Issue 01, 2026 (February)
From the Executive
Changes to the Newsletter for 2026
Thank you to our parents and carers who completed the Communications Survey which was linked in the final Newsletter of 2025.
We have made notes of your top areas in order of preference:
- School Events and Activities
- School Notices
- Student Congratulations
- Message from the Principal
- Community News and Events
We have also made a note to share more about how the naming of the School Newsletter came about, and add in a 'Top 5 on Your Radar' section, and the frequency of the Newsletter. We are also in conversation with our website developer to make the newsletter module more easily readable, and visibly pleasing.
We thank you for your comments and hope you enjoy these alterations.
Please email marketingevents@fias.wa.edu.au should you like to provide any further feedback.
The Wonga Bonnoo ('Talking Stick')
The School Newsletter, The Wonga Bonnoo ('Talking Stick') was selected from a parent poll in 2022, and alongside consultation with local elder, George Walley.
George has a well-known profile in the Mandurah region, and has worked alongside the School for years. George has helped name the Kwobadiny Sports Centre and the Yarning Circle at Halls Head, assisted our Reconciliation Plan Working Group, led smoking ceremony and cultural workshops for staff, as well as inviting Executive and Council members onto a Cultural Tour around Mandurah.
The School recognises a commitment to continuing community and local relationships.
Prinicpal's Message
Invitation to Attend
Our Principal, Mrs Tracey Gray is being Ordained as Deacon in the Anglican Church and as part of her role as Principal.
She will be ordained on Saturday 7 February 2026 at the Bunbury Anglican Cathedral at 10am.
It is being live streamed here.
Our school community is more than welcome to attend, or view the livestream!
35 Years of Frederick Irwin Anglican School Spirit
This year, our school is celebrating 35 years of educating and inspiring students, which has led to many wonderful opportunities and varied pathways for our alumni.
From our early beginnings in 1991 via Gordon Road (which is now our Design and Technology and Arts Centre), to the thriving, modern campus we cherish today, every step of our journey has been driven by a shared belief in excellence and possibility. With our 10 Year Master Plan bringing exciting new facilities to life in 2026, our school continues to grow with purpose and vision.
Across the decades, our leadership has been guided by dedicated Headmasters and Principals – Mrs Sandra McCullough, Mr Geoffrey Arnold, Mrs Kerry Robertson and Mrs Tracey Gray – each leaving an indelible mark on who we are and who we strive to become.
Frederick Irwin Anglican School’s Spirit across the years reflects the courage, commitment and connection of our past, current and future staff, students and families.
As we honour 35 years of memories, milestones and transformative learning, we invite you to celebrate with us throughout this year – not just as a school, but a community.
School Notices
Top 5 on Your Radar - March 2026
- Japan Exchange Visit - Keimei Gaukin High School - 21 March to 29 March
- Paul Litherland, CyberSafety Expert Parent Session - Tuesday 24 March, 6.00pm-7.30pm. Please RSVP here.
- NAPLAN - 11 March to 20 March
- Founders' Day (Thursday 26 March) - Fun Activities for K-12, and food trucks for Years 7-12
- 30 Year Reunion/35 Year Celebration RSVP Reminders (for Alumni Parents!)
Students Being Dropped Off Early - Reminder Notice for Parents
All parents are reminded that students not participating in Co-Curricular activities or sports training in the morning, should not arrive at school before 8.00am.
School staff are onsite from 8.00am to provided assistance to any students.
Mobile Phones and Wearable Devices
This year we have made the conscious decision to further restrict the use of mobile phones by our students, whilst at School. We want our students to “Be Present. Be Engaged. Be Your Best.”
By reducing the temptation and need to use mobile phones helps students stay focused on their education, develop social skills, and demonstrate positive behaviour.
From Term 1, students will be required to keep their mobile phones turned off or on silent, in their bags or lockers at all times. Upon arriving to school each day, students must put away their phones and headphones/earbuds and will not be permitted to use them until they leave in the afternoon. This includes while waiting for school buses. Students who require their mobile phone for medical monitoring or approved needs, will discuss this requirement with their Deputy Head of School or Head of Year, and accommodations will be made.
This also extended to wearable devices for students. Primary students are permitted to wear a parent controlled wearable device. Secondary students are not permitted to have wearable devices whilst at School.
This change also means that secondary students will not be able to use their phones to pay for items at the canteen. Students will need to bring an EFTPOS card or their Smartrider to make purchases. A FAQ has been developed to provide more details for parents and students. The FAQ can be accessed on the School website.
Secondary Assistance Scheme
Years 7 to 12 you may be eligible for up to $350 towards school expenses. Applications close 2 April 2026.
Term Dates 2026
- Term 1: Friday 30 January to Thursday 2 April - Years 7, 11 and 12 students
AND Term 1: Monday 2 February to Thursday 2 April - All other students
- Term 2: Wednesday 22 April to Friday 26 June
- Term 3: Tuesday 21 July to Friday 25 September
- Term 4: Tuesday 13 October to Wednesday 9 December
2028 Enrolments
Secure your child’s place for 2028 and join a vibrant, future‑focused learning community. Families are encouraged to complete a Registration of Interest form as soon as possible, as places fill quickly.
- Kindergarten 2028:
For children born 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024. Give your child the best start with a nurturing, play‑rich early learning environment.
- Year 5 2028:
For children in Year 3 in 2026 This is the final Year 5 intake at our Meadow Springs campus - an exciting opportunity not to be missed.
- Year 7 2028:
For children in Year 5 in 2026. Step into a dynamic secondary program designed to inspire curiosity, confidence, and character.
- Sibling Applications - Current families, please remember to submit sibling applications as they are not automatically added into our system. Sibling applications need to be lodged individually.
Places are filling fast - please make sure you complete the applications online, or email registrar@fias.wa.edu.au if you require further information.
School Events and Activities
Sports Registration
- Soccer and Soccer "How To"
- Netball
- Hockey - coming soon
Please email Mrs Claire Booker, Sports Coordinator on sportscoordinator@fias.wa.edu.au if you require further information.
Congratulations
International Dancesport Ballroom Championships Competition
Congratulations to Year 10, Abigail Wilson-Smale, who recently took part in the International Dancesport Ballroom Championships in Melbourne, and did exceptionally well!
Abigail competed in multiple events and made the finals of every event, coming away with multiple medals.
Abigail's greatest achievements were:
- Runner up (2nd place) in Pro Am Junior Ballroom
- Runner up (2nd place) in Pro Am Junior New Vogue - making her second in Australia for her age group
Abigail achieved nothing less than 5th in all events entered with her gaining three 2nd places and three 3rd places.
Abigail also just completed her Gold New Vogue Medal - exam achieving 97% gaining high honors.
Well done!
WAYA Competition 2025
Congratulations to Corda Trio Aavi Barker (Class of 2025), Stella Lewis (Year 12) and Aila Lewis (Year 11) who recently competed in the West Australian Young Artist Chamber Music Competition.
WAYO 2026 Invitation
Congratulations to Year 12 Stella Lewis who has been offered a position in the Western Australian Youth Orchestra's (WAYO) premier ensemble for 2026.
As the flagship ensemble of the WAYO association, it is recognised as one of the finest youth orchestras in Australia, featuring some of the state's most talented young musicians.
Stella will be a part of a lineup of special concerts with the opportunity to collaborate with Perth festival, WASO, WA opera as well as artists from around the world.
A big thank you to the FIAS Music Department and a special thank you to Mrs Wythes, her cello tutor, for everything she has done to support Stella's musical journey.
Community News and Events
Community News Flyers (Issue 01, 2026)
Find information regarding community sports, workshops, training and more.
Stay Connected Online
Visit our Socials!
Keep up to date with events and activities occurring at our three campuses!