Newsletter Term 2 Issue 3 2025
Principal's Report
As we wrap up Term 2, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the many highlights and express my gratitude to our wonderful school community.
One of the standout events this term was our celebration of NAIDOC Week. It was fantastic to see students and staff come together to honour the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The activities were engaging and meaningful, and we thank everyone who contributed to making it such a memorable experience.
Our staff also had the opportunity to participate in the Kaadaniny on the Derbal Yerrigan (Education Support North and South Networks joint conference), which provided valuable professional development and collaboration across the networks. It was a fantastic chance to share ideas and strengthen our practices to better support our students.
We’re also pleased to share that a large percentage of our families successfully claimed the WASAP (Western Australian Student Assistance Package) this year. It’s great to see so many taking advantage of the support available.
As we head into the break, I wish all our students, families, and staff a safe and restful holiday. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 3.
Joanne Gordon
Principal
Area B
This semester, Area B has focused on developing our sense of identity and exploring how we can connect to and contribute to the world around us, including strengthening the links between home and school. A key part of this program has been the introduction of our classroom teddy bear, Billie. Each week, Billie goes home with one student and their family, who record their adventures in our special book.
On the following Monday, students present their news, sharing their experiences with their peers. During this time, they are encouraged to comment on their adventures using their preferred communication methods, including how they felt during these experiences.
Billie has had some wonderful adventures with our students, and we can’t wait to see where he goes next!
Sarah Sansom - Area B Teacher
Kiss and Ride
As of January 2025, we have introduced changes to our car parking arrangements and implemented a new Kiss and Ride system through the bus bay, specifically to support families picking up students who use wheelchairs.
The kiss and ride is right-hand lane of the bus bay. Parking is only permitted while loading your vehicle. School staff will escort your child to your vehicle. This is to ensure smooth traffic flow.
These changes are designed to improve safety and efficiency for all students and families. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to create a safer and more accessible environment for everyone.
Area C
Area C enjoyed having a class party to celebrate Zoe's 11th birthday! We sang happy birthday and had some delicious cupcakes that Zoe bought in to share with the class. Happy birthday Zoe!
Jenni Doubikin - Area C Teacher
Area C2 A week of discovery and creativity
This week in C2, the children have been returning to class after lunch and recess to calming sensory activities, such as kinetic sand, playdough, and engaging toys. Last Friday, we returned our library books, and each student chose a new one for the week ahead, which we’ve been enjoying during these peaceful sessions. Our book of the week was We're Going on a Croc Hunt by Laine Mitchell & Louis Shea, which inspired us to create our own adventurous class book filled with exciting creatures to watch out for—like crocodiles, monkeys, and alligators! We also kicked off NAIDOC Week with a fun scavenger hunt in the sensory garden, where we learned about a variety of native and introduced plants and animals. Although it rained during our search, we came prepared with umbrellas and took shelter under the gazebo—adding to the sense of adventure! Back in the classroom, we listened to Bibbulman Bonar: The Six Season Song in both English and Noongar, and some of us were already quite familiar with it. We’re looking forward to more NAIDOC Week celebrations and exciting activities as we wrap up Term 2!
Dorothy Helfgott - Area C2 Teacher
Area D
This term was filled with wonderful learning experiences in Area D. Students were actively engaged in a variety of activities including MOVE, Art, Music, Swimming, English, and Mathematics.
A key focus was on developing students' ability to use their devices to communicate. In MOVE, students particularly enjoyed using their equipment to stand, work, and sit, building on to their physical engagement.
It’s been a joy to see their growth and participation across all areas. Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing holiday!
Veronica Mumharu - Area D Teacher
Area E & F at Wanneroo Regional Museum
This term, Area E and F went on an excursion to the Wanneroo Regional Museum as part of their HASS studies. They had a great bus journey out to the museum and enjoyed exploring old items that were used by local families from the past. One of our EA’s even recognised a very old washing machine that used to be in her home! It was a great morning out for all.
Kylie Moffat - Area E & F DOTT Teacher
NAIDOC Week
This week we celebrated NAIDOC Week. Students enthusiastically engaged in a variety of hands-on activities and reading books that celebrated and deepened their understanding of Aboriginal culture. They created beautiful salt dough decorations featuring traditional Aboriginal symbols, while learning about their meanings and stories. Using coloured rice, students crafted vibrant representations of the Aboriginal flag and explored the symbolism of its colours—black for the people, red for the earth, and yellow for the sun. A scavenger-style bush hunt brought learning outdoors, encouraging curiosity and connection with Country. As part of their Enterprise program, our senior school students designed and made special NAIDOC Week badges. They showed great teamwork as they took turns visiting classrooms to sell their creations.
Lauren Blaauw - Area ILC Teacher
Contribution 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.
