Term 2 - Issue 4 2025

Our Vision

Deputy Principal's Article

Welcome Back to Term 2.

I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable break. It’s wonderful to see our students return ready for another exciting term of learning.

I’m delighted to share some fantastic experiences our students have enjoyed recently, thanks to community partnerships and our dedicated staff. Westminster ESC was fortunate to receive a grant from the City of Stirling, allowing us to visit the Constable Care Safety School in Maylands. Five of our upper primary classes Djeran 4, Bunuru 4, Birak 4, T2, and T3 participated in this amazing program. Through interactive learning, the students enhanced their knowledge of road rules and safety practices, exploring real-life transport risks in a safe and realistic environment. Using mini-iPads with augmented reality apps, they engaged with characters to solve transport dangers, making the experience both educational and fun. We are incredibly proud of how well our students participated in the excursion.

In addition, during weeks 2 to 4, students from Djeran 4 and T2 enjoyed bowling sessions at Super Bowl Warwick. The excitement of knocking down pins, the cheers of friends, and the lively atmosphere brought smiles and joy to all. Beyond fun, these sessions helped build confidence, social skills, and a sense of accomplishment, making the bowling outings memorable and meaningful for everyone involved.

On the 16th of May, Westminster ESC and Westminster Primary School proudly took part in National Walk Safely to School Day. It was great to see so many students, parents, and staff join together for this important event. Each participating child received a raffle ticket, a sticker, a temporary tattoo, and a slap-on wristband as a token of their participation in the event. Led by our committed volunteer teachers, we walked as a group, pausing safely at each crossing to ensure everyone’s safety. Upon arriving at school, the students, parents and staff were treated to fresh fruit, mini cupcakes, and pikelets, generously donated by Woolworths Balcatta, Woolworths Stirling Central, and Spud shed Stirling Central. Adults enjoyed complimentary hot drinks, kindly provided by the City of Stirling.

A special thank you to Claire Deans, Kirryn Phillips, and all the wonderful staff volunteers who helped make this event such a success.

I look forward to seeing the continued enthusiasm and achievements of our students throughout Term 2.

Regards

Christopher Ralph

Deputy Principal

Djeran Season

AUTUMN SEASON

SEASON OF ADULTHOOD

APRIL & MAY

COLOUR - DJERAN

To represent in-land travels 

Through the Djeran Season, the initial sign emerges with the arrival of cooler nights, as the weather transitions to a more temperate state. This subtle shift in the atmosphere marks the beginning of Djeran and cool evenings hint at the imminent change in Season.

The morning dew slightly covers the land in a comforting blanket, evoking the knowledge that change is beginning.  Djeran is the Season where the land begins the cooling process and brings with it the south-westerly winds. 

Noongar people initiate the movement towards the heart of the country during this Season, journeying to the serene waters of lakes and estuaries.

The Kangaroos' fur is transforming into a lush fullness coat, a luxurious gift for the Noongar people, fuelling them with nourishment, sustenance, and offering skins as a source of warmth and comfort. Djeran has always been hailed as the Preparation Season, focusing on readying food, shelter (mia mia), and preparing the journey for the wet Season of Makuru.

Aboriginal Six Seasons, Djeran Season, https://www.aboriginalsixseasons.com.au/pages/djeran-season

News from Kambarang 5

The team in K5 are happy to say that our class has settled in really well this term. The students are enjoying being back at school, getting used to the routine again, and having lots of fun. It’s been lovely to see them happy and comfortable in the classroom.

In English, we are focussing on letters and sounds through our UFLI program. Some of the students have been joining in with fun craft activities to help with this learning. They’ve enjoyed using glue, paint, and cutting tools to make things that match the letters we are learning. These hands-on activities are a great way for our students to stay engaged and practice new skills.

The students have been enjoying sensory play activities, such as exploring different textures, water play, and sensory bins. These activities help support their regulation, focus, and fine motor development in a fun and calming way.

Our Talk for Writing program is going well. The students enjoy listening to the stories and watching the actions. Even our quieter students are showing interest by copying some of the movements or paying close attention. It’s been a great way for all students to be involved, in their own way, with storytelling and language.

In Maths, we’ve been focusing on learning about numbers and colours. The students have been exploring counting through songs, games, and hands-on activities like matching objects to numbers and using colourful blocks. We've also been doing sorting activities, where students group items by colour or number. These fun and engaging tasks help build early maths skills in a way that’s meaningful and enjoyable for all learners.

In the ILC, we’ve started a fun cooking program. The students are learning how to follow simple steps, use cooking tools, and try new foods. After cooking, we visit the sensory room to relax and play. We’re also very proud of how independent the students are becoming—many are now helping with classroom jobs and school routines with less support. We are so excited to see what the rest of the year will bring and just how far our amazing students will go!

PBS

Westminster Primary School and Education Support Centre students have enjoyed receiving various mysterious clues delivered to their classroom and also cryptic clue posters around the school hinting at who or what our PBS Whole Schools' Mascot will be.   The countdown has begun and preluding the mascot's big reveal special assembly, the students will be participating in a feather hunt around the school and then 10 lucky students will win a gold VIP Mascot Experience pass for special seating at assembly, gift and a meet and greet photo opportunity with...our very own new school mascot.  

Parents/guardians are most welcome to attend to join in the fun. Save the date for Wednesday 4th June morning assembly.

Merit Awards

Student Wellbeing

Hello Westminster Education Support Community,
It's been a busy start to Term 2, so many great things happening within our school.
Last Tuesday was the start of Anglicare WA's Paint and Chat Morning group. 🎨🖌It's been a lovely opportunity for parents to connect with other parents and share experiences and show support for one another. The lovely Megan Cherry from Anglicare has helped us remember the importance of self-care and being present. It's so far been a lot of fun and were having a whole lot of laughs. 
I just wanted to make mention of a number of services available to families who could use some support.
We all know the cost of living is at an all-time high.  Here are a few services to take the pressure off.

Firstly, HUGS https://www.wa.gov.au/service/community-services/grants-and-subsidies/hardship-utility-grant-schemeIs a Hardship Utility Grant Scheme, providing relief from large utility bills.
Secondly, FinancialSafety.org is an organisation that supports families with navigating challenges during difficult times.
https://www.financialsafety.org.au/    They have an abundance of information. Check them out.
And lastly, have you applied for the School Assistance Grant? Our Westminster Education Support Families are eligible to receive $150 per Kindy to year 6 School student and $250 for High School Students.https://www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/the-wa-student-assistance-payment-back-2025
Applications close on Friday the 4^th of July.

I hope this may come of help to some families. Please feel free to send me a message if I can be of any further help. kellie.smart@guest.education.wa.edu.au 

Warm regards,
Kellie/ Student Wellbeing Officer

Child & Parenting Centre

Communities Inclusion Connection Team

Kindergarten

Uniforms

Term Planner

Voluntary Contributions

School Board Members