The West #10 2025
Principal's Preface
Over the past few weeks, as part of our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming school environment, we’ve been having some wonderful discussions with students about our faction names. It’s become clear that many students are unaware of the origins or significance of our current faction names. Some students and parents have also shared that these names don’t fully reflect the diversity and spirit of our school and local community. In addition, some of the individuals our factions were originally named after have been the subject of public review in recent years.
Teachers are now chatting with their classes to gather ideas for new names that better represent who we are as a community today. From these conversations, we’ll compile a shortlist of themes and names and students and parents will have the chance to vote for their favourites. It’s been lovely to see how creative the students have been; many are moving away from naming factions after people and are instead suggesting names inspired by the natural world around our school, such as birds, plants, elements and local features.
Once voting is complete, each faction colour will be matched with its new name in time for the start of the next school year. Please note that faction colours will stay the same; only the names will change. We believe it’s important that students have a real voice in this process, so they understand the meaning behind their faction’s name and feel a sense of ownership and pride in their team.
We are in the final term of the year and there are still plenty of innovative learning opportunities ahead for our students. However, we are also planning for 2026. As such, we ask that if you are not returning to West Balcatta next year, please let our office staff know as soon as possible. Thank you! Also, remember that the deadline for 2026 class placement requests, based on educational reasons, is Friday 7th November. All requests will be considered but can’t be guaranteed due to the complex nature of class organisation.
Parents of Year 4 students, we’ve now received the 2025 PEAC Test results and families of identified students have been notified. Please note that placements into PEAC are highly competitive and only a small number of students are identified each year. If you have any questions or wish to request your child’s results, please contact Lee Tanner.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement in all that we do. Enjoy your evening and we look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
Caroline Booth
2025 NECISA Interschool Athletics Carnival
The 2025 NECISA Interschool Athletics Carnival was held on Tuesday, 16 September at the Noranda Sporting Complex. The sunny weather provided perfect running conditions for all competitors.
West Balcatta students gave their best efforts throughout the day, achieving an outstanding 2nd place overall with 941 points. Congratulations to Dianella Heights Primary School, who took out 1st place with 1,054 points.
Our Interschool Athletics team should be extremely proud of the way they represented our school, displaying excellent sportsmanship and strong support for one another.
A special thank you to our parent volunteers, Amanda Scarfo and Melissa Elkington, and to staff members Tristan Meakins and Ash Baum for helping the day run smoothly. Finally, thank you to all the parents who came along to cheer on and support our students.
Geoff Dwyer, PE Specialist
Year 6 Camp
Us year 6 students went away from school and our homes to go on camp, in Term 3. We were there for 3 days and 2 nights, between the 17th and 19th September. All of us were so excited but also a bit nervous to go.
The bus ride was so long. Eventually, when we arrived, we had our lunch and then entered our wonderful dorms. Then we had our activities, as each group did different ones each day. All of us were with some of our friends. The activities included:
- Pamper Pole – climbing a tall wobbly pole and jumping off
- Bix Fox – a long, tall zipline
- Island Bush walk – long walk (slippery) and going in a waterfall.
- Crate Climb – stacking and climbing crates
- Screen Printing – designing our own t-shirt
- Abseiling – getting pulled up a tower and repelling off
- Low Ropes – different obstacles-very difficult but fun
- Billy Carts – building a cart and riding down a hill
All the activities were completely safe. Some were scary but in the end each activity had a meaning and important message to give for our future.
On the first night we were made lasagna for dinner, and we even had dessert! Lots of people liked it. After that we played some fun night games with different groups. There were all kinds of games to play. They were incredibly entertaining. If we won, we got chocolate! Even our teachers played. In our dorms, everyone was staying up later than they were meant to. SHHH!
The next day we continued our regular schedule of getting ready, having breakfast and going to our activities. But before this we had do a little dance that the instructors taught us. That evening we had a campfire and toasted marshmallows.
On Friday, after doing our last activities, we said goodbye to our dorms, packed the buses and had a farewell sausage sizzle.
On the bus trip back to school, we were super tired. Some slept, some talked with excitement and others just relaxed. We really missed the people who arrived late, left early or couldn't make it to camp. Overall, camp was an amazing experience, and we would all love to do it again!!! We had so much fun together. We thank our teachers and parents for giving us an opportunity of a lifetime!
Misri & Alannah, TA14 Students
Year 2 Excursion to Brownes Dairy
On September 24th, the Year 2 cohort enjoyed an exciting and educational excursion to Brownes Dairy. Throughout the visit, students learned about the nutritional value of milk, particularly its role in supporting strong bones muscles and healthy hair. They also discovered how milk is transformed into other dairy products such as yoghurt, cheese and butter.
The students took part in a guided factory tour, where each step of the milk packaging process was explained in detail. A highlight of the day was a fun yoghurt tasting experiment, where students tested their senses by guessing different flavours.
Another memorable moment was meeting a real dairy cow, which students had the opportunity to pat or even try milking.
To conclude the day, each student received a yoghurt pouch to take home. It was a fantastic experience filled with learning, laughter, and lots of dairy delights!
Danika Abrahams, Year 2 Teacher
TA8 Assembly
In Week 10 last term, TA8 took to the stage for a very special assembly inspired by our HASS lessons on influential Australians in history. With our assembly landing on World Dream Day, it was the perfect chance to celebrate those who followed their dreams to achieve greatness and make a difference. We proudly shared the stories of incredible Australians who chased bold ambitions, and we even reflected on our own hopes and goals for the future. From artists to zoologists, there’s no dream too big for TA8! We hope we inspired the West Balcatta community to dream big too. Watch out, world, TA8 is reaching for the stars!
Amanda Kirou, Year 2 Teacher
Colour Fun Run
The last day of Term 3 was bursting with colour and excitement as students took part in our Colour Run on Friday, 26 September. The school oval was filled with laughter, energy and clouds of bright colour as students ran, played and celebrated the end of term together.
Thank you to all the families who supported the event and helped with fundraising. Together, we raised almost $22,000 for our school.
A big thank you also goes to our P&C parent helpers who made the afternoon run so smoothly. It was a fantastic way to finish the term and celebrate our wonderful school community!
Year 5 BSHS Excursion
The year 5 students from TA 19 and TA 13 have recently been to Balcatta Senior High School for a virtual reality experience. We were guided through this by ‘Mindflight’ and the head of the Science Department.
After a long walk up the stairs, we made our way to the Science Room. First we learnt how to use the controls and then we put our headsets on, ready for our first adventure.
The first activity in virtual reality was candle lighting. This involved using the controls to turn a knob to the right gas setting, put a hot stick underneath so it catches fire. Once the stick was on fire, you transferred it to the candle.
The next level was about rocket launching. There were two jugs of liquid and five metals. You had to figure out which materials would turn into fuel, to make the rocket launch.
The final level was creating atoms. This involved a lot of persistence.
Although some of us felt dizzy afterwards, it was worth it. We had a great time and learnt so much at the same time. A big thank you to the Science Department at Balcatta Senior High School for inviting us.
Caitlyn, Annabelle and Matteus, TA13 Students
TA5 Assembly
On Thursday, we had our amazing assembly. It was called 'Reading Rocks' First, I went to our class to get changed. Next, we got on the stage to do our assembly. It was amazing. My favourite bit was when I talked on the microphone. Finally, we went back for Crunch n Sip. I was happy. I hope this happens again.
Tom
On Thursday, Amazing TA5 would like to show you our item, 'Reading Rocks'. First, I got ready at home. Next, I went to my spot to wait for our audience to come and see out assembly. Then we did the National Anthem. Then the assembly started! After that, we performed 'Hairy 'McLary', 'Superworm' and 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar'. Finally, we presented the awards. It was so fun but I felt nervous.
Isaac
On Thursday, me and my class had an assembly in the undercovered area. We did an amazing job. I was first. The first song was 'Hairy McLary From Donaldson's Dairy'. The second song was "Superworm'. The third song was 'The Hungry Caterpillar'. The hungry caterpillar was Riley. My favourite part was when Riley fell down. It was so funny. I had the best time of my life. I loved it.
Nirvana
On Thursday, we had our class assembly in the undercovered area. First Nirvana spoke in the microphone and Llewyn and Mason. Next we did 'Reading Rocks'. Then we sang 'Hairy McLary From Donaldson's Dairy'. After, we sang 'Superworm'. Finally, we sang 'The Hungry Caterpillar' and people said things and we danced to 'Milkshake'. Me and Romeo spoke on the microphone. I love speaking on the microphone and scaring the whole school when I was Scarface Claw!
Adriana
Aussie of the Month
Evangeline, Pre Primary
Evangeline is a kind hearted member of TA5, always willing to lend a hand to others without questioning. If there is someone who needs comfort, Eva is always there, sharing kind words and encouragement. Not only does she have a "can do" attitude for all of her school work, she also encourages those around her to do the same. Eva is a very worthy recipient of The Aussie of the Month for these reasons.
Year 5/6 Art Competition
This term, our talented Year 5 and 6 students took part in the Primary School Art Competition, exploring the theme “Under the Sea.” Inspired by the vibrant and whimsical work of West Australian artist Kerri Blades, students created stunning pieces using oil pastels, acrylics and fine liner pens.
A selection of artworks was proudly displayed at Balcatta Senior High School, showcasing the incredible creativity of our students. We’re thrilled to announce the award recipients:
Awards of Excellence
Year 5: Eloise
Year 6: Adil
Merit Awards
Year 5: Angela
Year 6: Shirley
Congratulations to all our budding artists! We are so proud of the imagination, effort and passion shown by every student.
Fina Di Russo, Art Specialist
Bully Zero Presentations
On Monday, our students in Years 2–5 took part in Bully Zero presentations, funded by Telethon. These engaging focused on empowering students to create a safe and respectful school community. Students explored what bullying looks like, how to stand up safely and ways to support one another to build positive relationships.
Bully Zero works tirelessly to create a world where everyone feels safe, respected and empowered, especially in schools, where bullying can have lasting impacts. Their programs are developed in collaboration with teachers, psychologists, counsellors and people with lived experience, ensuring that each presentation is practical, relevant and impactful.
Students explored what bullying looks like, how to stand up safely and ways to support one another to build positive relationships.
We thank Telethon for making this valuable initiative possible at no cost to our school.
To learn more about Bully Zero and their important work, visit www.bullyzero.org.au.
Futuristic Disco!
WBPS P&C invites you to step inside our intergalactic planetary for our FUTURISTIC DISCO, 2025 edition.
Friday 14th November
Kindy - Year 2: 5pm - 6:15pm (guardian present & encouraged to bring a picnic rug & set up on grass area outside the disco)
Year 3 - Year 6: 6:30pm-8pm
Tickets
Online Pre-sale tickets for $8.00 OR $14.00 which includes a food, drink & cookie bundle. Purchase online via Spriggy schools- under the ‘Events’ Tab https://www.spriggyschools.com.au/
*Tickets will also be available to purchase at the door on the night.
Donations
Like every school event this would not be possible without the support of our school community. We are looking for the following donations to make this event a success and appreciate anything you can provide:
Muffins
Cupcakes
Donuts
Cookies
Popcorn
Savoury multi-packs
Please feel free to deliver all non-perishable items to The Snack Shack. Perishable items to be delivered the day before or morning of the disco to maintain freshness.
Volunteers
Junior Disco: we’re asking Year 1 parents to sign up for this event please.
Senior Disco: we’re asking Year 5 parents to sign up for this event please.
We're using SignUp. Please click the link to learn more and sign up to participate. Thank you. https://signup.com/go/SVGrQfg
