Newsletter Term 3 Issue 3 2025
Principal's Report
As we wrap up Term 3, I want to take a moment to thank our wonderful school community for your continued support and engagement. It’s been a busy and productive term, filled with learning, growth, and plenty of outdoor activity.
As part of the Small Scale Election Commitment Program, over 500 public and non-government schools and community kindergartens received funding support for minor works and non-infrastructure projects. We were granted $45,000 to reinvigorate our multisensory space. I'm thrilled to announce the renovation of the Chillzone to support the sensory and emotional needs of our students. This new space has been designed to be a calming sanctuary—where students can regulate, recharge, and feel safe. We look forward to sharing more updates as the renovation progresses—and to seeing the positive impact this space will have on our students.
With the weather warming up this is an opportune time to refamiliarise ourselves with the Burbridge School Sun and UV Protection practices. Please see the link below. At Burbridge School, we are committed to keeping our students safe under the sun and are a recognised SunSmart School.
Warm regards,
Joanne Gordon
Area A
As Term 3 winds down, we are proud of the efforts and development shown by our students. We have welcomed a new student in Area A, Willow and it has been great to see her settling in with the group.
Students have had fun playing in the kitchen and laundry set up play area in the classroom, where they have been learning to share and take turns. They have also shown pride in their efforts across different activities, celebrating their progress and achievements.
Swimming has been a highlight—students are having fun in the water while learning important safety and movement skills.
Kamini Arora Area A Teacher
Area B
Area B have been really enjoying swimming during Term 3. Everyone in Area B has grown in confidence in the water from the start of the year to now. We have all been engaging well with our communication boards at the swimming pool. Thea and Patrick are now brave enough to start dunking their head under the water! Henry loves to surf on the floating boards and has made great progress with his kicking. Olivia and Heidi have enjoyed splashing their peers and staff. Noah has progressed brilliantly with his kicking and arm movements. Swim instructor Tracy is super impressed with Area Bs swimming skills. We are so looking forward to Term 4 where we can continue to shine in the swimming pool.
Maggie Hagan and Sarah Sansom Area B Teachers
Area C
All things minibeasts!
Area C have been looking at minibeasts this term across English, Art, Science and Design Technology. We have focussed on information texts, discovered their body parts, life cycles and where they like to live. We have enjoyed going for walks during Design Technology to collect different items each week from the garden and then just this week we have made a minibeast home!
Jenni Doubikin Area C Teacher
Area C2
Term 3 has been a great one for C2, full of energy, fun, and new experiences. Students have embraced lots of hands-on activities that kept them busy and engaged. From cooking sessions where delicious treats were made, to arts and crafts projects that let creativity shine, to time spent gardening and caring for plants, it has all been a blast!
Communication has continued to be a big focus in our classroom. Students are showing wonderful progress and growing confidence in using their PODD books and devices to share their voices. It’s exciting to see their enthusiasm for communication grow each day.
We’re so proud of all the effort and achievements from our students this term. A big thank you to our dedicated staff and wonderful learners!
Orla Kavanagh Area C2 DOTT Teacher
Area D
As Term 3 comes to an end, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements of our wonderful class of students. In Area D, we are so proud of the effort, and positivity each student has brought to our classroom. Throughout the term, students have actively engaged in a wide range of learning areas including MOVE, Sport, Cooking, Protective Behaviours, English, HASS, Swimming, Maths, and Science. Their enthusiasm and commitment was great.
To all our lovely families—thank you for your ongoing support. We wish you a safe, relaxing, and joyful holiday break. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for Term 4, ready for more adventures, growth, and fun ahead.
Veronica Mumharu Area D Teacher
Area E
Another term has come to an end, even quicker than the last. Term 3 saw the students keeping busy in all their subjects and learning new things. Our class had some staff changes, but the students welcomed them with open arms and enjoyed the new faces. The weather wasn’t the greatest and there was even a few storms, but we got through. We had another birthday in the class again and everyone had fun celebrating. The students enjoyed making things in art and making some special gifts for Father’s Day. The students had fun playing board games and teamed up against each other and the staff. We hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday, and we will see you all back for the final term.
Denae Thysse Area E Teacher
Area F
Welcome Ms Sophie!
Area F welcomed our new DOTT teacher this term, Ms Sophie!
Area F students have been learning lots with Ms Sophie. They have continued to explore the continents of the world for HASS, engaged in some Art activities and have been practising their kicking skills during Soccer lessons.
We in Area F hope you enjoy your time in our classroom! 😊
Alfena Westrup Area F Teacher
Area GH
Area GH has had a fantastic and productive Term, working hard to raise funds and engage in Enterprise learning, through our popular Burbridge Bites and our special Father’s Day Market Stall.
Thanks to the incredible efforts of our students and the support of our school community, we’ve raised enough money from the sales of our delicious chocolate chip cookies and pizzas to purchase Graduation jackets—not only for this year’s graduating students but for next year’s as well!
With this major milestone achieved, we’re now directing future Burbridge Bites profits towards planning a well-deserved Senior Fun Day at the end of the year.
Our Father’s Day Market Stall was also a huge success, raising over $500. Students in Area GH made a wide range of handmade crafts and tasty baked goods, which were sold to both staff and students.
We would like to extend a massive thank you to everyone who supported our fundraising efforts. Whether you bought a cookie, a gift, or simply cheered us on, your contribution helped make these events such a success.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday break!
— From all of us in Area GH
Colette Bailey and Ciara Geraghty Area GH Teachers
Area ILC
As Term 3 draws to a close, our classroom has taken on a gentle rhythm and some relaxation. The past two weeks have been a beautiful blend of winding down and enjoying sensory experiences.
Students have been immersed in sensory play, exploring textures, sounds, and movement in ways that spark curiosity and calm. From squishy dough to taste safe water beads, these hands-on activities have offered not just fun, but meaningful opportunities for self-regulation.
A particular highlight has been our Tac Pac sessions—a multisensory experience that combines touch and music to promote relaxation and communication. Tac Pac has provided a peaceful space for students to unwind and engage in a way that feels safe and enjoyable.
As we approach the term break, we’re proud of the growth, creativity, and resilience our students have shown. We wish all our families a restful holiday and look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed and ready for the adventures of Term 4!
Lauren Blaauw Area ILC Teacher
Student Equipment
If your child requires medical or communication equipment to be used at school, it is imperative that it is fully charged and/or the charger is sent to school with the equipment. If communication equipment is uncharged we will be unable to charge it without the correct charger. It is of vital importance that medical equipment is received at school fully functioning and well charged. Please clearly label any equipment with your child's name. Your support with this will assist us in being able to provide the highest level of care for your child.
A reminder to all parents/carers to please charge all equipment, suction machines and feeding machines etc overnight in order for them to be used next day at school. Please don't forget to then send in the charging cable to school with your child next day.
2025 Contributions and Charges
IF YOU HAVENT ALREADY, NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO PAY YOUR 2025 CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHARGES
SCHOOL CONTRIBUTION
Each year, families and carers in K – Yr 10 are invited to pay a voluntary contribution that assists our school acquire additional classroom resources. Your contribution is important: the higher the number of contributions received the more effectively can the acquisition program benefit all students. For ease of payment, EFT is available by speaking to our office personnel.
CHARGES
For Students in Yr 11 and 12 there are compulsory charges. In 2025 these are $330. These are aligned to the senior school program in the areas of general program (ASDAN, Work Skills, Micro Enterprise), Recreation and Leisure, Independent Living and Health/Personal grooming. If charges are not paid it may result in programs not being available to your child.
For ease of payment for School contributions or charges, the Burbridge School bank details are supplied below.
ANZ Bank: Burbridge School BSB 016 353 Account 3408 2300 3
Please state the students name when transferring funds direct to the school bank account.
Challenger Baseball program
Join the Wanneroo Giants Challenger Baseball program — a fun, inclusive baseball experience for children and adults with neurological, physical, and intellectual disabilities.
Ages 4–21: Saturday mornings, 8:30–9:30am
Ages 16+: Thursday afternoons, 1:00pm
📍 Kingsway Sporting Complex, Madeley Season runs October–March (with a summer break).
For more info contact: challenger.baseball@wanneroogiants.com or 0488 026 446 Challenger Division Wanneroo Giants
