Term 4 2024, Newsletter

Principal's Message

2024 has progressed at a terrific speed and I cannot believe we are at the end of term – and another school year – which finishes for students on Thursday 12th December.

We have achieved a great deal this term.  At our School Development Day we led a whole staff review of our behaviour management policies and procedures.  We use the embedded programs You Can Do It, What’s The Buzz, and the Zones of Regulation to underpin our positive behaviour management policy. Recently, we have been reviewing the behaviour tiers, with the aim of ensuring even more consistency in the understanding and application of both school wide and individualised strategies.  The day was also used to familiarise staff with our revamped upper school pathways, and we took the time to deliver sessions on the Careers & Pathway Planning program to all staff.  

Each year, the school holds several Appreciation Days for EAs, teachers and administration, where we give a small gift at morning tea to recognise the valuable contribution that staff make to our school.  This term, we focussed on teachers and administration staff.  Although we appreciate them every day, it is very important to let staff know that their efforts and achievements lay the foundation for success at West Coast SESC.

Students with an interest in sport were well catered for this term with several carnivals taking place, including the KalAbility Basketball Carnival and the Wildcats All Abilities Carnival.  The students played well and, more importantly, were acknowledged for their exceptional display of sportsmanship – which is fabulous!

We also had several incursions, which included a workshop run by Headspace, the Project Employment program, a Junkadelic musical instruments incursion, an RAC Buying a Car workshop and the eSafeKids Cyber Safety and Digital Health workshop.  
The annual webchat with our sister school in Japan was held this term, with students from each school sending questions prior to the webchat.  These questions are translated, and students were given the opportunity to respond to the questions during the webchat – which is always a lot of fun.  

In her role as Parent Liaison Officer, Tamara Gill has been busy arranging several opportunities for parents to come in and listen to speakers, as well as having a coffee and a chat with other parents.  The Wellness session was particularly well received, and, at the final session, our School Psychologist Sascha Williams delivered education to parents about the presence of anxiety in children.  

We held two full days of transition for the 2025 incoming students, and they had a wonderful time!  There are 16 new students, who navigated the transition really well, so we are all excited and feeling very positive about 2025.
Our annual whole school excursion was to Outback Splash this year and it was a big hit, with requests for a repeat next year.  It was lovely to see the students mixing and having fun.  It is always an important team-building event which gives students the opportunity to form different social connections.

As we approached the end of term, we held our annual Christmas Market to sell the items that the students make all year in the Enterprise program.  The market is always a huge success and this year it raised almost $4000.
We celebrated our 2024 Leavers with breakfast at the Purple Goat Café in Hillarys.  After the breakfast, the Leavers came back to school to present their memory boards. The following afternoon we held our end of year assembly at an earlier time than previous years and it was a great success.  We are so proud of the 2024 Leavers and of the other students who received awards at the assembly.

It has been a very successful term, and our final week was spent with students moving to their new classrooms.  Hopefully this will reduce any uncertainty and provide a chance for students to become familiar with their 2025 classroom, staff members and peers. We offer this early transition period to set students up for a successful upcoming year and a relaxing holiday break.
I hope you all have a restful and relaxing break, and I look forward to seeing you next year.

Best wishes,
Carol Clarke

Principal 

Graduation Assembly

The West Coast SESC End of Year Assembly took place on Friday 22nd November 2024.
The assembly was a wonderful opportunity for parents and guardians to celebrate the achievements of West Coast SESC students in 2024. Student merit awards, specialist program awards and a number of special awards were presented at the assembly.

We also took this opportunity to farewell our Leavers. We had 14 students leaving this year, with each one of them being acknowledged for their participation in all aspects of school life. The Senior School Teachers spoke about each of the Leavers, delivering the most heartfelt words, and the students were presented with a gift bag and their graduation portfolio.  It was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon and wonderful to share this special event with all parents, carers and family members that came along.

Many congratulations to all of our deserving award recipients. We wish each and every one of our graduating students all the very best for their future pursuits, safe in the knowledge that they have grown and developed during their years at West Coast SESC, and staff will reflect on fond memories for years to come.

Rebecca Wenn

School Events Coordinator

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Leavers Breakfast

Our 2024 Leavers and staff enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at the Purple Goat Café at Hillarys Boat Harbour and Marina on Thursday 21st November.  It was a beautiful way to farewell a wonderful cohort of students.

The social interactions, maturity and etiquette demonstrated by the students was a sign of how much they have grown and showed their readiness to move on to the next chapter of life after school. This is a wonderful testament to the educational programs at West Coast SESC and to the staff who take a holistic approach to their teaching. The aim is to prepare our students for all aspects of life, with a particular focus on building independence, confidence, community participation and strong communication skills.  

We wish all of our Leavers and their families the very best for the future and we thank them for their participation, collaboration and input over the years, which will leave us with the most beautiful memories, as well as the most valuable learning experiences as educators.

Farewell to our Leavers of 2024!

Rebecca Wenn

School Events Coordinator

ASDAN

As Term 4 concludes, it's a great opportunity to look back on the accomplishments of our students across the ASDAN programs. This year, we offered modules such as Transition Challenge: Introduction and Progression for our Year 9 and 10 students, and Towards Independence: Photography and Multimedia for those in Years 11, 12, and 13. These programs are designed to help students develop essential personal and social skills, encouraging creativity and independence.

A significant milestone this term was the submission of one Towards Independence: Business Enterprise and 29 Transition Challenge modules for external moderation on November 8, 2024. This process involved a thorough review of student portfolios, which included diverse evidence like photographs, worksheets, and videos, demonstrating their learning journeys. The external moderation, conducted in line with the School Curriculum and Standards Authority's (SCSA) guidelines, provided an objective assessment of the students' work.

We are delighted to report that all submitted modules received positive feedback from the external moderators, highlighting the dedication and hard work of both students and staff. This outcome reflects our school's commitment to delivering a curriculum that supports skill development and offers inclusive learning experiences.

A heartfelt thank you to all the teachers and staff who have played a pivotal role in delivering the ASDAN programs this year. Your enthusiasm and commitment have been instrumental in guiding our students through their educational journeys.

Wishing everyone a restful and enjoyable break as we look forward to the new year.

Christine Abbott

Teacher

HASS

We are excited to share highlights from our recent World War One History project, where students created impressive dioramas of battlefield trenches using recycled materials. This hands-on experience not only deepened their understanding of the historical context but also showcased their creativity and dedication.

As part of our unit on WWI, students researched various aspects of trench warfare, including the living conditions, strategies, and the impact on soldiers. Students then translated this knowledge into their diorama projects, using materials such as cardboard, plant materials, and fabric scraps to construct realistic representations of the trenches. The results were truly remarkable!

Each diorama reflected unique interpretations of the trenches, complete with details like barbed wire, lookout points, the Christmas truce and even small figures representing soldiers. It was inspiring to see how students collaborated, shared ideas, and incorporated elements of history into their creations. We’re proud of our students for their hard work and creativity and look forward to more engaging projects in the future!

Amanda Letizia

Teacher

Whole School Excursion to Outback Splash

On the 6th of November, students and staff from West Coast SESC came together for a day of fun and excitement at Perth's Outback Splash. The excursion was an opportunity for everyone to unwind, enjoy each other’s company, and celebrate the incredible year that was 2024.

The day was packed with activities, including thrilling water slides, the relaxing pool, challenging mazes, and a friendly round of mini golf. Many students stepped out of their comfort zones to climb the multiple flights of stairs and experience the rush of the water slides, showing courage and a sense of adventure. Others embraced the challenge of navigating the mazes, while some enjoyed a few rounds of mini golf with their mates.

To keep everyone fuelled for the fun, we enjoyed a delicious sausage sizzle for lunch, with plenty of students coming back for seconds—and even thirds!

It was a fantastic day filled with laughter, connection, and celebration. We’re already looking forward to the next opportunity to visit Outback Splash and make more wonderful memories together.

Here’s to the amazing year that was 2024!

Zachary Redknap

Teacher

Basketball Carnivals (Physical Education)

During Term 4, we had the opportunity to participate in two exciting basketball carnivals, the Perth Wildcats All Abilities Basketball Carnival and the KalAbility Basketball Carnival. Several students were invited to attend, and the carnivals provided an invaluable opportunity for these students to further develop their basketball skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.

At the Perth Wildcats All Abilities Basketball Carnival, our students were gifted a Wildcats singlet, which they wore with pride. They participated in several short basketball matches against students from different Education Support schools around Perth. Throughout the day, our students demonstrated wonderful sportsmanship, even when faced with the challenge of losing a game. Three teams attended the carnival, and one student from each team was selected to receive the Sportsmanship Award. These awards went to Mohammed, Henry, and Riley. To conclude the day, one standout student from each team, recognized for their positive behaviour during sport lessons, was chosen to play a short game with some of the Wildcats players from the men’s team.

The KalAbility Basketball Carnival followed a similar format, with students competing against several Education Support schools in 20-minute basketball games. Students were encouraged to play with compassion and empathy towards both their teammates and their opponents. Maintaining a friendly and supportive attitude on the court can be challenging, even for professional players. It was fantastic to witness our students demonstrate these skills so effectively. To wrap up the carnival trophies were awarded, with our Division One team securing first place. This trophy is now proudly displayed in the front office.

Catherine Irvine

Education Assistant

WA Student Council Program

At the end of Term 3, students Lucas and Samson promoted the WA Student Council Program within West Coast SESC, delivering an information session to other interested students. As a result, two of our Year 9 students submitted applications for the program, Cody from Area N and Anthony from Area H.

In Term 4, Lucas volunteered to attend the Commissioner for Youth and Children’s Affairs' event, the Youth Action Plan Launch, on the evening of 8th of October 2024. The WA Student Council was invited to attend by the Department of Communities, having been consulted during the development of the plan. Lucas had the honour of presenting at the conference, collaborating with other councillors, and developing relationships with delegates. Additionally, he was invited to be a student representative for the Year 9 student interviews and excelled in this role.

As Samson’s second year on the council came to a close in 2024, he, along with the other Year 11 councillors, said their final goodbyes during an online meeting with the Minister of Education. Samson was personally thanked for his service and will now pass the torch to the next generation of student leaders in 2025.

One of the goals held by student councillors is to establish a school-based student council which promotes student voice at West Coast SESC, so stay tuned for more exciting developments! It has been a pleasure to support and watch these students excel in their roles. They have developed greater self-confidence, refined their public speaking skills, and expanded their networking abilities. Both students have worked so hard, and their dedication is something to be truly proud of.

Christine Abbott

Teacher

Carer's Week 2024 Wellness Session

On Tuesday 15th October West Coast SESC hosted a Carer’s Wellness Session in celebration of Carer's Week 2024. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together, share experiences, and celebrate the incredible work of our parent carers.

A special thanks goes to the amazing Angela Smith from Inspired by You, who led the session with such care and thoughtfulness. Angela guided our parents through a calming meditation session, helping them relax and recharge. She also provided a lovely self-care gift of bath salts for each parent to take home - a small but meaningful reminder to prioritize their well-being.

The session created a warm and supportive environment, where parents had the chance to connect with others who truly understand the challenges and joys of being a parent carer. It was an invaluable opportunity to catch up, feel supported by our dedicated staff, and, of course, enjoy some delicious cake!

As we reflect on the importance of recognising Carer's Week, we are reminded of the quiet strength that parent carers embody every day:
"Parent carers are the silent heroes, nurturing their children with love, patience, and endless strength."

Thank you again for being a part of this special event, and for all you do as parent carers. Your dedication and love are truly appreciated.

Tamara Gill

Parent Liaison Officer

Enterprise Market 2024

Our annual End of Year Enterprise Market was on Wednesday 20th November this year.  Once again, the room was a buzz with eager staff, parents and student shoppers.  
It was wonderful to see the student’s hard work come together and be showcased in such an impressive way.
Many thanks for the wonderful support of our school community.

Susan Kelly and Gaye Yanev

Education Assistants

Junkadelic - A Funky Celebration of Music and Sustainability

On the 3rd of December, West Coast SESC welcomed Junkadelic for an engaging and energetic New Orleans themed workshop. This incredible six-piece ensemble brought the spirit of New Orleans to life, providing students with an exciting insight into the history of American popular music and its deep roots in "The Big Easy".

The Junkadelic crew shared their unique New Orleans-inspired sound while explaining how the music of this iconic city has shaped the popular music we know today. The sessions were tailored to participants of all ages and abilities, making it an inclusive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Students were captivated by the practical elements of the workshop, where they had the chance to create their own instruments and experiment with larger ones provided by the ensemble. Each student got the opportunity to start a beat, which the talented Junkadelic crew built upon to create a Funk-themed jam session.

Staff and students alike thoroughly enjoyed the workshops, with the interactive and educational elements sparking creativity and plenty of smiles. The Junkadelic incursion was a fantastic experience, leaving everyone inspired by the rhythms and spirit of New Orleans.

We look forward to welcoming Junkadelic back for more musical magic in the future!

Zachary Redknap

Teacher 

Employment Supports Information Session

On the 22nd of October, West Coast SESC hosted an Employment Supports Information Session featuring guest speaker Gaelen Williams from APM. We were pleased to have a great turnout of parents and guardians, who joined us for this valuable workshop. The session provided important insights into various employment support options, including:

• Disability Employment Services (DES) and Australian Disability Enterprises (ADE).
• NDIS Employment Support Funding, focusing on:
  • Social, Economic, and Community Participation
  • Finding and Keeping a Job
  • School Leaver Employment Supports (SLES)
• Understanding the Specialised Job Customisation Approach (Customised Employment)
• The Disability Support Pension (DSP) and employment considerations

If you missed out this year, don't worry! West Coast SESC hosts this session annually, so be sure to join us in 2025 for another informative event. We appreciate the engagement and participation of everyone who attended and hope the information proves useful, as students and their families plan and prepare for their future employment pathways.

A big thank you, once again, to Gaelen Williams for generously sharing his knowledge and time so freely. We greatly appreciate his contribution to making this session such a success!

Tamara Gill

Parent Liaison Officer

End of Year Parent Coffee Morning Tea

On Friday 29th November, we hosted our final Parent Coffee Morning Tea for 2024, and what a wonderful gathering it was! Parents and caregivers came together to share coffee, delicious cupcakes, and meaningful conversations in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

We were delighted to have our own school psychologist, Sascha Williams, as the guest presenter. Sascha gave an insightful and practical talk about how anxiety can present in children, offering valuable tools and strategies to help navigate these big emotional and physical feelings. The session sparked great discussions, and many parents expressed how much they appreciated the opportunity to learn and connect with others facing similar challenges.

It was also a pleasure to welcome some new parents, whose children will be joining our school community as Year 7s in 2025. Their presence brought fresh energy and enthusiasm, and we look forward to supporting them as they transition into the next stage of their children’s education.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this year’s coffee mornings. Your engagement and support have made these gatherings a cherished tradition.

We can’t wait to continue our catch ups in 2025 and look forward to seeing both familiar faces and new ones. Wishing you all a safe and joyful holiday season!

Tamara Gill

Parent Liaison Officer

Sister School Web Chat with Fukuyama Kita Special Support School

On the 4th of December, a representative from each class at West Coast SESC had the opportunity to participate in a web chat with our sister school in Japan, the Fukuyama Kita Special Support School in Hiroshima.

The Fukuyama Kita students introduced themselves one by one, and both groups of students warmly welcomed each other to the web chat. Our sister school then treated us to a special performance of Silent Night, beautifully played on hand bells. The West Coast SESC students enthusiastically cheered and applauded this lovely musical treat.

Next, Fukuyama Kita hosted a fun quiz about life in Japan. The questions touched on everything from favourite foods (which turned out to be a trick question—sushi, sashimi, and tempura are all extremely popular), to popular sports and other cultural highlights. They even held up multiple-choice answer cards so we could see them clearly on camera. Our students answered quite a few questions correctly, and for those we got wrong, we learned something new!

Following the quiz, it was our students' turn to introduce themselves one by one and ask questions to learn more about Fukuyama Kita’s students and their country. After the Q&A session, Cody and Mr Oli took the spotlight, delivering a guitar performance which earned enthusiastic clapping, cheering, and even some sign-waving from our new friends in Japan.

To wrap up the web chat, Katrina and Shanae confidently delivered a farewell in Japanese, which was greatly appreciated. We ended the session with smiles, waves, and a mutual eagerness to connect again next year.

We also sent our sister school a big box of cards from each class, as well as a collection of gifts that included Australian-themed bookmarks, Japanese-themed paper plate fans handmade by our students during the Sakura Festival Day, and some lovely items from our Enterprise market, which had been donated by our wonderful Enterprise staff.

Thanks to Mr Oli and Mrs Waldock for all of your efforts to ensure the webchat was a success. Thank you to Mrs Mc for your help in sorting out the cards and the gift box to send to our sister school.

We look forward to speaking with Fukuyama Kita Special Support School again next year!

Christine Abbott

Teacher

Work Skills Program

It is so hard to believe that we are nearly at the end of another school year.  In Work Skills we have had another busy term, and I am sure our students are looking forward to a well-earned break!

We have continued our work with both REmida and Give Write this term and look forward to working with them again in 2025.  Due to all of our hard work and dedication in the Work Skills room, our school has been offered a really exciting opportunity in 2025 as part of a partnership with REmida, so watch this space…

Give Write has also formally acknowledged the time and effort our students have made to their organisation this year.  If you find yourself some time, please look at Give Writes web page https://www.givewrite.org.au/, they are an amazing not-for-profit organisation and have had some really big things happen for them this year.  We are proud to support them in any way we can, and we look forward to supporting other WA kids in need.

To all of our amazing students and their families, have a very happy holiday.  May it be filled with lots of love, fun and laughter.  We can’t wait to see you all again in the new year.

Jenny Hermans and Dionne Rowe

Education Assistants

Term Planner, Term 1 2025