Issue 02, 2026 (March)

Flexischools App 

Parents simply download the Flexischools app from the Apple or Google store and follow the prompts to create an account. You can download the App and find registration and online ordering instructions here.

Parents can set daily spend limits and keep an eye on what they’re buying via your Flexischools app. Additionally, you can also add access for your child to use the App, enabling them to place online orders themselves - great for growing independence.

If you already have a Flexischools account for another family member then just select the Profile icon on the app and +Add New Student. 

Student Cards 

Students will be able to make over-the-counter canteen purchases with their existing student ID/SMART RIDER card by linking their card to their profile in the Flexischools App.  

Here’s how to link your child’s student card to your Flexischools account for cash-free spending at school. 

• Register a Flexischools account and create a student 
• Select Frederick Irwin Anglican School from drop down list 
• Under Settings, enter the Student ID number located on the front of your student card

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.

• 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. 

Whether it is starting school for the first time, moving up to a higher grade or embarking on a journey through secondary school, there is no doubt that any school transition is a very exciting time for children and parents. It means your children are growing up!

However, transitioning is an ongoing process. It can continue long after students have entered their new environment and may encounter difficulties at a number of different stages. These stressors may appear as anxiety and frustration and result in negative or disruptive behaviours. Such behaviours can become problematic making the transitioning process even more difficult for children and parents.

In this edition of SchoolTV, parents will learn practical strategies to assist your child during the transition process and reduce stress and anxiety levels.

Here is the link to your Edition https://frederickirwin.wa.schooltv.me/newsletter/school-transitions

Dear Parents and Carers

Something that I have been passionate about introducing into FIAS for the last 2 years, has been the Curtin UniReady Program.

One of the key goals in our Strategic Plan is to strengthen teaching, learning, and student pathways. In the past, many families believed our school focused mainly on ATAR, with fewer options for students interested in trades, vocational programs, or alternative university entry.

Over the past three years, our teachers have worked hard to change this perception by creating more meaningful and achievable pathways for every student. 

Expanding Pathways for All Students

To support every learner, we have:

• Expanded senior school subject choices
• Updated the way we talk about pathways
• Celebrated success across all routes, not just ATAR

A major improvement has been the growth of the Curtin UniReady program. Previously, students completed it via video link while still managing a full WACE load. In 2025, we partnered directly with Curtin University and shifted delivery to our own teachers, allowing UniReady to count as two Year 12 subjects.

Strong Growth and Results

This change has led to impressive growth:

• 8 students enrolled in 2024
• 25 students enrolled in 2025, with a 100% success rate (up from 32.5% in 2024)
• 48 students enrolled for 2026

Because UniReady now provides direct entry into Curtin, ECU, and Murdoch, we have seen:

• Higher enrolments in General WACE subjects
• Smaller ATAR class numbers
• Improved ATAR results overall from 2024 to 2025

A Clear Pathway Structure

We have also improved our language around pathways. Instead of saying “ATAR and Non‑ATAR,” we now refer to:

• ATAR
• Curtin UniReady
• Enterprise Pathways (General, VET, and INSTEP combinations)

Over the past three years, ATAR participation has shifted from 68% in 2023 to a projected 31% in 2026. Despite this change, 64% of students still achieve direct university entry, now through a wider range of options.

Many students also choose to complete one ATAR subject alongside UniReady, reporting a more balanced workload and feeling better prepared for university. Several have already received early offers from Curtin and Murdoch.

If you have any more questions about this program, please don't hesitate to contact me: jannine.webb@fias.wa.edu.au

Kind regards
Ms Jannine Webb
Head of Secondary

Dear Parents and Carers

Camp Experiences

Our Year 6 cohort has enjoyed an incredible start to the year with two major learning experiences: the Canberra Camp and our WA Boorloo Bound program. Both opportunities were a fantastic success and offered rich, authentic links to the Civics and Citizenship curriculum. Beyond the academic connections, our students were able to strengthen friendships, develop their maturity, and build important skills in resilience, independence, and social awareness. These experiences are invaluable in supporting our students’ development.

I would like to sincerely thank Mrs Vanessa Smith and Mrs Natalie Burbage for their organisation of these two exceptional programs. My appreciation also extends to all staff who attended and supported our students throughout the experience. Their commitment ensures our learners are not only safe but able to fully engage and make lifelong memories.

Student Learning

We also began First Aid and snake awareness training for students across the Primary School. This program provides our students with practical, essential knowledge and empowers them to respond with confidence in an emergency. It is a skillset we consider incredibly important, especially as our students spend time exploring and learning in our natural outdoor environments.

Across the Primary School, our teachers are now conducting DIBELS assessments. These measures play an important role in monitoring the development of foundational literacy skills and ensuring each student receives the support they need to become a confident and successful reader. These assessments form part of our consistent, school‑wide approach to literacy instruction, and I encourage you to speak with your child’s classroom teacher if you would like to know more about the process.

Traffic Flow and Safety

All parents have recently received communication regarding a few reminders about traffic flow around the school. These points were shared to help reduce congestion and support smoother movement during our peak times. As mentioned, we are currently working with a traffic management consultant to explore ways to improve our Kiss and Drop area so we can continue to ensure safety and efficiency as our school grows. I kindly ask all families to show patience and courtesy during the short morning and afternoon windows when traffic is at its busiest.

Kind regards

Mr Noah Clark
Head of Primary – Meadow Springs Campus

Dear Parents and Carers,

Term 1 has commenced very positively at Halls Head Campus, and it has been wonderful to see students settling confidently into their new classroom environments. This smooth start has been made possible through your partnership and support, as well as the hard work and dedication of our teachers, education assistants, and administration staff.

Thank you to all parents and guardians for ensuring your children arrive each day well-prepared for learning and neatly presented in their school uniforms. I would also like to extend my gratitude to my staff, whose classrooms have been thoughtfully and professionally prepared to support high-quality learning, pastoral care, and the overall wellbeing of our students.

Teaching and learning is our core purpose at FIAS, and our staff continue to design rich educational experiences that balance explicit teaching of key skills and concepts with inquiry-based approaches. Our goal is to make learning engaging, meaningful, and intellectually stimulating—encouraging students to think deeply, set personal goals, and take ownership of their learning.

A wonderful example of this occurred last week during our Year 6 Camps. 78 students travelled to Canberra for a national capital experience, while a further 40 students participated in the Boorloo Bound camp in Perth and Bunbury. Both camps provided valuable Humanities and Social Sciences learning experiences.

Students attending Boorloo Bound engaged in educational programs at Parliament House, the State Electoral Commission, the Perth Mint, and the Art Gallery of Western Australia.

Students who visited Canberra undertook an educational tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy. The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $510 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

We look forward to an exciting and productive Term ahead and thank you once again for your continued support.

Kind regards

Mr Rob Gratton
Head of Primary - Halls Head Campus

"It served as a wonderful way to embrace each other’s cultures and learn about countries we may have otherwise never looked into.

Having the exchange students engaging in classes even with the language barrier was incredible, and gave us the opportunity to show off our wonderful school while learning about Taiwanese culture.

It was such an honour to host them for the day and was overall an enlightening educational experience.

I can only hope they learned as much as we did about our beautiful country, as we learnt about theirs."

House Spirit was strong, sportsmanship was on display and the competition was fierce!

The question remains... which House won?! 

House Spirit was strong, sportsmanship was on high and the competition was strong, well done to everyone who competed!

The question remains... which House won?!

It was a wonderful day, displaying lots of House Spirit and sportsmanship.

Thank you as well to all of our parent volunteers - we cannot run these exciting events without your help!

From a slippery obstacle course that included a slip‑and‑slide to hilarious giraffe races and plenty of fun games, the morning was filled with laughter and energy.

While our youngest students enjoyed their water‑filled adventures, the Years 3 to 6 students were making a splash of their own at the official Inter‑House Swimming Carnival!

It was a fantastic day for all of the students and their families, the weather was perfect!

After settling into camp with hikes, cricket, board games and a classic campfire night (complete with s’mores!), students launched into days full of discovery.

Across the week, groups explored some of Australia’s most significant institutions — from Parliament House, where students took part in a mock parliamentary debate, to the High Court, the Australian War Memorial and the National Museum. Visits to Old Parliament House, the Electoral Education Centre and the National Capital Authority helped students deepen their understanding of democracy, history and how our nation is shaped.

There was plenty of hands‑on fun too, with cycling around Lake Burley Griffin, action‑packed science experiences at Questacon, and interactive activities at the Australian Institute of Sport. Students also enjoyed iconic artworks at the National Gallery and learned how coins are made at the Royal Australian Mint.

The adventure wrapped up with a scenic ferry ride in Sydney, offering spectacular views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge — the perfect finale before heading home to excited families.

A huge thank you to our amazing staff and especially Ms Vanessa Smith for the outstanding planning and care that made this unforgettable week possible! 🚌✨

Students from our school have recently undertaken an educational tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $510 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

Day 1 brought everyone together through team‑building challenges, fast‑paced Lego competitions and some well‑earned beach time — the perfect way to spark new friendships and build confidence.

On Day 2, students stepped into the world of civic life with visits to Parliament House and the Electoral Commission, learning how laws are made and how elections run. The day finished at Kings Park, where they reflected at the War Memorial and took in the stunning views of Boorloo.

Day 3 was all about creativity at the Art Gallery of WA. Students crafted sculptures from everyday materials and explored the gallery on a guided tour, discovering new ways to see and interpret art.

Day 4 took the adventure to Bunbury’s Dolphin Discovery Centre, where students met local dolphins, learnt how to identify them by their markings, and took part in turtle rescue and rehabilitation activities.

This year’s campaign started in the best possible fashion. We were fortunate enough to host ACC’s new “Friday Twilight” game to start the season. The atmosphere in the Kwobadiny was fantastic as both teams played simultaneously. The girls and boys delivered dominant performances, showcasing exceptional sportsmanship, teamwork, and FIAS pride. When the final buzzer sounded, the girls secured a 40–18 win, while the boys claimed an impressive 75–54 victory.

Congratulations to all involved, with special acknowledgement to our dedicated coaches, Mrs Mullenax and Mr Miguel, whose early morning training sessions have played a key role in setting up such a strong start to the season.

All families and supporters are again encouraged to come and support. 

Head of Primary Mr Noah Clark and Principal Mrs Tracey Gray jumped in for a quick game at recess with our Year 5 and 6 students, who were excited to test out the space.

Reverend Jackie supported him with the 'Ashing' of the students, the symbolism of the Ash relates to the solemn call to humility and spiritual renewal.

Ordination to the diaconate in the Anglican Church is the first step in the three-fold ordained ministry (deacon, priest, bishop), focusing on service, pastoral care, and liturgical assistance. It involves a rigorous selection process - including theological study, psychological assessments, and interviews - culminating in a bishop ordaining the candidate via laying on of hands, typically following a 2–3 year formation. 

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.