The West #8 2024

Principal's Preface

Over the past few weeks, we've hosted numerous visitors at West Balcatta, all wishing to observe our excellent teachers in action.  This flurry of visits started when representatives from the Australian Education Research Organization (AERO) and the Quality Teaching Strategy (QTS) asked to see how we are implementing effective teaching practices at West Balcatta. After observing classrooms from PP to Year 6, including Mrs Morana’s intervention program, the researchers said,  

‘It was impactful to observe the teaching and learning in classrooms and it was inspiring to see the students engaged with their learning. …it was evident the school leadership team is working with teachers to develop the necessary conditions for developing a positive school culture that expects and supports teacher growth and to deliver outcomes for students.’

Of course, as a lead school for the QTS, we offer continued support to other public schools by providing professional learning and guidance. Recently we have been working closely with staff at West Leeming, Karrinyup and Balingup Primary Schools to share some of our approaches. Unsurprisingly, they were keen to see how these work in practice and sent their staff to watch ours.   Your children may have mentioned additional adults in their classrooms, particularly last Friday, when all staff from Balingup PS spent the day with us. Teachers observed teachers, while EAs, the librarian and principal foreshadowed their West Balcatta counterparts. Again, the feedback from visitors was glowing. Comments included the following:

‘Many thanks for organising such a valuable morning. Our teachers came away impressed with the capability of your teachers and grateful for the opportunity to learn from colleagues outside of their normal professional circles. I asked them what they ‘saw’ when they visited the classrooms and some of the words they used were fast paced, high energy, precise feedback, explicit teaching, clear learning intentions, highly structured lessons and engaged students.’

Teaching can sometimes feel like an isolated profession – one adult in a room with 30 students for most of the day – so it has been great for our teachers to share their work with fellow professionals. The praise and recognition they’ve received acknowledges their hard work and the impact of their teaching. I would like to thank all West Balcatta staff for welcoming our visitors and for taking the time to share the wonderful work they are doing. The students also deserve a thank you for their continued enthusiasm towards learning.

As you know, we have some big events on the horizon. We are all looking forward to the One Big Voice concert tomorrow evening. It is always moving to see and hear our students contribute to this huge, beautiful choir. Thank you, Mrs Sibosado for preparing them so well.

Friday is dress as your favourite book character. This year, in addition to the costume parade and writing competition presentation, all students from PP-Year 6 will be taking part in a special Book Week Rotation, where they will work in mixed age groups on a range of book-based activities. It will be a wonderful opportunity for our older students to guide our youngsters. I have no doubt all involved will have great fun.

Finally, congratulations to Mrs Alana Mirco who gave birth to a beautiful baby boy last week, albeit somewhat earlier than expected. We welcome Miss Grace Pegrum who will be working with Miss Therese Swanepoel to teach TA11 this term.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Caroline Booth

Aussie of the Month

Congratulations to Jack from TA15, who is our latest Aussie of the Month!

Jack is an outstanding Year 6 student leader and Minister for the Environment. Jack embodies the qualities of an active citizen through his commitment to our school, its students and the environment. Jack’s kindness and empathy make a positive impact on everyone around him. Jack’s exemplary behaviour, dedication and initiative make him a role model for students and staff alike. We are proud to recognise Jack as our Aussie of the Month, and we look forward to seeing all the incredible things he will continue to achieve. Congratulations, Jack!

TA7 Assembly

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On Thursday the 8^th of August, the year twos from TA7 presented their assembly on Significant Australians. In History and Talk for Writing, students had been learning about the impact different Australians have had on our country and how they have changed the lives of people today. They researched different Australians including Steve Irwin, Anh Do, Fred Hollows and Gurrumul, and collated this information into a research booklet. They then used this research to write an information text in Talk for Writing on three of their chosen people using the structure and language features that had been taught to them.  TA7 greatly enjoyed the chance to share this knowledge with the school and dressed up as many of these significant people. Though a few students mentioned getting a bit of stage fright, everyone agreed that it was lots of fun to get up on stage and speak using a microphone. The year twos practised really hard on their song and memorising their lines. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

Science Week

To celebrate Science Week, the Year 5 students had the exciting opportunity to visit Balcatta Senior High School for some hands-on science experiments. We had a blast making slime, tasting homemade ice cream, and experimenting with dry ice. The Year 9 students guided us through each experiment, making it an unforgettable day of learning and fun!

Violet & Ava, TA12

Faction Carnival

The West Balcatta Faction Athletics Carnival will be held on Friday 30 August, with the Jumps & Throws being held on Wednesday 28 August. A Program of Events was recently shared via Connect and will also be attached to this week's What's on at West Balcatta. If you are able to assist with set-up in the morning, please contact Geoff Dwyer. For inclusivity and care for the environment, we request that there are no balloons at the event. 

The P&C will be running their very popular Bake Sale at the event, and are requesting that parents and guardians donate items to be sold. Your non-perishable items can be donated to the canteen as soon as you can and  perishable items are donated either the Thursday before the carnival or the morning of the carnival.

The P&C are also asking for any volunteers willing to assist with the bake sale on the day. The stall will be out on the oval near all the action. Please email your interest and availability to Michelle at president@westbalcattapc.org.au

 We are looking forward to another brilliant Carnival and thank you for your support!

Family Open Night

The highly anticipated West Balcatta Family Open Night is just around the corner! This longstanding WBPS tradition invites families to explore our vibrant classrooms and see firsthand the amazing learning taking place across the school. Join us on Wednesday September 4th, from 5-7 pm for an evening of discovery and connection.

Let your children proudly guide you through their school and share their learning journey with you. Be sure to visit the Art Room, Italian Room, Library, and Music Room, where there will be special displays showcasing students’ creative and academic talents.

No need to worry about dinner—our hardworking P&C will have The Snack Shack open, offering delicious food options to keep everyone fueled for the night.

We look forward to welcoming all families to this special event. See you there!

Values at West Balcatta Primary School

The Western Australian Values of Schooling articulate what educators in Western Australia believe all students should value as a result of the programs they undertake. There are 5 Values Statements, which guide our values program here at school. Each fortnight, we focus on a new value.

The value for Weeks 3 & 4 of each term is
Pursuit of Knowledge and Commitment to Achievement of Potential

The lifelong disposition toward the quest for knowledge as each student strives to understand the social and natural worlds and how best to make a contribution to these worlds. Each student is encouraged to achieve his or her potential in all respects and, through critical and creative thinking, to develop a broad understanding of his or her own values and world views.

Congratulations to Gerry, who is the latest winner of our Values poster competition.

Bullying No Way: National Week of Action

Bullying No Way Week is a commitment being made by thousands of schools and supporters across the country. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention. It gives us an opportunity to connect with students, staff and school communities to implement workable solutions to prevent bullying.

The new hero colour for the campaign is purple – symbolising peace, strength and empowerment to take a stand against bullying behaviour.

The theme for this year's campaign is Everyone belongs. This theme highlights the importance of creating a sense of belonging and inclusion for students. We recognise bullying often thrives in environments where individuals feel marginalised or excluded, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every student feels valued and respected.

“Positive school climates that value diversity and inclusion can foster a sense of belonging and provide a protective factor against negative peer relationships and reduce bullying.” (Australian Education Research Organisation 2023).

For more information about Bullying No Way Week and bullying prevention, visit the Bullying No Way website.

During the week students engaged in meaningful discussions and activities aimed at promoting empathy, understanding, and respect for diversity. We encourage parents and carers to take this opportunity to have open and honest conversations with their children about the impact of bullying and what they can do if they need support. You can visit the Bullying No Way website for tips around how to have this discussion.

Parliament 'Dare Day' Fundraiser

This week’s Monday Muster was anything but ordinary! Our staff members took on a series of hilarious challenges, all in the name of fun and fundraising, as they bravely tackled dares set by the students. The results were both impressive and entertaining: Mr Dwyer smashed out 30 push-ups in 28 seconds, Mr Meakins powered through eating two chillis, Mrs Sibosado nailed the chicken dance, Mrs Tanner showed off her hula hooping skills, and Mrs Steppe delighted everyone with some silly dance moves. Miss Fucile and Mrs Rawlins delivered a rap duet of "Twinkle Twinkle," while Ms Booth stole the show by doing a lap of the assembly area on a tricycle! Not to be outdone, Miss King, our very own "Ray Gun," wowed the crowd with her breakdancing skills.

And the excitement doesn’t stop there! Throughout the week, staff will be dressing up, playing games with students during lunch breaks, and performing for their classes—all for a great cause and plenty of laughs.

All funds raised will go toward the Year 6 leaving gift to the school. A huge thank you to everyone who donated and took part in making this week such a memorable one!

Kindergarten Farm Incursion

Our Kindergarten students were surprised with a visit from Farmer Mick, his dog Bella and a whole lot of farm animals on Tuesday and Thursday last week.

We watched Henrietta the hen lay an egg before meeting a sheep, horse, goose and some rabbits. We even got to hold chicks and feed milk to the kids (baby goats) and lambs from a bottle. To finish off the session, we enjoyed patting and feeding the rest of the farm animals. It was very exciting and a LOT of fun!

Thank you to the wonderful P&C for funding for this incursion. We LOVED it!

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Minister's Running Challenge

Get up, get moving – let’s get running!  Lace up for the chance to win weekly prizes in the 2024 Education Minister’s Running Challenge. It's not too late to sign up.

The Education Minister wants students to get up, get moving, and get running from Monday 15 July to Friday 13 September. The mission is for primary school students to run, walk or wheel for 20 minutes per week. Any running, walking, or wheeling counts toward the challenge. It’s a great excuse to get together, have fun with friends, and get active at the same time.  

Each runner who logs their activity throughout the challenge, goes into the draw to win a weekly prize and up to 4,000 students receive free entry into the Perth Running Festival Burswood Park 4km Dash on Sunday 6 October, at Optus Stadium.  All runners who participate in the challenge will receive a special certificate signed by the Education Minister.

Congratulations to Jonny from TA17, who won a Fitbit Inspire 2 Fitness Tracker. as part of the Education Minister's Running Challenge weekly prize draw! This was presented to Jonny last Monday by Dockers player, Sean Darcy. Students in TA17 enjoyed meeting Sean and finding out more about his football career.

Consent for Third-Party Online Services

We are currently seeking your consent to access online third-party services for your children. Services, such as Mathletics, IXL and Cord.org, require student accounts to be set up and some personal information is required – usually names and email addresses. The survey recently sent to via Connect, allows you to find out more about the services used at school and opt out of individual services if you prefer.

Thank you to parents who have already completed the survey and given consent. If you haven’t, please access the survey via the link below so that we can ensure you child has access to these learning tools.

If you have questions about the services used with your children, please have a chat with your child’s teacher. They can let you know what they use and the personal information used to set up an account.

Thank you for your support.

Lost Property

Kiss & Drive Safety

Please use patience and care when accessing the Kiss and Drives at school, particularly on Cedric Street. We have had a number of complaints from local residents. More importantly, risky behaviour endangers our students. As their safety is our priority, we ask that you consider the following:

• When the Kiss and Drive is full, please do not double park and wait for a bay to become free as this causes a traffic jam that often results in dangerous behaviour. For example, drivers who are not waiting for a child, pull out and drive along the wrong side of the road often at speed.
• Please do not perform U-turns once you have collected your child. Drive further along Cedric Street to turn where it is quieter and safer or use the roundabout.    
• When the Kiss and Drive is full, continue driving around the block and re-enter the Kiss and Drive a few minutes later. By this point, bays are usually free.
• Alternatively, collect your children 5-10 minutes after school finishes. The Kiss and Drive is quieter at this time. A member of staff will be there to supervise children.
• The other option is to park further away from school. On Hotchkiss Drive there are many roadside parking spots. Park here and ask your child to meet you on the oval. There are also parking spots available further along Cedric Street. Many parents use these and walk to school to meet their children.  

Thank you for your understanding on this matter.

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