18 August 2023

Principal’s Update

Dear families,

It has been a busy couple of weeks at Gwynne Park ESC. Science Week has provided students the opportunity to engage in a number of hands on activities looking at the variety of aspects of science enquiry. It has been great to see our school community coming together to support development of our students IEP outcomes across the first couple weeks of the term. Your child’s IEP will be sent home in the coming days. It was great to hear the feedback from Room 18 regarding the new IEP process that was trialled. I look forward to all families experiencing this in 2024.

In the last newsletter, I shared with you our new PBS matrix with our 4 PBS characters representing our school wide behaviour expectations. Our character naming competition has been run and I am excited to introduce to everyone Perseverance Percy, Excellence Eddie, Safe Sammy and Communication Crystal. We are looking forward to presenting these around our school as we continue on the journey of implementing WA Positive Behaviour Support.  

I am looking forward to seeing all of our families on the 8^th September 2023 at our Sports Carnival organised by Mr Mac. Students and families will have the opportunity to order food and drinks on the day, for lunch, with a sausage sizzle run by our amazing P&C. Additionally, we will have a scooter raffle available, that will also be drawn on the day.

Please find below a letter reminding families of the importance of attending school. If you have any questions regarding your child’s attendance or need further support, please contact Candice Burns (K-2) or Liz Golightly (3-6) to discuss this further.

I wish you all a safe and joyful weekend with your families and look forward to seeing our students back at school on Monday.

Kind regards,
Natasha Naylor
Principal

Kindy/Pre-Primary – ES2

Hello / Kaya,

We have had such a busy start to term 3! There have been so many things to celebrate and student achievements to acknowledge. In ES2 students and staff have enjoyed celebrating 100 days of school, NAIDOC week and PJ Day to name a few.

We have had a new face join us this term as part of our team. It has been nice to have Miss Scarangella join us and fit in seamlessly. The students have really enjoyed getting to know you this term.

In literacy students have continued to explore Shared Reading, Predictable Chart Writing, Working with Words and Self-Selected Reading. We have all enjoyed the linking play-based activities and learning about the letter and sound of the week. Mrs Lord has been coming up with some yummy and engaging recipes to help us cook through the alphabet each week.

For HASS this Semester we are exploring geography by learning about our school community, identifying activities we can do in different locations and describing the weather. Students have enjoyed taking photos of locations around the school and we are constructing a map together.

Our students are curious and love science sessions, this term we are learning about the world around us through physical science. All students have engaged in experiments and the write up afterwards, I really enjoy seeing their excitement when they experience a new discovery.

Looking forward to the second half of this busy term with more celebrations and exciting learning opportunities on the way.

Best wishes
Laura Samuelson and the ES2 team.

Pre-Primary / Year 1 – ES3

Hello everyone and welcome to the first half of term 3. We started off the term with NAIDOC week. Students made kangaroo puppets using socks and craft pieces. They used these during the assembly to sing ‘Wandjoo My Friend’ with the rest of our school using key word sign and the puppets in time with the music.

In week two, we had 100 days of school, where the maths committee set the theme as ‘out of space’. It was great to see so many of our students come dressed for the occasion. We made a poster which was display at the assembly alongside a few of the mainstream classes and we marched around to show off our costumes. In week 3, we had the glow disco. The students loved dancing to the music.

In literacy this term, we have been looking at Australian books and books written by Australian authors. Students have been learning to sequence the events of the story, identify the main character and develop their creative skills with craft activities.

In mathematics, we have been learning directional language such as on, under and in. We have also been learning about Australian money, as well as how to complete a vote by choosing our favourite item from a choice of two.

For sport, we have been learning to be safe by wearing a helmet whilst riding a bike. It has been wonderful to see the engagement of students, and those willing to try a two wheeled bike with no training wheels.

We are so proud of students’ accomplishments this term and look forward to see what the next five weeks brings.

ES3 staff.

Year 1 – ES4

From the Desk of Mr Singhal, ES4

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I hope this newsletter finds you well and brimming with excitement as we reflect on the remarkable journey of Term 3 so far. It has been an enriching and eventful time in our classroom, filled with learning, creativity, and, most importantly, the heartwarming collaboration of our young stars.

Nurturing Literacy and Numeracy Skills

In the realm of literacy, our students have been on an exciting journey of language exploration. From mastering AUSLAN alphabets to the joy of reading a new book every week, our young readers have embraced the magic of words. Predictable chart writing and guided reading have fostered their confidence, while self-selected reading has ignited a love for storytelling. We've expanded our vocabulary with new words each week, adorning our word wall with a colourful array of language treasures.

Numeracy, too, has been a voyage of discovery. Our mathematicians have been on a numerical odyssey, from dynamic number learning activities to mastering AUSLAN numbers 1–30. Money identification has equipped them with practical life skills, while directional language has navigated them through the fascinating world of spatial understanding.

Exploring the World Through HASS and Science

In the realm of HASS, our students embarked on a journey of geographical awareness. They've been learning to recognise Australia on the world map, fostering a sense of place and identity in our global community.

Equally important, we've been focusing on protective behaviours, teaching our students the invaluable lesson of respecting personal space and nurturing a safe and respectful environment.

In science, the classroom has been a hub of curiosity and experimentation. Our young scientists have delved into the captivating worlds of light and sound, discovering how these phenomena emanate from diverse sources.

Embracing Culture and Tradition during NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week was an occasion close to our hearts, as it provided an excellent opportunity to celebrate and honour the rich culture and heritage of Australia's Indigenous peoples. Our classroom transformed into a vibrant tapestry of indigenous-inspired art adorned with stunning creations made from natural materials. Our students engaged passionately, not only in the artistic process but also in delving into the stories and significance behind each creation. Through this experience, our young learners understood the profound connection between culture, nature, and art. We are immensely proud of their dedication and respect for the Indigenous traditions that shape our nation's identity.

Celebrating 100 Days of School: Reaching for the Stars!

As we crossed the exhilarating milestone of 100 school days, our classroom was abuzz with jubilation and boundless energy. We want to thank all our students and their families for making this journey so memorable. In particular, we take immense pride in announcing that our class won the poster competition with a captivating space theme. The artistic talents of our students truly shone as they brilliantly depicted the wonders of the cosmos. A special mention to our shining stars!

Pyjama and Glow Disco Fridays: A Day of Comfort and Laughter

Ah, what a joy to see our classroom transformed into a sea of cozy pyjamas and twinkling eyes at the glow disco afternoon! Laughter echoed in the air as our students revelled in the comfort of their sleepwear, sharing stories and building friendships through dance and music. It was a delightful break from the routine, reminding us of the importance of relishing simple pleasures. Both days served as a gentle reminder that amidst our daily endeavours, we must pause to cherish the little moments that make our journey together so worthwhile.

So far, it has been a captivating journey of exploration, creativity, and unity. Our students have demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to their learning journey. We are grateful to have such wonderful families who have supported us throughout this term. As we embark on the next phase of our adventurous term together, let us continue to nurture the spirit of curiosity and collaboration. Together, we shall embrace challenges, celebrate victories, and create cherished memories that will remain etched in our hearts forever.

Warm regards,
Aditya Singhal

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Year 1/2 – ES1

It’s amazing how fast this term has gone, we have lots of smiling faces every morning and they are eager to start the day.  Our classroom can be noisy at times however, we still achieve a lot of things during the day.  There are some great friendships developing and showing that they care for each other. Staff are supporting the students with self-regulation and social skills, sometimes it can be hard to share their favourite things and remember they will get a turn if they wait.

Recently the P&C hosted a disco, all the students that went enjoyed taking part, there was a lot of dancing happening.  Students all enjoy being outside they aren’t happy on the days it’s raining, and they can’t go out.  We use the intermediate playground near the office so it’s a long way to walk in bad weather.  On Friday lunchtime as a special treat, they get to play in the junior playground.

In class each week we do cooking, everyone helps prepare the food but not everyone wants to eat what has been made.  It’s the following of instructions and participation that are the goals of the session, tasting and eating are a bonus.  Every week we get to use a different box of STEM equipment, this is a fun time, and they get to try a different set of equipment every fortnight.

In literacy we have recently read Where Is Galah? and Where Is the Green Sheep? Then completed activities to go with the stories as well as the letter G.  This includes Predictable Chart Writing where they complete a sentence using the same sentence starter.  It’s been interesting to see their options of where the Galah or Sheep might be.  They use communication systems to make the choices.

Thank you for the support of families, and the wonderful team of assistants that support me and help the students engage and have fun everyday.

Jan Collier and ES1 staff 

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Year 2/3 - Rm 18

Week 5 Term 3 already! We started off the term with NAIDOC week. In Term 2 students were practicing the song Wandjoo My Friend‘ and key word sign to the song. Students made hand puppets of the different animals and used these during the week NAIDOC assembly.

In week two, we had 100 days of school, where the maths committee set the theme as ‘out of space’. We made star name tags and created a poster which was judged at the assembly. In week 3, we had the glow disco, all students really enjoyed their fun packs and couldn’t stop showing us their dancing feet! This was a great way to end the week.

In literacy this term, room 18 have really enjoyed voting on story to be read to them at the library. They have been superstars at answering questions about the story. After reading the story students have self-selected reading time, picking books that interest them. We have been focusing on writing sentences using our own imagination.

In mathematics, we are learning about Australian money. We have created a Coles supermarket for students to buy different item with coins. This has been a fun and interactive way for students to learn how to count coins and receive change.

Room 18 have been absolutely amazing following the PBS Matrix, all students have been rewarded a prize for receiving 20 pegs for showing Excellence, Communication, Perseverance and Safety. We are so proud of you Room 18, keep up the great work. 

Miss Nelson and Room 18 Staff

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Science week

National Science Week 2023

Our students recently enjoyed participating in a variety of exciting STEM and Science Week activities. The STEM committee planned a variety of engaging hands-on activities to celebrate National Science Week.

Some highlights included classes building a water pump, a science innovation card search, and a fun paper planes design experiment.

Upper classes enjoyed participating in a Lego Masters Competition that was judged by our very own Brick Man (Mr Horton). The Lego Masters Competition theme challenged our students to design a new mode of transport that can move by land, water, or air to get the school to swimming lessons.

Special thanks to all the classes who supported Science Week and Ms Chris who recently has kindly donated a large amount of Lego to the school.

Year 3/4 - Rm 19

Hello parents and carers.

During sports session the students have been taking turns during basketball practise. Staff have been impressed with their team skills. They are cheering each other on and showing good sportsmanship.

In protective behaviours students have been learning about what is sociably acceptable. In particular, who they let in their purple circle and how to get the attention of others without invading another person’s space.  We have also been talking about different cultures and how we respect each person’s culture.

During art we have been focusing on following steps modelled by the teacher to create a collage or a picture. So far, the students have created a train, rocket, tree, and a puppet out of cardboard shapes and other items.  It is impressive how they have demonstrated their cutting, gluing and assembly skills.  

In our class we have embraced a positive classroom behaviour management process. Which has been rolled out across the school.  We have been listening to PowerPoints on what it looks to show perseverance and safety. Nearly all students in room 19 have earned 20 pegs and have been sent up to the office to receive a prize. Well done to room 19 students.

Regards Mrs Lori and room 19 staff

Spotlight on……. Ms C

Hello/Kaya to all Families.

I am Gwynne Park ESC Student Support Officer. I work closely with our students on a daily basis talking, listening and check-ins. I also Deliver an Emotional regulation and Social skills program for all our years.

I assist families with our School bus services and NDIS.

Having a fun time with many of our students during lunch club either playing the Nintendo switch, lego, reading, building tracks, whatever it is that they enjoy.

I have been back at GPESC for 10 years bringing my total education career to 15 years with some of my greatest memories and moments being shared with both our past and present students.

Sonia Candeloro
Ms C
Student Support Officer

Year 4/5 - Rm 17

We have jumped right back into it this term with so many events that I’ve lost count! In Week 1 we celebrated NAIDOC Week with an assembly and many fun activities around the school, in Week 2 we celebrated our 100^th Day of School with a space-themed day, we had Pyjama Day at the end of Week 2, a disco in Week 3 and a relatively quiet week in Week 4 (quiet doesn’t mean boring, we’ve kept busy and had a lot of fun)!

In English we have continued our weekly study of new sounds and how they are written and read. We’ve studied two texts so far this term; “Aliens Love Underpants” and “Henry and Amy”. We’ve talked about what sorts of aliens love which sort of underpants, and things that make us feel ‘upside-down’ and ‘right-way-up’. We’ve had some very inventive ideas from our Room 17 students!

In Mathematics we have been learning about more and less and using strategies to solve a variety of addition and subtraction problems. We’ve even started an in-class shop on Fridays with 10c and $1 coins earned throughout the week for completing our work and jobs around the school. In Science, we have been learning about different materials that objects are made from and why (don’t try to make a drink bottle out of printer paper, it does NOT work well!), and in HASS we have been learning about Australia’s States and Territories and have started to look at the different continents of the world. We have created a film festival’s worth of stop-motion animations, and we have even observed how electric signals travel from one object to another by making a complete circuit with… ourselves! Afterwards we turned the circuit boards into a fruit piano and a play-dough sound board.

The start of a new semester comes with a few staff changes to the room. Miss Scarangella has gone to spend some time with the children in Early Childhood. We’d like to welcome back Miss Heffernan, along with Mr Campbell, Mrs King and Mrs Brittain helping out through the week.

So, to our class of authors, animators, artists, engineers, researchers, chefs and friends, let’s have an amazing Term 3 together!

Tim Horton and Room 17 Staff

Year 5/6 - Rm 15

Term 3 is well underway as we reach the halfway point, the countdown to graduation will soon begin. It has been an amazing term so far; we have new goals to work towards on our IEPs and will soon begin prepping for our graduation assembly in term 4. This term will also see our year sixes on their first high school transition days in week 9 and 10 with Armadale High ESC.

We have continued visiting the Armadale Shopping City each Friday, using public transport to travel to and from school. Students have been practising finding the items in the shop and being respectful of other shoppers. We have been carrying lots of goods back to school, sometimes 45 potatoes or 10 tins of condensed milk. All students have been helping to get these items back to school safely.

In Health we are looking at healthy lifestyles, focussing on healthy eating and exercising. We have already planned a recipe in class to make in week 6. We will continue to explore different types of exercise to keep our bodies active and healthy.

Earlier this term we celebrated 100 Days of School with a variety of maths and literacy activities. As a class we made a 100 Days of School poster and added things to our stars that we have enjoyed so far about school this year. Each student participated in the creation of the poster, and we were chosen as the winner of the poster competition for the upper years. Well done to all of Room 15 who helped create and share ideas.

Week 1 we also celebrated Naidoc Week; it was lovely to have families visit the school. Our class had a great session with Ruth, thank you for coming to our class and sharing some of your knowledge with us. The students enjoyed making their Yarning sticks so much we set up the activity outside during recess and lunch for others to come and join.

We raised money for the Pyjama Day foundation in week 1, everyone looked nice and cosy in their PJs. The P&C along with Room 15 are currently running a Donut fundraiser to raise money, if you would like to order, please send your order forms back to school with correct money or pay via bank transfer, please let us know if you need a new form. 

Wishing all students a successful second half of term 3, we have lots of fun things planned for the rest of the term.

Thank you,
Mrs Agius-Kaukau and Room 15 staff

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Year 5/6 - Rm 16

Hi Families,

Room 16 has had a busy start to the term. We celebrated NAIDOC Week, 100 Days at School, Pyjama Day and started our travel training to Armadale Library and Memorial Park. It has also been wonderful meeting and discussing your child’s IEP goals for the next semester.

In HASS we have been focusing on Geography, learning about Australia and the states, territories, capital cities and facts about each state and territory. In Science, we are learning about Biological Science: learning about dinosaur, animals and their external features. We will continue to learn about what they eat and the different living environments.

Each morning we have been discussing our new Positive Behaviour Strategies program and demonstrating Perseverance, Communication, Safety, and Excellent behaviours throughout the day. 

We have continued travel training this term, going to the Armadale library and Memorial Park when the weather is in our favour. Some students are learning to search for a book, using the computer catalogue system and taking out a book using their library card and booking system. Other students have enjoyed having stories read to them and using the puppets to tell a story.

We look forward to more celebrations this term, with Book Week, Science Week, RUOK Day and the Sports Carnival.

Dianne Williams and Room 16 Staff

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MaCS-Mind and Connection Space

Term 3 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 Monday’s and Tuesday’s. 

Student Support Officer
Sonia Candeloro-Ms 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.

GPESC P&C

So far this term we have had our school disco. This was a great success and I would like to thank all the members from the p and c and staff who helped on the day. Also, a big thank you to all the parents that supported the P&C by purchasing our glow stick bags. The kids all had a great time and we all look forward to doing it next year.

Our Father’s Day fundraiser is currently running and if you haven’t purchased anything for that special person in your life there is still time.

Sports carnival is fast approaching and we all look forward to seeing you come down to school and support the kids. We will be hosting a sausage sizzle and have a scooter kindly donated by one of our members to raffle off on the day. If you have ever thought of donating some your time to help the kids and join the P&C please feel free to come ask us any questions you may have.

Jayden Walker
P&C President

Information for families

VacSwim programs give children across Western Australia the skills to stay safe and build their confidence in the water. The program runs in the October and summer school holidays.

We offer a variety of programs for your child:

• that range from 5 to 10 days in length
• in pool or calm water environments and at surf centres.

We hold lessons in more than 175 locations at pools and beaches around the state.

With help from friendly and qualified swimming instructors, your child can progress through stages 1 to 16, including achieving their Bronze Medallion.

Wicking beds in small spaces by Waste is my Resource

Date: Tuesday, 29 August
Time: 1:00 - 2.30pm
Audience: Adults, 18+ years.
Location: Armadale Library, Armadale
About: Perth’s hot weather and sandy soils can make gardening a challenge. Come along to this workshop to discover how wicking beds can improve your gardening successes. Any water holding container can be used to create a wicking bed that allows vegetables to draw water as they need it. This is a self-irrigating method of growing, perfect for our long dry summers and for small spaces.
Registration:

Cost: FREE

Accidental Counsellor Course by Helping Minds WA

Date: Wednesday, 13 September
Time: 9:30am – 4:00pm
Audience: Adults, 18+ years.
Location: Seville Grove Library, Seville Grove
About: Do you find that people often open up to you and share their problems? This 1 day course will provide participants with the skills to talk to someone who is going through a difficult time; having relationship issues; not coping with life; or feeling helpless.
Registration:

Cost: FREE

Armadale Carer Peer Support Group by Helping Minds WA

Dates: Friday, 18 August; Friday 15 September; Friday, 27 October & Friday, 24 November
Time: 10:00am – 11:30am
Audience: Carers supporting a loved one between the ages for 12-25 years.
Location: Armadale headspace, 40 Fourth Road, Armadale WA 6992
About: As a parent and carer, it can be difficult to understand how to support your young person when you are concerned about their mental health and wellbeing.
Outcomes:

• Strengthen your understanding of mental health and the factors that can influence your young person’s mental health
• Strengthen your understanding and skills in how to cope and where to find help
• Build awareness of local, state and national support services available
• Strengthen relationships between local area mental health services, local schools, HelpingMinds centres and other community organisations

Registration:

Cost: FREE

Women's Health & Wellbeing Services – Gosnells

Menopause Hacks for Physical, Emotional and Mental Health Monday, Aug 28 @ 1.00pm – 2.00pm
Women’s Health & Wellbeing Services Group Room (Suite 7, Level 1 2232c Albany Hwy GOSNELLS WA)
Cost: $15 General / $10 Concession

Menopause Hacks for Physical, Emotional and Mental Health (whws.org.au)

ADHD in Women – A Journey of Empowerment and Understanding Friday – October 27th @ 10.00am – 12.30pm
The Cafe Function Room @ Lakers Tavern (119 Murdoch Road Thornlie)
Cost: $35 General – please contact us for concession rates.

ADHD in Women (whws.org.au)

Armadale Health & Wellbeing Events

Welcome to Parenthood Tuesdays, August 29, September, 5, 12, 19 @ 6.00pm – 8.00pm St John of God -  Wexford Medical Centre, 3 Barry Marshall Parade, Murdoch

If you’re ready to embrace the journey of parenthood, feel more confident, and connect with other parents just like you, then join our exclusive 4-session workshop series, Welcome to Parenthood. This group is specifically tailored for both first-time parents and those seeking a refreshing approach to parenthood. Welcome to Parenthood (wacpps.org.au)

Supporting Children with Anxiety September 13th, 10am - 12pm WHWS Group Room, Gosnells 

Join us for a transformative 2-hour workshop dedicated to helping you navigate the challenges of supporting children with anxiety. Explore practical tools and strategies that will empower you to create a secure, comforting space for your child, and learn how to manage their distress and big behaviours. Supporting Children with Anxiety - WA Centre for Perinatal Mental Health & Parenting Support (wacpps.org.au)

Finding Your Brave: Empower your child to find calm and courage through anxiety October 2nd & 3rd, 10am-12pm WHWS Group Room

Is your child struggling with anxiety? Are you looking for ways to help them discover their inner strength and courage? Anxiety can be a difficult and overwhelming for both parents and children to navigate. This kids only workshop will empower your child to discover their “brave” through learning about how their brain works to keep them safe and develop strategies to find their calm. Classes and Events - WA Centre for Perinatal Mental Health & Parenting Support (wacpps.org.au)

Preparing for Parenthood Please contact us for upcoming dates. (9 week course) Wellbeing of Women Centre, Suite 48, Level 3 Wexford Medical Centre, 3 Barry-Marshall Parade, Murdoch, 6150

This program, delivered by an experienced Midwife, is carried out in two series with 5 antenatal sessions (also available as one full-day session) and 4 postnatal sessions covering topics such as communicating within your relationship, taking good care of yourself and practical skills to care for baby.  The course focuses on your mental and emotional preparation for becoming parents by asking you questions and facilitating discussions that are important to parenthood. Preparing for Parenthood - WACPPS