Infant Jesus School Principal’s Report 23 November 2021
At Infant Jesus School, our vision is to develop the whole child to seek the truth through the teachings of Christ in Faith, Hope and Love. We aspire be A LEADing Learning School that provides opportuni8es for all students, staff and parents to flourish. In these rapidly changing 8mes we work in partnership to meet the needs of our community. Our nine drivers guide, mo8vate, challenge and inspire us as we strive to be successful Catholic, nurtured, play-based, moEvated, innovaEve, contemporary, connected, life-long, leaders and learners who look forward to, and are grateful for, the many opportuni8es that are provided at Infant Jesus School each day. In 2021, as we con8nue to live and work through the COVID-19 Pandemic, we view these 8mes as an opportunity to be grateful and op8mis8c and maintain, as close as possible, our vision and all our plans. Con8nuing the ‘We Can Do This’ mindset has enabled a posi8ve perspec8ve and some crea8ve and innova8ve solu8ons. At the beginning of the year this included streamlining our communica8ons plaPorms to Seesaw and SEQTA. This decision was very effec8ve as and also supported all the new families who were able to easily receive all the important informa8on and updates.
This year, one of our first opportuni8es was to engage with the class online due to a lockdown in the very first week of the school year. Although quite unexpected, it was a 8me for staff and teachers to think crea8vely, applying their exper8se, knowledge and skills as they communicated via Seesaw with their students and families in prepara8on for when they would return to school. The start of the school year is always full of an8cipa8on and excitement for the staff, the children and the families. Due to the thorough planning from the staff we had a seamless transi8on from home to school in the second week of the term. Parents and families were very suppor8ve and had used the resources that we had created and shared to ensure the children were extremely well prepared for the first day which saw all adults, including the staff, wearing masks. These few differences on that first day were minimal compared to the joy, wonder, hope and community spirit that was so evident. Adaptability was also a focus during First Semester. We are very thankful that the learning that staff had planned, could con8nue for the children. However, there were some occasions and events that were rescheduled. We are grateful that parents and families were able to be involved in these celebra8ons. In 2021, we con8nued to focus on the children, their love of learning and providing a quality educa8on. Within this planning we include the best possible tools, skills and experiences to engage and inspire them to be successful, mo8vated and life-long learners. This year we also introduced some addi8onal ini8a8ves that would further enhance outcomes for the children. The very commiYed and mo8vated staff have ensured that the ini8a8ves have been successful – so much so that they can be sustained in the future.
These iniEaEves were: » Catholic Identity
As a Catholic community we are called to share our gi[s to serve and give witness to the presence of Christ in our lives. Our Catholic Identity is central to our life and our school. In 2021 we; developed a greater awareness of full and ac8ve par8cipa8on in The Mass through our rehearsal of the responses in class, joining in the prayers (through song) and preparing, by visi8ng the Church. enhanced our engagement in prayer and liturgical celebra8ons through praying together as a whole school at the beginning of each week and preparing for the liturgical celebra8ons through class and whole school discussions as well as contribu8ng to Parish Masses by sharing the Prayers of the Faithful. con8nued our Chris8an Witness Program Power of One as staff generously shared their gi[s and talents and contributed to help others by providing assistance to other Catholic schools, crea8ng prayer resources and assis8ng children to share their gi[s and talents (eg. Praying the Rosary, Coding Club, Numero and Knibng) implemented the updated Religious Educa8on units from Pre-Primary to Year Six. Our semester reports and porPolios also reflect the updated Religious Educa8on curriculum. Parents have been well informed regarding the content of each of the units through leYers shared each term.
» i-Hour Through our i-Hour ini8a8ve we focused on enhancing the skills of contemporary learners by providing opportuni8es where they cri8que, analyse and evaluate problems and create purposeful and prac8cal solu8ons. In line with the Australian Curriculum, i-Hour con8nues to develop knowledge, understanding and skills to ensure that students inves8gate, design, plan and create solu8ons; are crea8ve, innova8ve and enterprising; engage confidently with and responsibly select appropriate technologies when designing solu8ons to produce a product using the Design, Make, Appraise model. This year the 3D printer has both mo8vated and challenged the Year Four to Six students. Working in a team, they have had to use their gi[s and talents to iden8fy a need in the community and create and design an idea that could provide a solu8on to improve the world for others. They then had to produce the object using the 3D printer. The i-Hour Showcase displayed some very innova8ve items produced this year. The 3D printer has also been placed in classes around the school to provide all
students with further opportuni8es to use this resource. Nearly all families have received a 3D printed item this year. To con8nue to enhance the Technologies Learning Area programs had a focused whole school approach was implemented with very posi8ve outcomes. With specific technology knowledge and skills children are expected to con8nue to apply these to enhance their learning.
» i-Relax
This year, developmentally appropriate mindfulness ac8vi8es have been included in all year levels. At 8mes, the mindfulness ac8vi8es have been as a structured ac8vity in an allocated 8me during the day. Children also use the ac8vi8es and strategies independently when required. Posi8ve feedback has been received regarding how these ac8vi8es assist in improving engagement and concentra8on of the children when aYemp8ng learning tasks in class. We are now researching a greater varia8on of purposeful mindfulness ac8vi8es to further support children in their learning.
» i-Move i-Move has taken place every morning before school this year with an average of 30 students from Years One to Six par8cipa8ng each morning. A number of staff rotate through the days of the week to provide the i-Move ac8vi8es. We are fortunate that we can some8mes provide addi8onal ‘training’ in prepara8on for whole school events such as the Cross Country Carnival, Athle8cs and Swimming. Comments and feedback from the students, and some parents, have been very posi8ve and we will con8nue to use some of their ideas next year.
» Chinese Students from Year One-Six have par8cipated in Chinese lessons this year with Yang Lao Shi (Miss Fay Yang). In just a year we have some quite proficient Mandarin speakers from both our children and our staff. It has been very exci8ng to learn more about China, the Chinese culture including the food and some customs and reading and wri8ng Chinese. This knowledge and these skills have been very useful as we interact with our sister school and learn more about countries in the Asian region.
» i-Excel
At Infant Jesus School, we believe in providing challenging and mo8va8ng learning opportuni8es for all students. i-Excel is an enriched learning opportunity that has been offered to students from Years Two - Six who are achieving above standard in Mathema8cs and English. The learning experiences focus on a problem-based learning approach and develop higher order thinking skills, cri8cal and crea8ve thinking skills, self-confidence, self-regula8on and mo8va8on which impact academic achievement, socialisa8on and future success. During the year students worked alongside other like-minded students in learning environments that challenge, inspire and empower them to #ExceedExpecta8ons. This ini8a8ve has also included some extra-curricula i-Excel opportuni8es provided by some commiYed and very generous teachers.
» i-Succeed
i-Succeed is a whole school ini8a8ve that looks at improving individual and whole school performance. It focuses on teachers providing students with a variety of op8ons to succeed in their learning. In their lessons in all learning areas, teachers clearly state the learning inten8on and success criteria and give students the resources and feedback they need to succeed. This strategy recognises that all children have individual gi[s and talents and are working towards developing independence and experience success in their learning. In strengthening the partnership between home and school, families are also involved in this ini8a8ve as learning inten8ons are shared each week.
“This is given through the acEons and words that reflect a Christ-like presence and a Christlike love to others” (Bishop’s Mandate p. 18)
Sharing our Faith is central to all that we do in a Catholic school and in our community. This year is significant in the history of Catholic Educa8on in Australia and Catholic Educa8on Western Australia as 200 years of Catholic Educa8on in Australia is celebrated na8onally and 50 years of Catholic Educa8on is celebrated in Western Australia. This was an opportunity to recognise these milestones, to celebrate and give thanks and share all Infant Jesus School has provided for us in the past, now and in the future. Catholic Educa8on and Faith in the Future at Infant Jesus School was captured in the CEWA Quality Catholic School Award submission ‘We Journey Together’. The submission reflected, not only the day, but our faith and daily life at Infant Jesus School. It was rewarding to share how grateful we are and how we con8nue to use the gi[s that God has given us as witnesses of the Good News yesterday, today and in the future.
The success of these iniEaEves and the learning, progress and success of the children each day at school, is due to the staff who have ensured that the vision is a reality in all their work across the school: » The ExecuEve Team In 2021 the Execu8ve Team has worked enthusias8cally, professionally and 8relessly to ensure that both the long term and short term ini8a8ves and goals are met. Both the Assistant Principals, Mr Frank Colangelo and Miss Melissa Myles have collaborated to ensure the opera8on of the school has been both efficient and well organised. They are both passionate about their faith, their role in the lives of all in a Catholic school and are very generous in sharing their knowledge and skills to improve outcomes for both staff and students.
Congratula8ons to Melissa on comple8ng her first year in the role of Assistant Principal and to Frank in his reappointment a[er a successful review. I am very thankful to both Frank and Melissa for their openness, generosity of spirit and willingness to adapt to the many changes that have taken place. Mrs Irene Baginski, as a member of our Execu8ve Team, is also always available to welcome all to the school and to assist the Execu8ve Team. Irene is amazing in her knowledge of the school and is always very professional, approachable and organised in her many tasks. She is very dedicated in her approach and ensures that ‘no stone is le[ unturned’ in all aspects of her role.
» The Teaching Staff
The Teaching Staff, Support Teachers, Specialist Teachers and EducaEon Assistants have all been very professional and purposeful in their work. They are always very nurturing, posi8ve, hopeful, enthusias8c, crea8ve, generous and adaptable in somewhat challenging 8mes. The teaching staff have been very pastoral, thoughPul and consistent in nurturing and caring for the children during these interes8ng 8mes. Whatever the task, children are always supported to par8cipate in all the learning opportuni8es that are provided at school and are con8nually encouraged to develop the confidence to take risks and enhance their independence. Teachers also saw 2021 as an opportunity to further enhance and share some of the strategies from last year. Their ability to use their exper8se to be even more crea8ve and innova8ve was already embedded in the ‘We Can Do This’ approach. They also knew that they were able to con8nue to provide engaging programs to ensure that progress was maintained, expecta8ons were achieved and children flourished in their learning. This year being adaptable has been an ongoing focus. There is great skill in designing programs and plans that are flexible enough to be used in the classroom and can be changed to remote learning, if needed. Staff have also been very collabora8ve, suppor8ve and generous with their 8me in adap8ng to the many changes to the term planner – especially during First Semester where there were several changes that they had already planned around. The teaching staff have also strengthened the partnership between home and school by providing at least, weekly messages regarding the learning across the year level to support the involvement of parents and families.
“Our faith in ‘the divine power of the Message ‘proclaimed in Catholic Schools means our schools inspire hope. We ‘can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine’” (Bishop’s Mandate #108)
» The Extended Leadership Team In 2021, the Extended Leadership Team has been of great assistance and benefit to the Leadership Team, the Staff and the school. As a member of this team, it is an opportunity to further develop leadership capaci8es in themselves, assist other members of staff and promote and further improve whole school outcomes for the students and the school. The members of the Extended Leadership Team, Miss Deanna Fo8, Mrs Kerry King and Miss Sandra McMullen and have been very commiYed to their roles this year and have generously given of their 8me not only during fortnightly mee8ngs but have also focused on aspects of school improvement and have provided regular feedback enabling these improvements to be realised.
» The Non-Teaching Staff
I am very thankful to Our AdministraEon Staff, Mrs Irene Baginski, Mrs Cheryl Macpherson and Mrs Anne Stent, who are o[en ‘the face of the school’ either in person or on the phone. They are most welcoming, professional and helpful to all and nothing is ever too much to ask. Irene, Cheryl and Anne are also fantas8c at remaining very calm when mul8-tasking, which can include interac8ng with children, staff and parents all at the same 8me! In the background of all their work they have con8nued to adapt to the rela8vely new CEWA system that has required much ongoing dedica8on to ensure system updates are in place. I am also very grateful to Mrs Julie Merrells, our school Social Worker since 2019. Julie’s work has enabled many posi8ve outcomes for both the students, the staff and families. She is always very professional in her role, generous in sharing her 8me and experience, crea8ve and purposeful in her planning for the needs of individuals, small groups and classes and suppor8ve of families and their unique requirements. We are fortunate that some of Julie’s work has involved a team approach that will be maintained in the future. Thank you to Mrs Fran Ienco our Canteen Manager. who has also been very open to improving ordering systems in the Canteen and implemented a ‘cashless’ system to order lunches. This has provided fantas8c flexibility for parents who can order, pay and cancel from anywhere at any8me. Our school is also maintained and kept clean and 8dy by Mr Tony Pizzata and Mr Tuan Nguyen. They also assist in many ways around the school, some8mes helping out at carnivals and other events. The care they take is evident to all as many comment on the ‘beau8ful and picturesque’ school.
“The calling of a Catholic school today is to be prophetic and to keep before students the values of Jesus in the contemporary world.” (Bishop’s Mandate p. 33)
» Improvements around the school In our focus on improving outcomes and suppor8ng students we have added TV screens to the shared (wet area) learning areas in Year One to Six to provide access for all areas for students and staff. an enclosed balcony for Year Five and Year Six to increase the learning space for these year groups. new paths in the Early Childhood playground to provide access for all.
With Thanks… » Infant Jesus Parish
We are very fortunate to have a very close rela8onship with Infant Jesus Parish. I thank Fr Greg, our Parish Priest, for his wisdom, care and involvement on a very regular basis with our school. He is amazing to work with and his very prac8cal and faith-filled perspec8ve on all things is greatly appreciated as we consider the signs of the 8mes and look with hope to the future. We o[en see Fr Greg as he leads our whole school Eucharis8c celebra8ons, visits year levels, celebrates Eucharist with the Staff, aYends School Advisory Council Mee8ngs, aYends Sacramental Team mee8ngs and leads the Sacramental celebra8ons. He is very ably assisted by Fr John and Fr Tadgh who are o[en at the Sacramental celebra8ons and visit the staff and students during the year. The Parish Sacramental Team, led by Mrs Theresa Choo, assisted by Mrs Sue Goodwin and Mrs Billie DewiY, have also provided much appreciated support to the school in organising the sacraments of Reconcilia8on, Eucharist and Confirma8on. They are all very approachable, dedicated and professional in their roles and ensure that all children and families are very well assisted in their faith journey.
» School Advisory Council The 2021 School Advisory Council have been very commiYed and professional in their role this year. I am also grateful for the support of all their families as they provide them with 8me to aYend the monthly mee8ngs. Many thanks to Mr Sam Modica (Chair) Fr Greg Burke (Parish Priest) Mr Dharshwan Elikewela (Treasurer) Mrs Nicola Cecchele (Secretary) Mrs Jessica Musca (Member) Mrs Nicole Mammone (Member) Mrs Joanna Brisbane (Member) Mrs Gabriella Erceg (P&F Representa8ve) Mrs Josephine McManus (Parish Representa8ve) Mr Frank Colangelo (Ex-Officio) Miss Melissa Myles (Ex-Officio) Miss Clare Moffat (Principal) The advice and support of all members of the School Advisory Council is, and has been, very much appreciated during 2021. In these con8nually changing 8mes their counsel and observa8ons during the year have greatly assisted with short and long term plans.
Special thanks to Sam and Dharsh for their work with the Finance CommiYee which has involved an addi8onal mee8ng before each School Advisory Mee8ng. Their financial knowledge has been very welcome and has assisted with long term plans.
» P&F The P&F Execu8ve have been very enthusias8c amidst the challenges of the pandemic, especially earlier this year. Special thanks to the P&F Execu8ve Mrs Vanessa Gab (President) Mrs Jenny Allpike (Treasurer) Mrs Danielle Graham (Secretary) The P&F Execu8ve meet regularly with the Leadership Team and have worked 8relessly to provide events to assist the school. This has included organising, and some8mes reorganising events, such as the Welcome Back To School Picnic, the Colour Run, Infant Jesus Day Sausage Sizzle, Athle8cs Carnival refreshments, School Disco and the P&F Carpark Bay. Thank you also to all the families of the P&F Execu8ve for your support during the year which has enabled the P&F to greatly assist the school. Special thanks also to all the P&F Class RepresentaEves who have assisted by organising ac8vi8es for their year groups and sharing informa8on about how all can be involved in suppor8ng the school. In 2021, we have welcomed the opportunity to provide a variety of ac8vi8es to promote community spirit at Infant Jesus School.
» Parents & Volunteer Helpers
I also acknowledge the efforts of the various sub-commiYees of the P&F Associa8on and Camp Coordinators and their commiYees for their efforts in organising the various camps for 2021: • Mother and Daughter Camp • Father and Son Camp • Soccer Club
• Canteen • School Banking • Netball Club
Partnerships with families strengthen the links between home and school. We greatly value your involvement and assistance in our school and class learning. This support might not always happen at school or during a school-based ac8vity. Support also occurs at home when parents assist with homework as children con8nue develop a love of learning from your enthusiasm and involvement. including swimming, cross country and athle8c carnivals. We could not have completed these events without you.
» Parents Thank you to the parents for your involvement throughout the year. From a quite distant online beginning in the first week, to working with the
many scheduling and rescheduling changes, to giving generously of your 8me and energy to assist in a variety of ways around the school including, parent rosters in the classes, carnivals, canteen and excursions. We value your involvement and support with the many opportuni8es and ac8vi8es provided at the school. We also recognise and thank parents sincerely for all the work that has taken place at home to ensure that children are prepared for the changes at school due to the pandemic, including wearing masks and reorganising ac8vi8es and events.
God created with your own individual unique gi[s, talents and abili8es may you take some of the Infant Jesus School spirit with you always as you share the Faith, Hope, Love and Truth of God with others. To families who are leaving our community, I hope that your 8me at Infant Jesus School has been
Thank you also to the children who con8nually inspire us in our work. We are privileged to be part of their journey as we support them to be lifelong learners.
Farewell and Best Wishes to: » Mrs Kerryn McLaughlin who has made many contribu8ons to Infant Jesus School during the last 27 years. In this 8me Kerryn has assisted more than 2000 children and worked with more than 200 staff. Kerryn has had a very consistent and caring approach and all the children, and parents, would know of her willingness to encourage all students to try their best and improve from day to day. Kerryn’s, kindness, professionalism, pa8ence, enthusiasm, flexibility and ini8a8ve has been very much appreciated. » Mrs Julie Merrells has been a staff member at Infant Jesus School since the beginning of 2019. We have all greatly benefiYed from her experience, knowledge, skills and exper8se in her work with many children, staff and families. During the last three years Julie has been very commiYed to improvement and has implemented many very effec8ve strategies to assist and support the children and staff. We are all very apprecia8ve of her very posi8ve, caring, consistent and professional approach. » Mrs Jenny Houwen began in the Uniform Shop as a volunteer, has worked in the office and has ably assisted in many roles over the years. For the last eleven years has very efficiently coordinated all aspects the Library including organising special events such as the annual Book Week and the Book Fair. We are very thankful for her posi8ve and enthusias8c approach, her organisa8onal skills and her flexibility and willingness in suppor8ng Infant Jesus School. » Best wishes to all the Year Six students who leave Infant Jesus School this year. To each Year Six student, I truly hope that, as a life-long learner, you con8nue to share some of the spirit of Infant Jesus School throughout your life. May the values that we share as a school and a community con8nue to guide you in your experiences as a Catholic, nurtured, play-based, moEvated, innovaEve, contemporary, connected, life-long, leaders and learners. As a precious gi[ from
enjoyable and rewarding and that the opportuni8es that have been provided here have inspired and enhanced your learning journey. In 2021, I hope that the faith journey of all in our community has been enriched on a daily basis through our interac8ons, as we give and receive the love of God and the Good News with each other through both our words and ac8ons. There is much to be grateful for when everyone in our community follows the example given to us by Jesus. This year too there have been many more occasions to join us in prayer. These opportuni8es are central to life in a Catholic school and greatly assist with further developing and deepening our friendship with God and living the Good News. As shared in ‘We Journey Together’, our ‘Faith in the Future’ at Infant Jesus School con8nues to inspire and is shared everyday through our words and our ac8ons as we work together in ensuring the vision of A LEADing Learning School is a reality. In the secondment of Mr Paul Hille, it has been a privilege to be in the role of Principal this year and I am very blessed to be leading the Infant Jesus School community where we inspire others and con8nue to #ExpectGreatThings. I wish everyone a holy and peaceful Christmas and a safe and enjoyable holiday with family and friends. I look forward to seeing everyone again in 2022. Best Wishes Clare Moffat
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INSPIRING CHRIST CENTRED LEADERS Contemporary models of Gospel leadership that are inclusive, flexible and respond to the increasing requirements of Church, government and society Christ-centred leadership is a special calling to all those who aYend or work in Catholic schools. At Infant Jesus School it is a calling to live out our core values and ensure that all in our community, especially those less fortunate, are cared for, supported and have the opportunity to par8cipate in our endeavour. Through this plan we will provide opportuni8es for par8cipa8on and opportuni8es to develop the leadership of our students and staff. As a Catholic school, it is essen8al that we con8nue to support all in our community to grow in their faith with a Christ-centred focus. As witnesses of the presence of Christ, we respond and adapt to the many opportuni8es within our community.
200 Years of Catholic EducaEon 2021 marks the anniversary of 200 years of Catholic Educa8on in Australia and 50 years since the Bishops of Western Australia brought together Catholic schools across four Dioceses into one state-wide system. Catholic Educa8on brings joy, hope and peace in God’s Name to our communi8es, and to celebrate this Infant Jesus School held a ‘Faith in the Future Day’, where students and teachers joined together to see how educa8on has changed over 200 years. The day began with school representa8ves aYending a Mass at the Cathedral, and then the whole school gathered for a Liturgy of the Word in the school hall. Students then broke into ac8vi8es with their buddies that involved them playing games from yesteryear, par8cipa8ng in a handwri8ng lesson from the past and envisioning what educa8on may look like in the next 200 years.
Partnership with the Parish Infant Jesus School con8nued to work in partnership with our Parish throughout the year. Our strong rela8onship con8nues to grow. As a school within a vibrant parish community, we feel blessed to collaborate with the Parish Team. Father Greg Burke, ably assisted by Father Tadgh and Father John have been fantas8c in suppor8ng the spiritual and pastoral journey of all at the school. To support the parish the Year Six students sold juice boxes to raise money to purchase gi[ cards. These gi[ cards were then donated to the parish to be available to be given to parishioners in need. During the Mother’s Day Breakfast celebra8on, the school staff assisted the parish by selling plants to aid their Plant Fundraiser. This stall was very well supported by our parents and the parish was grateful for the assistance. In our partnership with the parish the school community enjoyed celebra8ng key events within the Infant Jesus Church Community. Father Tadgh’s 80th birthday was acknowledged by the students with a card from each class and a morning tea with the staff. Some staff aYended his birthday celebra8on at the parish, and aYended the Mass for the twenty-ninth dedica8on of the Infant Jesus Church.
Eucharist and Prayer CelebraEons Our children con8nue to aYend both school-led and parish-based celebra8ons. Our Catholic faith and tradi8ons are pivotal to the life of the community during the year. We have con8nued to work in developing the understanding of our Carmelite and Dominican charisms. Many liturgies, both Liturgy of the Word and Eucharis8c celebra8ons, have been celebrated to further enhance our understanding of the lives of the saints and how we are inspired by their faith. This year during Parish Masses, in second semester, our children have wriYen the Prayers of the Faithful for each liturgy. This has been a simple way that our children have become more involved in the liturgy. To further engage staff in their own development of their faith, we surveyed them to ascertain the resources they may need to develop a stronger understanding of prayer and how they can share their faith with their colleagues.
Priest Visits Father Greg has con8nued to bring joy to our students and staff in our school community. He blesses us by working not only with the students, but also with our staff during our once a term early morning Eucharist celebra8ons. Our children look forward to their sessions with Father Greg as he shares insights in the life of being a priest, the sacraments, the history of the school and the church and reflec8ons on the current Religious unit of work. We have also been blessed this year as Father John and Father Tadgh have been involved in visi8ng the school.
passionately par8cipated in this liturgy. We are ever thankful to Father Greg and the en8re Infant Jesus School parish for their con8nued support of furthering our strong rela8onships between our school, our families and the parish.
Sacramental Program The Parish Sacramental Team are integral to the prepara8on of all the children and their families for the Sacraments of Penance (Reconcilia8on) Eucharist (First Communion), and Confirma8on. The family focused, parish based, and school supported Archdiocesan sacramental program has con8nued to be implemented this year. This program strengthens our student’s involvement in each Sacrament, and also helps deepen the faith journey of students, teachers and parents. Our students once again par8cipated in retreats prior to receiving the sacraments led by the 24:7 Youth Ministry Team. This year our students par8cipated in the Reconcilia8on (Forgive and Forgiven), Communion (Invited to the Table) and Conforma8on (Led by the Spirit) school retreat programs. These retreats have con8nued to encourage all our children to draw closer to God and be supported in their faith journeys.
Spirituality by Sister Margaret A Professional Development Day A focus for our staff, as Christ-centred leaders, has been con8nuing to deepen their understanding of how we are called to give, ‘Witness to the Presence of Christ in our lives.’ Sr Margaret Scharf, a Dominican sister, worked with staff to further develop their understanding of our Catholic Spirituality. Throughout the day, staff explored in depth their knowledge of our Catholic beliefs through reflec8ng on ‘one, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.’ The strengthening of our Catholic spirituality through this 8me with Sr Margaret’s presenta8on has reminded us not only of the strength of our 2000 year tradi8on that is the Catholic Church, but also the importance of scripture and tradi8on to more fully understand our role in the mission of the Church.
Family Mass Family Masses con8nued to be a focus for our school to further strengthen the rela8onship between the parish and school community. However, our first semester Parish Mass was cancelled due to COVID-19 restric8ons. The Semester Two Family Mass was a highlight during the year and demonstrated a shared commitment between the school and the parish. Our Infant Jesus School choir
The Parish Sacramental Team led, by Mrs Theresa Choo have con8nued to provide outstanding support to the school, the children and their families in both the prepara8on prior to receiving the sacrament and in the ongoing development of their faith. The parish team con8nued to work 8relessly to organise mee8ngs for the parents and the children and prepared the many sacramental celebra8ons throughout the year.
COVID Prayers During a class discussion with Fr Greg, who hails from NSW, about the trials that people in the Eastern States were living through during the COVID-19 lockdown, some students began to discuss how they could make a difference in their lives from Perth. Students across the school created cards, prayers and posters to bring some joy to the Carmelite priests and parish members living in lockdown in NSW. This small act was well received and the children received a leYer from the Carmelite Priory thanking them.
St Joseph’s Day – Year of St Joseph This year Pope Francis decreed that 2021 would be a year of St Joseph. Our school community celebrated the Feast of St Joseph with a mass, and also commemorated the year with each staff member receiving a medal and prayer card to keep the spirit and example of St Joseph alive in their classroom throughout the year.
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A SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE Effective, contemporary pedagogy and mission-inspired practice and outreach Being a school of excellence is an important part of our aspira8on and is why we #ExpectGreatThings of all in our community. At Infant Jesus School, we see this as a call to con8nue to provide a learning environment for students that is contemporary, mo8va8ng, s8mula8ng and technologically rich. We recognise the importance of all learners having appropriate opportuni8es to strengthen founda8onal literacy and numeracy skills, but also to grow their unique talents. Through this plan we will con8nue to focus on quality student learning and the teaching that enables it.
i-Excel At Infant Jesus School, we believe in providing challenging and mo8va8ng learning opportuni8es for all students. This year the students at Infant Jesus school, have been fortunate to apply their learning in various contexts. Our Year Six i-Excel students also entered the Tim Winton Award for Young Writers. This crea8ve wri8ng award is open to Western Australian school students and encourages imagina8on, innova8on and crea8vity. One of our students received a Highly Commended award in this compe88on. Students from i-Excel Mathema8cs par8cipated in the ‘Have Sum Fun’ Compe88on in Term One and a different group of students represented Infant Jesus School at the the Annual Numero Interschool Compe88on. Both compe88ons required some support and addi8onal training to further enhance their numeracy concepts, problem-solving skills and team work while having fun at the same 8me. A Junior and a Senior Team from Infant Jesus School also par8cipated in the Inaugural Technology Inter-School Challenge at Sacred Heart School in Thornlie. These students used their knowledge of coding and robo8cs to complete technology challenges based around the theme of the book, Uno’s Garden. This was a successful and exci8ng opportunity for our students.
Bilingual Noongar/English NaEvity Story The Bilingual/Noongar Storybook Project was introduced and celebrated by CEWA at a launch in the James Nester Hall, Leederville. Infant Jesus and Santa Clara Schools collaborated by working with CEWA and school staffs, along with a selected group of children from each school, to create the storybook of the Na8vity in digital form, accompanied with the words in English and the Noongar language. The visual elements of the storybook have taken bush plants, na8ve to the Noongar region and provided ar8s8c licence in building each scene. This book represents historical and cultural understandings where the richness of Aboriginal perspec8ves can be weaved through Catholic Educa8on and is promoted as a resource for all CEWA schools in Western Australia.
Assessing & Improving WriEng To support teachers with the assessment of wri8ng, the Brightpath online so[ware tool was used to provide more informa8on regarding wri8ng expecta8ons. This tool enables teachers to collect specific data about each students’ wri8ng which is then ensures that planning and teaching is directed to students’ learning needs in wri8ng. Children are also able to use the wri8ng outcomes to assist in the selec8on their wri8ng goals.
Reading Resources At Infant Jesus School we con8nue to focus on enhancing a love of reading, developing effec8ve comprehension skills and promo8ng independence. We were very fortunate that with the support of the Parents and Friends Associa8on we were able to provide more resources for students who are proficient and independent readers through the Literacy Pro resource. Many of these resources are in the Library and students also have online access. As life-long, mo8vated and independent learners children, with teacher support, engage with the resources at their own pace. These resources support independence, provide challenges and further assist children to become more proficient readers.
Chinese In 2017, Infant Jesus School developed a partnership between our school and Chengjiang Experimental Primary School Sports Park Campus in Hangzhou. To enhance this rela8onship, and with Chinese being one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, Infant Jesus School implemented weekly online Chinese lessons for students in Years One, Two, Three and Six in 2020. Due to the success of this program, a Chinese Teacher was employed to teach Chinese Lessons across Years One to Six. Through this ini8a8ve students further engage with different cultures at a local and global level. This intercultural understanding is an essen8al part of living with others and assists our students to become responsible local and global ci8zens, equipped through their educa8on for living and working together in an interconnected world.
MathemaEcs To improve staff capacity and to strengthen and the support the of teaching Mathema8cs at Infant Jesus School, teachers were provided with professional development focusing on ways to support the development of problem solving skills in Mathema8cs. Teachers learnt new skills and strategies, to support the implementa8on of the Mathema8cs Curriculum.
COVID ConEngency Plan & Lockdown In response to these unprecedented circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic it was essen8al that Infant Jesus School con8nue to implement a COVID Con8ngency Plan for 2021. With the success of the Remote Learning Program in 2020, we knew that during these uncertain 8mes, Infant Jesus School would remain and con8nue to be A LEADing Learning School by providing the best possible educa8on from home. The beginning of the year started a liYle differently with a lockdown. Students commenced school a week later and when students returned to Infant Jesus School a few changes were in place to keep the staff, students, and school community safe. Social stories were created, and messages were sent via seesaw to ensure our students knew that we were wai8ng and couldn’t wait to welcome them in our classrooms. When students returned, teachers were required to wear masks and parents were required follow Government recommenda8ons and restric8ons. Throughout the year we have con8nued to adhere to government restric8ons and have, where possible, maintained planned events and programs.
NAPLAN The overall results for 2021 NAPLAN provide evidence that the cohort on average have achieved beYer than the na8onal average in Year Three and Year Five in Numeracy, Reading, Grammar and Punctua8on, Spelling and Wri8ng. The NAPLAN results for 2021 are listed compared to All Schools in Numeracy, Reading, Grammar and PunctuaEon, Spelling and WriEng:
Reading
Persuasive WriEng
Spelling
Year
Infant Jesus
Infant Jesus
Three
466
Year Five
Grammar and
Numeracy
Infant Jesus
PunctuaEon Infant Jesus
Infant Jesus
455
437
438
408
All Schools
All Schools
All Schools
All Schools
All Schools
437 Infant Jesus
425 Infant Jesus
421 Infant Jesus
433 Infant Jesus
403 Infant Jesus
521
512
525
499
503
All Schools
All Schools
All Schools
All Schools
All Schools
512
480
505
503
495
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A CATHOLIC PASTORAL COMMUNITY An inclusive community that is welcoming and supports students and families with diverse learning and social needs. Research indicates that the engagement of students, staff and families in the learning of children is a cri8cal factor in the success of any school. As such we aspire to be a place focused on student learning and achievement, where families feel welcome and supported as the first educators of their children. Through this plan, we will con8nue to focus on quality student learning and the provision of a curriculum and services to meet the needs of our students.
Power of One Infant Jesus School prides itself on being mindful of the needs of others and finding ways to support ini8a8ves to fill these needs. Staff con8nue to provide an example of Chris8an Witness and make a difference in the lives of others. Examples of new Power of One ini8a8ves for 2021, were the Rosary Bead Club, the Instrumental Ensemble, Numero Club and making sandwiches to support a neighbouring school. In addi8on, the Coding Club con8nued to upskill our students a[er school and Knibng Club returned with our knibng children making scarves for those in need, especially at Christmas. Externally, staff volunteered their 8me by suppor8ng their own parish events and ministries. They gave of their 8me tutoring students, cleaning the church and suppor8ng St Vinnies in their work.
Mother’s Day, Grandparents’ Day and Father’s Day Every year we celebrate these very special people in our lives. ‘Muffins with Mums’ was introduced this year and was very much appreciated by everyone. Grandparents were also recognised and celebrated with a[ernoon tea in Term Two. With over eight hundred aYendees the grandchildren shared a[ernoon tea and proudly escorted their grandparents through the myriad of artwork and posters that were created by classes at school. Our Dads were celebrated in Term Three, again with a well-aYended Mass and breakfast under the banner, ‘Donuts with Dads’. These very special people in our lives received prayer cards and were entertained by our talented School Choir.
Aboriginal PerspecEves We have con8nued to raise the profile of Aboriginal perspec8ves by providing teachers with new and improved resources to support and embed the integra8on of outcomes across all learning areas. Throughout 2021, outcomes have been further enhanced by our celebra8on of Reconcilia8on Week, Sorry Day and NAIDOC Week events and ac8vi8es. Yirra Yaakin, through the “Fresh Water Knowledge” in Noongar, highlighted the importance of accep8ng others, the power of empathy, the impact of climate change to the land and the Noongar seasons. These seasons have now been included in the Whole School Assembly PowerPoint. The introduc8on and plan8ng of the edible bush garden has also provided a hands-on approach to implement Aboriginal perspec8ves across the whole school.
Harmony Day Book
The book, ‘Hi, I am Australian, How About You’ was digitally created and illustrated by our talented children and acknowledged during Harmony Day in Term One. The focus of the colour orange, signifying social communica8on and meaningful conversa8ons, was worn by children and staff to celebrate our cultural diversity and the theme, ‘Everyone Belongs’.
and quali8es. This ini8a8ve has been well-received by children and parents alike.
The Great Crunch
IJ Day History Book Infant Jesus Day was celebrated very excitedly by the children and their families. The theme for this year’s Infant Jesus Day was ‘Faith in the Future’ which reflected the celebra8ons of 200 years of Catholic educa8on in Australia and 50 years of Catholic Educa8on Western Australia. In celebra8ng Infant Jesus Day and crea8ng the book we recognised our beginnings, our journey and the charisms and tradi8ons that support and inspire us in our ongoing mission. Eucharist was celebrated with prayerful reverence by all who aYended and the song ‘Faith in the Future’ was sung with great enthusiasm. A digital history book was created by the children in all classes highligh8ng significant events throughout our long history. The focus for the children was to illustrate a page of the history book to represent their understanding of the past and present. Following Mass, our generous P&F provided everyone with a sausage sizzle lunch and the stalls around the school were well-aYended and successful in raising money to support the missionary work around the world.
Paul Litherland – Cyber Safety In Term Four, Infant Jesus School hosted Paul Litherland, once again, a renowned cyber-safety speaker and owner of Surf Online Safe. Paul’s ability to share his knowledge and exper8se in this area has been valuable by providing parents and students with much needed knowledge and informa8on around responsible digital ci8zenship and keeping safe in an ever changing technological world.
Sport Clinics Sport and Physical Educa8on were promoted and endorsed by a variety of spor8ng clinics throughout the year. The West Coast Eagles, Fremantle Dockers, Tiny Tots Tennis East Perth Royals and Football West generously contributed to our Infant Jesus School a[er school hours program. This program, ably ini8ated and implemented by our Physical Educa8on Teacher, Mrs Lauren Jenkins, provided the children with many opportuni8es to learn and prac8se new and already acquired skills in Aussie Rules Footy, Soccer and Tennis. They were also able to learn and develop specific technical and sportsmanship skills
Health and well-being are consistently promoted at Infant Jesus School. As a fun way to acknowledge and celebrate our mo8vated learners, the whole school was invited to bring along their crunchiest piece of fruit or vegetable to school on the Simultaneous Great Crunch Day in Term Three. Everyone gathered in the hall just prior to recess and Miss Kate Witkowski began the countdown for everyone to simultaneously take a bite of their crunchy fresh food which was then recorded on her downloaded Crunch-O-Meter. This was recorded across many Australian schools. There was much excitement and enjoyment experienced by all.
Walk Safely to School Day Walk Safely to School Day was held in Term Two. It was a day when students were asked to consider our transport habits and try to incorporate more walking as part of a healthy, ac8ve way to get around. Walk Safely to School Day also promoted how we can all build a walk into our daily rou8nes, whether you are a child or adult.
Fundraising As per the Archbishops requests, our fundraising efforts to support LifeLink, Caritas (Project Compassion), St Vincent de Paul, and Catholic Mission, have been hugely successful throughout 2021. The children have created bookmarks, chaYerboxes, comics, magnets and many other items that have encouraged their peers to donate generously. Crazy Hair Day for LifeLink was one definite hit amongst students and teachers. The Infant Jesus School community has been able to help many people in their 8me of need locally, na8onally and globally. The Year Six ministries have been proac8ve in their involvement and fully dedicated to ins8ga8ng ways to help our communi8es in their present need. Icypole Day was one such event that was able to raise an amount of money that was sent directly to support families during very stressful 8mes. Ini8a8ves to assist those in need locally included the Bushfire Appeal, Cyclone Seroja, the Daffodil Day Appeal stall and ‘Beanies for Brain Cancer’.
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ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE AND SUSTAINABLE Responsiveness to the diverse needs of students and the surrounding community. Infant Jesus School prides itself on being a safe, welcoming and diverse community and will con8nue to ensure that this aspect of the school stays strong. Ensuring consistent student enrolments and the infrastructure to support contemporary learning is essen8al to sustainability. Through this plan we will con8nue to strengthen our awareness of the diverse needs of students in the surrounding community, the demographic changes in the community over 8me, and what this might mean for resourcing decisions for the school.
CommunicaEon
At Infant Jesus School, we value parents as partners; therefore, we have worked to streamline communica8on prac8ces with parents and the community. The app, ‘Seesaw’, has been further u8lised this year to communicate messages on behalf on administra8on as well as the classrooms. This has assisted in assuring that all messages are readily available for families and the wider community. This was cri8cally important in the first week of the school year during the first lockdown.
Improving Learning Spaces
Infant Jesus School con8nually renews classroom environments to further support and engage children in their learning. In 2021, televisions with Apple TVs were installed in the wet areas of the Year One to Six classrooms. This update has enabled these learning spaces to be further u8lised, especially in small group learning sessions. It has allowed for enriched learning experiences by projec8ng visual elements. The staff working in this area are very apprecia8ve of the access to this technology to deliver effec8ve learning experiences and children are also able to share their learning using this resource. Blinds were also installed on the balcony in the shared area for the Year Five and Year Six classrooms. This has created another inspiring and welcoming learning environment for the upper school students. The contemporary and flexible learning spaces in these classrooms, has provided children with more opportuni8es for collabora8on and independence. This contributes to the ongoing provision of contemporary learning spaces at Infant Jesus School.
Early Childhood Playground
At Infant Jesus School, we are always working to improve the environment to provide a posi8ve experience for all students. The Early Childhood playground was updated in 2021 to enable all students to independently access all areas. Specific areas of the playground were modified, and paths were installed so children could play, explore and easily access the en8re learning and play area.
Noongar Bush Garden Infant Jesus School received a Land Care Grant to transform an unused area of the school. The Year Six students researched na8ve plants that the Wadjuk Noongar people used in the area. They used this informa8on to organise the plants and the design for the garden. Students from across the school formed a Gardening Club to plant and maintain the garden. Every child in the school created a rock represen8ng the Noongar season which was then placed in the garden. This Noongar Bush Garden has been u8lised by the canteen and classrooms to further Indigenous connec8ons and studies. This provided a rich learning experience for the students at Infant Jesus School.
Recycling Bins The Year Six Sustainability Ministry has implemented many prac8ces in 2021 to ensure that the students at Infant Jesus School are taking responsibility to care for their world and their future. Recycling bins have been provided for all classrooms and the office. This has assisted with valuable learning opportuni8es where real-life applica8ons are available regarding what materials can be recycled, the importance of recycling and re-using materials. We thank the Year 6 students for providing us this opportunity to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Solar Panels We con8nue to explore new ways to look a[er our environment and the future for our students. Solar Panels were installed at Infant Jesus School which enabled our school to run on clean energy, while simultaneously combabng greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. Our students have gained lots of knowledge from seeing this innova8on and sustainable prac8ce in use at school.
Flexi Schools In light of the COVID-19 Pandemic and working towards a cashless society now and in the future, we introduced the online ordering app, ‘FlexiSchools’ to allow for online ordering of school lunches. This has ensured that the ordering of school lunches is convenient for parents and students. The app has also provided an easy way for parents to purchase event 8ckets for the school disco and P&F Raffles. Responding to the ongoing developments of the 21st century, moving to a cashless canteen in 2022, assists with future needs.
Surveys Infant Jesus School is always trying to involve parents in the school community. Parent engagement was fostered through surveys during the school year. This provided the school with a variety of data and feedback regarding ini8a8ves, priori8es and future planning.
CEWA Policies With the transi8on of Catholic schools in Western Australia to CEWA Incorporated policies across the system are now consistent. All schools develop guidelines and procedures aligned to the CEWA policies rela8ve to the context of each school.
FUTURE FOCUS Inspiring Christ-centred leaders As a Catholic school, it is essen8al that we con8nue to support all in our community to grow in their faith with a Christ-centred focus. As witnesses of the presence of Christ, we respond and adapt to the many opportuni?es within our community. Deepening our knowledge of Eucharist including understanding of prayer, song, symbols and ac8ons to enhance the par8cipa8on of all in our community Further explora8on of the RE programs of work to develop an enhanced knowledge of our Catholic faith Growing in faith through our knowledge of Catholic prac8ces and beliefs ie. The Creed, The Bea8tudes and The Sacraments Witnessing the presence of Christ by exploring the Life of Jesus in the Scriptures Con8nuing ‘Power of One’ reflec8ng current needs in 2022
School of Excellence Being a school of excellence is an important part of our aspira8on and is why we #ExpectGreatThings of all in our community. At Infant Jesus School, we see this as a call to con8nue to provide a learning environment for students that is contemporary, mo8va8ng, s?mula?ng and technologically rich. We recognise the importance of all learners having appropriate opportuni8es to strengthen founda8onal literacy and numeracy skills, but also to grow their unique talents. Through this plan we will con?nue to focus on quality student learning and the teaching that enables it. Teaching that enables quality student learning and improved learning outcomes focuses on further developing all students to be mo8vated learners by • targeted planning using data • tracking progress using data • clear student expecta8ons (children, at their developmental level, explaining the learning goal and how they have achieved it) • effec8ve feedback (children receiving and using feedback to achieve and exceed their learning goal/s) Documenta8on that summarises individual progress as a result of effec8ve teaching and learning (including a digital porPolio where children share the learning inten8on, success criteria, their goal/expecta8on, the feedback they received and if their goal was achieved) Documenta8on that supports effec8ve teaching and learning (including the classroom environment where photos can provide details regarding how the environment mo8vates and supports learning) • Con8nuous approach from year to year • Leading and sharing teaching that enables quality student learning and improved learning outcomes • Learning walks
A Catholic Pastoral Community Research indicates that the engagement of students, staff and families in the learning of children is a cri8cal factor in the success of any school. As such we aspire to be a place focused on student learning and achievement, where families feel welcome and supported as the first educators of their children. Through this plan, we will con8nue to focus on quality student learning and the provision of a curriculum and services to meet the needs of our students. As Nurtured Leaders we care for each other and help each other learn, co-operate, be consistent in what we say and what we do, build posi8ve rela8onships and provide a happy learning environment where everyone feels safe and has the opportunity to par8cipate in all ac8vi8es. Further op8ons will be provided for the Voice of the Child and Agency Introducing a Wellbeing Team Sensory Tools will be explored to assist children with self-regula8on, engagement and mo8va8on Con8nua8on of i-Relax
Accessible, Affordable and Sustainable Infant Jesus School prides itself on being a safe, welcoming and diverse community and will con8nue to ensure that this aspect of the school stays strong. Ensuring consistent student enrolments and the infrastructure to support contemporary learning is essen8al to sustainability. Through this plan we will con8nue to strengthen our awareness of the diverse needs of students in the surrounding community, the demographic changes in the community over 8me, and what this might mean for resourcing decisions. Installa8on of a li[ that will provide accessibility for all Upgrading of classroom furniture will enhance learning spaces for the Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms Sustainability through Cashless systems where possible in 2022 Suppor8ng sustainability Implemen8ng Infant Jesus School guidelines and procedures aligned with CEWA Policies