14 February 2025
Principal’s Update
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Dear families,
I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new students and their families joining us this year. We are looking forward to continuing to support our returning students and walking along side all our students as they grow this year. Our newsletter comes out twice a term. At the beginning of the term, you can expect news from the Principal with important information. Our end of term newsletter, highlight what has been happening in your child’s classroom and across the school. Keep an eye on our Facebook page as well. It is regularly updated with all the latest happenings.
We are in our second year of a new IEP meeting format and system. We had a wonderful turn out this week with our Semester One meetings. Next Semesters meetings will be held on the 30th of July.
Our wonderful P&C is look to hold their annual AGM meeting in the coming weeks it would be wonderful to see a few new families jump on board to support our P&C as they support our students by raising funds for playground updates, camp subsidies and end of year fun days.
Below is a nomination form to join our school board. Which is also looking for a few more members. It is a wonderful opportunity to further contribute to our school community. We welcome anyone who would like to join these committees. If interested, please return the board nomination form by the 28th of February 2025. If you have any questions, about the P&C please feel free to pop in or give us a call.
One of the easiest ways to keep up with events and the most up to date information is to make sure you have installed the Seesaw and Schoolzine App on your Smart phone. Communication is vital between our families to foster our student’s success. The Seesaw platform is used for instant messaging to families and for families to message teachers. It also has a journal where teachers can share what has been happening in the classroom. We also use an instant messaging system called MGM that parents can use to advise of absences, or you can use the contact us page on our website. If you have any questions about these applications, please don’t hesitate to contact the front office.
I look forward to sharing this year with all of you and a positive and rewarding year ahead.
Kind regards,
Candice Burns
Principal
Important Dates 2025
Term 1
Bunuru (Orange) – Season of Adolescence – February to March
Monday 3 March – Labour Day (Public Holiday)
Wednesday 9 April – Assembly
Friday 11 April – Last Day of Term
Term 2
Djeran (Green) – Season of Adulthood – April to May
Makuru (Blue) – Season of Fertility – June to July
Monday 28 April – Students return
Friday 30 May – School Development Day (No school for Students)
Monday 2 June – WA Day (Public Holiday)
Wednesday 2 July – Assembly
Friday 4 July – Last Day of Term
Term 3
Makuru (Blue) – Season of Fertility – June to July
Djilba (Purple) – Season of Conception – August to September
Monday 21 July – School Development Day
Tuesday 22 July – Students return
Wednesday 30 July – Early Close (12.00) for IEP Parent Teacher meetings
Wednesday 24 September – Assembly
Friday 26 September – Last Day of Term
Term 4
Kambarang (Yellow) – Season of Birth – October to November
Birak (Red) – Season of the Young – December to January
Monday 13 October – School Development Day
Tuesday 14 October – Students return
Wednesday 17 December – Assembly 9am
Thursday 18 December – Last Day for Students
In the Spotlight……..Rebecca Whiteley
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Good morning families and Welcome back for 2025. My name is Rebecca Whiteley and I am currently acting as the Early Years Deputy while Candice Burns is in the big chair. I have worked for the Department of Education for over 15 years and am joining you from Riverside Education Support Centre in Mandurah. It has been amazing seeing all your children return to school and observing how they have settled into their new environments and routines. I had the pleasure of meeting some of you during this week’s parent teacher interviews, so please do say hi and have a chat if you see me during drop off and pick up. On a personal note, I’m a Mum to a 4-year-old son, I live in Gosnells, so a local around here, and love travelling. Thank you to everyone for welcoming me into your school and I look forward getting to your children better during my time here.
A word from our GPESC P&C
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Messages from the Front Office
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the new school year! We kindly remind you of the voluntary contributions and charges that help support our school's programs and resources. Your contributions make a significant difference in enhancing our students' learning experiences. You can find a copy of the voluntary contributions and charges by clicking on the link below or by going to our website.
Additionally, student update forms will be sent home soon. Please take a moment to review and ensure all your contact details are up to date.
This helps us stay connected and informed. Thank you for your continued support!
Warm regards,
GPESC Administration Team
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Payments can be made direct to the office via cash or EFTPOS or payments can be made via direct deposit to the school account;
Account Name: Gwynne Park Education Support Centre
BSB: 016-253
Account: 3408-74468
Narration: Students Name
Payment Plans can also be established to help with the contributions and if required to assist with payments for excursions. Please speak to the ladies in the office.
Community Information for families
Women’s Health and Wellbeing Services
Calming your Anxiety (Feb 2025)
Wednesday 19th February – Wednesday 26th March (6 sessions) @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
*Online registrations are essential FIND OUT MORE
Find your Voice – Learn how to be Assertive (May 2025)
Wednesday – 7th May – Wednesday 28th May (4 sessions) @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
*Online registrations are essential FIND OUT MORE
ADHD and Women Workshop Series 2025
DATE and TIME to be confirmed
*Expressions of Interest Open FIND OUT MORE
ADHD Therapeutic Group for Women 2025
DATE and TIME to be confirmed
*Expressions of Interest Open FIND OUT MORE
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Communicare Parenting Program - Term 1 2025
Our Featured Programs:
- Bringing Up Great Kids: The First 1000 Days This program focuses on the critical early years of your child’s life, providing insights into how parents can support their child’s emotional and social development from birth to age three.
- Tuning in to Kids Tuning in to Kids helps parents understand and manage their child’s emotions, improving communication and strengthening the parent-child relationship.
- Circle of Security Parenting This program helps parents understand the emotional needs of their children and how to provide the security and connection children need to thrive.
Plus Much More!
City of Armadale Community Health and Wellbeing News and Events
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Health events in your City
Seville Grove Connect
Wed 19 Feb| 10:00am - 12:00pm Seville Grove Library
Monthly gatherings where you can have a yarn, share stories, and find ways to live a happier and more meaningful life. Running every 3rd Wednesday of the month, this group is open to all members of the community. No bookings required, morning tea provided.
Click here to find out more.
Yoga & Mindfulness Classes
Alternating Fridays Harrisdale & Piara Water's Pavilion
The City is supporting AMURT Australia to bring FREE Yoga and Mindfulness classes to Harrisdale and Piara Waters. Running every alternate Friday from January to June, these classes are suitable for everyone including beginners.
For more info and to register, WhatsApp Jas on 0490 341 797 or click on the link.
Curiosity Hour
Fri 28 Feb | 10:30am - 11:30am History House Museum, Armadale
Explore objects commonly used for food preparation and found in kitchens during decades past. This workshop is designed for adults and is dementia friendly. Come and share your own memories and discover other interesting items in the museum.
For more info and to book, visit the website here
Hearing Care
Thurs 6 Mar | 1:30pm - 2:30pm Piara Waters Library, Piara Waters
Celebrate World Hearing Day, we have partnered with Expert Hearing Care. Come learn how to best care for your hearing and how to reduce the associated health impacts of unaddressed hearing loss. Free hearing screenings will be available at the end of the session.
For more info and to book, visit the website.
Yoga in the Park
Sun 9 Mar to 30 Mar | 8:15am - 9:30am Jim and Alma Baker Park, Harrisdale
Join us for rejuvenating yoga sessions every Sunday this March. Bring along your yoga mat, water bottle and embrace the peaceful ambiance of nature while enhancing your well-being with relaxing poses and mindful breathing exercises.
To find out more, visit the website here.
Recipe Recommendation
Save money and make your own pizza dough at home using only these two ingredients you’ll already have: yoghurt and self-raising flour.
The hardest part will be deciding what you’ll put on top!
Click here for the recipe. Enjoy!
30 Days for $30 at AFAC
Ready to dive into your best year yet? Today's the perfect time to kickstart your goals.
Enjoy 30 days of fitness, fun and relaxation at AFAC for just $30! With a state-of-the-art gym, comprehensive Group Fitness timetable, 4 pools, a wellness suite, and a creche - we've got something for everybody.
Hurry - this unbeatable offer ends Friday 28 February 2025!
To find out more visit the website or pop in and have a chat to the team today!