Issue 8 - 17th June 2020

Our Vision

Principals Report

Welcome to our brand new newsletter, I hope you enjoy the new format. We are currently updating our modes of communication and working on creating a new website and mobile phone app.

We are collaborating with a company called Schoolzine who work with lots of WA schools to provide an easy to use parent engagement platform.  We will soon be able to provide our parents with mobile friendly newsletters, news feeds, event information and a convenient booking system through eforms.

The newsletter, app and website will all be mobile phone friendly so you can remain up to date on everything which is happening at Westminster Education Support Centre. One of the best functions is that the newsletter, website and App can be converted into different languages.

Once the Website and App are fully functioning all of our newsletters will be published there. Hard copies will then be available on request.

Therapists

Therapists are now allowed back onto the school site, which is great. One of the main criteria for therapists to collaborate with our teachers is that they have negotiated a student plan and it is in place before commencing their work. Student plans must support children’s ability to become more independent and increase their ability to access the curriculum; it should not replicate the teaching and learning programs already happening in the classroom.

Reports

Due to COVID-19 and the reduction of face to face classroom learning this semester the department has advised schools that they are only required to provide a slim down version of the school report. There will be comments for Maths and English, however there will only be a brief summary provided for all the other curriculum areas.

Amalgamation

I would like to congratulate Andrea White on her appointment of the new Westminster Primary School.  Andrea and I have an excellent working relationship currently, which I know will enable us to continue to build on the inclusive environment on the Westminster Campus.

School times

As we return to our normal school pick up and drop off routines can I remind parents the school day commences at 8:50am and finishes at 3:00pm. If students have appointments during school time, please advise your teachers. If you are late coming to school or picking up your child early, please ensure you sign in and out at our reception.

NEWS FROM ESC6

What a great first semester we have had in Room 6! It is the last year of primary school for most of our students, and we have been busy preparing ourselves for high school by learning about how our bodies change during puberty. Because it is their last year, we have started a business enterprise of washing staff cars in order to raise money for our end of year camp/activity week. The students all thoroughly enjoy it, especially because they get a little treat afterwards for their hard work!

The year 6’s will be receiving their graduation shirts in a few short weeks and they are all very excited to wear them.

We have been learning lots of fun things this semester! During STEM we have been joining classrooms with Room 7 to design and build planter boxes for our vegetable garden. To make these planter boxes, we decided to upcycle wood pallets which were kindly donated to us by Rebel Sport in Morley. The teachers pulled them apart and cut them, then the students contributed by constructing them with nails and a hammer. They look fantastic!

In Science with Mrs Rose and Room 7, we have been learning about Biological Sciences. During this time, we have looked at what plants need to survive, plant a vegetable garden (using our planter boxes) and monitoring and maintaining these plants. So far, so good!

For our functional group, we have been focusing on tactile activities during our sensory lessons and desensitising to new textures. We have also been doing a lot of cooking and enjoying lots of different yummy foods! Communication has also been a big focus with this group, and their skills are significantly progressing which makes all the teachers very proud!

Well done to all students for working very hard this term. Not long now until holidays where we can have some well-deserved ‘R & R’!

News from Room 8

Arts, Music and Hass in room 8 with Mrs Bloomfield

It has been lovely having the students return and they have happily settled back into our art therapy, music and Humanities class each week.

Each class has a different focus/topic and concept skills to be learnt, in line with the Western Australian Curriculum. We have discussed the seasons, day and night, sequencing events and looking at various celebrations from around the globe. Other classes have enjoyed sorting toys into past and present and then designing and making their toy of the future.  For Harmony Week back in March, Artwork was submitted for the Harmony Week Art Competition from some of our upper primary students and displayed in Janine Freeman’s office. They were awarded with a scholastic book voucher and art award.  Don’t forget to check out our Harmony Tree in the undercover area with your child’s handprint display titled ‘Everyone Belongs’.

In our integrated curriculum, for Arts, the students practise cutting, gluing, painting, making and thoroughly enjoy the opportunities to use messy, sensory materials across all year levels from Kindy through to year 6.

We are continuing to develop our instrument playing skills and the students love every chance to dance and sing in our music sessions.

Our Super Stars

Congratulations to Blessing, Abol and Hairi who are now riding bikes without training wheels. It has been wonderful to watch their perseverance and determination as they transitioned to the balance bike and then to riding independently.

All the students have made great progress with their bike riding. They follow all the safety procedures before riding such as putting on their helmets using the 2 finger rule and doing an ABC check on their bike. They have also been learning to use the brakes safely, ride as part of a group and follow course directions and signs.  

Kindergarten 2021

Important Dates

Assembly

Be You

Be You’s vision is that every learning community is positive, inclusive and resilient- a place where every child, young person, educator and family can achieve their best possible mental health.

Exercise

How important is exercise?

5-12 year olds should be doing at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensive physical activity every day. It promotes social and emotional skills, as well as physical development of motor skills.

What can Families do?

• Go for a bike ride every day or ride your bike with your children to school
• Play Chasey with your children at a park or in the backyard
• Go for a nature walk around the neighbourhood and discover new treasures and landmarks
• Get you children into team sports such as football, soccer and basketball
• Play with your child at your local playground-climb trees and climbing frames, swing on the monkey bars etc

Research states that the more active time you spend with your child; the more positive outcomes can be achieved. For more information go to: https://beyou.edu.au/fact-sheets/wellbeing/physical-activity-and-mental-health

School Uniforms

Westminster Education Support Centre uniforms are available to purchase from Tudor Uniforms.

Address: 1/75 Excellence Drive, Wangara

Trading hours: Monday – Friday 8am-4.30pm.

 Or visit: https://tudorschooluniforms.com.au/

Royal blue undershirts, leggings, head scarves, socks and shoes can be purchased through stores such as Kmart and Big W.

Voluntary Contributions

A big thankyou to those who have already paid these.

Dianella Secondary ESC - Open Evening

School Board Members