Principal's Notes
As we approach the end of term, I recently had the pleasure of attending an Honour Awards Assembly for Primary and Secondary School. It is always wonderful to gather as a community to recognise student achievement, and I was particularly pleased to see a large number of parents at the respective events. I extend my sincere congratulations to all students recognised at these assemblies for their hard work and dedication so far this year.
It is hard to believe that this term is the first full and proper Term One we have had since 2019. Due to Covid restrictions, this past term has been the first time in three years that we have been able to have a full season of CAS sports and Co-curricular Activities, that we have had our camps run as scheduled, that we have had our Interhouse Swimming and Cross Country Carnivals run as planned, and of course that we have been able to conduct our day to day events such as lessons, excursions, Chapels and assemblies without square meterage or social distancing limitations.
For many of us, we may well have forgotten how busy PMACS can be when we have a normal schedule of events. When you factor in that NAPLAN has been added to Term One, along with a Year 11 Camp and the ASC Combined Schools Concert, it is no wonder that students and staff are ready for a break!
Staffing Update
As we approach the end of term, we have a few staff members who are finishing their time at PMACS and leaving us to take on new challenges:
- Mrs. Guinnevere Bell, who has been an outstanding, well-loved Indonesian teacher and mentor for many years in our Primary School, will be taking on a new role as a secondary ceramic and sculpture art teacher at Perth Waldorf School.
- Mrs. Claire Corkery, who has been an exceptional teacher and colleague in the short time she has been with us has been offered a new position as Head of Year 2 at Scotch College.
- Mrs. Amanda Bronnum-Lee, who has been an amazing Education Assistant in the Learning Diversity area and a keen advocate for our school, will be moving to the Eastern States to support her husband.
- Mr Ryan Walker, Head of Year 12, Humanities Teacher, and very experienced educator is changing careers and taking on a role in the mining industry.
We wish these staff members every success as they take on their respective new challenges.
In other staffing news, Reverend Jean-Pierre Schroeder, Senior Chaplain, is taking Long Service Leave in Term 2. Reverend Jean-Pierre’s classes will be covered by Mrs Marsha Dale, and Father Peter Hotchkin from the Parish of Quinn’s-Butler has agreed to take on Chapel services in Term 2 to ensure continuity of services for our students. We wish Reverend Jean-Pierre a restful break and look forward to welcoming him back to PMACS in Term 3.
Traffic Update
The School recently met with representatives from the City of Wanneroo as we continue to explore proactive options that staff, students and parents can undertake to help improve traffic flow around our school precinct. The most recent conversations focussed on upcoming works on Salerno Drive and Anchorage Drive, including widening of Anchorage Drive to allow overtaking and relocating the bus bays on Salerno Drive further north to improve sight lines and flow. It is hoped that these works will commence in December 2023, although this will be confirmed by the City of Wanneroo in due course.
In a related and pleasing development, the School will be adding another bus to the Carramar route from the start of Term 2. More students on buses means less cars in the precinct which benefits us all. We have also seen a significant increase in bikes and e-scooters being ridden to school. While e-scooters do have other challenges, it is pleasing to see students taking a more active route to school.
As we head into the wetter months, and more Year 12 students gain their driver’s licence, it is likely that the number of cars in our precinct will increase, particularly at drop off and pick up times. I kindly ask that parents be respectful of other road users and be mindful of adhering to road rules and traffic signs at all times. If we remain patient and respectful off other road users, we will help ensure the safety of all pedestrians, while also experiencing a much less stressful commute.
First Communion Service
Recently Year 5 and Year 6 students participated in their First Communion Service. Traditionally a Year 4 event, the previous two iterations were cancelled due to Covid restrictions. It was wonderful to see so many parents join us for these very special occasions on Monday 27 March and Monday 3 April. The Eucharist is of course at the heart of Christian worship. It is celebrated by Christians around the world as a memorial of the death and resurrection of Jesus, and in particular in response to his words at the final meal he shared with his disciples, 'Do this in remembrance of me’.
Following the Communion Service led by Reverend Jean-Pierre, students hunted for Easter eggs while parents enjoyed refreshments – a wonderful way to celebrate Easter and the end of term!
In conclusion, I wish our entire school community a well-deserved holiday break with family and friends and I look forward to seeing you on campus again soon.
Every Blessing.
Benjamin Lomas
PRINCIPAL