Dear Parents and Caregivers

Here we are, already more than half-way through Term 1. Despite the disrupted start to the school year, the students have settled in well and are being productive in the many areas that make up a busy and vibrant school.

Student Leaders’ Commissionings
Our Secondary Student Leaders Commissioning was initially postponed because of the lockdown early in the year, but it was with great joy that we were able to hold this celebration a few weeks later and, with some juggling of student numbers in the hall, we were able to welcome their parents to the event. 

Both Primary House Captains’ Commissionings went well and to plan and were also joyful occasions. Congratulations to all our student leaders who were recognised at these assemblies.

Camps
It is a great pleasure to be able to hold student camps. As I write, Year 5s are still at their camp at Swan Valley Adventure Centre and we are looking forward to the Year 8 camp in Week 7 in Serpentine.

Gymnasium
Having been delayed for an entire year due to the pandemic, the build of the new double-court gymnasium is now well underway. We are hoping that around this time next year it will have been completed. 

I am delighted to be able to show you some early concept diagrams of what we are expecting it to look like. There have since been some changes but these diagrams will give you a general idea.

Kind regards 

Kerry Robertson
Principal

Dear Parents

Welcome back to the new school year, and a particularly warm welcome to our new families and students. 

I encourage parents to make sure they can login to SEQTA Engage and to become familiar with it. This is regularly updated with course and assessment information. There is also a link to the School’s Careers website as well as other documents such as examination timetables and assessment policies.  Parents and students need to be aware of the details in these documents. 

Term 1 is action-packed as always. These are some of the highlights: 

Years 11 and 12 Subject Changes
Years 11 and 12 students have until Thursday 1 April 2021 to make subject changes. After this date, the School Curriculum and Standards Authority database will be locked and no further changes can be made. 

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s progress in an ATAR or General course please take the opportunity to make an appointment with your child’s teacher at the parent/teacher interviews. These will be held on Tuesday 23 March 2021. Information will be emailed to parents closer to the date. 

Years 8  to 10 Interim Reports
Interim Reports for students in Years 8 – 10 will be available in SEQTA from Tuesday 27 April 2021. Parent-teacher interviews for Year 8 will be held on Tuesday 4 May 2021. This will give Year 8 parents the opportunity to meet with teachers. 

Interviews for Years 9 and 10 students will be held early in Term 3, after the conclusion of the Semester 1 assessment period. Full details will be emailed to parents in Term 2. 

Year 7 Learning Journey
The first Learning Journey will be held on Tuesday 30 March 2021, between 1.30pm and 3.00pm. During this event, parents are invited to visit the Year 7 Centre where they are given an insight into the student’s experiences and parents will visit their child’s classroom. It is a terrific way to celebrate your child’s successes and show him/her how much importance you place on their learning. Full details of arrangements for this event will be sent home with students closer to the date. 

Year 12 Study
Library Access for Directed Private Study by Year 12 students will start on Tuesday 9 March 2021. This will run from 6.00pm – 9.00pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Information has been emailed to parents of Year 12 students. 

Year 10 Careers/Senior Secondary                
Year 10 students will be participating in a full day careers exploration and aspirations day on Thursday 25 March 2021. This is the beginning of students learning about opportunities beyond Year 10. The events are organised by Mrs Bailey, Careers Advisor, and involve input from University, TAFE and Apprenticeship organisations. An Information Evening for Parents of Year 10 students will also be held on Wednesday 31 March 2021. Details will be emailed to parents closer to the date. 

Tutoring
I have a number of students who have enquired after a tutor. If any past students are interested in tutoring can you please contact Mrs Solomon. I need tutors across all subjects, but predominantly Mathematics and Sciences.

Best wishes 

Georgina Solomon
Deputy Principal - Curriculum 

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Swimming Carnival
On the morning of 2 March, the weather was not looking ideal for a swimming carnival. However, we were very happy that the sunshine came out just in time for us to have a wonderful day. I congratulate Ellis House for their victory on the day, but also the many individual achievements our students had and the excellent sportsmanship that was on display. As I mentioned at the carnival, my favourite part of the day was seeing our students support each other. I thank our staff and parent helpers for their efforts and truly appreciate the hard work of Mrs Shepherd to make this event so positive. I also thank our students for their spirit, and the community members that were able to come and support our carnival. I love the atmosphere of our swimming carnival and am committed to getting a little faster, so as to better help my staff in the parent/teacher relay. My goodness our parents are fast swimmers!

Parent Teacher Meetings
The Parent/Teacher meetings will be held in Week 8 and 9 and parents will be given the choice of attending face to face, or using the platform Zoom. Correspondence on how to book your meeting on the platform will be sent home in the coming days. These meetings are an opportunity to speak to the teacher about your child’s development and progress. If you have any queries about the process, please don’t hesitate in contacting me.

Class Assemblies
As I mentioned earlier in the year, we are really trying to ensure that our parents and family members feel connected to our community. All families will be able to attend their child’s class assembly. Numbers will be capped at two per family, and everyone will be asked to sign into the SAFE WA COVID register upon arrival. Parents and Carers will be seated in outdoor seating at the entrance of the Hall and we will continue to take pictures of students receiving Merit certificates. I hope that this change will assist in everyone feeling connected.

Noah Clark
Head of Primary – Halls Head Campus

Kindergarten 2023 
This term, applications for admission in 2023, particularly for brothers and sisters of existing students, will be considered for enrolment in Kindergarten at Frederick Irwin Anglican School, Meadow Springs and Halls Head.

Parents who wish their son or daughter to be considered for these years in 2023 should, if they have not already done so, submit an application as soon as possible.

If you have any queries please contact Mrs Jackie Smith at the School Office or email registrar@frederickirwin.wa.edu.au.

As in previous years, the Department of Education and Training's Secondary Assistance Scheme forms will be available to eligible parents. 

Forms are available from the School Office.  Applications close 1 April 2021. 

Term Dates 2021 

Term 4: Tuesday 12 October – Wednesday 8 December 

Term Dates 2022 

Term 1: Monday 31 January to Friday 8 April
Term 2: Thursday 28 April to Friday 1 July
Term 3: Tuesday 26 July to Friday 23 September
Term 4: Tuesday 11 October to Wednesday 7 December

Please see below the Uniform Shop Hours for Term 1 and additional information related to blazers and uniforms for 2021.  

You can view the Easter School Holiday Opening Hours on the website. 

MEADOW SPRINGS CAMPUS

HALLS HEAD CAMPUS

Winter Uniforms – Terms 2 and 3
After the April school holidays your child/ren will be required to be in full winter uniform.  If your student/s requires any of the items below, the new winter stock will be available to purchase from March, please visit the shop at this time.

Year 5 students have the option of wearing - Green raincoat

Year 3/4 students have the option of wearing - Microfibre sports jacket and track pants

Blazer 2021
Blazers are a compulsory item of the winter uniform for ALL students from Years 7 in 2021. If you have not already booked an appointment please call the uniform shop as soon as possible.

If your current Secondary School child is also in need of a new larger school blazer for 2021, please also call into the Uniform Shop.

For further information please visit the Uniform Shop page. 

All players wishing to register to play for Frederick Irwin must complete the application form which is available at this link, you will need to complete the Football West registration and have your receipt before you can register for a Frederick Irwin team. 

Once these are completed, please hand them in with a copy of the receipt to Primary or Secondary Reception, inside an envelope and attention 'Mr Peter Skeggs' by Tuesday 16 March at 4.30pm.

All soccer registration fees must be paid directly to Peel Junior Soccer Association, registration fees will not be added to school fees in 2021.

There will be a Frederick Irwin Soccer $20 club fee which will be added to your school fees and go towards the uniform hire and a club wind up at the end of the season.

If you are interested in assisting as a Coach or Manager, please contact Peter Skeggs on 9537 0000 or email peter.skeggs@fias.wa.edu.au

Term 1 Fee Statements were emailed to families on Friday 19 February 2021 and are due for payment by Friday 5 March 2021. 

Families who have not paid or made payment arrangements with the Business Manager by the due date should be aware that a late penalty of $55.00 (GST included) may be imposed. The School has BPAY facilities and we encourage parents to avail themselves of this.

To assist families to budget for their school fee payments, we also offer weekly, fortnightly, monthly or termly payment plans.  For further information, please contact Mrs Lesley Hedley, Assistant Business Manager, in the School Office.

Frederick Irwin is taking expressions of interest for those students interested in representing Frederick Irwin in the upcoming Saddles Plus Interschool Equestrian Championships. These will be held from 15 to 17 April this year.

 In order for a student to be eligible, they must be currently competing in Equestrian and have access to their own horse.  

If you have a Primary or Secondary student interested please email Mrs Karen Watts, karen.watts@fias.wa.edu.au for further information.  

Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Meadow Springs Campus Years 4 to 6 and Halls Head Years 3 to 6 Inter-House Swimming Carnivals.

The students had so much fun, with everyone cheering and celebrating all of the students who took part on the day.

Once again, a big thank you to everyone who came along on the day and to everyone who helped out. It was a fantastic experience for all involved!

On Wednesday 24 and Friday 26 February, the Years 10-12 and 7-9 Swimming Carnivals were held at the Mandurah Aquatic and Recreation Centre.

The weather was perfect on both days, and the students had a fantastic time, cheering loudly for their House to gain points for the Walker Shield 2021!

Thank you to all the parents who volunteered their time. Both days were a great success!  

Overall points for the Inter-house Swimming Carnival 2021 – Secondary:

The 2021 Anglicare Ambassador’s Program official launch was held at Christ Church Grammar School on Wednesday 17 February.

Frederick Irwin student Ambassadors along with Reverend James Tabor and Ms Tamara Cowan all attended the event.  They were inspired by guest speakers including Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy and Reverend Peter Laurence; along with stories from the Youth Workers highlighting the work that Anglicare does with Youth Homeless each night.

Reverend James and the student Ambassadors will be working together to find ways that Frederick Irwin students can support this important program.   

After winning a grant in 2020 for this amazing idea, the Peel Uniform Library is up and running!  

If families would like to donate uniforms to assist with those families less fortunate, the details are below:  

Email: peeluniformlibrary@gmail.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeelUniformLibrary

Website: https://peeluniformlibrary.org

T20 Cricket is back on, below are the results from the last games Frederick Irwin played. 

Round 1 V Comet Bay (Tuesday 16 February)
The boys got off to a shaky start in our first fixture for 2021. After 5 overs, we found ourselves 4/30, which saw Albert Esterhuysen come to the crease. It was an impressive debut for the Year 9 student who shone with bat and ball. Albert steadied the ship for Frederick Irwin, top-scoring with 33. He was helped with some big hitting from Sam Knobben (Year 12) who hit back to back sixes in the 8th over.

Frederick Irwin finished the 20 overs with a total of 94. With a small total to defend it was important our bowlers started well in the power-play. A brilliant spell of bowling from Harrison Chitty (Year 12) and Albert Esterhuysen (Year 9) who both finished the match with 3 wickets had Comet Bay on the back foot early. Comet Bay were eventually bowled out in the 17th over, falling 30 runs short of our total. A great win to start the season. 

Round 2 V Mandurah Catholic College (MCC)(Thursday 25 February)
After losing the toss, Frederick Irwin were sent into bat. It was a promising start to the power-play by openers Span Chaudhary (Year 12) and William Rugendyke (Year 11); however a mix-up between the batters saw Span run out for 12.

Wian Kruger (Year 12) who has been a really consistent player for the School over the past couple of seasons entered at Number 3. He looked confident at the crease and played some great shots before premeditating his final shot and falling cheaply for 7. This started a chain reaction as Frederick Irwin lost wicket after wicket, falling to 6/30 off 12 overs; however, an impressive partnership from Brodie Cheater (Year 12) and Hugo Young (Year 10) who piled on 63 runs, gave our bowlers something to defend.

Frederick Irwin finished the 20 overs 6/92. MCC started their batting innings slowly and the opening bowlers Albert Esterhuysen (Year 9) and Harrison Chitty (Year 12) limited MCC’s ability to score runs freely. This lead to their first loss of wicket in the 3rd over with Albert Esterhuysen clean bowling the MCC opener. Sadly that was the end of the highlights, as MCC’s captain entered the crease and made an impressive 62 not out. MCC eventually chased down our total with 10 balls remaining. 

The next matches are: 
Round 3 v Halls Head (Wednesday 3 March) CANCELLED (Halls Head withdrew) 
Round 4 v Mazenod College (Wednesday 10 March)
 

Congratulations to Year 10 student, Jack Burgess, who, on his 15th birthday, completed his first solo flight with the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia. 

Students must be a minimum of 15 years to achieve this! He had been working towards this over some time with his instructor at Murrayfield Air space. His next step is to receive his Recreational Pilot’s Licence, which will allow him to fly a small number of passengers. 

Jack's solo flight achievement was also recognised by the Royal Aero Club of Western Australia's CEO when he attended a members-only afternoon held at Jandakot Airport.  The CEO personally wished Jack well with his future in aviation and his outstanding achievement at just 15 years old. 

Congratulations, Jack!  

On 27 and 28 February, six Frederick Irwin students; Bianca Butler, Hitomi Cording, Abbey Burnham and Hamish Gardner (Year 7), Arvin Nair (Year 8) and Adara Storey (Year 12) represented the Port Bouvard Surf Lifesaving club for WA Surf LIfesaving Country Championships at Mullaloo Beach. 

It was a great result, with all students working hard throughout the day.  The results included: 

• Adara won Gold in the Under 19 Beach Sprint
• Hitomi won Gold in the Under 12 Beach Sprint, Silver in the Under 12 Board Rescue Race and Nipper Female Beach Relay 

Hitomi and Bianca have both qualified for the WA Nipper State Championships which will be held from 12 to 14 March at Scarborough Beach. 

Congratulations to all of the students who took part on the day.  

Parents have exclusive access to Elevate Education’s Parent Webinar Series for Term 1 2021.  The recent webinar was on Time Management - how to end the battle over homework deadlines, study schedules and prioritisation. It aired live on Wednesday 24 February, but you can access the replay below. 

Additionally, the next webinar is on Tech Devices - setting boundaries and promoting self-regulation with teens. The webinar will help to answer your questions around 'how much screen-time is too much', how to create positive habit-loops with your child, and what apps and technology you can use to help your child, rather than hinder them. You can register for that event here. 
 
🎬 Watch the Time Management  webinar here.

🔗 Download the resources here. 

Join the next webinar 👉🏼

The webinar is run live online from 6.00pm – 7.00pm where the presenter will share Elevate’s key research and skills and will conduct a live Q&A so you can ask them questions directly. 

Should you have questions or would like to contact Elevate directly, their details are listed below:
📞 1300 667 945
✉️ auscoaching@elevateeducation.com
💻 https://au.elevateeducation.com
👍 https://www.facebook.com/ElevateEd/

4 REASONS NOT TO PUT OFF STARTING ASSIGNMENTS

Here are four reasons why you should start working on your assignment immediately.

1. GET YOUR BRAIN THINKING ABOUT THE TOPIC
Even if your assignment is not due for weeks, start thinking about it immediately. At the very least, ensure you review and understand the requirements the day you get your assignment. Even if you are not thinking about it directly, your subconscious will be hard at work.

2. FIND LIBRARY AND ONLINE RESOURCES
Although the school or local library may not be your main source of reference, you should drop in soon after receiving the assignment. Your teacher will probably have alerted the school librarian to the assignment, and reference books etc, may well be displayed. These will disappear quickly if the whole class has the same assignment. Reference books can sometimes be a useful general overview for an assignment and they help clarify a direction as you begin to immerse yourself into the assignment topic. Your librarian can also guide you to online journals or databases that may be useful.

3. STARTING EARLY MEANS MORE TIME TO EXPLORE AND ASK FOR HELP IF NEEDED
If you do some initial research on the assignment, you could find yourself needing more direction in your next research. For example: Perhaps there isn’t enough information, or perhaps you find you don’t understand important concepts, or perhaps you need to speak to your teacher to get further clarity. If you find this out early, you will still have plenty of time to plan, research, write and present your assignment. Imagine if you didn’t start your assignment for a week or so, and then discovered you needed more guidance. You could easily run out of time. Starting early also gives you a long time to think through and develop your ideas.

4. CREATE A SAFETY NET
Starting your assignment immediately will give you a safety net in case you get sick or something unexpected happens. Assignments are usually given over a period of time because they require more time; students must plan a strategy or schedule to ensure they are completed. You should always have a schedule that allows for the unexpected.

So get started today!

See below information on Community news, events and information.