This week Ms Mary, our social worker, taught the students in our Strong Boys program all about the intentional power of movement ?—using monkey bars, kettlebells, dead hangs, and yoga to process big feelings and promote calm.

Heavy work = a calm, focused body ?✨
Big emotions? Time to MOVE.

Our annual St Simon Peter Day fundraising event will be held on Thursday 26^th  June.  Children will be able to wear free dress on this day for a gold coin donation.

We hope that all members of our school community will continue to support this day, with money raised helping a variety of charities. Parents and other family members are invited to come to school and participate in these fun events between 9.00am - 12.30pm.

The day will begin with Mass at 9.00am and we invite all parents and families to join us.

The fundraising will begin after recess (11.15am –12.30pm) with stalls, games and activities organised by PP– Year 6. Families will be able to enter through Gate 5.

Please join us on this day and we thank you for your continued support.

On Friday, the 2025 House Cross Country Carnival was a fantastic display of endurance, determination, and school spirit. Held under perfect weather conditions, students from Years Three to Six gave their all across challenging courses that tested both physical and mental stamina.

 Many weeks of training paid off as students competed for champion and runner-up medals, contributed valuable points to their houses, and aimed for selection in the interschool cross country team. Every race showcased the grit and enthusiasm of our students, with strong performances across all age groups.

 In a thrilling finish, MacKillop House claimed victory and took home the shield — their first cross country win in several years. The long-awaited triumph made the result even more special, with just seven points separating the top three houses.

 A big thank you to all staff, volunteers, and student leaders who helped make the day run smoothly. Special recognition goes to the supporters that came and cheered and to every student who participated with effort and determination.

 Congratulations to MacKillop Dolphins, the 2025 House Cross Country Champions!

A points tally follows below, along with a list of medallion winners:

MacKillop Dolphins 174

Prendiville Whales  169

Salvatorian Sharks 167

Vincent Rays 153

Over the weekend, our Year 6 students took an important step in their faith journey as they received the Sacrament of Confirmation. Surrounded by their families and parish community, the students marked this milestone with reverence, joy, and a deep sense of commitment.

In the lead up to the celebration, students spent valuable time in preparation with Fr Leonard, who also celebrated both Confirmation Masses on Saturday. His presence and guidance made the occasion even more meaningful.

A sincere thank you to Ms Manifold and our incredible Year 6 teachers for preparing the students so thoughtfully and respectfully. Your support helped create a truly special experience for everyone involved.

Congratulations to our newly confirmed Year 6s—may the Holy Spirit continue to guide you always!

A friendly reminder that Monday 21 July is a Pupil Free Day.
Students will return for the start of Term 3 on Tuesday 22 July.

We hope everyone enjoys the extra day and comes back refreshed for an exciting new term!

We’re looking for families to help cover some of our new resource books for the library. It’s super easy, can be done from the comfort of your home, and best of all — all the time you spend counts towards our Lend A Hand program!

If you’re keen to help out, just get in touch with Helen or Chris in the Library:

Helen: Helen.boudewyns@cewa.edu.au
Chris: Christine.brien@cewa.edu.au

Thanks so much — we really appreciate your support in helping us get these great resources ready for our students!

The Library will be running a second-hand children’s book stall on SSP Day!

If you’re having a tidy-up at home and come across any children’s books you no longer need, we’d love to give them a new life in another child’s hands.

Donations can be dropped off at the Library anytime before Thursday 26 June, ahead of the big day.

Thank you, as always, for your generous support!

We also extend our congratulations to all the students who received Merit Award Certificates – your efforts and achievements are well deserved, and we are so proud of you!

Well done to all involved!

ATTENDANCE 

St Simon Peter Catholic Primary School is required to keep accurate attendance records for all its students. This includes taking attendance. Attendance records are to ensure students maintain the 90% attendance rate legally required for education and funding purposes. Attendance must be recorded by teaching staff at least twice per day. 

LATE NOTES 

Children arriving late to school (after 8.40am) must be accompanied by an adult to Reception (through Gate 7) to sign in via SEQTA Kiosk.  The adult must then escort them to their class.  

As part of school requirements around school attendance, three late arrivals within two weeks will result in the parent receiving a letter from the Principal requesting information explaining the ongoing late arrival.   

STUDENTS LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS 

Children who need to leave the school early to attend appointments must be collected by a parent or guardian, after receiving a printed Student Pass from Reception.  This pass must be given to the classroom teacher.  If the student is to return to school after their appointment, they must be brought back into Reception by the nominated parent or guardian.  The student will need to be signed in via SEQTA Kiosk to receive another printed Student Pass which is to be given to their classroom teacher. 

 ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL             

In the event of illness or absence, a parent or guardian must notify the school. This is a requirement for all schools, not just St Simon Peter. There are two options to enable this to be done (These are the preferred options as no further follow up is required).  You may either: 

1. Submit an Absentee Notification via the Schoolzine App, by clicking the Absentee Notification button on the App and completing the form.  This will generate an email to admin who will process the absence on the system and forward it to the teacher.  There is no need to call the absentee line or send an email if a Schoolzine absentee notification has been submitted.  This is the preferred option for informing the school of an absence; or
2. Email the admin office at admin@ssp.wa.edu.au.Do not email or message the class teacher as these accounts are not always monitored, especially if staff are on leave or busy attending to class matters. 

 The Attendance Register will be checked by 9.00am each day.   

 If an absentee message is not received by the school, then you will receive an SMS (automated) asking you to contact the school to explain the absence.   

This SMS message is important for two reasons: 

1. To “flag” the unexplained absence with you.
2. To provide the opportunity for you to explain the absence. 

 Where no notification is provided and a follow-up SMS has been required, a note explaining the absence must be included. This is a requirement as part of attendance protocols for schools in Western Australia. 

This note must include a reason for the absence, be signed and dated by the parent or guardian and handed to the classroom teacher, as soon as possible, after the absence (an email, containing the information listed above, from a parent’s nominated email will suffice in place of a written note or from a Schoolzine absentee notification). 

EXTENDED ABSENCES (5 DAYS OR MORE) AND HOLIDAYS DURING SCHOOL TIME  

If a parent or guardian wishes to take a child out of school for an extended period, both the class teacher and Principal are to be notified in writing well beforehand.  These absences are recorded as long-term explained (unapproved) absences.  A Leave of Absence Form must be completed which is available on the school website or from the Admin Office.  

 Teachers are not expected to prepare work for students taking holidays during school time. Parent requests for this will not be accepted.  Extended absences during school time are not encouraged. The school requests parents/guardians complete a Leave of Absence form at least two weeks before your absence.  

A Leave of Absence form is required for periods of absence of five days or more:  
5 DAYS OR MORE LEAVE OF ABSENCE FORM 

Looking for a warm and welcoming space where your little one can play while you connect with other families?

Join us every Friday from 8:45 AM – 10:30 AM for our Open Play Morning at SSP!
Everyone is welcome — you don’t need to be part of the SSP school community to attend.

It’s a great opportunity to meet new families, experience our nurturing environment and discover what makes SSP a special place to grow and learn.

Entry Information:

• After 9:00 AM, all visitors must enter through the Administration Office.
• All exits are to the right of the Administration Building - Maroon Button to release the gate.

No need to book — just come along!

We’d love to meet you!

The government wish to inform our school community that the second round of the WA Student Assistance Payment will be available to eligible students across Western Australia from 28 April to 4 July 2025.

How to Claim:
Parents and carers are to apply for the payment via the ServiceWA App.

Eligibility:
The payment is available for all WA school students from Kindergarten to Year 12 with an active enrolment at a registered primary or secondary school. Eligible families may claim:

• $250 per secondary student
• $150 per primary student
• $150 per kindergarten student

Who can claim

The WA Student Assistance Payment can be claimed by:

• a primary care giver responsible for the eligible student
• a student aged 18 or over
• an independent minor, and
• a young carer under the Carers Recognition Act (2004) (WA).

 Note:

• Independent minors and Young Carers need to claim using the paper claim form and make an appointment with their school for support to submit a claim.

Non-Eligible Students:
The following are not eligible for the payment:

• Students without an active enrolment at a WA school
• Children in kindergarten programs not delivered by a registered WA school
• Children in residential care, group foster care, or complex care arrangements (as defined by the Department of Communities)
• Students enrolled in pre-kindergarten programs in school or non-school settings
• Students with a Notice of Arrangement (NOA) or an exemption from full-time schooling

Accessing Your Child’s WASN Number:
As part of state requirements, parents may need to provide their child’s WA Student Number (WASN).

How to Find the WASN via SEQTA Engage (School Instruction)
Parents can easily access their child’s WASN through SEQTA Engage by following these steps:

1. Log in to your SEQTA Engage account.
2. Select your child’s name.
3. Navigate to the Reports section.
4. Open any recent report – the WASN will be listed near the top of the page.

If you have any trouble accessing SEQTA Engage or locating the report, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office for support.