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From the Principal...

The Power of Conversation
Preparing to catch up with friends last weekend, we went through our usual routine of discussing with our children for the ritual of the initial greeting. We systematically revise all the key issues such as

  • Greet in a clear audible voice
  • Make eye contact
  • Answer questions in full sentences
  • Don’t hide behind Mum and Dad

As our children range between 5 and 8 years of age, this is generally the extent of the nuance we work towards. Each child is different so the degree of difficulty or challenge involved in these seemingly simple requirements varies. The most shy find this quite daunting and have to steel themselves to follow through on this social convention. The more outgoing follow through naturally relishing the interaction.

These are skills we teach our children from a very young age and they are seen by many as a measure of manners and courtesy. To have them is to create an immediate impression.

Over my career, I have hosted many tours of schools and I have always been interested in what prospective Kindergarten parents observe and ask about. Naturally much of the focus is on the program and expectations, what is less often discussed is the key focus of socialisation. I think this is because this is taken as read by Early Learning teachers. Creating opportunities for children to learn nuances of social interactions through imaginative play, direct modeling and clear instruction is as important as the early literacy and numeracy skills. Of course this process continues all the way through school and supplements what we teach our children at home.

One only has to watch students at assembly to realise that public speaking has certainly taken a far greater focus in recent decades and what a great skill to have as one enters the wide world beyond school. Schools are about academics and teaching learning, of course, but they are far more than that. Schools are places that are now required to assist in developing confidence, building resilience and equipping students with the soft skills necessary to function effectively in later life.

 
 

I had the pleasure of accompanying our Head Boy, Cason Ho and our Head Girl, Christina Koutsoukos on a youth leadership conference last week. These two impressive young people are prime examples of skills to which I refer. We had not even landed in Canberra, and I had a lady seek me out on the plane to positively gush about what wonderful ambassadors these two young people were for the school. The impact their personal skills and values had on those around them was palpable. This continued throughout the conference. This naturally is a great credit to these students in their own right and certainly to their families but I like to believe that the impact of a caring well rounded education played its part too.

What are some of the simple behaviours that we can work on with all our children to help build their social confidence beyond their peer group.

  • Naturally modeling the desired interactions is an obvious strategy we all use.
  • Perhaps encourage children to initiate a handshake when greeting a person they do not see daily.
  • Prime and prepare children for social situations they are likely to find intimidating or overwhelming.
  • Role play social interactions at home.
  • Encourage full sentence answers to questions from others and try to practice initiating reciprocal questions.
  • Remember that failure to demonstrate these behaviours often stems from shyness and lack of confidence and that building these skills is a process.

Strong communication skills are among the most important skills students can acquire. At Ellenbrook we will always endeavor to make this a core part of what we offer our students.

Attendance
I would like to remind all parents about the importance of regular attendance at school. Naturally illness will occur and such absence is expected. Avoidable absence such as missing school due to holidays being taken during term time should be avoided as it has a negative impact on student learning. If your child is absent for whatever reason, please ensure that you communicate that to the school as early as possible.

Celebrations
I would like to congratulate Alex Robinson on being selected to represent Western Australia in Australian Canoeing National Spring Championships. We wish him every success.

Declan Hoskin qualified to participate in the Golf WA Amateur Championship of Western Australia, we congratulate him and wish him every success.

We also congratulate Kaitlyn Jacques on being offered a placement as a peer mentor with Fusion Australia on the Uluru Pilgrimage.

Annual College Members Meeting
We look forward to seeing a good turn out at the Annual College Members Meeting this Tuesday 15 March. The current College Committee serving member positions will be declared vacant and College Members will have the opportunity to vote on new nominees. I will introduce the Key Leadership Team for Ellenbrook. The meeting commences at 7:00pm in the Library (previously called the Venn). 

“A single conversation across the table with a wise man is better than ten years mere study of books. “ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Justin Krause
Principal

 
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Primary

Spineless Wonders Incursion
On Tuesday 1 March, Year 1 had an exciting visit from Spineless Wonders. We learnt about animals with skeletons on the outside of their skin, and how to draw a spider properly. We got to look at many different types of spiders, some scorpions (including one that glows in the dark!) and even got to touch a spiny stick insect, weevil beetle, resplendent stag beetle and a HUGE cockroach!

“I loved the shiny beetle because it was pretty.” - Jordan

“I liked the BIG scorpion that just about stung me on the nose.” - Zac

“I liked it when Scarlette and Eli were going to touch the cockroach.” - Alyssa

“My favourite part was the stag beetle. I liked the shiny stuff on it.” - Daniel

“My favourite part was the question part because I learnt how the upside down butterfly protected itself.” - Carla

 
 
 
 
 
 

Early Learning Centre Picnic
On Tuesday 8 March, the Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten families were invited to a family picnic in the ELC. This was a great community-building event and everyone had so much fun. The children especially loved the bouncy castle and playing soccer with their parents. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the beginning of the school year and the adventure of schooling the students are embarking on.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Primary Assemblies
Primary assemblies commenced in Week 3 this term. Assemblies are a time to find out what’s going on in the College and celebrate the success of students. We invite you to join us. 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Secondary

Secondary School 
On Wednesday 24 February our Secondary school students went to Bayswater Waves for the day to compete in the Inter House swimming competition. It was a fantastic day which saw students compete in both competitive races and take part in House survival based games. In the morning students competed in 50m heat and final races for freestyle, breast-stroke, back-stroke and butterfly. It was fantastic to see so many students involved in the morning and having a go to try and gain points for their House as well as qualify for our ACC interschool carnival. In the afternoon students competed in survival and team building activities including rescuing their team from the pool on a raft and with rope, problem solving in the pipe ping pong race as well as playing water polo and basketball.

 
 
 
 
 
 

The atmosphere and participation on the day was outstanding and every student involved should feel proud of their achievements.

Below is a list of our champions for the day.

 
 

Girls

Year 7

CHAMPION | Lizzie David
RUNNER UP | Abby Oldfield
THIRD Mackenzie Broun

Year 8

CHAMPION | Carla Da Silva
RUNNER UP | Kira Woulfe
THIRD | Shanae Power

Year 9

CHAMPION | Sophie David
RUNNER UP
 | Ebony Meldrum
THIRD
 | Madison Beggs

Year 10

CHAMPION | Taylah Power
RUNNER UP
 | Stephanie Burgess
THIRD
 | Bianca Glanville

Year 11  

CHAMPION | Ebony White
RUNNER UP | Alannah Woulfe
THIRD
 | Alissa David

Year 12

CHAMPION | Katelyn Towie
RUNNER UP
 | Ursula Whitehead
THIRD
 | Caitlin Barrett

 
 

Boys

Year 7

CHAMPION | Louis Neal
RUNNER UP | 
Gabe Colwell and Tate Bradem

Year 8

CHAMPION | Patrick Cumming
RUNNER UP | Lachlan MacRitchie
THIRD | Hugh Fahey-Gilmour

Year 9

CHAMPION Bailey Brandt
RUNNER UP | Bradley Gordon
THIRD | Aidan Quirk

Year 10

CHAMPION | Ronan Grills
RUNNER UP | Andre Da Silva  
THIRD | Daniel Gale

Year 11

CHAMPION | Thomas Hull
RUNNER UP |
Reece Basssett & Cross D’Cruz  

Year 12

CHAMPION | Conrad Muller
RUNNER UP | Theo Muller
THIRD  | Seth​ Perris

 
 
 
 
 
 

River Rangers | First Aid 

On Tuesday 23 February, 2016, as part of our Survivor theme, the River Rangers cadets participated in first aid training. Gillian and Megan came from St. John’s Ambulance to teach us DRSABCD in case we find someone unconscious.

 
 

Firstly, we learnt that checking for danger is very important; Gillian stressed that if we get hurt we cannot help the other person. We also learnt that when checking for response, it should be a gentle squeeze on the shoulder, as this will not hurt the patient’s spine or neck if they have an injury. Gillian showed us a trick when sending for help; she showed us where the emergency call icon was located on a mobile phone so we can call 000 on any mobile phone.

Then we got to practise the recovery position on each other. We checked for clear airways and, even though we giggled a little bit, we learnt the importance of putting a patient into the recovery position. Then we practised performing compressions on the CPR manikins; it was really hard work, and we were puffed after just one minute.

We hope that we never have to use first aid, but thankfully if we do, we are a little bit more prepared now.

 
 
 
 

After School Tuition Support
The Secondary Staff offer our students extra tuition support during the week and at particular times during the year. This support is offered at no additional cost.

This term we have the following support available:

Mathematics Tuition
Monday and Wednesday from 3:20pm until 4:00pm

English Tuition
Monday and Wednesday from 3:20pm until 4:00pm

Course teachers may offer additional support time during recess, lunch or after school on a one-off or periodic basis. Extra support is also often offered to Year 11 and 12 students during study breaks and examination periods.

If your child requires extra individual support, external tutors and agencies are available. Often each Head of Learning Area will know of some external tutors. Please contact them if the need arises.

 
 

Secondary Assistance Scheme
The Department of Education's Secondary Assistance Scheme is intended to provide assistance to Secondary students in meeting the costs of books and uniforms and includes eligible home-educated students. To be eligible for the allowance the parent/guardian must hold a Centrelink Family Health Care Card, a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card or a Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Concession card that represents a statement of income for the family.

The allowance consists of two components:

  • $115 Clothing Allowance paid directly to the parent/guardian.
  • $235 Educational Program Allowance paid directly to the parent/guardian.

Application is made by the parent or guardian for student/s registered for study in the Secondary years (Years 7 to 12). 

Application forms are available from Student Services and close on Friday 8 April 2016.

 
 

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.
 

 
 
 
 

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
The 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

 
 
 
 
 
 

Community

 
 
 
 
 
 

Arbor Grove Dental Therapy Centre
Brookmount Drive Ellenbrook | 9297 7388

The centre will be open Tuesday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm. For emergencies outside these hours or during public holidays please contact The Emergency Service on (08) 9325 3452, The Oral Health Centre on (08) 9346 4400 (Eligibility Applies) or your Private Dentist.

High School Students are eligible to attend the Dental Therapy Centre from Year 7 to Year 11 or until they turn 17, whichever occurs first. If your child is not already enrolled, it's not too late to enrol now! If you have not received an appointment in the past few years, we may not have your current address. Please contact us and advise of any address changes. 

 
 

Wind in the Willows
The Swan Christian College Whole School Production of the Wind in the Willows will be held in the Maali Mia theatre from Thursday 17 March to Saturday 19 March.  Students from across Junior and Senior Schools are taking part in this classic by Kenneth Graham.  Tickets are now available from Trybooking

"It's springtime and curious Mole, bored with housework, leaves his molehill to explore. At the riverbank he meets Ratty, a laid-back water rat. The two quickly become firm friends and Ratty introduces Mole to the exuberant Toad, a creature with a penchant for extravagant hobbies …..”.