2024 Term 3, Issue 3 Newsletter

Principal's Message

What an exciting and eventful Term 3 we have had with so many activities enjoyed by students, staff and families.

The Public-School Review team returned to school this term to witness our continuous school improvement journey in Quality Teaching and Leadership and we gained excellent feedback in both areas.  Thank you to all staff for your continued effort and commitment to ensure positive student outcomes and evidencing this for the Public School Review process.

Our School Council has held their third meeting of the year and attendees were involved in discussions guiding the school’s strategic planning, financial position and future growth.

Our Annual Bush Ranger Camp to Cahoots Camp in Bullsbrook was a huge success with students pushing themselves out of their comfort zones to attempt activities with resilience and courage.  We saw a real connectedness, encouragement and supportive bonds between students, all essential to form sustainable friendships.   For more photos, please check  our Facebook page and school website.

The School Ball was extremely well attended with students and staff enjoying an evening of delicious food, music and dance.  Our students were a real credit to the school looking extremely glamorous and practising exceptional social skills and table etiquette which they had practiced during Home Economics lessons with Cath McDougall.  Many thanks to Cath for her continued support of our students in acquiring meaningful skills for life.  Lifelong memories were created for students as they embraced every aspect of the evening.   Thank you to all staff who gave their time to support this wonderful social event.

Transition meetings with parents and other stakeholders are ongoing and our Support@bility session this term was presented by DDWA with the focus around advocacy and transition planning for life after school alongside ‘I’m online’ which is an organisation supporting families to access and navigate NDIS. The session was well attended by parents.  

Our participation in the Kal@bility AFL Carnival was also a huge success and enjoyed by all with some incredible skills at play and all of our students played the ‘Right Way’ with courtesy, fair play and sportsmanship.  Well done to all students and staff involved.

This Term we continue to deliver VET and Endorsed programs alongside programs that promote mindfulness and self-regulation. 

Our second Open Day ensured that information was delivered to prospective parents by a presentation and a school tour. The Open Day was well attended and our enrolments continue to grow as our school profile is promoted in the wider community.

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 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 each and everyone of you on our team.

PLEASE NOTE - a new absentee procedure will be implemented Term 4 on 14 October, 2024, parent information will be sent via email.

I wish all of our families a relaxing Term 3 break and thank you for your ongoing support of our school.

 “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.” — Sydney J. Harris

Christine Lester,  Principal

School fees and charges

Thank you to families who have already paid their child’s school fees and charges.  If you haven’t already paid, please pay as soon as possible.  We use your fees to support individual educational programs offered at CJSC ESC and budget for full payment of subjects and other specific activities the student’s undertake. 

If you are having trouble paying, please contact the MCS, Remy Watkins on 9413 4850 to make a payment plan arrangement. 

B1 Classroom

Term 3 is usually the most crazy Term in the year, and this year proved no different!  Between excursions, camp, footy carnival and the school ball - B1 students were kept very busy. 

The excursion to Optus Stadium was a huge success. Bushranger Camp taught us so much about ourselves (and was exhausting), while the School Ball kept B1 students dancing the night away! 

Students learned about Indigenous culture and made amazing damper during NAIDOC week, and learned all about mental health awareness through R U OK? day, these experiences amongst all our other learnings ensure that our students will have earned their holidays. 

Mikail Koulianos, B1 Classroom Teacher

B2 Classroom

This Term has been action-packed and thrilling for B2, marked by the arrival of new faces and unforgettable experiences.  At the school camp, students faced their fears on the high ropes, had a blast in laser tag, got covered in colourful paint, and marvelled at the stars during astronomy night. These moments of fun and friendship created lasting memories.

The school ball was another highlight, where B2 students dazzled in their fancy attire, danced enthusiastically, and enjoyed a lively evening. It was heartening to see the students so at ease with each other, posing for photos, socializing over dinner, and enjoying the music with laughter and energy.

Additionally, B2 joined B1 for an exciting community access excursion to Optus Stadium. The students showcased their excellent public transport skills and relished the stadium tour, coupled with a picturesque lunch.

This Term has truly showcased B2’s growth, from academic perseverance to embracing new challenges, whether adjusting to a new school or starting a new workplace. Witnessing their enthusiasm and development has been incredibly rewarding. Well done to everyone in B2!

Andrew Dixon,  B2 Classroom Teacher

Optus Stadium

B4 Classroom

B4 classroom have had a busy and exciting Term 3, filled with many interesting and enjoyable activities providing a variety of opportunities to learn. We have welcomed two new students, Caleb and Joshua who are great additions to our class. Students have undertaken many activities including Bushranger Camp, Work Place Learning, Bushranger Cadets, Community Access excursions, AFL Sports carnival and 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 excursion to the Perth Mint, 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.

All 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

Visit to Perth Mint

B6 Classroom

This has been an action-packed term in B6, with new students, major events and long-term projects progressing throughout the past three months. We started August welcoming CC and Luke into the classroom, who have quickly settled in with their peers. In class we have been working on job interview skills, time management and being able to plan appointments independently. I would like to thank Shane, Louise and Ed for supporting these programs and ensuring our students success. Continuing through the term, the excursion to the Perth Mint was an interesting glimpse into WA history, and the Kal@bility AFL carnival showcased our students’ resilience and sportsmanship.

The Term finished strong with the Bushrangers Camp and School Ball, where students made memories that will last a lifetime. I am looking forward to an amazing last term to cap off an awesome year!

Jack Scott, B6 Classroom Teacher

Classroom Achievement Awards

Congratulations to the following students who received a Classroom Achievement Award for Term 3.  We are very proud of you all and your academic achievements!    Keep up the good work.  

B1 Classroom -  Monique 
B2 Classroom -  Hayden 
B4 Classroom -  Matthew 
B6 Classroom -  Liam 

Student Councillors

This Term our Student Councillors have focused on spreading awareness of our core values at CJ ESC – Belonging, Respect, Resilience and Courage.

With events such as:
Bullying No Way Day – Everyone Belongs
Wear It Purple Day and
R U OK? Day

Students are encouraged to speak up and help create a safe place where everyone feels supported, respected, and a sense of belonging. When we feel like we belong, bullying struggles to find a place. It's about embracing who we are, respecting everyone's differences and standing up together against unkindness.

We all play a part in keeping each other safe. If you are concerned for your safety or the safety of others, seek immediate assistance for urgent matters by calling 000, present to your nearest emergency department for immediate medical attention, or contact one of the following emergency crisis support services:

• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467.
  

End of Term was celebrated with a fun pancake & trivia day with a warm sense of togetherness. 

Remember, we’re better together.

Bushrangers Camp

This Term our Bushrangers Camp was at Cahoots Adventure Camp in Bullsbrook was a great success. The students participated in a variety of activities requiring them to work as part of a team, challenge themselves, demonstrating maturity in following the camp instructors directions. All students behaved in a responsible manner, proved adaptable when the weather required slight changes to the timing of activities, and encouraged and supported each other while having fun.

Students also demonstrated all the qualities of both Bushranger Cadets and Cyril Jackson SC ESC students and the camp staff commented on the outstanding behaviour and general willingness to try new things by our students. It was great to see the daytrip students also enjoy being part of the school camp and made a yummy BBQ lunch for the students and staff returning to school on Friday.

 Steve Ryce, Bushranger Coordinator

Cahoots Camp

School Ball

This year a total of 26 students and 12 staff came together to celebrate at the annual school ball, held at the Mercure.  Students were treated to a delightful three course meal and delicious drinks. As always, ESC students were the first to get up on the dance floor where they remained for the entire night. The photobooth remained a popular hangout where students snapped many photos of themselves - memories that can be held on to for a lifetime. 

The interaction between the ESC and Senior Campus students is always a pleasure to observe - it is always such a fun-filled event where students can let their hair down, enjoy socialising with their friends and engaging in new and exciting experiences. 

Well done to students for their involvement in this year's ball and thank you to all staff involved in the supervision aspect of the evening. 

Liz Collodel, Deputy Principal

Open Day

On Thursday  22nd August Cyril Jackson Senior Campus Education Support Centre held their second Open Day of the year. It was a very successful day with approximately 15 guests in attendance who provided some very positive feedback on the day's proceedings. The morning consisted of a presentation by teachers/trainers, showcasing the various programs that the Centre has on offer. Guests were then taken on a tour of the Campus that ended with a morning tea served by the Education Support Centre's students and Bean@bility/Cafe Culture team.

Please see below some positive comments from guests who attended our Open Day this term:

"It was extremely enjoyable and professionally run"
"It was wonderful to see how connected the students are, well done to all staff for your passion and commitment".

Liz Collodel, Deputy Principal

Sports Carnival

This Term, students competed in the Kick@bility AFL carnival at Kostera Oval.  Everyone gave their all, kicking goals, spoiling marks and taking on their opponents.

Although we didn't come home with any wins, I am exceptionally proud of everyone on the sportsmanship and effort shown.  Bring on the Cricket carnival in term 4!  Congratulations to the following award winners.

Division One
Most Valuable Player - Bailey D
Coaches Award - Liam 
Top Goal Scorer - Ethan 

Division Two
Most Valuable Player - Brad 
Coaches Award - Monique 
Top Goal Scorer - Domenic 

Luci Gill Award - Han 

Jack Scott,  Sports Teacher

Workplace Learning

The Workplace Learning Team has been working hard to obtain suitable work placements for our students that will not only be beneficial for them but also interesting. We have over 20 work placements being utilised, with some students attending multiple placements. None of this would be possible without the generosity and understanding of our employers, many of whom have had a fantastic relationship with Cyril Jackson Senior Campus Education Support Centre for many years.  Without these businesses who willingly accept our students into their establishments, there would be no Workplace Learning.

The majority of students require varying degrees of support at their work placements, and this is achieved by our Education Assistants working alongside them as role models. This is an imperative part of Workplace Learning and is another reason our students learn vital skills which are transferrable when they leave the school environment. We constantly try to match our student’s interests with a work placement as close as possible to those interests, and we are always on the look out for new employers.

By far, the majority of students enjoy Workplace Learning, and this is a fantastic outcome as it is a real insight to life after school.

Glen Stockley, WPL 

Retail

We had a busy Term 3 in Certificate 1 Retail building on our studies in semester one. Students have been working in our simulated business Toast ‘N Shake practicing the customer service and work and personal organisation skills we have been learning about in the course. The students confidence in completing tasks, asking for assistance when required and interacting with each other and customers has increased throughout the Term and the level of independence being developed is a credit to the students and the staff training them.

We have enjoyed many interesting discussions and mock scenarios where the students have demonstrated the theory knowledge they have learned by applying it to possible real life situations and actual situations in our business at Toast ‘N Shake.

Steve Ryce, Teacher

Cafe Culture

This year, our students have shown incredible dedication and enthusiasm. They have worked hard to master both the theory and practical skills of their course. The highlight of their efforts has been working with the industrial coffee machine, a challenge they embraced with great enthusiasm. They have learned to make 10 different types of coffee and spent many hours perfecting their skills.

The progress we’ve seen in each student has been impressive. They’ve become confident in setting up the coffee machine, grinding beans, frothing milk, and following health and safety rules. These budding baristas have combined their theoretical knowledge with real-world skills seamlessly.

As the Term comes to an end, I am confident in their ability to excel in their practical assessments. Their hard work and growth this year truly reflect their potential.

Andy Dixon, Teacher

Photography

The Photography students have spent all of Term 3 honing their craft and taking exceptional photographs.  Student have also learnt about the artistic movements of Pop Art, Impressionism and Surrealism, and have been learning about the techniques to imitate them. 

Mikail Koulianos, Teacher

Bean@bility

Bean@bility Café (simulated workplace) has continued to provide a social hub for students, staff and families to have morning tea and lunch. Students have gained experience in all aspects of Café management, including customer service, food preparation, coffee making, money handling and EFTPOS skills.

Students have catered for many school events such as Open Day, School Reunion and School Meetings.  It is such a pleasure to see how much the student’s confidence has grown and the skills they have learnt. Congratulations to all involved.

Louise Southern

Art

This Semester  students have been designing their own pull out comic/focus books. They've  developed their own theme and produced a series of sketches and designs to incorporate into their own book.  Students were able to experiment with a variety of media and draw inspiration from  comic book artists.  Students chose an eclectic assortment of themes- from Dinosaurs, Greek Gods, Star Wars, Asterix and The Flintstones!

It was wonderful to witness each student totally engaged in their own 'story' and enthusiastic in each lesson.  Discussions around the elements & principles of Art & Design were embedded into their planning and layout.  A wonderfully creative bunch of art students!

Dee George, Visual Arts Teacher

STEM

This Semester has been both fun and engaging during our STEM lessons as students explore the engineering process through research, brainstorming, and creating. B2 has teamed up with B1 to dive into building and coding with Lego, a new and exciting challenge.

We are currently preparing for a Lego competition in Term 4, where students will design a Lego creation to assist someone with special needs in accessing the arts. We’re in the brainstorming phase now, and the students have been coming up with some fantastic ideas.

I’m excited to see how our students will bring their Lego designs to life and look forward to following their progress as we gear up for this big event.

Andy Dixon, B2 Classroom Teacher

Home Economics

Throughout Term 3, students have been diving into the world of practical, everyday cooking, learning to create simple and healthy meals that can easily be replicated at home. The Term's program, designed to promote healthy eating habits and self-sufficiency in the kitchen. The students started the Term looking at basic breakfast meals, which gradually evolved into lunch and dinner items, and to round the Term off,  students were preparing snack items.

Building on the student’s prior knowledge of kitchen safety, students were introduced to a variety of tools and techniques, gaining invaluable skills that extend beyond the classroom.  Having the meals set out from breakfast to dinner, has allowed the students to explore a concept of meal planning and preparation.

Each meal has offered students an opportunity to understand the role of different foods and how they help in achieving a balanced diet.  Over the past 10 weeks, students have made great progress, demonstrating noticeable growth in their culinary skills and a deeper understanding of healthy eating.

It is clear students are leaving this Term with more confidence in the kitchen, ready to apply their knowledge at home and beyond.

Holly Seery, Home Economics Teacher

Yoga

Yoga and mindfulness sessions have been a very popular option class amongst students, with 8 students taking part in these sessions on a weekly basis!

Each yoga & mindfulness session is broken up into six components. We begin by completing a check-in where students can choose to express their feelings at the beginning of the session. This is then followed by guided breathing, yoga pose warm-ups, a themed activity, teacher-led yoga pose patterns and always ending with everyone’s favourite– mindful meditation.

It is very rewarding to see students gain so much from each yoga and mindfulness session. There is a great difference that can be observed with students’ energy and attitude pre and post yoga.

Yoga and mindfulness sessions allow students to ‘switch-off’ for 50 minutes and become present with what we call in yoga, the ‘here and now.’ Not only do these sessions teach students about how to be mindful, but they also focus on very important topics and themes each session, like gratitude, positivity and kindness and the benefits of yoga for our body.

Gina Russo-Forcina

Permaculture

Permaculture students have had a very successful season growing potatoes from seedlings which were donated by the Potato Growers Association.   In Term 2, permaculture students prepared a garden bed, using a ruler, they measured out the width and depth of holes to plant potato seeds. 

 After three months of growing  potatoes, students harvested the potatoes on 3 September 2024. The students collected four buckets full of potatoes, which they then sorted into small medium and large sizes.

After sorting the potatoes into sizes, using a handheld scale the students weighted individual piles of potatoes. As a numeracy activity the students recorded the small potatoes 2.115kg, medium 10.099kg and large 9.830kg and total of 22.044 kilograms of produce.  The students collected potatoes and placed them into bags to take them home.

This activity has proved to be a rewarding experience for the students, who have been  learning about plant care in a permaculture system as part of their skill set.

Potato Harvest

Music

In Term three, students have been learning musical concepts through playing guitar, keyboard and singing. These traditional music lessons take place on Thursdays during periods three and four and have a practical focus. Now in the program’s third year, students are learning at their own pace with a range from musical novice to more advanced playing for those practising in their own time. Performances within our setting is subject to student competence and desire to showcase their talent.  

All students are showing progress and it is hoped that these experiences may spark interest to continue learning,  practising and playing music beyond school.

Ed Thieme, Music Teacher

Important Dates for Term 4

Please check out our calendar of events on our school website  - www.cyriljacksonesc.wa.edu.au.

Monday 7 October - Staff development day, students do not attend
Tuesday 8 October - Term 4 commence
Tuesday 22 October - school reunion 
Wednesday 13 November - Basketball carnival
Friday 15 November - Support@bility Info Session
Friday 29 November - End of Year Awards & Graduation Ceremony 
Friday 29 November - last day of school for graduating students
Monday 9 December - Reports sent home
Thursday 12 December - Last day of school for all other students