2023 Term 4, Issue 4 Newsletter
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Principal's Message . . .
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Outstanding School Fees and Charges . . .
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B1 Classroom . . .
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B2 Classroom . . .
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B4 Classroom . . .
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B5 Classroom . . .
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B6 Classroom . . .
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End of Year Awards and Graduation Ceremony
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2023 Graduates
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Classroom Achievement Awards . . .
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Workplace Learning Award . . .
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Certificate I in Permaculture . . .
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Certificate II in CGEA . . .
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Employment Pathways
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Keys for Life
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Kalability Cricket Carnival Cancelled . . .
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Bushrangers . . .
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DRUMBEAT . . .
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School Reunion . . .
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STEM . . .
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2023 Student Councillors . . .
Principal's Message . . .
Term 4 is always a busy and emotional term as we farewell our School Leavers. What wonderful memories we have of all of them as they step into the next part of their life journey. We, as a staff feel honoured to have been part of their journey and wish each one of them all the very best in their future endeavours.
We have had so many events happening in our school and in the local community this term. We have had Advocacy Educators coming into school to teach our school leavers how to have a voice as young adults and where to get support in the community. We have also had the RAC come into school to workshop with our students how to service and maintain a car which is extremely pertinent for our many students who have gained their Learner’s Permit through our Keys4Life Program this term.
Our School Council has held their final meeting of the year and our members were involved in 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.
Transition meetings with parents and other stakeholders are ongoing and our Support@bility session this term was presented by Landsdale Farm & Strive, Michael from Independence for Ability and Good Sammys Employment Services. This session was extremely well attended and parents had the opportunity to network during morning tea.
Unfortunately, our Cricket Carnival was cancelled due to weather conditions, but students have shown a development of cricket skills during Phys Ed lessons which will be further developed next year.
Our School Reunion was extremely well attended with past students from over 20 years ago sharing their memories of our school and how their attendance here positively impacted their lives.
In a society where communicating online becomes the norm, we felt it pertinent to invite ySafe into school this term to explore online safety issues and strategies so that students can be safe in this virtual space. The presentation was well received by students.
We were honoured to invite David Byrant into school who gave a motivational talk to our students around achievement and overcoming disability to create a successful future as an elite athlete. Our students and staff were enthralled with David’s life story and his ability to articulate that it is the small steps that count in goal setting to achieve the desired outcome.
Our Graduation ceremony celebrated 17 students leaving Cyril Jackson this year and we wish each of our Leavers the very best in their life after school.
Our Transition Days took place on Tuesday 5th and Tuesday 12th December and gave new students an opportunity to familiarise themselves with their new school. Our parent morning tea was well attended and gave an opportunity for current and new parents to socialise and network.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff for their hard work and commitment this term for ensuring our students are 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. We are lucky to have such a wonderfully invested team. I wish you all a well-deserved and relaxing summer break.
We look forward to welcoming back Heidi Rushworth, our Work placement Coordinator in 2024.
We also have our MCS Rebecca Dalgleish taking some well-deserved leave in 2024, I would like to thank Becc for her commitment to our school over the years. Jodi Wells will be stepping into the MCS role for Semester 1, 2024. Welcome to our school Jodi.
Our Deputy Principal, Sam Brassington, will be taking up a position as Principal at Kalamunda Primary Education Support Centre for Semester 1, 2024. We wish Sam all the very best in her new role and thank her for her passion, enthusiasm and positive outlook over the last 3 years. Elizabeth Collodel will be stepping into the Deputy Principal role at our school for Semester 1 2024.
I wish all of our families a relaxing summer break and thank you for your ongoing support of our school.
‘Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the wisdom that experience can instil in us’ Hal Borland
Christine Lester, Principal
Outstanding School Fees and Charges . . .
Thank you to families who have already paid their school fees and charges. If you haven't already paid, please kindly pay as soon as possible. We use your fees to support individual education programs offered at the Centre and budget for full payment of subjects and other specific activities the students undertake.
If you are having difficulty making payment, please contact our MCS on 9413 4850 to make a payment plan arrangement.
B1 Classroom . . .
During Term 4, B1 class have researched many different countries around the world and written a project about Vietnam which will be displayed on our classroom wall. All our Math and English Preliminary units are completed and students continue to work hard on IEP goals.
B1 students have continued to watch BTN by choice as they show enormous interest in what’s going on in the world and love completing the end quiz as a group.
In ASDAN Independent Living, students have achieved incredible milestones! We have learned many essential life skills such as budgeting, cooking, and personal hygiene. We also explored topics on health and safety, community engagement and a project to plan a holiday. Our accomplishments in this module have equipped students with valuable knowledge and prepared them for independent living.
In the classroom as a group, we have achieved so much, the students have showcased their creativity, developed teamwork skills and tackled challenging projects. We will continue to work hard until the end of term and celebrate our continuing growth in our journey of independent living.
Melissa Coultas-Jones, B1 Classroom Teacher
B2 Classroom . . .
Term 4 has brought about continued success for the students of B2 classroom, marking a significant phase in finalising their academic achievements. Their efforts in completing Math and English Preliminary Units are truly commendable, reflecting their unwavering dedication to producing work of the highest standard.
Students have reached a noteworthy milestone by achieving certificates in Employment Pathways and Retail and completing their year long ASDAN portfolios. Their perseverance and commitment to their coursework are a testament to their resilience and hard work, and they should take great pride in their accomplishments.
To celebrate their achievements, B2 and B5 came together for an enjoyable end of year excursion to Nostalgia Box, showcasing their independence and maturity in navigating public transportation. The students indulged in a fun-filled morning of classic games, ending in an American-style lunch with hearty burgers and fries.
This year has been particularly rewarding for me as an educator, as I've had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable growth and maturation of the B2 class. Whether in their social, emotional, physical, or academic development, these students have made substantial strides throughout the year, exemplifying the inclusive and nurturing environment of Cyril Jackson SC ESC. Congratulations to everyone for a truly memorable year!
Andrew Dixon, B2 Classroom Teacher
Nostaligia Box & John Forrest National Park
B4 Classroom . . .
B4 classroom have had a busy and exciting Term 4, 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, and our School Ball.
As part of our Preliminary English Program, students have continued to investigate career and education pathways and opportunities for when they leave school. During our class Community Access excursions to Optus and AQWA we focussed on developing independence with students being involved in excursion planning, including travel, determining the itinerary, opening hours for the venues, 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.
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. Students have also completed their resumes and completed considerable research into career and study opportunities post school in 2024.
Steve Ryce, B4 Classroom Teacher
B5 Classroom . . .
Term 4 is usually a whirlwind Term, and this year has been no different for the B5 classroom.
In week 4, students joined B2 Classroom on a Community Access excursion to Nostalgia Box Retro Gaming Museum. Students enjoyed learning about the history of video games and playing each other on the vintage consoles. I think they also enjoyed wiping the floor with me in these games as well.
During Term 4, we enjoyed honing our skills in cricket. Skills such as catching, throwing, batting and bowling were drilled into our students, sadly due to high temperatures, Kalability Cricket Carnival was cancelled.
However, I must admit that the end of 2023 is bittersweet. The B5 classroom must bid farewell to three school leavers: Carter, Dylan and Sam. Although I am beyond proud of the progress all three students have made while at Cyril Jackson SC ESC, I think I speak for everybody when I say that they will be dearly missed. Gina, Shane and I wish all three of you nothing but success and happiness in your life post- school. Congratulations on concluding 13 years of schooling!
To the rest of my B5 students – congratulations on a great year and I can’t wait to see you all next year.
Mikail Koulianos, B5 Classroom Teacher
B6 Classroom . . .
It has been a busy and productive Term for B6 staff and students as we draw closer to graduation day on the 1st December.
School leavers have been busily preparing their graduation portfolios, including developing and finalising resumes and cover letters which are looking extremely professional and give a true representation of all of the skills, achievements and experiences students have gained since being at Cyril Jackson ESC.
In week 7, students joined B1 Classroom on a Community Access excursion to Francis Burt Law Education Program which was a fun and educational day learning about the West Australian law system.
We enjoyed many incursions and excursions this term, from the RAC Car Maintenance workshop, YSafe cyber safety incursion and influential guest speakers, we have learnt so much and worked so hard.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate my school leavers Samantha, James, Jack, Ava and Eloise on such a productive and fun year. It has been a pleasure having you all in B6 classroom this year and on behalf of myself and our wonderful Education Assistants Donna and Shaylee, we wish you all the very best in your very exciting future endeavours!
To the remaining B6 students Daniel, Shaya and Tia – well done on a successful Term and I look forward to another fun-filled year in 2024!
Liz Collodel, B6 Classroom Teacher
End of Year Awards and Graduation Ceremony
Our End of Year Awards and Graduation Ceremony 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 Dave Kelly - Member for Bassendean, Di Trezise - Coordinator of Regional Operations North Met Network, Jason Burton - Swan District Football Club and Ella Bater - Australian Defence Force.
Our graduating students this year are Ava, Blake, Carter, Dylan, Eloise, Jack, James, Kiana, Luci, Michael, Noah, Omar, Rory, Ryan, Samantha, Sam and Shannon.
Congratulations on the following students who received an award
Citizenship Award - Samantha Cousemacker
Commitment to Excellence Award - Rory Risbey
Ampol Best Allrounder Award - Ryan Wilton
Workplace Learning "Independent" Award - Domenic Milieri
Workplace Learning "Supported"Award - Kiana Russell
Sportsmanship Award - Matthew Spooner
Long Tan Award Year 10 - Lachlan Lance
Most Improved Award Year 10 - Amelia Blanchonette
Most Improved Award Year 11 - Domenic Milieri
Most Improved Award Year 12 - Shanelle Kelly-Rickards
Most Improved Award Year 13 - Omar Hicks
Principals Awards - Eloise Auld & Luci Gill
2023 Graduates
Congratulations to our all of our 2023 Graduates.
We wish all the best for the future and look forward to seeing you at our school reunion in 2024.
Graduation 2023
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 - Han Nguyen
B2 Classroom - Jordan Williams
B4 Classroom - Kiana Russell
B5 Classroom - Dylan Perzyna
B6 Classroom - Eloise Auld
Workplace Learning Award . . .
Congratulations to Dylan Perzyna who received the Workplace Learning Achievement Award for Semester 2, 2023. In recognition of his efforts at Ross's Discount Store.
Certificate I in Permaculture . . .
In Term 4, Students were busy maintaining, pruning and weeding in the community garden. Students also grew produce in their garden beds. Each week, students collected food scraps for composting and fed the worms in the worm farm.
Congratulations to six students who completed their certificate I in Permaculture. Seven students received a certificate of appreciation for all their hard work and participation both in the classroom and work outside in the community garden. Well done everyone on a great year.
Gina Russo-Forcina, Education Assistant
Certificate II in CGEA . . .
Term 4 has been the best one yet for CGEA students and staff, as we can finally celebrate the completion of the full qualification!
I would like to congratulate Samantha, Carter, Ryan, Rory, Lachlan S and Jaime for their hard work and dedication this year which has seen them complete and achieve their Certificate II General Education for Adults. A special mention must also be given to our late addition, Stephanie, who has been part of the CGEA journey for one semester and has been able to achieve part of the qualification in this time.
A shout out to Education Assistant Lee, who has been instrumental in assisting these students in completing a very high standard of work this term as we have had to work hard and fast to complete the qualification within a given timeline – your help has been very much appreciated!
To this wonderful, intelligent group of students, it has been an absolute pleasure teaching you this year. I have no doubt that this qualification will assist you with all of your future endeavours and I wish you all the best with your future studies and aspirations!
Liz Collodel, Teacher
Employment Pathways
Throughout this semester, students have demonstrated remarkable progress in their coursework, exhibiting exceptional skill and unwavering commitment as they proficiently completed the remaining units of competency.
Over the course of the semester, students have acquired extensive knowledge regarding strategies for job opportunity identification, and they have diligently crafted comprehensive action plans for career planning and employment preparation. Particularly commendable are the extraordinary portfolios they have assembled, meticulously detailing their work experience, academic accomplishments, and the impressive resumes and cover letters they have thoroughly developed.
I applaud all the students in Employment Pathways for their outstanding dedication, which has culminated in the successful attainment of their certificates. Their remarkable efforts are truly deserving of recognition.
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. This endorsed program is delivered as part of our Centre's focus on promoting independence for our students.
Congratulations to Domenic, Dylan, Blake, Luci and Matthew on passing their Learners Permit Theory Test of the Keys for Life Pre-Driver Education Program this year. Well done.
Steve Ryce, Teacher
Kalability Cricket Carnival Cancelled . . .
Our Term 4 Kalability Cricket Carnival was cancelled this Term due to high heat temperatures. We are looking forward to commencing training next year for our next Kalability Sports Carnival in Term 1, 2024.
Jack Scott, Teacher
Bushrangers . . .
The bushranger 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 John Forrest National Park, where we learnt about the parks history, purpose and features from Ranger John. The cadets walked the trail to the Old Train Tunnel or Hovea Falls and enjoyed a BBQ lunch. We also had an incursion from Bush Wisdom where the students learnt more about survival and staying safe in the bush, as well as handling many different snakes and lizards. Cadets also participated in researching and planning for our Adopt A Spot venues in 2024, which required them to work as part of a team
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
DRUMBEAT . . .
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 Graduation Assembly, and are excited to be performing for their peers.
Steve Ryce, Teacher
School Reunion . . .
Our annual school Reunion is held in Term 4 each year. We had a fabulous turnout, with 23 students attending with some who came to our Centre as far back as 2007. Some students even recognised two staff members who were at the school in 2007, Glen our Social Trainer and Karen a teacher.
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.
Some students couldn’t attend due to work commitments. Thank you to everyone who attended.
STEM . . .
During STEM this year, we created many interesting projects. Our Term 4 project was perhaps the most interesting though.
For an interschool STEM lego competition, students were tasked with designing a machine out of lego that could aid a person with a disability. Our team “Big Figs” decided to design a motorised walking cane that could aid a visually impaired person. Students designed a cane that could scan different surfaces and depending on the colours of the surface, vibrate to direct the user: vibrating to communicate whether they can continue to walk or need to stop. Our project also included bigger picture thinking, where students described that this machine would work best in a world that embraced helping people with disabilities, and that in an ideal world public places, workspaces and homes should include surfaces that have materials that our mechanised “cane” could scan to direct its user.
Our team ended up winning the overall prize and won 4 out of the 8 categories. I am beyond proud of the amount of work my STEM students put into this project – they used their individual strengths to come up with an amazing result. Fantastic achievement everyone.
Mikail Koulianos, Teacher
2023 Student Councillors . . .
The 2023 student councillors have proven to be a group of young people who have displayed a strong sense of duty and responsibility to all of the students at CJ’s to ensure our students have a voice that is heard at school. They have led our weekly student assemblies, growing in confidence in public speaking which is a skill that will be valuable in life.
Monday, 27 November will be our final awards assembly which student councillors will run for 2023 as the year draws to end and we reflect on how many things our student councillors have achieved.
In Week 6 our student councillors spoke so passionately about what it has been like to be a student councillor and why others should nominate for the role to a group of our new upcoming yr 12/13 students.
The process for the 2024 student councillors has begun with many students interested putting their name in to be nominated for 2024. The new councillors will be announced at the Graduation Assembly.
I would like to say a huge thank you to all our student councillors. Omar Hicks, Shanelle Kelly- Rickards, Rory Risbey, Samantha Cousemaker, Shannon Stobie, Lachlan Stoute you all should be proud of the legacy you have worked hard to leave at our wonderful school.
Sam Brassington, Deputy Principal