Primary School News
From the Head of Primary, Tracey Rogers
In the busyness of term, it is good to pause and take stock of the term so far (unbelievably, over half way already!). I have been reminded this week of the privilege we have as educators to work with students each day and to be a part of their lives here in the JWACS community. I have been thanked by students for things big and small, walked alongside some who have faced challenge and sadness, and had students eager to share their learning success stories with me. I know the staff here at John Wollaston also find such meaning in their work with young people. I am sure staff and students also enjoy the special events in the school calendar – particularly our Book Week dress up today! And a Inter-House Athletics Carnival next week. A lot to be grateful for and look forward to.
Commissioning of Class Representatives
On Friday 19 August we were able to commission our Semester 2 Class Representatives in a lovely hybrid assembly. Whilst the students being commissioned, their parents and the Choir attended in person in the Chapel, the event was live streamed to classrooms through the Teams application. In addition to acknowledging our new Class Representatives, we also presented some Cross-Country awards held over from Term 2 and our Speakers’ Challenge first to fourth place getters.
We wish our Speakers’ Challenge finalists all the very best at the upcoming interschool competition at Scotch College on Wednesday 7 September.
Class Representatives for Semester 2, 2022
Dingo – Isla Dwyer and Zac Regan-Smith
Quokka – Anna Williams and Jonas Peinaar
Frill Neck Lizard – Ishan Anish and Jayden Lebon
Kingfisher – Jasmine Jonker and Shawn Thomas
Black Swan – Ada Boekelman and Calsy Denhere
Kangaroo - Sophia Miao and Mia Terriaca
Magpie – Hart King and Harry MacWilliams.
Wedge Tail Eagle – Kiera Dunn and Liam Williams
Brolga - Violet Blanchard and Ardela Talaguit
Kookaburra: Anwen Sullivan and Joshua Van Der Walt
Bilby: Meera Krishnan and Nathan Pascoe
Speakers Challenge Winners
Winner: Sophie McCabe
Runner up: Matilda Hewson
2nd runner up/3rd place: Akasha Ardzejewski
4th Place: Violet Heather
ASC Choral Day
On Monday 15 August, our Primary Choir attended the ASC Choral Day at Swan Valley ACS. Under the tutelage of Hilary Price, the Choir spent a terrific day honing their choral skills in collaboration with students from other schools.
"We learnt lots of new warmups. It was an awesomely, incredibly amazing day!"
- Isabella Jonker
"I really enjoyed the variety of songs that we learnt. It was really fun."
- April Teape
"I liked learning the canons and using body percussion."
- Tammy Newbury
Parent Coffee Morning
On Thursday 18 August we were able to host our first Parent Coffee Morning for 2022. It was lovely to have a mix of parents that have been part of the community for a long time, as well as some of our newcomers. Coffee and refreshments were provided by our senior Hospitality students and the feedback from parents was that they were grateful for these to be happening again this year, and that they were looking forward to the next one. We are fortunate to have another opportunity on Tuesday 6 September – please see the invitation below. Please direct RSVP and or direct any enquiries to Mrs Donna Brown.
Constable Care
On Thursday 25 August, students in Kindergarten, Year 2, 4 and 6 all participated in the Constable Care incursion. Covering a range of topics, from protective behaviours to online behaviour and cyber safety, these sessions are always enjoyed by the students and are linked to both their curriculum and current unit of inquiry.
Better Beginnings
On Tuesday 23 August, our Pre-Primary and Kindergarten students were treated to a visit from Rita Lennon, from the Armadale Library. The Better Beginnings program promotes early literacy.
Playgroup
Our JWACS Playgroup has been up and running now since Week 2 of Term 3. Fully booked, this is a popular prelude to our Little Wollies program and a great introduction to the John Wollaston Community. Run by Deputy Head of Primary, Mrs Fiona Shand and Education Assistant, Ms Tamara Bailey, our playgroup sessions are engaging and enjoyed by all who attend.
Book Week
Book Week is always a favourite week in the school calendar. With activities for students throughout the week, from quizzes to guest readers in the Library, the dress up day on Friday is always the most popular event. Parents enjoyed an opportunity to join in with the children at the start of the day and the Assembly went online. Another favourite part of the day – buddy reading, went ahead and provided some lovely opportunities for students to mix and mingle!
Buddy Reading
Wollaston Exchange Trolley
The Wollaston Exchange was re-launched in Primary last week and the Exchange trolley is looking fabulous and full already. Our Service Captain Izabella Payne has been very busy getting the Wollaston Exchange up and running this semester. Students can bring any suitable book for Primary Years 2 - 6 and leave it with the Exchange trolley and simply exchange it for another you may be interested in. Fruits such as lemons can also be left with the Exchange trolley. Take what you need, and leave what you can.
Tracey Rogers
Head of Primary
Primary Certificates
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:
ASC Upper Primary Choral Day
Bandicoot class exploring with jelly
Class Representatives
Book Week: Dreaming with eyes open with the Little Wollies
Hedgehog books in Year 4 Magpie
Book Week Celebrations
Ready Steady Go
Enrolments are now open for the Ready Steady Go Kids Multi-Sport Program at John Wollaston! Designed for children aged 3-6, the program teaches the fundamentals of 10 different sports in a fun, team-based environment commencing in Term 3 on Tuesdays from 3:30pm - 4:15pm.
Please visit www.readysteadygokids.com.au to book your free trial or enrol.
