Term 3 - Issue 2 2024

Our Vision

Principal's Article

Dear Parents/carers,

As we reach the midpoint of the term, there's been plenty of excitement and hard work at Westminster Education Support Centre!

Book Week Dress Up and Parade:

Our staff and students had a blast during our Book Week dress-up celebration. The highlight was the parade, which provided an amazing opportunity for our students to participate, many of whom had never attended an assembly before. It was heart-warming to see everyone embrace their favourite characters and share in the joy of reading and creativity.

IEP Preparations:

Our dedicated teachers have been busy preparing Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for our students. We understand how crucial these plans are for tailoring learning to each student's unique needs, and we’re committed to having them ready to share with families before the end of the term. Thank you for your patience and continued support as we work to provide the best possible educational experience for all our students.

Off Their Own Bat Cricket Program:

The Off Their Own Bat cricket program has now wrapped up, and it was a tremendous success! Our students engaged in the modified cricket activities with enthusiasm, and it was fantastic to see their skills and confidence grow. We’re incredibly proud of all the students who participated and made this program a hit.

Looking Forward - Whole School Reward System:

Exciting news from our PBS committee—they’re organising a whole-school reward system to celebrate the end of the term. Mark your calendars for the last Friday of term, as this event promises to be a fantastic way to acknowledge our students’ hard work and positive behaviour. Stay tuned for more details!

Important Reminder:

A friendly reminder that between the hours of 9:00 am and 2:20 pm, all children need to be dropped off and collected from the front administration office. This measure is in place to minimize disruptions to students' learning and ensure a smooth and secure school day for everyone.

Farewell to Esther Rose

We would like to wish Esther all the very best for the pending birth of her baby boy. Esther, we are grateful for your many years of dedicated service to our community. We wish you all the best as you embark on this next chapter in your life and look forward to welcoming you back late next year.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and let’s make the rest of the term just as successful and enjoyable as the first half!

Warmest Regards,

CARMEN LOPEZ

Kambarang Season

FLOWERING SEASON

SEASON OF BIRTH

OCTOBER & NOVEMBER

COLOUR - YELLOW

During the transition from Djilba to Kambarang Season, the weather rises in temperature with increasingly warm to hot dry days and less cold fronts coming from the coast. Wildflowers Djet Malkakoom, flower this time of year and an abundance of colour is displayed across country Boodja and where the bees and small birds busy themselves with nectar collection. The long tall flowering stalks of the great Balga grass tree (Xanthorrhoea preissii) are prevalent this time of year pointing to the sky

With the weather warming, reptiles such as Karda (Goanna), Noorn (dugite), Wakarl (Carpet Snake), Nornt (Tiger Snake) and Yoorn (Bobtail) emerge from their Seasonal hibernation looking for food and a warm place to reproduce.  

The Koolbardi (Magpie) are noticeably protective of their newly born offspring and bush animals that rely on the receding fresh water sources could be found by traditional hunters who sustainably collected water fowl eggs, frogs, tortoises and marron. Traditionally, people would also move closer towards coastal areas, catching fish, crabs and shellfish to supplement their diet, where the whale migration along the Western Australian coastline is occurring.

News from Djeran 4

We are thrilled to share the progress of our Djeran 4 Cricket Incursion over the past four weeks. The students have been actively participating and showing great enthusiasm as they learn and develop new skills.

In the first two sessions, students were introduced to the basics of cricket. The session focused on understanding the rules of the game, familiarising themselves with the equipment, and learning the fundamentals of batting and bowling.  It was fantastic to see the students' eagerness to engage with the sport, many of whom were trying it for the first time.

In weeks three and four, we saw the students honing their batting techniques. Coaches demonstrated various batting stances, grip techniques, and shot selections. The students practiced these skills through fun drills and games. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow.

Cooking 

We are excited to share the delightful journey of our Djeran 4 Cooking Program over the past four weeks. The students have been busy in the kitchen, learning new recipes and culinary techniques, and of course, enjoying the fruits of their labour!

Vegemite and Cheese Scrolls

Our cooking adventure began with an Australian classic – Vegemite and cheese scrolls. Students rolled up their sleeves and got hands-on with the dough, learning how to spread Vegemite and sprinkle cheese before rolling it all up into delicious scrolls. The aroma in the kitchen was incredible, and the students were thrilled to eat these savoury snacks.

Jam Drops

Week two brought a touch of sweetness as the students made jam drops. These buttery biscuits with a dollop of jam in the centre were a hit! The students practiced their measuring, mixing, and baking skills, and the result was a tray of beautifully golden biscuits that disappeared quickly.

Scones

In week three, we took a more traditional route with classic scones. Students learned how to make the perfect scone dough, incorporating butter into the flour by hand and adding just the right amount of milk to get a light, fluffy texture. Served with jam and cream, these scones were a delightful afternoon treat that everyone enjoyed.

Frozen Yogurt Bites

To cap off our first month, we made frozen yogurt bites – a refreshing and healthy snack. The students enjoyed choosing their favourite fruits and yogurt flavours, which they then mixed together and froze into bite-sized treats. This recipe was a hit, especially with the warmer weather, and it gave students a fun and creative way to enjoy yogurt.

Naidoc day 

We are excited to share the wonderful experiences your children had during our recent NAIDOC Day celebrations! It was a day filled with learning, creativity, and cultural appreciation as we came together to honour the rich history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The day started with a special NAIDOC show, where students had the opportunity to learn more about Indigenous culture through storytelling, music, and dance. The interactive performance captivated the children, and they were eager participants, clapping along and dancing to the rhythmic beats.

The first activity was rock painting. They used vibrant colours and traditional Aboriginal symbols to decorate their rocks, creating unique pieces of art that reflect the beauty and diversity of Indigenous culture. The children thoroughly enjoyed this creative exercise, and the finished rocks are now proudly displayed in our classroom.

Next, the children learned how to make threaded bracelets using colourful threads and beads. This activity not only developed their fine motor skills but also allowed them to engage with traditional craft techniques. The students were thrilled to take home their handcrafted bracelets as a keepsake from the day.

Face painting was a highlight of the day! Our talented volunteers transformed the children into little warriors, animals, and symbols inspired by Indigenous art. The joy and excitement on their faces were infectious, and the kids loved showing off their painted designs to their friends.

Reflections and Learning

Throughout the day, we encouraged the students to reflect on the importance of NAIDOC Week and what it means to respect and celebrate the contributions of Indigenous Australians. It was a meaningful experience for all, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for our shared history.

Health

This term, as part of our Health topic, we have introduced a brand new Calming Area in our classroom. This space is thoughtfully designed to help children practice self-regulation, an essential skill we are focusing on in our lessons.

What is the Calming Area?

The Calming Area is a quiet, cosy corner of our classroom where students can go when they feel the need to take a moment for themselves. It is equipped with soft seating, calming visuals, sensory toys, and mindfulness tools that help students relax and manage their emotions.

How Does it Help?

Our lessons this term are centred around self-regulation, which is the ability to understand and manage our emotions and behaviours in different situations. The Calming Area provides a practical space for students to apply these skills in real-time. Whether they feel overwhelmed, need a break, or simply want to refocus, this area encourages them to recognize their feelings and take positive steps to manage them.
We are confident that this new addition will be a valuable tool in helping our students develop lifelong skills for emotional well-being.

Morning fitness/new playground

Children in Djeran 4 have been participating in morning fitness sessions, organised by the wonderful Ms. Rowe. These sessions have been a hit with the children and a great way to start the day with energy and enthusiasm!

Twice a week, the children gather in the undercover area for a range of fun and engaging fitness activities. One of the highlights has been obstacle training, where the kids challenge themselves by navigating through different courses designed to boost their coordination, strength, and agility. It's been amazing to see their confidence grow as they master each obstacle!

In addition to obstacle training, the children have also been enjoying some classic playground games. One of their favourites is "What's the Time, Mr. Wolf?" This game not only gets them moving but also helps with their listening and reaction skills – all while having a great time with their classmates.

We are also thrilled to make use of the built-in trampolines in our new playground during morning fitness. The children absolutely love bouncing around and it's a great way for them to burn off some energy and improve their balance and motor skills.

These activities are not only fun but also play an important role in promoting physical health and teamwork among the students.

Ms. Halai, Ms. M, Ms. B, Ms. C, and Ms. Collins are eagerly looking forward to seeing the incredible achievements the children will accomplish this term.

Little Land

On Wednesday, August 14th, our students had a fantastic day engaging in hands-on role-play experiences that brought various aspects of the real world to life in a scaled-down format. This interactive excursion provided an exciting opportunity for students to explore different parts of society in a fun and educational way.
Throughout the day, students participated in several role-play activities. They explored a Growers Market, where they learned about fresh produce and market dynamics. In the Blocks Construction area, they took on the roles of builders, discovering the basics of construction and teamwork.

The Vet and Doctor stations allowed students to step into medical roles, giving them a glimpse into the world of healthcare. They also experienced the school station, where they understood the roles of both teachers and students. Finally, at the Café station, students enjoyed learning about the food service industry by taking orders and serving treats.

The day was filled with enthusiasm and engagement, with students fully immersed in their roles and activities. Their enjoyment and active participation highlighted the success of this hands-on learning experience.
We are thrilled with the positive response and look forward to more engaging and educational activities in the future. Thank you to everyone who helped make this excursion a memorable experience for our students!

Sports Carnival

PBS

This fortnight's PBS lesson is 'We wear our hat outdoors'.  which falls under the expectation of 'We are safe'.

Merit Award Winners - Week 4

Kindergarten 2025

Uniforms

Voluntary Contributions

Voluntary Contributions - Kindy to Year 6

$30.00 – Per Student

School Board Members

Term Planner