It is hard to believe that Term 1 is now complete and the April school holidays have arrived. It has been another very busy and productive term at Peter Moyes Anglican Community School. In this last week alone there have been Easter services, Honour Assemblies, a first Communion for Year 4 students, the Year 7 Lightning Carnival, Parent seminars for Middle School, Parent-Teacher night for Senior School, and Cathedral excursions, not to mention the core business of teaching and learning and the finalisation of first term assessments!

Strategic Plan Update

Behind the scenes, the School Council and Executive Team have commenced the development of the School’s new Strategic Plan, with the current plan concluding at the end of 2019. The 2020 Strategic Plan will guide the direction of the School for the next five years, setting key targets and a solid foundation for all operational decisions. The development of the next plan will be facilitated by Dr. Liz Pattison, an external consultant with over three decades of experience in preparing and implementing strategic objectives. Dr. Pattison has already visited PMACS and is excited at the possibilities for our School. A key component of developing an effective Strategic Plan is to ensure contributions from all stakeholders. In the coming weeks, staff, students and parents will all have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the new plan through focus groups hosted by Dr Pattison. Further details will be sent to all families in due course and I encourage interested parents to express their thoughts on the School’s future directions. At this stage it is hoped that the new Strategic Plan will be published in Term 4, ready for implementation in 2020 and beyond.


Saint Gregory’s Chapel

You will be aware from earlier correspondence that Saint Gregory has been selected as the name for our new School Chapel. It is anticipated that the School will have full access to the Chapel from mid-June, with the official opening to coincide with Peter Moyes Day on Friday 26 July, 2019.

The name Saint Gregory was chosen following an extensive process of consultation with the Diocese, the Anglican Schools Commission and the Local Parish of Quinns-Butler. Saint Gregory is the Patron Saint of musicians, singers, students and teachers, sharing patronage of musicians with Saint Cecilia; a fitting choice for our School community, particularly given our connection to the Local Parish who currently worship in the Chapel of Saint Cecilia but will be transitioning to Saint Gregory’s Chapel.

The name was announced to the Local Parish at a special event held at school on Wednesday 3 April and I am pleased to say Saint Gregory was very well received. The parishioners also had the opportunity to tour the construction site, ably led by student representatives. Saint Gregory is a fitting representative to inspire our students and to fulfil our School’s values and motto. Throughout his life Gregory was committed to education and charitable pursuits, working closely with those in need. As a strong leader he used his influence for the greater good and actively sought peace in troubled times. His strengths and attributes mirror three of our School’s values: Knowledge and Insight, Equality and Compassion, and Confidence, Competence and Responsibility. The School motto, ‘Act justly, honour God’ sets a high ideal for all to aspire to in life, treating all as we would like to be treated, and indicates the spiritual aspect of life that is important in order to lead a full and rich existence. Saint Gregory demonstrated these personal principles throughout his life and live on today as his legacy.

Saint Gregory’s Chapel is the final stage of the School’s original master plan and a welcome addition to our facilities. We will ensure there are opportunities for parents and the wider School community to view and utilise the Chapel in due course.


Connect, Learn, Engage

The latest event in the Connect, Learn, Engage seminar series was held on Monday 4 April, with Elevate Education presenting on study skills. The session provided parents with a great opportunity to learn how to help their children reach their full potential and network with other parents over a glass of wine. Connect, Learn, Engage events run each term and I encourage all parents to keep an eye on our School app and website for details regarding future presentations.


Blessings of the Roads

I had the privilege of attending the City of Wanneroo’s Blessing of the Roads Ceremony on Thursday 11 April. The event aimed to bring road safety to the forefront of the local community and involved a number of local schools and Government organisations. Also in attendance were the Mayor of the City of Wanneroo, Mrs Tracey Roberts, Chairman of the Road Safety Council, Mr Ian Cameron, the Member for Burns Beach, Mr Mark Folkard MLA, and other special guests.  I was joined at the event by Mr Toby Wright, along with students Keith Solly, Head Boy, and Demi Blane, Florey House Captain. The event was a timely reminder for all that we share our roads and we each have a responsibility to drive safely and respectfully at all times. In particular, Easter can be an especially dangerous time on our roads and I am pleased that the City of Wanneroo is drawing attention to this issue.

Speaking of Easter, students across the School recently participated in services to mark the most significant event on the Christian Calendar. The Primary and Secondary services involved dramatic representations of the resurrection of Jesus, liturgical dance and a stunning performance of ‘Lord I Lift Your Name on High’ by the Primary Choir. Both services reminded our students of the reason why we celebrate Easter and were a fitting, Anglican conclusion to a busy term.

 

I trust you will enjoy reading the latest edition of the School Newsletter and I wish all parents, students and staff a safe, relaxing and enjoyable Easter break.

Every Blessing.

Benjamin Lomas 

PRINCIPAL