End-of-Year Celebrations, Farewells and Hand-Overs As always, there is much to celebrate at the end of the year; however, this year, it is with sadness I approach our end-of-year events knowing that each one is a ‘last’ not only for me but also for those staff members who will be retiring at the end of the year, including our Deputy Principals, Andrew Pennycott and Georgina Solomon, who have given extraordinary service to the School over a number of years.
Hand-overs with Karen Watts and Anne Crock, who will take on these roles next year, have been proceeding all of this term and I am delighted to say that my replacement, Tracey Gray, has finally been able to gain entry into Western Australia (from New South Wales) and, once she has completed her quarantine next week, we will commence an extensive hand-over so that she has a good knowledge of the School before she commences in January.
Returning to the topic of ‘End-of -Year Celebrations’ we are thrilled that, unlike last year, we will not have to restrict the numbers of parents attending; however, it will still be necessary to sign in or use your SafeWA App.
Next week, we commence with the first of our celebrations with Carols in the Quad on Tuesday night (30 November) when we celebrate the birth of the Christ-child in keeping with our Anglican ethos and traditions. This event could not take place at all last year and we are very much looking forward to greeting families in 2021.
Surveys Thank you to those who have completed or will be completing parent surveys at the end of each of our exit years – Year 2 (end of Early Learning), Year 6 (end of Primary schooling), Year 7 (end of Transition) and Year 12 (end of Secondary schooling). We learn a great deal from these surveys and take the feedback seriously.
2022 Prefects and Peer Support Leaders Our Prefects Elect for 2022 completed their Leadership Training on Monday. They are a fine group of young people and I am sad that I will not be working with them next year. I am sure that Mrs Gray will find them to be outstanding young leaders.
Similarly, there will be training for our 2022 Year 11 Peer Support Leaders today (Friday). The work they do with the Year 7 students at the start of the year is invaluable.
Kerry Robertson Principal
From the Head of Primary — Meadow Springs (Issue 14, 2021)
Dear Parents and Caregivers
At the ‘Bring Your Own Device’ information session last week, Mrs Candice Shier (ICT Coordinator) and Mr Dean Smith (IT Manager) presented pertinent information to the incoming Year 6 parents.
Part of the presentation was based on how parents can help keep their children safe online. This included setting family boundaries on screen time, keeping devices out of bedrooms and keeping lines of communication open with your child. Parents were also informed of the eSafety Commissioner's website that has many useful tips, articles and support for parents to help keep their children safe online. If this is something that interests you please click here
This year, Year 6 students Lilly Dalton and Dylan Bailey have represented Frederick Irwin Meadow Springs on the City of Mandurah Junior Council; Junior Council gives students the opportunity to learn about local government as well as acting as a youth consulting group on issues affecting young people in Mandurah. Last Thursday Lilly and Dylan graduated from Junior Council, at this event they reflected on their experience to an assembled audience. This year, their focus has been on a road safety campaign and have had the opportunity to meet local politicians and councillors. Lilly and Dylan have been wonderful ambassadors for our school and should be very proud of their efforts this year.
Today both Primary campuses joined together to celebrate a belated Founders' Day. The weather was wonderful and a sense of joy permeated the air. At the Service this morning the combined choirs performed two magical songs that brought tears to the eyes of the audience. It was lovely to see the children and staff joining together in a variety of learning and social activities. It was also fantastic to be able to welcome the families of the children to join us for the afternoon and I hope they too enjoyed the day.
To echo the words of Ms Robertson, I feel privileged to belong to a school community that is a fantastic place to be.
Sue Youens Head of Primary — Meadow Springs
From the Head of Primary — Halls Head (Issue 14, 2021)
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Student Leaders On 12 November we held our first Halls Head Disco for the Year 3 to 6 students. I was so impressed by our House Captains and the responsibility they demonstrated in the organisation of the event. They took great pride in decorating the Hall for the event.
Speaking to the students, the event was a great success and we are thrilled that our Captains had this opportunity. I thank Mrs Baker, Mrs Kirke, Mrs Taylor, Ms Skehan, Mrs Tearle, Mrs Cadwell, Mrs Rudland and Mrs Kimata for their assistance on the night. The help they provided was appreciated.
On Thursday 18 November, the Junior Councillors had their graduation ceremony. Mrs Kirke attended the event and let me know that both Zoe Thompson and Luke Willman gave wonderful speeches and we are very proud of how they represented Frederick Irwin Anglican School throughout the year. Both students worked hard on their community initiatives and learnt a lot about leadership. Zoe Thompson conducted her extra role as Deputy Junior Mayor with maturity and diligence. We also thank the City of Mandurah for providing this wonderful opportunity to our students.
Act Belong Commit The choir attended Mercy Place on Tuesday 23 November to sing to our community members. Mercy Place is an aged care residence and we are thrilled that our students were able to participate in service-learning. Mr Steed did a wonderful job in organising the choir and preparing them for the afternoon. Mrs Kirke attended as well and informed me that the residents were moved to tears. I also thank Mrs Guy and Mrs Boutle for their help with the choir on the day. Committing to supporting our community is an important value and priority we instil in our students. I’m very proud of our inclusive choir and look forward to hearing them again at our end of year events.
End of Year Events As I have had some queries I just wanted to inform our parents that all of our end of year assemblies and services will be held at the Halls Head campus this year.
Below are the details: Thanksgiving Service – Year 6 – Hall, Thursday 2 December 1.30pm Christmas Assembly – Kindergarten to Year 2 – Hall, Friday 3 December 1.30pm Presentation Assembly – Years 3 to 6 – Hall, Tuesday 7 December 9.00am
Digital Citizenship This Tuesday, we held the Bring Your Own Device information session for the Year 5 parents. During the session, I spoke to the parents about the eSafety Commissioner website and the wonderful resources for parents on this website. As a parent, it can be challenging to keep up with digital information/platforms our children are interested in.
At school, students are taught about responsible online behaviour and strategies to remain safe and respectful. I encourage all parents to go onto the eSafety website and look at the resources for parents. I myself have found this useful as a parent and felt it was important to promote. Click here for more information.
Noah Clark Head of Primary – Halls Head Campus
From the Chaplain (Issue 14, 2021)
Dear Parents and Caregivers
At this time of year we inevitably turn our attention to the question that has occupied minds for hundreds, if not thousands of years. It causes sleepless nights, a crisis of confidence and a mild grumpiness which often inhabits this time of year.
I speak of course, of the challenge of present buying.
I am a notoriously poor provider of gifts in my family. Despite significant effort, I still fail to pick up on the clues scattered like new-fallen snow during the year. The task is made even more difficult by our modern ability to purchase (almost at will) those things we “need” throughout the year. This means the gift-givers are left with fewer options as the season of Christmas approaches.
Other challenges include getting the scale just right; too big a present is almost as bad as too small a gift. Value (or cost!) falls into this category. We have to scope our expectations so that we are not spending too much, or too little on one person, or gift, or occasion. This is exacerbated by multiple Christmas family celebrations across multiple days at Christmas. How do we calibrate our gifting against (in my case) my lack of perceived gift options?
These are (in the modern vernacular) “first world problems”. I am sure that for most of the world’s population a roof, or physical safety, or water, and some food would be gift enough at Christmas, and indeed on any day. That is not to decry the giving (and receiving) of gifts at Christmas just because we live in an affluent part of the world, and we want for very little. It is part of our culture, our faith identity, and is a nice thing to do. More than that, it seems important to me that counting the cost or number of gifts one gives or receives is to miss the point of gift-giving; that be the best part of the gift (for me at least) is that someone thought about me for a little bit, and thought of ways to delight me. Actually, I don’t mind if the gift is a bit wrong, or not entirely to my taste because that gift to a great degree reflects how much the giver and I share about me. If the gift is wrong, that’s because I haven’t given enough of myself or enough clues as to what would delight me.
A slightly wrong gift means it is mainly right, and that the giver and I share a great rapport. It falls to me (and perhaps to us) to redouble our efforts in the coming year to get to know each other better so that what we share becomes perfect. Starting off getting it mainly wrong means that you want to enter into a dialogue of sharing, to ensure next year is closer to the mark. So if your experience of Christmas so far is that you are struggling to find something for someone, then resolve that next year you will get to know them better and make it easier on yourself!
And don’t forget that the best bit about receiving a gift, is that we are loved, and cared for.
Have a joyous, blessed and safe Christmas, and may peace be yours.
Reverend James Tabor Chaplain
Enrolments and Admissions
2023 Primary Intakes
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.
Term 1 Fee Statements were emailed to families on DATE and are due for payment on DATE.
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, bi-monthly or monthly payment plans. For further information, please contact the School Office.
Term Dates 2021 and 2022
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
Uniform News Term 4, Week 8
The last day of trade for Term 4 will be Friday 3 December.
2022 Uniform Shop Holiday Opening Hours
MEADOW SPRINGS CAMPUS Thursday 20 January 2022: 9.00am - 3.00pm Friday 21 January 2022: 9.00am - 3.00pm Thursday 27 January 2022: 9.00am - 3.00pm Friday 28 January 2022: 8.30am - 12.00noon Monday 31 January 2022: 8.00am - 10.30pm Monday 31 January 2022: 12.30pm - 3.30pm (usual hours)
HALLS HEAD CAMPUS Thursday 27 January 2022: 11.00am - 12.00noon Monday 31 January 2022: 8.00am - 9.00am
LATEST NOTICES
Current Year 6 Students Please be advised that the 2021 Graduation top (gold sports top) your child is currently wearing will not be able to be worn in 2022 for Year 7.
Quickcliq Online Order Any orders placed between Thursday 2 December 2021 and Thursday 27 January 2022 will not be processed until Friday 28 January 2022. For both Meadow Springs and Hall Head students, all orders will need to be collected from our Schools Main Reception (Meadow Spring Campus) before school is back on Monday 31 January 2022.
Blazer 2022 Blazers are a compulsory item of the winter uniform for ALL students from Year 7 to Year 12.
If your current Secondary School child is also in need of a new larger school blazer for 2022, please also call into the Uniform Shop as soon as possible. (Please check Opening Hours and School Holiday Opening Hours page).
If you have a blazer that will not fit, please have it dry-cleaned and bring it into the Uniform Shop, where it can hopefully be sold through the second-hand uniform channel.
Volunteers Wanted for 2022 Can you spare a few hours each week or month? We would like to hear from any parent willing to volunteer some time to the school by assisting in the Uniform Shop. This would involve helping in all aspects of the operation of the shop during open hours, approximately 4 hours a week.
If any parent is interested in helping, please contact Mrs Jan Burbidge either at the Uniform Shop, uniform@fias.wa.edu.au or via the School Office on (08) 9537 0000.
Lost Uniforms Please be mindful that all items of clothing MUST have your child’s name on it. If the item is not yours, please return it to the school office as soon as possible, where we will be able to give the item to the correct child.
Pre-Ordered Items All pre-ordered items will only be held for 10 working days once contact has been made – after this time the items will be put back on the shelf.
Exchange or Refunds on New Uniforms Items We are always willing to exchange or refund new items purchased if they are the wrong size or if a parent has changed their mind. However, these items need to be:
Returned with the original purchase receipt
Still have the original tags attached or in packaging
Be unworn/clean, as when purchased
Un-laundered
Any item that is marked in any way, whether it has been worn or not, will not be accepted for a credit or exchange for a different size or item. Your co-operation in this matter would be appreciated. There is no refund on any secondhand items.
Second-hand Uniforms Do you have any uniforms that no longer fit? Re-sell them through the Uniform Shop!
Any items that are laundered and in good condition would be able to be assessed to possibly include in the second-hand section.
Forms are available from either the Uniform Shop, Reception or online. Details needed:
Name and address – so payment can be deducted from your school fees – once items are sold Date purchased – this will help set the selling price
The selling price is set at 60% of the original price, and then you will receive 75% of this selling price.
Please note that, unfortunately, any item that has been taken in cannot be returned if either unsuitable or unsold.
UNIFORM CARE
Dry Cleaning your Blazer The purpose of this article is to provide some guidance and advice relating to the safe laundering and dry cleaning of your Frederick Irwin School Blazer.
The first rule is that blazers should never be home-laundered. Treat your blazer like any suiting jacket – which is dry clean only. Just like a suit, blazers have high-quality fabric (containing wool) together with fusing and lining which must be professionally cleaned. A quality dry cleaner should be used where possible.
The above said, there are some dry cleaners that do not always dry clean in accordance with garment specifications. The primary complaint about dry cleaning is over-heating. When a blazer is over-heated, the fusing (used to make collars and the lapel maintain shape) will come away from the fabric and result in bubbles, a wave pattern or bulging. An experienced dry cleaner will know this and can prevent this from happening.
Frederick Irwin’s blazer manufacturer recommends using a larger-scale dry cleaner rather than small shopping centre-based dry cleaners. Larger volume dry cleaners tend to be more professional and have experience with special garments. If you are in any doubt, do not be afraid to ask questions about the dry cleaner’s practices and knowledge.
Sound dry cleaning practices will ensure your blazer will last longer.
Trolley Bags Spartan has supplied a couple of do’s and don’ts with the trolley bags (this label is inside the bags): Do not pull up stairs Do not pull along uneven ground or sand
2021 Calendar of Events
Term 4 2021
School News
Halls Head Choir Visit - Mercy Care
On Tuesday 23 November the Halls Head Choir visited the residents at Mercy Care.
The students sang to the residents, who enjoyed every minute of the performance; it was a wonderful experience for the students and residents.
Sport at Frederick Irwin Anglican School
Sport is an integral part of the school culture at Frederick Irwin Anglican School. At Frederick Irwin we recognise that participation in sporting endeavours makes a critical contribution to a child’s holistic development and their participation in lifelong active healthy lives.
Frederick Irwin Anglican School currently has teams participating in 16 sporting codes through a variety of school and community associations. We participate in Associated Catholic Colleges Sports Carnivals (ACC) and champion schools competitions, School Sport WA champion school competitions, a variety of community sports associations, and Peel School Sports Association Carnivals (PSSA).
Student participation in sport supports a number of aspects identified in the Anglican Schools Ethos Statement;
Anglican schools:
support the development of the whole person with a balanced education;
promote a safe, disciplined, caring learning community;
aspire to be inclusive and open, responding to diverse needs and abilities;
affirm the dignity and worth of all people; and
encourage social, ethical, civic and environmental responsibility.
It is one of our primary goals to provide all students with the opportunity to play sport and develop their skills whatever their previous experience. Frederick Irwin will again be represented by students who are very talented and experienced right down to those playing their first games. All players have a range of experience and all players need to feel valued and supported.
We see sport at Frederick Irwin providing the opportunity for all students who choose to participate, to be active, have some fun and experience some success in a quality sports experience. At the same time we aim to provide players with a pathway that supports the achievement of excellence in their chosen sport and recognise their individual achievements.
Sport is a valuable context for developing those personal characteristics that are so important in life; resilience, sportsmanship, team work, leadership, persistence, determination, encouragement and indeed in an ever increasing technological world an opportunity for face to face interaction and conflict resolution. As a school we take pride in the way our students conduct themselves on the sporting field and the exemplary sportsmanship they demonstrate.
Increasing evidence demonstrates that the benefits of greater physical activity participation include assisting with maximising children’s learning, as well as improving their physical, social and mental health – benefits that are likely to extend into adolescence and adult life.
Frederick Irwin has a culture of participation, a culture that can be strengthened and enhanced to provide exemplary outcomes for our students.
Sports Coordinator 2022 Congratulations to Claire Booker who has been appointed to the position of Sports Coordinator for 2022. This is a new position in the school and recognition of the increased workload associated with the facilitation of co-curricular sport at Frederick Irwin. Claire will be responsible for the coordination of all Co-curricular Sport where students represent Frederick Irwin in local sports associations, Mandurah Basketball Association (MBA), Mandurah Netball Association (MNA), Peel Hockey Association (PHA) and Peel Junior Soccer Association (PJSA).
Any questions regarding student participation in any of these sports associations can be directed to Claire at Frederick Irwin.
‘I am excited about taking on the role of Sports Coordinator and continuing to build on the fantastic involvement and representation Frederick Irwin have in the local community sporting associations. Playing a team sport is such a great way to develop fitness, skills, friendships and a lifelong love of being involved in the community. Representing your school in the sport you love to play is a great way to do this.’ - Claire Booker
Peter Skeggs Head of Physical Education
Leadership Workshop
The Prefects Elect had a very productive Leadership Workshop as they prepare for the 2022 School Year, and understand how to work together and learn the different leadership styles.
One of the activities included the students breaking off into groups of five, they had been assigned a leadership style, and from there they had to create an innovative and interesting house of cards!
City of Mandurah Junior Council Graudation
On Thursday 18 November, the City of Mandurah had their Junior Council Graduation.
All four students spoke to the audience that included Mayor Rhys Williams. Congratulations to all four Council members: Deputy Junior May Zoe Thompson, Luke Willman, Lilly Dalton and Dylan Bailey.
The students proudly represented Frederick Irwin throughout the year. Congratulations!
Mr Stephen King Recognised for His Teaching
The Professional Teaching Council of Western Australia has recently recognised Mr Stephen King for his contribution to the education in Western Australia.
Mr King has been part of the Frederick Irwin teaching staff since 1993, and has continued to be a valued member of staff.
This award has recognised his valued contribution as a Political and Legal Educator in Western Australia.
Congratulations!
Singing Tutor Ammon Bennett Accepted into WA Opera
Frederick Irwin’s singing tutor, Mr Ammon Bennett, has recently been accepted into the WA Opera!
This is an amazing honour, and is an inspiration for all of our students who are looking at a career in the Performing Arts. All of our Performing Arts students are very lucky to have such talented tutors.
Congratulations!
School Events and Activities
Carols in the Quad 2021
We are so excited that Frederick Irwin Anglican School will be hosting a family Christmas Carols evening, ‘Carols in the Quad’, on Tuesday 30 November 2021! After having to cancel our 2020 Carols due to COVID, it's exciting to have this event back on the calendar!
Please note that from the commencement of the Carols section of the evening (6.00pm), families are strongly encouraged to be seated with their children within their picnic area. This will help to create a wonderful, calm sense of community, and allow families to bond together as they sing familiar Christmas tunes
Food trucks available on the evening include: Street Fusion (serving ribs, gourmet burgers and seafood), The Curry Truck (serving South African style curry), The Travelling Grazer (serving gourmet grazing boxes), Black Velvet and Honey (serving barista coffee, cool drinks and other beverages), and icy poles available to purchase. We also recommend packing a small picnic basket for the evening as well, should the food trucks prove popular!
Please bring with you all that you need, and I suggest again that picnic rugs and mosquito repellent would be handy additions. (Please note: alcohol is not permitted at functions on the school property when children are present.)
The gallery below shows pictures from the 2019 Carols in the Quad!
Founders' Day Primary 2021
The sun was shining on Wednesday 24 November for the Meadow Springs and Halls Head Primary students, as they enjoyed a fun day of games, rides and more for their Founders’ Day celebrations, after having to change the original event in Term 3.
There was excitement all around as the students jumped on bouncy castles, rode the train, had their faces painted, took part in craft activities and even painted the Founders’ Day banner. There was also a student talent show with some fantastic musical acts!
Parents and families were invited to join the lunch before activities started; we thank all of our school community who were able to join us on the day to celebrate the School’s Founders.
Outdoor Education Camps
Students enrolled in Outdoor Education in Years 9, 10 and 11 have recently completed their Outdoor Education Camps and Expeditions in various locations throughout Western Australia. Outdoor Education makes a unique contribution to enhancing young people’s personal and social development.
Outdoor Education at Frederick Irwin is a progression of development that begins in Year 9 and concludes in Year 12. Participation in quality Outdoor Education provides opportunities for students to develop personal characteristics such as; determination, self-discipline, self-reliance, self-confidence, self-respect, unselfishness, compassion, integrity and resilience through adventure activities.
Year 11 Journal entries: ‘I have realised I need to look at the environment around me more often and see the beauty of what we live in'.
‘Being surrounded by nature 24/7 is very healthy and had a positive effect on us all. I did not miss the technology'.
‘I’ve gained the realisation of how good I have it, the expedition has opened my eyes to how well my parents look after me and how much more respect they deserve'.
‘Feeling very proud and with a sense of accomplishment at my achievements’.
Below are photos from the recent Years 9, 10 and 11 camps.
Congratulations
Lawn Bowls Competition - Halls Head Campus
On Friday 9 November, three teams made up of Year 5 and 6 students from the Halls Head campus took part in a Lawn Bowls competition against other Primary Schools in the area.
It was the first time that most of the students had been exposed to lawn bowls and was a great success. When we arrived at the Port Bouvard Recreation and Sporting Club we learnt the rules of the game and watched some demonstrations.
Watching the club members bowl made us all think it was going to be an easy task. However, the bias of the bowl proved very tricky to master. In the end, all students successfully learnt this skill and had a great time competing against the other schools. We didn’t walk away with the coveted lawn bowl trophy but we had a fantastic time, met some new people and learnt a new skill.
PSSA Red Ball Tennis Tournament
A number of students from both Halls Head and Meadow Springs campuses represented Frederick Irwin at the PSSA Red Ball Tennis Tournament.
The Year 4s from Meadow Springs won their division, and at the Halls Head competition one team won their division and the other team were runners-up!
Congratulations to all students who took part!
Congratulations - Harriet Robertson
Congratulations to Year 12 student Harriet Robertson, whose piece 'Digital print on metal of an Oil on canvas' has been selected to be included in the exhibition 'Pulse Perspectives 2022' at the Art Gallery of Western Australia from 19 April 2022.
This is an amazing honour for this very talented student. The photo gallery shows some of the pieces she is currently working on, the winning piece can be viewed at the Art Gallery in the coming months. Congratulations Harriet!
