From the Principal...

We have only been back such a short time but already much has occurred. Our Year 5 students enjoyed a wonderful camp experience last week. I am always so greatly heartened by the feedback of staff after these events. It was wonderful to hear their proud descriptions of the students and their conduct whilst they were away. Camps bring with them unique challenges for students as they move out of their comfort zone and live together with a large group for a few days in unfamiliar environments. Teachers came back with wonderful reports of support, camaraderie and teamwork. It is very valuable to be able to see students shine in these surroundings that are often quite different from the classroom routine.  I was also privileged to attend the Year 11 Camp at Ern Halliday for part of a day. Once again our students did us proud. It was a privilege to spend time with our students, some of whom will be our Student Leaders in 2017.

With ANZAC Day commemorated last Monday, I reflected on how sensitively and sensibly the various services across Ellenbrook and Beechboro campuses were observed. What struck me most was not only the sincere commemoration of the sacrifices made but the strong message of the hope of peace. So many on various sides of conflict have experienced tragic loss over the centuries. It is right to honour those who gave their all; however the hope of all is that one day conflict may be settled in far less costly ways. The messages of ANZAC were delivered with respect and dignity and I commend all involved in arranging the services.

A highlight of the week was our Inter-school Leadership High Tea. The student leaders from ECC and six other local schools met to network, hear a presentation from our guest speaker, Ashlee Harrison, and for a student leader from each school to share their thoughts on leadership on the theme of ‘Courage and Commitment’.  I made the comment to our Parent Committee last on Wednesday night that I tire of some of our comments in society today that bemoan our future as we despair about the next generation. If we are honest, we can hear our parents and grandparents echoed in our comments. There is no doubt that this generation faces a different set of challenges but we cannot undersell the great insight, commitment and compassion that is demonstrated by so many of our young people. I was naturally very pleased and inspired by all the young speakers but the Year 10 students who served at the event equally impressed me, they were a credit to the school.  The current generation of young men and women are for me a source of hope and inspiration. They have great potential, it is the job of parents and schools to nurture guide and develop that potential.

I was delighted to be able to formally commission the new Head of Senior School, Mr. Smith, into his significant leadership role last wee at the first assembly. It was also an opportunity to commission Mr Harris and Mr Bolan who are relatively new to their roles and had not been formally and publicly endorsed in their roles. The ceremony was a symbolic empowering of these leaders in a public forum recognising the significance and responsibility of the roles that they have been entrusted with. I know hat they will serve the College well. Mr Smith has settled in very quickly and is already making an impact in a number of areas.

This weekend, we celebrate Mother's Day and each family has their own way of marking this occasion. It is right to reflect on the important role that Mum’s and in some family’s other significant guardians and carers, play in society and the impact they have on the lives of children. The images that are conjured when we think of mothers can vary but inevitably when one hears the student’s responses, words like kindness, cuddles and love come up over and over again. For me the overriding image of motherhood that resonates is unconditional love; the one person that we can always depend on to offer acceptance and care when all else around us seems to desert us. It raises images of safety and nurturing. I wish every one of our Mum’s a fabulous day and I hope that your children spoil you in the manner you deserve.

I would like to remind parents that a group of our Year 10 to 12 students will be accompanying me and two of my daughters as we go 'Homeless for a Night' to raise awareness and funds to support the homeless.  If you would like to donate to this worthy cause, please click here and follow the prompts. We will also be having a free dress day next Friday. To attend school in free dress, students will be required to make a gold coin donation. All proceeds will go to the charity, Manna Inc. that are hosting the event. Naturally if students want to donate more than the gold coin, they are encouraged to do so.  

​Justin Krause
Principal

Primary School News

From the Head of Primary...

It was my privilege last week to join our Year 5 students on their first ever school camp at Ern Halliday in Hillarys. The camp ran from Wednesday through to Friday and students engaged in a range of activities designed to take them out of their comfort zones and develop team-working skills.

Activities included, conquering a rather high flying fox, an even higher giant swing, caving and rock climbing. Students were also able to enjoy archery, kite making and a huge amount of delicious food.

Other camp staff and I were extremely impressed with the student’s willingness tackle new challenges and their meaningful encouragement of one another. The Year 5 students are a talented and very positive cohort in whom we can all have great confidence for the future.

Stuart Harris
Head of Primary School

Farmyard Antics in the ELC

On Thursday 28 April the Pre-Kindy and Kindergarten classes had an incursion from the ‘Farmyard on Wheels’. Farmer Mick showed us lots of animals. These included a horse, a dog, an alpaca, a goose and a pony. We also got to hold baby chicks and feed the baby goats. Mrs Dawson and Mrs Thiart enjoyed feeding the piglets; they had to put towels over their clothes so the piglets’ milk wouldn’t spill all over them.

Farmer Mick told us many interesting facts about the animals and we learnt all names of the baby animals. Did you know that a baby goose is called a gosling and a baby alpaca is called a cria?

We also liked patting the alpaca and horse. Farmer Mick’s dog was also a favourite as he could obey commands and do tricks. We also enjoyed chasing the baby goats and lambs around the playground and watching them eat some of our plants.

As Farmer Mick waved good-bye we all continued to talk about our favourite animals and the things we had learnt.

Wandjoo Wandjoo

On Tuesday 26 April, Year 1 had a Wandjoo Wandjoo day at school. Wandjoo Wandjoo means 'Welcome' in the Noongar language.

We did Aboriginal dot paintings of our hands using paint and cotton tips. We sat around the campfire that Mr Bradstreet made for us and Mrs Van Wyk read us The Waugal story. The Aboriginal people believe that the Waugal, or Rainbow Serpent, made the rivers and hills as he slithered over the earth.

We learnt about bush tucker with Mrs Smyth. We made damper, and even had a go at grinding grain to make flour. We also pretended to hunt kangaroos with spears and boomerangs.

With Mr Bradstreet we did Aboriginal dancing. We pretended to be an Australian animal.

Year 1 students warming themselves by the campfire and grinding the grain.

Secondary School News

From the Head of Secondary...

It has been an absolute privilege being appointed to the position of Head of Secondary School. I have been warmly welcomed into the College community by staff, parents and students. I believe welcomes are important and speak volumes about the culture of a school. Romans 15:7 says, "Accept one another as Christ has accepted you, in order to bring praise to God". I have certainly felt a warm Christian welcome and acceptance at our College and for that I am truly thankful to all. 

Our Year 7 and 9 students will soon take part in NAPLAN testing. I would strongly encourage all of our Year 7 and 9 students to do their absolute best during the testing period. In saying this I would also make mention that NAPLAN is not something to fear or be nervous about. It is just like any other test and a chance for our students to demonstrate their Literacy and Numeracy levels. 

I would like to take this opportunity to emphasise the importance of students being prepared and focused for each class. Being prepared for learning involves more than bringing books and a pencil case to class. It involves having a positive attitude, being determined to learn and approaching each day with an open heart and mind. Focus can only occur when there are no distractions, this is why mobile phones should not be used in class and why we strive to ensure our learning

experiences are engaging. Quality time on the task of learning is a vital key to unlocking the full potential of our children. 

I have also had the opportunity to visit and speak with our Year 11 students on their camp this week. During my short visit, at one session, I observed a group of boys speaking so openly and positively about their peers and their leadership qualities. The quality of conversation was extremely impressive and a credit to the boys. Speaking to students across my first two weeks at the College has quickly allowed me to find out what makes our College special and I look forward to partnering with students, parents and staff to continue the positive start to the school year. 

Jordan Smith
Head of Secondary

Calculators

Calculators are a useful and a beneficial tool in the Mathematics classroom. They allow students to quickly check their work and they make some more mathematically intensive tasks easier. Our preference is for students to practice their mental arithmetic as much as possible; however, some calculations and some mathematic topics are better served with a calculator.

It has become quite evident in our Mathematics classes that some students either do not have a scientific calculator or they fail to bring one to school. For students in some senior classes a ClassPad is also required. When students fail to bring a calculator to class, especially for assessments, it places them at a clear disadvantage. Calculators should be brought to every Mathematics class.

Next week will see students in Year 9 sitting the NAPLAN Numeracy assessment. One part of this assessment involves the use of a calculator.

Please check that your child does bring their calculator to school. If they do not, please encourage them to take responsibility for their learning and be equipped with the correct instruments. If your child does not have a calculator, please address this as a priority. Our preferred scientific calculator is the Casio fx-100au plus; however, any scientific calculator would suffice providing you child has access to a user guide if required.

ChooseMaths Awards 2016

The ChooseMaths Awards celebrate mathematical achievement, creativity and excellence in Australian schools. The awards encourage students to get creative as they step beyond the classroom to bring their love of mathematics to life on film. We challenge Australia’s next generation of mathematical leaders to demonstrate their talent by exploring problem solving and real-world applications in an interesting and engaging way.

This year’s theme: Maths is more than just numbers.

Interested students are encouraged to see Mr Jacques about making an entry.

Student Awards

Teacher Awards

Are you, or do you know, an engaging and innovative teacher who mentors students to continue with mathematics?

The ChooseMaths Awards acknowledge highly motivated maths teachers who have inspired students and enhanced their mathematical learning experience.

Nominate a teacher who has taken maths beyond numbers by:

• Encouraging girls to participate in mathematics
• Engaging students through creative practice
• Inspiring students through formal or informal mentorship

Golf News

ECC Golf Day

Congratulations to all the students who played in the first ECC Golf day on Monday 2 May at The Vines Resort and country club. We had 30 mixed ability students from Years 5 to 10, playing in a team competition. They day was an opportunity for our leaders to shine and our lesser experienced students to gain vital golf course experience.

Our leaders for the day were a credit to them selves and the school. They did not only develop the students confidence but were giving practical advice and demonstrated an unbelievable amount of patience. 

Our leaders were

• Luke Hoskin
• Courtney Virra
• Adam Brady
• Jarryd Brooks
• Morgan Weaver
• Seth Oliver
• Trafford Wilcox 
• Henry Lines

Our winning teams for the day were:

• First – Seth Oliver, Abbey Toghill, Blaine Thiart.
• Second – Adam Brady, Mufaro Marindo, Jacob Heslop, Tom Ball.

Congratulations to all involved. We had a fantastic day.

Upcoming Events

Events

Significant events that occur throughout the year at the College can be found on the events page on our website. Currently a list of term dates, public holidays, student free days, College Committee open parent meetings and end of year events are listed on the page.

Calendar

The College calendar is updated regularly with new events.  You are encouraged to use this resource to keep yourself up-to-date with school functions, excursions, incursions, after school programs and anything else that your child may be involved in.
 

Student Services

Absent or Late?
If your child is unwell or arriving late, please contact us though our:

• voicemail service on (08) 9297 9292; or
• the absentee email, eccabsentees@scea.wa.edu.au; or
• our new text service number, 0416 905 250. 

If your child is being picked up for appointments during school hours. To avoid delays we ask that you notify us in advance by email or a phone call.

Student Services Team
Mrs Lorraine Wheeler, Mrs Suzel Nolte and Mrs Joanna de Grauw (Student Services team) can be contacted on:

• Email: ellenbrookss@scea.wa.edu.au 
• Phone: 08 9297 9230

Hours 
Pre-Kindergarten
8:35am to 2:40pm
Tuesdays and Thursdays

Kindergarten
8:35am to 2:50pm
Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays

Pre-Primary
8:35am to 3:00pm

Years 1 to 6
8:40am to 3:05pm

Years 7 to 12
8:40am to 3:15pm

Administration
8:00am to 4:00pm
8:00am to 3:30pm Wednesdays

Road Safety
Please be minful of the road safety rules especially when parking on Santona Boulevard and Valinco Avenue. Parking on the road causes vehicles to overtake parked vehicles when students may be crossing the road, which could be hazardous to our students. Our students’ safety is a priority.

Community