2022 Term 3, Issue 4 Newsletter

Principal's Message . . .

We have had an extremely busy Term 3 with lots of exciting events happening for our students.  I would like to thank all staff for their hard work and commitment in ensuring that our students achieve positive outcomes in all aspects of their education and giving them a wide range of experiences to apply the skills taught in classrooms to a real life context.

We have recently implemented a new transition process which involves twice yearly meetings with teachers, parents and work placement staff.  This, alongside the completion of a transition checklist, will ensure that parents and guardians are getting the support they require to enable their child’s transition to be successful.  Support@bility will continue with twice termly information sessions in areas that parents have identified as being useful to them for future planning purposes.  Plan@bility sessions have also taken place this Term to re-affirm that action plans for our students leaving school are on track.

I was extremely proud as Principal of Cyril Jackson Senior Campus Education Support Centre to take our students to the School Ball at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Saturday 3^rd September.  The students presented beautifully and were a delight to be around.  All staff who attended were fortunate enough to see integration at its very best and I thank them for their time, commitment and professionalism. 

Students attended the Kal@bility AFL Sports Carnival during week 8 and were a real credit to the school, playing fairly and with great sportsmanship on and off the field.

Students also represented the school exceptionally well at the Abilities Expo where they were able to collect information about support agencies and organisations which might be pertinent to their future planning.  We also showcased a number of our successful programs at the event.  Selected students helped serve delicious coffees and cookies and demonstrated excellent hospitality skills.

Also during Term 3, we introduced music and dance lessons which take place at the end of the day on a Thursday.  Students are enjoying these options which allow them to express their creativity and aptitude.

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

 “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” Helen Keller

Christine Lester,  Principal

B1 Classroom . . .

The year has gone by very fast and we are all focused on completing our courses and programs.

Community access excursion in week 6 saw students travel to Midland Gate Shopping Centre via public transport.  Students were given an activity sheet where they had to answer a series of questions relating to location of shops; where to buy specific items and identify common signs found in the community.  Students demonstrated mature behaviour and worked well in groups to complete all tasks.  We enjoyed lunch in the food hall and students were impressive with their manners and thoughtfulness.

In week 9  we explored the WA Museum Boola Bardip, which has a wealth of knowledge to discover. 

I would like to thank all my students - Linda, Luci, Paige, Shanelle, Lachlan, Omar and Noah for their efforts this Term, as well as the dedication shown by my two wonderful Education Assistants - Deb and Mike.

Tabea Henke,  B1 Classroom Teacher

B2 Classroom . . .

The start of Semester 2 has been remarkably productive and eventful for the B2 classroom.  Students have been hard at work during Independent Living as they have been learning how to create budget sheets and work towards financial goals. In Community Access students are becoming more confident with public transport as they interpret key features of the Transperth map and determine their own route to and from destinations.  As well as this, students are making excellent progress through their Preliminary Units in Math, English and Health.  Students have also come a long way in their Certificate courses completing units in Retail, Agrifoods, Towards Independence, Work Skills and Automotive.  

Students have been dedicated and enthused in their work placements as they continue to develop the required skills to successfully thrive in a working environment. These boys have made an amazing start in some fantastic new placements such as Supply Chain Operations and TRF Mobile Auto Electrics.  The B2 classroom have participated in a number of off-campus activities this Term, including the Bush Ranger Excursion Adopt a Spot to Sandy Beach Reserve, Community Access excursions to WA Museum Boola Bardip, Caversham Wildlife Park and the Kal@bility AFL Sports Carnival.

It has been an action-packed and entertaining Term 3 and we look forward to an eventful Term 4! 

Andrew Dixon,  B2 Classroom Teacher

B3 Classroom . . .

Term 3 has seen many students begin new work placements, showcasing their skills and positive attitudes to the wider community. From accounting firms and primary schools to warehouses and cafes, B3 has led the way in getting work ready at CJ’s. We have also worked hard completing several Preliminary Units, and finishing English, Mathematics and Health studies.

New options classes such as music and dance have let students demonstrate their creative side, while others such as yoga and drumbeat give students the skills to cope with stress. Our student councillors successfully took over running student assemblies and the whole class is taking more responsibility for working independently. I would like to particularly thank B3 class Education Assistants - Julie, Ed, Mel and Miwa for working so hard to make this a successful Term.  Bring on Term 4!

Jack Scott,  B3 Classroom Teacher

B4 Classroom . . .

B4 classroom have had another busy Term, and the students have enjoyed participating in many interesting activities building on the skills learnt in first semester. Students have continued to work on completing their Preliminary Units and participated in workplace learning and other programs including Certificate Courses, STEM, Keys 4 Life, ASDAN, Bushranger Cadets, Community Access excursions, Bike@bility and Bean@bility.  Dance and Music options in Term 3 have also been popular with some students.

In our Preliminary Math and English units, we have concentrated on developing student’s independence in the community.  We have practised skills in planning for an outing. These included using the Transperth Planner to plan our journey and looking at the websites of various venues to determine things including opening and closing times, cost of entry, availability of food, and access to public toilets.

Students have been involved in the risk assessment for the various venues we have visited as part of our Community Access program. They have contributed to class brainstorms to identify potential hazards and ways we can eliminate or reduce the risk of  hazards.

Students behaved in a mature and positive manner, and demonstrated the school code of Respect Yourself, Respect Each Other, and Respect the Environment.  

All the students have contributed to a great learning environment, and it has been pleasing to see their confidence working together and individually continue to grow throughout the Term.

Steve Ryce,  B4 Classroom Teacher

B5 Classroom . . .

B5 classroom was lucky to start the Term off with three new students to our classroom – welcome Blake, Evan and Riley.  It has been a fun productive Term 3 – supplementing our regular curriculum with doing deep dive discussions on events that have been occurring around the World, exploring some notable people throughout history (such as Genghis Khan and Ned Kelly) and learning more about exercise.  

In between learning, we also enjoyed our Community Access excursions. Highlights have been Bounce and Chapels on Whatley. At Bounce, we enjoyed the opportunity to let all of our energy out and step outside of our comfort zone. Whilst at Chapels on Whatley, we sampled 12 different types of tea and enjoyed a very sophisticated lunch together.  

I’m looking forward to creating more great memories with this group of students in Term 4! 

Mikail Koulianos,  B5 Classroom Teacher

B6 Classroom . . .

It has been a super busy but productive Term 3 for B6 classroom. Students have been working hard at their work placements, gaining the necessary and critical skills needed to successfully transition in to the world of work at the end of this year! Students have been working at a range of exciting placements this Term including Karaakin Bird Conservation Centre, McDonalds, Good Sammy’s Café, Better Pets & Gardens, ACTIV Industries, Trillion Trees, Bean@bility Café and more!

In the classroom, students have been busy creating their career portfolios that include a professional resume, cover letter and a range of certificates they have gained since commencing at Cyril Jackson SC ESC.  As well as this, students have been working on their Preliminary Units in English, Maths and Health. Student councillors also initiated a fundraising day to help raise money for Daffodil Day.

Students attended a range of off-campus activities this Term, including the Kal@bility AFL sports carnival as well as attending Community Access excursions to WA Museum Boola Bardip,  Aviation Museum and  Electoral Commission. 

What a fun-packed Term – we look forward to welcoming an eventful and exciting Term 4.

Liz Collodel,  B6 Classroom Teacher

Classroom Achievement Awards . . .

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

B1 Classroom - Linda Pham
B2 Classroom - Domenic Milieri
B3 Classroom - Ella Morris
B4 Classroom - James Beesley
B5 Classroom - Evan Overton
B6 Classroom - Riley Farrell

CJSC ESC Open Day . . .

We recently held two Open Days at our School, both of which were extremely well attended.  Parents and potential students had the opportunity to meet the Admin team and staff who play key roles in the School.  It was wonderful to listen to Teachers and Education Assistants share information about the programs they deliver. 

Parents and potential students were given a formal tour of the School, seeing our programs in action.  We also visited the Main Campus option classes including Design & Technology, Home Economics and Art.  We ended the morning networking with each other during morning tea which was prepared and served by our Bean@bility students and staff. 

Cafe Culture . . .

Over the past few months the students in Café Culture have been hard at work achieving their skill set in preparing and serving espresso coffee and using hygienic practises for food safety.  Students from our Centre, Ellenbrook and Dianella ESC have been dedicating a lot of time completing their theory work to a high standard and applying what they are learning in their practical experiences.

Students are becoming increasingly confident in organising their workstation, texturing milk, extracting coffee and cleaning equipment to a professional standard. Students have completed their first theory unit and gained experience in making all 10 coffees with the correct amount of espresso coffee and foam into the required cup or glass size.

The students from Ellenbrook and Dianella have completed all theory work and will attempt their final practical assessment at the end of this Term.  It has been a phenomenal effort from everyone, well done!

Andrew Dixon, Teacher

Certificate I in Retail Services . . .

We are having another busy year in Certificate 1 in Retail Services. The students complete five units of competency to achieve this certificate or get a Certificate of Attainment if they successfully complete some of the units, but not all five.  The students are learning about applying safe work practices (WHS), organising themselves and the work area, communication and working effectively in the workplace and operating retail equipment.

The course involves theory and practical work and the students practice what they are learning in our simulated workplace - Toast ‘N Shake. They are supported in making toasted sandwiches and milkshakes; taking and delivering customer orders; taking the payment either in cash or using the EFTPOS machine and ensuring the workplace is clean and they are well presented in their Retail apron. 

The students have also planned, designed and produced bags and tags to be sold at the Spring Festival in Term 4 (see Art section for photos). It has been pleasing to see students grow in confidence in performing  Retail tasks throughout the year.  These transferable skills will help equip the students in future employment opportunities.

Steve Ryce, Teacher

Toast 'N' Shake

Rory communicating effectively with his employer - phoning in sick.

Certificate I in Agrifoods . . .

Every Tuesday this year, students have been busy working towards a Certificate I in Agrifoods at Kiara College’s Farm School. Led by Penny Lee (Teacher and Agricultural Specialist), students from Cyril Jackson SC ESC have combined with students from Durham Road School to gain knowledge and work experience in basic agricultural and horticultural practices.

Course theory has included topics of work safety, maintaining tools and equipment, supporting gardening work and assisting with routine maintenance of machinery.

Practically, students have been given the opportunity to refresh and maintain both breeder and layer chicken sheds, feed cattle, assist with garden maintenance, use various tools and harvest vegetables from the planting/seeding stage. It is expected that the Certificate course will be completed by Term 4.

Gina Russo-Forcina, Education Assistant

Chebar and Matthew at the Farm

School Ball at The Hyatt Perth . . .

Below are some lovely photos taken by the photographer present on the night.  Please view our Facebook page for more photos.   Parents were also sent a link to download their childs' photos.

Kal@bility Sports Carnival . . .

On  the 7^th September, students and staff braved wet and wild weather to compete in the Kal@bility AFL Sports Carnival at Kostera Oval. Students played against a variety of other schools and showed excellent skills and sportsmanship throughout the day.  Please check out our Facebook page for more photos.

Awards for each division were:

1: Best on field: Luci and Ryan - Coaches award: Matthew

2: Best on field: Michael L - Coaches award: Kiana

3: Best on field: Deeghan - Coaches award: Samantha and Evan 

Congratulations on a great day!

Jack Scott, Teacher

Bushranger Cadets Program . . .

At the start of Term 3, students and staff celebrated NAIDOC Week, which was combined with the Main Campus. We had a smoke ceremony, cultural talk and food tasting.  The students at the Centre made wattle seed ice cream which was described as  tasting a bit like coffee.

We also enjoyed a visit from the Birds of Prey, learning about the importance of not cutting down the old trees as these are the only ones that the Wedge tailed eagle use for nesting.  Students got to pet  some birds of prey - an owl and a falcon, as well as hold a wedged tail eagle on their arm.

In week 4, students learnt about how to take care of animals in their care through the RSPCA program. Students made cupcakes in Hospitality to sell at the RSPCA Cupcake Day.  We raised $200 for the cause.  They also participated in a STEM project, on how to create a safe passage across roads for our native animals.

We continue to look after our Adopt A Spots at Bardon Park, Sandy Beach Reserve and Ashfield Flats.  This Term, students were busy collecting litter  and  identified local fauna and enjoyed a BBQ  cooked by selected students.  The weather has been warming up, making outside a lot more enjoyable.

Term 4 will be the Bushranger Camp, which students are very excited about and looking forward to.

Tabea Henke, Teacher

NAIDOC Smoking Ceremony

Birds of Prey

Bardon Park, Ashfield Flats and Sandy Beach

Rock and Water . . .

The Rock and Water course is a new program  delivered here at the Centre in 2022.  Students are learning about the balance in behaviour between being “The Rock” where a person is firm and “The Water” where a person is more flexible and willing to compromise.

We practice mindfulness to reflect on, and consider the best way to behave in various situations and settings. There is a high degree of group work and practical exercises, and the students have performed these showing great care and respect for each other.  Students have increased their participation group activities where they discuss times they have been the rock or water.  Everyone has agreed the best way of interacting with others in all social and work settings is a combination of both Rock and Water strategies.  

Students have used their knowledege to plan for upcoming events such as sports carnivals, The Abilities Expo and introducing ourselves at social gatherings.  The development of good social-emotional skills helps students to develop their own identity and self-knowledge, assist in making decisions, choices and social contacts.

Steve Ryce, Teacher

Photography . . .

Photography students this Term continue their understanding of photography theory by learning about the elements of photography.  Students have been applying the differences between “making a photo” and “taking a photo” by using the elements of photography to take some incredible pictures.  Elements that students have been working on include contrast, emphasis and colour.

Students completed their ASDAN folders – some of which have already passed moderation! In the graphic design element of the course, students enjoyed using the photoshop program to create posters to advertise gift bags that the Retail students will be selling Term 4.  It was another fun Term in photography.  

Mikail Koulianos, Teacher

Contrast, Emphasis and Colour

Music . . .

Term 3 saw a new approach to Music at the Centre.  On Thursday afternoons in the Main Campus Music room, selected students have been taking half hour traditional music lessons in both guitar and drums.  So far, students have learnt parts of their respective instruments as well as some basic sticking rudiments (drums) and instrument tuning (guitar). Students are currently learning how to read a chord chart to play simple chords and also begin to coordinate a basic rock drumming beat.  It is hoped that these lessons may spark interest in students to take up music beyond school.  Success and continuation of the program will depend on student interest but so far, so good…

Ed Thieme, Education Assistant

Drum and Guitar

Art . . .

Art students in Certificate I in Retail have been working hard producing items to sell at this year's Main Campus Spring Festival.  Students have engaged in a design process to research and develop ideas, create tools and produce final products. Students have looked at their costs and made decisions about pricing and profits.

Students have done all of this while working beautifully as a team. They have continuously supported each, made joint decisions and worked to individual strengths, with often numerous different tasks needing to be completed in  one day.

Marie Molloy, Art Teacher

Design and Technology . . .

Term 3  saw a new class of students start in the workshop at Design and Techonology.

The brief was to search the internet for a compact smart phone amplifier made from wood.  There was a great deal of designs considered before the final one was decided upon.  The one chosen were the winner as it involved several skills necessary to complete the project to a high standard.

The skills that our students displayed during this task included the use of hand tools such as the jack saw, wooden mallet and chisel, set square and various measuring and marking tools.  Other tools and skills that were utilized were the band saw, circular saw and belt sander and of course following all WHS rules and regulations.

Michael Nottingham, Education Assistant

Wooden Phone Amplifier and Charging Station

Student Councillors . . .

Our student councillors have worked well as a team this year. Each week our councillors assist in co-hosting our weekly student assemblies via WebEx. It has been a pleasure to watch them grow in confidence when speaking in public to their peers. Councillors set a high standard of behaviour for other students to follow and are always happy to help out in organising events that other students can be a part of.

This Term, councillors were part of organising and collecting donations for Daffodil Day on the 25^th August- we raised $148. A fantastic effort!  Other events have included 'lots of sox' day in recognition of World Down Syndrome day in Term 2.

Student nominations for our new student councillors for 2023 will begin in Term 4.  If you think you would be interested in becoming a student councillor, please come and see Mrs Brassington for a nomination form after the Bushranger Camp.  2022 is the first time our school as had students in the role as a “School Host”.   A school host is a student who has a welcoming smile and manner with others and is responsible for ensuring our guests are welcomed to our lovely school. Deeghan, Ella and Phoenix have been fantastic at fulfilling their roles.   

Sam Brassington, Deputy Principal

Daffodil Day

RSPCA Cupcake Day . . .

RSPCA cupcake day was held in week 4 this Term, to raise awareness and money to help prevent animal cruelty. Our Bushranger Cadet students baked and iced cupcakes in Hospitality.  The cupcakes were sold at recess and lunchtime to our local school community.  We raised a whopping $200.  Thankyou to everyone who bought a cupcake and supported this event.

Tabea Henke, Teacher

The Abilities Expo . . .

What a fantastic day everyone had at The Abilities Expo on Thursday 9^th September at Crown Burswood.

All students came to school prepared for a few hours of discovery as they walked around The Expo to gather information from different organisations that are available to help individuals with all aspects of their life.  Our school has a long history with the Expo and our small but mighty abilities expo team pulled together 2 wonderful display booths. Our school was one of four that were exhibitors and our displays brought many people to find out more about our unique school.

A few of our talented students demonstrated their coffee making skills by serving coffee to the crowd from the famous Bean@bility coffee cart. Well done to Shanelle, Kiana, Jack and Simon who assisted the Bean@bility team to serve hundreds of customers. It is fabulous to see our students use their skills they have learnt at school in different settings.

Sam Brassington, Deputy Principal

Students' Corner . . .

Hi, my name is Eloise Auld and I am the Ambassador for the Dwellingup 100 Mountain Bike Race this year.  Being an ambassador means I get to tell you all how much fun riding a mountain bike is, and I hope to inspire anyone to have a go. Riding a bike has helped me with my fitness and mental health and riding a bike can help with your mental health because you can be one with nature and its animals.

Riding a bike can also be good for your stamina and you get to make lots of new friends. Mountain bike riding also helps with your fitness because you are out with nature and riding some fun trails with jumps and berms. 

Eloise Auld, B4 student

School Breakfast Program . . .

Our school is part of the Foodbank School Breakfast Program which is available to all students from 8.15am - 8.30am,  available in every classroom. 

Foodbank supports programs that give students the opportunity to eat a wholesome, nutritious breakfast on a regular basis.  Having breakfast has been shown to have a positive impact on factors such as physical and mental health, social skills, concentration, behaviour, attendance and academic outcomes.

“The Breakfast Program provides our students on several levels – physically, socially and educationally.  It provides healthy breakfast food that meets the physical needs of students to start the day with something nutritionally substantial in their stomachs.”   

We understand students may, from time to time, forget to bring food to school, which is why we offer food from our  School Breakfast Program for breakfast, recess and lunchtime if required.