edition 39 december

01

The Learning Enrichment Centre (LEC) has taken out the top award in the Disability Services Commission Count Me In Awards for Education and Training. Both Head of Learning Enrichment Alice

Alibrandi and Primary Learning Enrichment

Co-ordinator Michelle Willis represented

John Wollaston at the awards ceremony on

Tuesday 2 December at Forrest Place in Perth.

The Education and Training category

recognises the important role that lifelong

learning plays in encouraging more inclusive

communities. It acknowledges schools that

have improved their access and inclusion for

students, staff and family members with a

disability.

The School’s submission promoted Inclusive

Education as a whole school approach and

explained the format of our new Individual

Education Plans which have been praised by

leading experts as well as included in a book

written by Professor Bob Conway on Inclusive

Education.

Alice Alibrandi is incredibly proud of what this

means for both the LEC and John Wollaston.

“We feel overwhelmed that we were even

nominated as a finalist. It is great to know

that our work in this area is worthy of

mention and that we are on the right track.

We are very proud to have won the award as

we were told that it was a very competitive

field this year,” said Ms Alibrandi.

Principal Anne Ford said she is pleased but

not surprised that Ms Alibrandi and Mrs Willis

were nominated for such a prestigious award.

“The work that the staff in the Learning

Enrichment Centre produce is outstanding,

they pour their hearts and souls into making

sure that every child is included

“They are to be commended on their

wonderful achievement.”

The awards

coincided

with National

Disability

Awareness Week,

which ran from

December 1-7.

Learning Enrichment Centre make their efforts count

PAGE TWO | FROM THE PRinciPAl

PAGE TWO | AWARD WinninG DRAWinG PUTS THinGS in PERSPEcTiVE FOR HEAD BOY

PAGE THREE | REVEREnD DAVE REcOGniSES nEED FOR ScHOOl SAncTUARY

PAGE THREE | SUccESS AT KElMScOTT SHOW FOR JOHn WOllASTOn STUDEnTS

PAGE FOUR | PHil DOncAn’S PAinT STORM

PAGE FiVE | nEW PREFEcTS GET A HEAD START On 2014

PAGE FiVE| YEAR 12 STUDEnT REcEiVES POSiTiVE iMAGE AWARD

PAGE SiX | nEW BAnnERS TAKE SHAPE

PAGE SiX | PREMiER lEAGUE SOccER STARS in OUR MiDST

PAGE SEVEn| Elc nATiViTY AlWAYS A cROWD PlEASER

PAGE EiGHT | JUMP ROPE FOR HEART

THIS ISSUE | DECEMBER 2013 | EDITION 39

The Charter

WWW.JWACS.WA.EDU.AU

THE CHARTER | DECEMBER 2013 | EDITION 39

A school of the Anglican Schools Commission Inc.

*STAR lEc STUDEnT* One of the learning Enrichment centre’s shining examples of the success of the individual Education Plans is Year

9 student Juliet Gibbins.

Through hard work and dedication,

Juliet recently completed her ASDAN

Towards Independence Certificate.

Juliet’s success extends further than

the class room as she was recently

awarded Fairest and Best for her efforts

in the Kalamunda Westrise Division two

basketball team “The Nationals”.

Keep up the great work Juliet!

Dear Parents and Friends

It seems hard to believe that we are at the end of another academic year. The time has flown! I recall the first assemblies in February where I greeted fresh faced students in crisp summer uniforms. My message was about beginning the year well, giving one’s personal best and developing qualities of good character. I spoke about the importance of a positive attitude and whether we subscribe to the glass half full or half empty view. The students looked on intently as Reverend Dave poured purple coloured water into a glass to demonstrate.

Several months along, I have been delighted by the positive attitude and commitment displayed by so many of our students this year. Whether it be in their academic studies or co curricular activities, students have achieved successful outcomes. Some students have also made significant contributions beyond the School. Our two Reachout Manila pilgrims, Jenna Phipps and Adelane Hawkins and Chapel Prefect James Devine spring to mind for their remarkable voluntary work in impoverished communities. Other students have sought to make a difference by supporting a cause they are passionate about. Rakia Nash (Year 6) raised significant funds for Riding for the Disabled as part of her PYP exhibition undertaking and Charlotte Pilgrim- Byrne (Year 1) initiated an online campaign to support the endangered numbat. Indeed Charlotte’s endeavours were acknowledged personally by His Excellency the Governor at Government House. This year Charter House garnered the support of the whole school to support the care of wildlife at Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. All of these activities demonstrate a positive attitude, commitment and generosity - qualities of good character. I am very proud of our students who recognise that the spirit of giving and caring should be integral to our daily lives.

With Christmas upon us and the attendant pressures of the festive season, it is important to pause and unite with family and friends and recall what is most important. It is more blessed to give than receive. Our hearts are warmed when we reach out to others.

Thank you all for your support of our school this year. I hope your Christmas is a special time of happiness for your family.

With warm wishesAnne Ford

From the Principal

02

WWW.JWACS.WA.EDU.AU



Award winning drawing puts things in perspective for Head Boy

Recipient of the 2013 School Art Acquisition Award, Head Boy Sky O’Brien is humbled to receive acknowledgement for his art work.

The School Art Acquisition Award is awarded each year to a Year 11 or 12 student whose artwork is chosen by the Principal to be particularly meritorious.

This year the School has purchased Sky’s piece Overload which reflects the many different responsibilities of high school students.

“My first term artwork Overload is a reflection of the emotional and physical burdens I have experienced throughout my final year of high school. It is about finding the right balance between socialising with friends, spending time with family, studying for exams, completing assignments, part time work and finding ‘me’ time,” said Sky.

Sky’s second term artwork Give Us This Day Our Daily Facebook has been selected for the prestigious Year 12 Perspectives Exhibition at the WA Art Gallery.

The Year 12 Perspectives Exhibition is quoted as being a “yearly taste of art by the best, brightest and most talented graduating high school artists in the State… an annual barometer of what our youth are thinking and feeling.”

For Sky, the opportunity for all of Western Australia to see his piece is a humbling but thrilling experience.

“Finding out that my second term artwork Give Us This Day Our Daily Facebook has been selected for Year 12 Perspectives was very, very exciting. It was a goal of mine from the beginning of the year, and I am both honoured and grateful to have my work showcased amongst the top pieces in the State,” said Sky.

Earlier in the year, Sky placed second in the City of Armadale Outside the Frame art awards.

Though unsure what the future holds for his artistic pursuits, Sky is positive he will

continue to paint as a hobby throughout his life.

“Who knows what the future has in store. I’m not sure about a career in art, but I will definitely continue to draw as a hobby.”

Sky’s Art Teacher, Luke Morgan said he is exceptionally proud of Sky’s achievements

“Sky has always had natural talent, but it’s exciting for him to be recognised on a State level,” said Mr Morgan.

The Year 12 Perspectives Exhibition will open on Thursday 20 February, 2014 at the WA Art Gallery.

WWW.JWACS.WA.EDU.AU


03


Reverend Dave Deeny, with the help of staff members Betty Devenish and Lee Barker, has created a hide-away from busy school life.

The new Side Chapel is intended to be a sanctuary where people can come to be quiet, reflect, escape, and/or pray whenever the need arises.

The room is quiet and instils a sense of peace in the occupant. There are candles which can be lit in prayer and couches to sit on and reflect or take a moment away from the stresses of life.

Reverend Dave had this to say about the Side Chapel:

“Are you looking for your quiet place? You don’t need to find some distant spot, isolated from the world. We can create these quiet places around us. Jesus knew the value of finding a quiet place in his busy life.

“And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.” (Matthew 14:23)

A sizeable portion of what I do here at John Wollaston Anglican Community School is

simply being with people in their moment of need. Life is sometimes difficult for people in our community, be they staff, students or their families. Sometimes I am able to talk with them to help them reflect on what they are experiencing. For others, life is just very busy and they would benefit from a place where they can find quiet and solitude for a while. But where can one find such a place in the hectic life of a school community? There is of course, the main Chapel but there are often groups of people coming and going there for various activities and so it is not that ‘quiet space.’

As this need became more apparent to me, I looked into what could be done. There is a room in the Chapel building that was previously the office for the Parish of Camillo. It was ideal to be converted into a smaller, more private Chapel that would provide exactly what was needed. Renovation of this office has now been completed and I am delighted that we now have a ‘side Chapel’ that provides a quiet and private place for those who need it. This Chapel is located on the

south western corner of the main Chapel and can be accessed through a separate door from the outside.

I am very grateful to the Parents and Friends Association who provided the funds to make this possible. I am also grateful to one of our staff members, Mrs Devenish, who made curtains for the Side Chapel at no cost.”

This room is available for use by the wider John Wollaston community. Should you wish to use the Side Chapel, please contact Reverend Dave.

Rhiannon is self-taught and sang one of her favourite songs “Grenade” by Bruno Mars.

Mildred, Rhiannon and Madeline have big aspirations for their singing careers and are constantly looking to the future.

“I will be entering Kelmscott Idol and the Primary Talent Show again in 2014. Eventually I’d like to try for X Factor,” said Rhiannon.

Reverend Dave recognises need for school sanctuary

Success at Kelmscott Show for John Wollaston students

The Year 9 rock band Fall Back consisting of Liam Bristow, Jack Little, Vaughan Audrain and Keegan Smart played a half hour set at the Kelmscott Show.

Music teacher Rory Marchant helped to tutor the boys leading up to the Show and facilitated lunch time rehearsals.

“The Year 9 band has put in a lot of hard work and effort in ensuring they perform to a professional level. Their many performances this year are to be commended and it is always refreshing to see Rock ‘n’ Roll live on through the younger generation,” said Mr Marchant.

The four students relished the opportunity to perform for a live audience.

“Just being up [on stage] and playing one song after another was a real thrill and seeing people enjoying us play was awesome,” said drummer Liam Bristow.

In addition to the band, three singers from John Wollaston also showcased their talent at

the Kelmscott Show.

Two Year 5 students made it into the top 12 Junior singers for the Inaugural Kelmscott Idol event and Year 9 student Mildred Mugwede made the top 12 in the Senior singers.

Madeline Fisher sang “Don’t Rain on My Parade” as the sky was doing just that.

Despite the gloomy weather, Madison managed to conquer her nerves and perform at her best.

“When I got up on stage and sang into the microphone the nerves went and I sang like I was standing in front of the mirror. That is what I was picturing when I was on stage. It also helped not knowing many people in the audience,” said Madison.

Mildred sang “Chain of Fools” by Aretha Franklin and said she felt so nervous that she couldn’t stop shaking.

The students performed admirably despite their nerves and initial fears.

ABOVE | Year 9 band Fall Back

04

WWW.JWACS.WA.EDU.AU



Phil Doncan’s Paint Storm

Western Australian visual artist, Phil Doncan visited John Wollaston students recently with his performance piece Paint Storm.On Monday 18 November, Primary and Early Learning students were engaged in Phil’s dynamic and energetic performance.

Paint Storm is designed to engage students and help them build an appreciation for different genres of music and art whilst freeing their minds from the conservative.

“A paint brush moving at speed has a spontaneity that cannot be prearranged. It has a quality of freedom that leads us into new areas of expression and creativity,” said Mr Doncan.

The children’s faces watched in awe as they contributed to the large canvas creation. The children were encouraged to think outside the box and soon their creativity flourished.

The Primary performance was called “Can Bill bounce back?” with a strong focus on resilience.

“It was very funny and entertaining. I liked how he did cartwheels with the paint,” said Bree Watts, Year 3 student.

The ELC performance was called “The Land without colour”, which focussed on the theme of kindness to others.

Early Learning Centre Co-ordinator Melissa Forslun said the incursion was a great success.

“The Paint Storm incursion was fantastic. The children were enthralled by the combination of the music, the movement, the story and the mystery of what each of Phil Doncan’s paintings was going to be.

“Through this art-based experience, they learnt about cooperation, accepting differences and being kind to one another,” said Miss Forslun.

Primary Art Specialist Jeanette Lyons said “…[Paint Storm] helps students connect with both Art and Music in a way that is dynamic and challenging, but most of all fun!”

“The children thoroughly enjoyed Phil Doncon’s energetic performance and the School was given two canvases as keepsakes of the event.”

WWW.JWACS.WA.EDU.AU



05

New Prefects get a head start on 2014The Prefect Elect had the first taste of their roles to come at the end of 2013.

Organised by Deputy Principal Pastoral Care Bronwyn Twining, the students participated in a Leadership Morning, exploring the challenges to come.

After being elected in Term 3, the 12 students have had the time to meet with the 2013 Prefects, hone their leadership skills as well as let the news sink in.

“Being chosen as a prefect means that I will be able to have a positive and effective impact on the School…I have been here for 13 years so I know this school well,” said Ashleigh De Groot.

The Leadership Morning consisted of goal setting for 2014, exploration of leadership skills and styles as well as focusing on balancing school, work, sport and prefect commitments.

Callum Foster is excited to develop the new role of Academic Prefect. It is intended that the person in this position displays academic integrity and high standards to the rest of the School.

Each of the Prefects agreed that the skills and values they learnt will be useful in their roles as school leaders next year.

“I am looking forward to working with my fellow peers and making the 2014 Prefect group the best there has ever been. I am also looking forward to setting a good example for the younger students to follow,” said Student Prefect Dillon Gazzone.

“The Leadership Morning was a bonding exercise entailing a range of interactive activities and a drumming session. The skills learnt [at the Leadership Morning] will help them cope with the demands of being a leader in their final year of school,” said Mrs Twining.

Additionally, six Prefects attended the Year 11 Student Leadership Day organised by the Western Australian Anglican Schools Association. Jessica Williams, Nick Wright, Samantha Munslow-Davies, Callum Foster, Ben Wasley and Dillon Gazzone enjoyed the opportunity to meet student leaders from other Anglican Schools.

“[we learnt] various leadership styles, how

to understand what your beliefs are so your leadership reflects that and the importance of a cohesive team,” said Head Prefect Nicholas Wright.

We wish the 2014 Prefects good luck as they assume significant leadership responsibilities in the New Year.

ABOVE | 2014 prefects hard at work

This year’s Chapel Prefect, James Devine has received an award which recognises his efforts at John Wollaston and in the wider community.

James has a passion for volunteering which stems from a strong Christian belief. He volunteers regularly at his church whether it be ushering parishioners, directing cars or helping with fundraising activities.

Deputy Principal Pastoral Care Bronwyn Twining says James is an inspiration to all the students at John Wollaston and an outstanding role model.

James’ sense of community has extended much further than his local community, reaching as far as India where he has completed two mission trips to four Bible Colleges.

The Light Home Orphanage is another of James’ projects as he regularly raises funds for the orphanage through school and outside activities. The money from the

Year 12 Student receives Positive Image Award

fundraising goes towards new children’s beds, a new tailoring centre for women and an aged care centre.

“To receive the Positive Image Award showed me that people are always watching and are always appreciative of people helping out,” said James.

James encourages other people to participate in community events and volunteer wherever possible.

“To other students I encourage you to take part in the various opportunities presented to you. Always give something a go, no matter how challenging you think it will be. Volunteering and charity work are about giving back to the community which has always given you support and encouragement. It’s not hard and you will

always be working with other like-minded people. You will have fun engaging and participating in different social events,” said James.

Principal Anne Ford says she is incredibly proud of James’ achievements and hopes that other students follow his lead.

“It is important for students to make a contribution to society. Volunteering is a particularly rewarding activity which has the capacity to change people’s lives for the better.”

06

WWW.JWACS.WA.EDU.AU



ABOVE | (Top) Jacob Timson at the NPL trials(Bottom) Ronan-Marc Cowley with the National Championship trophy from October this year

The recently commissioned John Wollaston Banner and the four House Banners are well on their way to completion.

Local textile artist Ruth De Vos said she feels very privileged to have had the opportunity to work on the new banners for the School.

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning Anne Harris used her artistic skills to create the original concept and design of the banners. These were discussed with Mrs De Vos whose task was to realise the concept in a textile medium.

The artwork is mainly hand sewn and is pieced together with great detail and attention.

“Although the handwork is a little slower, it’s also very relaxing. Piecing together a quilt design and watching the image take shape is such a rewarding part of the quilt making

New banners take shape

process,” said Mrs De Vos.

As a new initiative, each Head of House was given the opportunity to choose one of the School’s core values to align with their House’s philosophy. The value was then incorporated into the design. Charter chose to be aligned with Commitment, Hale – Respect, Ramsden – Responsibility and Scott – Honesty.

The original House Banners will be retired to the Archives Office, maintained by the School Archivist Carol Lander.

The new House Banners will be ready for our 25th Anniversary celebrations next year and presented to the students at assembly.

Many thanks to the Parents and Friends Association Inc for their generous funding of this important project.

Jacob Timson (12), Rhys Clarke (11), Ronan-Marc Cowley (13) and Lachlan Cameron (12) are four John Wollaston students who have recently been drafted into the newly established WA Premier League.

The Western Australian branch of the National Premier League was started in response to a considerable amount of interest from local soccer teams.

Eleven Football West clubs will be joined by Perth Glory in the inaugural National Premier League WA, which has been developed as a result of a Football Federation Australia initiative already in place in five States and Territories.

There will be 20 clubs in total and the four students are amongst the talented young group, spread across various clubs.

Jacob Timson will be playing for the Bayswater City Football club and said he is proud of his achievement.

“I am really excited about playing for Bayswater, I trialled for a couple of clubs and it was really hard to get in.”

Jacob aspires to be like the famous Liverpool

Premier League soccer stars in our midst

footballer Steven Gerrard.

All of the boys have been playing football since they were very young and have continued to train long hours to reap the rewards.

Ronan-Marc will be playing for Balcatta Football Club in the under 14s team but is also being considered for the under 15s.

Ronan-Marc has previously represented Western Australia in the team which won the National Championships in Coffs Harbour last year as well as playing for the WA State U12 Schoolboys team.

The Armadale Soccer Club has been accepted as one of only two South of the River clubs for the National Premier League. It held trials for the NPL in October where 308 children attended, 46 children tried out in under 12’s in a series of three trials and Rhys Clarke received an early offer on the first night. Lachlan Cameron was also one of the stand out stars, being selected shortly after.

The 2014 season starts in April and is eagerly anticipated by the boys and their families. We wish them the best of luck in the National Premier League.

07

WWW.JWACS.WA.EDU.AU



ELC Nativity always a crowd pleaser

A very enthusiastic Mary and Joseph corralled the other students as they sang their songs with gusto.

Then Pre-Primary to Year 2 students performed in a flurry of musicality and enthusiasm as they told the story of baby Jesus.

The Years 3-6 Primary students also

contributed to the Christmas spirit by concluding the performance with a medley of carols.

Thanks go to Music Specialist Miss Sabrina Carnevale who choreographed and chose the score for the whole performance.

On Thursday 5 December, the Early Learning students drew a large crowd brimming with anticipation for their annual Nativity performance.

08

WWW.JWACS.WA.EDU.AU



Jump Rope For Heart

Established in Australia in 1983, the Heart Foundation’s Jump Rope for Heart is renowned for being one of Australia’s most popular physical activity and fundraising programmes in schools.

“The Heart Foundation has given schools enough rope to stretch from Australia to Hawaii!”

Source: Heart Foundation website.

The day began for Years 3-11 with a series of stations at which students were encouraged to challenge themselves in various skipping routines.

Following the younger students’ initiative, the senior students picked up the ropes and tentatively began skipping.

Whilst some students were initially hesitant, once their momentum was going, there was no stopping them.

Later in the afternoon, the Early Learning Centre students participated in the

fundraising, much to their delight.

There were giggles galore as the young students began to skip – even those who had never skipped before.

The skipping relay races were a sight to see with the determination visible on each child’s face. Nothing could stop them from reaching the finish line.

Primary Physical Education Specialist, Melanie Fowler organised the event and said the students are to be commended on their skipping efforts.

“…every student definitely approached the skipping with a ‘have a go’ attitude and by the end of it, everyone was participating with a grin on their face

“It’s important for our students to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Skipping is just one of the ways they can keep fit and enjoy life,” said Ms Fowler.

This year, the Heart Foundation has celebrated 30 years of fundraising through its popular skipping event Jump Rope for Heart.

edition 39 december

Documents