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- Principal Message
- Important Reminder: Pupil-Free Day – Monday 13th October 2025
- Vision for Learning
- SSP Tabloid Carnival 2025
- Year 4M Assembly and Merit Award Winners
- Internet Safety Guides
- Planning to Leave SSP at the End of 2025
- Uniform Updates
- Parent TV - How To Build Strong Sibling Relationships Parenting Tips To Reduce Rivalry and Foster Connection
As we approach the end of another school term, it’s remarkable how quickly the time has flown, it truly feels as though the term only just began.
The past few weeks have been particularly eventful, with a number of significant occasions enriching our school community. We’ve celebrated First Holy Communion over the past two weekends, held our Tabloid House Carnival, hosted a vibrant Music Night, welcomed families to our Learning Journey evening, and this week, we’re concluding with the two-day Interschool Athletics Carnival.
We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support and engagement of our parents throughout these events. Your presence and encouragement make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.
Over the last two days, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in a Quality Catholic Education School Review at another school. These reviews, conducted approximately every five years, are valuable opportunities for reflection. They allow schools to evaluate their practices, processes, and the impact they have on students, staff, and families.
It’s always insightful to see common themes emerge across schools, particularly around communication between home and school, and the management of vehicle movement around school grounds. It’s encouraging to observe how different communities are working collaboratively to address these shared challenges, much like we are doing here at St Simon Peter.
As mentioned in previous newsletters, our Kindergarten enrolments for 2026 are nearing capacity, and 2027 is filling rapidly. We are currently updating our enrolment process on the school website to make it more accessible for families. If you’re considering a Kindergarten placement for 2027, or know friends or family who have yet to apply, I strongly encourage you to complete the enrolment as early as possible to secure your child’s place before vacancies are filled. Remember that the $200 discount off your tuition fees for every student you refer to our school (except your own children) still applies.
We’ve also received some recent queries regarding the CEWA required volunteer training. Updated information is now available on our website, outlining the process and how our school manages it. We sincerely thank all those who have already completed the training and acknowledge your commitment to child safety, an essential priority for our entire school community.
Looking forward to seeing you all on Tuesday 14 October as students commence Term Four.
Peter Cutrona
Principal
St Simon Peter Catholic Primary School
Early Childhood Philosophy Statement
St Simon Peter Catholic Primary School provides a Christ-centered and nurturing educational environment for young children and their families. Our holistic approach to teaching and learning supports the cognitive, spiritual, social, emotional, physical, and moral development of each child. Guided by our school motto,Love One Another, we foster an atmosphere of care, respect, and compassion for ourselves and others.
The Early Learning Centre (ELC) creates a seamless and supportive transition for children as they move into kindergarten and beyond. The strong professional relationships between ELC and school staff ensure continuity in care and learning, while fostering a shared understanding of each child's developmental journey. From the earliest stages, we build meaningful partnerships with families that continue throughout their child's formal schooling, strengthening the sense of belonging and community that defines our school.
We believe every child is unique in terms of life experience, developmental readiness, and cultural identity, and we celebrate each child's God-given gifts and individuality. Every child develops and meets milestones at different rates, and we strive to create a stimulating environment that offers a range of activities and choices, catering to diverse learning styles and encouraging risk-taking.
Our education practices are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to each child's individual context, ensuring that their rights, agency, and best interests are at the heart of everything we do. This commitment is strengthened by our alignment with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which guides our ethical and advocacy-based approach to early childhood education.
Learning is a shared responsibility between educators and children, built on strong, caring relationships. Educators utilise a variety of strategies, including play-based learning, hands-on experiences, inquiry, cooperative learning, and explicit instruction, to support the diverse learning needs of children.
We value respectful, collaborative relationships with children and families, recognising the essential connections between children, families, and the wider community. Educators actively build these partnerships through shared decision-making, co-learning opportunities, and culturally responsive practices.
Families are valued as essential partners and resources in the learning journey, and we honour the diversity of family structures, economic circumstances, ethnic backgrounds, and belief systems.
Play is central to early childhood education and a powerful tool for learning and development. Educators intentionally organise and guide play experiences, ensuring children have access to appropriate equipment, space, and uninterrupted time to investigate, create, and problem-solve both indoors and outdoors. Through these rich play-based opportunities, we foster and encourage student agency by empowering children to make choices, express their ideas, and take ownership of their learning. Educators support children in becoming confident, capable learners who actively participate in shaping their experiences and exploring their interests.
Monitoring and documentation of learning are ongoing, informing and enhancing our programs. It is carried out in various ways and is used responsively and thoughtfully to meet the individual needs of children, ensuring that learning experiences are meaningful and developmentally appropriate.
Our philosophy is deeply rooted in the principles and practices of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the Circle of Courage model. We embrace the core values of:
- Belonging: Fostering a sense of community where every child feels valued and connected, aligning with the EYLF's emphasis on secure, respectful, and reciprocal relationships.
- Independence: Encouraging children to develop confidence and a growth mindset, reflecting the Circle of Courage's 'I Can Do It' value.
- Kindness: Promoting compassion, empathy, and positive interactions, supporting the EYLF's focus on children's wellbeing and the Circle of Courage's value of kindness.
- Responsible Decision-Making: Supporting children in developing social awareness and responsible decision-making skills, integrating the EYLF's principles of high expectations and equity with the Circle of Courage 'Making Good Choices' value.
Through this foundation, we foster an enriching early learning experience that nurtures each child's potential in a faith-filled, inclusive, and respectful environment.
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Almost 700 of our students competed in the annual Athletics Carnival. Salvatorian House won the Athletics Shield after a day of close competition and a term of preparation.
Congratulations to all the students who behaved so well on the day and competed in a very sportsmanlike way.
Athletic Champion and Runner-Up medals were awarded at the end of the day to students in Years Three to Six. These were based on athletic events conducted during PE classes, the Jumps and Throws Day, and the results of the sprint races on Friday.
Congratulations to the students who received these medals. Their names are listed below for all to see, along with the final points tally.
2025 House Totals:
Salvatorian Sharks: 1075
Prendiville Whales: 951
Mackillop Dolphins: 790
Vincent Rays: 733
Medal Winners:
Year 3
Champion – Gracee, Fletcher
Runner Up – Sadie, Raf
Second Runner Up – Layla, Riley, Hadley, Hunter
Year 4
Champion – Adeline, Oliver
Runner Up – Eden, Sam
Second Runner Up – Lucy, Spencer, Huddy
Year 5
Champion – Ella, Elise, Jasper
Runner Up – Demi, Hudson
Second Runner Up – Erin, Harrison
Year 6
Champion – Mina, Oscar
Runner Up – Harper, Hunter
Second Runner Up – Avah, Amelia, Ewan
As we had some ties with the medals, extra medals were ordered and are on their way.
As your child discovers new apps, platforms and devices this year, it’s important to give them the tools they need to make positive choices online.
Internet Matters back to school guides give you the tools and advice you need to help your child make the most of their school year, whether they've just started primary or are getting ready for the move up to secondary. Remember to always give your child the space to be honest about what happens online, do not punish them if they see or experience something that they shouldn't have, use it as a teaching opportunity. Often children do not share their online experiences with their parents for fear of getting their device taken away, change the narrative on this to create a safe conversation.
Primary School guide - Internet Matters
- Get up to speed on popular apps and platforms like YouTube and Roblox
- Learn more about risks and challenges they might face, from inappropriate content and too much screentime.
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Find tips and resources to protect them from online harms
Moving to high school guide - Internet Matters
As children transition to "big school", they experience many digital firsts, with many getting their first smartphone.
- Get up to speed on things like group chats and online challenges
- Learn more about risks they might face, from misinformation to online bullying
- Find tips and resources to protect them from online harms
If your child is not in Year 6 and will not be returning to St Simon Peter in 2026, please ensure you notify the school as soon as possible.
You are required to advise our Enrolment Officer, Helen Florschutz, by Friday 26 September 2025.
Email: Helen.florschutz@cewa.edu.au
As per school policy, a full term’s notice in writing is required for any student leaving the school.
Failure to provide this notice may result in being charged fees for Term 1, 2026.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us plan ahead for next year.
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Next term, all students will be required to wear the formal Summer uniform and black formal shoes. As we continue the transition to our new uniform, please note that the stock of the current Summer dresses is limited and no further orders will be placed. Once the existing stock is sold out, girls will begin transitioning to the skirt or skort (as it becomes available) and wear the beige shirt for both Summer and Winter.
Please be assured that the Summer dress will remain part of our approved uniform until the end of 2027. This gradual phase-out is part of the standard process when introducing a new uniform.
Thank you for your understanding and support during this transition.
Your home isn’t just a house—it’s a classroom for connection,
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