Primary School News

From the Head of Primary, Tracey Rogers

There has been much joy across the Primary School over the last fortnight. Our Pre-Primary classes ventured to Kings Park where they had a wonderful extended day out exploring the Rio Tinto Naturescape. 

Our Little Wollies have been sharing their learning through their Inquiry Journeys and our Year 3s enjoyed presenting their assembly last week. 

On Tuesday and Wednesday nights this week, the talented musicians across the School have entertained us in the annual Instrumental Concerts. 

OSHClub Presentation

My thanks to our colleagues at OSH Club this week for putting on a wonderful special presentation. Some of our lovely parents shared their Indian dancing skills with us. Their outfits were amazing and by the end, we were able to get up and try it out. I must say it was a lot harder than it looks. We were really grateful for the invitation to join in and share. 

The Primary Musical Theatre club delighted the audience at our Assembly this morning by performing Teacher's Pet from School of Rock. You can catch a glimpse of their performance below:

With Orientation Day today and a Halloween Disco this evening, we will all be well and truly ready for the weekend. 

Retirement Announcement  

Our much-loved, respected and talented Art Specialist teacher, Jeanette Lyons has announced her retirement at the conclusion of 2021. Whilst we will feel her absence greatly, I know she has some wonderful things to look forward to and we wish her all the best as she embarks on this new adventure. I know the community will farewell her in style at the conclusion of the year. 

Celebrating Learning

Over the course of this year, we have surveyed the community, conducted workshops and explored strategies with staff in order to develop a new approach to certificates and celebrating learning in Primary. At this stage, we are looking at the policy implications so that we can have Council ratify the changes. I am very excited about the way ahead and look forward to a fresh start with new strategies at the commencement of 2022. Part of this work will be having clear communication with families about how the new tools can be implemented. If you are interested in helping ensure the communication is easy to understand for families, I encourage you to get in touch with me via Direqt Message to express your interest. I would appreciate your help. 

Tracey Rogers

Head of Primary

Primary Commendations

At John Wollaston Anglican Community School we believe in using every opportunity to encourage students to aspire to be their best selves. We know that when students sense their efforts towards attaining excellence are recognised, there is the capacity for them to feel a greater sense of belonging and more connected. This in turn has the effect of building confidence and resilience. Whilst we acknowledge, that intrinsic rewards are as important, we believe that students who have represented the School loyally, well and achieved a high standard in their chosen field(s) should have their efforts recognised. This rationale is strongly aligned to, and in keeping with, the pastoral philosophy of the School and the International Baccalaureate (IB) learner profile.

Families will be aware that one way the Primary School acknowledges student achievement is through the awarding of Primary Commendations at the end of year Primary Praise and Thanksgiving Ceremony. The application for and awarding of Primary Commendations aligns with the Application for External Colours in the Secondary School.

If your child has fulfilled the Primary Commendation criteria listed on the Application for Primary Commendation form please complete the form and submit it to Deputy Head of Primary, Fiona Shand by Friday 19 November 2021. 

John Wollaston Swimming Club

With the aim of building a stronger swimming culture in the School and competing at a higher level in our Primary and Secondary Inter-House and Inter-School Swimming Carnivals, the School has established a swimming club, offering early morning swim training throughout the year. 

John Wollaston Swimming Club will be held during Term 4 on Monday and Thursday mornings at Armadale Aquatic and Fitness Centre from 6:30am to 7:30am. Students wishing to join Swim Club can find more information in the PDF below.

John Wollaston Run Club

The JWACS Run Club has resumed this term, taking place two mornings each week. Run Club is open to students in Years 2 to 11, staff and parents. ELC students are welcome to attend under the supervision of a parent who participates with their child. The aim is for students to participate in physical activity, improve their attention in class, generate a love for movement, build strong connections and relationships across the School and develop strong teams for cross country and athletic events. 

How does it work?

On arrival at the first session, participants will be required to log their name and lap count in the House-coloured folder. After completing the first session, a QR code will be made for the participant. Each session thereafter, participants will arrive and collect their Personal ID Card, which has a unique QR Code on it, from the box. This will be placed into their pocket and each time they complete a full lap, they scan their ID Card on the House coloured Ipad as they pass. This will count the laps and distances and will allow supervising teachers to see totals as the term progresses. During the term, we will be running a number of fitness sessions. These sessions will include a mixture of strength and cardio training, lap and HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training).

When do sessions happen?

JWACS Run Club take place each Wednesday and Friday from 7:30am to 8:00am. The supervising teachers are Mel Fowler and Jo Burman. Please drop your child to a staff member at the School Oval steps no earlier than 7:20am ready for a 7:30am start. It is important that participants arrive on time to receive all instructions for the session. In the event of poor weather, a fitness session will be held in the BDISC (gym). Students are not permitted to be left without teacher supervision.

What do I need to bring?

Primary students will be required to wear their school Sports Uniform and get changed into their Formal Uniform (if this falls on a Formal Uniform day) at the conclusion of the Run Club session. Secondary students will be required to get changed into their Formal Uniform on completion of the Run Club unless they have Physical Education or Outdoor Recreation during Session 1. Students will also be required to bring a drink bottle and wear sensible running shoes (no skate shoes or studded shoes).

Armadale Library Celebrate Reading

Kindergarten, Pre-Primary and Year 1 students are invited to join author Kitty Black on Tuesday 23 November between 4:00pm - 5:00pm for an afternoon of storytelling, crafts and cake. Places are limited and bookings are essential. Please contact 9394 5125 or visit www.library.armadale.wa.gov.au  for more information.