Issue 19, 2025 (10 December)

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we conclude Term 4 and reflect on 2025, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our students and staff for their incredible effort and commitment throughout the year. It has been so encouraging to see so many students working diligently, living out our school values, and achieving remarkable milestones both academically and personally.

A special thank you to our parents and families for your ongoing partnership. Together, we have supported the growth of every child—pastorally and academically—across the school. Your encouragement and collaboration make a significant difference. I also want to acknowledge the abundance of thank-you cards and emails we have received for our dedicated staff. Your words of appreciation mean so much and affirm the care and commitment our teachers and support staff bring every day. We deeply value this connection.

To our wonderful staff, I want to express my gratitude for their hard work.  They give so much of themselves, and I want to acknowledge their work over the year.    As we close the year, we also say farewell to staff members who are moving on due to short term contracts, retiring and long service leave.  

Secondary

• Mark McFetridge - retiring
• Andrea Mandin - retiring
• Nat Carmody – new opportunity
• Gillian Learmonth – new opportunity
• Ben Dunbar – new opportunity
• Carly Boag - new opportunity
• Ben Viviers  - end of contract
• Kim Mason – end of contract
• Heidi Ruane – end of contract
• Shirley Rundle – end of contract
• Charlie Hatton – end of contract
• Matty Macnab – long service leave term 1
• Gueh Su – long service leave term 1
• Candice Shier – extended leave
• Sarah Richardson – extended leave

Meadow Springs Primary

• Angela Westwater – end of contract
• Lameze Balea – new opportunity
• Yolande van Zyl – end of contract
• Sarah Burtenshaw – long service leave Term 1

Halls Head Primary

• Kerrie Taylor – end of contract
• Naomi Woods – maternity leave
• Aimee Stoker – extended leave 

Please join us in wishing them God’s richest blessings for the future.  

To our School Council and Executive Team, thank you for your leadership and tireless work behind the scenes. Your guidance ensures our school continues to thrive.  

This summer break I encourage you to visit the Mandurah City Council website as they offer many wonderful events for children during the break, providing opportunities to engage in community activities and reduce reliance on social media.  We have included some events in this newsletter for your information.   If you are travelling, I encourage you to use this time to disconnect from devices and help children experience life beyond screens. In today’s fast-paced world, intentional disconnection has never been more important.  

As we move into the Christmas season, my prayer is that you enjoy a time of rest, renewal, and joy with loved ones. May this season bring peace and hope to your homes.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

God bless,

Tracey Gray
Principal

Social Media Ban – Resources

We have discussed previously the Social Media Ban for under 16-year-olds, which came into effect today. Here are some helpful links from the eSafety Commissioner:

• How will the social media age restrictions affect me if I'm under 16? | eSafety Commissioner
• Social media age restrictions: Get-ready guide for under-16s | eSafety Commissioner
• The eSafety Guide | eSafety Commissioner

Dear Parents and Carers

In 2026, Frederick Irwin Anglican School will introduce a change to the mobile phone policy. We want our students to “Be Present. Be Engaged. Be Your Best.” Reducing the temptation 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 in their bags or lockers at all times. Upon arrival in the morning, students must put away their phones and headphones once on school grounds and will not be permitted to use their phones 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 not be affected by this change.

This change also means students will not be able to use their phones to pay for items at the canteen. Students will need to bring an EFTPOS card, Spriggy card, or their Smartrider to make purchases. Details regarding the setup and use of Smartriders with Flexischools (our canteen app) will be provided closer to the start of Term 1. All new and Year 7 students will receive a free Smartrider. Students who require a replacement card will be able to order one for $5.

We hope this change will have a positive effect on student wellbeing and engagement.

Kind regards

Mr Shane Parnell
Deputy Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

As 2025 draws to a close, it’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements and experiences that have shaped this year. It has truly been a year of growth, learning, and memorable moments for our student, both inside and beyond the classroom.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our dedicated staff, whose passion and commitment have created vibrant, supportive learning environments. From inspiring lessons to guiding and supporting students through co-curricular opportunities, their efforts have been instrumental in making this year fantastic. Special recognition is due to those who coordinated and gave up their comfortable beds to attend and ensure the success of recent highlights such as the Year 7 and Year Camps and the Year 9 Reward Day at the Baldivis Water Park. These events not only foster teamwork and resilience but also strengthen the sense of belonging that our school community is known for.

To our students: whether you’ve reached academic milestones, excelled in extracurricular pursuits, or simply faced challenges with determination, you should be proud of all you’ve accomplished. Your hard work and perseverance are what make our school thrive.

We are excited to welcome our incoming Year 6 students and their families as they prepare to join Secondary in 2026. Transitioning to a new stage of schooling is a significant step, and we look forward to supporting each student as they embark on this exciting journey. Our team is committed to ensuring a smooth and positive start for every new member of our community.

As the holiday season approaches, we wish all families a joyful Christmas and a restful break. May this time be filled with laughter, happiness, and cherished moments with loved ones. For those travelling, stay safe and enjoy your adventures.

We look forward to seeing everyone in the new year—refreshed and ready for another incredible chapter in 2026!

Kind regards

Ms Jannine Webb
Head of Secondary

Dear Parents and Carers

2025  - A Fantastic Year of Learning!

As we come to the end of a very successful school year, I want to take a moment to recognise the many achievements and celebrations that have made 2025 so memorable. What a wonderful way to finish the year, with our Kindergarten Nativity plays, the K–2 Christmas Concert, the Year 3–6 Presentation Assembly, and the beautiful Year 6 Thanksgiving Service. Each of these events showcased the talent, joy, and sense of community that make Frederick Irwin a special place.

I am incredibly proud of our students and deeply grateful to our parents for their ongoing support and partnership with our staff. Together, we have worked to ensure that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 

Partnership

Over the past two years, we have focused diligently on strengthening the home–school partnership. One of our key priorities has been providing families with timely and regular feedback on their child’s learning. I am proud that we now offer consistent updates on literacy and numeracy development each term, ensuring parents are informed and engaged in their child’s academic journey. This commitment will remain a strong focus as we move into 2026.

Looking ahead, there are many exciting developments on our campus. If you haven’t yet seen our 10-Year Plan video on the School website, I encourage you to take a look. Families will have noticed the construction of our new basketball court, a sign of the additions to come. There is much more on the horizon, and we are thrilled about the opportunities these developments will bring for our students.

Although I have thanked our amazing staff at every end-of-year assembly, I want to use this platform to reiterate the absolute respect I have for their commitment and professionalism. Our staff at Frederick Irwin are second to none, and just like our students, they now head into a very well-deserved break.

Exciting Staffing News

Behind the scenes, we are also in the midst of interviewing candidates for our second Deputy Head of Primary. This additional leadership role will strengthen our Primary structure and provide even more support for staff, students, and families. I am excited about the positive impact this will have and know the successful candidate will work in close partnership with Mr Pennaccio and our leadership team.

Finally, I want to say how blessed I feel to be leading this amazing Primary School. During interviews with prospective staff and families, I often hear comments about the “feel” of our school, the sense of community and positivity. This wasn’t created by accident, it is the result of every member of our community contributing to something special. Thank you for being part of that.

I wish all our families a joyful and blessed Christmas. Enjoy time with loved ones, and I look forward to seeing you out and about over the school break.

Kind regards

Noah Clark
Head of Primary – Meadow Springs Campus

Dear Parents and Carers

As we reach the end of another wonderful year at the Halls Head Campus, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared in 2025. 

Our school continues to stand out for its strong values, Anglican traditions, and a holistic approach to education. From Kindergarten to Year 6, we have successfully provided a smooth and supportive educational environment for our students, ensuring they feel empowered and inspired every day at school. For this I sincerely thank the teachers, education assistants, office staff and leadership team at the Halls Head Campus. Your commitment to meeting the educational and wellbeing needs of each student, has stood out to me since I joined Frederick Irwin Anglican School in Term 3. 

Importantly, at the heart of our school day, our Core Values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Compassion, Courage, and Inclusion have continued to be obvious. Our School Values have guided our staff and students, influencing learning environments and the manner in which we interact with others and contribute to the community around us. I have enjoyed listening to students as they have articulated what our School core values look from a child’s perspective in their classrooms, the playground and in their relationships with each other. 

As we look forward to a new school year 2026, our campus will be entering the next phase of its growth. The second stage of the Early Learning Centre will commence in Term 1, and my staff and I look forward to welcoming new students and families and continuing to work with existing families academically, socially, and spiritually. 

Thank you for your trust, partnership, and involvement in our school community, it is what makes Frederick Irwin such a special place.

On behalf of my staff and I, I wish you and your family a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year for another exciting chapter in your child’s learning journey.

Kind regards 

Mr Rob Gratton
Head of Primary - Halls Head Campus

• Friday 12 December - The Meadow Springs and Halls Head School Offices will be closed.
• Monday 15 December to Friday 19 December - The main Secondary School Office will be open 8.00am to 4.00pm (closed for lunch 12.30pm – 1.00pm). Both Primary School Offices will be closed.
• Monday 22 December to Friday 2 January - All School Offices closed to the public.
• Monday 5 January to Friday 9 January - All School Offices closed to the public. Main telephone line will be monitored.
• Monday 12 January to Friday 16 January - The main Secondary School Office will be open 10.00am to 3.00pm. Both Primary School Offices will be closed.
• Monday 19 January to Friday 23 January - All School Offices will be open 8.00am to 4.00pm (closed for lunch 12.30pm to 1.00pm).
• Monday 26 January - Public Holiday – School Offices closed.
• Tuesday 27 January - All School Offices will be open 8.00am to 4.00pm.
• Wednesday 28 January - All School Offices closed until 1.30pm.
• Thursday 29 January to Friday 30 January - All School Offices open as normal.

Start of Term:

• Friday 30 January - All School Offices open as normal. Years 7, 11 and 12 begin Term 1.
• Monday 2 February - All other students begin Term 1

If you require further information, please email admin@fias.wa.edu.au

We had 72 students representing the school across both campuses in team/individual events which was simply amazing!

All students did a fantastic job and it was an enjoyable day for all - congratulations everyone. Also well done to Hugo Obrien, Charlie Nelligan and Beau Bayles who came 2nd in their division.

Mrs Madison Champ
Health and Physical Education Teacher - Primary

During the ceremony, students were proudly presented with their certificates and commended for the way they have carried themselves throughout their primary years.

Following the service, the Year 6s enjoyed a special afternoon tea with their families. Along the way, they were applauded by the students and members of the audience as they exited the Hall, with everyone forming a guard of honour.

Best of luck in Year 7 – we can’t wait to see all you achieve!

Students were presented with their certificates, and were congratulated on the way they have displayed themselves throughout their primary school years.

On the way to the post-event morning tea with their families, the Year 3-5s applauded them as they left the Chapel, and as they passed through the Primary Walkway, the Year 7s surrounded them in a guard of honour, officially welcoming them to the Secondary school.

Best of luck in Year 7!

The students performed a number of festive songs for their parents and families, including the Year 2 students presenting the Nativity story.

Head of Primary Mr Rob Gratton and Principal, Mrs Tracey Gray, both spoke about the wonderful year at Halls Head Campus, with the Christmas message and blessing performed by Assistant Chaplain, Mrs Alicia Tearle.

It was a wonderful afternoon for all who attended.

The Kwobadiny was full of proud parents and family members as they watched their children perform Christmas favourites.

Mr Noah Clark and Mrs Tracey Gray spoke of the wonderful year 2025 has been, looking to 2026 for another wonderful year for the School.

From Class Certificates celebrating Attitude and Effort and Consistent Achievement, to the Judie Grime Literature, Mathematics, Science, Music, and Rotary Awards, we are incredibly proud of the dedication and achievements of our Year 3 to Year 6 students this year.

A huge thank you to our Chapel Choir and Secondary Ensemble for delivering such memorable performances during the Assembly.

We also extend our gratitude to our dedicated Year 3 to Year 6 staff for their unwavering commitment, and to our 2025 House Captains and Junior Councillors for leading with enthusiasm and integrity throughout the year.

From Class Certificates celebrating Attitude and Effort and Consistent Achievement, to the prestigious Judie Grime Literature, Mathematics, Science, Music, and Rotary Awards, we are incredibly proud of the dedication and achievements of our Year 3 to Year 6 students this year.

A huge thank you to our Primary Choir and Secondary Ensembles for delivering such memorable performances during the Assembly.

We also extend our gratitude to our dedicated Year 3 to Year 6 staff for their unwavering commitment, and to our 2025 House Captains and Junior Councillors for leading with enthusiasm and integrity throughout the year.

It was a lovely night, filled with lots of waving and singing, and everyone had so much fun!

Thank you to everyone who came along to support us. 

Families enjoyed a fantastic hour of performances from our talented music students before Mrs Tracey Gray and Mr Shane Parnell led the carols, adding plenty of laughter with Christmas jokes and trivia.

The Silent Disco made a return this year and was once again a huge hit with our older students, bringing a fun twist to the celebrations. Of course, the highlight for many was the magical visit from Santa plus the introduction of 'Where's Reverend James'!

A big congratulations to all our soloists and group performers who helped lead the crowd in singing our favourite Christmas tunes.

Thank you to our incredible school families for joining us—it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces, festive outfits, and enthusiastic carol singing throughout the night!