Primary School News

From the Head of Primary, Tracey Rogers

During our virtual assembly on Friday 27 May, students and staff shared their positives which served as a reminder that it's the little things that keep our ‘buckets’ full. From a whole class in attendance for the first time this term, to random acts of kindness and students committed to looking after the environment. These simple things make our school such a welcoming place. Although I didn’t share this example during assembly, I always find it wonderful to be out on duty where so many students and family members share a friendly greeting or good wishes for the day. It's always a great way to start or finish the day!

I also spoke to the children about the work we are doing on our next school Strategic Plan. After the assembly, teachers worked with the students to gather their ideas about the strengths of our school, those things we do not want to lose in any steps we take forward, and how we can make our school an even better place. As always, their ideas showed insight and included things like upgrading the Year 2 to 4 block, continued development of their play spaces and a more flexible learning environment. Their feedback has been collated for inclusion.

My favourite quote from their discussions came from Year 1 Echidna student, Amber who echoed the sentiment of many when talking about the strength of our John Wollaston community.

“I love all the people who have kind hearts in our school.”

Year 6 Leavers’ Shirts

Last week the Year 6s received their much-anticipated Leavers’ Shirts. There was a lot of excitement as they enjoyed this rite of passage. Besides looking smart, they are reportedly also very comfortable! 

Flag Raising Ceremony

Today marked a very special and significant moment for our school as we held an Aboriginal flag-raising ceremony as part of our Reconciliation Week actions. The ceremony was part of a commitment we are making to fly the Aboriginal flag everyday at school. We acknowledge that each step we take together, big or small can be an act of reconciliation and action towards healing.  

Colour Fest

Our Class Representatives have been very busy behind the scenes planning a ‘Colour Fest’ for Week 7. A range of activities will run during school time, however, students are invited to get dressed in their favourite colour for the day on Friday 10 June. Further details have been sent from Mrs Godfrey on behalf of the Class Reps and a copy can be found below: 

Enrolments for 2023 and beyond

The majority of our Primary years are now full or close to capacity for 2023. Should you be planning to enrol a sibling for next year, I urge you not to delay making application. This can be done through EnrolHQ on our website. 

COVID-19 Reminder

With the flu season upon us and the cold weather setting in we would like to remind families to observe children more closely for any symptoms of COVID-19. If your child is presenting with a cold, please ensure they take a RAT test before coming to school.

If a member of your immediate family, including your children, tests positive to a PCR test, please email covidpositive@jwacs.wa.edu.au as soon as possible. If your child is deemed a close contact and returns a positive RAT, please also register using the email address above. The following information should be included in your email:

• Student’s Name
• Year and Class
• Date of confirmed positive PCR or RAT test result

Tracey Rogers

Head of Primary

Primary Certificates

It has been pleasing to see Certificates coming in for, and from, all parts of our school community. There is something very special when a staff member is presented with a Certificate from a family, student or colleague. During this challenging time for staff, these words of gratitude can often make such a difference. So, a big thank you from me for using these as a tool to share gratitude as often as you like! 

It is also really meaningful for the children when we present these in class. They love trying to figure out who it is from, based on the message. They are also very often aware of what they have done to earn it – this is a significant benefit of sharing them often, from any community member and presenting them personally in class where we have the time to celebrate more fully. 

If you need more blank certificates to stock up at home, either Personal Best or Gratitude, please see Mrs Brown in Primary Reception or Mrs Seal in the ELC Reception.

Here is a gallery of this fortnight’s recipients:

Across the Primary School

A gallery of highlights from the past fortnight can be viewed below:

Year 5 Electrical Circuit Devices

Year 5 students have been building electrical circuits as part of their Science and Inquiry units this term. Students have been creating some wonderfully imaginative, complex devices and robots.

Have Sum Fun Online Maths Competition

The Have Sun Fun Online Maths Competition is conducted by the Mathematical Association of Western Australia (MAWA) and is endorsed by the Australian Association of Mathematics Teachers (AAMT). Students work in teams of four to solve mathematical problems. The competition is for students in Years 3 to 10 across Australia.

Pre-Primary Bike Day for Inquiry Learning

Year 4 Reconciliation Hands

Duffy's Visit to the Learning Enrichment Centre

Year 2 Inquiry Learning- Camouflage Butterflies