Issue 11, 2025 (12 August)

Dear Parents and Carers

We have certainly had a rapid start to Term 3, and we’re already at the end of Week 3 — how time flies! Whilst the recent cold and wet mornings have made it a little harder to get going, our students have looked fantastic rugged up in their jumpers and blazers.

As always, both the Halls Head and Meadow Springs campuses are a hive of activity, with many events and activities taking place.

Our secondary students are busy putting the final polish on their performances for the upcoming musical The Little Mermaid. Our School value of Courage will be on full display as our students step onto the stage and perform. In the tradition of theatre — break a leg!

If you’re yet to purchase a ticket, be quick — they’re selling fast!

The Anglicare WA School Sleep Out was held on Friday, 8 August at Optus Stadium. Well done to our Anglicare Ambassadors and students for taking on the challenge and sleeping “rough” for a night. Experiencing homelessness, even for one night, provides valuable perspective on how many less fortunate people live each day in WA. Through experiences like this, we continue to grow and develop our School value of Compassion, and recognise the importance of helping those in need. A big thank you to Mrs Crutchett and Mrs Tearle for organising and attending the event.

Over at our Halls Head Campus, students have been watching in awe as our little chickens have begun to hatch. They are showing great Responsibility in caring for these fluffy yellow creatures.

All of these experiences form a key part of our students’ education. The development of values, character traits, knowledge, and skills are all essential in helping them become caring and contributing members of society. I truly believe these elements are what make the educational experience at FIAS truly one of a kind.

Mr Shane Parnell
Deputy Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

This year has been the first time in ages that I have noticed how cold it is in the morning. I was reassured to find that July was officially very cold, so it's not just me.

Of course residents of eastern Australia have had it worse, with snow and ice making life (and travel) very hard.

Inevitably, we turn our minds to the plight of the homeless; those sleeping rough are especially affected by the cold and rain. Even those couch surfing and sleeping on floors find this time of year particularly challenging.

Some of our students shared this experience at the annual Anglicare Sleep Out at Optus Stadium recently. Our Anglicare Ambassadors were given a piece of cardboard to sleep on, with warm clothes and a cup of soup to sustain them through the night.

Earlier in the evening, they had participated in an activity that simulated the challenges of youth homelessness; trying to get an ID, getting Emergency Relief, finding shelter, engaging with Centrelink. This exercise is tedious, frustrating and bound in red tape, where the precise order of acquiring each of these elements is discovered by trial and error.

This mirrors the challenge faced by young people in their thousands in Perth and nationally every day. 

The money raised by our students at FIAS supports Street Connect, a charity run by Anglicare that provides advocacy, advice and a comforting word to those young people who suffer homelessness temporarily and unexpectedly. They are on the streets meeting young people where they are, and ensuring they are informed, safe, and provided for.

Our students raise money for this cause from family and friends, and from fundraising in our School.  They are encouraged to find solutions to this problem, and to engage with compassion for those of their own age who will be cold tonight.

School Chaplain
Canon James Tabor

Dear Parents and Carers

Stepping into the role of Acting Deputy Head of Primary – Meadow Springs - has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me. The professionalism and care shown by our educators, students and even their parents, are evident in every classroom I visit. It is clear to me that a lot of thought and effort goes into creating spaces where students can thrive.

As an author, I have been especially impressed by the quality of student writing at our Primary School. Many of our young learners are crafting stories and responses well beyond their years. Even in the short time I’ve been here, I’ve noticed a marked improvement in how students are expressing themselves in their writing, which is a real credit to the teaching and support they’re receiving. It’s inspiring to see students developing confidence in their voice and communicating with clarity and imagination.

Another one of the real joys of this role has been seeing so many students wear their uniforms with pride and upholding all six of our core values, especially this Term’s focus value of Courage. It has been on display in abundance at our assemblies. The recent Book Parade and Book Fair have also been enjoyable to be a part of.

On a final note, the Meadow Springs Primary School has re-introduced slinky apples. We look forward to students joining us during recess on Friday mornings to get their apples “slinked” and keep that doctor at bay.

Dr Marcello Pennacchio
Deputy Head of Primary - Meadow Springs Campus

Kaya, everyone!

There has been a wonderful hum across the school since the beginning of term as the children settle back into well-established routines. Whilst the Makuru weather has brought some heavy rainfall and wild winds, we are beginning to see glimpses of Djilba with clearer days and flowers beginning to bloom. With weather changes and growth of children, we also begin to notice some uniform discrepancies creeping in. I encourage all families to revisit the School's uniform policy where examples of acceptable shoes, uniform items, hairstyles, and jewellery are pictured or listed for your convenience. 

Our Week 3 Book Week celebrations were fantastic opportunities to browse Book Fair collections and parade in dress ups to represent our favourite characters. Our courageous KH2 students led their first ever assembly where they communicated their joy for entering the world of make-believe through stories. This is a wonderful example highlighting the importance of reading in the development lifelong learners. Books are more than just stories on a page; they are gateways to imagination, empathy, and knowledge. Reading to and with children nurtures their curiosity and creativity, as well as building vocabulary and literacy skills. Sitting side-by-side with children and immersing yourself together in a story teaches them to associate reading with trust and intimacy and helps build a love of reading. Although it is tempting to pass children a device, please consider picking up some books and sharing a story instead. Think of it as an investment in the future. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” Dr. Seuss I Can Read With My Eyes Shut

As part of building empathy through service learning, at our Worship Service on Friday 15 August, we will launch our annual food drive as part of our recognition of National Homelessness Week. All donations will go to Peel Community Kitchen, a local organisation within Mandurah that provides meals and support to people in need. More information will be sent to families via email later this week.

In closing, I want to thank all of our families for your ongoing support and valuable contributions to our school community. Together may we give our children the “roots to grow and the wings to fly!” (Johaan Wolfgang von Goethe).

Mrs Natalie Burbage
Deputy Head of Primary - Halls Head Campus

Select your relevant campus category in the green button at the top of the calendar for easier viewing. 

Term 3 Carnivals, House Day and Father's Day Stalls:

• Secondary Athletics - Meadow Springs: Thursday 21 August 
• Primary Athletics - Halls Head (K - 6): Tuesday 26 August 
• Primary Athletics - Meadow Springs (3 - 6): Friday 29 August 
• Primary Halls Head Father's Day Stalls: Tuesday 02 September
• Primary Meadow Springs Father's Day Stalls: Tuesday 02 September and Wednesday 03 September
• Primary Athletics - Meadow Springs (PP-2): Thursday 25 September (Please check with Kindy staff for further information.)
• House Day: Friday 12 September 

Meadow Springs:

• Organiser: Mrs Livingstone
• Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Time: 8.00am - 8.15am

Halls Head:

• Organiser: Mrs Smith
• Days: Mondays and Thursdays
• Time: 8.10am - 8.25am

See you at our Primary Ovals!

Our school uses the money back from donations to purchase items for students, on each campus. The more you donate, the more we can buy!

• Halls Head Primary:  C11620310
• Meadow Springs Primary: C11004072
• Meadow Springs Secondary: C10597687

Meadow Springs and Halls Head Primary Campus
Primary ICT Teacher – part-time (0.8FTE) for Term 4 – Long Service Leave Cover – applications close Monday 11 August 2025 at 9:00am

Halls Head Campus 
Primary Music Teacher – part-time (0.6FTE) for the 2026 school year covering Maternity Leave – applications close Wednesday 20 August 2025 at 9:00am

Meadow Springs Primary Campus
Deputy Head of Primary – full-time ongoing to start in 2026 - applications close Monday 11 August 2025 at 9:00am

Whole School
Gardener and Grounds Person – ongoing full time

If you are interested or know of someone who would be interested please refer to our website for more information by clicking here.

• 2026 Scholarship Congratulations
• Supporting WA Mums Cottage

• Anglicare School Sleep Out
• ACC One-Day AFL Carnival
• Pathways to Success | Upper Secondary at Frederick Irwin Anglican School

Make sure you follow our social channels to receive updates as they happen throughout the Term. Links are below

• Book Week Costume Parade
• Inter-School Cross Country - Meadow Springs Campus 
• New Story Dogs Visitors! Anna and Reyna 

Don't forget to connect with our profiles online for updates as they happen! Links are below.

• Book Week Costume Parade
• Inter-School Cross Country - Halls Head Campus

Don't forget to connect with us online for daily updates from our three campuses. Links below.

• WA Swimming Team
• Rock Climbing Championships 

• Staff Member/Alumni Wins Silver!