17 December 2020

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates

From the Principal’s Desk

This year has been one not to forget. The world has endured so much as part of the pandemic. We have been so lucky in WA with relatively few cases. Whilst some of our civil liberties were curtailed, the vast majority of people are happy with where we are especially in relation to other countries around the world.

We did very well with the online distance learning phase, which has extended throughout the year with our Connect classes. Most of our students attended school when it was open, and most of our students had time to complete their IEP/ITP goals. You will have received your child’s reports via Connect. Everyone, including the students, has worked together to achieve great outcomes.

Our last assembly of the year was held in the primary school undercover area. The year 7 team did a great job putting on the event which included lots of prizes and certificates, a year 10 leavers photo montage and a performance by our Music Rocks students. It was fantastic to see so many parents in attendance, and I am sure they were very proud of their children.

Students have also finished the KWS Olympics and have completed their class PBS videos on expected behaviours at our school. Some of the entries were very funny and immensely creative. For many of the students, this last week will be about reflection and preparing for the holidays and 2021 where some will have new teachers and classmates.

Our market day was held recently in our recreation room at the middle school. There was once again a fantastic turn out from our community. We have yet to finalise our profits, but most of the money will go back into the school to continue to run these programs with a portion of the profits going towards class parties. We would love to get any feedback on the day – we continually seek to improve everything that we do. Feedback on the actual day was very positive, although latecomers were disappointed that many stalls had sold out.

Our new therapy rooms and sensory centre have been well used with lots of literacy and numeracy lessons being conducted. The Department of Education has identified new procedures for external therapy providers working in schools. A decision on whether to give access is based on the:

• student’s wellbeing and educational needs
• student’s access to education
• goals set in the documented student plan
• impact on other students and staff
• timing and duration of the access needed
• the ability of the student to access the service outside school hours or through existing Department programs
• provider’s use of school facilities and resources
• duty of care to all students and staff.

A form will be sent to all parents for them to sign about therapy access at school.

I would like to pass on our heartfelt condolences to the Marshall family on the loss of their son Luke. We will remember him fondly and will plant a memorial rose in his honour next year. All our staff and students have been touched by Luke’s sudden passing and are supporting each as best we can.

Take care everyone and look after each other. Huge thanks to all our staff for their expertise and efforts during the year.

Andrew Wilson

Endeavour Award 2020

Congratulations to Jasmine Sunderland – Endeavour Award recipient for 2020

Endeavour means to do one’s utmost, to put the effort in and try hard. The award goes to the student who shows perseverance, determination and dedication across the curriculum. They model our school values of Achievement, Independence and Respect.

End of Term Assembly Awards

Merit Certificates

Key Word Signs Olympics

Students

Staff

Lucky Raffle Draw

Class Updates

7JS

Wow, how quick has this year gone? This term has been a busy one, we have celebrated NAIDOC week, prepared and sold our products for market day, plus practised for assembly in week 10. Although at times, this has been an uncertain year with Covid-19, all the students have been a pleasure to teach and see them grow as people. Enjoy the holidays, stay safe and see you in 2021

The staff of 7JS

7S

Students and staff in 7S have had a fantastic year with lots of exciting moments and memories to cherish. Covid-19 did bring some uncertain and anxious moments in term 2, but as a class, we are thankful for being in Western Australia, which has been one of the safest places during 2020. Unlike most students in the other parts of the world, we were lucky to be at school physically for face to face learning. Here are a few things we loved this year:

We wish everyone a safe and wonderful holiday!

The students and staff of 7S

Testing the cars made in woodwork

8M

Well, that’s nearly a wrap. None of us can say that we won’t be happy to farewell 2020. It certainly has been a tumultuous year. Even though this may be the case, we have all achieved so much. Our independence and maturity have developed steadily.

We completed a journal wiring activity in class this week where Mrs Martlew asked us “What has been the best thing about school this year?” Surprisingly, none of us said an extended period of home learning. Take a look at what we did say.

The best thing about school this year has been:

We are currently finishing up the year learning about first aid which has been a lot of fun. Hopefully, we will not have an opportunity to use our new skills over the upcoming holidays.

We would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday. See you all safe and sound next year.

The students and staff of 8M

8S

8S students have spent the last few weeks reflecting on the many highlights of 2020, both individual achievements and group accomplishments. Reflection is an important part of learning, and students have shared their thoughts via Connect posts and here is a summary of some of the comments.

Recent highlights included the much anticipated Market Day. What a great day! Thank you to parents, carers and friends for your support. Students were able to show their talents in a variety of roles, including customer service, numeracy and event management.

Lachlan selling our plants

This term, we also celebrated our Ignite Level 4 Certificate with a ceremony at The City of Canning with the local Mayor. This was a wonderful morning and students were well aware of their ongoing efforts leading up to the ceremony. Congratulations to the students for working hard to achieve this prestigious award.

Amy with her certificate

The Key Word Sign Olympic Games were met with significant enthusiasm, a hefty training regime and superb camaraderie with Mrs Martlew's students. It was a very fair and even battle and students showed their extensive skills with this form of communication. Well done to all students for being engaged and for being excellent Key Word Sign ambassadors for our school.

Monique and Mandy using Key Word Signs

The PBS Video Competition allowed students to brainstorm, plan and demonstrate the positive behaviour of "Follow Set Tasks". The video is available for 8S parents and carers to view on Connect. Thanks to the school's Chaplain, Justin Van der Westhuizen for his assistance and exceptional editing talent.

Other popular 2020 events included the two Fun Days in term 3. Students had a jam-packed schedule and were very grateful for the opportunities to try out laser tag, indigenous painting and other exciting activities. Cannington's Got Talent was also a highlight of the year with great participation and success for our students.

Germano showing his talent

Our year-long partnership with Cannington Community College's year 10 leaders came to a sad end as these students move to Sevenoaks Senior College. 8S students have developed friendships and have had the pleasure of seeing exceptional leadership qualities from these young people. Thanks to Mr Paul Miller for allowing the leaders to be part of our Monday Wellness Walks. We wish these students all the very best for year 11.

Academic successes and milestones included the completion of two certificates for ASDAN Key Steps for most students. Parents and carers can see students' PowerPoints on Connect and will notice the depth and breadth of learning. Additionally, students had an opportunity to be in tailored literacy and numeracy groups and worked with other students, Mrs Martlew and Mrs Thomas during the second semester. This was a great success, and similar groups will continue in 2021.

So it's not difficult to see that it has been a very eventful, successful and memorable 2020. Although some challenges changed the itinerary of the year, it has still been a very rewarding time. Thank you to 8S parents, carers and therapists for your support. We couldn't have done it without you.

Happy holidays are extended to all 8S students, parents, carers and extended family members. See you next year!

The staff of 8S

9C

To round off the year, 9C has had a busy term 4, filled with an array of activities and new learning. Students have learned all about binary numbers, calculating volume, 3D shapes and much more in maths lessons. For market day we baked nutty granola which we put into jars with berries and yoghurt. We called it “Cannington Crunch” and in keeping with our recycling theme this year, we offered our customers a 50c refund on all returned jars. Sales were excellent – we sold 100% of our wares, making a small profit for our class budget.

The Dismantle program was undertaken by a small group of years 9 and 10 students which involved each student cleaning the parts, stripping and repainting the frame and then building a complete bike from scratch, which they will take home at the end of the term. Finally, 9C finished off our CANDO Recycling Enterprise for 2020 with Mr Arrantash, proudly earning us the second-highest income in ESC, of which 100% of proceeds were donated to Telethon Kids.

The staff of 9C

Dismantle

Crushing the last of our CANDO cans

9W

Well, we cannot believe how quickly this year has flown. Our time together is coming to a close, and we have been trying to cram as much into our last few weeks as possible which has included a budgeting excursion into the city – where we purchased our class rewards and our lunch after identifying our needs and wants. We also had a successful Market Day stall and sold all of our products in less than an hour. We had fun making our PBS video about walking quietly between classes – ‘More Walk Less Talk’, as well as mulching our vegetable garden in preparation for handing it over to next year’s year 9 students.

Next week, on the last day of the school year, we are planning on going on a picnic to the new Smart Park on Wharf Street. We will pack our picnic lunches during Home Economics in period 1, then walk down to the park and explore it before having a lunch of packed rolls, watermelon and fruit juice. We have been watching the development of the park over the year and will be interested in exploring it using the interactive app and the QR codes at the park.

Because this is our last newsletter together with Mrs Whelan, we decided to write down our three highlights of the year.

The Class of 9W

10H

Year 10 out for lunch!

In week 6 both year 10 classes were fortunate to attend a wonderful lunch at the Pines Restaurant on Bentley Campus. It certainly was very fancy with students being offered a silver service experience throughout the afternoon.

It was lovely to see our students enjoy a five-course meal from the Christmas Menu, including scallops, soup, turkey and finishing with Christmas pudding. I think there was a tie between Mr Towie and Mr Van der Westhuizen regarding who ate the most baked bread rolls!

The students dressed up, and they all looked fantastic. The staff really enjoyed watching them use beautiful manners and displaying exemplary behaviour. It was such a highlight on our hectic term 4 calendar. Well done year, 10s!

Judi Janes

10LT

10LT students are amazed at how fast the last four years of years 7, 8, 9 and 10 have gone and that their time at the Middle School campus is almost over. We would like to share with you some of our favourite memories from this time.

Jenny Lockyer and Carissa Thomas

Class of 10LT

Group 1

My goodness me, the last newsletter of 2020! Everyone in Group 1 agrees that 2020 was both the longest and shortest year we’ve ever experienced. The staff would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful students for their continued effort throughout the year. It has been a crazy ride, and we all got through it together.

The year 11 students celebrated the end of the year with lunch at The Groove Train at Carousel. We walked from school to Carousel and back to get our steps up for the day and work off that delicious lunch! Everyone was pleased and full at the end of the day.

Congratulations to Hiba, Stephen, Cameron and Kayleb, who all passed their in-school learner’s permit theory test. Well done! You all studied very hard for this test, and your hard work paid off!

Please read below for more detail about what we have been up to lately.

We hope that everyone has a safe and happy holiday and we can’t wait to see you next year!

Mathematics: We used our market day preparation to delve into real-world measurement and budgeting. We are looking forward to Market Day in week 8 to practise addition and subtraction of money.

English: We have been further developing our storyboard, listening & speaking and cinematography skills to make a PBS video about waiting your turn patiently. We have also been producing labels, a logo and posters for our market day.

ASDAN: Students have been engaged in an ‘individual ADSAN project” where they got to choose a health topic of interest to research and produce a report.

DFES: We learned about the phonetic alphabet and how to use BC radios to transmit messages.

Keys for Life: Every student had an opportunity to complete an in-class test twice this term.

Life coaching: All students are working on their ITP Goals.

Health: We have been focussing on physical fitness and setting and working towards fitness goals.

Food Science: We learnt how to make colourful pasta!

Stephanie Brown and Group 1 Class

Group 2

I think we can all agree in saying this term has been the most challenging! The students have shown a tremendous amount of maturity and resiliency not only this term but throughout the entire year. The staff in Demountable 9 would like to thank the students for their hard work and dedication in all areas.

Although the numbers have dwindled in Demountable 9, it was business as usual. Our market day project was a hit! Thanks to Zahrion, Zac and Ryan as we managed to sell our entire product quickly. I think it was fair to say the tie-dye hair scrunchies were a crowd favourite.

The Key Word Sign Olympics saw the students showcasing their competitive side, and it was great seeing the senior students coming together. Well done to all the students who were involved and a big thank you to the staff who made the competition possible.

The sudden passing of Luke Marshall certainly shook us all in so many ways. Luke was a delightful class member who always found a way to make others smile. Luke enjoyed socialising with his peers, attending workplace learning, and being in charge of the senior school bus book. He touched so many lives and others who knew Luke understand why. It has been great hearing the students talking about their fond memories of Luke, let those memories continue. Condolences to the Marshall family.

I want to thank the fantastic team of Mrs Dann, Mr Den-Otter and Mr Downing for all their support throughout the year.

I wish you all a safe and happy holiday.

Mustafa Hussein

Preparing for Market Day

Vale
Luke Marshall
2002 - 2020

Design and Technology

Year 7 Woodwork

Year 7 students have adjusted well to the workshop environment. Staff have been observing students becoming more confident and being prepared to try new experiences with machinery and hand tools. The students are making a model Cessna plane from two types of timber and fluro acrylic, which will be used to make the propeller.

Cessna aircraft

Year 8 Woodwork

Students have completed their serviette holders. The students traced one of their hands and cut the shape out using a jigsaw. The handshape will be a momento and forms a weight to stop serviettes blowing away in the wind. Students are working towards completing a rocket launcher pencil holder truck.

Rocket launcher pencil holder

Year 9 Enterprise

Students have collected 7011 containers for their 2020 enterprise activity, and they recently delivered them to the Returnit container depot in Kewdale. The Cando Enterprise has raised just over $700 this year, which is a fine effort. Our students received high praise from the site manager following our visit. He was very impressed with their level of interest in the Containers for Change scheme and enjoyed answering their questions. The money raised will go to a Perth charity of the students’ choice and projects at the school. Our school is now registered with Containers for Change. This means that community members can take their eligible containers to a collection point and choose to donate the refund to our school. Cannington Community Education Support Centre can be found alphabetically or by our registration number, which is C10241351.

Year 9 Woodwork

Students have finally finished their Apache helicopter models and are now making insect hotels from materials collected on a recent excursion. It is a race against time to get these projects completed before the end of the term.

Oliver with his Apache helicopter

Year 10 DFES Cadets

DFES Cadets have been working on a summative assignment that takes students through the processes of planning a weekend away. The assignment asks students to create a series of menu items, shopping and equipment lists. They have used the internet and Google maps to choose a campsite and work out the distance from school.

Year 10 Woodwork

Students have completed their footstools and are working on a large wooden steam locomotive. The loco has many components, some of which have to be turned on a wood lathe. The students have been attending their transition program at senior school, which has reduced project time in the workshop.

Applying wood stain and varnishing to footstools

Interest-Based Activities - The old "Academy”

Students have been completing a range of different mosaic designs during IBA this term. Students enjoy the quiet time working in a small group breaking tiles and following the template shapes with tiles.

Tradestart

Students have made a steel bottle opener in the workshop and have been learning about domestic plumbing and wastewater systems. Out of the classroom, they have been learning how to use a range of levelling and measuring devices. Many of the devices rely on laser technology. Students have very quickly become comfortable and competent using lasers which is a very hands-on activity and provides students with some experience that many will draw on in the workplace or at home.

Mark Arrantash

A Word from the School Psychologist

Hi everyone, 2020 has been a challenging year in so many ways. One thing that can hold us together and help us get through is kindness. Although we can't always change our situation, we can choose to respond to others (and ourselves) with kindness. Please find below the link to the kindness calendar for December 2020 that shares one thing you can do every day to be kind. Hope everyone has a happy and safe holiday period and we’ll see you back in 2021!

Luwandi Perera

Star Tech

Technology has helped us more than ever this year; it has enabled people to stay connected when events beyond their control made gathering harder. While the benefits of technology are clear, so too are the benefits of occasionally putting technology aside and reconnecting with the world around us. In Australia, we are fortunate to have many open spaces where we can spend time, such as public parks, lakes, rivers and the beach; places where we can breathe fresh air and enjoy nature. As we near the end of another year I hope you can visit these places and be rejuvenated.

If you would like some further information on the benefits of putting technology aside, please have a read of the following article:

Stay safe, and I hope you have a great time over the Christmas and new year holidays.

Pete Bazen

Office Information

New Telephone Number for Senior School – Business Centre

Please note that the phone number for the business centre is now 6235 7296

Payments

Thank you to everyone who has paid their contributions—just a reminder you can pay your contributions by EFTPOS, direct debit or by a payment plan. Please contact the office to arrange a payment plan. All contributions for years 11 and 12 students are compulsory. Our bank details are BSB 016 270 A/C 340822406 (when using online banking, please remember to state your student's name in the details box; otherwise we cannot identify the relevant student).

Middle School Parking

Please note that parking is not permitted in the driveway at the school’s entrance as indicated by the ‘no stopping’ markers and yellow line, as this causes a traffic jam on Wharf Street and is dangerous for students. Your cooperation would be appreciated. Parents are welcome to park down the side of the school near the bus bays.

Visiting the School

All visitors must sign in at Reception/Business Centre and receive a yellow visitor label.

Tanya Buchan

NAIDOC Week 2020

NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia each July to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year due to Covid disruptions, NAIDOC Week was celebrated over the second week of November and students at Cannington Community ESC had the opportunity to participate in several class-based activities promoting a better understanding of indigenous culture.

I had the pleasure of working with several classes from the middle school with a few of our senior students volunteering as peer mentors (thanks Jasmine and Hiba!). The activity involved discussion around the theme of symbols and how we use them to communicate in our world today as well as how the indigenous communities use them. The activity culminated in the students creating their symbols to represent their families and various aspects of their lives that bring them joy.

Take a look at the results!

Well done everyone who participated.

Katherine Athanasiou

Positive Behaviour Support

9W

In our classroom, we collect tokens for Positive Behaviours. At the end of each week, we count up how many of each token we have which is added to the Excel spreadsheet on Mrs Whelan’s computer and we can see which token we have the most and least of as a class.

We look at which area we have the least amount of tokens in, and this becomes our ‘focus of the week’ the following week. We have this pinned on our pin-up board for everyone to see.

The student with the most tokens from the focus of the week gets crowned ‘Student of the Week’, and their name gets put up on the pin-up board for the following week. The student of the week doesn’t have to go onto our chores chart for the following week. Mrs Whelan also announces this on our class Connect page for our parents to see and also puts what next week’s focus will be.

At the beginning of each term, as a class, we decide whether we would like to work towards a classroom reward or an individual reward. Mrs Whelan will set a goal such as – each student must earn a given amount of tokens, or as a class, we need to earn a set amount of tokens, with a minimum amount per person required which means that everyone is accountable for reaching our goals.

This term, we are using our reward money to go on a budgeting excursion into the city to purchase our rewards. We will need to calculate change and keep our receipts. This couples in nicely with what we are doing in Independent Living on Fridays.

8S

Friendship

We take this opportunity to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable festive season and a happy, healthy and prosperous 2021!