The West #1 2025
Principal's Preface
Welcome to another year at West Balcatta. Our students have already made a great start, moving seamlessly into their new classes, working hard and showing enthusiasm for the tasks set. Their teachers are working hard too, setting up classroom routines and establishing expectations for the coming year. These are outlined in the parent information handout you received last week. Familiarising yourself with this document will ensure you know what’s happening in your child’s classroom this year. Of course, you will also have the opportunity to meet, one-on-one, with your child’s teacher in the coming months. This will be a great opportunity to find out how they have settled and how you can support their learning.
You may have noticed a few changes around school this year. Our Year 1 students have moved into the demountable classrooms (TA6 and TA6A) opposite the Pre-primary block. This move keeps all our Year 1 students in the same area, making it easier for TA5 to mix with their peers. The students are thrilled with the change as I’ve been told they now ‘have the best air conditioning in the school’. Year 3 students are now housed in A Block in TA10 and TA11. They have not passed judgement on the quality of the air conditioning, not yet anyway…
The addition of STEM to our timetable this year has been very popular. Students in Year 1 – 6, including TA5, will work on this interdisciplinary approach to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths with a specialist teacher. During STEM blocks, students will be given the opportunity to apply their scientific knowledge and mathematical skills to problem solving tasks. Mrs Grosse, Mrs Pilgrim and Mrs Naumovski have been working collaboratively to launch this new approach and, after just a couple of sessions, the students are excited about this addition to the school week. Look out for photos of their work on Facebook and in the newsletter as they get stuck into STEM.
There are also a few new faces around school this year with the following staff joining our team:
• Miss Ashleigh Baum is teaching Year 1in TA6A alongside Miss Sharon Pearson and Mrs Lauren Scott in TA6.
• Miss Mikayla Snow is teaching Year 6 in TA12 alongside Miss Jasmine Di Cino and Miss Reearna Morgan in TA15 and TA14 respectively.
• Miss Charlotte Dodd is teaching Kindy on Wednesdays, as well covering some of our specialist timetable.
Unsurprisingly, our students have already given them a warm welcome. As always, all staff, new and existing, are looking forward to working with you this year to create the best experience for our students. Remember, if you have a concern or worry, pop into the office to have a chat or visit your child’s teacher. You are always welcome.
Enjoy the rest of the week.
Caroline Booth, Principal
2025 Student Leaders
This week, we proudly announced our Student Leaders for 2025! Some of our leaders received their badges on Monday, while the rest will be presented with theirs at our assembly on Thursday.
A big thank you to all the students who put themselves forward for leadership roles. Your willingness to contribute to our school community is commendable. Congratulations to those now wearing their new badges. We look forward to seeing you lead with enthusiasm and pride!
- Student Council: Raavi, Bruno, Eloise, Gillian & Leo
- Faction Captains: Sebastian, Adil, Hudson, Addison, Preston, Violet, Gerry & Jessica
- PA Team: Ava, Amelia, Charlie & Evan
- Library Monitors: Isla, Sienna C, Evana, Lucy, Sienna B & Levi
- Play Team: Cooper, Ruby, Liana, John, Jude, London & Jasmine
- Plant Carer: Damon
- Recycling Team: Jaxon, James, Rafhael, Jack H, Jacob & Skye
- Photographers: Sebastian, Piper & Jack B
- Flag Team: Shirley & Zoe
- Sustainability Team: Elena, Leliana, Luca, Caitlyn, Mya & Mia
Lunchtime Clubs
Lunchtime clubs are a fantastic initiative designed to support students during traditionally unstructured times of the school day. They provide opportunities for social interaction, engagement, and inclusion, helping students build friendships, develop social skills, and feel a greater sense of belonging.
These clubs benefit both students and the wider school community by:
✔ Enhancing peer-to-peer and teacher-student relationships
✔ Encouraging student voice and personal empowerment
✔ Developing social and emotional skills
✔ Supporting academic achievement
✔ Promoting a positive school climate and sense of safety
✔ Reducing bullying and playground behaviour incidents
In 2025, West Balcatta is running lunchtime clubs every day!
Mindful Monday – Start your week with calm and focus! Students will explore mindfulness through sound bowls, games, relaxation techniques, and mindful activities.
Building Buddies – Love Lego? Join Mrs Sibosado on Tuesdays for a fun-filled lunchtime of creativity and collaboration! Work together in small groups, tackle exciting building challenges, and share ideas while honing problem-solving skills. Whether you're a master builder or a beginner, everyone is welcome!
Wacky Wednesdays – Get ready to move and groove with Mrs Morana and Stephanie! Dance, drama, and music take center stage in this energetic and expressive club.
Thursdays in the Peace and Harmony Garden – Join Stephanie and the Play Team for a variety of outdoor games and activities that bring students together for fun and teamwork.
Fun Fridays – End the week with some friendly competition and laughter! Join Mrs Tanner and the student councillors in the Peace and Harmony Garden for classic games like giant Jenga, Connect Four, and limbo battles. It's the perfect way to unwind and enjoy time with friends!
No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone at West Balcatta’s lunchtime clubs. Come along, get involved, and make the most of your break!
Their Care News
Young Engineers Club
YOUNG ENGINEERS AFTER-SCHOOL CLUB @ West Balcatta PS (Term 1 2025) returned on Wednesday 12th February from 2:45-4:00pm Join us for a hands-on STEM journey! Build motorized LEGO® models to create racing cars, earthmovers, amusement park rides and hundreds more, while exploring the engineering concepts behind each project. LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!