Term One Week Five – Commencing Tuesday 3rd March 2026

Dear Families, 

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of the families in our community a terrific long weekend for the weekend coming up. A reminder that there will be no school on Monday, the 2nd of March. 

Week Five marks the halfway point in Term One. Time goes so quickly, and already we find ourselves in the month of March next week. 

The children have made a terrific start to the year here at St Emilie’s, and on behalf of the staff here at St Emilie’s, I would like to thank parents and carers for your ongoing support. 

Project Compassion 2026
As is the case across all Catholic schools at this time of year, we have commenced our efforts with Project Compassion for the Lenten season. Project Compassion is an opportunity for us to stand in solidarity with those around the world who need our prayers and assistance financially. When opportunities arise throughout Lent to support Project Compassion, I ask that you do your best to support. 

Last week, collection boxes and further information were sent home with the children for Project Compassion. 

To learn more about how you can ‘unite against poverty’ during Lent in 2026, please visit Project Compassion.

Emilie’s Story – Books for Sale
For those of you who have visited the Administration Office of late, you may have noticed a copy of the St Emilie’s Biography, which is on display. This biography was written locally and is a relatively easy read for those who are interested in learning more about the foundress of our school. 

On the weekend of the 7th and 8th of March, copies of the biography will be on sale at the Parish Church during the various Mass times. I would encourage those members of our community who are keen on some further reading to purchase a copy. 

School Photos 2026
Earlier this term, information about School Photos was shared with our community. School Photos will take place on Wednesday, the 4th, and Thursday, the 5th of March, and I would ask that all children are dressed in the correct school uniform for school photos. Further information about school photos can be found here.

Parents and carers, please note that the deadline for online ordering is on Thursday, the 12th of March and can be done through the leaflet sent home with your children last week. 

House Swimming Trials
Congratulations to all 45 boys and girls who joined in our House Swimming Trials on Monday this week. Mr Davis believes that 45 participants is close to record numbers, with some of the events having too many children to simply run one race. This is a tremendous result for our school. 

While the competition was hot in the pool, it was fantastic to see the boys and girls encouraging each other during the races. At St Emilie’s, we strive for a culture where our children celebrate the successes of one another. As always, we had terrific support from our very vocal parent an carers, and I thank you all for your support. 

The swimming trials provided a great opportunity for the children to put their hand up for interschool swimming selection, and from the trials, Mr Davis has been able to select his interschool swimming squad. 

2026 School Advisory Council and P & F Committee
Last Wednesday, the Annual Community Meeting for the School Advisory Council and P & F Committee was held in the Learning Hub. 

In 2026, we are pleased to share that nominations for the P & F Committee were not required as the P & F Committee from 2025 were keen to continue on in their second year as committee members. 

In 2026, our School P & F Committee members are: 

Enzina Ierino 

Michelle Murphy 

Catrina Schryver 

Sheree Taylor 

On Wednesday, we used the opportunity to thank Leah Bishop, Melinda Curren, Nicole Grima and Stef Malelo from the School Advisory Council, and we thank all four of these wonderful St Emilie’s people for their time and energy. 

In 2026, Christopher Day and Beau Jose will continue on the School Advisory Council, and Stef Malelo has been co-opted to remain on the council to aid with the transition of incoming members. Further information regarding the School Advisory Council will be shared in the coming weeks. 

Catholic School Improvement Plan
Earlier this year, the School Strategic Plan was launched to the community. The School Strategic Plan has been uploaded to the school website and can be found here.

Each year, St. Emilie’s Catholic Primary School also produces and publishes a Catholic School Improvement Plan to outline the priorities areas for growth across the school. The 2026 Catholic School Improvement Plan is drawn from our School Strategic Plan and can be found here.

Uniform Class Visits – Please ensure your child is in the correct school uniform
At St Emilie’s, one of our School Values is that ‘we strive for excellence’. Over our history at St Emilie’s, the school uniform that has been put in place for the children has always had the children in mind, providing our children with the chance to feel comfortable so they can play and not be restricted. 

Upon interviewing new families to join our community, when asked why they would like to enrol at St Emilie’s, quite often, parents and carers cite that they value the school’s emphasis on uniform. The wearing of a school uniform ensures that we remain connected as a community, gathered around our school crest and motto, ‘growing in grace’. This week, members of the School Leadership Team will be visiting classes to remind the children about wearing the appropriate uniform. In particular, we will be speaking with the children about: 

• Ensuring they are wearing formal school shorts/skorts on the days when they wear their Navy School Polo shirt. School Sport shorts are not to be worn every day. 
• The wearing of appropriate socks, not socks that are knee length or that cannot be seen, and 
• Wearing appropriate accessories. 

P & F Footy Tipping
This year, our school will once again be hosting a P & F Footy Tipping competition. The first round of the AFL season is on Thursday 5th of March. 

If you would like to join the P & F Community Footy Tipping, please see the flyer below. At $1 per round ($24) for a footy season of fun, this is the best value in town! 

Year Four Assembly – Friday 6th of March
All are invited to join the Year Four Assembly on Friday, the 6th of March. Assembly commences directly after school drop off. 

No Family Picnic in 2026. All Families invited to attend Parish’s 25th Year Celebration: Families Must Register
At the commencement of each year, the community at St Emilie’s gathers to celebrate the new year, catch up with old friends and meet those new members of our community during the Family Picnic. 

This year, our parish celebrates a very special milestone as we turn 25 years old! On Sunday, the 15th of March, the parish will be celebrating this wonderful milestone with a celebration to be held on the school grounds. All school families are invited to attend! 

In order to support our parish in the best way we can and get as much school representation to the celebration as possible, the decision has been made not to host our usual Family Picnic at the start of the year, in the hope that school families will use the parish celebration as a chance to come together to commence the year. While we know that school families very much look forward to the Family Picnic, it is important that we support our parish, and by attending the upcoming celebration, this is a perfect way we can support. 

Please note that families intending to attend the celebration are required to register their attendance using the link below. 

Further information can be found on the parish website here. 

Beyond The Screen with Dan Principle @ Corpus Christi College
Corpus Christi College is hosting a free parent and community workshop, Beyond the Screen with Daniel Principe. 

Daniel Principe is a highly regarded presenter who works with young people, families, and schools to address topics such as online influences, relationships, consent, and digital wellbeing. His sessions are engaging, practical, and designed to support families navigating an increasingly complex digital world. 

Please find further information below 

Corpus Christi College invites parents, carers, and community members to a free workshop, Beyond the Screen with Daniel Principe. 

Discover practical ways to support young people in a digital world, with insights into online influences, consent, relationships, and fostering empathy and respect. 

Thursday, March 26 

6.30pm – 8.30pm 

College Theatre, Corpus Christi College 

For more information, visit www.corpus.wa.edu.au/events 

Staff Spotlight
By popular demand, the Staff Spotlight profiles returned to St Emilie’s this term. 

This week, we are delighted to share the profile of Lucy, our School Wellbeing Dog! Lucy is the most popular staff member on four legs, and we are so blessed to have her. I am sure you will agree that her answers to the profile are very articulate! 

We love having you at St Emilie’s, Lucy!