2 June 2023

Principal’s Update

Dear families,

What a start to Term 2 we have had. Students have settled back into the school routine well and been emersed in a number of learning experiences. I would like to extend a thanks to our staff who supported our students in the new format for Swimming this year. The growth in our students’ skills was noted across the two weeks and we are proud that we have piloted this program with Armadale Aquatic Centre. If you have any feedback regarding swimming, please contact the school. Feedback provides an opportunity for us to continue to improve what we do.  

Natasha Miller is now on a secondment to Wirrabirra ESC, as Principal, from this week and will return at the beginning of Week 10. The Deputy Principal position will be filled by Claudia Boynton (Wednesday to Friday) in her absence, and I have returned to full time work during this period. We are still in the final stages of finalising the staffing process for a teacher in ES4 and our new teacher is due to start with us in Week 10.   

This week is National Reconciliation Week, and the theme is to ‘Be a voice for Generations’. I look forward to our school acknowledging and paying respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and elders past and present, through our learnings this week.

1^st of June marks the start of Makuru (fertility season)

Makaru sees the coldest and wettest time of the year come into full swing. Traditionally, this was a good time of the year to move back inland from the coast as the winds turned to the west and south bringing the cold weather, rains and occasionally snow on the peaks of the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges. As the waterways and catchments started to fill, people were able to move about their country with ease and thus their food sources changed from sea, estuarine and lake foods to those of the lands in particular the grazing animals such as the kangaroo. As well as a food source, animals provided people with many other things. For example, 'Yongar' or kangaroos not only provided meat but also 'bookas' (animal skin cloaks that were used as the nights became much cooler). Nothing was left; even the bones and sinews were used in the manufacturing of bookas and for hunting tools such as spears. Makuru is also a time for a lot of animals to be pairing up in preparation for breeding in the coming season. If you look carefully, you might now see pairs of 'Wardongs' (ravens) flying together. You also notice these pairs not making the usual 'ark ark arrrrrk' that these birds are well known for when flying solo. Upon the lakes and rivers of the South West, you'll also start to see a large influx of the Black Swan or 'Mali' as they too prepare to nest and breed. Flowers that will start to emerge include the blues and purples of the Blueberry Lilly (Dianella revoluta) and the Purple Flags (Patersonia occidentalis). As the season comes to a close, you should also start to notice the white flowers of the weeping peppermint (Agonis flexuosa) as the blues start to make way for the white and cream flowers of Djilba.

On behalf of our school community, I would like to welcome Amanda McPherson to the role of Parent Representative on our School Board. I look forward to working with Amanda throughout the rest of 2023.

I hope our families have a safe upcoming long weekend, where students will return on Tuesday 6^th June 2023.

Kind regards,
Natasha Naylor
Principal

Important Dates 2023

Kindy/Pre-Primary – ES2

Hello/ Kaya

What an exciting and busy term we have been having so far. Our students settled seamlessly back into class routines after the break, and it has been lovely to watch friendships develop and grown between all our little friends.

We celebrated the wonderful mothers and grandmothers of our students with a special Mother’s Day afternoon tea. Staff and students in ES2 baked, decorated, and created wonderful treats for all our mums to thank them for the love and support they show. A big thank you to our special guests for coming and to my staff for all their dedication and hard work to make it all possible.

Our friends have been enjoying the term theme of community helpers and learning all about the people in our community who can help us. The home corner has been transformed into a doctor’s surgery and we have some budding doctors and nurses who enjoy dressing up and looking after their patients with care.

Over the past two weeks Pre-primary students have been attending daily swimming lessons as part of the whole school swimming program at Armadale pool. By all reports this has been very successful, and students have enjoyed learning and playing in the water. Thank you again to my staff for your hard work in ensuring this is running smoothly and safely.

In science we have been looking at chemical changes and students have been amazed at the experiments, watching, and participating in the running of each experiment and using adapted worksheets to recall and record their findings.

This term has been exciting so far and we are looking forward to seeing what the rest of the term holds.

Laura Samuelson and the ES2 team.

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Pre-Primary / Year 1 – ES3

Welcome to our midterm newsletter for ES3. It was clear at the beginning of the term, how well students have learnt our classroom routine. Even coming back after holidays, students were straight back into the swing of things, eager to learn and play. Students are now learning to transition to different activities around the room and have been enjoying mat sessions. During our morning routine, students have been learning to identify themselves in a photo. It’s been great to see some students recognise their peers in these photos as well.

This term in Maths we have been comparing objects based on their size and colour. In literacy we have been looking at books that reflect our term theme, community helpers. We have been learning about those that can help us in the community and why we are so thankful to have them. In Science, we have been focusing on objects and the materials they are made of. Using AAC, students have been learning to describe these objects. We have also been looking at how we can manipulate different objects such as melting ice, deterring certain substances with dish washing liquid and turning liquids into solids.

In weeks 4 and 5, ES3 joined the rest of the school to do swimming lessons. The students who went, showed their love for the water and it was great to see them develop this highly important skill.

Kerry Morton and ES3 Staff

Year 1 – ES4

Welcome back to Term 2. It has been a busy start and five weeks have flown by. It has been a pleasure to have spent these five weeks in ES4 with the amazing students and staff.

We have just finished one week of swimming lessons and nearly all of our students have attended. We are swimming at the Armadale pool this year and going for two weeks. which is going to make everyone very tired! The students swimming are really enjoying their lessons.

We made Mother’s Day craft, which we hope the Mums enjoyed. We collaged the jars and then used a LED candle inside for Mum to turn on giving a soft pink light. We hope you enjoyed them.

In cooking we have been making sandwiches, nachos, spaghetti on toast and we are planning on making porridge because we have been reading Goldilocks.

We have our Literacy and Numeracy boxes in full swing, and we complete these boxes each day. Our activities are varied and keep us very busy.

Every morning we like to play basketball and throw the ball around. The students kick, throw, and catch.

We are learning Auslan and are making great progress. So far, we are learning Good Morning, some colours, and some family members. We are doing a fabulous job. Mrs Wiley is very proud of us all.

We have a new student starting. Her name is Talashia. She is starting gradually. Two days a week for a couple of weeks.

Enjoy your next five weeks.
Sally Wiley, Teacher
Robin Taylor, Sonya Davey, Education Assistants

Year 1/2 – ES1

The first few weeks of this term seem to have flown by very quickly.  Swimming over the last two weeks has meant our program in class has been modified.  All the students that have been going swimming are excited to go and come back with smiles on their faces.  I haven’t had the opportunity to see them in the pool, however I’ve been told they have all made progress, have been following instructions and sitting beautifully on the bus and looking out the window and pointing as they go past everything.

In class we have been reading the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?  The students have been using AAC both paper based and their own devices to read along with the story.  They have all gained skills in navigating the pathways to finding colours and animals from the book. It is wonderful to see the smiles on their faces when they have been able to independently communicate, in a variety of ways, to answer questions and read along with me as I read the story.

In our corner play area, they have been using kits for vets, doctors, and dentists as well as dress ups to role play community helpers.  We also have fire engine puzzles and a basket of vehicles used by emergency workers including an ambulance, fire engines, a police car, a rubbish truck and a tow truck.  There is a display of photos of community helpers and some vehicles on the wall, the students enjoy getting them down to look at. 

For Mother’s Day students helped marble trinket dishes to give as gifts, to do this nail polish is dripped onto the surface of water and the dish dipped into it.  I hope all the mum’s enjoyed their gifts and fingerprint poem.  In cooking they practised making their own sandwiches, they could choose from jam or vegemite or just the butter.  Hopefully this is a skill they can continue to practise at home.

Jan Collier and classroom staff. 

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Year 2/3 - Rm 18

Halfway through Term 2 already! Room 18 has had a busy start to the year.  We finally had a warm day and were able to cook s’mores in the solar pizza ovens we made last term. The chocolate in the s’mores melted quickly however the marshmallows took longer than we thought to melt. In science this term we have been learning about our solar system and had fun looking at the different sizes of the sun, earth and moon.

In HASS we have been learning about the significance of different celebrations and commemorations. For the first two weeks Room 18 learnt about the importance and significance of ANZAC day. Our students developed a great interest learning about ANZAC day and learnt many interesting facts. We made a wreath for the whole school assembly and attended the ANZAC day assembly.

Room 18 students have adapted their daily routine for participation in intern swimming lessons at Armadale Aquatic and Fitness Centre. It has been amazing to see their confidence in the water grow and new skills form. Room 18’s transitions on the bus to and from swimming lesson have exceptional and we are all so proud.

We have had a wonderful start to Term 2 and a busy few weeks ahead of us.

Miss Nelson and Room 18 Staff

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Student Spotlight – Swimming

Varfee - I like Mr Mac's bus to the swimming pool

Year 3/4 - Rm 19

Hello parents and carers. The second term is going so fast it is hard to believe we are already in week six.

The students are forming some good friendship. They are learning to share toys and take turns, weather it is playing ball outside or going to the Rainbow Room with a special friend. They also like playing whole class games or paired games. They are learning how fun this can be and are showing some good sportsmanship. They are becoming more socially confident and communicating much better which is great to see.  

The students have been working hard during Math learning about the value of a number. They enjoy playing with the place value blocks and love playing the place value matching on Clicker 7 during whiteboard activities. Another popular game is Jungle number Bonds to 10. Each child must better their own score each time they play. It is a motivating mental maths activity that they all seem to enjoy. Students are also becoming more independent completing their blue box maths activities. It is great to see them concentrating hard to get their work done.

Student have been participating in cardio drumming for morning fitness. They know the Starships song and actions well. We are learning the actions to the song Happy.

Warm regards Mrs Lori (M-Th) and staff room 19

Students from Rooms 19 and 17 recently visited the Armadale Public Library for community access. The students enjoyed travelling on public transport and viewing all the lovely books and library resources.

It was a great opportunity to discover the local community and for the students to use their Transperth Smart rider travel cards. Well done to the students for their wonderful behaviour and enthusiasm during the day.

Well done everyone.
Mr Mac (F) and staff room 19

Year 4/5 - Rm 17

We have enjoyed a productive and exciting start to Term 2 in Room 17, including once again spending lots of time outside of the classroom in the community.

Sadly, this term we said goodbye to Kwe as he went to a new school. We wish him all the best for the future.

In Letters and Sounds, we have been focusing on consonant blends and initial sounds. Some consonant blends are tricky to say, read and spell, but we’re getting there! This has led to our Literacy sessions where each week we practise sentence-writing about a different topic, including horses, cars and trains. Some students like to edit the supplied photographs to make some truly weird and wonderful sentences!

Our book focus for the beginning of term has been Fearless, about a dog who is the opposite of his name. We’ve recounted, reviewed and acted out the story, and are now changing the characters and setting to make our own story about an animal who overcomes their fears after facing a problem.

Our Mathematics focus has been on fractions, patterns and 2D & 3D shapes. We made fairy bread and cut it into pieces to demonstrate wholes, halves, quarters and eighths. We have also made rectangular prism ‘EXIT’ signs for our classroom, so we know where to go if we need to leave the room, just like in buildings out in the community.

We were very kindly invited by Sensorium Theatre and the City of Armadale to join in with the production, ‘Bear Hunt’. We went to Armadale District Hall to walk through long wavy grass, a blinding snowstorm, a deep wide river and a dark gloomy cave, where we found a bear (who then gave us bear hugs). It was a wonderful experience to get out into the community and participate in a dramatic reading of a classic story. Of course, we have also had two weeks of swimming lessons which has left us very tired in the afternoons!

Remember to rug up for the upcoming winter months, and to Catch It, Bin It and Wash It – we love sharing in Room 17 but would prefer that runny noses are kept to tissues! Thank you to all staff and families for your help this term. It’s truly amazing to see all the goals that each child has achieved over the semester as we head into reporting time.

Tim Horton and Room 17 Staff

Year 5/6 - Rm 15

What an action-packed term we have had already!

We have been super busy and smashing lots of IEP goals in the first half of term two. Each Friday, we have been getting on the public bus and visiting the shopping centre. We all put our money on our smart riders and are getting very good at remembering to tag on and off each time we use the bus. While out at the shopping centre, we have used the centre map to find different shops, locate emergency exits and the toilets, and create a meeting point for all groups. We have been using our road safety skills to cross the road when we get off the bus, and wait nicely at the bus stop, keeping all members of our group safe.

Everyone has been participating in interm swimming over the last two weeks, visiting the Armadale Aquatic and Fitness Centre each day for our swimming lessons. Students from our class have been getting on a different bus each day with a different driver and have been following the safety rules to make sure we all have a fun time. It has been great seeing the students enjoying themselves in the water and pushing themselves to learn something new.

While exploring different foods during cooking, we decided to have a go at making a meal. As a group, we made creamy tomato, bacon, mushroom and mozzarella pasta bake, and a three cheese and mushroom pasta bake. The students diced the onion, sliced the mushrooms and cut the chicken. We boiled the pasta and learnt how to keep ourselves safe when cooking hot food. Each student participated in making our delicious food. Even though our food was very delicious, we shared with lots of people as we made so much. Next time we will be making three different recipes that we planned in our small groups.

We have had a lot of fun during the first half of the term, but we have a few fun things to come for the remainder of term 2 to look forward too.

All students in year 6 should have received school paperwork for high school, please reach out to us if you need any assistance in completing the forms.

Thank you,
Mrs Agius-Kaukau and Room 15 staff

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Year 5/6 - Rm 16

Kaya/Hello families,

At the beginning of term 2, room 16 have participated in an array of activities and learning, regarding ANZAC Day with a focus on the Vietnam War.  We discussed what the students already knew and if anyone had attended the ANZAC DAY memorial on 25^th April 2023.This created an abundant of interest, so we decided to take part in the ANZAC DAY School Award 2023 completion. Our class was asked by admin to create a wreath for the class memorial, which they took a lot of care and pride in. We also planted poppies to see them grow over time and made a wall mural in the classroom.

Swimming lessons are underway and almost completed for some of the students, after the first week they have adapted well to the change in their daily routine. The students looked forward to the bus ride and participating in their swimming activities. Duck diving seems to be a favourite and playing water games with the staff.

It is pleasing to see the students out in the community. The students are learning new practical life skills in the community, sitting on public transport, tagging on and off the bus, walking in small groups and listening to instruction while they participated in community access, visiting the Armadale Library and Shopping Centre. This will resume Friday week six.

A reminder winter is upon us so keep warm and healthy, there are Covid Tests in the office if you need them.

Thank you to all staff for your hard work supporting the students this term. It’s truly amazing to see student’s goals being achieved over the semester as we head into reporting time.

Ms Williams, Mrs Devries, Ms Draper, Miss Mumford 

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MaCS-Mind and Connection Space

Term 2 has certainly started with so many smiles, new and growing friendships and a lot of ready to learn energy!

The students who choose to join our daily lunch club have enjoyed building with Lego, making car tracks, drawing, listening to music, playing Mario Kart (Wednesday’s and Friday’s) or watching a variety of short films on the big screen with their peers.

This term during Satellite program -Emotional regulation and Social Skills students have become excited with our weekly Bluey lesson and the fun activities that support this. Satellite has increased its afternoon student numbers from 2 to 4 this year with the addition of our wonderful Ms Donovan assisting on Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s. 

Student Support Officer
Sonia Candeloro-Ms C

Protective Education

This term the students have been learning all about body safety. This has involved learning the correct names of their private body parts and differentiating between private and public body parts. Private body parts are those that are covered by their underwear and also their mouth. Each lesson reinforces the message that ‘My Body Belongs To Me’. The students are understanding that this means no one is allowed to touch their private body parts unless they have their permission. A doctor may need to check private parts for medical reasons, but they must have permission and a trusted adult would be with them. They are not allowed to touch other people’s private parts. These concepts have been taught using songs, Interactive Whiteboard activities, matching activities, sorting and labelling. 

Mrs Claudia Boynton

GPESC P&C

Thank you for your support for our Mother’s Day Raffle. The lucky winners were Jeremiah, Joshua and Ryan. We hope your Mum’s loved their surprises.

On Friday 19^th May, Jayden Walker (P&C President) and Michelle Brind (P&C Secretary) joined Dr Tony Buti MLA, Minister for Education at Armadale Primary School to celebrate P&C Day WA. The morning tea was in support and appreciation of the wonderful work that our P&C members do.

Spotlight On……

Hi everyone, my name is Michelle, and I am the secretary of the P&C. This is my 3^rd year in this role, I really enjoy being part of the P&C. I have 2 boys that attend Gwynne Park ESC, Jay, and Ryan.

My main aim with the P&C is to help our kids get the resources and equipment they need to give them the best experiences. I enjoy taking part in the fundraising and organising of the events that benefit our children.

We are always open to new ideas and suggestions, so please feel free to give us your input. I am sure most of you have seen me around the school, do not be shy, say hello, we are always looking for new members to join our team. If you are interested either join our Facebook page Gwynne Park ESC P&C or the office can let you know when next meeting, we would love to see some new faces.

Michelle Brind
Secretary
GPESC P&C

Messages from the Front Office

Contribution Payments for 2023

Thank you to those who have made payment for this year’s contributions, invoices and statements were recently sent home to advise any amounts outstanding. These funds help support your child in their classroom with resources for their learning and in maintaining our school bus to transport our students to swimming lessons and other educational activities. Your support of our school is greatly appreciated.

Information for families

City of Armadale NAIDOC Festival

This year the City of Armadale will be Celebrating NAIDOC with our NAIDOC Festival on the  4th of July  2023 at the Bob Blackburne Reserve from 10am to 3pm.

The NAIDOC Festival will be held during NAIDOC week which falls in the school holidays, everyone is welcomed as it’s a free community event. For further information please see the attached flyer.

Provide feedback on the reform of Western Australia’s disability legislation

The Department of Communities is seeking feedback on issues and matters that should be reflected in WA’s disability legislation.

The Department of Communities wants to know your thoughts, experiences and ideas to ensure new disability legislation is appropriate to meet the needs and expectations of people with disability and the community.

The consultation will help the Department of Communities:

• better understand the preferences and needs of people, organisations and the community that are engaged in the disability sector in WA
• assess options and develop recommendations for consideration by the State Government to inform the drafting of new legislation.

To find out more about the consultation process, refer to Have your say: Reforming Western Australia’s disability legislation. 

Submissions close 11:59 pm, Saturday 10 June 2023.

City of Armadale Community Health and Wellbeing News and Events

BreastScreen WA Information Session by BreastScreen WA

About:  Join us for a FREE community information session delivered by BreastScreen WA.

Topics covered during this presentation will include:

• Breast cancer and risk factors
• Breast cancer screening (mammography)
• Being breast aware

Attendees will receive a pack full of great resources to take home and can book their FREE* mammogram after the presentation.

*Women over 40 years of age are eligible for a FREE mammogram with BreastScreen WA.

Date: Wednesday, 7 June 2023

Time: 6-7pm

Location: Armadale Library, Shop 64, Armadale Central Shopping Centre, 10 Orchard Avenue, Armadale WA 6112

To register, please visit: 

Cost: Free

BreastScreen WA’s Mobile Service by BreastScreen WA

Date & time: Thursday 27 April 2023 to Monday 26 June Dates subject to change

Location: Haynes Shopping Centre, Corner of Armadale Road & Eighth Road

About: Women 40 years or over, have a FREE breast screening mammogram every two years. One is not enough! Book online now!   

To book your appointment, please visit the link below or phone 13 20 50

Cost: FREE

Community First Aid Training by Culture Care WA & Royal Life Saving Western Australia

Date & time: Thursday, 8 June 12noon-1:45pm

Audience: Adults

Location: Child and Parent Centre Westfield Park, 11 Hemingway Drive, Camillo

About: The Heart Beat Club is a community education initiative of Royal Life Saving that aims to increase your skills and confidence in CPR and First Aid on infants and children. Royal Life Saving recommends that everyone should know how to resuscitate someone.

This training session covers first aid for common child injuries including burns and scalds, choking, drowning and provides information on how to perform infant and child CPR.

Lunch provided.

To register, please email: info@culturecarewa.org.au or register via the QR Code in the attached flyer.

Cost: FREE

Chronic Heart Failure consultation by Health Consumers’ Council WA

Calling people with CHRONIC HEART FAILURE and their carers!

Health Consumers’ Council WA are looking for people with Chronic Heart Failure and their carers who live in or see a GP in the City of Armadale or the Midwest region of WA, to join a focus group looking at a new model of care for people with Chronic Heart Failure.

The groups will be made up of 2 meetings, lasting for 2 hours each. People will be reimbursed $75 per meeting for their time.

Please contact Tania on 92213422 for more info.