18 August 2022

Newsletter Articles

Important Dates

From the Principal’s Desk

The beginning of Term 3 started off strong, with students and staff enjoying special days and excursions. We are still, however, learning to juggle the effects of COVID with staffing daily. We have been fortunate in many cases, where familiar staff have been present in each class every week, but we are still experiencing times where moving staff around is required. Where possible, we try and keep things consistent for our students but understand the stresses this may cause.

We held a successful School Development Day the first day back. Teachers were given the day to analyse their students’ data in numeracy and modify and adapt teaching programs ready for the semester. Our education assistants were updated in MAPA training by our own trained facilitator Cathy Archer, communication supports with our Indigo therapist Ashley Harling, and physical and daily fitness supports from our consulting Physiotherapist Helen Taylor in conjunction with Dee Mincherton, who is one of our education assistances whom just completed her Certificate II in Health Support Services and Certificate III in Allied Health Assistant. We are so fortunate to have access to skilled and knowledgeable staff and specialists at our school.

Individual Education Plans and Individual Transition Plan sessions are currently being finalised. Thank you to all those parents and carers that have made time to either visit teachers at school, hold Teams or Webex sessions or had an opportunity to speak directly with them about their students’ goals for this semester. Hopefully, parents and carers have also had the opportunity to talk to their class teachers about their child’s report and progress. There is still time to engage in those meaningful conversations, so please get in touch with class teachers to make a time.

Our school psychologist Tracey Creighton has an article in the newsletter promoting the free Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) seminar. Our school will be hosting this seminar in the coming weeks and is looking for expressions of interest. Please scroll down and find Tracey’s article and click on link if you haven’t already done so. This was advertised on our schools’ social pages, and our schools Connect page.

Students have already had the chance to participate in several special events this term. We were very fortunate for our year 12’s to attend their Ball at the Pan Pacific Hotel in week 1. The senior school held their camp in week 2 at the Swan Valley Adventure Centre, and students from the middle school have been off campus for transport training and community services. There are plenty of other excursions in the planning stage, so please check your emails for Consent 2 Go links and click on the confirm attendance button.

We are looking forward to a wonderful rest of term 3.

Angela Whittington

Class Updates

7D

Happy Term 3, everybody!

First, I would like to congratulate all my year 7 students for completing their first six months at high school. Super proud!

7D has been very busy this term. This semester, both year 7 classes have been coming together for numeracy. We have focused on three core functional curriculum skills: measurement, time and money. Staff have grouped students into ability groups using student data, creating a tailored numeracy program for each group. We have already seen such fantastic success and look forward to many more achievements.

Numeracy lessons

Students have focused on physical activity and volunteering/community service for Ignite. As a class, we have decided to make dog biscuits and toys for Dogs’ Refuge Home (Shenton Park). Students have participated in multiple workout sessions for physical activity, focusing on core strength and muscle development.

Deearna Holmes

Making dog biscuits

Working out!

7M

In literacy, we continued with spelling, direct instructions, grammar, reading box and form filling. The students learnt why we use signatures and reviewed their chosen library books.

Literacy rotation and reading

We commenced our first rotations during numeracy and combined year 7 classes. The three rotations will incorporate functional activities covering money, time and measurements.

Numeracy time rotation

During Key Word Sign, our students watched a news bulletin and identified the sign language interpreter. They researched and pointed out some key information about sign language in Australia.

Key Word Sign research

During health, we discussed protective behaviours. We were able to discuss what to do if a stranger knocked on the door.

Learning about protective behaviours

In cooking, our students made some pizzas, French toast and cheesy tomato sandwiches.

Perfecting our cooking skills

During enterprise, students learnt about different types of "logos" using Kahoot, and in woodwork, the students enjoyed using the drill press to make a pencil holder.

Mustafa Hussein

Using the drill press

8C

The year 8 classes were very excited to venture “up the hills” on a cold day to Kanyana (meaning gathering place) Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre to present pouches and perches made by the students during community service as part of Ignite. Let us share some interesting facts regarding the animals introduced to us by the Kanyana education volunteers:

Mrs Brown, a Children’s Python, was discovered being kept illegally and was handed into care ten years ago. Children’s Pythons have a life span of 25 years – Mrs Brown has a long life ahead of her as she is only ten years old! Mrs Brown eats a mouse per month, especially during Brumation – a period of dormancy (winter or Makuru and Djilba) for reptiles.

Noba (Noongar for orphan) is a critically endangered Woylie (Noongar for brushtail bettong). Noba has resided at Kanyana for seven years after being found in bushland as a joey. This very cute marsupial has been hand raised and eats fungi, tree resin and beetle larvae.

Aruba, the echidna, is twenty-plus years old and was transferred to Kanyana after a car hit and killed her mother. The vehicle following witnessed this incident, knew to stop and check the mother and found the puggle (a young echidna) still attached. Puggles affix themselves to their mother until they develop spines and become too heavy. Aruba’s diet consists of termites and ants sourced by her veeerrrrry long tongue!

Smuggles, the bobtail or blue tongue lizard, was rescued nine years ago after being discovered during a routine x-ray of luggage by the customs team at Perth International Airport. Unfortunately, he could not be released into the wild and is now an education team member. The staff at Kanyana do everything to make his life comfortable and to educate people about the need to protect wildlife from such activities. Smuggles eats snails, beetles, slugs – anything slower than him!!

Precious, the Tawny Frogmouth, has been an education resident at Kanyana for over ten years. She was found as a chick in bushland and hand raised. At an age where Precious was capable of self-care, her carer left her cage door open to fly away, but she refused to do so. Tawny Frogmouths eat king worms, are masters of disguise, can blend in with our local vegetation, and are NOT owls!

Twenty-five years ago, an emu egg was on display at the Perth Royal Show and hatched – talk about making an entrance! Widgee, the emu’s legs were splayed and therefore unable to stand. June Butcher, Kanyana’s founder, was contacted and agreed to take him home and splint his legs straight. The treatment worked, and this cheeky emu has lived at Kanyana ever since. Emus can live up to twenty years or more in captivity, so Widgee has settled nicely into retirement! Widgee’s diet consists of vegetables and fruit, with his carers being his best friends.

Thank you to Mr Arrantash, Mr Preece, Ms Womersley and the 8P staff for organising a fun and educational day.

Mrs Martlew is introducing 8C to the Key Word Signs for objects and actions this term.

This term, we are looking at reversible and irreversible changes in STEAM with Miss Laudehr. We have investigated condensation and evaporation by mixing milk and vinegar and also boiling potatoes. Science – reversible and irreversible changes, technology – using the microwave or kettle to make the changes occur, engineering – designing our pieces of plastic, art – adding colour and images to their plastic displays and maths – adding the correct amount of each ingredient to create an effective experiment.

We had an exciting development over the holidays regarding the silver perch; they disappeared!! Investigations have led to few clues, with many theories abound. In the meantime, six replacement silver perch have been sourced; thank you, Mr Arrantash. The tomatoes are flourishing considering the lack of sunshine; hopefully, the first signs of spring will encourage the pink blush of ripening.

The Class of 8C

8P

In literacy, we continue our reading comprehension program involving the book ‘Charlotte’s Web’. The class is enjoying the book and has worked through the worksheets at the end of each chapter. We will complete the book in the next couple of weeks, and then we will watch the movie to compare how closely the movie follows the book's storyline.

As part of the IGNITE program, 8P was required to complete a module in community service. Through some research by one of our education assistants, it was found that Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre need large and extra-large pouches for their sick, injured and orphaned mammals. So, it was decided that this was a task for 8P. We downloaded the patterns for the pouches, and Mr Arrantash kindly made templates for us.

A call was made for material, and we soon had enough for twenty pouches. The students were required to trace around the template on the material, cut it out, pin two sides together, sew it and finally, iron the pouch. As you can see, there was a lot of learning and new skills that students had to acquire.

This work resulted in an excursion to Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre along with 8C, who made bird perches, to present what we had made and learn more about what they do at Kanyana. We visited the hospital where they look after the sick wildlife and the kitchen where they prepare the meals. The students also met some residents and touched a bobtail lizard, a Children’s Python, and an echidna. All students and staff thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and the weather was great too.

Warren Preece

Making pouches

Presenting the pouches at Kanyana

Zac meeting a resident

9H

On the last day of term 2, students had a St John first aid training incursion. During the first hour, students practised the steps in first aid, i.e. DRSABCD. Students learnt to identify danger in various scenarios before attempting to provide first aid. They learnt to check for response by gently squeezing the person's shoulders and asking if they could hear them. Next, students rehearsed sending for help by calling 000 for emergency and describing the situation. Students practised on mannequins to check for airway obstructions and breathing. They practised with partners to help lay a person in the recovery position until further assistance arrived in the form of an ambulance. Next, students practised CPR on the mannequin, keeping a count of compressions and checking for breathing. Students have been learning these first aid skills in the weeks before the incursion as it is part of their ASDAN learning. Students have learnt to identify a defibrillator in the school setting and identify and locate first aid kits in the classroom and school. During the second hour, students had access to headsets that provided virtual reality scenarios. Students could practice DRSABCD in a virtual setting. Most students enjoyed this unique experience.

Students are learning about Torres Strait Islanders as part of their Indigenous Studies this term. Please discuss these topics with your child at home so they can share their knowledge with you. Students can identify the location of the Torres Strait Islands on the map. Students have been learning about the importance of FM radio in the Torres Strait Islands, how essential items are transported via cargo ships, pearling industry, how fishing is an integral part of their culture etc.

Princy Heald

9S

Term 3 has started well with the full attendance of students and staff. Students have all returned with lots of excitement, and it was great listening to the wonderful stories they had to share about their holidays. It was also good to know that a few of them caught up during the holidays and had fun.

In week 9 of term 2, we had an incursion with Transperth where Mr McMahon, an educator with Transperth, visited us and gave us an insight into the Transperth facilities and services. Students enjoyed asking questions and clarifying their doubts. As a follow-up to this incursion, we are having an excursion led by the same educator in week 4. We will travel from school to Maddington station and back using the bus and train services. The details will be shared on our class Connect page.

Learning about public transport

In health lessons, we have learned about first aid and what should be done in cases involving minor cuts, burns, stings, sprains etc. As an extension to the classroom learning, we had an incursion with St Johns on the last day of term 2. Students had the opportunity of learning some practical skills in giving first aid, mainly focussing on CPR.

First aid training

In woodwork, we are working on our Apache helicopter project. While completing this project, Mr Arrantash showed us how to use the electric drill and assisted us in using it while working on our helicopters. We are all enjoying making our helicopters and working hard towards completing them.

Natashja using the drill

Two Perth Wildcats players visited our school on Friday, 5th August 2022. A few of us used the opportunity and had an enjoyable session with them, asking questions, shooting some baskets, and getting their autographs.

We are looking forward to a busy term ahead.

Susan Solomon

Having fun with Perth Wildcats players

10S

A big part of this semester is preparing for the transition to our senior campus in 2023. Students toured the campus on the first day back this term and located key points of interest. The visits will continue and give students many opportunities to develop familiarity with the facilities, people and other important information. These visits also support students’ math/numeracy skills. Students are completing Preliminary Mathematics Unit 1 Task 5, “Finding your way around the school”, and will use paper and electronic maps to demonstrate the outcomes.

Visiting the senior school

Recreational Pursuits continue this term, and students get quality sessions with the golf legend, also known as Justin (our chaplain). Students will harness their golf skills at school for the first weeks before attending a course and having a real game. All students are on track to achieve their 55 hours.

Students have started Preliminary Business Management and Enterprise Unit 2 Task 1 “Waste audit” and are supporting the school’s containers for cash initiative by collecting and sorting recyclable waste around the school. Students are very enthusiastic about adding this to their Community Service hours and meeting cross-curriculum priorities within the sphere of sustainability.

Workplace learning (WPL) linked to students’ ASDAN Work Right modules continues, and students are engaging in various job roles at the Cannington Community Garden, opposite the school. This work environment is a not-for-profit enterprise with solid sustainability values. Students have had opportunities to contribute to the upkeep of garden beds, including fruit and vegetables. We thank our hosts, Mrs Johnson and Mr Andi, for their help.

Year 10 students from both classes are using their DFES skills each day and have committed to putting up/taking down the flags at the front of the school. The process requires a lot of reverence and respect, and many students are becoming independent with using the flag poles.

Students are preparing for the Middle School Sports Carnival, which will be held on 23 September.

Parents/caregivers are reminded to use Connect and check Notices regularly. Also, you can see the wonderful work that students complete in Discussions.

Pat Spadanuda

10W

The term has started positively, and the students have embraced the final semester of middle school. There has been a major excursion to the DFES Education and Heritage Centre, the continuation of workplace learning, and the beginning of transition to the senior campus.

Some of the boys in our class have been selected to participate in Drumbeat and have had four sessions so far. They have enjoyed this time with Mrs Athanasiou and the boys from other classes.

In English, we are continuing with our Preliminary Unit Theme of Rules – this term, we have identified the rules for different social contexts, starting with the rules set out for our excursion into the city on 27 July. We have categorised most rules into two types – respect and safety.

Our time in Math has been spent focussing on money and financial literacy. We are consolidating our skills in this area and moving further into the subject, investigating needs and wants and developing simple budgets based on these.

Workright industry work experience has continued this term. The students finished their placements at their first rotations and commenced the next rotation – some are attending Access Office Furniture, others are at Riverside Gardens, and the last group has started a placement at AYLA Inc Opportunity Shop in Cockburn.

Gaining experience at Access Office Furniture

Honing our skills at Riverside Gardens

We have almost finished the mandatory modules of eSafety and will now progress into the option modules of this ASDAN certificate. The students are becoming more familiar with the hazards on the internet and how to manage these risks.

Working on an eSafety task

We are starting to put together some of the products left over from our school market day last term in preparation for the ESSN Hub Market Day at Leeming SHS ESC on 6 September. Some of these products include a small amount of garlic butter, some bath salts and some dried citrus wheels.

The coming weeks of the term will see the transition to senior campus increase with breakfast on Fridays on that campus before going to workplace learning and other activities currently in the pipeline – watch this space for more information.

R Whelan

11F

This term, students have been practising Mindfulness.

We have all found that after practising deep, slow breathing after a 10-minute walk, we all feel happy, relaxed and calm.

We have also been studying the phonetic alphabet as part of the DFES programme. We now know that CCESC is: Charlie - Charlie - Echo - Sierra - Charlie.

We have also learned how to spell our names using the phonetic alphabet. Charlotte is spelt: Charlie - Hotel - Alpha - Romeo - Lima - Oscar - Tango - Tango - Echo.

It has been fun.

The class of 11F

11G

We have had a busy start to the term, including the Swan Valley Adventure Centre camp. Seeing so many students enjoying themselves and venturing out of their comfort zones was pleasing.

It was amazing to see some of our students riding over 10kms during our camp and getting used to riding on bush tracks and using scooters. Several students completed the high ropes and pushed themselves on the commando course.

The Year 11’s are preparing to sit their Keys For Life theory test in September. They have all been practising the tests online and working hard during lessons. It is really important they practice regularly to ensure they pass.

Hudson has begun travelling home independently with friends, meeting new people, and learning new things.

During DFES theory lessons, some students have been learning how to use a CB radio, and we put this into practice during lessons at school. Over.

Dwayne Griffin

SCHOOL CAMP 2022: Swan Valley Adventure Centre

Good: Most of the food, High ropes, Bike riding, Cinemas, Disco, Flying Fox, Scooter Riding, Warm Shower, Breakfast on Thursday, Wildlife Park, The Advantage to buy food at the cinemas.
Meh: Commando Course, Packing bags on Friday Morning, Waiting, The Bus ride, Archery.
Bad: Friday Morning Breakfast and staying in Dorm.

By Reece Hogarth

12G

Term 3 is the busiest term for the year 12 students. We are nearing the end of semester 2, so everyone is working hard to complete their tasks in all subjects.

In English, students have been focussing on social media and its effect on young people. Each student surveyed the senior students and created a PowerPoint presentation on their findings. They then presented the PowerPoint to the rest of the class. Students are preparing for their mock interviews this term and have been practising interview techniques.

In math, we have been looking at budgeting for the future. We have been looking at different bank accounts, how to access money, pay bills, using an ATM and online banking.

This term in DFES, we will use the new radio transceivers to prepare for the upcoming DFES camp.

Our Monday afternoon HPE activities are still up and running, and everyone is enjoying their activity choice.

The year 12 students attended the Ball in week 1, and they all looked fantastic! The staff at the Ball said that all the students were on their best behaviour and did our school proudly!

Looking amazing at the school ball

Week 2 saw the senior camp finally happen. The students all had a great time and enjoyed many different activities over the three days.

Fun camp activities

Upcoming events we have this term are:

• Market Day at Leeming SHS ESC
• DFES camp
• The Abilities Expo
• B Street Smart

Cindi Griffin

12J

Year 12 Ball: It has been a busy time for the 12J class. On Friday, 22 July, the School Ball was held at the Grand River Ballroom at the Pan Pacific Hotel. It was a fantastic evening, and our students looked absolutely wonderful. Many dance moves were showcased, and it was a special night for our students to remember.

Enjoying the School Ball

Senior school camp: Our 12J students have just returned from a successful camp at the Swan Valley Adventure Centre. Students participated in various activities, including flying fox, high ropes, commando course, mountain-bike riding, Archery, basketball and scooter riding.

The facilities at the centre were fantastic – especially the food and salad bar in the dining room. It did not take long for the students to work out the tea, coffee and hot chocolate machine, which was a real hit.

The students attended Ace Cinemas in Midland on Wednesday evening and were lucky to see the new movie Thor – Love and Thunder. Thursday evening saw our students participate in a black and white themed disco. There were fantastic costumes on display along with some great dancing.

The camp concluded on Friday with a day trip to Caversham Wildlife Park. Our students got up close and personal with the koalas and many other animals at the centre. The bus ride back to school was very quiet, with many students having a short nap on the way home!

Having fun at camp

Judi Janes

Pathways M

We started this term off with our parent/teacher meetings (ITPs), where our students, with the help of their parents/caregivers and teachers, set goals for the last two terms of their school life! This exercise allowed us to review the first semester, celebrate wins, and refine our SMART goals to challenge the students in a realistic context.

As the class that was heavily involved with planning and running the last market day, we were again tasked to plan and coordinate the ESSN Market Day at Leeming SHS ESC in week 8.

As part of our Business Management and Enterprise (BME) modules, the students have decided to incorporate an environmentally conscious product to sell at the event. As a result of surveys and group discussions, the class has decided to make upcycled art using discarded bottle caps. This is an excellent way for the students to express their artistic side while turning trash into treasure!

Turning trash into treasure

This term, the students have a clear goal of completing all their ASDAN modules by week 8, ready for external moderation. Over the past two terms, the students have learned that on completion of each module, they need to photograph evidence of their work, attach support documents and make a personal comment about the task on their iPad. Consequently, the students have an excellent record of their achievements over the year, which is a great source of pride for students and parents.

Some of our students put on their dancing shoes and headed to the school ball, where they danced the night away with their friends, creating lifelong memories! (photo attached).

Ryan Michael

Workplace Learning

Wow! I can’t believe we’re almost halfway through term 3 already! Our workplace learning team has been depleted, with both our coordinators on leave simultaneously, but the rest of the team has pulled together to keep the wheels turning.

Some year 10 students have completed their first workplace learning experience, and we are now working on rotating the groups to their next employer. The feedback received from the employers has been very positive, and they have been impressed with the student's attitude and effort in the workplace. Well done, year 10s!

We have commenced interviews with our year 11 students without a current placement to find out their likes and dislikes - next step, our coordinators will start knocking on doors to find an employment option to suit their strengths.

An employee of the week wasn’t awarded in weeks 1-3 due to the coordinator's leave. Still, Cameron Banks and Nabillah Maulana received the award for week 4 for their outstanding commitment to their work placements.

Overall, our students are excellent representatives of the school. We’re looking forward to the second half of the term so we can share some more examples of the stars of the school!

Carollyn Pears and Vera Edwards

Student Services Update

Naidoc Week: This year, the Naidoc theme was “Get up! Stand Up! Show up!

It represented and encouraged us to amplify our voices and narrow the gap between aspiration and reality, good intent and outcome. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrating the oldest, continuous living cultures today.

We celebrated Naidoc Week during the 27th – the 31st of June 2022. There were various fabulous events and programs happening on both campuses during the week. We had damper making and a Naidoc breakfast at the middle with language programs and art activities throughout the week. A highlight was the year 10 students learning and presenting welcome to country and their oral historical research.

The main project for Naidoc week 2022 was our “Bush Tucker” project, supported and provided by our student services team with outstanding leadership and facilitation from our AIEO, Norman Gardner. All our classes were gifted two bush tucker plants. They learnt about the plants, how to care for and maintain them, their food/medicinal purposes, and why they were so important. Each student also designed and painted a rock to surround and beautify their plants. Each class have now become the guardians and carers of these plants. The objective is to teach our students about traditional bush tucker knowledge, maintaining and caring for their plants’ environment, and being respectful. Most of all, to grow our plants for years to come, our garden is flush with native traditional plants so our school can keep learning. A big shout out to Norman, who was absolutely amazing at his first time facilitating a project like this and a higher shout out to the man who did all the hard yakka and garden preps – “ Big J” Justin, our Chaplin.

At the senior campus, we had a live traditional opening ceremony and dance by our deadly sister girls’ group and our male Aboriginal leaders. Our student services team had Naidoc poster designs, hand art and bead and bracelet making. It was a great week celebrating Naidoc.

Terri Te Kani, Student Services Coordinator

DRUMBEAT: Our weekly Monday afternoon drumbeat sessions have started with a BANG at the Middle School campus. We have already learnt a variety of beginner drumming rhythms and have explored topics such as self-responsibility, values, respect, trust and positive relationships.

A big shout out to all the incredible students who are giving the program a go, actively participating and demonstrating the school’s core values of Achievement, Independence and Respect. Well done everyone!

Katherine Athanasiou (Mrs A), Student Services Manager

Wildcats Visit: On Friday the 5th of August, our students had some special guests join them at Coker Park Basketball courts. Players; Majok Majok & Corey Shervill from the Perth Wildcats visited to run some drills and a training session testing the kid's skills. Standing at 6 foot 11, Majok was almost twice the size of many of our students! Such an exciting experience. Both Wildcat players enjoyed meeting our students and look forward to another opportunity our school can collaborate with the team in the future. Enjoy some of the photos we have here.

Justin van der Westhuizen, School Chaplain

From our school psychologist: Thank you to those who completed the survey about a positive parenting workshop on the school Connect page.

For those who have not yet seen the notice, please read below:

I am seeking expressions of interest for a free positive parenting workshop we would like to offer, which is developed by the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P). Triple P helps make raising kids easier. It gives tips and ideas to help raise happy and confident kids; see more of the behaviours you like and less of the ones you don’t, and have better relationships with your family. There is a link to the Triple P website in the survey if you want more information. Please complete the survey by clicking on the link provided below or use the QR Code to access the survey to help us decide what topics, time and mode of delivery (face to face or online via Webex), suit the majority.

We were aiming to run the workshop in week 6 or week 7 this term; however, due to a lack of responses so far, and if a large number would prefer a face-to-face workshop, we may have to push the workshop out to term 4, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 or if restrictions are put in place.

Later this term, we will provide information on the time, date and mode of delivery for the parent workshop, and we will seek those who would like to attend to RSVP to the workshop.

Links:

Free Workshop for Parents - Expressions of Interest (office.com)

Tracey Creighton, Psychologist
The Student Services Team

Office Information

Payments

Thank you to everyone who has paid their contributions—just a reminder, you can pay your contributions by EFTPOS, direct debit, on our website – parent payments or by payment plan. Please do not hesitate to contact the office to arrange a payment plan.

All charges for years 11 and 12 students are compulsory. The school cannot subside your child’s excursions if charges are not paid.

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. The disabled parking bays are for people displaying an ACROD sticker only. 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 arrive early before the buses.

Visiting the School

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

Tanya Buchan