Kimochis Program 

This term, Ms. Mary has been delivering the Kimochis® Program to our Pre-Primary students, and we are LOVING it! Kimochis (which means "feelings" in Japanese) help us understand our big emotions and how to manage them in kind and confident ways.

So far, we’ve met Cloud, Bug, Huggtopus, and Cat—each with their own unique personality and lessons to teach us. Cloud shows us that moods can change and feelings are all different shapes and sizes, and that's okay. Bug reminds us that being brave doesn’t mean not feeling scared, our brave can be bigger than anything, we just need to put it out in front by taking a big deep SSP breath! Huggtopus helps us understand boundaries and keeping our silly the right size, and Cat teaches us how to be a leader while still being kind.

Our Kimochis remind us that every single one of us is unique and special—and that inside each of us, there are things that feel super easy and things that feel a little tricky. And guess what? That’s okay!

IGNITE at SSP!

This year, we’ve reimagined our IGNITE program at SSP, and it’s been amazing to see so many students getting involved! IGNITE now brings together a variety of wellbeing programs each term, aiming to support as many Year 3-6 students as possible. Because let’s be real—everyone can use a little extra help with emotional literacy, friendships, and wellbeing.

This term, our Year 3s have been diving into Kimochis®, learning about big feelings, how to express them in kind and confident ways, and understanding that we are all made up of both easy and tricky parts—and that’s okay!

Our Year 4s and 5s took part in Strong Boys and Girl Power, programs designed to help build resilience, confidence, and positive friendships. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and practical strategies, students learned how to navigate friendships, manage emotions, and develop a strong sense of self.

It was incredible to reach so many students this term, and the feedback has been awesome—students really engaged with the content, finding it super relevant, fun, and easy to apply in their daily lives. Because at the end of the day, these programs are all about helping kids love themselves and support each other.

If you’d love for your child to be part of one of these programs next term, feel free to reach out!

mary.lynch@cewa.edu.au

As part of our ongoing effort to improve communication and enhance the experience for our families, we invite you to take a moment to complete a brief survey. Your feedback on our parent-teacher meetings and communication methods will help us ensure we are providing the best service possible.

The survey will only take about two minutes to complete, and your input is greatly appreciated. To participate, simply click the link below:

Communications Survey

Thank you for helping us continue to improve!

A huge congratulations to all the students who participated in last week's Interschool Swimming Carnival at Perth HPC Mt Claremont! Our team displayed outstanding sportsmanship, exemplary behaviour and a remarkable competitive spirit throughout the event.

Despite facing tough opposition, SSP finished in an impressive 7th place—an incredible achievement, especially considering the challenges we've faced with the closure of our local pool and community swimming club at Arena Joondalup for the past two years.

A special shout-out to Jessica Leong, Leo Sumatluck, Declan Baker and Thomas Lister for their fantastic victories in their respective races—well done!

We'd also like to express our sincere thanks to all the parents who volunteered their time, supported the team and cheered them on during the event. Your presence and encouragement truly made a difference and we are grateful for your involvement. Thank you all for making this year's carnival one to remember!

Mr. Pettit and Mr. Thompson

We are thrilled to invite you to our Mother’s Day Breakfast on Thursday, 8th May at 8:00am!

Join us for a special morning to celebrate the wonderful mothers and mother figures in our community.

Morning Schedule:

• 8:00am: Mother’s Day Breakfast

• 8:30am: After breakfast, head to your child’s classroom to collect a special Mother’s Day gift!

• Senior Kiss and Ride will be open for easy drop-off.

Separation Anxiety is a super common presentation we see during the school year, it can pop up at the beginning of term, raise its head during brain spurts or even when you least expect it.

One of the best things you can do is prepare them in advance. Talk about what’s coming up positively and reassuringly—let them know what to expect, who will be there, and when you’ll be back. Kids thrive on familiarity, so the more they feel like they know what’s happening, the easier it will be. It is also prime time to incorporate some mindfulness into your day as a family, doing a grounding technique, 5 big deep breaths to turn the car on, practicing a positive affirmation ("I'm brave and safe and strong and loved"), a gratitude statement over dinner and celebrating any moments of being brave!

A solid routine is also super important. Having a predictable morning and goodbye ritual gives kids a sense of control. Something simple like a hug, a high-five, or a special phrase (“In a while crocodile!” - I have added a list of these at the bottom to make it fun). This can help them feel secure when it’s time to part ways. It’s also important to validate their feelings—if they say they don’t want you to go, rather than brushing it off, acknowledge it: “I know it’s hard to say goodbye, but I promise you’ll have fun, and I’ll be back soon.” This may be a good reminder to consider the kiss and ride drop-off option to help build independence and resilience during drop off. This can support necessary skill building as they move through school years and really show them that you know they can do it!

When it’s time to say goodbye, keep it short, sweet, and confident. Long, emotional farewells can make things harder, and sneaking away can create more anxiety in the long run. Instead, give a quick, loving goodbye and go—trust that they will settle. If they see you’re calm and confident, they’re more likely to feel the same. Another little tip to help promote togetherness is to draw a heart on their hand and one on yours, to show your invincible connection, that heart is filled with your love all day long. Give them a "sticky hug" because sticky hugs last all day. Draw a X marks the spot and fill it with kisses so that they can take one from you throughout the day. Leave a little note for them in their recess.

Always make sure and leave your child with a safe adult, handing over a child who is experiencing anxiety to a loving adult will ensure their psychological safety. Do not try and sneak away, a quick, calm and confident goodbye and into the hands of a warm confident adult is the best action you can take. If you know your child needs this type of warm handover, reach out to the teacher who can be on hand to take your child into their comforting care. This can further be bolstered by speaking positively at home about your child's teacher or teaching assistant, then at handover, they are being cared for by someone their parent trusts and speaks highly of.

Most importantly, be patient. Separation anxiety isn’t something that disappears overnight, but with a little reassurance and consistency, your child will learn that goodbyes aren’t forever—and that they’re safe, loved, and capable, even when you’re not right there with them. 

The CEWA Child Safe Framework ensures the safety and wellbeing of students in Catholic schools by prioritising children's best interests, setting clear behaviour expectations and mandating the reporting of safety concerns. It includes a Protective Behaviours Curriculum to help students recognise and respond to unsafe situations, provides ongoing training for staff and information for parents, and promotes respectful relationships.

The framework also meets legal and Royal Commission standards, ensuring a supportive and protective environment based on best practices in child safety.

Each year, Dental Health Services (DHS) invites parents and carers to register their children for free dental care through the School Dental Service (SDS). This offer is available to all students from the year they turn 5 until their 17th birthday, and includes a range of services such as check-ups, fillings, and simple extractions.

Your child will soon bring home an envelope containing an enrolment form, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet, and a reply-paid envelope from DHS.

To enrol, simply complete the form, place it in the reply-paid envelope, and drop it in your nearest post box.

Once we receive your form, our DHS team will register your child and send you an appointment letter by mail.
For more information about DHS services or to learn more about the School Dental Service, visit our website at www.dental.wa.gov.au or scan the QR code.

As we approach the sacred season of Easter, SSP Parish invites you to join us for a series of meaningful events and services that will help us prepare for, and celebrate, the Paschal Mystery. Please see the schedule below for all upcoming events:

Parish Reconciliation

Tuesday 8th April at 7:00pm
A wonderful opportunity to seek healing and reconciliation with God and one another.

Healing Mass

Thursday 10th April at 9:00am
Join us for a special Mass focused on healing, followed by morning tea in the Parish Centre.

Palm Sunday

Saturday 13th April
Mass Times:

• 6:00pm

• 8:00am

• 10:00am

• 5:00pm

The Chrism Mass

Tuesday 15th April at 7:00pm
Held at St Mary's Cathedral. This Mass will celebrate the blessing of oils used for the sacraments.

Holy Thursday

17th April at 7:00pm
Mass of the Lord’s Supper, followed by Eucharistic Adoration until 11:00pm.

Good Friday

18th April

• Stations of the Cross at 10:00am

• Celebration of Our Lord’s Passion at 3:00pm

• Eucharistic Adoration after the Passion until 7:00pm

Holy Saturday

19th April at 7:00pm
Easter Vigil Mass.

Easter Sunday

20th April
Mass Times:

• 8:00am

• 10:00am

• 5:00pm

Let us come together to walk with Christ through His passion, death, and resurrection. We look forward to seeing you at these important liturgies as we celebrate the heart of our faith.

Blessings,
St Simon Peter Parish

The next Federal Election will be held on Saturday 3 May and it is important to consider how your vote will impact your child’s education. The National Catholic Education Commission has prepared a number of resources for parents to consider ahead of the election, including a two-page parent Priorities document.

You can find out more information about their priorities by visiting the school funding explainer webpage and dispelling the myths page.