NEWSLETTER

ISSUE 11, NOVEMBER 2013

18-Nov UWA Aspire to visit Year 8 –

10:55am - 12:45pm

20-Nov Jump Rope for Heart - 8:30am

– 9:30am (PP to Year 11)

21-Nov Primary Parent Partnership

Coffee Morning 8:45am

22-Nov Prefect Leadership Workshop

8:45am to 1:00pm

26-Nov Primary Captains’ Speeches

27-Nov Year 10 Examinations

commence

28-Nov WACE written examinations

conclude

29-Nov Year 10 Examinations conclude

02-Dec Year 6 Valedictory

04-Dec Secondary Colours and Awards

Assembly – 8:40am BDISC

Final day for Year 10 and 11

students

Year 10 River Cruise

05-Dec ELC Nativity and Primary Carols

Performance 8:30am -10:30am

06-Dec Primary Merit Assembly

09-Dec Year 6 Dinner Dance

11-Dec Primary Praise and

Thanksgiving, 9:00am –

10:30am - BDISC

Secondary Praise and

Thanksgiving 12:30pm –

2:30pm – BDISC

Term 4 concludes for students

(K- Year 9)

Administration

9495 8100

Early Learning Centre

9495 8166

Primary School

9495 8118

Secondary Absentees

9495 8111

Secondary Student Reception

9495 8113

Term 4 15-Oct to 11-Dec Summer

Uniform

____________________________________________________________

2014

Term 1 03-Feb to 11-Apr Summer

Uniform

Term 2 30-Apr to 04-Jul Winter

Uniform

Term 3 23 Jul to 26-Sep Winter

Uniform

Term 4 14-Oct to 09-Dec Summer

Uniform

Centre Road, Camillo, WA 6111

Tel: [08] 9495 8100

Fax: [08] 9495 1504

Email: mail@jwacs.wa.edu.au

Web: www.jwacs.wa.edu.au

IMPORTANT DATES

MISSION STATEMENT

“We help our students discover their passion and direction in life and make a positive

contribution in the world.”

CORE VALUES:

We are a nurturing Christian community, basing all we do on the values of:

RESPECT for ourselves, for others and the environment. RESPONSIBILITY for our actions.

HONESTY in our interaction with others. COMMITMENT to achieve our best in all we do.

TELEPHONE NUMBERS

2013 / 2014 TERM DATES

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents

The highlight of the early part of the term has been the farewell events for our Year 12s. Whilst all of

the events were successful, the Gift of a Candle Service, attended by the whole school, and the

Valedictory Eucharist for the Leavers and their families were particularly memorable. The Head

Prefects, Michelle Lachenicht and Sky O’Brien, delivered an excellent speech on each occasion

reflecting upon their school days at John Wollaston, the privilege of being a school leader and

hopes for the future. In keeping with a strong school tradition of leaving peacefully with goodwill

intact, our Leavers departed the campus respectful of each other, the younger students, staff and

the environment. We wish them every success in the future.

ENROLMENT PROFILE 2014

I am encouraged by the number of new Primary School enrolments for 2014. In the early years, the

Little Wollies (three year old Kindy) and Kindergarten are attracting great interest. On present

indications Kindergarten, Pre-Primary, Years 1, 3 and 5 will be full with waiting lists. Significant interest

in Year 6 has enabled us to expand to three classes. Prospective school families are impressed that

we are a PYP World School and are keen for their children to access this outstanding programme.

The Secondary School has vacancies in all years for 2014. New families regularly remark to me at

interview that they are seeking strong academic and pastoral programmes for their child. They want

a positive, caring teaching environment and believe John Wollaston “fits the bill”. If you have friends

who are contemplating enrolling their child at John Wollaston in the future, please advise them to

contact the Registrar, Ann Brightmore. A timely discussion may avoid disappointment.

CONDITIONS OF STUDENT WITHDRAWAL

I remind parents of the following:

The signatory/signatories on the Conditions of Acceptance Form must be the same signatory/

signatories on the notification of withdrawal letter to the Principal.

The School's policy stipulates one term's notice in writing to the Principal of the intention to

withdraw a child.

I appreciate that it is difficult at times to provide a full term's notice, particularly in cases of sudden

relocation, educational opportunity for your child or financial hardship. In these circumstances

please don't hesitate to contact me directly. The School has some capacity to assist families in

genuine financial hardship who are struggling to meet their obligations to the School, through its Fee

Remission Policy. Please contact the Business Manager Gailene Shore who will be happy to speak

with you.

Families who are intending to withdraw their child/children at year’s end and who have not notified

me to date, please do so. This will assist the School’s planning for 2014.

END OF YEAR EVENTS

The last few weeks of the school year are filled with a number of special events for both Primary and

Secondary students. Many events, including the ELC Nativity, Year 6 Valedictory, Year 10 River

Cruise and Praise & Thanksgiving Ceremonies, require significant organisation and preparation on

the part of staff and students. I hope these occasions are a highlight in the year for your child.

Parents are reminded that Praise & Thanksgiving, to be held on Wednesday 11 December, is a

compulsory event for students. This year we are trialling Secondary Praise and Thanksgiving in the

afternoon commencing at 12.30pm. It is scheduled to finish by 2.30pm in time for students to catch

buses home.

I look forward to seeing many of you at our special end of year events.

With good wishes

ANNE FORD

PRINCIPAL

PRIMARY

An early highlight this term in the Primary school was the annual

'Concert of the Classes'. Each class from Year 3 to 6 performed

a contemporary song and created their own choreography with

a creative and unique flair. In a similar vein to many of our school

events, the enthusiasm and confidence our students expressed is

a credit to them and certainly provides a sense of positive

energy for all students and staff. Rather than award prizes to

each class, individual students were judged by Mrs Shand and Mr

Marchant as the best performer for each class. The event was a

great success and thoroughly enjoyed by all students. Thank you

to the teachers who organised the ‘Concert of the Classes’; Miss

Carnevale, Mr Crawcour and Mrs Ayres.

I have recently attended training on the evidence based ‘Circle

of Security’ parenting programme, to obtain my qualifications to

present this internationally renowned parent reflection group to

our parent population. I hope to conduct group training for Little

Wollies and Kindy parents in 2014. The ‘Circle of Security’ is based

on the emotional needs of our children and the importance of

being tuned in to the needs of each child. The attachment

between the primary caregiver and the child is a vitally important

relationship in determining the developmental trajectory and

general wellbeing of all children. While we always knew that a

sense of love and security is important, recent research confirms

that this secure base fosters sound brain architecture and

determines our ability to regulate our emotions. The great benefit

of this programme is that it is not about blame, but emphasises

the ability of each parent to reflect on their parenting in a

supportive and positive environment. I look forward to sharing

more information about the 'Circle of Security' in coming months.

As the year draws to a close, our planning for 2014 takes shape.

If you have a request regarding a class placement for your child,

please write to me and briefly outline the rationale for your

request. Primary Secretary, Donna Brown will collect all

correspondence on this matter. Please note that this should not

include requests for a specific teacher but rather focus on sibling

or peer relationship issues relevant for your child. We hold all our

teaching staff in high regard and therefore class lists are

determined by the composition of the class and not the

individual teacher. We cannot guarantee that all requests will be

met; however, I can assure you that a great deal of time and

consideration is involved in determining each class for the

coming year.

Strong interest in our school has led to a third Year 6 class and

expanded Kindergarten programmes in 2014. From my many

interviews with new families, I am proud to report consistently

positive feedback on our school and a strong demand to join our

waiting lists for each year group. This is a credit to all the staff at

John Wollaston and the entire school community.

WAYNE REVITT

HEAD OF PRIMARY

LEADERS IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the students who

have performed leadership roles in the Primary School throughout

the year. This has taken many forms including Class

Representatives, Peer Mediators and Captains. Each and every

student showed responsibility, commitment and enthusiasm for

their role. Most importantly they showed care and concern and

an eagerness to help others. I hope they all go on to further their

skills and continue to make an important contribution to life at

John Wollaston. On behalf of the Primary School I would also like

to thank Bridget Axford and Hayden Fennessy for their

outstanding work as Head Girl and Head Boy this year. They

have led by example, been highly organised and have

undertaken all roles with great dignity. Well done and thank you.

This week the Year 5s will be given the opportunity to nominate for

the Captain positions for 2014. They have had strong role models

to learn from this year and I look forward to announcing the new

Captains at Praise and Thanksgiving.

HATS

Just a reminder that now we are in Term 4 the students need to

wear their hat to and from School and as they move around

throughout the day. Your help in reminding your child to wear his/

her hat to school each day would be greatly appreciated.

The Primary School calendar is always very busy at the end of the

year. We have the ELC Nativity, the Year 6 Valedictory, the Year 6

Dinner Dance and Praise and Thanksgiving. I look forward to

seeing you at these events over the next few weeks.

FIONA SHAND

DEPUTY HEAD OF PRIMARY

NATIVITY

The ELC children have been busily preparing for the upcoming

performance of “The Nativity”. Lines are being rehearsed, songs

sung, props and backdrops painted and costumes made all

ready for the big day. Notes have now been sent home to

students in Pre-Primary to Year 2 regarding costuming. Your

assistance with costuming is greatly appreciated and helps us to

bring the performance together.

This year, the children from Years 3-6 will join the ELC to sing some

carols following the performance. The parents of the ELC children

are invited bring their picnic blanket and a picnic morning tea to

share with their child(ren) at the conclusion of the performance.

This will be hosted in the ELC Courtyard and it is always such a

lovely community event to end the year. “The Nativity” will be

performed on Thursday 5 December in the BDISC so don’t forget

to mark it in your diary. We look forward to seeing you there.

CAN YOU HELP?

As we begin looking to next year, we are beginning to plan our

learning environments. We would like to set up an outdoor mud

kitchen for the children and a creative play area. If you have any

old saucepans, baking trays, cooling racks, large pieces of

fabric or clothes that would be suitable to use as dress ups,

please bring them to the ELC reception. We would be happy to

take them off your hands.

MELISSA FORSLUN

EARLY LEARNING CENTRE COORDINATOR

FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPALS

LIFE LONG LEARNING FOR JOHN WOLLASTON SECONDARY STAFF

Research tells us that the biggest impact on student learning

outcomes is the teacher (Hattie, 2009). I firmly believe the best

asset we have at John Wollaston is our staff. Not only are our

teachers dedicated and passionate in the classroom, they are

also regularly undertaking professional learning and significantly

contributing to the State and National dialogue on education.

I would like to take this opportunity to give you an insight into

recent curriculum related activities in which our secondary

teaching staff have been involved.

ADAM PRZYTULA

Adam has been recommended to us as an engaging and knowledgeable guest speaker for boys on a variety of topics. He will be

speaking to the boys from Year 7 to Year 10 about resilience and self-esteem in Weeks 6 and 7. A note with more information and

specific timings will be coming home this week. Parents are requested to sign and return the form to school if they DO NOT wish their

son to be part of this incursion. Adam has previously spoken to the Year 11 and Year 12 boys at John Wollaston and was highly

regarded by this group.

2014 PREFECTS

There will be a workshop for the new prefect body on 22 November from 8.45am to 12.45pm. This will be held at school and students

are required to wear their school uniform. Morning tea will be provided.

HAPPINESS AND ITS CAUSES

This is the unlikely title of a two day conference the Deputy Head of Primary and I attended last week; however, it was well worth the

time. Large companies, health workers and educational institutions including universities all had staff attend the conference. It

focused on mental wellbeing in the workplace and provided participants with many research based strategies and ideas, suitable in

our setting for both staff and student consideration. It was reaffirming to learn that the wonderful work the 2013 Year 7s have been

doing in their Positive Education sessions is so worthwhile.

YEAR 10 RIVER CRUISE

Permission slips and information have now gone home with the Year 10 students. Once the form and the payment are in, students will

be issued with a ticket. We will be sailing on the MV River Bells, along with pizza, cool drinks and a very loud DJ. It is always a night to

look forward to!

BRONWYN TWINING

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL (PASTORAL CARE)

I begin with making special mention of Jaqueline Fisher and

Tracey Rogers who were invited to present at the Australian

Council for Educational Leadership’s ‘Hot Topics’ Symposium on

Year 7 Transition and Mark Anderson who presented by invitation

at the Career Development Association of Australia Conference.

Alice Alibrandi and Michelle Willis are finalists in the 'Count Me

In' Awards (Inclusive Education). They have been recognised for

their work on individual education plans that will also be included

in a university textbook for Education students.

A number of staff are involved in the marking of the external

WACE examinations being undertaken by Year 12 students across

WA. We also have teachers on staff who have been appointed to

contribute to the writing of the WACE examinations. Staff marking

WACE examinations:

Joan Osborne – Human Biological Studies

Akiko Fuchino – Japanese as a Second Language

Peta Ranieri – Drama

Stephen Fox – Chemistry

Rebecca Phillips – Biological Studies

Three staff are part of Course Advisory Committees which

comprise a select group of educators who are advising the State

Government on courses due to be implemented in 2015 as part

of the Australian Curriculum:

Joan Osborne – Human Biological Studies and Biological

Studies

Suzie Harman - all new WACE courses in Mathematics and

the writing sub-committees for two of the courses

Stephen Fox – Chemistry (Stephen also coordinates the

committee of educators who moderate Chemistry across

schools)

Our staff are also in a very good position to talk to students about

meeting deadlines and studying techniques as they undertake

further qualifications:

Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership with AISWA

and UWA– Phil Mayes, Pauline Galley and Anne Harris

Bachelor of Education with Murdoch University – Rhiannon

Muirhead and Tracy O’Malley (Education Assistants)

Bachelor of Science (Psychology)/Bachelor of Commerce

(Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations)

with Curtin University – Peta Ranieri

Masters of Career Development with Edith Cowan

University – Mark Anderson

Level 1 Sports Trainer Qualification – Health and Physical

Education staff

Below is a snapshot of the professional learning secondary staff

have recently completed to stay abreast of contemporary

teaching and pastoral practices:

Through our partnership with UWA staff have undertaken

the following professional learning:

From Frantic to Focused – How the Brain Learns -

Irene Terpon and Peta Ranieri

Thinking Science – Science Learning Area (Rebecca

Phillips, School Based Coordinator)

Mobile Technologies in the Classroom – English Learning

Area

Apple Leadership and Learning – Gary Bordoni

Aspiring Women’s Conference – Pauline Galley and Peta

Ranieri

Concepts, Skills and Optimisation using the new Casio

Classpad II – Suzie Harman and Wendy Surgeson

Mathematics Association of WA Annual Conference –

Mathematics Learning Area

Inclusive Leadership Series – Alice Alibrandi and Anne

Harris

Inquiry Skills in Australian Curriculum – Heather Williams

Future Science Conference – Science Learning Area

Consultation workshops for the new Australian Curriculum

– most teaching staff

Mental Wellbeing and Positive Education – Bronwyn

Twining

The Positive Schools Conference – Heads of House and

Year 7 teachers

Gatekeeper, One Life Programme - Heads of House and

Year 7 teachers

ANNE HARRIS

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL (TEACHING AND LEARNING)

FROM THE BUSINESS MANAGER

FEES AND CHARGES REMINDER

All fees and charges for 2013 are now due and payable (excluding families on payment Options 4 and 5).

As per School Council Policy all fees must be cleared in the year that they apply.

Please contact me or Mrs Karen Hildebrandt, Assistant Business Manager before 30 November if you are unable to meet this

commitment.

GAILENE SHORE

BUSINESS MANAGER

PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING 2013

PRIZES

The end of the year is fast approaching and with it comes Praise

and Thanksgiving for both Primary and Secondary. At these

special services we stop to reflect on the events of the year and

the special achievements and service of our students.

We consider it appropriate to recognise the extra special service

or achievement of some of our students through the presentation

of prizes.

If you would like to contribute to our celebration with a donation

of money toward the purchase of a prize we would be very

grateful.

Please forward your donation to Mrs Karen Hildebrandt, Assistant

Business Manager.

With many thanks

MS HEATHER WILLIAMS

PRIZE COORDINATOR

OSHCLUB FEES 2014

After School Care Fees Range from $8.85 to $13.75 per session

(Maximum fee of $27.50 will apply to families who haven’t

applied for or are eligible for the 50% Tax Rebate)

Before After School Care Fees Range from $6.25 to $10.25 per

session

(Maximum fee of $20.50 will apply to families who haven’t

applied for or are eligible for the 50% Tax Rebate)

Vacation Care Fees Range from $9.04 to $27.50 per session

(Maximum fee of $55 will apply to families who haven’t applied

for or are eligible for the 50% Tax Rebate)

Please ensure you apply for the 50% tax rebate as it IS NOT

MEANS TESTED and most families are eligible!

Fees range from family to family depending on their Childcare

Benefit Discount and 50 % Tax Rebate eligibility.

Bookings made within 24 hours of the session starting will be

charged an additional $1.65 late/casual fee. ($3.30 if you don’t

have the 50% Tax Rebate). Bookings made within 48 hours of

Vacation Care Session will be charged an additional $2.50 late/

casual fee. ($5.00 if you don’t have the 50% Tax Rebate)

FROM THE CHAPLAIN

THE SEASON OF ADVENT

As I walk around the shops and stores, I notice that many have already got Christmas

merchandise on their shelves. Whilst I would love to believe that this is done in the true Christmas

spirit, the realist part of me suggests that this is good for the businesses’ “bottom line.”

Christians will soon begin to prepare for the Christmas celebrations. In the Church, this time of

preparation is called Advent. This year Advent begins on 1 December. Traditionally during this

time we use an Advent wreath containing five candles. During the season of Advent one candle

on the wreath is lit each Sunday. Each candle represents an aspect of the spiritual preparation

for the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Set on the branches of the wreath are four candles;

three purple candles and one pink candle. In the centre of the wreath sits a white candle. As a

whole, these candles represent the coming of the light of Christ into the world.

FIRST CANDLE - THE PROPHECY CANDLE OR CANDLE OF HOPE

On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple candle is lit. This candle is typically called the

"Prophecy Candle" in remembrance of the prophets, primarily Isaiah, who foretold the birth of

Christ. This candle represents hope or expectation in anticipation of the coming Messiah, Jesus.

SECOND CANDLE - THE BETHLEHEM CANDLE OR THE CANDLE OF PREPARATION

On the second Sunday of Advent, the second purple candle is lit as a reminder that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. The colour purple

represented royalty and in this context is a reminder that Jesus is seen by many as being a King. The focus for this week is often on

John the Baptist as he called us to repentance to prepare for the coming of the Messiah; the Light sent into the world to show us the

way out of darkness and sin.

THIRD CANDLE - THE SHEPHERD CANDLE OR THE CANDLE OF JOY

On the third Sunday of Advent the pink, or rose-colored candle is lit. This pink candle is customarily called the "Shepherds’ Candle"

and it represents joy. The shepherds, some of the first people to see the Christ-child, were amazed and rejoiced at what they saw.

Christians believe that the only lasting joy to be found in this life on earth is through Christ. All other joy is fleeting and does not last.

FOURTH CANDLE - THE ANGEL CANDLE OR THE CANDLE OF LOVE

The fourth and last purple candle, often called the "Angels’ Candle," represents peace. It reminds that Jesus comes to bring peace

to both the world and to people’s hearts. Without Christ there is no peace in this world.

FIFTH CANDLE - “CHRIST CANDLE”

The fifth candle represents Christ himself who is born to save people from their sins. It is a celebration of the fulfillment of the

prophecies pointing to Christ’s birth, and to the hope in the final fulfillment when Christ will come again. This candle is l it on Christmas

Eve or Christmas morning as we celebrate the coming of the light into the world.

As we begin our preparations for Christmas, may we reflect on what these candles represent and find the love, the joy, and the hope

that is found in the Christ-mas child, Jesus.

God bless

REVD DAVE

CHAPLAIN

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

The 25th Anniversary Fair will be held on Sunday 25 May 2014. Once again, if you wish to donate your time or goods to the cause

please let me know.

If you own your own business and would like to contribute to the Fair, please contact me for more information.

Thank you to all the parents and families who contact me with the success stories of their children. It is great to see our students

succeeding in so many different fields. If you wish to notify me of your own child’s achievement, please email me at

nlau@jwacs.wa.edu.au with the details.

NICOLE LAU

COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER

UNIFORM STORE

TERM TRADING - TERM 4, 2013

The last in-term trading day for 2013 will be Monday 9 December

between 8:30 and 10:00am.

HOLIDAY TRADING

The Uniform Store will be closed for the Summer holiday period

and will reopen for holiday trading on Thursday 30 and Friday 31

January 2014 between 9:00am and 2:30pm, with the exception

of booked appointments.

TERM TRADING - 2014

In-term trading will recommence on Monday 3 February 2014 as

per the schedule below.

Please be reminded that the Summer Uniform continues to be

worn in Term 1.

BLAZER FITTINGS AND ORDERS

All Year 8 students will require a School Blazer which is worn in

Terms 2 and 3. Please ensure a

blazer fitting is arranged with me

during January by either phoning

or emailing the Uniform Store as

soon as possible.

Blazers will be ordered by the first

week of Term 1.

DEANNE MARSDEN-YOULL

UNIFORM STORE COORDINATOR

It is hard to imagine that Christmas is upon us already. 2013

has been another busy and successful year for the P&F

Association. The Committee and parent helpers have

organised and run a number of events throughout the year,

including the Bush Dance in Term 1, two very successful Discos,

a highly entertaining Quiz Night which raised over $7000, two

seminars and we also served coffee and tea at Grandparents’

Day, cooked sausages at a fundraiser at Masters and

supported the Numero Maths craze in the Primary School.

These events take a lot of organisation and work so I would like

to say a special thanks to the Committee and Parent Helpers

for all the hours of volunteer work they do. Without their

commitment none of the above events would have been

possible.

The P&F Association also had the pleasure of disbursing the P&F

Levy money and profits from the Quiz Night and Discos to

different departments in the School. As we do each year we

endeavour to spread the money equally among the year

groups and ensure that as many students as possible benefit.

In 2013 we distributed $36,934.70 to purchase resources, pay

for seminars and host the Bush Dance and Barbecue.

As the year comes to a close I would like to wish the Year 12

students best of luck in the next phase of their lives. I would

also like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas and

New Year. The P&F Association will again host the Bush Dance

and Barbecue in Term 1 next year to welcome everyone to a

new year at John Wollaston. If you have time in 2014 we would

love to see you at the P&F Association meetings.

DEL NASH - PRESIDENT

P&F ASSOCIATION INC

COMMUNITY NOTICES

P & F ASSOCIATION

RELIEF BUS DRIVERS REQUIREDRELIEF BUS DRIVERS REQUIREDRELIEF BUS DRIVERS REQUIRED