Newsletter 1, Term 1, Week 2, 8 February 2022
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Welcome back to 2022 at Wellard Primary School!! I would sincerely like to thank staff, students and parents for such a smooth start to the school year. Like in 2021, coronavirus continues to impact on our school and the wider community. We will be doing our very best to reduce the impact on student learning where possible.
Thank you for your cooperation this morning in accordance to the changes made overnight. Everything went smoothly with all students entering their classrooms in a calm way. As per my latest Connect message, parents are no longer permitted to enter classrooms but are allowed on school grounds with a mask. Please ensure you drop off and pick up your children and then immediately leave the school grounds. We are asking that only one family at a time enter the office area. The canteen will continue to remain open and volunteers are still encouraged to help out. More information will follow in due course.
The school’s growth has certainly slowed in the last 12 months with only an increase of 36 enrolments from the end of 2021. We have surprisingly had 44 students (excluding Year 6 students) who have left the school since the end of last year due to a change in circumstances.
It was such a delight to see all the children’s smiling faces as they arrived at their classrooms on the first couple of days of school. The beginning of the year is such an exciting time and, across our school, we are quite intentional in the ways that we support children to transition to their new teacher and quickly learn to love being at school. The school has a really good feel about it and we are all looking forward to another excellent year. Having spent two days with all staff prior to the students returning, I am extremely proud of the quality of teachers, education assistants and non-teaching staff we have at Wellard - they are truly second to none. If I had three pieces of advice to give to parents and carers, it would be: 1. ‘talk to your child’s teacher,’ 2. ‘talk to your child’s teacher,’ 3. ‘talk to your child’s teacher.’
They are a great resource for you and they want your child to be successful as much as you do.
We have been rather fortunate to retain most of our staff from last year. However, a small increase in enrolments and staff on maternity leave has resulted in an increase of only 7 new staff to Wellard PS. A special welcome to Miss Brooke Salvia (Yr 3), Miss Josie Kearney (Yr 3), Miss Melinda Bryson (Yr 4), Mrs Kylea Singleton (Science Teacher), Miss Sinead O’Dea (School Chaplain), Ms Katrina Holberton (Special Needs EA) and Mrs Alexis Edkins (Special Needs EA). Welcome back to Mrs Janelle Sewell (Kindy/PP), Mrs Mia Cammarano (Yr 1/2) and Mrs Sonia Bradfield (Yr 1/2)
TRAFFIC CONGESTION BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL
Thank you to everyone for your patience and cooperation when dropping off and picking up your children. It is most important that we just accept that picking up your child after school may take up to 15 minutes. I encourage those families who live close to school to walk or ride to try and reduce congestion. Parents of Yr 1 – 6 students are encouraged to use the “Kiss and Drive” on Jasper Bend. I did send a Connect notice home last week explaining the use of the “Kiss and Drive” amongst other issues relating to the congestion.
NEWSLETTER
Newsletters will be published every fortnight on a Tuesday and will be distributed via Connect and our school website. This newsletter is quite lengthy as I want to inform the school community of many organisational matters associated with a new school year. Future newsletters should only be 4 - 5 pages in length.
SCHOOL VISION
Wellard Primary School is to be a high performing school that is renowned for its commitment to meeting the educational and individualised needs of its students. In partnership with the school community we aim to deliver a high quality diverse learning program in a caring, nurturing and technology rich learning environment that ensures all students have the opportunity to become successful learners, creative and confident individuals and people who make a positive contribution to the world.
OUR BELIEFS ABOUT TEACHING AND LEARNING
- Every student is entitled to receive a quality education in a nurturing caring environment
- Every minute of every lesson counts
- Quality teaching produces higher performing students
- Explicit teaching practices contribute to quality teaching and learning
- The school works in partnership with parents and guardians to maximise learning and social outcomes
- Literacy and Numeracy are our core business as they form the foundation of learning in all other Learning Areas
- A focus on the implementation of effective literacy and numeracy strategies in K – 2 will form a solid foundation for future learning.
- Technology will be used to enhance learning and satisfy the curiosity of students.
INVOLVEMENT OF PARENTS/GUARDIANS IN WELLARD PRIMARY SCHOOL
Wellard Primary School aims for parents and carers to feel welcome, to be listened to, to be actively involved and supported in their child’s education and to support the school in providing the best possible education for their children.
THANK YOU
I would like to thank and acknowledge our gardener and cleaners for the great job they did over the holiday period. It is great to have a work environment which is clean and tidy. We are most fortunate to have Ms Donelle Noonan (Head Cleaner), Ms Vilma Mendoza (Cleaner), Ms Annette Nevermann (Cleaner), Ms Judith Mamansag and Mr Ivan Ricci (Gardener). All of these make a significant contribution to our school and go beyond what is expected in their everyday duties. Their efforts are greatly appreciated.
ENROLMENTS
We currently have an enrolment of 747 students in K – 6 making up 34 classes. This is only 36 more students than we had attending at the beginning of 2021.
SCHOOL STAFF 2022
Mr Geoff Miller |
Principal |
Ms Rebecca Lanzel |
Deputy Principal |
Mr Lincoln Matrozis |
Deputy Principal |
Mrs Jess Gibson |
Deputy Principal |
Mrs Nicole Beaman | Manager of Corporate Services |
Mrs Marina Claasen |
School Officer |
Mrs Kelly Maheux |
School Officer |
Mrs Jane Rogers |
Library Officer |
Mr Ivan Ricci |
Gardener (Tues & Fri) |
Mrs Donelle Noonan |
Cleaner in Charge |
Ms Vilma Mandoza |
Cleaner |
Ms Annette Nevermann |
Cleaner |
Ms Judith Mamansag |
Cleaner |
Ms Katie Tunnacliffe |
Teacher EC 1 Kindergarten Groups A & B |
Mrs Bhagyashri Katambale |
K Education Assistant EC 1 |
Ms Caroline D’Mellow |
Teacher EC 2 Kindergarten Groups C & D |
Mrs Deborah Chalmers |
K Education Assistant EC 2 |
Mrs Crystal McDonald |
K Education Assistant EC 2 |
Miss Ebony Kursar |
Teacher EC 3 Kindergarten Groups E & F |
Mrs Helen Benson |
PP Education Assistant EC 5 |
Mrs Mel Sayer |
Teacher EC 4 Pre-Primary |
Ms Lauren Schroder |
PP Education Assistant EC 4 |
Mrs Janelle Campbell |
Teacher EC 5 Pre-Primary |
Ms Justine Iucalano |
PP Education Assistant EC 5 |
Miss Shailey Rushton |
Teacher EC 6 Pre-primary |
Mrs Deb Bywater |
PP Education Assistant EC 6 |
Ms Erindra Balage |
Teacher EC 7 Pre-primary |
Miss Ashleigh Sims |
PP Education Assistant EC 7 |
Mrs Emily Cobbett |
Teacher EC8 Pre-primary |
Ms Tracy McDermott |
PP Education Assistant EC 8 |
Mrs Janelle Sewell |
Teacher K/PP Support Teacher |
Miss Alanna D’Ascanio |
Teacher K/PP Support Teacher |
Miss Olivia Neesham |
Teacher K/PP Support Teacher |
Miss Jemma Wright |
Teacher Yr 1 Rm 1 |
Miss Caitlyn Roper |
Teacher Yr 1 Rm 2 |
Miss Clancy Micale |
Teacher Yr 1 Rm 3 |
Miss Suzy Chessell |
Teacher Yr 1 Rm 4 |
Miss Anna Clay |
Teacher Yr 1 Rm 22 |
Mrs Mia Cammarano |
Teacher Yr 1/2 Rm 23 |
Mrs Sonia Bradfield |
Teacher Yr 1/2 Rm 23 |
Mrs Deb De Groot |
Education Assistant Jun Primary |
Miss Natasha Griffin |
Teacher Yr 2 Rm 7 |
Miss Denielle Borcich |
Teacher Yr 2 Rm 8 |
Miss Sheridan Evans |
Teacher Yr 2 Rm 24 |
Mrs Glenda Tucker |
Teacher Yr 2 Rm 25 |
Miss Brooke Salvia |
Teacher Yr 3 Rm 5 |
Miss Victoria Cahill |
Teacher Yr 3 Rm 6 |
Ms Teri Magistro |
Teacher Yr 3 Rm 12 |
Miss Josie Kearney |
Teacher Yr 3 Rm 13 |
Mrs Elyce Neidig |
Teacher Yr 3/4 Rm 14 |
Miss Bella Vinten |
Teacher Yr 4 Rm 15 |
Miss Melinda Bryson |
Teacher Yr 4 Rm 16 |
Miss Nina Scheer |
Teacher Yr 4 Rm 17 |
Mr Brenton Simmons |
Teacher Yr 5 Rm 18 |
Mrs Kayleigh Hart |
Teacher Yr 5 Rm 19 |
Miss Ash Alden |
Teacher Yr 5 Rm 20 |
Miss Megan Collins |
Teacher Yr 6 Rm 9 |
Miss Laura Heuer |
Teacher Yr 6 Rm 10 |
Miss Amy Della Bosca |
Special Needs Education Assistant |
Mrs Kelly Coull |
Special Needs Education Assistant |
Mrs Ruth Donsworth |
Special Needs Education Assistant |
Mrs Erica Mutch |
Special Needs Education Assistant |
Miss Kaitlynn Shoppee |
Special Needs Education Assistant |
Mrs Katrina Holberton |
Special Needs Education Assistant |
Mrs Alexis Edkins |
Special Needs Education Assistant |
Mr Matthew Paparone |
Teacher Physical Education |
Mr David McIntyre |
Teacher Physical Education |
Ms Amanda Makanza |
Teacher Music |
Mr Dylan Collard |
Noongar Language Teacher |
Mrs Rochelle Protzman |
Teacher Visual Arts |
Mrs Kylea Singleton |
Science Teacher |
Mrs Sarah Le Provost |
Coach/Support Teacher |
Miss Keelley Bradshaw |
School Psychologist (Thursday & Friday) |
Miss S O’Dea |
School Chaplain (Wednesday & Thursday) |
Mrs Linda Horsten |
Canteen Manager |
CLASS PARENT MEETINGS
These meetings will NOT be taking place in the usual format of after school meetings. Due to the size of our school and Covid restrictions we have decided that we WILL NOT be conducting these meetings. Instead, an information package will be sent home to parents via connect providing parents/carers with important information about the daily operations of the classroom and the expectations of students. Parents will then have the opportunity to organise a meeting with their child’s teacher if they have any further queries. It is most important that the school works closely with parents to ensure students have the best possible opportunity to work to their potential.
SPECIALIST AREAS
Students in Years 1 – 6 will access specialist programs in Music, Physical Education, Visual Arts, Noongar Language and Science. Please note that we have added Science to our specialist areas for the very first time. In total, students will have access to 300 minutes of these learning areas.
GATE TIMES AND BIKE RACKS
In the morning, gates and bike racks will be opened at 8.15am and then locked at 8.50am. In the afternoon gates and bike racks will be opened at 2.40pm and locked at 3.15pm. The gate to the left of Teaching Block 2 (left of admin building) will be open before and after school for OSHClub. This is only to be used by those families accessing before and after school care.
ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL
Students arriving at school (without parents) between 8.15am – 8.30am are to sit outside the office area under the verandah where they can be supervised. Students arriving with parents can sit outside their classroom until doors are opened at 8.30am.
OSHCLUB
Parents can access OSHClub on 0458 001 770 to access outside school hours care before and after school. You can enrol online via oshclub.com.au
CANTEEN
A reminder that our Canteen Manager, Mrs Linda Horsten, opens the canteen on a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The canteen menu is attached to this newsletter. Please note you are able to place online orders through Quickclik.
ASSEMBLIES
Current Guidelines state that we are unable to conduct assemblies as we are required to reduce the gathering of students and staff. However, I am keen to still present Merit Certificates on a Friday morning in a brief outdoor event so that students can be recognised for their efforts. Please refer to my Connect message from Monday.
STATIONERY ITEMS
Parents are asked to ensure that students come to school with all of the stationery items as per the booklist. If students do not have the appropriate items they are at a disadvantage and become anxious because everyone else has the right equipment and they don’t.
UNIFORMS AND HATS
It is fabulous to see all of our students wearing the school uniform to school. Students are reminded that they are required to wear a hat at all times at recess and lunch. Please ensure all items of clothing (especially jackets and hats) are clearly labelled. Uniforms and hats can be purchased online through Uniform Concepts (nellgray.com.au).
CELEBRATION OF STUDENT BIRTHDAYS IN 2022
As per last year, parents are reminded not to send in any food in celebration of their child’s Birthday. This is because we have an ever increasing number of students with allergies, and as a school we need to guarantee their safety, health and wellbeing. Also, our Healthy, Food and Drinks Policy requires us to provide children with healthy food at every opportunity. Consequently, we will be acknowledging each child’s birthday (provided the child wants this) in a variety ways depending on the age of the children. This will be initiated by the actions of the teacher not parents.
SCHOOL SIREN TIMES
The following times operate for Yr 1 – 6 children:
8.30am Classroom Doors are to be opened
8.40am Warning siren – students to organise themselves.
8.50am School commences
10.40-11.00am Morning Recess
12.40pm Lunch
1.17pm Toilet/drink/ return to class
1.20pm Lessons commence
3.00pm End of Day
Kindergarten and Pre-primary students are to arrive at school between 8.20 – 8.35am with school commencing at 8.35am. There is some leniency around these times for the first two weeks of school until such time as students have settled into their classrooms. Students in K & PP finish at 2.45pm. I ask that if parents then go and wait outside an older sibling’s classroom that the noise is kept to a minimum so the teaching and learning program is not interrupted in surrounding classrooms.
Parents are reminded that students should not arrive at school before 8.15am unless they have made prior arrangement with Administration or are attending OSHClub.
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS
Payment of Voluntary Contributions is now due. Funds raised through these contributions are used to purchase resources etc. to complement the
educational programs we run throughout the school.
Thank you to those families who have already paid their contributions. As a school we are always conscious of the costs we seek from parents in relation to educational activities.
Kindergarten – Year 6 - $60 per child per year.
Our preferred way of payment is by using our Qkr App, please see attached PDF for details.
School contributions can also be paid in cash at the office or by direct deposit
Account Name: Wellard Primary School
(Please use the student’s surname as reference)
BSB: 066 040 Account Number 19901412
THIRD PARTY ONLINE USER AGREEMENTPlease scan the QR code below to read the important information and provide consent for your child to use online services at Wellard Primary School. Please note, you will need to complete this form for each child enrolled at the school. Your child will not be given any access to a device until consent is provided. We appreciate you taking the time to complete this form as soon as possible.
TERM DATES FOR STUDENTS FOR 2022
Term 1 Monday 31st January – Friday 8th April
Term 2 Tuesday 26th April - Friday 1st July
Term 3 Monday 18th July - Friday 23rd September
Term 4 Monday 10th October - Thursday 15th December
SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT DAYS FOR 2022
Term 1 Thursday 27th January and Friday 28th January
Term 2 Friday 3rd June (Week 6)
Term 3 Monday 15th August (Week 5)
Term 4 Friday 11th November (Week 5) and Friday 16th December (Week 10)
TERM PLANNER
A copy of our Term Planner will be sent out to parents/carers via Connect in the next week. The Term Planner can also be found on our school website at www.wellardps.wa.edu.au
Thanks everyone and have a great year!
Geoff Miller
Principal
SCHOOL CHAPLAIN
Hi, my name is Miss O'Dea and I am the new Chaplin here at Wellard Primary!
My goal is to make sure that everyone at Wellard Primary is feeling their best in order to achieve their best.
I work every Wednesday and Thursday, and my office is in the admin building and library block. As a Chaplin, I am always here to chat about any problems you might be having in school or at home. This can be things like; feeling sad or overwhelmed, struggling with friends, and big changes in your family. If you want to see me, please talk to your class teacher or parents so they can arrange a time for us to meet.
Some fun facts about me are that:
- My favourite colour is yellow.
- My favourite activity is singing along to my favorite tunes/ going to the beach.
- My pets names are Molly the cat, and Bonnie the puppy.
I look forward to seeing you around the school this year!
Kind regards
Sinead O’Dea
School Chaplain
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