Newsletter - Term 1, 2021

Principal's Message

Welcome to Term 1 2021! 

Staff came into school for two days of professional development at the end of January, raring to get started with the new term, only to go into an extra week of holiday “lockdown”.  It came as a surprise after a year where we have been extremely lucky to have lived in one of the safest places in the world during the Covid chaos that has been experienced elsewhere.  Luckily, we were back into schools the following week, with most staff and students wearing masks – well done, everyone!

We welcomed our new Chaplain, Malcolm Harding and our new School Psychologist, Gemma Gardiner, to the staff and they have both settled in really well and are getting to know the staff and students. 

We had to complete the School Census in the second week and so it was a busy time, making sure that all of our students’ paperwork was in order so that they were “on the books” as most of our funding comes from official student numbers.  We are still getting enrolment enquiries and expect to see a few new faces next term.  This has made our School Psychologist’s first few weeks very busy – well done, Gemma!

In Week 4, we completed our School Review.  This occurs every 3 years and is a review of all aspects of the school.  Parents, staff and students were interviewed and then a report was written.  The report will be uploaded onto the Schools online site if you wish to read it. 

It has been a very short term – only 8 weeks – and yet so much has happened.  You will read about various events in the newsletter but one of the highlights for me was the School Ball which we attended alongside Warwick SHS.  The students attended a pre-ball event, hosted by the Palmer family and then travelled in a limo to Hillarys to have photos taken.  Thanks to Mr Yanev for attending these sessions to take some really beautiful photos of students and their parents.  The Ball itself was fabulous.  Our students looked amazing and conducted themselves with pride and dignity.  They dance and laughed and had a wonderful time.  Thanks also to the staff who attended the Ball to make sure the students had a great time.  Well done everyone!

The Bullying No Way day and Harmony Day are events when we can really express the values we hold dear – of fairness, tolerance, kindness and belonging.  Thanks to all staff who coordinated these very important events!

I encourage you to take part in the Disabled Children’s Foundation raffle that is included in the newsletter.  It is such a good cause and we receive part of the funds raised so that we can use them for a school project. 

I hope you all have a safe and relaxing Easter and holidays.  Take time to enjoy your families and come back rested and ready for an 11 week term! 

We'll see students back at school on Monday 19th April.

Best wishes

Carol Clarke
Principal

Swimming... in the school pool!!!

For this first term, our middle school students (Area A and K) spent their Physical Education lessons in the school pool! With staff joining the students in the pool every week we had the middle school practicing and improving their swimming abilities as well as being introduced to water games such as water polo and water volleyball. Students showed their enthusiasm for these lessons by coming prepared with their swimming gear every single week. It was a fantastic unit of work and the students had a blast. Thank you to the EA’s that went above and beyond to help some of our students feel comfortable in the water! Due to the success of our swimming program we are hoping to get more of our classes in the water throughout the year.

Mr Koppl, Physical Education teacher  

Area B wrap-up!

It’s great to see everyone back fresh and full of energy for 2021.  Our whole class have been getting grubby - digging, mulching and planting new seedlings into our raised garden beds.  The plants are so healthy that we recently made and installed trellises and teepees for our snow peas and tomatoes to grow up and around. 

After all of Mrs Gill and her teams hard work, the students who are present on Thursdays and Fridays with Miss Graham then get to make some food using our wonderfully fresh produce. We made a Gozleme using our garden fresh Silver beat, Parsley and rocket, it was delicious. Some staff even commenting it was better than the canteens! Last week were lucky enough to use lots of fresh herbs and make a delicious Nut Free Parsley and Rocket Pesto that was served atop a grilled chicken breast. So many students were not sure if they would like it, but tried it and loved the flavour combinations. Area B teachers and EA’s are so proud of the way our students are embracing new ingredients and trying certain foods they have never had, before saying “I don’t like it”!  We are loving seeing the ‘garden to plate’ philosophy in full force here at West Coast SESC.

We are looking forward to harvesting more fresh basil, rocket, tomatoes, lettuce and parsley very soon, as well as cooking up some fresh and exciting new dishes.

Good work team! 

Miss Graham & Mrs Gill, Area B teachers

Sculptures by the Sea

On Thursday 18^th March, students and staff from area K went on excursion to the Sculptures by the Sea exhibition in Cottesloe.

We went on the school bus to Cottesloe and had some morning tea.  After that we had a tactile tour of some of the exhibitions.  Students had a chance to use their sense of sight and touch to experience the sculptures.

Students chose what sculptures they liked the best as one of their ASDAN, Transition Challenge goals and had a photo with their favourite sculpture.

Students were excellent representatives for West Coast SESC.  They were on their best behaviour and did very well listening to the tour guide tell us interesting things about the artists and their artwork.

Mrs Abbott, Area K teacher

Cultural Studies - Harmony Day

On Wednesday, 30^th March, as part of the Cultural Studies program, students celebrated Harmony Day. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the School’s richness of culture, religion, language and ethnic diversity.

The students partook in numerous classroom-based Harmony Day activities understanding the different cultures across the world and spreading the message of belonging.

Students and staff were adorned in traditional dresses or something orange, which signified freedom of ideas and mutual support.  Prizes were given to best dressed male, female student and staff.

Best Dressed Boy- Elijah Depiazza-Jones from Area K (Scottish)

Best Dressed Girl- Sam Campbell from Area G (Australian)

Best Dressed Staff- Ms Marise (Mauritian)

Congratulations to the winners. It was a great occasion for our students to have a good time as well as respect for our Centre’s diverse community.

The students and staff organized a grand feast during lunch time.  Everybody brought in a plate of popular cuisine from different countries to share which they all enjoyed with love and warmth.

A harmonious day for all the students.

Mrs Mammen, Cultural Studies teacher

Area F update

We have had a busy start to the 2021 school year. Our class have done a great job settling in as a new class.  We are managing a dynamic timetable with lots of movement with great success.  Area F students have been participating in Barista Busters program. The program includes operating a professional style coffee machine to make a range of hot drinks, developing customer service skills by taking orders and delivering hot drinks.  We are also developing team work and baking skills in the process of making the tasty treats that get delivered with the hot drinks.  Perhaps best of all is being rewarded with a hot drink at the end of these sessions!

I had the absolute delight of accompanying our Year 12 and 13 students to the School Ball.  Our students looked amazing!  Even more impressive was their outstanding conduct at the ball.  Each of our students were mature and respectful and best of all every student was up dancing throughout the night.  I was very proud and grateful to share this special night with such a great group of students.

Mrs Nileshwar, Area F teacher

Youth Inclusive Cricket League

On Sunday March 7^th Miss Graham, Miss Young and Mrs Barton had the pleasure of attending the Western Australian Cricket Association (WACA) ground to watch our Area B student Henry participate in the Youth Inclusive Cricket League game. It is open to all youth with special needs and all abilities. The club welcomes you to come and enjoy the game of cricket with a strong focus on FUN and FRIENDSHIP. If this sounds like you, call Shelly Wilson on 0407 976 783.

Stay tuned in Term 2, when we will be having a special cricket clinic with some very exciting special guests coming along.

Bullying No Way Day

On Wednesday 17^th March West Coast SESC were proud to join the nationwide movement alongside other schools across the country to stand united against bullying.

We have made a commitment to ensure that West Coast SESC is a safe and supportive environment, where diversity can flourish and every student feels a sense of safety, respect and belonging. Our students have been taking part in various activities during Protective Behaviour lessons to develop their understanding of what bullying is, how to report it and how to get help.

On Bullying No Way Day, all students made a pledge to support the campaign. They created a piece of Artwork which will be displayed prominently in the school. Students wrote their pledges on brightly coloured cut out hand shapes and added them to the whole school art piece making a bold statement for everyone to view.  Thank you to all students who took part, as a school we will honour your pledges and maintain a firm stance against bullying.

Students also decorated cupcakes and enjoyed a sausage sizzle and juice box for lunch. Thank you to all staff involved in this annual event, particularly to Rebecca Wenn who organised this event.

Mrs Lester, Upper School Coordinator

School Ball

West Coast SESC joined Warwick Senior High School for the School Ball this year which was held at the Joondalup Hotel Resort on Friday 19th March. 

A very big thank you is extended to Hannah  Palmer’s’s family who hosted a lovely pre-Ball party at their house.  This enabled the students to meet up first, get excited together, to enjoy a soft drink and a delicious snack before travelling in a Limousine to the Ball.  The students stopped on the way to the Joondalup Resort at Hillarys Boat Harbour to take the opportunity of having some photos taken in the sunset.  Students had formal photos taken prior to a tasty buffet dinner.  Students spent the majority of their time on the dance floor, even dancing before they had eaten!

The students should be commended for their fantastic behaviour on the night.  The students communicated effectively with others, danced with their friends, displayed great table manners and were a credit to themselves and their families. The night was fabulous and we are sure that they will remember the event with fond memories in years to come.

Special awards were presented on the night: Best Dressed Male, Best Dressed Female and Ball Personality of the Year which was given to Will, Chloe and Ella respectively.  Congratulations to these students who were presented with a $50 Westfield Gift Card.

Thank you to all staff who helped to organise this event and supported students on the night.

Mrs Lester, Upper School Coordinator

Area G - Community Access

On Wednesday 24^th March, Area G students received the opportunity to access Lakeside Joondalup Shopping Centre as part of their Community Access program. Through the excursion, they refined their money, time and transport skills that they have been practicing at School. They completed a range of shopping tasks like buying groceries, visiting the post office as assigned by the families. They even enjoyed having Recess and buying their own lunches at the Food Court. They were mindful of the community and civic rules whilst on excursion. This experience further developed their team participation as well as communication skills. An excellent life-skills learning moment for each of them.

Mrs Mammen, Area G teacher

School Chaplain

Hi, my name is Malcolm, and it is a wonderful privilege to be your School Chaplain. My other Chaplaincy role is at East Hamersley PS. I look forward to establishing long lasting relationships with all students, staff, parents, and carers as I endeavour to serve this community to the best of my ability with respect, compassion, and integrity.

Now a little bit about me. I am a father of two sons, Connor aged 22, Cameron aged 20, and they keep me humble, proud, and inspired from all that they have achieved thus far. I have a background in Youth Work, and the longest role I had was in a voluntary capacity working at an Alta 1 College in Mullaloo. Alta 1 is an alternative education program for at risk youth, who have disengaged from mainstream High Schools for many various reasons, and they are established in churches throughout the metro area. Other relevant experience I have, is completing the first year of my Bachelor of Education (Secondary) and majoring in Health and Physical Education. I have put this on hold for now as I felt drawn to chaplaincy, for working with children one on one, by mentoring and supporting them through any issues they have, is more of who I am.

My main focus for this community is to support all students, staff, parents, and carers, guided by this school’s purposes of Caring, Achieving, Together. My door will always be open, and I am available to everyone to talk with, listen to and help in any way that I possibly can. I am really excited in being here and I come to your school with a set of new eyes and perhaps some new ideas to ensure the wellbeing of your children.

Mr Harding, Chaplain

Be a Hero raffle

The Disabled Children’s Foundation Hero Raffle is back again for 2021. You could win a share in $20,000!! with the chance to WIN one of 3 cash prizes!! whilst also supporting the West Coast Secondary Education Support Centre (WCSESC).  

The raffle is open now and is due to be drawn on 15^th June 2021.

Again, there are no raffle tickets/books this year – to buy ticket/s please click on the link below to be taken through to purchasing pages.  The WCSESC ‘hero code’ is already embedded in your purchase to ensure part proceeds are returned to West Coast! It’s so simple!!

Please feel free to share the information on this raffle with your own community.

Thank you and GOOD LUCK!

Regional Youth Driver Education Program

The City of Joondalup is now offering the RYDE or Regional Youth Driver Education Program in the northern corridor. When a young person has a driver’s licence they have greater access to employment, training and leisure activities.  The City has partnered with the RYDE program to offer accessible and supervised driving opportunities to young people aged between 16 and 25 in the northern corridor. 

The RYDE Program operates from the Joondalup Library and sessions are available to young people seven days a week.   

Eligibility  

The RYDE program offers young people access to Volunteer Driver Mentors and a fully insured car, greatly reducing barriers for those who cannot complete their required 50 hours of logbook driving with a parent or guardian. To be eligible, young people need to be between the ages of 16 and 25, hold a valid Learners Permit and be experiencing any barrier that affects their ability to complete their 50 hours of supervised driving.  

Costs  

Young people are required to sit a competency test with a partner driving school to ensure they have suitable road awareness and can control a car effectively. The competency test costs approximately $70. Once a young person has passed their competency test, they are able to purchase tokens for $15 each via PayPal, this will equate to up to 90 minutes of driving supervision on the road. Some conditions apply. 

The program uses PayPal for the $15 payment per token. Young people need to an active bank account that is linked to a debit or credit card to use PayPal.  

Please contact James and Rachael
RYDE Program Coordinators
Joondalup RYDE
Tel: 08 9400 4043 or 08 9400 4218
Email: ryde@joondalup.wa.gov.au
Web: https://ryde.org.au 

Term 2 Planner

School Office hours

Please note the change in our school office hours:

Monday                 8.00am – 4.00pm
Tuesday                 8.00am – 4.00pm
Wednesday          8.00am – 4.00pm
Thursday              8.00am – 4.00pm
Friday                     8.00am – 3.30pm