PRINCIPAL - PAULA MACKENZIE

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Advent marks the start of the Christmas season. At Mass on Sunday, you would have seen the first candle of Advent lit. The word Advent, from Latin means the “Coming”. It is a time of spiritual reflection as well as happiness and anticipation. This is the time we prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus at Christmas.

The first and most important thing we can do to prepare our children for Advent is to prepare ourselves first. After all, if we are impatient and short tempered and pressured by all the busyness of this season – we won’t be very good at teaching our children anything about quiet, expectant waiting. If they never hear us talk about what we long for from the Lord, how will they learn about this kind of longing? And, if they hear “the coming of Jesus” spoken about at church, and at school, but they never hear us talk about the meaning of the coming of Jesus for us, what kind of message will we be giving them?
Of course, our children will be watching us and listening to us – what we say and do, and what we fail to say and do. So, the first thing we can give our children is our own commitment to enter Advent as deeply as we can. We want to clear our own spirits so that we can be present to theirs. The graces we receive can be the graces we share with them.

TRANSITION

On Wednesday last week, all our children had the chance to meet their new teachers for 2019 and spend time with their new classmates. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to prepare for next year and know exactly where they are and in which rooms. There was a lot of happy chatter and excited faces. The transition went smoothly thanks to our wonderful staff. It is an important part of our year as we want our students to go on holidays knowing who their teachers are and who is in their class.

GRADUATION DISCO

We had a wonderful evening on Friday night when our Year Six students celebrated their final year at St Brigid’s with a Disco. The theme of movies and Hollywood filled the hall. We had an amazing group of mothers come and decorate the hall and what a display it was. I believe our students could not believe their eyes at the scene that unfolded. I have never been to a red carpet event in person but on Friday night it felt like Hollywood had come to Middle Swan. Our students were the stars that shone brightly so congratulations to our awesome decorators you made the night a special event to be remembered.

                     

 

                                             

END OF YEAR MASS

We celebrated an awesome End of Year Mass on Tuesday. It was wonderful to see so many of our parents celebrate with us. Father Benny as always was amazing the way he spoke with the children and spread the message of hope peace and love. It is a fantastic way to finish off the year with a blessing from our spiritual leader. Thank you to our outstanding choir who just add something special every time they sing and their awesome leader Mrs Alison Yeo. To Mrs Erica Manson who runs out PowerPoint and as always our sensational Mr Mike Sibbald for organising and writing the Mass.

END OF YEAR CONCERT

On Wednesday Night we celebrated our End of Year Concert a big thank you to the stars of the show our students who really sung and danced the night away. We had a wonderful range of items to keep parents entertained. We had some wonderful choices of songs and the dance routines were outstanding. Thank you to Tina from Footsteps for the amazing dance routines. Each year we have Footsteps come for the term to teach out amazing students a dance number for the concert. The energy Tina showed throughout the program and on the night was sensational.
A big thank you to Alison Yeo our music teacher for orchestrating the evening and her band of helpers. Thank you also to our sensational staff for coming up with the songs and movements to entertain you. Lastly thank you parents for attending and being such a wonderful audience.

 

FAREWELL TO STAFF

We have had an amazing year and so much has happened as a school community. It is always sad when we farewell staff as they are an integral part of our community and they will be missed. Each member of our staff make a difference in our school and they will be fondly remembered.

Mrs Anne Brown has had a strong connection to our school. She has been a teacher and leader of our school. We wish Anne well and thank her for the terrific work she has done in our school over the past 14 years. She has led our Literacy throughout the school as well as taught many different year levels, managed class budgets, organised the swimming programme and Concert evenings and so much more. Anne has shown great passion and strength as she has helped to lead our school. Anne loves children and strove to provide great care for all at St Brigid’s, students, staff and parents alike. She was a key link for so many organisations and she always kept children at the centre of her drive. She is both highly organised and has a wonderful eye for detail. She has given so much to so many and we wish her well as she takes on her next leadership challenge at Edmund Rice College Bindoon. Anne you will be truly missed by our whole school community and we thank you for your dedication and drive and energy.

Mr Darran Scattini has been our remarkable Year Six teacher this year and while he has only been with us for such a short time he has made a huge impact in our school and with the children in our care and staff. His dedication to his class is commendable and his neatness is legendary. We wish to thank you Darran for your amazing work ethic and you will be missed.

Mrs Simone Wiles has lead our Playgroup this year and worked in our school last year. We have valued her care and concern for the students and the way she has developed great relationships with the parents in our school.

WELCOME TO NEW STAFF

At this time we would like to welcome Mr Luke Shaw to our school, Luke has been appointed as our New Assistant Principal and Junior science teacher for 2019. I know that you will make Luke very welcome in our school community.

Ms Tara Frediani will also be joining us next year in Year Two with Mrs Motherway, Ms Frediani is no stranger to our school as she has been with us before as our Year One teacher a number of years ago as well as working with our classes in junior science this term.

SCHOLARSHIP TO LA SALLE

I would also like to mention a special student that received a scholarship to La Salle Catholic College. Congratulations to Jessie Ricks on receiving an Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Bursary scholarship this is a wonderful achievement and very well deserved.

MOVE FOR OUR SPEICAL EDUCATION UNIT TO THE NEW JEAN ELLSION CENTRE

The School Board has been busy in making the move from our current Special Education Unit to its new location which is the old multipurpose room a reality. The centre will be known as the Jean Ellison Centre from the beginning of 2019 and out students will be our little Jeanie’s. The change has been greatly appreciated by the staff and students and the new area looks fantastic. It is so much bigger and now features an outdoor area as well as a new trampoline that will be seen next term.

PLAYGROUP

Our new playgroup next year will now run from the old education support room as this will become our Early Years room. Mrs Billy-Rooney is busily creating a wonderful room for our students for next year. Currently we are working on bringing a Three Year Olds Program to St Brigid’s, we envisage that this program will begin by Semester Two. We will keep you informed.

FINAL CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Your energy is what energises us each and every day. I would like to thank especially the Sacramental teams for the incredible dedication and support this year in making the Sacraments so special for our children. I am incredibly grateful for Father Benny who has a kind and loving presence in our school. I would like to thank all the staff for their dedication and support this year across all areas of school life. It is an honour to work with such vibrant and passionate staff who’s greatest priority is the children.

I wish you all a very blessed and Holy Christmas and look forward to your safe return in 2019, and if your journey with us has ended, may you always remember you were a special part of our school and will be remembered.

May God bless you all at this special time of the year.

 

Paula MacKenzie
PRINCIPAL

 

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - MIKE SIBBALD

FIRST RECONCILIATION & FIRST EUCHARIST 2019

Children currently in Year Two and Three, who will be making their First Reconciliation or First Eucharist, next year, have been sent home a sacramental record booklet that needs to be signed each time that your child attends mass. If you attend mass during the holidays, please get the priest to sign this sacramental record booklet each time.

SACRAMENTAL DATES 2019

Year 3 RECONCILIATION – Tuesday 7 May 2019 (5.00pm)
Year 4 FIRST EUCHARIST – Sunday 23 June 2019 (11.00am)
Year 6 CONFIRMATION – Sunday 8 September 2019 (11.00am)
Commitment Mass Weekend - Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 February 2019.
(For ALL children who are making any of the sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist and/or Confirmation).

STUDENT SUCCESS

Also to Jessica Brooks (6B) for being accepted into the La Salle Allegro Program. This is an extension program primarily focusing on English and Mathematics for talented students. Congratulations and well done Jessica!

 

 

ACTING ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL - COLETTE WAYNE

2018 YEAR BOOK

The 2018 Year Book was distributed to the eldest child in each year on Thursday. If your child was absent or in Kindergarten A, you may collect the Year Book from the office from Monday to Thursday of next week. Any uncollected books will be available at the commencement of the 2019 school year.

Merry Christmas to everyone and Happy New Year. Best wishes for an enjoyable holiday.

SCHOOL NEWS

CONGRATULATIONS

To Samuele Cappati from 3A who won the MLTAWA Italian bilingual ebook competition.

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2019 MUSIC for YEAR 3

Dear Parents/Carers,

Students in Year 3 learn the skills needed to play the recorder. The recorder is now on the booklist for 2019, Year 3 students. The school office has recorders for sale and can be purchased for $10.00. If you would like a recorder ready for next year and would like to purchase one from the school, please see the staff in the office.

I look forward to the music the children will be producing.

Regards,
Mrs Yeo

 

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CANTEEN ROSTER

Monday 4th Feb          HELP NEEDED

Tuesday 5th Feb          HELP NEEDED

Wednesday 6th Feb    HELP NEEDED

Thursday 7th Feb        HELP NEEDED

Friday 8th Feb             HELP NEEDED

 

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR CANTEEN MENU                                                

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SEQTA ENGAGE FOR STUDENT REPORTS: PRE-PRIMARY TO YEAR 6

To access your child's report, you need to go to the following site: https://stbrigidsms.coneqt-p.cathednet.wa.edu.au and use your current username and password.

If you have remembered your username but have forgotten your password, please click on the ‘Forgot your Password?’ link and an immediate email will be sent to you. THIS EMAIL WILL EXPIRE WITHIN ONE HOUR, so please action this immediately. Please note that for security reasons, the school does not have access to parent passwords.

If you have any issues, please contact the school by sending an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Kind Regards,

Mr Steve DuncanSeqta Coorindator

 

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ST BRIGID'S SWIM SQUADStart training now for next year's Swimming Carnival.   Come along and join the St Brigid's Swim Squad.  Training takes place every Thursday morning at Swan Active, Morrison Road, Midvale, commencing at 7am.  Entry is $3.30 (no spectator fee for parents).   Swim Squad is for students in Yrs 2 to Yr 6 whom are at swimming level 5 or above.  Students can then take advantage of Breakfast Club at school which commences at 8.00am in the MacKillop Hall.  If you have any queries, please contact Deanna (DJ) on 0419 943 901. 

 

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UNIFORM SHOP NEWS

There will be a Price Increase from 2019 for all Uniforms.

ITEMS AVAILABLE FROM THE UNIFORM SHOP IN 2019 ARE AS FOLLOWS (Limited Stock Available):

School Bathers for boys and girls

Boys & girl's stock will be sizes 8,10 & 12.  Orders can be taken for other sizes (Prices to be confirmed)

4 Year Old Kindy T Shirts

Please ensure you label all your children's school items as there are many items that are sent up to lost property but cannot be returned to students because there are no names on them.

THE UNIFORM SHOP WILL BE CLOSED OVER THE CHRISTMAS SCHOOL HOLIDAYS  & WILL REOPEN ON

Tuesday 29th January 2019 11am - 2pm

Thursday 31st January 2019 9am - 12pm

Normal hours will recommence from Monday 4th February 2019 @ 8am

Please direct all your enquiries to Mrs Jo Vellis, Uniform Shop Manager.

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LOST PROPERTY

We currently have a pair of glasses, a watch and some jewelry in the office.  Also, some foreign money was found in the carpark.  Please feel free to call into the office if your child has lost any of these items recently.

 SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

 GRADUATION AWARDS

ST BRIGID’S MATHEMATICS PRIZE 2018
We are proud to present the Year 6 St Brigid’s Maths Prize for 2018 to Nicholas Lupica.

Nicholas has excellent general knowledge of Mathematical concepts and enjoys sharing his understanding and assisting his classmates, when required. His skill level is outstanding and he persists with challenges when they are presented to him. Nicholas is great with numbers and amazes his teachers and peers with how quickly he is able to mentally solve problems. In class, Nicholas is a willing participant in all Mathematics’ lessons. Nicholas readily applies him Mathematics knowledge to real life situations.
Congratulations Nicholas on being a deserving winner of the 2018 Mathematics Award.

ST BRIGID’S ENGLISH PRIZE 2018
We are proud to present the Year 6 St Brigid’s English Prize for 2018 to Diona Mathew.

Diona displays an advanced and comprehensive vocabulary in all written and oral communication. She has outstanding comprehension skills and writes with a sublime sentence structure. Diona has an obvious love of Reading - she reads with clarity and confidence, articulating each word superbly. Diona is able to critique a wide variety of texts with a mature point of view. Diona has been a consistently high achiever all year and is a deserving winner of this year’s English Award.

 

2018 ST BRIGID’S MARY MacKILLOP RELIGION AWARD
We are proud to present the St Brigid’s Mary MacKillop Religion Award for 2018 to Arwyn Alvarez.

Arwyn shows herself to have both a strong practical and knowledge based Catholic faith. She is very involved in Saint Brigid’s Parish each weekend, assisting with readings at children’s masses and guiding the younger children as required. Her quiet, calm demeanour, typifies her strong sense of social justice and respect for all. She is an outstanding Christian role model and thoroughly deserving of this award. Congratulations, Arwyn!

ST BRIGID’S KERRY KATICH MUSIC PRIZE 2018
We are proud to present the Kerry Katich Year 6 Music Award for 2018 to Bronte Lovelock.

Bronte is an enthusiastic student in the classroom and her positive and productive approach towards Music has enabled her to be a proud member of the school choir for many years. Her love of music has also led her to pursue piano lessons outside of school with her participation in the Australian Music Examination Board piano exams. Bronte has also participated in the Catholic Schools Performing Arts Festival in the Choral and Piano Solo sections. Bronte is always keen to perform her new piano pieces for the class and she also shares her insights into the composer’s background. The class and I enjoy her performances and insights immensely.

Congratulations Bronte on receiving this award and we hope that you continue to develop your music skills in the future.

 

ST BRIGID’S ARTS PRIZE 2018
We are proud to present the Year 6 St Brigid’s Arts Prize for 2018, donated by local member, Michelle Roberts, to Francine and Franchesca Tan.

Francine and Franchesca have a natural gift for the visual arts as they are exceptionally imaginative and complete all tasks with a high level of skill and precision. They use colour and shading to create meaning, as well as the amount of detail and precision they add to their artwork to bring it to life.
Francine is extremely creative and she completes all tasks with a high level of proficiency and accuracy. She thoroughly enjoys drawing and does so extremely well. Her sketches always amaze her peers and teachers.
Franchesca has a superb grasp of art techniques and demonstrates amazing fine motor control. Her anime sketches could grace popular anime magazines worldwide.
Francine and Franchesca’s art pieces have been greatly appreciated by their classmates, and they are deserving joint winners of this award for 2018. Congratulations, Francine and Franchesca!

 

ST BRIGID’S SPORTS GIRL 2018
We are proud to present the St Brigid’s Sports Girl for 2018, sponsored by the Mucciarone family, to both Hayley Appleford and Chrystel Daniele.

Hayley received a Gold Medal at the Inter-House Athletics Carnival. She also received a silver medal at the Inter-House Swimming Carnival and a bronze medal at the Inter-House Cross Country Carnival. Hayley represented the school at all of the CPSSA carnivals throughout the year, as well as competing in the WA State Orienteering Championships where she placed 5th in her division. Hayley has worked extremely hard to maximise her athletic potential, and her achievements this year are a testament to her commitment and effort she has displayed throughout this year. Congratulations Hayley!

Chrystel Daniele
Chrystel received gold medals at both the Inter-House Cross Country Carnival and the Inter-House Swimming Carnival this year. She also competed at each of the CPSSA Interschool Carnivals that took place throughout 2018. Chrystel also received a bronze medal in her division at the WA State Orienteering Championship this year. Chrystel always displays a high work ethic and always accepts the sporting challenges with a positive attitude, which has seen her, achieve a number of individual sporting awards this year. Congratulations Chrystel!

ST BRIGID’S SPORTS BOY 2018
We are proud to present the St Brigid’s Sports Boy for 2018, also sponsored by the Mucciarone family, to Eddie Nyamhanga.

Eddie Nyamhanga
Eddie received gold medals at both the Inter-House Cross Country and Inter-House Athletics Carnivals. He also received a bronze at the Inter-House Swimming Carnival, and represented the school at the WA State Orienteering Championships, as well as all of the CPSSA Interschool Events this year. Eddie has consistently displayed an enthusiastic attitude throughout all of the different sporting competitions he has competed in throughout the year, and has developed his leadership skills this year to become a role model for younger students within our school community. We wish him all the best on his future athletic pursuits. Congratulations Eddie!

ST BRIGID’S SCIENCE AWARD 2018
We are proud to present the first Year 6 Science Award for 2018, sponsored by SciTech, to Maximilian Vakulcyzk

Max’s interest in the Sciences is clearly reflected by his immense scientific knowledge, determined, thoughtful enthusiasm and collaborative learning approach. He thinks critically and infers accurately from observations, while appreciating others’ thoughts and insights. Max displays a strong desire to solve problems through a systematic process of investigation and reflection. He is headed for a bright future in his own white lab-coat, should he choose this educational path!
Congratulations Max on being the deserving recipient of this award.

ST BRIGID’S SCIENCE AWARD 2018
We are proud to present the second Year 6 Science Award for 2018, sponsored by SciTech, to Joanna Johnson

Joanna’s quiet, but determined approach, has enabled her to fully embrace the Primary Connections Learning Model of ‘engage, explore, explain, elaborate and evaluate’. Her highly developed collaborative learning skills further enhance her ability to assume any of the three team roles of Manager, Speaker or Director with ease and proficiency. Joanna thoroughly enjoys research and investigation activities, displaying highly developed illustration and annotation skills. Congratulations Joanna, on being the deserving recipient of this award.

 

SR CHRISTINE McGINITY ENDEAVOUR AWARD 2018
We are proud to present the Sr Christine McGinity Endeavour Award for 2018, sponsored by the City of Swan, to Samson Johnson.
Samson is a very compassionate student, who aims to please in everything that he does at school. He interacts positively with others, and often goes out of his way to support and encourage his classmates and teachers. He displays great perseverance and determination, working hard until he achieves a satisfactory solution. He strives to complete all work to the best of his ability, and sets a fine example for his peers. Congratulations, Samson, on winning the Endeavour Award for 2018!

 

PRINCIPAL’S AWARD 2018
The St Brigid’s Principal’s Award for 2018 is presented to Oakley Percival. I invite Father Benny to come forward and present this award.

Oakley has been an amazing leader in our school this year. His positive attitude and his willingness to assist in any situation is greatly appreciated by staff and students alike. It has been my great pleasure to get to know Oakley over the year as he has accompanied me to many varied events. He can always be relied upon to put his best foot forward. His smiling and caring demeanour are always present. He greets everyone he meets with equal enthusiasm and his leadership skills are above reproach. It has been a delight to work with Oakley and I value his thoughtful insight, and the way he works with others.
He represents are school so well and his mature manner makes him the perfect gentleman and someone every student aspires to be.

CITY OF SWAN 2018 DUX of SAINT BRIGID’S SCHOOL
We are proud to present the St Brigid’s Dux for 2018, sponsored by the City of Swan, and to Jessica Brooks.

Jessica has achieved outstanding academic results across all Learning Areas this year. She has a high work ethic, and strives to complete all work to the best of her ability. Her consistent, positive, attitude and effort have been evident in everything she does. Jessica has a hunger for learning and a strong desire to extend her knowledge. Her academic focus is outstanding and has been the driving force behind her successes at St Brigid’s. Congratulations, Jessica, on being the recipient of the Dux Award for 2018.

 

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

                                                                

 

 

 

                                                            

 

 

                 

 

 

 

                 

 

                           

 

 

 

 

 

 

P & F NEWS

St Brigid’s Parents and Friends Association

SCHOOL BANKING

The School Banking program is an important tool to teach our children about saving money and planning for the future. In addition, the program raised a fantastic $1200 in commissions this year, which helped the P&F to fund important resources at St Brigid’s Primary. We would like to thank Kelly and Nicole for all their hard work over the last few years in running the program.

Unfortunately, the School Banking program may have to close next year if we can’t get some new volunteers to help run the program. Please contact Kelly on 0447 051 641 for more information about how you can help.

SAVE THE DATE: DANCE ON THE GREEN - 16 FEBRUARY 2019
Save the date and join us for our annual family picnic and dance event to welcome in the new school year. More details to come.

LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORTING OUR SCHOOL

Gilberts Fresh SOS program - Sin up in store for your card, nominate St Brigid’s Primary School and each time you shop and scan your card, 1% of your total spend will be donated to our School. Too easy! https://www.facebook.com/gilbertsfreshmarketmidland/

Midland Supa IGA: Shop for your School – Let the cashier know that you would like your purchase points to go towards St Brigid’s Primary School. Points go towards store credit for our School. https://www.facebook.com/MidlandSupaIGA/

PARENTS AND FRIENDS MEETINGS

Formal meetings for the P&F have finished for 2018. Please consider being involved in 2019, even if it is for a meeting, one event or fundraising activity. Meeting times can be flexible if we get enough interest in running a meeting at another time. Please let us know.

 

P & F CONTACT INFORMATION

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Karryn - 0409 293 198

Emma - 0431 896 213

 

SCHOOL COMMUNITY NEWS

  SCHOOL BANKING

 

 

 

Our school banking day is Wednesday morning from 8am until 8.50am. Come along and see us if you would like to join up and start saving!

WE ARE IN URGENT NEED OF A BANKING VOLUNTEER!

We urgently require one or two people to become banking co-ordinators for our school. What’s involved you ask?

We need someone to be available for about 1 hour on a Wednesday morning between 8am and 9am to take the banking money and slips from the children. After the children bank we enter the deposits in via the banking portal, and balance the money. This is all done on the school grounds. After we balance the school banking money, we drop the money bag off at Commonwealth Bank.

School banking benefits the school and our children and if we don’t get a volunteer or two we may not be able to continue school banking next year.

If you would like to know more, please come and see either Nicole or Kelly on a Wednesday morning or feel free to give Kelly a call on 0447 051 641.

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Middle Swan Dental Therapy Centre-School Holiday Opening Hours
This clinic will be CLOSED from the 24/12/18 and will re-open on the 29/01/2019.
In case of emergency please call:
Mount Henry Dental Clinic- 9313 0552

Have a safe and happy holidays.
Middle Swan Dental Therapy Staff

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Children's Christmas Mass

6.30pm 24th of December at St Brigid's Church

We need Mary, Joseph, lots of angels, shepards, wise men and readers. If your child/children would like to prticipacte please contact Gail Ryan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 0411 599 577  9274 4887. Practice dates are Sundays the 9th, 16th and 23rd of December from 10.30am to 11.30am Please let me know if you can't attend.

Many thanks Gail.

HELPING HANDS

 BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE 

 

 

 

UNABLE TO MAKE IT IN TIME TO PICK UP YOUR CHILDREN?
BOSS ASKED YOU TO STAY LATE OR COME IN EARLY?
NEED TO HAVE SOME TIME FOR YOURSELF?
Parents, we are here to support you and your children in before and after school hours! We offer a secure, safe and exciting environment for your children to thrive and be a part of a socialized group while you are busy.
Please note an enrolment form and 1 days' notice is to be given to make your casual bookings for your children.
We are here to help! Enrolment forms are available from the Kindy B Classroom during out of school hours, weekdays.

 

 

Vacancies Available Now!

P: 0484302073

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With swimming pools and beaches a big part of the Western Australian lifestyle, ensuring your children can swim competently and safely is essential.

You can now enrol your children in VacSwim swimming lessons during the summer school holidays. VacSwim programs are held at pools and beaches all across the State. No matter where you are planning to spend these summer holidays, your children can take part in VacSwim.

VacSwim is for all children - from beginners to more advanced swimmers. Your children can start as young as five years old.

Enrol your children in VacSwim now at education.wa.edu.au/swimming