It’s hard to believe we are here at the end of the 2023 School year. When I look back, it has been an action-packed and rewarding year, full of calendar events. We’ve almost had to remind ourselves of what the calendar looks and feels like in a normal school year, uninterrupted by COVID. It has certainly taken some stamina, especially in these final few weeks. Not to say there have not been a few surprises thrown in, such as the worst heatwave November has ever seen, but as usual, we have taken everything in our stride.
In the past few weeks, we have celebrated all the rituals that mark the end of the year. Junior and Senior School Awards, the ELC Nativity, Year 1 and 6 Celebration Assemblies and Carols on the Green. I thank every student and staff member for the enthusiasm and energy they have brought to the year. I also thank our parents and School community for their support and look forward to an exciting 2024 as we launch the new PCACS Strategic Plan.
Carols on the Green
The set on the oval next to Grace Chapel, hundreds turned out for our Carols on the Green service, providing a joyous celebration of Christmas and the end of the year. The students took to the stage, sharing the Christmas story through readings and performances. An enormous amount of work goes on behind the scenes to make this event happen, so I extend my thanks to everyone involved with a special mention to Ms Alicia Walter, Miss Marie Italiano and the Music and Performing Arts staff for preparing the students for the performances. Thank you to Ms Maree Owen and the P&F for organising the food trucks and to everyone who supported this event including our fundraiser for the Anglicare Christmas Appeal. The Honourable Roger Cook MLA donated a scooter as a raffle prize. Congratulations to Ivy Dickson for winning the scooter.
Awards Presentations and Scholarships
Celebrating academic excellence, citizenship, endeavour, cultural and sporting achievements, learner strengths and the representation of our School values, the Junior School and Senior School Awards provided fitting tributes to the academic year. Thank you to Mrs Shirley Steel and Mr Steve Wynhorst for finalising the award winners and holding these events to celebrate the end of the academic year. Well done to all the 2023 award recipients.
Congratulations to:
Principal’s Award – Stephanie Beaumont-Cabrera
ATAR Academic Dux of School – Felix Abbott
WACE/VET Dux of School – Sophie Taylor
The Western Australian Pulse 2023 Exhibition – Ayanda-Abbee Zikali
2024 Fee Schedule
The School Council are ever mindful of the financial pressures faced by families. The fee schedule for 2024 reflects modest changes and the full details can be found here Fee Statements will be sent to families in January with several payment options including weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly or a one off annual payment.
The Rite Journey Homecoming Ceremony
Congratulations to the Year 9 students who this week completed the final part of The Rite Journey Programme, the 'Homecoming' ceremony. Students shared letters of gratitude with their parents, and reflected on their journey from childhood towards adulthood throughout the programme.
Staff farewells
As the year draws to a close, we say goodbye to the staff who are taking up new opportunities next year. We farewell Miss Jessica Clark, Mrs Fleur Gwerder and Miss Jayssel Tapnio from Calista. At Wellard, we farewell Miss Rebekah Paton, Miss Alix Hamilton, Mrs Amanda Hill, Mrs Cherise Williams, Mr Les Proctor, Mrs Karen Layman, Mr Ethan Foulkes and Ms Alita Grubelich.
From Finance and Administration, we say goodbye to Mr Craig Spence, Ms Ardie McCoy and Mrs Natalie Smith. A special tribute to Mr Cam Allen who has been our Marketing and Community Relations Officer since 2017. Mr Allen is responsible for capturing our PCACS memories and we wish him well as he leaves us to take on his own business full-time.
We thank all these staff for the contribution they have made to PCACS and wish them well in their future endeavours.
We also wish Miss Amy Normoyle and Mrs Cherith Przytula all the best as they commence parental leave.
Farewell to Mrs Shirley Steel, Head of Junior School.
Mrs Steel joined PCACS in 2018 and has transformed the Junior School. Her many achievements include the embedding of technology across the Junior School, balanced by a focus on nature play, calm aesthetics in the classrooms, flexible furniture and the commencement of swimming lessons. The introduction of Extend, Pre Kindergarten, specialised subjects and extension and support programmes have made significant differences to the lives of students and families. Mrs Steel believes strongly in growing leaders, creating the Junior School Captains roles and new leadership roles for staff. Mrs Steel leaves an incredible legacy including the Learner Strengths model. We wish her all the very best as she moves to Swan Valley Anglican Community School as the Head of Primary School. She is looking forward to the challenges of the new role but leaves with a special place for PCACS in her heart.
Safe holidays
I take this opportunity to wish you and your family a joyous festive season, a blessed and wonderful Christmas, and a safe new year. I hope you take the time to enjoy the summer, catch up with family and friends, and recharge ready for 2024.
God Bless
Ms Felicity House
PRINCIPAL