, there was one particular occasion that I wish to highlight in more detail. When Joshua, a determined and gritty Year 5 student was running his race with sheer determination, there was heartfelt cheering from the whole Junior School. Joshua pushed himself to the limits to get over the finish line and win a ribbon. Participating in the Carnival is no easy feat for Joshua because he has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD affects the muscles, making participation in physical activities very tiring and challenging for Joshua. Seeing all our students spontaneously empathise and support Joshua was amazing. Witnessing Joshua face physical challenges with his mighty determination was truly inspirational for our student community. Well done Joshua and our student community!

The second event I wish to highlight relates to our young Calista children. During the Trek for Samoa Lapathon this week, the Kindergarten, Pre Primary and Year 1 children pushed themselves to their limits as they clocked up laps running around the oval to raise money for the All Saints Anglican School in Samoa. Mrs Donna Farmer has educated the Calista children during Assemblies about supporting All Saints in Samoa. All Saints is in need of supplies and funds to continue operating under challenging circumstances. It was a pleasure to see our young students joyfully show ‘service in action’ at the Lapathon. Well done, Calista Campus.

The Wellard campus Trek for Samoa Bushwalk has been rescheduled for Thursday 22 September, which will be another exciting opportunity to show Strength of Heart by serving others. So far we have raised $990.00 for the All Saints Anglican School. It is not too late to donate by following the Trybooking link here. 

Strength of Heart does not occur accidentally. Strength of Heart stems from nurturing families, caring teachers, excellent role models, explicit teaching, clear expectations, encouragement, strong values, a moral purpose, and positive partnerships between home and school. Thank you everyone for your contribution to growing Strength of Heart in the Junior School. It is a strength that will remain in the hearts of PCACS students for life! What’s not to love about Strength of Heart?

I wish everyone joy, love, hope and peace for the fortnight ahead. God bless!

Mrs Shirley Steel
HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

No dogs or other pets allowed on school grounds

A reminder to parents that dogs and other pets aren’t allowed on school grounds. Regardless of whether the pets are restrained, unfortunately, they pose a hygiene and safety issue. The drop off and pick up times at school are particularly busy with many children and parents moving in and out of the school and pets add a level of risk to this situation. 

Guide dogs, Assistance dogs and Companion dogs are permitted as they have gone through extensive training and have legal standing. However, the household pet is not covered by these exemptions.

Mr Adam Halliday
HEAD OF OPERATIONS

2023 Enrolments

2023 Enrolment interviews and confirmation of places for both our Calista and Wellard Campuses are now well underway. If families have any sibling applications that are yet to be submitted for 2023 we ask that you complete and return these applications as soon as possible, waitlists are now in effect for some year groups. 

Student Withdrawal notice

Families are reminded, that if their child is not returning to PCACS for 2023 a full term's notice (10 full school weeks) is required. The final day for submissions for your student withdrawal form is 23 September 2022.

Ms Ardie McCoy
OFFICE MANAGER

We are excited to announce that in Week 10, Monday 19 September to Thursday 22 September the Cafe will be having a soft opening.

What this means is that students will be able to buy snacks, drinks, and ice creams (NO HOT FOOD) over the counter at recess and lunch by Eftpos or using their smart rider card, NO CASH. 

Parents are still required to provide lunch for this week however, on Wednesday 21 September we will be having a "Welcome to our new Café Sausage Sizzle." Orders for the sausage sizzle must be placed through Quickcliq, if you need help registering please read the Quickcliq How to Register. 

If students are using their smart rider card please ensure there is money on your Quickcliq account then transfer the money onto your childs smart rider card. Students cannot use the same funds on their card that is allocated for transport fares. If you are having trouble adding your child's smart rider card to your Quickcliq account follow this easy activation guide.

Week 10 schedule:

Monday 19th September - Soft Opening and cut off day for ordering the Sausage Sizzle

Tuesday 20th September - Soft Opening

Wednesday 21st September - Soft Opening and Sausage Sizzle

Thursday 22nd September - Soft Opening

If you have any queries please contact the school.

Mrs Subrina Guppy
CANTEEN MANAGER

P&F Surprise Calista Students

Calista students had a very exciting delivery recently. Staff from Creative Play Australia delivered and installed some new play equipment in the outdoor play area. This was thanks to the amazing P&F team who funded the purchase of the items. Calista students now have a cubby house, a large wooden car and a large mud kitchen to play with during break times and for outdoor learning.

The team from Creative Play Australia arrived at the end of recess and had the avid attention of all students while they were installing all the items, especially during the construction of the cubby house. The kindy students were all lined up along the fence watching, eager to get out and try the new play items. Luckily, the equipment was all in place in time for lunch with the children keen to try everything out. As you can see by the photos all three items are a huge hit and bring a great sense of excitement as the students explore, imagine, create and wonder.

A big thank you to the P&F (and all PCACS families) for these wonderful outdoor play items.

Mrs Donna Farmer
DIRECTOR EARLY LEARNING

We are pleased to announce that you can now pre purchase a Carnley's Cuppas Card, $10 (5 drinks) or $20 (10 drinks), these cards will allow our Junior School students from Year 3 to Year 6 to now enjoy a hot chocolate like their peers.

The cards are available to all students from Years 3 to Years 12 and can be purchased online using the School Stream App. Once payment has been received and processed, the coffee van will store your child/ren's cuppas card and stamp the card as they redeem their beverage.

Students in Years 3 to Years 10 - hot and iced chocolates only
Students in Years 11 to Years 12 - all beverages

Mrs Melaine Hunt
DUKE OF EDINBURGH COORDINATOR

On Wednesday 31 August, 17 of our students represented PCACS at the 10th ASC Piano Competition. We left bright and early before school to make our way to Peter Moyes Anglican Community School in Mindarie, where we met with over 200 other piano students from different ASC schools. The students performed in front of guest adjudicators, where they received valuable feedback regarding their playing. Unfortunately, we did not leave with a placing in the Finals Concert however, I would like to congratulate our students for their efforts and maturity, and how well they conducted themselves on the day. Mrs Fiona Dods and myself are very proud of our young musicians!

Congratulations to the following students who proudly represented our School: Aiden Saito-Noble, Emily Saito-Noble, Sharon Kemboi, Alicia Allen, Amy Chapman, Sophie Chapman, Grace Pickin, Victoria Biddick, Grace Yang, Ethan Antioquia, Rohan Luo, Imogen Pinkham, Dylan Foster, Azaleia Harris, Coralia Nijma, Andre Nijman and Hayley Zhang.

Mrs Lucy Roberts
JUNIOR SCHOOL MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS COORDINATOR
MUSIC TUITION COORDINATOR

What talent we have at PCACS! Thank you to all of the students who auditioned for Peter Carnley’s Got Talent. From magic tricks, dance routines, singing and comedy acts, we saw it all. The Year 12 Prefects have finalised their notes and selected our Top 12 Finalists who will perform at The Talent Show. The Talent Show will take place on Friday 16 September and be held on the grassed courtyard outside of the Keith Lindbeck Centre at 4.15pm, prior to the official Opening of the Arts and Technologies Exhibition.

Mrs Lucy Roberts
JUNIOR SCHOOL MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS COORDINATOR

The Arts continue to permeate in all that we do at PCACS and it is with great excitement that on Monday 19 September the PCACS School Choirs, Bands, Ensembles, Dance Troupes and Drama Groups will join together in a celebration of performances!  Family, friends and the wider community are welcome to attend this event which will commence at 5.00pm in the Keith Lindbeck Centre. If you have any further questions regarding the event, please email Mrs Lucy Roberts.

Mrs Lucy Roberts
JUNIOR SCHOOL MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS COORDINATOR

On Monday 5 September the Senior Dance Troupe participated in YOH Fest. “YOH Fest is a performing and visual arts event for West Australian school students which combines the fun of the arts with health education to create a unique, exciting and valuable experience for young people.” Every year a relevant youth health issue is chosen as the theme and this year it was Wellness. Year 12 Arts Captain and Senior Dance Troupe Leader, Claudia Howatson choreographed the routine and danced alongside the Troupe where they received a Merit award for their efforts. We look forward to sharing the dance at the Opening of the Arts and Technology Exhibition and Performing Arts Showcase during Arts Week. 

Mrs Lucy Roberts
JUNIOR SCHOOL MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS COORDINATOR

Junior School Athletics Carnival

After what felt like many weeks of rain, we were blessed with some dry weather to hold our Junior School Athletics Carnival on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 September. Day one saw the Year 3 – 6 compete in jumps, throws and middle distance running. Numerous students stepped up and gave all the events their best efforts which should be applauded. It was wonderful to see our Year 10 Peer Support Leaders come and help events and continue to strengthen those Junior and Senior bonds.

Day two saw the Year 2 students join our carnival for sprint races, team games and relays. Seeing the students cheer, support and take pride in their house during these events is my favourite part of the carnival. The Year 6 Captains and Staff did a fantastic job ensuring the house bays were never quiet and ensured students were ready for their events. Students also had the opportunity to have lunch with their friends and family which I think is another highlight of the carnival. Many enjoyed a lunch order from our P&F, and I would like to thank them for their effort on the day.

Our staff worked tirelessly during what is two very busy days and I truly appreciate their efforts in contributing to an action packed carnival.

It appeared that the hard work in Mrs Rhiannon Chapman and Mrs Donna Bowdler’s PE lessons paid off with lots of students achieving personal bests. We also had an incredible 11 school records broken over the carnival and I would like to acknowledge those students:

Congratulations to the students who achieved champion medals:

Well done to Moody House for being the 2022 Junior School Athletics Carnival Champions!

Interschool information for the carnival held on 3 and 4 November at Wellard Oval will be released at the end of Term 3.

Mrs Rhiannon Chapman
TEACHER JUNIOR SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION

ACC Interschool Senior Athletics Carnival

The ACC Interschool Athletics Carnival took place on Monday 5 September at the State Athletics Stadium in Floreat, with over 80 PCACS students competing in this annual event. This year we had some great individual performances, resulting in many first-place finishes throughout the day. Overall, PCACS finished in a commendable 3rd place (out of 8 schools). A big thank you to all the staff and students who put in time and effort in the weeks leading up to the event and on the day. A special mention to Tilly Haselhurst who won Champion Girl for Under 14’s this year. 

RKAS Term 3

3 teams competed in the Term 3 interschool RKAS competition. Our fixtures are now complete however, some other schools in the competition are yet to complete their final match due to postponement from inclement weather. Once these final games have been played, we will be able to announce the final standings. Below is a table indicating our results for the competition.

Mr Brad Suriani
SENIOR SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION

MERIDIAN AT PCACS

Meridian at PCACS is a period of time allocated every day to Year 11 and 12 students focussing on life skills or experiences which are generally non-school based subjects. The one criterion is that the student must do an endorsed course of some sort: either the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or a VET course. It is a subject that creates a healthy balance to the demands of Senior School.

One of the current projects is the design and production of a vegetable/herb garden which is now blooming with the start of Spring. It started as a triangular area of hard ground filled with little stones and sticks, an area where the original Certificate II Building and Construction students would clean their wheelbarrows of cement. 

The Year 11 and 12 Meridian students dug smaller trenches as the ground was so hard, then added compost from the large pile of mushroom mulch and soil improver to prep the beds for their plants. Their next step was to set up the irrigation including an automatic timer. This was a completely new skill learnt from the students.

Eventually, the bricks were replaced with hose clamps, the worm farm further developed and the students even made their own concrete paving stones.

So far, the students have tasted and planted the following: Broccoli, Cucumber, Celery, Parsley, Coriander, Fennel, Chives, Lettuce, Capsicum, Potatoes, Peas and tomatoes. 

Mrs Melaine Hunt
DUKE OF EDINBURGH COORDINATOR

The Book Fair is coming

Exciting news for our Junior School Students!

In Term 4, Week 2, 17 to 21 October we have the Scholastic Book Fair at the Wellard Campus. A letter has already been sent out to all families giving more details of the event, don’t forget to add the event to your calendar.

The Book Fair will be held in the new Hub Auditorium, this will be a great chance for parents to view our new facilities.

The Book Fair is a cashless event, all items purchased may be paid by bank card or the Wish List.

For this event to be a success we are in need of parent volunteers to assist with sales before and after school, if you would like to assist please sign up here or email the Library. All help is greatly appreciated.

Mrs Melanie Hill
LIBRARY OFFICER 

On Wednesday 7 September, the Year 9 and 10 Student Council attended the 2022 Inspiring Australians Student Forum at the University of Western Australia. The event featured keynote presentations from a selection of WA and National Australian of the Year Award Alumni including Paul Litherland (Founder of Surf Online), Dr Hayley Passmore (Child Health Researcher) and Craig Hollywood (Founder of Short Back and Sidewalks – an organisation dedicated to offering free haircuts to the homeless, young people at risk and victims of domestic violence).

Following the presentations, students participated in a Q&A and then enjoyed a university organised campus tour.

It was a fantastic day that allowed our PCACS Leaders to be up close and personal with some of our country’s most inspiring Australians. 

Miss Lynne Rouda
YEAR 9 COORDINATOR

What does it mean to be a ‘Digital Citizen’?

The world has changed dramatically over the past 20 years. The rise of the internet and digital technologies means that everybody is constantly within access to a powerful tool that enables them to be online. With this rapid change, comes the need to know about ‘digital citizenship’ and the roles and responsibilities of navigating an increasingly digital life. 

Digital Citizenship is the ability to safely and responsibly access and environments, both online and offline. Effectively anybody who uses a digital device is a digital citizen. When we consider this, the concept of digital citizenship becomes a critical part of our lives.

Parents have an essential role in teaching children about digital citizenship. Recently, Meta (formerly Facebook) released a digital citizenship game, called “Pledge Planets” through the Kids Messenger App. The interactive game assists children in making smart online decisions. Children explore different planets, and through visiting each planet, learn new skills that can assist them in a variety of digital environments. Information regarding the game can be found on the Messengers News website.

Being a ‘good’ digital citizen is the responsibility of everyone. Through conversations and education, children see that their kind, respectful and safe actions on digital devices, have a huge impact on those around them.

Mr James Morris
DIRECTOR OF UPPER JUNIOR - EVENTS AND STUDENT LEADERSHIP

As part of our engagement in the WA language learning community, Year 5 students Su Nadi, Aleisha Mills and Yang Yu Cao have represented PCACS to participate in CLTAWA State Mandarin Speaking Competition and CLTAWA State Chinese Writing Competition. These three students have contributed their personal time to achieve their best in their learning journey of Chinese language. They strive and set out to be role models for taking challenges in learning Chinese. 

Congratulations to Su Nadi for winning 5th place in the State Mandarin Speaking Competition held at UWA. Moreover, we would like to thank all the families who have supported this learning experience as well as our Chinese programmes.

Miss Candy Wang
CHINESE TEACHER

The school program is designed with an emphasis on creating a safe space where kids can learn the skills necessary to play basketball. It also provides parents the convenience of an in school program while the students learn the sport they enjoy with their friends. During the 8 Week program participants will learn basic fundamentals of basketball while focusing on skill acquisition and how to implement the skills learned into game situations.

Grace Basketball also teaches the sport of basketball while focusing on teamwork, leadership, and healthy lifestyle choices which can be enjoyed and implemented for a lifetime.

When: Term 4 (Tuesday's Week 2 to Week 9)

Where: Peter Carnley Basketball Indoor Courts

Time: 7:15am - 8:05am

Cost: $130.00 (Includes GST)

Age Group: Boys and Girls Year 2-6

The number of students will be capped at 40 to ensure the quality of the program. The ratio of coach to participants will not exceed 20:1. It would be our aim to use 2 courts if we have 40 registrations. 

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any queries.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards

Ricky Grace

Seeking dress up donations!

The Calista campus is aiming to set up a large dress up box for the children to enjoy during recess and lunch play. If you have any dress up costumes or items that could be recycled… we would love them! 

Costume jewellery, scarves, dresses, high heels. You name it, we would love it! Please drop these off to Miss Emma-Lee Jackson in Pre Primary.

From the PCACS Sustainability Team!

Miss Emma-Lee Jackson
CALISTA JUNIOR SCHOOL COORDINATOR

'FAIR GAME' DAY: Next Thursday, 15 September 2022

Do you participate in a sport?  

Have you played sports in the past? 

How much sporting equipment do you think there could be lying around your house that doesn’t get regular use? 

Did you know that in some more remote areas of Australia they cannot purchase sporting equipment as it may be too expensive and difficult to access? 

That’s where ‘Fair Game’ comes in.  

And that’s where we can all make a difference. 

Next Thursday we are going to host a ‘Fair Game’ day at PCACS. On the day students are encouraged to wear sporting attire and show us what is their ‘fair game’.  We would like every student to be wearing their sporting attire, whether it’s your footy club jersey, netball team hoodie, basketball team singlet, swimming club polo, dance troop jumper, or even your PCACS sports uniform.   

In addition, every student is encouraged to pay it forward and donate an item of sporting equipment that can be recycled into the ‘Fair Game’ program for less fortunate Australians.  

Our school motto is "to challenge and inspire every member of our School community and to raise awareness of those who live in need beyond our gates". 

We hope you get behind this cause and help our students to support those in need beyond our gates, and if clearing a bit of clutter from your house is a bonus then you have also reaped the benefits on a personal level. Send in skipping ropes, balls, bats, hockey sticks, boots, hoops, athletics equipment; anything that 

This is a Wellard Campus event for all students in Years 2-12.

More information on the 'Fair Game' program can be found at https://www.fairgame.org.au/

Mrs Karen Layman
ACTING LEARNING AREA COORDINATOR - HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION