The West #3 2025
Principal's Preface
The term has flown by, likely because we’ve packed so much into these ten weeks! With NAPLAN now completed and Harmony Week celebrated—amongst many other events—it has certainly been a busy time. During Harmony Week, our students participated in activities promoting acceptance, empathy, and an appreciation of individual and cultural diversity. Older students paired up with younger ones for a special buddy lunch and worked together to create chalk drawings reflecting the theme, 'We Belong'.
Although less than two weeks remain, there is still plenty to look forward to. The Year 5/6 Summer Carnival, previously postponed due to high temperatures, is set to take place, and on the last day of term, we will hold our ANZAC ceremony. Our new choir has been diligently preparing, and we eagerly anticipate their debut performance. Meanwhile, students are excited about the upcoming Easter raffle draw, which will take place at our Monday Muster. A huge thank you to all parents who donated prizes and to the P&C for organizing this wonderful event.
Speaking of the P&C, their Annual General Meeting (AGM) is scheduled for Monday, 7th April, 7:00 pm at The Odin. Attending this meeting is a fantastic way to learn about their work and offer your support—whether by joining the executive team or volunteering at their many events. The P&C plays a vital role in supporting the school, providing financial assistance to benefit our students, and organizing numerous community events, with the Easter raffle being just one example.
Thank you to all Pre-Primary parents who attended the recent Reading Information Meeting. At West Balcatta, we follow a structured approach to the teaching of reading, which our teachers implement successfully. This approach is even more effective when reinforced at home. To support this, Miss Sharon Pearson, our early childhood leader and an expert in reading instruction, shared valuable tips and strategies to help parents make reading at home both enjoyable and impactful. Parents left the meeting well equipped to enhance and reinforce the reading skills their children are acquiring at West Balcatta.
Enjoy the Easter break when it arrives! We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday, 29th April.
Caroline Booth, Principal
Harmony Day
On Harmony Day, our school came together to celebrate this year’s theme: Everyone Belongs. Students and staff wore orange or clothing of cultural significance, proudly sharing and appreciating the rich diversity within our community.
Throughout the day, buddy classes joined forces for fun activities, strengthening connections and learning about different cultures. At lunchtime, students shared meals with their buddies, enjoying the opportunity to celebrate inclusivity and respect.
It was a fantastic day filled with learning, laughter, and togetherness—a reminder that our differences make us stronger!
TA17 Assembly
TA17's assembly was a huge hit! It was all about reading with expression and how it can make a story come to life. We have worked very hard to make 'Adventure at Sandy Cove', our model text, interesting to listen to by reading fluently and with expression, acting out the words and trying our best. We had a heap of fun predicting and had even more fun on the day. Our whole school song was 'Don't Read Like a Robot' and was all about reading with expression and NOT like a robot. We are very proud of ourselves and our efforts.
Claire, Jayden, Realtin, Niamh, Jessica, Lily, Mila & Tobias
Swimming Lessons (PP to Year 6)
West Balcatta are excited to have the opportunity to attend swimming lessons again this year! First up are lessons for our years 2 to 6 students. Lessons for these students begin on the 26th of May and end on the 6th of June. Our Pre-primary and year one students get their chance later in the year! These students will attend lessons from the 10th to the 21st of November. Information, payment details and enrolment forms about Year 2-6 lessons were sent home via Connect this morning. If you do not have access to a printer, you are welcome to come and collect a hard copy of these notes from the office.
During swimming lessons, students should wear their bathers to school underneath their school uniform. This will allow for a quick change at the pool. Students may also wear slip-on shoes/thongs to the pool (they will be given time to change into their trainers/regular school shoes once back at school). Students will need to bring a swimming bag packed with their underwear, towel, and goggles (optional). Please ensure your child’s belongings are clearly labelled with their name. Once lessons are over, students will access supervised change rooms to change back into their school uniforms. Teachers will be with students at all times.
Students are welcome to pack a dressing gown, hooded towel or an additional jumper to wear to and from the pool. This will keep them warm and ensure they have a dry school jumper to put on when they return to class.
Swimming is hungry work! You might like to consider packing some extra recess or crunch and sip for your child during the two weeks of lessons.
Students are strongly encouraged to take part in swimming lessons as they make up the physical education program for the fortnight. However, if your child will not be taking part in the lessons. Please inform their class teacher and the school office. Class teachers attend swimming lessons with their class. Students who are not attending lessons will be split between other classes to be supervised while their teacher is away. They will be given a work pack to complete independently during this time.
Thank you for your support in getting your children organised for swimming lessons. We are looking forward to a fun and positive learning experience! Please see the office or your child’s teacher if you have any questions.
Welcome to Djeran
As we head into April and May, we enter the Noongar season of Djeran. Represented by the colour green, Djeran brings cooler weather, with crisp nights and dewy mornings—a welcome break from the hot summer days!
During Djeran, the flowers begin to bloom, including the bright red flowers of the red flowering gum and the smaller summer flame. You may also notice the red seed cones on the she oaks and the Banksias starting to flower, providing food for local birds and small animals. One of the signs of this season is the flying ants, which can be seen cruising through the light winds. These are an exciting sign of the changing weather!
In traditional times, Djeran was when the Noongar people harvested foods like zamia seeds, fresh water fish, and frogs. It was also a time to prepare for the rainy winter days ahead by fixing shelters to stay dry and warm.
As we embrace Djeran at West Balcatta Primary School, let’s take time to notice the changes in nature and learn more about the Noongar seasons. It’s a beautiful reminder of the world around us!
Image Credit (below): australiassouthwest.com
P&C Easter Raffle
Our P&C is hosting an Easter Raffle and needs help from ‘everybunny’ in our school community! The more goodies we receive, the more prizes there will be, so hop to it and donate Easter treats to the front office before the 4th April (this Friday). To make it even sweeter, every student will receive one automatic entry into the raffle, courtesy of the P&C. Tickets are just $2 and can be purchased via the Spriggy app or the website (see below). Winners will be drawn on Monday, 7th April. Good luck!ANZAC Service 2025
School Holiday Sports
WBPS Facebook Page
Want to keep up with all the exciting things happening at West Balcatta Primary? Like and follow our Facebook page to see snapshots of student learning, special events, and school achievements. From fun dress-up days to hands-on classroom activities, our page is the perfect way to celebrate our school community.