Issue 17, 2025 (18 November)

Dear Parents and Carers

Social Media Ban from December 10 – Protecting Our Children

As many of you would be aware, from December 10, ‘The Social Media Ban’ will take effect for children under 16 years. This initiative, supported by the eSafety Commissioner, is focused on protecting children’s wellbeing and safety online.

Social media can present significant risks for young people, including exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and privacy concerns. This ban is a proactive step to create safer digital spaces and encourage healthier online habits for our students.

We understand this change may raise questions and impact families in different ways. You can view this  video https://youtu.be/AegxNorCRnUthat that discusses how the ban is not punishing under 16s, but protecting them. To better understand your thoughts regarding these changes, we invite you to participate in a quick poll.

Access the Poll Here.

For more information you can visit the eSafety Commissioner’s website: https://www.esafety.gov.au  and also check out our own SchoolTV with a video highlighting what parents and students need https://frederickirwin.wa.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/special-report-new-social-media-regulations-wh…

The focus for Frederick Irwin Anglican School is to support the students’ Wellbeing and help families navigate this change for those under 16.

Regards

Mrs Tracey Gray
Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

As we move into the final stages of the school year, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the hard work, commitment, and perseverance shown by all our students.  This time of year brings both reflection and anticipation - a chance to celebrate progress while preparing for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

To our Year 12 students, who are now sitting their WACE examinations or have recently completed their courses, we are immensely proud of your achievements.  You have demonstrated maturity, resilience, and determination throughout your final year of schooling.  As you approach the finish line, remember to take each exam as it comes and trust in the preparation you’ve done.  You’ve worked hard for this moment - believe in yourselves.

Our Year 11 students are currently undertaking their exams.  This is a valuable opportunity to build confidence and develop effective study habits that will serve you well in Year 12.  Stay positive, remain focused, and keep giving your best effort.

For our Year 7–10 students, exams and common assessments tasks begin in Week 6, commencing on Thursday, 20 November. Continue to revise steadily, ask questions when you need support, and maintain balance with rest, exercise, and healthy routines.  Every bit of effort now contributes to your long-term success.

Across all year levels, it’s important to remember that success is not defined by marks alone but by the growth, learning, and character you’ve developed along the way.  We are proud of every student for their dedication and the way you’ve approached your studies this year.

With exams and CATs in mind, here are a few reminders for effective preparation:

1. Plan your study time – Create a realistic schedule and stick to it.
2. Revise actively – Use practice papers and summaries to consolidate your understanding.
3. Look after yourself – Prioritise sleep, good nutrition, and moments to recharge.
4. Ask for help – Your teachers are here to support you.
5. Stay calm and confident – You are more prepared than you think.

We wish all students the very best in their upcoming assessments and encourage you to finish the year with the same enthusiasm and determination you’ve shown throughout 2025.

Kind regards

Mrs Anne Crock
Deputy Head of Secondary Teaching and Learning

Dear Parents and Carers

School TV- A Parent Resource full of practical tips and tricks from Kindergarten to Year 12

Parenting is one of the most significant, challenging and beautiful roles a human can experience- if only it came with a one size fits all manual!

At FIAS, we do have an amazing Parenting Resource called School TV. A link on our School Website and App will take you to a comprehensive library of contemporary parenting resources that are useful for those tricky times that can leave parents feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.

On the 10th of December the Australian Government will introduce new social media laws designed to protect young people accessing age-appropriate content online. While regulation is an important milestone, it cannot replace consistent parental guidance and positive role modelling.

School TV may be a very helpful resource for parents to seek out, as this landmark reform marks a major step forward in addressing growing concerns about the impact of social media on children’s mental health and development.

SchoolTV brings together trusted information from leading experts on many topics such as mental health, wellbeing, friendship challenges, online safety, and parenting strategies—all in one easy-to-access platform.

Through short videos, articles, and practical tips, SchoolTV helps you stay informed and empowered. Whether you’re looking for guidance on managing screen time, understanding anxiety, or fostering positive relationships, SchoolTV offers evidence-based advice tailored for today’s families.

Please follow the link for easy access to this very helpful parenting resource.

https://frederickirwin.wa.schooltv.me/

Kind regards

Mrs Robyn Dixon
School Counsellor

We can't wait to see you at this year's Carols on the Green! 

Date: Tuesday 2 December 2025

Time:

• 4.30pm to 6.00pm:  Photograph with Santa Claus! Plus food trucks, face painting, silent disco, find a spot on the Oval, candles and programmes handed out
• 4.45pm to 6.00pm: student performances
• 6.00pm – 7.30pm: carols event

Location: Kwobadiny Sports Oval

Parking: Primary school and Primary Oval. Overflow parking is available in the Kwobadiny Sports Centre parking bays.

Food Trucks: Pizza, Milky Monster (Ice-cream), Danny's Moving Kitchen (Burgers), Mac and Cheese Truck

Activities for students:

1. Face painting run by students (gold coin donation - cash or EFTPOS)
2. Silent Disco for all students ($5 for 15mins)
3. Photo with Santa (gold coin donation - cash or EFTPOS)

Please remember to bring your picnic rugs, nibbles, insect repellent and Christmas cheer!

Below are the current vacancies. To view the Duty Statements on our website click the link below.

Primary – Halls Head

• 2 x Special Needs Education Assistants – Full-time
• Education Assistant – Part-time 0.8FTE – 2026 only
• Education Assistant – Part-time 0.6FTE – 2026 only
• Primary Teacher – Part-time 0.2FTE – 2026 only
• Primary Teacher – Full-time – 2026 only

Primary – Meadow Springs

• Deputy Head of Primary – Full-time – starting Term 2 2026 – THIS IS A NEW POSITION

Secondary

• Health and Physical Education Teacher – Full-time ongoing

Whole School

• Gardeners & Grounds Person – ongoing part-time or full-time

If you are interested or know of someone who would be interested please refer to our website for more information by clicking the link below: www.frederickirwin.wa.edu.au/our-school/employment

During January 2026 School Holiday

• Tuesday 27/01/26 Meadow Springs,12.30 - 3.00
• Wednesday 28/01/26 Meadow Springs, 12.30 – 3.00
• Thursday 29/01/26 Meadow Springs, 8.00 – 12.00
• Friday 30/01/26 Meadow Springs, 8.00 - 3.00
• Monday 02/02/26 Meadow Springs, 8.00 – 10.00
• Monday 02/02/26 Meadow Springs, 12.30 - 4.00
   
• Monday 02/02/26 Halls Head, 8.00 – 9.00

Uniform Shop Hours (Term 4 and Term 1)

Meadow Springs

• Monday, 12.30 – 16.00
• Tuesday, 8.00 – 12.00
• Wednesday, 8.00 – 12.00 (Nov/Dec & Feb ONLY)
• Thursday, 8.00 – 12.00
• Friday, 12.30 – 15.30

Halls Head

• Monday, 8.00 – 9.00
• Thursday, 14.30 – 15.30

Dry Cleaning Your Blazer

The purpose of this article is to provide some guidance and advice relating to the safe laundering and dry cleaning of your Frederick Irwin School Blazer.

The first rule is that blazers should never be home-laundered. Treat your blazer like any suiting jacket – which is dry clean only. Just like a suit, blazers have high quality fabric (containing wool) together with fusing and lining which must be professionally cleaned. A quality dry cleaner should be used where possible. 

The above said, there are some dry cleaners that do not always dry clean in accordance with garment specifications. The primary complaint about dry cleaning is over-heating. When a blazer is over-heated, the fusing (used to make collars and the lapel maintain shape) will come away from the fabric and result in bubbles, a wave pattern or bulging. An experienced dry cleaner will know this and can prevent this from happening.

Frederick Irwin’s blazer manufacturer recommends using a larger-scale dry cleaner rather than small shopping centre-based dry cleaners. Larger volume dry cleaners tend to be more professional and have experience with special garments. If you are in any doubt, do not be afraid to ask questions about the dry cleaner’s practices and knowledge.

Sound dry-cleaning practices will ensure your blazer will last longer.

2026 Year 3 Students

From February 2026, your current Year 2 Student will need to purchase the full formal summer uniforms, to be worn for three days with two full days of sportswear (or 4/1 depending on the timetable). If you have not already booked an appointment please book through the school Uniform website ASAP to book a 15 minute fitting appointment.

Second hand Uniforms: Sustainable Shopping Credit Rewards - Shop Green, Save Green
Turn your second-hand uniform items into credit for future purchases!

Frederick Irwin Anglican School Uniform Shop developed a new system to allow our community who have sold second-hand uniform items through the Uniform Shop to receive a store credit, which can be utilised to purchase uniform items instore or via our existing online ordering process from mid 2024.

This customer-friendly system not only facilitates second-hand transactions but enhances engagement and loyalty with our community through utilising these credits for instore or online orders.

This is a school-based procedure in regard to Second-hand Uniform Payments – ‘Sustainable Shopping Credit Rewards’.

Customers can apply their credits during checkout when making purchases online, by clicking the box at ‘Payment’ to Apply Store Credit to reduce the online purchase amount or instore when paying.

A customer can view their store credit balance in their account details when they're logged into their Uniform customer account online via link below

 Click HERE  or  visit www.frederickirwin.wa.edu.au/school-community/uniform

Unfortunately, any item that has been taken in cannot be returned if either unsuitable or unsold.

Volunteer in Uniform Shop

Can you spare up to four hours each week? 

I would like to hear from any Parent willing to volunteer some time to the school by assisting in the Uniform Shop.

This would involve helping in all aspects of the operation of the shop during open hours, on one day a week, a max of four hours.

If any parent is interested in helping in the shop, please contact me at the shop or alternatively I am contactable via the School Office.

Dear students and families, 

Year 11 students from Ibaraki Christian High School will be visiting Frederick Irwin Anglican School this December for 5 nights. This visit will include two days at FIAS, where they will participate in our school program. 

Register now to host Japanese students from December 2-7.
Visit: https://goldil.com.au/schoolcommunity/

Host families receive: In addition to $275 to cover expenses, families who host in 2025 will go into the draw to win a Family Trip to Japan. This prize and remuneration are provided by Gold Educational Tours, who coordinate our inbound visit. 

Simply welcome these students into your routine while they experience Australian school life and share their culture with your family.

Register here: https://goldil.com.au/schoolcommunity/

For all questions regarding this hosting experience, please contact Gold Educational Tours at info@goldil.com.au / 08 6150 3759.

Thank you for your ongoing support of FIAS exchange programs.