Cyril Jackson Senior Campus Education Support Centre eNewsletter

Principal's Message

Term 4 is always a busy and emotional term as we farewell our School Leavers. Our Graduation Ceremony celebrated 16 students leaving Cyril Jackson SC ESC this year and what wonderful memories we have of all of them as they take the next tentative steps into life after school. We, as a staff, feel honoured to have been part of their learning and development journey and wish each one of them all the very best in their future endeavours. Our Graduation Ceremony looked very different this year as we held the event on school site using CJ's Café for a morning tea. The event was a huge success, and I would like to thank everyone involved with the organisation of such a significant event.

Our School Council held their final meeting of the year early in term 4 with ongoing discussions guiding the school’s strategic planning, financial position and future growth. We thank all of our School Council members who are so invested in our school’s future direction and vision ensuring that our school is virtuous in its governance.

We have had so many events happening in our school and in the local community this term. We had Educators from DDWA come into school to teach our school leavers how to stay connected once school finishes which is crucial to our young people’s social and emotional wellbeing. Many of our students successfully completed Qualifications and Endorsed Programs including Keys for Life and ASDAN.

Basketball was our sports theme this term with selected students attending the Wildcats Basketball competition as well as the Kal@bility Basketball Carnival. All students had great fun at both events promoting our school values alongside fabulous teamwork, fair play and sportsmanship.

Our School Reunion was extremely well attended with over 25 former students sharing their memories of our school and how their time here had positively impacted their lives. It is great to see former students and hear their stories and successes.

We were honoured to invite Fiona Alexander from Reach ADHD Coaching into school to present to our students to provide greater insights into ADHD, increasing their understanding and knowledge of positive strategies in an extremely engaging way.

Our Transition Days took place on Thursday 5 and Tuesday 10 December and gave new students an opportunity to familiarise themselves with their new school. Our new parents morning tea was well attended and gave an opportunity for networking and sharing of school information.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff for their hard work and commitment this term. You have ensured that our students have been successful in all aspects of their learning. You all continue to work tirelessly and with great enthusiasm to create a host of learning opportunities inside and outside of the school environment to engage all students. I feel lucky to lead such a wonderfully invested team and wish you all a well-deserved and relaxing summer break.

I would like to thank parents/ guardians for your ongoing support of our school and wish all of our families a restful break and look forward to seeing you all in 2025.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Our school will be celebrating it's 40th Anniversary next year with celebrations being held on 28th March, 2025. More information will be sent out in due course.

Christine Lester, Principal

Staff at Cyril Jackson Senior Campus Education Support Centre would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year.

B1 Classroom

Term 4 is usually a busy term, and this year it was no different. Basketball carnivals, a Perth zoo excursion, Graduation and the Fremantle Prison kept our students on their toes!

Luckily, I can speak with authority and confirm that all these activities were lots of fun. I'm personally going to miss this cohort of B1 students but know that they will all be fine with the different courses and directions that they have chosen to pursue next year. I would also like to thank our two graduating students Daniel and Rhys for their time at CJs, and wish them all the best in their future!

Mikail Koulianos, B1 Classroom Teacher

B2 Classroom

2024 has been an action-packed and transformative experience for the new students of Cyril Jackson SC ESC. Each of these young men and women have shown tremendous growth in confidence, fostering new relationships, and exploring new interests as the year progressed.

A major highlight of this term was the B2 students embarking on their first school camp. Whether staying overnight or joining the daily adventures, every student embraced the experience with positivity and enthusiasm. From conquering high ropes to hitting targets with a bow and arrow, their involvement and camaraderie were truly inspiring. Another memorable event was the school ball, where B2 students shone brightly in their formal attire, danced with excitement, and enjoyed a lively evening. It was heartwarming to see them at ease, posing for photos, socializing over dinner, and celebrating in the music with energy and laughter.

This year, community access activities have also been a favourite. Students enjoyed catching the ferry across the Swan River, exploring submarines at the WA Maritime Museum, touring Optus Stadium, and learning about Fremantle Prison’s history. Their respectful behaviour in the community was commendable, and their growing independence was evident as they navigated public transport and Perth City confidently.

From adapting to a new school environment to taking on new workplace challenges, the B2 students have displayed incredible resilience and enthusiasm. Witnessing their growth both academically and personally has been immensely rewarding. Well done to everyone in B2 for a fantastic year!

Andrew Dixon, B2 Classroom Teacher

B4 Classroom

B4 classroom have had a busy and exciting term four, filled with many interesting and enjoyable activities providing a variety of opportunities to learn. Students have undertaken many activities including, Work Place Learning, Bushranger Cadets, Community Access excursions, Basketball Sports Carnivals and Graduation.

As part of our preliminary English program the students have continued to investigate career and education pathways and opportunities for when they leave school. During our class Community Access excursions to the Perth Mint, Beechboro Library and Bassendean Dome we have focussed on developing the students independence with them being involved in the planning for the excursions, including travel planning, determining the itinerary, opening hours for the venue, costs of transport and entrance, and availability of amenities such as toilets and food vendors. All the students demonstrated their understanding of using public transport, cash handling skills when making purchases, communicating in various settings and working as a team on a shared goal of an excursion. The students have also completed their resumes and completed considerable research into career and study opportunities post school in 2024.

Students behaved in a mature and positive manner, and demonstrated the school values of Respect, Resilience, Courage and Belonging.

All the students have contributed to a great learning environment, where their confidence in different activities has grown, because students encourage each other, and enjoy each other’s company and successes.

Steve Ryce, B4 Classroom Teacher

B6 Classroom

After a busy year in B6 we finally have the finish line in sight. This term, we completed mock job interviews, practiced our communication skills over the phone and enjoyed the last few months together as a class.

This was capped off with an excursion to Zone Joondalup, where students competed for the B6 bowling championship (won by Ed). Finally, we said farewell to Bailey, Liam, Matthew, Lena and Ethan as they left CJ’s into the big wide world.

I would like to thank Louise, Shane, Ed, Shayla and Krissie for making this such a special year for our class. Enjoy the holidays and see you all in 2025!

Jack Scott, B6 Classroom Teacher

End of Year Awards & Graduating Ceremony

Our End of Year Awards has always been the most memorable event of the year.

We had a wonderful turn out of family, guests and staff. Our very special guest presenters were Sam Brassington, Principal at Kalamunda Primary Education Support Centre, Tonia Bovell, School Chairperson, Milton Butcher, Principal at Cyril Jackson Senior Campus and Jorja Perdija, Jackson Foskett & Lewis Collins from Swan Districts Football Club.

Our graduating students this year are Daniel and Matthew B, Caleb, Duay, Stephanie, Shanelle, Ryley, Linda, Shaya, Lachlan, Hiruni, Liam, Lena, Ethan, Matthew S and Bailey. Rhys has also decided to further his studies enrolling into the Senior Campus next year and we wish him all the best.

Congratulations to the following students who received an award -

Citizenship Award - Shanelle
Commitment to Excellence Award - Matthew
Ampol Best Allrounder Award - Brooklyn
Ampol Best Allrounder Award - Ethan
Student Councillor Award - Domenic
VET Award - Caleb
ASDAN Award - Caleb
Workplace Learning "Independent" Award -Shanelle
Workplace Learning "Supported" Award - Jordan
Sportsmanship Award - Jaan
ADF Innovative STEM Award Year 10- Haylee
ADF Innovative STEM Award Year 12 - Rhys
ADF Long Tan Award Year 10 -Haylee
ADF Long Tan Award Year 12 - Han
Most Improved Award Year 10 - Flynn
Most Improved Award Year 11 - Bradley
Most Improved Award Year 12 - Pardhu
Most Improved Award Year 13 - Stephaine
Principals Awards - Shanelle

Classroom Achievement Awards

Congratulations to the following students who received a "Classroom Achievement Award" for term 4. We are very proud of you all and your academic achievements! Keep up the good work.

B1 Classroom - Daniel
B2 Classroom - Amber
B4 Classroom - Linda
B6 Classroom - Ethan

Workplace Learning

As the 2024 school year comes to a close, we have celebrated the conclusion of a number of our students work placements.

Placements this year saw students accessing local primary schools, animal and outdoor placements through the Swan Valley along with a few who accessed Disability Employment Service providers.

Many of our 2024 graduates will move on to employment opportunities (both supported and independent), continue in their volunteer roles or engage in further studies by attending TAFE or the Cyril Jackson Senior Campus.

The Workplace Learning Team would like to wish all our 2024 graduates a safe and fulfilling life! Let the next chapter begin!

Workplace Learning Achievement Award

Congratulations to Pardhu who received a "Workplace Learning Achievement" Award for Semester 2, 2024.

We are very proud of you and your dedication and hard work! Keep up the good work.

STEM

This term in STEM was a massive success! We continued with our project for the inter school lego league competition to create a machine that helps a person with a disability access the arts. Each student within the centre was involved in this - classes B1 & B2 worked together, while B4 & B6 formed a team also.

The two teams attended the competition on two different days, with roughly 12 other schools being there on each day. B1 & B2 created a modifiable video game controller to help somebody with cerebral palsy play games, whilst B4 & B6 created a prosthetic Lego hand that was coded to be able to strum a guitar!

On the day students got to witness other schools' innovative solutions and play lots of mini Lego games! We each took home a trophy, so it was a very successful day. I think I speak for everybody when I say bring on the 2025 Lego League Competition!

Mikail Koulianos, Teacher

2024 Lego League Competition

Employment Pathways

Throughout the year, students have demonstrated remarkable progress in Employment Pathways, displaying exceptional skill and commitment as they completed all seven units of competency. Students have acquired extensive knowledge regarding strategies for job opportunity identification, and they have thoroughly created comprehensive action plans for career planning and employment preparation.

Particularly commendable are the extraordinary portfolios they have assembled in term 4, detailing their work experience, academic accomplishments, and the impressive resumes and cover letters they have developed. Congratulations to all students on completing their Certificate I in Employment Pathways this year!

Andy Dixon, Teacher

Keys for Life

Keys4Life is a pre-driver program that helps to educate young people about safer road use and allows them to sit their Learner's Permit Theory Test. Preparing young people for safer driving is an important component of the Western Australian road safety strategy as each year young drivers are over-represented in road crash statistics.

Students also learn about the importance of planning when going out, and strategies to help ensure their safety. We participated in the RACbStreetsmart event, learning from emergency service providers about the importance of road safety, and the consequences of accidents.

This endorsed program is delivered as part of our Centres focus on promoting independence for our students. All students applied themselves to the theory component and the road rules quizzes, and increased their knowledge and understanding of being safe on the roads.

Congratulations to Liam, Rhys and Han on passing their Learners Permit Theory Test of the Keys for Life Pre-Driver Education Program this year. Well done.

Steve Ryce, Teacher

ASDAN Personal Care

As we reach the end of Term 4, it’s time to reflect on the wonderful progress and achievements made in our ASDAN Personal Care course. This term has been an exciting journey filled with hands-on activities, group work, and important life skills that our students have embraced with enthusiasm.

One of the highlights of the Term was our role-playing activity where we created a hair salon in the classroom. The students really got into character, taking on roles as stylists, clients, and assistants. They practiced communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving in a fun and engaging way. The creativity and energy the students brought to the activity was amazing, and it was clear that everyone had a great time while also developing their personal care and social skills.

In addition to the hair salon role play, the students also worked on a fascinating experiment involving jars of rice. This experiment is part of an investigation into the power of self-talk. The students learned about how positive and negative self-talk can affect both our mindset and well-being. The experiment involved talking to jars of rice—one was spoken to with positive affirmations, and the other was exposed to negative comments. Over time, the students observed and discussed the differences between the two jars, which helped them understand the importance of encouraging and positive thoughts in their everyday lives.

A significant part of this term has also focused on compiling and updating our portfolios. The students have been documenting their learning experiences, reflecting on their growth, and showcasing the skills they have developed throughout the course. It’s been a fantastic opportunity for them to see how far they have come and to take pride in their achievements. Student have also worked incredibly well as a group, supporting one another and making sure everyone feels involved and valued. The teamwork, dedication, and positive attitude shown by the students have made this term truly special.

As we wrap up the term, we can look back with care at the hard work and progress made. We are all excited for the new challenges and learning opportunities that await us next year. Well done, everyone – it’s been a fantastic term! We look forward to seeing how all the students continue to grow and develop in the future.

Melissa Coultas- Jones, Teacher

Basketball Carnival

What a fantastic display of sportsmanship, courage and skill demonstrated by students at the final carnival of the year!Thank you to Mr Scott for ensuring the organisational aspects of the day were taken care of, our wonderful staff for supporting our students and to Kalamunda Secondary ESC for organising such fantastic carnivals once again this year.

Shout out to our award winners listed below:

Best on Ground: Liam and Shanelle
Highest Goal Scorers: Matthew S and Daniel B
Coaches Award: Ethan and Lachlan
Luci G Award: Haylee and Han

Jack Scott, Teacher

Bushranger Cadets

The cadets have had a very successful and busy term 4, participating in many activities and completing their Bushranger journals. The cadets went on an excursion to the Perth Zoo, where we learnt about conservation and adaptions that Australian animals have in the Aussie Adventures educational program presentation, and also explored the zoo and its many animals. We also had an incursion from The South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare (SERCUL), where the cadets participated in an interactive presentation and learned about catchments, nutrients and algae, and saw first hand what happens when nutrients enter our river and wetland systems. They also learned how to save our rivers and wetlands. Cadets also participated in researching and planning for our Adopt A Spot venues in 2025, which required them to work as part of a team, and commenced work on our Landscope Art competition entry for 2025.

The Electoral Commission also visited our school and explained the voting system in Australia, including who can vote and how to cast your vote.

The cadets demonstrated all the qualities of both Bushranger Cadets and Cyril Jackson ESC students displaying maturity, teamwork and a general willingness to try new things. This attitude ensured that the cadets not only learnt new skills, but supported each other in having fun during the activities.

Steve Ryce, Bushranger Unit Leader

Perth Zoo

DRUMBEAT is an acronym for (Discovering Relationships Using Music; Beliefs, Emotions, Attitudes & Thoughts).

The students have enjoyed learning about the drums, and mastering the basic drumming strokes of Bass, Tone, Slap, and scratch. Learning to work as a team and listening to the beats engages the students and leads to building social skills, and increased self-esteem. Playing rhythm-based games on the drums we have had the opportunity to discuss and explore topics including peer pressure, communication, and dealing with emotions. During the weekly lessons making music together as a group the confidence of students to participate and add their own ideas and thoughts has increased throughout the semester. Games and “Rumbles” on the drums are a way for students to take ownership and discus topics and themes that are important to them in a safe place. The students have embraced the program and developed a real sense of community in the group and have enjoyed welcoming new members.

The students have been composing and practicing for our performance at the End of Year Awards & Graduation Ceremony, and are excited to be performing for their peers.

Steve Ryce, Teacher

School Reunion

We had a HUGE turnout of former students coming together to share memories and stories of their time as students of CJSC ESC at our annual school reunion this term. It was so great to see past students and hear about their amazing accomplishments since graduating from school.
Staff enjoyed listening to their stories and what they have been up to since leaving school. It was nice to hear some students are still friends after all these years. Bean@bility supplied a delicious morning tea and refreshments.
Thank you to everyone who attended and to staff for organising the event.

Student Councillors

This year’s Student Councillors have ended the year with another fun filled term, ensuring students felt a sense of belonging and connection to the school and each other.

This amazing team have supported student nominees through the selection process for our 2025 Student Council Leadership Program, offering insight into the role and assisting with speech planning.

The Student Council’s final event was most memorable - a summer fiesta to celebrate the end of the year, complete with sausage sizzle, lawn games, face painting, music and of course lots of dancing!

Dom, Mathew, Lena, Duay, Riley & Han have been an exceptional team and wonderful leaders of the 2024 student cohort.

Katerina Pruiti, Wellbeing Officer

2024 Yearbook

Please be reminded that our 2024 Yearbook is currently available to purchase for $20.00. Money can be sent directly to our bank account - BSB 066100 ACC 00902500 (reference: student surname – Yearbook).

Copies can also be purchased in 2025.

2024 Term 4, Issue 4 Newsletter