23 September 2021

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates

From the Principal’s Desk

This is the last newsletter for some of our Pathways and year 12 students. We have made arrangements with all parents/caregivers about attendance for students remaining at school in these year groups. For those students who are moving on, we wish them all the best for their futures. School is a massive part of a person’s life, and I hope you will look back fondly on your time with us at Cannington. Take away and use the lessons you have learnt, work hard, be kind and leave a place better than you found it. I will see you at the presentation ceremony at Curtin.

I attended a 2018 student reunion with Miss Bates, Mrs Whittington and Mrs Pears the other week. It was fantastic to see the past students having a night out. The organisers did a great job and have plans to continue the tradition. We will celebrate our 21st birthday next year and will get input from our Alumni. We are seeking some support from our current parent body to help plan festivities - if you would like to be involved, please ring the school and leave your details.

Congratulations to our wonderful Music Rocks performers. I spent a fantastic Sunday lunchtime at the Badlands Bar in Northbridge, watching them do their show alongside their proud families. I wish to acknowledge Mrs Goodin, Mrs Pieri, Reid, Mrs Bullock and Mrs Cyriac, who gave up their time to attend and cheer on the students. I even managed to catch up with an ex-student who is now part of a band.

We have been doing a lot of work in the mental health area for students and staff. Our student services team organised some great activities for RU OK Day and Mental Health Week. I loved the photos on our Instagram page. Kayleb Dockary also performed a wonderful song he wrote about mental health at Sevenoaks got Talent and at our last assembly hosted by the years 7 and 8 classes. It is a very thought-provoking song, and Kayleb performed it brilliantly.

Our year 9 students visited feeder schools and talked to the primary students about life at Cannington in high school. It is a big transition moving into high school, and we have been helping our new students get ready for the move. Our students have been fabulous ambassadors, and the peer support program is brilliant.

Many of our middle school students attended the Point Peron camp organised by Mr Arrantash and Mrs Whelan. I enjoyed the camp immensely and, apart from some squeaky beds, got some good sleep. My roommates in Carnac were fantastic, and many of them showed considerable leadership. I observed many of our students trying new things and helping their peers. The food was very good, and I am positive nobody left the camp hungry. Well done to everyone who participated in the camp - they make memories that last for ages.

Most parents/caregivers have signed up to our new excursion management platform - Consent 2 Go. All our excursions from now on will use this program, so it is important that everyone signs up. If you have any problems, don't hesitate to get in touch with your class teacher. We also update everyone on Class Connect pages and the School Space Connect page about upcoming events and excursions like the middle school athletics carnival.

Our two partner school principals will change from term 4 onwards. Mr Graham from Cannington Community College retires, and on behalf of our school community, I wish him well and thank him for his collaborative nature. Ms Cole will act in the position for the remainder of the year. Mrs Edwards, the acting Principal at Sevenoaks Senior College, has taken leave for the remainder of this year and next. We wish her well.

We are busy recruiting staff for 2022 and beyond. We still don’t have a school psychologist, and we are missing some community nurse time. We plan to have our profile ready by week 4 next term. I would like to acknowledge our school leadership team for all their efforts in getting our staffing organised. It is a rigorous and time-consuming process. I wish current staff applying for jobs for next year all the best with their applications. It can be a stressful time of year.

I would like to wish everyone a fantastic school holiday break. The weather will be beautiful, the wildflowers are out in bloom, and we have the AFL Grand Final in town. Get vaccinated and enjoy the freedoms we have in our lucky state.

Andrew Wilson

End of Term Assembly Awards

Merit Certificates

COVID 19 Vaccination Update

Please click on the link below for a letter from the Chief Health Officer

Consent 2 Go

Please click on the link below for parent excursion help.

Class Updates

7C

The 7C class has had a great term 3 so far. The big event this term was the school camp which most of our students attended. The students came back from camp with wonderful stories about the adventures that they had at camp. The students that stayed at school also had a great time, particularly with the train trip to IGA to get ingredients for making pizzas.

Brendan Cunnane

7M

As we approach another well-deserved term break, it seems hard to believe our year 7 students have completed nearly three terms of middle school. From tentative beginnings, it gives me pleasure to see them happy and confident in their environment.

Our big event for the term so far was undoubtedly our camp at Point Peron. Highlights for 7M students included the eco-centre, bouncy castle, bush dance and the great food. Most of our class were brave enough to handle some of the reptiles (yes, including snakes!), and we even had Lars get up to join the Mucky Duck Bush Band on stage. We thank Mrs Whelan and Mr Arrantash for arranging a fantastic camp for our middle school students.

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been focusing on preparing for our athletics carnival, our assembly in week 10 and wrapping up our cross-curricular Ignite and ASDAN courses. We thank nurse Amy for giving the year 7 classes a discussion on healthy lifestyles. I know our students were very excited to participate and have their health-related questions answered. With the warmer months approaching, we’ve also discussed the importance of wearing hats outside and protecting ourselves from the sun.

We look forward to our term 3 assembly and our athletics carnival in week 10. I know our students are getting excited about our athletics carnival, and I look forward to seeing everyone participating and having fun on the day. I encourage our parents to keep updated via our class Connect page (7M), school website, and Facebook page. I wish all students a well-deserved upcoming break with their families, and I look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready to go for term 4.

Ricky Mitchell

Working on our palaeontology kits

8JS

Term 3 has been a busy one where we have continued to work hard while also enjoying the Point Peron camp in week 6. We have recently started practising for the upcoming athletics carnival and the years 7 and 8 assembly in week 10. We will have to get used to calling Miss Penman Mrs Carroll next term as she is getting married during week 10!! I can’t believe we are one term away from being in year 9. How time fly’s by when you’re having fun.

Staff and students of 8JS

Having fun at camp

Practising for the athletics carnival

The students working hard on their math skills

8SS

It has been a super busy term bustling with activities so far, and there is still more to come in the final weeks. With the weather being chilly and wet, few students have struggled to keep up with all the actions. The highlight of this term has been the camp at Point Peron. We were fortunate to have excellent weather while at camp, and students thoroughly enjoyed the camp. Here are the highlights and experiences shared by the students:

The Class of 8SS

Waiting patiently to enter their dorms

9M

Well, the end of term 3 is fast approaching. The students are getting excited about an impending excursion to the Perth Hills Discovery Centre for an Aboriginal Cultural Experience on the last day of term.

In Indigenous studies, we have been researching influential Indigenous people. As a class, we learnt how to use a template and researched Ashleigh Barty. We then got to choose an individual who we wanted to research. Some of these people are Jessica Mauboy (singer/songwriter), Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin (AFL player), David Unaipon (preacher and inventor, also features on the $50 note) and Debra Mailman (actress), to name a few.

We have just about finished reading our novel ‘Bridge to Terabithia’ by Katherine Paterson. We can feel that something big and not so nice is about to happen, and we are getting a little apprehensive about it. It is never a nice feeling to deal with the emotions that surround the death of a person. Even though we are a little scared and sad about it, we are also looking forward to finishing the novel next week.

Some of the students from our class participated in PSG activities assisting with transition visits for future Cannington Community ESC students from Wirrabirra ESC and Maddington ESC. Before going to the schools, our whole class made short snippet videos taking prospective students on a virtual tour around our school and showcased some of the subjects we like doing. The maturity, leadership and behaviour shown by these students was exemplary. They all made their classroom staff very proud of them.

During physical education lessons, we have been practising for the upcoming sports carnivals. It is a shame that the ESSN carnival has been postponed, but hopefully, we will get to put our developed skills into practice for the school athletics carnival on Thursday, 24th September.

We wish all students and families a relaxing and safe break. Parents, please check your child’s pencil case, which will be coming home as many students are running very low on lead pencils.

The class of 9M

Sheree demonstrating how to use the standing bike

Dylan’s work on Debra Mailman

Omar's work on David Unaipon

Winston's work on Lance Franklin

9S

The camp in week 6 was the huge highlight of the term, and 9S students demonstrated exceptional PBS/A.I.R qualities during the three jammed packed days. It was a wonderful experience to see students (and staff) outside their comfort zones and working together to have an awesome time. Some of the best parts included playing spotlight under a full moon, roasting marshmallows, holding snakes (and scaring the teacher!), dinner time and The Mucky Duck Bush Band. Feedback from the students was extremely positive, and despite extreme fatigue post-camp, they can’t wait for Camp 2022!

The following is a summary of some camp achievements and memories for 9S:

The rescheduled NAIDOC Week Assembly in week 7 provided our students with an opportunity to showcase their skills with Key Word Sign (KWS) and to work with other year groups as part of the CCESC Choir. It was a privilege to be part of the opening with the National Anthem and then the beautiful welcoming song “Wanjoo”. It was so deadly!

Some other achievements from this term are included below and listed in our Connect notices (see Class Stars Term 3). Parents and carers are invited to check notices, discussions, and updated photos to see what’s been happening in our class. Connect is a great way to connect with your child and discuss what they have been doing at school.

Noongar Language Champion – Lachlan! Lachlan was able to identify 12 words in both Noongar and English. So MOORDITJ!

Dealing with an Emergency/Simple 1st Aid (Health) Champion - Isaac

Best “Recovery Position” Demonstration (Health) – Monique

Community Service Painting Fence Poles Special Project (for The Duke of Edinburgh's Award) - Monique and Dylan

Friday Fitness (yoga and dance) - Abbie and Matthew

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (Bronze): Term 3 Hours and Participation Recognition - Ryan

Have a great break, and see you next term.

Pat Spadanuda

10J

10J cannot believe how quickly term 3 has passed. The students enjoyed a successful camp in week 6. It was fantastic to see them participate in various activities, including the ropes course, bush dance, scavenger hunt, beach activities, spotlight, and visiting the Rockingham Regional Environmental Centre and Rockingham foreshore. We all survived the busy program and have resumed our usual studies.

In Recreation Pursuits this term, the students have been taking part in the golf program. It has been fantastic to see students start by using modified clubs and then progressing on to the Whaleback Golf Course Driving Range. This week we completed the program by playing 9 holes at the par 3 course at Melville Golf Centre.

The year 10 students are looking forward to their well-earned reward at Bounce next Wednesday. After returning from Bounce, the students will make their lunch to further develop their independent skills.

I wish all 10J students the best for a well-deserved break and look forward to the many new programs in term 4.

Judi Janes

10W

This term, our class has been learning to use Microsoft Teams for contributing to a class document. We chose the newsletter to write about different topics and nominated the topics we wanted to write about.

We have also been learning to play golf. We used the modified equipment here at school to learn how to putt and drive the golf balls. We then had two sessions at Whale Back Golf Course Driving range, where we could practise our driving skills. In week 9, we went to the Melville Golf Centre and played a round of golf on their Par 3 golf course. It was a great day, and the weather was kind to us.

The following is our class contributions from the teams document:

Rhoda Whelan

10W Teams Chat screenshot

Screenshot of combined newsletter contributions

The open document that the students see when they are contributing to the document all at once

11G

It has been a busy term for 11G, and it is hard to believe it is nearly over. We have enjoyed Monday afternoons where we participate in HPE practical activities such as Badminton/Boccia,10 Pin Bowling, Pot Black, Block 10 Gym and yoga/dance.

This term, 11G has been participating in a fitness program each Wednesday morning. We have been working on our cardio fitness and core exercises under the ever-watchful eye of Mrs Woo.

Staff in 11G wish everyone a very safe, restful and well deserved holiday.

Staff and Students of 11G

11LG

This term, 11LG has been finishing off our ASDAN PSHE Short Course. As a part of Module 2 – Keeping safe and healthy, we researched what makes up a healthy diet and made a food diary that lasted a week. We came up with a whole week of different foods in our food diary to keep our bodies healthy with many nutritious options. We chose one of the meals to prepare in the kitchen and then eat. We decided to choose fruit kebabs and used many different coloured fruits to assemble and stack the kebab.

Staff and students of 11LG

12H

It has been heads down bums up in our classroom over the past few weeks! We have worked hard to complete all SCSA and Endorsed programs by the end of the term. We have squeezed some special events into our tight schedule, such as R U OK Day, year 10 transition, a DFES excursion and yearbook photos. Congratulations to Hiba Al Rashid, who is going to workplace learning independently and has also enrolled in Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. We are very proud of Hiba! Read on to discover what we have been learning about in different curriculum areas.

English – We completed a group assignment on educating others about how to keep a good online reputation.

Maths – We wrapped up our unit of work on chance and data and have been applying our skills in a range of activities and games.

HPE – We researched and presented on a health condition of our choice. Some choices were: anxiety and depression, hernias, type 1 diabetes and the common cold.

DFES – We completed our unit of work on bushfires and planned an excursion to the DFES Heritage Fire Station.

ASDAN – We have been completing all set work and polishing up our digital portfolios. It has been an uplifting experience to go through all the work we have done over the past two years and identify our strengths in literacy, numeracy, teamwork, problem-solving, ICT skills, and learning ability.

Staff and Students of 12H

Pathways G

We have had a busy term, including most students completing ITP meetings. Each session is vital as it allows all stakeholders to re-focus on important milestones in each young person’s life and prepare to leave school.

Ryan has decided he is ready to start travel training. He followed instructions and accepted feedback from Mrs Woo and initially travelled home from school, which resulted in Ryan gaining confidence and completing the travel training requirements to become an independent traveller.

Some students have worked hard getting ready for OLNA testing. The students have practised completing writing, reading and numeracy examples and practice tests. Some of the questions were challenging, but our students did their best.

Each Wednesday morning, the students have also worked hard on their cardio fitness and core exercises in the Block 10 gymnasium.

We have had some challenging and fun times this semester, and hopefully, the students have a successful transition from school. I am aware most students will continue with work experience or work next term, and on behalf of all the Pathways G staff, I wish all students the best and hope they enjoyed their last year of schooling at Cannington.

Dwayne Griffin

Pathways H

It has been a hectic term in Pathways H. Congratulations to all the students for successfully completing their ASDAN short course. Our students received raving reviews. The moderators were particularly impressed with the quality of work and attention to detail.

The students have completed their OLNA numeracy and writing component, one more to go.

The students have spent some time catching up on uncompleted work such as Rec Pursuits journal, skills journal, Business Management Enterprise (BME) and updating their resumes.

They have also enjoyed weekly Block 10 gym exercises. It is good to see everyone giving it a go and learning new exercises.

Mustafa Hussein

Practising team sports

Design and Technology

Year 7 woodwork students have just completed their ski boat model. One component for this model is made on a wood lathe. Students were introduced to the wood lathe and took turns using the various types of chisels and various turning techniques. The following model is “Fred’s Wagon” This model will introduce students to the wood chisel and trenching techniques for creating timber joints.

Year 7 with their ski boats

Year 8 woodwork students have completed making their jewellery boxes this week. This project required them to fit hinges and a hasp and staple to boxes constructed from 5 ply. The project was completed with a painting lesson which can be a challenge for some of our students.

Year 8 with their jewellery boxes

Hugh has completed a model spitfire aircraft which involved using templates and cutting out shapes using a jigsaw. Once the parts were assembled, he used a two-colour paint scheme to give his model a camouflaged finish. He has also completed a model steam locomotive. The boiler was turned and sanded on the wood lathe.

Year 10 woodwork students have completed making the components for a wooden biplane model. There are many parts to this model that require a range of woodworking machinery to complete. A wood lathe is used to turn the fuselage, and a table-mounted router is used to create the undercarriage components. The acrylic sheet is cut and bent using heat to create the propeller. The students are also working on an enterprise project that collects used transport pallets, disassembles them, and turns them into useful items like bird feeders and storage crates. It is hoped that the items the students have produced from recycled pallets will have a rustic look that will appeal to customers!

Year 10 DFES cadets are having a busy term as they complete units in navigation and first aid in the field. The first aid unit looks at the causes of exposure and a range of land and marine animals that bite and sting in WA. Students learn to identify the above animals and study first aid methods to treat various bites and stings. An overnight camp is proposed for early next term. This will involve students camping in a tent in the school garden and cooking their breakfast. We will spend the next few weeks learning how to make a bedroll, operate a self-inflating mattress and how to put up a tent in preparation for next term.

Tradestart students have had a busy run-up to the end of term trying to complete their set projects for 2021. Backyard Blitz is a model that introduces patio and pergola construction using structural timber.

Students have also completed a sheet metal toolbox which involved marking out, cutting, bending and pop riveting. The current model is a steel folding camping shovel and involves using angle grinders and friction cutters to cut and prepare the components. Gas and electric welding equipment is then used to assemble the handmade components into the finished shovel.

Working with the above types of equipment can be confronting for some. Staff find that students quickly get used to wearing the required safety equipment and the noise. We often have to switch power off during the day so students can have their breaks!

Community Service: A group of students from our school were invited to the AYLA Community Garden to participate at the beginning of an integrated curriculum program that includes community service, horticulture and enterprise activities. The students painted large pine posts, which will be used as supports for fences and shade houses as the project progresses. It was great to see our students adapt to a new site and get down to work straight away. The students painted 24 x 6-metre poles in about two hours. They coordinated to mix up the colour scheme to ensure a genuinely rainbow finish as required by the brief.

Mark Arrantash

Workplace Learning

Term 3 can sometimes be a pretty tough term with people catching dreaded winter colds and having to take time off. We have been pleasantly surprised by the number of students who have regularly attended their workplace.

We would like to congratulate Hiba Al Rashid. Hiba has been working in the child care industry and has begun a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Well done, Hiba. It won't be easy, but with determination, we know you will be successful.

We have several students starting travel training to come to school independently; well done, Amihan Parker, Jason Petoe and Cheyanne Smith.

Congratulations to Ryan, Taimana, Olivia and Rueben, who have successfully finished their Workright program. They worked hard at the Victoria Park Carlisle Bowling Club, ensuring all the grounds were neat and tidy. I’m sure the bowling club will miss their labour contributions.

We had a very successful Post School Options Information afternoon with many agencies providing valuable information. We hope the families who attended found this event helpful and have made connections with agencies who can help with the transition from school.

This is a very bittersweet time of the year for us as we prepare for our leaving students to make their final farewell to school and begin their journey into the wider community. One day you will look back and think, “Those were the best days of my life”. May all your hopes and dreams come true.

We look forward to hearing about your achievements in the future.

Carollyn Pears and Vera Edwards

DFES CADETS CAMP 2021

Our annual overnight DFES cadets’ camp in Mundaring took place early this term. Seventeen brave soldiers accepted the mission. They managed to assemble their tents, learn how to start a campfire, and prepare their breakfast using a gas burner.

The students took part in ECO bushwalk, learned about different flora and fauna, and learned how to start a fire, make strings using kangaroo paw, and crush buckwheat during the Bush Tucker lesson. It was an enjoyable camp, and it was great to see the students getting out of their comfort zone, exploring what nature has to offer and learning new skills. Well done to everyone who attended.

Positive Behaviour Support

Once again, a big thank you to staff who are acknowledging and providing feedback on the positive behaviours you see around the school for the term. This response reminds the students of the expectations at CCESC.

The PBS team have been working throughout the term to evaluate and make improvements based on the feedback we received from a school-wide survey. We're always looking at ways to improve our systems. If you have any ideas, we'd love to hear from you!

Some of our year 9 students who are PSG (Peer Support Group) leaders took their skills to local primary schools to meet with our future year 7 students. During the visits, they demonstrated some of our PBS values by sharing their high school experiences through videos, playing social games as mentors, and teaching a “bush dance” with enthusiasm. All of the years, 5/6 students are very grateful to have someone they will know when they start high school. Our PSG leaders should be very proud of themselves and how they represent our school.

The PBS Team

R U OK Day

During week 8, we celebrated R U OK Day across both campuses. Four simple steps could change a life:

1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen with an open mind
3. Encourage action
4. Check-in

We held an acknowledgement morning tea at the senior school, where merchandise and help cards were handed out, and healthy snacks and activities were provided. Students were invited to a special pancake breakfast at the middle school, acknowledging the important messages behind R U OK Day. Students were also given opportunities within their classes to learn about and role-play, asking someone if they are OK.

For more information about how to ask someone if they are OK, visit:

Katherine Athanasiou, Manager of Student Services, Justin Van der Westhuizen, Chaplain
Amy Myles and Vanessa Castel, Community Health Nurses

Star Tech

Just a reminder to parents that the department has made the full Microsoft Office 365 Pro Suite available for any students enrolled within the Department of Education to download the Suite for use at home on any device. Please see the attached document for support with downloading and installing.

Keiran Erith

A Message from the Community Health Nurses

2021

The vibrant yellow daffodil represents hope and a continuing fight against cancer. Cannington Community Education Support Centre and Cannington Community College supported Daffodil Day on Friday 27th August, fundraising with the sale of fresh daffodils, cupcakes and gold coin donations. This fundraising effort had a great result, raising the sum of $690.00 for the Cancer Council. A very big thank you to everyone for supporting Daffodil day 2021!

Amy Myles and Vanessa Castel, Community Health Nurses

Office Information

Payments

Thank you to everyone who has paid their contributions—just a reminder, you can pay your contributions by EFTPOS, direct debit, or payment plan. Please contact the office to arrange a payment plan. All charges for years 11 and 12 students are compulsory. If charges are not paid, the school cannot subside your child’s excursions. Our bank details are BSB 016 270 A/C 340822406 (when using online banking, please remember to state your child’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. Parents picking up children from the bus bays need to get in early before the buses arrive.

Visiting the School

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

Tanya Buchan

Clothing donations for Kalumburu

The remote Community of Kalumburu is in urgent need of clothing for newborns to size 4. If you can help, please bring lightweight clothing donations to school during term 4.

Friendship