Newsletter, Term 1 2025
Principal's Report
We are at the end of Term 1 already and the time has just flown by! We started the term with two very productive school development days, where staff spent time in their operational planning committees to update the milestones, before sharing this planning progress with all staff. Staff have reported back that they are benefitting from the fact that they know more about what is happening across the whole Centre. We welcomed a few new staff members: Lina Engel, our new School Psychologist; Antonella Erba, Julie Brierley and Chelsea Pegrum – new Education Assistants; and Catherine Thorburn, an Education Assistant who is returning to us.
The term has included some career tasters for students, which they have really enjoyed. We were also fortunate to have some selected Upper School students participate in the Get Up and Goal employment preparation program in Term 1 – for the second year running. The program concluded with a graduation ceremony and a behind-the scenes tour of the Fremantle Dockers facilities - a truly unique experience, provided in partnership by The Purple Hands Foundation, Fremantle Football Club and uLaunch.
We held our School board AGM and first meeting of 2025, and we saw a change of Board Chair. David Wilson has stepped down and we thank him for his excellent service over the past few years as a Board member and then as Chair. Ashlee Holohan has been elected as our new Board Chair, and we are confident that she will be able to fill the role that David has left.
We were very excited to hold our first social event for the dads and father figures of West Coast – which was open to the significant men in the lives of our students. We had an excellent turnout for Barefoot Bowling, and we are in the process of organising our second get together to be held in Term 2.
Students from years 7 & 8, plus some other selected students, took part in the annual Interm swimming lessons and they all made great progress. It is so important that children develop confidence in the water, especially in a country like Australia, where accessing the water and swimming are such a large part of most people’s lives.
40 students took part in the Ern Halliday camp this term, with outdoor activities, a movie night and an excursion to AQWA to finish off. Staff and students were happily exhausted at the end of it, and it was a huge success. Thanks to all staff who organised the camp, attended, stayed overnight and made it such a great event!
I can’t believe we are already holding school tours for prospective 2026 students! We have had two tours, both of which have been full, and we have more next term. Spaces are limited and it looks as though we will be at capacity again next year.
Several students took part in NAPLAN this year and Warwick SHS, who we work closely with for this process, were, once again, very supportive in their inclusion practices and worked hard to accommodate the individual needs of our students to ensure they had the greatest chance of success.
Immunisations for students in year 7 and year 10 took place in the final week of term and we had over 20 students who bravely had their injections. Well done!
We held our ANZAC Day ceremony on the final Wednesday of this term, which was organised by the Bush Rangers Cadet team. Students completed ANZAC-related activities so that they will be able to better understand the meaning of the day, which will fall during the holiday break.
We will finish our term off with a movie excursion for year 7- 10 students, who will go to Warwick cinemas to see A Minecraft Movie on Friday morning. Everyone is looking forward to it and hopefully it will end the term on a high note.
I hope you all have a relaxing break over the holidays, and I look forward to seeing you next term.
Carol Clarke
Principal
2025 School Ball
On the 28th of March, Year 12 students from West Coast SESC and Warwick SHS gathered for their joint school ball at the Rendezvous Hotel in Scarborough. The evening began with a pre-ball event where students from West Coast, dressed to impress, socialised and showcased their stunning formal looks to parents and staff.
The excitement continued as the party bus arrived to transport the students to the venue. The bus ride was filled with singing and dancing, setting the tone for a night of non-stop fun. Some students danced with such enthusiasm that their shoes couldn't keep up!
The ball was a resounding success, with both students and staff having an amazing time. The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly watching the students from West Coast and Warwick interact, forming new friendships and creating lasting memories.
Anthony Raschilla
Teacher
Ern Halliday Camp
In week eight, with temperatures soaring, a group of eager staff and students embarked on a fun-filled overnight adventure at Ern Halliday Camp. Despite the heat, the excitement was building as everyone eagerly packed their bags for an action-packed two days, armed with sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water to stay cool.
On the first day, we jumped straight into thrilling activities. Brave students soared through the air at exhilarating speeds on the famous Flying Fox. We tested our aim and focus with some archery and ended with some team-building activities that encouraged us to work together and have fun. These activities were a big hit, and everyone had a blast! After an exciting day, we enjoyed a hearty dinner and then settled in for a cozy movie night. We spent the rest of the evening in our dorms, chatting and laughing with friends, making the most of our time together.
Tuesday morning started with a delicious breakfast to fuel us for the day ahead. We then took on the "Minute to Win It" games, which were both challenging and hilarious. While the tasks were tricky, the laughter and team spirit made them so much fun! Everyone then boarded a bus for AQWA, where we explored the incredible exhibits, including the stunning underwater tunnel, which was a highlight for many. The chance to see sharks and other marine creatures up close was an unforgettable experience!
In just two days, students made lasting memories with friends and staff. We all returned home tired but happy, filled with stories to share and grateful for the opportunity to have such a great time together. It was an adventure we’ll remember for a long time!
Roisin Cummings
Teacher and Bush Rangers Instructor
Physical Education and Swimming Lessons
Throughout Term 1, our students have been engaging in a number of exciting physical activities. Their recent swimming lessons saw them step out of their comfort zone and really challenge themselves. Despite some soaring temperatures outside, the pool was often a little chilly, yet the students approached each session with great enthusiasm and a strong sense of fun!
Through their dedicated efforts, they were able to improve their water confidence and swimming techniques, achieving some great results. A big thank you to our teachers and education assistants for their support and for making these lessons such a valuable experience for our students!
Sarah Michell
PE Teacher
Barefoot Bowls for Dads
We had an absolutely fantastic evening at our recent Barefoot Bowls for Dads event, held at the Warwick Bowling Club on Friday 14th March 2025. The event was a wonderful opportunity for Dads, Grandads and father figures to step onto the green, kick off their shoes, and enjoy a relaxed and fun night out getting to know each other.
The turnout was incredible, with plenty of familiar faces and even a few new ones joining in on the action. They enjoyed two games of barefoot bowls - with Mike, from the Bowling Club providing tuition and guidance - and while there were some impressive shots (and a few questionable ones!), the atmosphere was full of light-hearted competition and lots of laughs.
After working up an appetite on the green, everyone tucked into a delicious meal, with plenty of time for good conversation, banter, and community connection. It was great to see everyone enjoying themselves and making the most of the evening.
Events like these are all about bringing our community together, and it’s safe to say this one was a real winner! Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the night so memorable. We’re already looking forward to seeing even more “Dads” at our next event which we will plan for Term 2. Stay tuned!
Tamara Gill
Parent Liaison Officer
HASS - Term 1
Uncovering the Past: Hands-On Learning for Our Students! This term, our students have stepped into the shoes of historians and archaeologists, discovering what it means to investigate and interpret the past. Through hands-on activities, they’ve learned about the fascinating process of uncovering history.
Exploring the Methods of Historians and Archaeologists Students explored how historians and archaeologists bring history to life through excavation. They learned about the wide range of sources used in historical investigations, including archaeological finds such as artefacts, and written records from the past.
Digging Deeper with Artefacts One of the highlights of their exploration was an engaging excavation activity, where students searched for 'artefacts' in a simulated dig. Once they unearthed their discoveries, they classified the items.
Piecing Together the Past with Pottery Another captivating activity involved broken pottery pieces. Students examined the fragments and used their detective skills to guess what the pottery might have been originally. This exercise not only stimulated their critical thinking but also gave them an appreciation for the challenges of reconstructing historical objects.
Creativity Meets Culture: Students Recreate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Archaeological Sites with Playdoh In a unique and educational project, students recently embarked on a creative journey to deepen their understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. Using Playdoh as their medium, they recreated significant archaeological sites that hold cultural importance for First Nations peoples. The project aimed to provide students with hands-on experience while fostering respect for and awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. By engaging in this activity, students were able to explore the history, art, and significance of these sites in a tangible and interactive way.
We’re incredibly proud of our students for their enthusiasm and curiosity as they explored these investigative techniques. Activities like these bring history alive, sparking a deeper understanding of our shared past and inspiring the next generation of historical explorers.
Amanda Letizia
HASS Teacher
RAC bstreetsmart Event
On Tuesday, 25th March, upper school students from Area H and G attended the RAC bstreetsmart presentation at RAC Arena. This powerful event featured a live crash scene re-enactment, where emergency services responded just as they would at a real accident site. Students also had the opportunity to hear from individuals who have been directly impacted by road trauma, gaining insight into the potentially devastating consequences of dangerous driving. Additionally, they engaged with emergency services personnel to learn more about road safety and the critical role of first responders.
While the presentation was confronting at times, students found it to be a valuable and eye-opening experience. They reflected on the importance of responsible decision-making, the dangers of distractions behind the wheel, and the lasting impact that road trauma can have on individuals and their families. The event reinforced the need for safe driving habits and encouraged students to be more mindful on the roads, whether as drivers, passengers, or pedestrians.
Oliver Snowdon
Teacher
Area C Art
On Wednesdays in Area C, we have been busy creating self-portrait artworks using various textures and colours. The students have really enjoyed this process, with some even receiving awards from the Principal for their artistic endeavours. We will continue with more abstract portraits in Term 2, using other types of materials and media as we experiment with different mediums.
Erica Waldock
Teacher
Harmony Day
On April 1st, 2025, West Coast SESC celebrated Harmony Day. As part of the celebration, classes were encouraged to bring a small plate of food to share that represented their cultural background. This activity provided an opportunity for everyone to enjoy and learn about the variety of foods that reflect the diverse traditions and heritage within our school community. Students and staff were also encouraged to wear the universal Harmony Day colour, orange, or to dress in traditional cultural clothing to further highlight the importance of understanding and appreciating cultural diversity.
Throughout the day students participated in a variety of Harmony Day activities, such as drawing the flag of their country of origin or creating a picture that represents what Harmony Day means to them. They also marked the locations on a world map where they or their family members were born. It’s incredible how many countries are represented within our school community!
Overall, we had a great time celebrating Harmony Day, strengthening the sense of belonging within our school and embracing the diversity that makes West Coast SESC such a unique and enriching environment.
We look forward to continuing to celebrate and promote cultural harmony in the future.
Erica Waldock
Teacher
Work Skills
This new school year has begun with a continuation of jobs from both REmida and Give Write. Our REmida jobs this term have been sorting, testing and sharpening stationery that has been donated to the recycling centre. The students are then bundling the stationary into sets of 30 before we send them back to REmida.
We have also been measuring card and cutting it to size. Our staff have supported students measuring the card to 25cm and then using the guillotine safely to cut to size. Some of our students have shown a keen interest in using the guillotine.
In addition to working in partnership with REmida, the Work Skills room continues to support Give Write by cleaning, testing and sorting their donations.
Work Skills students also enjoyed putting together approximately 200 camp food packs for our school camps this term and next. Each food pack included a muesli bar, a packet of chips, and a juice box. The students placed each item into a bag and then practiced tying a knot before packing the bags in to boxes to go to camp. This was a lovely job for our students as most were able to enjoy the food packs that they had worked hard to put together.
The Work Skills team have been liaising with Pathway Planning coordinator Suzanne Nileshwar, and the Pathways team, to support our students with exploring individualised goals for potential future pathways and micro business ideas. We will be supporting the students to develop new skills which they can take into current work placements and beyond.
Dionne Rowe
Education Assistant
Get Up and Goal School Discover Program
During Term 1 some of our senior students attended the Get Up & Goal program run by ULaunch and the Purple Hands Foundation. This 9-week program was an exciting journey of self-discovery and skill-building, packed with hands-on activities.
The aim of the program is to give young people an opportunity to unlock their potential and pave the way for future success. The program is a project-based learning experience to build job readiness skills whilst, working with employers to provide the participants with real life industry skills. The objectives of participating in this project will be improved job readiness, increased employment-related skills, and industry knowledge.
The topics covered in the program include:
- Get Up and Goal Team Time – dive into career aspirations, SMART goals.
- Dream Weaver – interests, passions, future goals.
- Career Roadmap – crafting resumes and cover letters.
- Career Safari – MEGT Virtual Reality career tours.
- Dress for Success – PPE fashion.
- Workplace Essentials – understand workplace norms.
- Career Exploration – work experience with chosen industry.
- Interview Mastery – mock interviews.
- Mindful Minds – dealing with stress.
- Work Ready – transition to work skills.
- Future Pathways – pathway mapping.
The course was concluded with a graduation celebration at the home of the Dockers in Cockburn, where students were shown around the facility. The students enjoyed seeing the players classroom, plunge pools, locker room, chill out sensory room and players rest and relax area with a kitchen, pool and table tennis tables, and PlayStation 5’s.
Suzanne Nileshwar
Teacher
Enjoy the Holidays!
We got a visit from the Easter Bunny and her assistant; our lucky students and staff received a little chocolate treat!
Enjoy the holidays!
