2023 Term 1, Issue 1 Newsletter

Principal's Message . . .

We have had an extremely busy start to term 1 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 real life contexts.

Our School Council has held their first meeting and I look forward to their support in guiding the school’s strategic planning and future growth.

As part of our Transition planning, we held a Support@bility session from AVIVO who focussed on housing options.  The session was extremely well attended with past, present and future parents/ guardians attending. 

Our next Support@bility session will be held in staff room on Friday 16 June 10am - 12pm, speakers to be advised in due course.

I was extremely proud to support our students at the Basketball Carnival at Ray Owen Sports Centre where students excelled not only in their sporting abilities but their demonstration of fair play and sportsmanship.  Our students gave 100% effort as always and were a credit to the school.

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

We will be holding our first Open Day on Tuesday 23 May 2023, 9.00am - 11.00am.  Please ensure you share this date if you know of parents who might be interested to visit the school for future enrolment purposes.

I wish all of our families a wonderful term 1 break and thank you for your ongoing support of our school.  Term 2 commences Monday 24 April, 2023.  Tuesday 25 April is Anzac Day public holiday.

“ We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided …. J.K. Rowling”

Christine Lester,  Principal

Welcome to Chaplain . . .

We welcome Katerina Pruiti into our school this term.  Katerina is our Chaplain who will help support our students well being. 

Welcome to Cyril Jackson SC ESC Katerina.

B1 Classroom . . .

Welcome to B1 classroom.   We have had a great start to term one with 9 students this year in B1, and are looking forward to an action packed year. 

At the start of the year, B1 students designed their own rewards system, earning mock money for demonstrating different skills on a daily basis ie daily attendance, respect and organisation. They can choose a tangible item when they have earnt enough money. 

Our first excursion for community access was to IGA to purchase  ingredients for our first Bushranger's BBQ.  Students did a great job shopping and were able to work as a team to cook up the sausages down at Sandy Beach Reserve. They used the Transperth journey planner to work out what time to arrive.  Students have also been learning about the world and different continents.  We are researching countries in Asia at the moment. 

We said goodbye to one of our students Thaya, who was with us for the first five weeks of term one.  We will all miss her and wish her all the best for her future. 

Tabea Henke,  B1 Classroom Teacher

B2 Classroom . . .

The start of 2023 for our new B2 students has been a very action packed and enjoyable experience. This energetic and charismatic bunch have all done incredibly well as they have found their way around the school both physically and socially. I have been very impressed with how quickly they have been able to create new relationships with their peers and be so confident in embracing all the Centre has to offer.  At the start of the term, students in B2 have been focussing on building team chemistry with their fellow classmates and learned what was ahead of them this year. 

Students have been busy discovering their interests and working hard in their certificate courses, elective units and realising the importance of work skills as they dived into bike@bility and bean@bility workplace simulations. In between their English, Math, Health and Independent Living classroom work, B2 thoroughly enjoyed their community access excursion to Perth City as we navigated the Transperth system and took in Perth’s great views by Mends Street Jetty.  This term, I have been so pleased to see each student embrace their new school and become more confident as they have made such a positive and encouraging impact in their learning within the classroom and their experiences during school outings.    

Andrew Dixon,  B2 Classroom Teacher

Community Access Excursion to Perth City . . .

B4 Classroom . . .

B4 classroom have had a busy and exciting start to the year, filled with many interesting and enjoyable activities, providing a variety of opportunities to learn. Students have undertaken many activities including preliminary units, workplace learning, certificate courses, STEM, Keys4Life, ASDAN, Bushranger cadets, community access excursions, Rock and Water, bike@bility, and bean@bility.

As part of our preliminary English program, students are investigating career and education pathways and opportunities for when they leave school. In our Maths program, we concentrated on developing student’s independence in the community.  We have practised skills with money handling and improved our communication skills. During our class shopping program, all the students demonstrated their cash handling and team work skills and made some healthy and tasty meals.  Students behaved in a mature and positive manner, and demonstrated the school's core value of respect.

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

Steve Ryce,  B4 Classroom Teacher

Class excursion to IGA . . .

B5 Classroom . . .

B5 has enjoyed a great start to 2023, with 8 students this year. In this time, we have explored some deep and interesting topics alongside our regular curriculum – including source analyses on historical figures to understand how we can view multiple perspectives on an issue and eliminate our biases. B5 students are a talkative bunch, have enjoyed collaborating with each other during class projects and having deep discussions about different issues.  One of the highlights of the term was creating delicious pizzas, and analysing the nutritional content in each one made.  Great work Team.

Mikail Koulianos,  B5 Classroom Teacher

B6 Classroom . . .

What a great first term we have had in B6 classroom with 7 students in their final year. Students have started the year off with positive attitudes and have set themselves goals to work towards as the countdown begins for graduation day at the end of this year!

This term, students have created their vision boards, where they have to think deeply about what they would like to achieve this year, and where they might be in years to come.

Students have also gained work experiences at many workplaces around the community like Trillion Trees, Vinnnies Stores, Westcare Industries, CJ Library and CJ Café, Cuddly Animal Farm, Container4Change, City Toyota and many more! At these placements, these wonderful and dedicated students have been working hard at gaining the necessary and vital employability skills they will need to one day gain employment.

This term we have also had to sadly farewell one of our students Paige, who has successfully gained volunteer work at a number of workplaces in the community – a huge congratulations and good luck to Paige, who will be greatly missed!

I look forward to a fun-filled, productive year ahead with B6 students!

Liz Collodel,  B6 Classroom Teacher

Cooking time . . .

Classroom Achievement Awards . . .

Congratulations to the following students who received a "Classroom Achievement Award" at our student assembly for term 1.   We are very proud of you all and your academic achievements!    Keep up the good work.  

B1 Classroom -  Domenic 
B2 Classroom - Amelia 
B4 Classroom - Shannon 
B5 Classroom -  Jaime 
B6 Classroom -  James 

Sports Carnival . . .

After missing last year due to Covid, Cyril Jackson SC ESC returned to the court, attending the Kal@bility basketball  carnival at Ray Owen Sports Centre.  Students showed great skills, resilience and sportsmanship throughout the day. The leadership shown by student councillors and senior students was also a highlight, pushing their peers to play as well as they could. I would  like to thank all staff who made the day possible, as it is a day that many students will not forget. Bring on Term 2 and Soccer!

Congratulations to the following student who received an award -

Division 1 -  Evan-Most Valued Player and Bailey-Coaches Award
Division 2 - Noah-Most Valued Player and Hayden-Coaches Award
Division 3 - Kiana-Most Value Player and Domenic-Coaches Award

Jack Scott,  Sports Teacher

Basketball award winners . . .

Retail . . .

We are having another busy start to the year in Certificate 1 in Retail Services. The students complete five units of competency to achieve this certificate or receive a statement 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 our toast ‘n shake uniform. 

The students have completed units in Work Health and Safety so that we know the requirements of working safely in our simulated business. We have started making and selling toasties and milkshakes in our class, and will be expanding this to the whole school in term two. It has been pleasing to see all the student’s confidence in performing all the retail tasks grow throughout the term, and these transferable skills will help equip the students in future employment opportunities.

Steve Ryce, Teacher

Students ringing in sick . . .

Making toasties . . .

Evacuation time . . . .

Cafe Culture . . .

This term, 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 the Centre, Swan View and Durham Road ESC have dedicated a lot of time completing their theory work to a high standard while applying their learned skills in their practical experiences. 

Students are becoming increasingly confident in organising their workstations, texturing milk, extracting coffee and cleaning equipment to a professional standard. Students have made great progress through their first theory unit “Using Hygienic Practises for Food Safety” as I have had engaging participation through their class discussions and students have demonstrated excellent skills in following many health and hygiene procedures.  

I have also been incredibly impressed with the determination from each student as they work so hard to learn and apply new skills like using the steaming wand, grinding and tampering beans, and developing an understanding on how to make common coffees such as a flat white and cappuccino.  It has been a phenomenal effort from everyone, well done! 

Andy Dixon, Teacher

Making coffees . . .

Photography . . .

ASDAN Photography has welcomed a new group of creative students for 2023. As an endorsed program, students are expected to create a portfolio of evidence to achieve the course. We have made a meaningful start to our portfolios and have thus built upon this by learning more photography theory.

Theoretical concepts we have covered include the rule of thirds and elements of photo composition. We have then practised these theoretical techniques in our photo taking sessions; usually focussing on a theme we have learnt about such as “texture”. Students have taken some incredible photos through following these themes week in, and week out.

Next term, we are going to go on an excursion to the wetlands in Bayswater, and I am excited to see how students put all of this term’s learnings together to take some great photos.

Mikail Koulianos, Teacher

Students photos around the Centre . . .

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Rock and Water . . .

The Rock and Water course is a new program trialled in 2022, and now being delivered to all students at the Centre in 2023.  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 and 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. Their willingness to participate in the activities and discuss with the group times they have been the rock or water has increased throughout the term and we have all realised that the best way of interacting with others in all social and work settings is a combination of Rock and Water strategies. 

The students have used work in Rock and Water to plan for upcoming events such as the basketball carnival this term, and introducing ourselves at social gatherings. The development of good social-emotional skills helps students to develop their own identity and self-knowledge, assists in making decisions/choices, and increasing positive social contacts.

Steve Ryce, Teacher

Bushrangers . . .

This term, we have focused on learning and revising our first aid skills, with some of our more experienced bushranger students getting the opportunity to try virtual reality first aid- a big hit that we will do again.

Students have been learning about fire and the importance of knowing the fire ratings and to have an action plan.  They have engaged in activities about Aboriginal methods of starting fire, and recently visited Perth Hills Discovery Centre for three rotating activities based on fire management and awareness.  The excursion was a great day, with lots of hands on activities and learning.

Students learned about personal planning in response to a fire and about the planning and resources used by the emergency services when fighting a fire.  The presenters also had a fire truck to show equipment  and safety devices used on every truck, and why they are important. Cadets enjoyed having the opportunity to use the high powered hose on the truck.  A wildlife presenter also explained the effect of fire on the native animals, and had joeys, echidnas, quendas for the students to observe and pat.  The cadets were very engaged and asked many interesting questions.

Another incursion this term was based on the councils proposal for Ashfield Flats.  Our unit has been invited to help with the implementation of their future plans, as we are located close to Ashfield Flats.

Tabea Henke and Steve Ryce, Teachers

First Aid Focus . . .

Methods of fire . . .

Perth Hills Discovery Centre . . .

Design & Technology . . .

Over the course of term one, students have been working to create mouse trap powered cars.

We began by learning the principles of how these cars will work, and how to design the vehicle themselves.  Each design was unique, showing creativity from each student. After 5 weeks, students tested their designs, made some refinements and successfully created a working car.

Students will be using these design skills to create more complex projects as we move into the workshop and introduce new concepts.  I look forward to seeing what is created as well as teaching students’ practical skills into term 2 and beyond.

Jack Scott, Teacher

Mouse trap powered cars . . .

Student Councillors . . .

2023 student councillors have quickly become an effective and passionate team of young people working collaboratively and planning what roles and responsibilities they will lead in our school.   At our first official meeting, it was decided that student councillors work in pairs and evenly divide the work. 

Rory and Samantha oversee the student memo board to ensure it is updated. As students know, communication is the key to a strong school culture.

Lachlan and Omar oversee and ensure the recycling program is operating and will report back to students weekly on our school progress.  Students at CJ’s have a passion for ensuring we are all doing our part to improve the world we live in. 

Shanelle and Shannon oversee our school events and fundraising. Bringing students together and sharing awareness of community issues is integral to students becoming confident and active citizens.   

Student councillors have also introduced a school award  where students are encouraged to recognise and write a nomination form for other students who are living our core values - belonging, inclusivity, opportunity, reslience, respect and self-worth.  Students are then selected from the ballot box weekly and announced during our weekly assembly.   Student councillors have also organised certificates of recognition for the selected students. Our first group of students recognised are Duay, Grace, Matthew and Jaime.  Well done to those students.   

The year ahead is shaping up to be interesting and fun.

Sam Brassington, Deputy Principal

Yoga . . .

Yoga and mindfulness sessions have been a very popular option class amongst students, with 12 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.

It is such a pleasure to be able to teach our wonderful students yoga and mindfulness each week and I truly believe that students gain so much more from these sessions than what yoga is typically thought of to be, encompassing all aspects of the dimensions of health. I look forward to working with this group of students throughout the year as we develop our mindfulness, meditation and yoga posing abilities.

Liz Collodel, Teacher

Music . . .

This term, students have been busy playing guitar.  Each Thursday during period three and four, selected students have been participating in 45 minute traditional group music lessons. So far, students have learned parts of the instrument, instrument tuning and playing basic chords.

Students are currently learning how to read a chord chart with the intent of being able to play some of their favourite songs.  More advanced students are already doing so.

It is hoped that these lessons may spark interest in students to continue learning, practising and playing music beyond school.

Ed Thieme

Guitar time. . .

Bean@bility . . .

Bean@bility Café is a simulated workplacement for students to gain a vast array of hospitality and customer service skills. We have highly experienced staff supporting our students. Currently we have 10 students participating in the program.  Students are given the opportunity to learn how to make a variety of coffees.

We recently purchased a new coffee machine and grinder and it's great students are able to use the most 'up to date' equipment.  Our coffees taste wonderful!  We provide food and drinks for morning tea and lunch each Friday. Students are involved in food preparation, making milkshakes, taking customers’ orders, taking payments using the EFTPOS machine and cash, delivering orders and ensuring that the work area is clean and inviting.

We work out of B4 classroom and set up tables and chairs for our customers. The Café is open from 9am – 1.00pm on Fridays. We welcome family and friends to come in for morning tea or lunch. We keep our prices very affordable. Please ring the Centre on 9413 4850 to see what is on the weekly menu and to book a table.  Looking forward to seeing you!

Louise Southern

Bike@bility . . .

Students commenced term one with a good cleanout of the bike shed.   With a new group of students, this is always a good way to make the shed their own and create a sense of ownership.
Safety rules of the shed have been discussed, along with how to order spare parts and how to track progress of the maintenance checks on the bikes.

The students will be working on basic maintenance skills to start with, which include how to wash a bike, adjust brakes, check the chain, gears and repair a tube. 

It is always interesting getting to know the new students, making them feel comfortable and finding the balance between having some fun and getting some work done. We always start the day discussing the jobs list and any safety considerations, which helps keep us all on track and allows students to use their own initiative. We have already seen some good progression of skills and the students have enjoyed the start to the year. 

Mike Hurley

School Breakfast Program . . .

Our school is part of the Foodbank School Breakfast Program which is available at the Centre from 8.15am - 8.30am daily in every classroom. 

Foodbank supports the program that gives 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.

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, at recess and lunchtime.