From the Principal
Dear Parents & Caregivers,
The simple things in life tend to be what we all enjoy the most! Just think about the things that make you happy and you will begin to realise that it does not take much to make you smile. As I sit here writing, I can think of many times in the last week where I have had the opportunity to laugh or smile.
As can be seen in Mother Teresa’s quote, a smile can bring so much goodness to others. A smile is simply an amazing thing. Research shows that smiling has an immediate positive effect not only on others but also ourselves. There is something that occurs in our brain when we see a smile that makes us feel better. Research also shows the more you smile, the more you will enjoy your day. Even when life is tough, smiling at someone else makes a huge difference.
Just think about the times that make you smile. As I sit here typing, I am thinking about how last week was so hectic in the office. Among the paperwork and endless jobs, I found some time to sneak a couple pieces of chocolates and scoff it down with Mrs Keddie! A very simple thing that had us laughing and experiencing pure joy!
It is incredible what you can notice in life when you just stop. You should try it sometime, just take a look around and see what it is that makes you smile or laugh. Maybe even take the time to think about what you do to make others smile. Giving someone a sincere compliment can make their day. Today I took the time to just stop for a minute during morning duty. All I could see was smiles, on the kids, on the parents and on the staff. Who would have thought something as simple as a catching up with others during school drop off could bring so much joy to our school?
One of the best parts of my week is doing my duty in 3-Year-Old Kindy. This week while they were eating their lunch, I was subject to the comment ‘You look nice Mr Payne’! This started a whole bunch of compliments such as ‘I like your smile’ to ‘You are nice’ and even one that had me gobsmacked, ‘You look fit’!! I mean, it’s not often I hear that one!! I also complimented them on their efforts this term. The result was twenty odd smiles! How good is life!
I know there is a lot that happens in our daily life that stops us from smiling. No matter how hard we try at times to find joy, there are things in life that can be devastating. There are a number of people in our community doing it tough. The courage these people show is impossible to describe. The fact is this is going on right now. What makes our school community special is that there are people going about quietly supporting others, easing some pain and bringing a smile to the face of someone doing it tough. I am truly grateful to be a part of this beautiful community.
Mother Teresa was all about seeing a need and doing something about it, always keeping the dignity of others in mind. This is what we have an opportunity to do each and every day, in our actions, in our words. When you read about Mother Teresa’s life one thing that is evident is that she always made people smile. She was truly a special person. We too, can be just like her. May we take the time to stop and not only smile ourselves but also make others smile over these coming days!
And speaking of smiling, something that makes me smile at this place we all care about is the quality of the people here. People quietly go about their day making our school better with every word and action simply because they want the best for the kids that walk through our gates each day. Much like Olivia Daly and Kaitlyn Gelmi who have set up our Library for our upcoming Book Week festivities, absolute quality. If you have a spare moment pop into our Library, it looks awesome.
Confirmation
Last Friday night, our Year 6 students received the Sacrament of Confirmation. We congratulate them on making this commitment to our faith. May you all use the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to help you throughout your life, especially in times of struggle.
I would like to thank all of those involved in the preparation of the students and the celebration last Friday night. I would especially like to acknowledge our students in our choir. I was so moved by your presence and your singing added such joy to the celebration. How lucky are we in this beautiful community!
Student Illness
Thank you to all our families for the support in ensuring students who are feeling unwell remain at home. We appreciate the challenges around this for families and are grateful for your efforts in keeping our school as germ free as possible. We have had several students diagnosed with Influenza over the past couple of weeks. Influenza can be spread easily to others and therefore, it is important that you monitor your child and keep them home if they are suffering from flu-like symptoms such as fever, muscle aches and pains, sore throat, dizziness, and cough. If a child presents unwell at school, we will contact parents to collect their child. Thank you for your support.
Please remember Monday, 19 August is a Pupil Free Day!
As we head into the half way point of Term Three, I wish to thank you all for continuing to support your kids and our staff. I was talking to one of my mentors the other day saying how blessed I feel to be part of this community. There will continue to be times where things get busy and even go wrong, but your willingness to see the big picture makes me feel like the luckiest Principal.
Be good to yourself and enjoy time with your loved ones.
Clint
School News
Week 6 is Book Week! Book Week parade is on Thursday 22nd August at 9.00am.
Good News
Year 6 celebrated the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This significant feast celebrates the entry of Mary into heaven, body and soul. We celebrated with creating vibrant and exciting art!
Counsellor's Corner
After School Meltdowns
Does anyone else face a battle in the hours after school that make it feel like your kids bedtime is the finish line of a marathon?
Often called ‘After School Restraint’ it means that your child has held it together all day at school, and now they’re home in their safe space, with their safe people, they let it all out –
Tears, Yelling, Aggression, Tantrums.
What you probably don’t want to hear, is that this is actually a compliment! Your child[s attachment to you is so secure, they feel so safe, they know your love is unconditional, even when they’re at their worst.
However there are definitely some strategies you can try to help EVERYONE have a more peaceful time. Use the QR code to access the podcast.
P&F News
Community News
Now taking enrolments at La Salle College
La Salle College is now taking enrolments for students starting Year 7 in 2026 and 2027.
We believe that education extends beyond the classroom, encouraging our students to live out their
faith and values in the service of others, whilst making a positive impact on the world in which they
live. Through our teaching and learning, we aim to transform tomorrow’s hearts, minds and lives in
all that we do.
At La Salle College we offer a wide range of learning programs and academic pathways, as well as
opportunities in a multitude of areas such as skill-based and work-based learning, music, arts, sport
and extracurricular activities and clubs. Our wonderful facilities and generous outdoor spaces, which
includes Science Labs, Aquatic Centre with a 10-lane swimming pool, Performing Arts Centre with
orchestra pit, Chapel, Trade and Skills Centre and a double court Sports Centre, provide an
innovative and modern learning environment that inspires our students to be the best they can be.
With limited places available for Year 7 2026 and 2027, we encourage you to make an enquiry today or join us on a student led tour of the College
Term 3 Tour Dates:
• Tuesday 27 August at 4:30pm
Bookings can be made via the La Salle College website www.lasalle.wa.edu.au/book-a-tour/
If you would like to know more about our enrolments process please visit our website www.lasalle.wa.edu.au/enrolment or contact our College Enrolments team:
• Email lasalle@lasalle.wa.edu.au
• Phone 9449 0601
