E-News 25 February

 

Term 1

Welcome to Week 4

A Vibrant College Community

The last few weeks have been very vibrant ones for our College community as we head toward the midterm with excellent momentum and energy.

Congratulations to our students who have started the year with enthusiasm, committing to the many pathways and opportunities on offer at the College and picking up my challenge to them of always being ‘ready to learn’.

Students at this stage of the year are gaining a good sense of the rhythms and routines of the new school year and an understanding of the importance of adopting positive study habits to support learning both in and outside of the classroom. I would again highlight the importance of our students being ‘agents of their own learning’ and seeking out support for any gaps they discover in their learning.

As a College that promotes parent engagement, we acknowledge the rich involvement and support of families in commencing the 2025 school year. We look forward to another very productive year in working in partnership with parents and caregivers.

K-12 Community Mass

It was a delight to welcome students, families and staff to our K-12 Community Mass at the College on Tuesday last week. As the Corpus Christi, the Body of Christ, it was most appropriate to welcome in the new school year by celebrating Mass together as one community. 

We aligned our Community Mass theme to the 2025 Jubilee theme of “Pilgrims of Hope”. This concept of hope, Pope Francis suggests, is not "a passive virtue, which merely waits for things to happen", rather it is a “supremely active virtue that helps make them happen".

Pope Francis encourages us to be “messengers of hope” in this Jubilee Year by saying “yes to life”. He says, “we are called to be tangible signs of hope for those of our brothers and sisters who experience hardship of any kind.” He tells us not be afraid to “throw open bright windows of closeness to those who are suffering”.

This of course is what it means to strive toward our Vision of being Outstanding for Others. It is putting the needs of others before our own; it is using our individual gifts to the full to positively impact the lives of others; it is to be a pilgrim in this special year to bring hope to others through our actions.

I would like to acknowledge Father Phong for celebrating the beautiful Community Mass. We are greatly appreciative for his, and the St Thomas More Parish community’s, ongoing support of the faith life of our College.

I am very grateful also to our families and our students for their support in prioritising this special event. This level of engagement allows us to continue to build our culture and grow together as one community. Well done, of course, also to our amazing staff for their dedicated efforts in support of the Mass.

Parent Information Evenings

Adding to the vibrancy of the last few weeks were our Parent Information sessions held across several evenings.  It was terrific to see so many families attend the school across the K-12 years connecting with teachers, other parents and caregivers.

Presenting staff took the opportunity to outline important aspects of the year ahead and promote the benefits of open communication between home and school. We would strongly encourage parents to reach out to Homeroom and Classroom teachers if they ever have any concerns around the pastoral or academic progress of their children. As per my letter sent out to families at the beginning of the year and as requested by parents attending Friends of Corpus, please find a staff directory with associated contact details available new link here. We would have the expectation that all communications with the College adhere to our Code of Conduct, honouring the respectful partnership that we have with parents in supporting the holistic growth of their children. The Code is available here.

Inter-House Swimming Carnivals

The atmosphere at the Jennifer Reilly Aquatic Centre was electric last week as students competed in the Senior School Inter-House Swimming Carnivals across each of the year levels.

Congratulations to our students for the enthusiastic way that they involved themselves in the carnival, supporting their House with pride and building positive spirit. It was terrific to see students giving of their best, with many personal times and College records being broken.

We acknowledge the enormous efforts of College staff to ensure the success of the carnival. We look forward with great anticipation to the Junior School Carnival being held this Thursday. A reminder that parents and families are invited to the College to support their children at the carnival.

 Upcoming Events

 I would like to take the opportunity to remind families of some key upcoming dates:

  • Friday 28 February: Staff Professional development Day (student free day)

  • Monday 3 March: Labour Day Holiday

  • Wednesday 12 March: Friends of Corpus

Best wishes and every blessing, 

Jeff Allen

Principal

 

Vale Marie Drygan

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we inform the Corpus community of the passing of our long-serving staff member Marie Drygan. Marie commenced at the College in July 1996 to cover a six-month maternity leave and did not leave until she retired in July 2021 (25 years later).

Marie supported many students from Year 7 through to their graduation as a wonderful Homeroom teacher initially being part of Forrest House and then moving into Xavier House in 2011. Her kind, considerate, proactive approach won the respect of both her students and colleagues alike.

Marie was an integral part of the Technology and Enterprise Learning Area. Many students and staff benefitted from her gentle guidance, warm nature and expertise in the area of Food and Textiles. Her mentoring and inspiration, particularly in textiles over many years, resulted in the wonderful achievement of our students at the 'Teenage Fashion Awards' including national success.

 Vale Marie – we send our condolences to her much loved family. If you have a memory of Marie, please share with the community below.

 
 

Real Madrid Foundation Football Camp

We are excited to announce an amazing collaboration between Corpus Christi College and the Official Real Madrid Foundation Football Camp.

The Official Real Madrid Foundation Football Camp will be hosted at Corpus Christi College from 14 April - 17 April 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students and the wider community to elevate their football skills and experience a world-class training programme in Perth. The camp will be led by UEFA licensed Real Madrid Foundation coaches, ensuring that participants receive top-quality training based on the official Real Madrid Foundation methodology.

The camp will cover various aspects of football, including strategy, technique, values, fitness, sports psychology, competition, and real game situations. Participants will engage in a 5-day camp with 6 hours of daily training, providing an immersive and comprehensive experience.

The camp sessions will run from 8.00 AM to 3.30 PM and are open to players and goalkeepers aged 6 to 17 years old regardless of their playing level. On the first day, participants undergo evaluations and are placed in groups based on age and ability, ensuring high quality training sessions.

This week, families will receive an email with more information and a unique discount code. This code is exclusive to Corpus students and cannot be shared. The special price for Corpus Christi College students is $825 (originally $1155). Limited spots are available. Tickets are available at: sdaagency.com.au  

We look forward to hosting this incredible event at Corpus Christi College.

Preloved Uniforms

As the College transitions fully to the new uniforms in 2026, the opportunity to donate your old uniforms becomes a possibility across the College.

Last year the College, along with the Friends of Corpus and the Stewardship Student Leaders, investigated how we could recycle/repurpose old uniforms and commenced a pilot program in the Junior School. The response was wonderful and a large number of preloved uniforms were donated to PCCRW who send uniforms to Nigeria and West Africa.

We now invite the Senior School to join the Junior School in donating uniforms. There will be collection points at Student Services, the College Uniform shop and in the James Nestor foyer close to the back entrance of the Uniform shop.

We ask that the donations are clean and placed in a bag labelled as a donation. As there are lots of items of uniform coming in and out of the College each day, it is important to clearly distinguish what is a ‘donation’ versus ‘lost property’.

Thank you for your support of this initiative.

Uniform Shop Update: New Hours & Winter Fitting Appointments

With Term 2 and winter uniforms on the horizon, we’ve listened to your feedback and are updating our Uniform Shop hours starting Week 7 (Monday, 17 March). These new hours will offer families more flexibility, especially during the busy winter uniform changeover period.

While families can always order items through Flexischools, we highly recommend bringing your child with you when visiting the shop for fittings or other uniform needs.

New Uniform Shop Hours (from Week 7):

  • Monday. 8.00 AM – 11.00 AM (unchanged)

  • Wednesday. 12.30 PM – 4.00 PM

  • Friday. 8.00 AM – 1.40 PM

Winter Fitting Appointments - Bookings Required
Winter uniform fitting appointments are available during the final four weeks of term, and student attendance is required for all fittings.

Wednesday Evenings (3.20 PM - 6.00 PM) - Bookings Required:

School Holidays Fitting Days (9.00 AM - 3.30 PM):

Please book your appointment here to secure a fitting time.

Uniform Shop General Holiday Open Day (Walk-ins Welcome):

We look forward to assisting you and your child with the winter uniform changeover.

Parking Reminder for College Pick-Up/Drop-Off

We’ve received some important feedback regarding parking areas on campus. To ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the safety of all students, we kindly ask that parents refrain from parking in the Hawkes Pass parking area and the Education Support Centre parking area. These areas are designated for staff and Education Support Centre use only and are not permitted for student pick-up or drop-off.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in helping us maintain a safe and efficient environment.

Thank you for your understanding and support!

Enrolments Update

The Enrolments Team is currently accepting enrolment applications for the following academic entry years: 

Junior School:  

    • 3-Year-Old Pre-Kindergarten, entry in 2027 

    • 4-Year-Old Kindergarten,  entry in 2028 

Senior School:  

    • Years 8 to 11 - entry in 2025 

    • Year 7 – entry in 2028 & 2029 

    • Year 7,  entry in 2027 (Apply now! ) 

Siblings of current students: 

If you have a child who is a sibling of a current student and you’d like to enrol them, please submit an enrolment application to their intended year of entry.    

Important reminder for current Year 6 families (2025): 

We kindly remind parents/caregivers that there is no need to re-enrol for Year 7 in 2026 as your child’s enrolment will automatically continue. If your child will not be attending Year 7 in 2026, please inform our Enrolments Team.    

Contact us

Please reach out to our Enrolments Team, as we welcome all enrolment inquiries at:   enrolments@corpus.wa.edu.au

 
 
 

Production Props Support

The Radium Girls Production Team is seeking assistance with some woodwork and metalwork, and we’d love to tap into the skills of our talented parent community! If you’re able to lend a hand, please get in touch with Chris Hastie at Chris.Hastie@cewa.edu.au.

Chris will provide all the details regarding the work needed, materials, and timeframes. Your support will help bring this incredible production to life!

Thank you in advance for your generosity and expertise!

 
 

As technology continues to evolve, one of the most common questions parents face is when to introduce their child to the world of smartphones. With the benefits of connectivity, learning, and communication, it's tempting to hand over a phone, but how do you know when your child is truly ready? In their latest blog, the Wellbeing Team offers insights and practical advice to help you make an informed decision about when the time is right for your child to have a smartphone, based on key factors like maturity, responsibility, and safety awareness. This blog is also poignant as we ready the College for a visit from Paul Litherland an expert on Cyber Security. To sign up to the Paul Litheland event or learn more on how to support your child’s technology usage - read more on the blog!

 
 

Dear Parents,

Thank you for your ongoing support of our Community Mass. As we enter the season of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday, March 5, here are some important dates and events to remember:

Shrove Tuesday - March 4
Join us for Shrove Tuesday celebrations from 7.45 AM to 8.30 AM at the St Thomas More Parish Courtyard. Pancakes will be sold for $2.50 each via cash or card, with proceeds benefiting Caritas Australia’s Project Compassion. We anticipate a high demand for pancakes, so be sure to get in early to avoid missing out!

Ash Wednesday - March 5
Our Ash Wednesday liturgy marks the beginning of Lent and includes a reflection on scripture, the launch of Project Compassion, and the symbolic sign of the cross with ashes. Students and staff will attend this important service together.

Rice Bowl Day - March 5
On the same day as Ash Wednesday, we’ll host Rice Bowl Day, a Corpus tradition and fundraiser for Caritas. The canteen will serve only rice for recess and lunch ($2 per bowl), with all proceeds supporting Project Compassion. Students must pre-order their rice bowls through flexischools, and we encourage participation to raise awareness and funds for Caritas' global initiatives.

Thank you for your support in helping us make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. For more details, check the College calendar.

Best regards,

Damian Ramos

Deputy of Catholic Identity and Mission

 

The National Assessment Program in Literacy and Numeracy will take place in Weeks 6 and 7 this term. Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will be assessed in the areas of Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language and Numeracy. 

Teachers will have dedicated time before the commencement of NAPLAN to guide students on how to navigate the screen while using the online assessment platform.

Students in Years 5, 7 and 9 are reminded to bring their fully charged devices and headphones on their scheduled NAPLAN days. 

We aim to create a seamless assessment experience within a calm and well-structured environment, allowing it to feel like a natural part of the student’s day. Students are encouraged to approach their assessments with confidence and put forth their best effort.

Best regards,

Kylee Chung

Short-Term Deputy Principal Teaching & Learning

 
 

Term Dates

  • For a quick glance of the College Term, Student free days and more, visit the link here.

Calendar highlights below:

 Week 4

 Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Visit the Calendar for more details:

Maximise Your Engagement with the College Calendar!

Did you know our College Calendar offers dual access? It’s publicly available online for general viewing, but signing in reveals a richer, more detailed schedule.

We understand the importance of keeping up with your child’s school activities. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the College Calendar effectively. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions to make the most of the calendar and support your child every step of the way here: Parent Calendar Overview - IT Helpdesk.

Please refer to the College calendar for more details.

 

Please refer to the College Calendar for the most up-to-date event dates and information, as it serves as the definitive source.

Ticketed Events

Corpus Christi College is proud to announce that Mr Paul Litherland, will be returning to conduct a Cyber Security and Internet Awareness presentation to parents and carers. This 'Adult-Only' presentation covers a great deal of information to help understand our kids' internet playground and to stay one step ahead of them in the online world. We are honoured that Paul has been presenting to our College Community for 12 years and remains a crucial contributor to the education of our students and community.

Paul with 20 years of experience as a WA Police Officer, with his last 6 years spent within Technology Crime. He was involved in a large number of investigations where adults and kids were caught up in the risks the online world presents. Paul started educating kids about those risks in his local area and decided to leave the police to start Surf Online Safe. Paul is now presenting to over 850 schools and organisations across Australia and is recognised nationally as a leading educator in the field of Internet Awareness. Paul has been pivotal in driving legislative support for the victims of online crime and was the driving force behind the introduction of Intimate Image Abuse laws in 2019.

Paul’s dedication and commitment to education and awareness culminated in him being named the 2022 Western Australian of the Year.

Highly Recommended for Junior and Senior School Parents/Guardians.

Content Warning: This presentation covers sensitive topics that attendees may find disturbing.

Radium Girls

We are excited to announce that this year’s drama production at Corpus Christi College is Radium Girls!

Step back into the 1920s and witness the compelling stories of young women who fought for truth, justice, and the wellbeing of others. As employees of watch factories, these women meticulously painted luminous dials on watches, unaware of the danger hidden in the glow. Their well-paying jobs promised bright futures—until their dreams turned into nightmares as they fell victim to a mysterious and terrifying illness...

This emotionally charged historical tale explores themes of responsibility, workplace safety, and the power of our choices.

Show Dates and Times:

  • May 9, 2025 | 7:00 PM

  • May 10, 2025 | 7:00 PM

Venue: Corpus Christi College – Caroline Payne Theatre

Don’t let time run out—secure your seats now for this unforgettable theatrical event!

Book Your Tickets Now!

South Side Symphony Orchestra

The South Side Symphony Orchestra will perform an exciting concert on Sunday, March 16, at 2:30 p.m. at the Corpus Christi College Theatre, featuring Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Bizet’s L’Arlésienne Suite. This community ensemble, established in 2011 and based in the City of Melville, consists of over 70 enthusiastic amateur musicians. The concert will open with Bizet’s L’Arlésienne Suite, known for its rich melodies and dramatic flair, and close with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, famous for its bold, fate-defying motif. Musical Director Izaak Wesson highlights the emotional depth and energy of these masterpieces, promising an unforgettable afternoon of passion, drama, and musical brilliance.

 

St Thomas More Parish Religious Education Program (PREP)

Our 2025 PREP classes will commence on Wednesday 5 February 2025. 

The online enrolment is now open via the link here.

The classes run from Pre-Primary to Year 6 including sacramental classes (First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation) every Wednesday from 4.00-5.00pm during Term 1 to Term 3. Special arrangements can be made for High School children and children who attend Corpus Christi College and surrounding Catholic schools who may not have celebrated their age-relevant Sacrament. If there is any question on the enrolment, please contact the RE Coordinator via email catechist.bateman@perthcatholic.org.au or call 9310 1747 (available Tue/Wed).

 
 

Learn to Swim at Corpus

Corpus Christi College offers a Learn to Swim Program onsite at the Jennifer Reilly Aquatic Centre. The aquatic centre features a covered and heated 25 metre, eight-lane indoor lap and water polo pool, a separate 12 metre learn-to-swim pool and terrace seating for 180 people. Our Learn to Swim Program is facilitated by Speed With Style, a company who provide a unique approach to swim teaching called Individualised Custom Teaching, which was developed by Dr Nigel Williams in collaboration with head coach and Speed with Style Founder - John Williams.

The Learn to Swim program is available to both Corpus Christi College students and those external to the College.

You can register and find more information about Speed with Style here.

Community Advertisements

 
 

Isla Emmerson Represents WA in National Box Lacrosse Championships

Year 11 student Isla Emmerson (De Vialar) was selected to represent Western Australia at the National Senior Box Lacrosse Championships in Altona, Melbourne. This marked Isla’s first senior selection, making her the youngest athlete in the competition.

WA performed strongly throughout the tournament, reaching the Grand Final against Victoria. Despite a valiant effort, the team fell just short of victory. Isla made a significant impact, scoring five goals across the championship, including a hat trick against South Australia.

Now, Isla shifts her focus to the National U18 Championships in Adelaide this April, where she will once again compete for WA. In July, she will travel to the USA to attend showcases and prospect camps in pursuit of collegiate opportunities.

Congratulations Isla on your amazing achievements!

Max Coten Makes Waves in Iconic Marathon Swim

Alumnus Max Coten (2021) has cemented his place among Australia’s top open-water swimmers, claiming victory in this year’s iconic Rottnest Channel Swim. Battling through the early morning chill, Max was the first athlete to reach the island, completing the gruelling 19.7-kilometre crossing in an impressive time of 4 hours, 2 minutes, and 15 seconds.

At just 21 years old, Max’s dedication and endurance saw him outpace a competitive international field, with Italian swimmer Alessio Occhipinti finishing in 4:08:56 and South African Byron Kimber close behind in 4:12:19.

Max’s achievement is a testament to his hard work, discipline, and passion for marathon swimming. His journey from school competitions to dominating one of Australia’s most renowned open-water events is an inspiration to aspiring athletes.

Congratulations, Max, on this incredible accomplishment—we look forward to seeing where your swimming career takes you next!

Edie Jackson An Interstate Champion

We are thrilled to celebrate the success of Edie Jackson, who represented Western Australia at the National Australian Pool Life Saving Championships in Sydney this January. As a proud member of the WA State Team, Edie played a key role in their triumph as National Champions 2025. Remarkably, she was the second-youngest competitor in the Open out of Age (OoA) category, securing an outstanding seven medals across individual and relay events. In addition, the Opens WA Team were named Interstate Champions for 2025.

Congratulations, Edie, on your impressive results after such impressive dedication!

Gisella Colletti in Top 21 on Australian Idol

We are absolutely thrilled to share that our very own Year 12 student, Gisella Colletti, is competing on Australian Idol and has made it to the Top 21!

Let’s all get behind Gisella—share the news with your family and friends and tune in to Channel 7 and 7plus, Sunday to Tuesday, to cheer her on.

You can see her audition here. You can follow her on Instagram here.

Gisella, we are so proud of you!

 

Do you have a Student Success story to share?

If you have a story to share? email: enews@corpus.wa.edu.au

Corpus Communications