from the principal`s desk - Wirrabirra Education Support Centre

Newsletter No. 20
5 December 2015
Primary School
9398 7233
www.wirrabirra.wa.edu.au
Ed Support
9398 1936 www.wirrabirraesc.wa.edu.au
SCHOOL PURPOSE
To provide a learning environment in which students are given the opportunity to develop their
individual potential and to acquire skills, attitudes and knowledge to enable them to become
responsible members of a changing society.
progress. On behalf of all staff I thank you and look forward
to your ongoing commitment to our school next year.
Fri
4 Dec
Kindergarten 2016 Parent
Information Session—9.15am School Library
Mon
7 Dec
Volunteer Thank You Morning Tea—
10.40am
Fri
11 Dec
Celebration Day
Mon
14 Dec
Year 6 Graduation at Don Russell
Performing Arts Centre
Wed
16 Dec
School Councillor Lunch
Thur
17 Dec
Presentation Assembly—10.30am
Last day for students
Fri
18 Dec
School Development Day (students do
not attend)
Mon
1 Feb
Students commence Term 1 2016
Wirrabirra School is an ALLERGY FRIENDLY
SCHOOL. What does this mean? It means that we
will respect the individual needs of students who
have identified allergies (with care plans) to such
products as nuts, kiwi fruit, milk and eggs to name a
few. In particular, food products that have nuts or are made from
nuts should NOT come to school - ie: peanut paste, Nutella and
nut bars. Our canteen is “nut free” and “kiwi fruit free” to accommodate individual students with special needs.
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK
Dear Parents and Carers
 END OF THE YEAR
This will be the last newsletter before the end of the year
except for the flyer we send home on the last day with award
winners and Student Councillors for 2016, who will be
announced at the Presentation Assembly.
I would like to thank all the Parents and Carers of our students
this year who have provided great support and a partnership
with our teachers to best meet the needs of your children. I
hope you realize just how much your support is appreciated by
the staff and what a difference it can make to how children
 CONGRATULATIONS MS DOEPEL AND MUSIC STUDENTS
Today the assembly centred on a music theme and we were
treated to the Choir singing “Wings to Fly”, our flute students
playing “Rigaudon” and the guitar group playing “Russian
Girl”. Music is a big part of our learning program at Wirrabirra
and, under the direction of Ms Doepel, our assemblies
always have a musical element. All classes have specialist
time each week and build skills to use throughout their lives.
Ms Doepel also identifies students to be part of the guitar
and flute program with visiting teachers. This is in addition to
the opportunities Ms Doepel provides with instrumental
groups which form part of her learning program.
Thank you music students and Ms Doepel for a lovely
assembly to finish the year in what is a very busy time as
you support classes to prepare for the Presentation
Assembly on 17 December.
 STAFFING CHANGES FOR 2016
I am currently in the process of securing teachers for 2016.
We have a number of staff away from the school on various
forms of leave. These teachers’ positions are filled by what
we term Fixed Term Contracts. As we are part of a bigger
system we need to have positions cleared before we can
re-employ current Fixed Term teachers as much as we wish
to have them back with us.
At this stage most of these positions have not been cleared
or filled for 2016. What we do know is that we are losing
some really fantastic teachers who are taking up positions in
other schools on permanent contracts or closer to their
homes. Given some travel over an hour each day to get to
school this is understandable. Miss Armstrong, who has
been with us since 2005, will be taking up a position at
Wembley Downs Primary School. Many of you will
remember the outstanding contribution Nicole has made to
our school with her knowledge and skills in behaviour
management through the CMS coaching and the huge
impression she has made with all the students she has come
in contact with. Nicole willingly undertook the role of teaching
the Academic Extension class and achieved terrific
outcomes with the students as well as winning the
Governor’s “Do Without Challenge” We will greatly miss
Nicole but wish her every success in her new school. Also
leaving us is Miss Stewart who has worked across our
school since 2009 in many roles including Junior Primary,
Blue Earth Sports and Upper Primary. Miss Stewart has had
a wonderful influence on many students and provided many
memorable experiences for her students. Her classes have
always been very productive with a positive and happy
outlook. Miss Stewart heads north of Perth to Butler Primary
REMINDER: SCHOOL CLOSES EARLY 2.30pm EVERY WEDNESDAY
NE WS LE T T E R NO . 2 0
PAGE 2
School and we wish her the very best. Miss Mohr, who has
taught our Kindergarten students over the past two years and
provided what has been an incredible start to their school life,
leaves us to take up a position at Doubleview Primary
School. Miss Mohr is an outstanding teacher and person and
her new school is so lucky to have her join their team. We
also say goodbye to Miss Seawright who joined us in third
term to start our new Kindergarten. Ms Seawright made an
instant hit with the new children and families and has
assisted them greatly to be prepared for full time school in
2016. We have other fixed term teachers whose positions
have not been finalised as yet but I am hoping to secure
them and continue the great work they have been doing next
year.
Having said all this, you will realize I am unable to finalize
classes and teachers for 2016 at this stage. As plans are
firmed up I will let you know through teachers and
assemblies. We will post class lists and teachers on Friday
29 January before school starts outside the office.
 VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHARGES
This week a one page summary of Voluntary Contributions
and Charges was sent home with each family. This is an
important document and if you didn’t receive it please call in
to the office or go to the school website and find it in the
Parent Information Book. The purpose of sending this to you
will allow you to see what monies are required next year to
support your child’s education and budget these into your
household expenses. In particular, the start of the year will
have both Swimming and Edu-Dance charges. Both these
activities are significant learning experiences for children and
I urge you to be aware of this early expense. We don’t get to
negotiate the timing of these as we have to be considered
along with all other schools, although having swimming in the
middle of summer has its benefits. If you think you will have
problems meeting any charges next year please talk with us
early so your child does not miss out on valuable learning
experiences. NB: The amounts quoted in the Contributions
and Charges are maximum amounts and may be reduced.
 CELEBRATION OF SUCCESS DAY
small profit to cover ongoing costs and replacement of
equipment. I urge you to be a part of our school community
and offer an hour or two regularly to help out and maintain this
great service.
While talking about volunteers and helpers, next Monday
morning Wirrabirra Staff will be hosting a Thank You Morning
Tea for all those who have helped out this year. Invitations
have been sent home but, if for some reason you did not
receive yours, I would like to invite you to join us at 10.40am
on Monday, 7 December.
 DISCO FUN
Last night the staff and Student Councillors hosted three
discos as a celebration for the students. The first disco was
the first time our Kindergarten students join us and what a
great success this was. Congratulations to everyone for
providing a safe and fun experience for all. I want to
acknowledge all the Teachers and Education Assistants who
gave their time away from families to make the evening such a
success. Special thanks to Gary Williams, Mrs Williams’
husband, who once again gave up his time and equipment to
provide the music and lights. Thanks also to the Student
Councillors who continue to impress me with the way they
conducted themselves and hosted the discos. Well done to
everyone.
 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND SAFE HOLIDAYS
As we get close to the end of the year, on behalf of all
staff, I would like to wish all families a very safe holiday away
from school and ask that you keep a watch over our school. If
you see any suspicious activities please contact School Security on 92644771 or Police on 131441.
The school year for students starts on Monday 1 February
2016. If you need to contact the school we will be open in the
week before.
Thanks again for your support and we look forward to working
with you in 2016.

Please check the reminders to make sure you don’t
miss events in the last two weeks
In line with our Positive Behaviour Program, we will be
holding a Celebration Day for students’ efforts in adopting the
expected behaviours set by the school. This term we will be
going on an excursion to see the movie, ’Snoopy and Charlie
Brown: The Peanuts Movie’ at Hoyts Theatre Carousel on
Friday 11 December 2015. Notes will be coming home
tomorrow.
Regards, Steve Richards, Principal
 SCHOOL UNIFORMS
I would like to congratulate all families on the way our
students look in their uniforms. We have 100% of students in
uniform and we are very proud of this. Not only do your
children look the part, they feel a part of our school. Could I
ask that if you are leaving the school, your child is graduating
or you have uniforms that are too small, you consider
donating these uniforms to help support other families in our
school that may be struggling financially. This would be a
gesture to support our children and, being before Christmas,
a generous act. Thanks for considering others.
2016
Term 1
Monday 1 February - Friday 8 April
Term 2
Wednesday 27 April - Friday 1 July
Term 3
Tuesday 19 July - Friday 23 September
Term 4
Tuesday 11 October - Thursday 15 December
 CANTEEN
I would like to acknowledge the huge effort that the P&C and
especially Rebecca McBride have made to keep our Canteen
operating. Bec has been working as a volunteer on a daily
basis for over a term to make sure we can operate financially
and to ensure the service to families and our students is
maintained. The canteen has always operated to provide a
valuable service to families who are busy or work and ensure
no child goes without food. It has only ever made a very
The Clothing Pool will open early in 2016 on Friday
29 January from 9am until 1pm to get your child’s
school uniform ready for their first day back at
school.
ESC NEWS
Dear Parents/Carers
As the school year comes to an end and I sit back and reflect I
have come to the conclusion it has been an amazing year. We
came on board and paired up with Stephanie Alexander Kitchen
Garden Project to help put more purpose into the gardening and
to allow students to see the links between growing, caring, harvesting and cooking/eating what we grow. Led my Mrs Naomi
Teichelman and Mrs Jodi Belton, the gardens have flourished. The
students have learned what is required to take care of the plants
including weeding, watering and harvesting. We also partnered
up with Kalamunda ESC to assist us in implementing the TEACCH
station work to be utilised when delivering our Literacy and Numeracy programs. Led by Miss Alicia Ylias, Mrs Tina Allen, Mrs
Sharon Millson and Mrs Janine Bridge the school has made good
progress in working towards building this program and building
the resource required within our school. Mrs Jo Sutton was given
an initiative to develop the speech program with all students.
Each week she sees every child in the centre where she assesses,
devises goals and then sets activities to assist the students to
achieve these goals, which they then incorporate into their
literacy program throughout the week. Mrs Jo Sutton and Miss
Alicia Ylias partnered up with Malibu School to gain more
knowledge in the area of Augmentative Communication with a
view to give every child a voice in the school. Ms Rebecca Scoble
Wood, together with Miss Alicia Ylias and Mrs Prithi Dias,
partnered up with Riverside ESC to see how they implement
protective behaviours across their curriculum and have got some
valuable learning resources and tools to implement this into our
programs. Once again, our Muffin Kitchen was in place this year
with our senior students and year 6’s from C3 teaming up with
Mrs Alyson Walker to take orders and cook muffins for staff.
These are only some of the major things that have occurred
throughout the year. Underlying all of this has been the day to
day running and our core business of teaching and learning. All
students have made progress of different levels across different
areas. We at school are proud of each and every child and hope
everyone at home feels the same. Your children are special and
your trust in us and willingness to allow us to be part of their
learning journey is an honour.
Monday 1st February 2016 – First day for students 2016
I would like to wish all our graduation students well in their new
endeavours into high school. I am sure you will make us proud
and represent Wirrabirra positively.
I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all families a safe
and enjoyable festive season. Enjoy the break from routine during the holidays, take time to relax and refresh ready for the New
Year.
Kind regards
Julie Dawson
Principal
Wirrabirra Education Support Centre
Gifted and Talented Selective
Entrance Programs
Applications for Gifted and Talented Secondary Selective Entrance
Programs are now open. These programs offer our brightest children the
opportunity to study a selective academic, language or arts curriculum
at one of 17 public secondary schools or online.
Applications are now open to all Year 5 students for entry in Year 7 in
2017. Applications close on Monday 8 February 2016. For more information and to apply visit education.wa.edu.au/giftedandtalented or
you can contact the Gifted and Talented Selection Unit on 9264 4307 or
at [email protected]
Staffing for 2016
I am just in the process of finalising our staffing for 2016. Your
child will receive a letter with their report to notify which class
your child will be in for 2016 and who the teacher of the class will
be.
Disco
Last night the disco was a great success and I would like to
congratulate Mrs Melvin and the school councillors for the work
that went into getting everything ready and running it on the
night. The Ed Support students who turned up had a fabulous
night and also managed to score a dance with one of their
teachers. Photos will be posted on the website and displayed in
our admin area.
Dates to Remember:
Friday 11th December - Celebration Day Excursions
Monday 14th December – Year 6 Graduation
Wednesday 16th December – Reports sent home
Thursday 17th December – Presentation Assembly & last day
Friday 29th January 2016 – Uniform Shop open 9:00am-1:00pm
Go to itunes or android to download your free app:
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details
ASSEMBLY AWARDS
Citizens of the Month
Junior (D2), Kiran (A5), Taylor (C3), Charleigh (C1),
Makayla (B3), Josh (A2)
Honour Certificates were presented to:
A2 - Farahnaz
A3 - Dannii
A4 - Chloe & Raza
A5 - Bradley
A6 - Ella
B1 - Sakura
B2 - Omid
B3 - Logan
TLC - Montell & Cheyanne
C1 - Habib
C2 - Skye
C3 - Tyson
C6 - Haylie
D1 - Lucas & Toby
D2 - Charlie
D2 - Harley
D2 - Jacob
D2 - Logan
Excellence Awards
Jaimie (B1), Layla (C2), Charlie (A3), Kayla (A6),
Seth (C6)
Wirrabirra Dental Clinic will be open until
22 December and reopening on 27 January 2015.
You can reach us on 9398 1636.
Outside of these dates, for emergencies please phone The
School Dental Service Emergency Clinic—Mt Henry
Dental Therapy Centre—43 Mt Henry Rd, Como on Ph:
9313 0555.
KAPTURE PHOTOGRAPHY
Dear Parents
We have been advised by Kapture Photography that all
sports and/or special team photos taken this year will be
removed from their website at the end of this term in
readiness for next year’s photography. This is your last
chance to view and purchase these photographs. Please
visit www.kapture.com.au and access the gallery using
our school code—WZERHK
Congratulations everyone
P&C NEWS
Hello everyone
On behalf of the Wirrabirra School P&C Committee I would like to
wish all the staff, students and parents a very merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year.
MONDAY 1 FEBRUARY 2016
CANTEEN NEWS
Please note: The last day the canteen will be open
is Wednesday, 16 December. All recess and
lunch food must be pre-ordered that morning.
The school canteen will be closed on the last day of
term. Please ensure students bring a packed
lunch.
2015 has been a busy year with the Lapathon, 5 cents challenge
and discos.
I cannot thank the Committee Members, especially Denise with
uniforms and Bec in the canteen, enough for the giving of their
time to ensure the school community can utilise these services
throughout the year.
We are already into full swing with planning for 2016 with Bunnings BBQ fundraiser booked for March plus the biannual fete in
November, which is always a great night for the whole school
community.
I look forward to seeing you all afresh in the new year. Finally I'd
like to wish our Year Six students all the best for your start into
high school next year.
Stay safe over the holidays and enjoy your family time. Thanks
again to everyone who has helped through out the year.
LIBRARY REMINDER
Please return all library and reading
books. We still have a large number of
books overdue and
would appreciate your
help in locating and
returning them.
Regards
Ange Bull, P&C President