St Kieran Newsletter Term 3, Week 4 - 14th August 2025

Principal's Message

The Feast of the Assumption 

Friday, 15 August the Church celebrates the Feast Day of the Assumption of Our Lady when according to our faith, the Holy Mother, “having completed her course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory”. Although defined as an article of faith by Pope Pius XII just over half a century ago, the Assumption of Our Lady into heaven has been accepted from back to the earliest of Christian times. 

The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus. While the bodies of both Jesus and Mary are now in heaven, there is a difference between the Assumption and the Resurrection. Where Jesus arose from the tomb and ascended into heaven by his own power, Mary’s body was taken up to heaven by the power of her Son. For this reason we use different words to describe each event. One is the Ascension of Christ and the other, the Assumption of Mary. 

Historical Background 
Although some scholars insist there is no historical data to prove the historical fact of the Assumption, apart from faith there is also strong and reasoned data to support the event. 

1. Firstly at no time in history has Christendom venerated a grave or tomb of the Blessed Virgin. 
2. Until the 5th century of Christianity there was not even a legend concerning her place of burial. 
3. There is absolutely no relic of Our Lady’s body in existence; nor has any person or city ever claimed possession of such a relic. From the earliest times of the Church, the faithful venerated the remains of the Saints. Relics of the Apostles and of thousands of martyrs are preserved in shrines and caskets. The sacred remains of Mary could not have been lost or neglected. 
4. In the first sixteen centuries of Christianity no reputable theologian or school of theology ever questioned the dogma of the Assumption. In addition there was also the solid and deep-rooted conviction among the first Christians that something extraordinary happened to Our Lady at the moment of her departure from this life. This found expression in writings, sermons, devotional practices, and prayers to Mary “assumed into heaven”, and was followed by churches, religious orders, cities and nations across the world dedicating or consecrating to her under the title of Assumption. 

The Assumption of Mary Feast Day dates back to earliest Christian times 
The first believed to have asked what had happened to Mary’s body was St Epiphanius, a 4th Century bishop who devoted himself to the study of Mary’s death and believed Our Lady did not die but instead was recalled to heaven. 
The feast day of this holy and momentous event stems from the middle of the 5th Century when the Commemoration of the Mother of God was celebrated each year on 15 August in a shrine located near Jerusalem. More than 100 years later, the feast also commemorated the end of Mary’s sojourn on earth and was known as the “Dormition of Our Lady.” 
The feast was introduced to Rome in the 8th Century by Pope Sergius and from there it spread rapidly throughout western Europe, with Pope Hadrian later giving the Feast Day its official name as the Assumption of Mary towards the end of the Century. 

Dogma and Definition 
When Pope Pius IX defined the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in 1854, it drew attention to the possibility of a dogmatic definition of the Assumption. Both are truths not found explicitly in the Bible which was when many petitioned the Apostolic See for an immediate definition. Between 1849 and 1940 more than 2,500 petitions were received from bishops and superiors or religious orders across the world of which more than 73% came from the Catholic hierarchy. Finally on 1 November in the Holy Year, 1950, the day after the closing of the International Marian Congress in Rome, Pope Pius XII solemnly defined the dogma of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. 
This great event took place in St Peter’s Piazza in the presence of 40 Cardinals, 500 bishops, thousands of priests and more than a million of the faithful. 
“Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory,” Pope Pius told the masses. For many, the most telling verification of the Assumption can be found not only in learned theological studies or definitive doctrinal statements, but in the medium of Mary’s many apparitions which the Church has declared worthy of belief. Where these apparitions have appeared have become beloved Holy shrines visited by millions each year and include the Shrines of Our Lady at Guadaloupe, Lourdes and Fatima. (https://catholicweekly.com.au/the-assumption-of-our-lady-15-august/) 

I hope you have had a great week and if you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to reach out to us.  

Take care and stay safe. 

Mr Daine Burnett 
Principal 
daine.burnett@cewa.edu.au 

School Calendar

A reminder to all families to continue to check the school calendar on our website for dates and events that are coming up during the term. There is a pupil free day next week, Friday 22nd August. We conclude Term 3 for students on Friday 26th September. 

Staff News

I (Daine Burnett) will be taking Senior Leaders Renewal Leave from the start of Term 4 and returning to St Kieran on Monday 10th November. During this time Mr Anthony Davis will be the Principal. I will be travelling to Europe with a group of Principals under taking a spiritual tour which will include the Vatican and other significant religious sites. I wish Mr Davis all the very best as he undertakes this role during this time. 

Mrs Sharon Evans has also accepted a role at Mercy College as the Inclusion Support Coordinator to begin from the start of Term 4. This is an amazing opportunity for Mrs Evans and one that is richly deserved! Congratulations and we do wish you the very best as you undertake this very challenging, but I am sure, rewarding role. Miss Rachel Mallen will step into the Year 6W role for the duration of Term 4 and along with Mrs Lanyi will ensure that the Year 6 classes are given a lovely end to their primary schooling here at St Kieran. 

Tyler Street

On Tuesday night myself and several school representatives attended the City of Stirling Council Meeting regarding the possible Trial Road Closure of Tyler Street - left hand turn onto Cape Street. There is no doubt the advocation and strong support from our school community allowed the councillors to see the significant concerns we currently have as a school community. With this in mind the council has put forward a recommendation that there is local community consultation regarding the proposed Trial Closure and a report issued to the City of Stirling for further consideration and possible action moving forward. We look forward to communicating with you all when this consultation period opens and how your thoughts and concerns can be put forward to address these ongoing concerns. 

I would like to acknowledge CEWA for their ongoing support, our School Advisory Council and Kieran Connect for taking the concerns of our community and ensuring that your voices are heard to ensure the safety for all. 

I would also sincerely like to acknowledge and thank our very supportive local councillor, Mrs Teresa Olow who has been a wonderful support and driving light in regards to this proposal. There is no doubt we would not be in this position if it was not for Councillor Olow. Thank you for your unwavering support and concern around the safety of our students, staff and community. 

Australian Catholic Education Conference

The St Kieran Leadership Team will be away from school from the 18th - 21st August attending the Australian Catholic Education Conference. We will still have access to our emails and will be checking these regularly. Senior staff will be responsible for the daily operation of the school during this time, as always if you need anything please contact the school Administration as per normal.

Contact Details - Parents

It is imperative that parents and families update the school when your personal details change during the year. If you change your email address or mobile phone please ensure that the school administration is contacted so we can update these details for communication purposes. 

3 Year Old Kindy 2026 Enrolments

We are accepting 3 Year Old Kindy Enrolments for 2026, with interviews being conducted for students to start at St Kieran next year. All parents need to submit an application to make sure your child is enrolled for 3 Year Old Kindy at St Kieran Catholic Primary School for 2026. 

 If you have any questions or would like clarification, please ring or contact the School Administration. 

Servite College Enrolments

We strongly encourage all families at St Kieran to ensure they have their enrolment application submitted at Servite College as soon as possible for their children. If families leave this process until the middle years of primary school, you maybe placed on a waiting list. The earlier your application is submitted to Servite College the better. A reminder that Servite and St Kieran are completely different schools with applications for enrolment submitted separately. 

Students Leaving St Kieran

Can you please let the school know as soon as possible if your child/children are moving on from St Kieran in 2026. We currently have families on our wait lists and would like to accommodate as many people as possible. Please note a terms notice should be given in order to not be charged any subsequent fees. This only applies to students who are leaving St Kieran.

Uniform

Thankyou to everyone for making the effort to be in school uniform and following the guidelines during the term. A reminder that for the academic uniform the below shoes are to be worn - black lace up school shoes for both boys and girls. Please ensure your child wears the correct "V neck" jumper with the academic uniform and only wears the zip up jacket with the sports uniform. I would ask all parents to refer to the Uniform Policy on our school website. https://stkierancps.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/2012/school_uniform_guidelines_2024.pdf 

Seesaw

Can all parents make sure you have access to your child's Seesaw. Teachers constantly post assessment results and pieces during the term. This is a great way to keep you updated on the progress of your child. 

St Kieran Catholic Primary School Sun Smart Guidelines

St Kieran has produced Sun Smart Guidelines and is looking forward to becoming a Sun Smart School. Our Sun Smart Guidelines are designed to help the students, families and staff at St Kieran to protect themselves from the sun’s harsh UV rays. 

Feel free to review the draft copy of our new St Kieran Sun Smart Guidelines. If you have any comments about the guidelines, please feel free to email these to: Julie.pusey@cewa.edu.au  

3YO Kindy & Year 6 Photos

Monday 25^th August:
Year 6 Graduation picture will be taken about 9am. All year 6 students will need to wear their graduation polo and sports bottoms
Year 6 Faction Leaders picture will be taken straight after

3YO Kindy Monday Class, Pictures will be taken in the class about 9:30am.

Tuesday 26^th August:
3YO Kindy Tuesday Class, Pictures will be taken in the class about 9:30am

Sign of the Week

Learning one Auslan sign a week is a simple but powerful way to increase our awareness and inclusion at St. Kieran. By committing to learning just one sign each week, we break down barriers and build empathy. It reminds us to be more mindful of accessibility and gives us the tools to connect with more people. Over time, these small efforts add up, leading to greater fluency and a more inclusive environment for everyone.

Parking

Just a reminder that the parking at the front of the school on Tyler Street is for those families using the Ciaran Centre and people who have ACROD Permits. We would ask that parents move in and out of these bays quickly and don’t hold up spaces while waiting for children.  

Tyler Street is also not a drop off area before or after school. During the wet weather there was some concerning behaviour around parents letting children out of the car while on the road or even collecting their children while they were waiting on the road. Please use the safety of the School Kiss and Drive. 

Parents need to be mindful that there is NO parking on the verge or in the middle of Cape Street before the crosswalk. This blocks the view of pedestrians trying to cross the road safely.   

For the safety of all in our community please ensure that you abide by the road rules at all times.  

1. DO NOT turn right into the Kiss and Drive - please wait your turn in the queue. 
2. DO NOT overtake the queue and push in front of the Kiss and Drive line. Be respectful of others. 
3. Keep the Corner of Tyler Street and Morgans Street free from all traffic. 
4. DO NOT pick up or drop your child off on the road outside of the administration - find a parking legal bay or use the Kiss and Drive. 
5. If you DO NOT have an ACROD Permit please don’t use these bays. 
6. Ciaran Centre Families are the only families welcome to use the front administration parking. 
7. DO NOT park at the Servite Friars house of residence and business - this is private property. 
8. DO NOT park on verges that are sign posted. 

Morgans Street Kiss and Drive

We know the morning and afternoon drive through can be a very busy place, which relies on all families doing the right thing to ensure it runs smoothly. In order to keep it flowing, we ask that parents stay in their car at these times. If you need to get out of the car to assist your child with their seatbelt, then please park your car in an appropriate place and walk into school. Students are encouraged to independently get themselves in and out of the car, manage their bags and do up their own seatbelt.  

There is no right turn into the Morgans Street Kiss and Drive at anytime - parents do line up along Tyler Street to access this - please follow the directions. There are signs asking parents to continue to Drive Forward so we can get as many children out of the cars as quickly as possible in the morning. When a parent stops at the Morgans Street gate it stops all the other cars behind them, which then creates issues on Morgans and Tyler Street for our local residents. 

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION

The Sacrament of Confirmation is a vital step in a young person's faith journey, deepening their relationship with God and affirming their commitment to the teachings of the Church. Through Confirmation, students receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit, empowering them to live out their faith with courage, wisdom, and love. It is a joyful celebration of growth, responsibility, and belonging within the Catholic community. 

Sacrament of Confirmation Enrolment Form: 

Please fill in this form to enrol your child into the Sacrament. ConfirmationEnrolment Form 

Payments are made to St Kieran Parish electronically. It may be helpful to have a second web browser window open at the same time as the Confirmation Enrolment Form.  

Please note that this form must be completed before Monday, October 13. 

Here is some important information for your child's Confirmation.  

Catch up - Sacrament of Confirmation Commitment Masses Sat 9August 6:30pm. If you miss this Mass, please contact Fr Wilson to arrange another time.  

Retreat Day Friday Oct 24 at St Kieran Catholic Primary School/ St Catherine's House of Hospitality 

Parent and Child Workshops Tues Oct 14 4:00pm or 5:15pm/ Thursday Oct 16 4:00pm at St Kieran Catholic Primary School. Your chlid will need to bring their pencil case with them.  

Sacrament of Reconciliation before the Sacrament of Confirmation:  

Reconciliation will not occur during school time for Confirmation candidates. Reconciliation will be held at St Kieran Parish on Thursday 6/11/2025 at 4:00 PM 

Sacrament of Confirmation Masses Sat October 25 and Sun October 26  

MSP Photographers will be available in the Parish Hall on the days of the Sacrament, one hour before each Mass begins. Enter via the door on Cape Street. The photographer will also take photos during the Sacrament, so we ask families not to take photos during Mass. 

Students will be asked to sit on the end of a pew, down the centre aisle and the aisle to the side. They will not be allocated a specific seat. Each Mass will have between 32-35 students receiving the Sacrament. This means the church will be very full and there will be limited space for additional family and friends. Please keep this in mind when inviting guests. You may wish to invite guests to attend your own family celebration after the Sacrament. 

CELEBRATING THE OPENING OF THE ST JOSEPH CHAPEL AT ST KIERAN PARISH

Fr Wilson warmly invites the St Kieran Catholic Primary School community to the opening and blessing of the new Chapel of St Joseph at the St Kieran Parish. This will occur during the first Sunday of September,  the 7th, during the 9:00am Mass. 

NAVIGATING AI COMPANIONS AND DEEPFAKES -  esafety.gov.au

AI is changing the way young people connect - and not always for the better. From deepfake technology like photos, videos or sound files that can damage reputations to AI chatbots that are powered by artificial intelligence and mimic real relationships, it’s more important than ever for parents and carers to stay informed and empowered. 

Here’s how you can help your child stay safe and resilient: 

• Talk early, talk often – Keep conversations open, calm and judgment-free so your child feels safe coming you. 
• Explain the risks – Help your child understand the risks (whether emotional, legal or psychological). Chat about the difference between real and artificial relationships.  
• Set boundaries – Use parental controls, app usage limits and guide your child with healthy online habits. 
• Encourage real-life connections – Hobbies, exercise, friendships, and mindfulness matter.  
• Know where to get help – If something goes wrong, stay calm, help collect evidence (without saving explicit content) and reach out for support. See The eSafety Guide for more information. Reach out to services like Kids Helpline, Headspace, or Lifeline for extra support if needed. 
• Register for an eSafety webinar - for more practical tools to support your child's relationships in the digital world 

Auslan Storytime - The City of Stirling Term 3

Join The City of Stirling for an engaging storytelling experience in Auslan – perfect for little ones aged 0–5!

Led by a Deaf presenter and supported by an interpreter, these free, fun, and interactive sessions are brought to you by Deaf Connect and proudly supported by the City of Stirling and Better Beginnings.

These sessions are designed to be inclusive for all families, including Deaf, hard of hearing and hearing families.

Dates: Fortnightly on Thursdays throughout Term 3, commencing Thursday 24 July
Time: 10.30 – 11.00am
Venue: Stirling Libraries – Osborne, 9 Royal Street, Tuart Hill

See link for full list of dates - https://ctrk.klclick.com/l/01K0A3PVREQ0QRWNQS1J6A0S2Y_2

Do We Need a Carers’ Group for St Kieran Students?

At St Kieran, we are always looking for ways to support our community and enhance the well-being of our students and their families. We are considering the formation of a Student Carers’ Group and would like to gauge your interest in this initiative.

The purpose of the carers’ group would be to provide students who are involved in a caring role in their family with e.g., a sibling, parent or guardian with temporary or permanent care needs. This group would offer students a confidential space to share experiences and feelings about their role with one another, and just as importantly to have some fun.

We propose to initially host the group after school once a term. The group will be tailored to the age range that shows the most interest.

To help us understand the level of interest and to plan accordingly, we kindly ask you to complete a short survey by 17th August 2025. Your feedback will be invaluable in shaping the direction and focus of the Student Carers’ Group.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RNJ9VD9

Kind regards

Gill Ford

St Kieran School Social Worker

Tuart Hill Yokine Scout Group

Tuart Hill Yokine Scout Group Joey Unit (age 5-8) meets Wednesday 5pm- 6.15pm at the Tuart Hill Yokine Scout Hall during school terms and we are looking for new members!
Weekly programs have a theme with a mix of hall-based activities, excursions and optional weekend activities.

These all work towards achieving goals in the areas of Outdoor, Creative, Community and Personal Growth challenges. The worldwide Scout movement promotes personal development in six main areas - social, physical, intellectual, character, emotional and spiritual. The overall aim is to be FUN, CHALLENGING, and INCLUSIVE.

This is a family program with parents helping with the program on roster each week about once per term (per child).

For information, please contact Group Leader, Nona Oliver by email
Nona.Oliver@scoutswa.com.au

VacSwim Enrolments

World Festival of Magic Shows