Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope you enjoyed a wonderful break with your children. My break was filled with taking Stella swimming at the beach and river, spending time on a boat at Rottnest and a week in Busselton, along with a lot of time with my four grandchildren.

I would like to welcome all families back to Subiaco Primary School for the 2025 school year and extend a very special welcome to all families who are joining our school community for the first time.

We have enjoyed a great start to the school year. I have loved visiting classrooms and addressing the whole school as we gathered for our welcome back assembly on the first day. It has been a very smooth start and the school is filled with smiling, eager and excited children.

We start the year with 706 students from Kindergarten to Year 6. Thank you to our families for all the hard work at home helping your children be ready for the new school year to begin with their uniforms, lunches, and booklist items. I understand how much you do to support your children to be ready to learn; it is appreciated.

On Tuesday 4 February there was great excitement in our school! You may have seen Fat Cat, Premier Roger Cook, Minister for Education Dr Tony Buti, Subiaco Primary School students and Telethon representatives and their children and me, on the Channel 7 News Tuesday night or in Wednesday morning’s West Australian.

The Premier and the Minister for Education, came to our school for the launch of the first Premier’s Telethon Challenge. Kids helping kids: our schools unite for Telethon

The WA Government has launched the Premier’s Telethon Challenge encouraging Western Australian school students to engage in philanthropy and help children in need across the State.

This new initiative aims to foster students’ understanding of the importance of charities, child medical research and the power of serving others.

The challenge will serve as a springboard for empowering young people to make a positive difference, while directly contributing to their local communities. Students will raise vital funds for Telethon and cultivate a deeper appreciation of the values of generosity, empathy and collaboration.

The following categories have been established for students and schools to participate in:

• Primary school fundraiser;
• Secondary school fundraiser;
• Primary student writer; and
• Secondary student writer.

Students from Kindergarten to Year 12 can fundraise through their school, fostering teamwork and community spirit. Students also have the opportunity to make a written submission about charitable giving and their experience or feelings about Telethon. The challenge will begin in Term 2, 2025 and Subiaco Primary School are excited to be at the forefront of Kids helping kids: our schools unite for Telethon.

It was an honour and a privilege to host this fantastic event which is an opportunity to teach the next generation about the importance of giving. Click on the link below to access the news story, https://vimeo.com/1053329877/cf10001325

Professional Learning: Quality Teaching Strategy: Teaching for Impact & Introduction to Positive Schools
At the start of the week, our staff engaged in two days of collaboration, learning and planning to ensure a successful start to the year. Our professional learning focused on some of our key focus areas such as curriculum, student wellbeing and professional
growth through instructional coaching.

As mentioned in 2024, our school embarked on a professional journey to further strengthen teaching and learning excellence in every classroom by embedding the core elements of the Department of Education’s Quality Teaching Strategy. In consultation with our staff, our deputy principal Alan Ramsey will be providing professional learning through the Teaching for Impact Strategy. Please read the first of Alan’s regular newsletter articles on our progress with this whole school approach to strengthen educators’ impact on achievement and progress of all students.

The second day of professional learning was led by Emma-Louise Harrison, Jeff Cornez, and Alessia Mitanoski, who introduced the Positive Schools framework. This aligns with our Business Plan, specifically Strategic Priority 4: Wellbeing and Engagement, which focuses on adopting a multi-tiered approach to support student wellbeing.

As part of this initiative, students and families were asked to complete the Be You Community Survey in Semester 2, 2024. The data collected from these surveys reinforces research that shows schools can play a pivotal role in supporting the healthy development of all children, including those facing challenges.

Positive Schools applies the science of wellbeing—also known as Positive Psychology—within educational settings. It offers two key benefits: First, it equips students, staff, and the broader community with the knowledge and skills to enhance overall wellbeing. Second, it fosters a Positive Education approach that not only supports emotional and social growth but also improves students’ academic engagement and achievement.
I invite you to read more about Subiaco Primary School's future vision and plans from Emma-Louise.

We warmly welcome our new staff to Subiaco Primary School. Brooke Starcevich returns from maternity leave – Year 1 LP1, Allistair Kettell returns from 12 months leave - Year 6 U3, Emily Warrener is our newly appointed School Psych, Frank Cianfagna is working with Adrew Angel in Music, Karen Sabatay is working with Leith Elliot for Term 1 in Art, Tuvshin Sengee is in Kindy L7, Rachael Taylor is in Year 5 U5, Olivia Copland is working with Alice Brennan in EC2, and Alice Vanreust is working with Mel Brandenburg as the French Language Assistant. Learn more about some of our new staff HERE.

We are looking forward to a successful and rewarding year at Subiaco Primary.  

Warm regards,
Heather McNeil

Have you heard of the Quality Teaching Strategy (QTS)? It’s the Department of Education’s (DoE) position on effective teaching, bringing together programs, services, and support for leaders and teachers to build cultures of teaching excellence. Last year, Subiaco Primary School started its journey and embraced one of the supports—Teaching for Impact.   

The DoE shared seven statements about what effective teachers BELIEVE, including, but not limited to, unlocking student potential, inclusion and valuing diversity, equity and reconciliation, and student wellbeing and engagement. Last year, our staff spent time analysing, discussing and modifying to create statements specific to our school community. Posters were made and proudly displayed in every classroom. Have you seen Subiaco’s seven beliefs?

At our recent Staff Development Day (SDD), we explored the second core part of Teaching for Impact: what staff KNOW. We are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated, experienced, and professional staff who know and understand the curriculum and work hard to build relationships with students. Staff completed various activities designed to … critically reflect on their own cultural background, values, and beliefs about why they are teachers. 

Our next stop will be DO, which consists of three subsections – PLAN, TEACH, and ASSESS. Over the coming year, staff will receive professional learning, support and guidance at the whole school, year and individual levels to implement evidence-based, specific strategies and skills to ensure a consistent approach across the school with the main aim of having a high impact on student outcomes. 

I look forward to sharing our Teaching for Impact journey in upcoming newsletters. For more information, please visit www.education.wa.edu.au/quality-teaching-strategy

Positive Schools is an educational approach that integrates the principles of positive psychology with traditional educational practices to enhance student wellbeing and academic achievement. The research behind positive schools emphasises creating a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters both emotional and academic growth.

Key Research Insights:

1. Positive School Climate
2. Ecological and Systemic Approach
3. SEARCH Framework
4. Evidence-Based Practices.

Committee Members:

• Emma-Louise Harrison
• Alessia Mitanoski
• Jeff Cornez
• Cassie Zadow
• Kristy Wyrewenaden
• Chris Shorter

These committee members bring diverse expertise and a shared commitment to fostering positive, supportive, and effective educational environments.

Our vision is to create a nurturing and inclusive educational environment where every student thrives academically, emotionally, and socially, fostering a lifelong love for learning and a strong sense of community.

Our future planning is to:

1. Establish a Positive School Culture
2. Integrate Positive Psychology into Curriculum
3. Enhance Staff Wellbeing
4. Engage Families and the Community
5. Monitor and Evaluate Progress

By following this vision and future planning, we aim to create a positive school environment that supports the holistic development of every student, preparing them for a successful and fulfilling future.

We are looking for parents from each class to take on the Class Liaison Parent (CLP) role – ideally two parents per class. This is an important role in the school community which includes:

• Close liaison with the class teacher to communicate with families
• Welcoming new families and supporting their transition into our school
• Collating and maintaining an “opt in” voluntary contact list for each class
• Organising social gatherings to build community and friendship networks
• Organising an end of year gift for the class teacher.
• Meeting with the Principal and administrative team through the year to provide valuable feedback and input into the school’s strategic direction.

CLPs also assist the P&C by helping to promote events within their class and year groups and seeking volunteers for these events.

CLPs are supported by the P&C CLP Coordinator, Catie Parsons. Please contact Catie (CLP@subiprimarypc.com.au) if you have any queries about the CLP role.

Please notify your class teacher if you would like to volunteer as we would like these roles filled as soon as possible.

National Lunchbox Week celebrates the uniqueness of every lunchbox. A lunchbox can reflect love, care, and nourishment from simple sandwiches to creative meals. Subiaco Primary School is proud to support National Lunch Box Week to help make lunchboxes enjoyable, nourishing and pressure- free.

Every lunchbox tells a story shaped by family traditions, available resources, and unique preferences, reminding us there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. During National Lunchbox Week, we embrace the diversity of lunchboxes and promote supportive, judgment-free conversations around food.

We know that packing a lunchbox can sometimes feel daunting. Nutrition Australia’s tips and simple options can make busy mornings much more manageable. More importantly lunchbox packing isn’t about perfection but finding what works for you and your family. Affordability matters, too, and with some practical ideas, nutritious lunches can be both satisfying and budget-friendly.

Lunchtimes can also help children build lifelong positive relationships with food, turning every lunch break into an opportunity for enjoyment and connection. The heart of National Lunchbox Week is collaboration. Families, schools, early childhood education services, and health advocates share a common goal: for children to have nourishing, enjoyable meals that support their growth and learning.

Through National Lunchbox Week we can inspire meaningful change that benefits the next generation by working together, sharing ideas, and creating inclusive spaces. Be sure to explore the National Lunchbox Week website for helpful resources: www.lunchboxweek.org

You can follow Nutrition Australia on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn:
www.facebook.com/nutritionaustralia.org
www.instagram.com/nutritionaustralia
www.linkedin.com/company/nutritionaustralia

To celebrate 20 years of Crunch&Sip® we would like to introduce a new mascot to encourage students to eat a variety of vegetables in all the colours of the rainbow. Eating the rainbow provides a great mix of the vitamins and minerals needed for good health.

Entry is open to West Australian school-aged children, both primary and secondary. Registrations open Sunday 16 February and entries must be received by 12.00pm Monday 30 March 2025.

For more information visit www.crunchandsip.com.au/event/design-competition

From now until Friday 28 February, Life Ed and Woolworths are on a mission to help kids go, grow and glow through education, by making healthier lunchbox choices easy and fun.

Healthy Harold is on the search for Australia’s Healthier Lunchboxes, which will give families and schools the opportunity to win from a record prize pool worth $18,000.

It’s as simple as snapping a photo of your child’s healthier lunchbox as part of our search for Australia’s Healthier Lunchboxes.

PLUS if your child’s lunchbox wins, your school does too!

There will be six winning families selected who will receive a Woolworths e-gift card valued at $1,000 each. Their school will also receive a Woolworths e-gift card valued at $2,000.

You’re not alone!

Healthy Harold and Woolworths will be providing free tips, inspo and resources to help – from budget-friendly recipes, to colourful activities you can do at home with kids to spark healthier conversations.

Because when we make healthier choices, we can go, grow and glow – like Healthy Harold teaches in Life Ed’s nutrition-based modules. Visit https://lifeed.org.au/australias-healthier-lunchboxes/ for more information.

Instrumental Music School Services - IMSS
If your child is part of our instrumental music program for 2025, please note the teaching days below. Lessons will commence next week (Week 2) and during their visit the teachers will determine the exact times of each 30 minute lesson.

Instrumental students who have also been selected for PEAC, are requested to choose PEAC courses that do not clash with the lesson times. Should you require more information, please do not hesitate to contact the instrumental teacher.

If you have decided to hire an instrument from the school, please pay the loan fee ($115) and return completed forms to the front office. Students cannot take instruments home until the fee has been received.

Cello – Music Room (Office)
Tuesday mornings 9:10 - 10:40am.
Alita Monkhorst  alita.monkhorst@education.wa.edu.au

Clarinet – Music Room (Office)
Tuesday 1:50pm to 2:50pm
Kiara Wild  kiara.wild@education.wa.edu.au

Violin/Viola – Music Room (Office)
Wednesdays String Ensemble – 7:40 – 8:40am
Violin/Viola – Wednesday – morning commencing 8:50
Helen Milner  helen.milner@education.wa.edu.au

Brass – Staff room
Friday 8:00am – 9:00am
Lindsay Timms  lindsay.timms@education.wa.edu.au

Flute – Staff Room
Wednesdays at 11.15 to 12.15
Ela Kwasny  elzbieta.kwasny@education.wa.edu.au

Double Bass – Music Room (Office)
Wednesdays 2:00-3:00pm
Kirsty Malcolm  kirsty.malcolm@education.wa.edu.au

School Choirs
We have two choirs at Subiaco Primary School.  Please encourage your child to join either the Senior Choir (Years 4/5/6) or Junior Choir (Year 2/3)

Senior Choir
The choir is open to all students in Year 4, 5 and 6. We will be participating in several events throughout the year. Students are expected to purchase a choir polo shirt from the Uniform Shop to be worn on specific performances. Choir rehearsals will commence next Tuesday 11 February. 

Junior Choir
The choir is open to all students in Year 2 and 3. We will be participating in several events throughout the year. Students are expected to purchase a choir polo shirt from the Uniform Shop to be worn on specific performances. Choir rehearsals will commence next Thursday 13 February.

Thank you
Andrew Angel

The Arts Programme at Subiaco PS is providing the opportunity for our students to participate in a French club. This program is open to students from Year 3 to 6.

The schedule is as follows:
Term 1: Year 3
Term 2: Year 4
Term 3: Year 5
Term 4: Year 6

We will run three sessions starting in Week 2 of each term on Thursday during lunch. A maximum of 15 participants is allowed per session.

The sessions will run as follows:
Session 1: Weeks 2-4
Session 2: Weeks 5-7
Session 3:Weeks 8-10

Students interested in this opportunity can register their interest with Madame Brandenburg in U9.

Subiaco Primary School is committed to providing an education appropriate to and supportive of, the abilities and talents of all students. As a major initiative to honour this commitment, in line with our business plan, the school is pleased to announce that we are in the process of establishing a MAG (multi-aged grouping) French Extension Program. Students shortlisted for this class placement must be fluent French speakers and readers.

The program will run on Wednesday mornings from 8.00am, starting in Week 3, Term 1. It will be an intensive and immersive program focused on day-to-day conversation, dictation, reading and writing. The program is open to students from Years 1 to 6 who speak French at home.

Interested parents/guardians are invited to complete an expression of interest in joining the program and send the completed form to Ms Brandenburg on melanie.brandenburg@education.wa.edu.au. Existing participants in the program do not need to apply again.

Submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Expressions of interest are due by C.O.B Friday 14 February 2025

Subiaco Primary School is fortunate to be celebrating "Crepe Day" - a French holiday and cultural celebration. Students in Years 1 - 6 will be able to order and eat crepes made by "Who Gives a Crepe" to celebrate this occasion. Students from Year 1 - 3 will have their crêpes ready for recess and Years 4 - 6 will have theirs ready in time for lunch.

If you would like your child to participate, please place your order using the link below before Tuesday 18 February. https://forms.gle/Xuu2zFp2Q2QWUxuU7

Students will need to bring the correct cash on "Crepe Day", Friday 21 February.  This will be collected from classrooms on the day.

Bon appetit,
Madame Brandenburg

Welcome to 2025 Family Picnic
Bring your family, pack a picnic basket, catch up with friends and get to know new faces in the school community!

When:  Sunday 16 February, 3.00-6.00pm
Where: School Oval
Food:    BYO Picnic

Available to purchase: Sausage Sizzle (Halal beef & chicken) plus an icecream truck! We'd love to see you there!

P&C Events Committee
events@subiprimarypc.com.au

Get involved with the P&C in 2025!
Some Committee members will be moving on this year, so we are looking for volunteers to fill some important roles in 2025.

President:
Represents the P&C, chairs the P&C meetings and supports the other P&C roles and committees. If you think you might be interested, please email Fiona Plant at president@subiprimarypc.com.au or call 0448 698 937. Other P&Cs have had joint Presidents so if you and a friend want to share the role, that’s an option too.

Secretary:
Responsible for issuing agendas and taking minutes for P&C meetings, twice a term, and maintaining P&C records. If you’re organised and think you might be interested – either on your own or shared with a friend - please contact Co-Secretary Tamara Brestovac at secretary@subiprimarypc.com.au

Events & Fundraising Committee members:
Join a great team of volunteers to help organise our fantastic events and fundraising activities If you have events, graphic design, communications or events experience or just enthusiasm to get involved in our school community, please contact our Events & Fundraising Coordinator Veronica Wilshaw at events@subiprimarypc.com.au

There will be plenty of support for the new roles from current and former P&C members, and the outgoing members will provide handovers and assistance as required. Subiaco Primary has a wonderful school community and we encourage you to be an active part of it!

P&C AGM – Tuesday 4 March
If you'd like to get involved with the school community or learn more about what the P&C does, please come along to our Annual General Meeting (AGM).
When:  Tuesday 4 March, 7.00pm
Where:  School Library

At the AGM, all 2024 Committee positions will be vacated and 2025 Committee positions will be voted in.

We'd love to have new members - it's never too soon or late to get involved.

To join the P&C in 2025:
Complete the P&C Membership Form at https://subiacops.wa.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/PC-Membership-Form.pdf email it to secretary@subiprimarypc.com.au AND pay your $1.00 membership contribution (with your name in the reference) to:

Subiaco Primary P&C Association
BSB 016 460
ACN 340889723

Or come to the AGM and join in person!

Birthday Celebrations
If your child’s birthday falls on a school day and you would like bring in a treat for the class please consider healthy, nut free alternatives. Commercially bought, individual cup cakes are acceptable but due to our healthy eating policy we would rather parents not provide chocolates or lollies.

Student Absences
Enter an Attendance Note on Compass
A parent explanation is required for all student absences. Please enter this on Compass. Parent reminders will be emailed every Monday for any unexplained absences.

Updating School Records
If your address, telephone number or email address has changed, please contact the school office.

Publications Permission
Upon enrolment, parents decide whether to give consent for their child’s name, photo or work to be published in school newsletters, school related activities, promotional material for the Department of Education and articles for the West Australian and community newspapers. This consent continues for your child while enrolled at our school. If at any stage you want to change the permission status then you will need to notify the office in writing.

School Chess Club Starts in Week 2 for Yr 2-6 students

Would your child like to learn how to play chess and make new friends at school? Does your child have an interest in critical thinking and problem solving? Chess for Life has been operating primary school chess clubs, tuition and tournaments for over 25
years. Some clubs include; Subiaco PS, Wembley PS, Wesley College and many more.

It is known that chess:

• Builds confidence and new friendships
• Develops Logic, Critical Thinking, and Creativity.
• Increases Concentration & Memory.
• Develops Problem Solving Skills.
• Improves Reading Skills.
• Teaches Planning and Foresight.
• Engages the mind OFF of screens.
• Connects You with new friends in other year groups .

Students in Year 2-6 are most welcome to come along and learn the wonderful game of chess. The fee for term 1 is $185 per student.
More info and booking at www.perthchessschool.com.au

Thanks for your support
Leo South

Young Engineers Club
The Young Engineers Club still has places available for Grade 1-2 students. The Grade 3-6 course is already full.

Term 1: 10/02/2025 - 11/04/2025 (public holiday 3rd March) Price: $240 inc GST

Visit https://portal.iclasspro.com/yeperth/classes to register.

Introducing Young Engineers, a Lego engineering program that sparks the minds of primary school children and takes them on an extraordinary journey into the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics!

In our weekly sessions, students become young inventors as they build and program motorised LEGO® machines. These models are not just ordinary toys; they are working prototypes of real-world machines! Through this process, our curious learners get to explore scientific concepts while bringing their creations to life.

So, if you're ready to unleash your child's inner genius and set them on a path to future success, don't miss out on Young Engineers!

Join us today and watch their imaginations soar!

All equipment (including Android tablets) provided.

For other community classes, activities and events that are available to families in Subiaco please click HERE.

SUBIACO PRIMARY SCHOOL
271 Bagot Rd, Subiaco WA 6008.
Phone: 08 9207 7900
Email: subiaco.ps@education.wa.edu.au