Dear Parents and Carers,

Harmony Week
It is Harmony Week across Australia and today we celebrated Harmony Day at Subiaco.
If you’re not sure what Harmony Week is all about, it is focused on celebrating our cultural diversity and ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging and pride in their heritage.

Did you know that 33% of Subiaco families come from a country other than Australia? This brings a rich cultural tapestry to our community. I know there are cultural celebrations and customs being observed currently in our community such as Ramadan for our Muslim families and Holi Hindu celebrations for our Indian community.

I hope all families continue to share their cultural celebrations with us all. True harmony is brought about by mutual respect and understanding.
Our students have been celebrating Harmony Week through class activities across this week, thank you to our teachers and specialist teachers for coordinating this. The cultural parade this afternoon was a wonderful way to bring this together.

Voting is Open for Parent Nominations for the School Board
Thank you so much to each of the 10 candidates who have nominated for the School Board. This is a fantastic response; with the highest number of nominations we’ve seen in recent years! A high level of interest like this is a testament to the strong engagement and commitment of our school community. It shows that there are many passionate parents who want to be involved in shaping the future of our school, and this diversity of perspectives is invaluable. When so many parents step forward, it strengthens the School Board and demonstrates the collective desire to work together towards the best possible outcomes for all students. Your interest in taking on this important role is truly appreciated and helps ensure that our School Board represents a broad range of views, experiences, and ideas.

If you haven't voted yet, please take a moment to do so. Your vote is important in shaping the future of our school. Please click the following link to read the parent profiles and to vote. https://forms.gle/Vem265RrG5nFXzQV6

Voting will close Tuesday, 25 March 2025 at 4.00pm.

My heartfelt thanks goes to all the candidates who have nominated for their time, energy, and dedication to our school community.

Curriculum Update: Focus on V9 and Whole School Vocabulary Scope
As part of our ongoing professional learning, our teaching staff recently focused on familiarising themselves with the new V9 version of the mathematics curriculum. This session was an opportunity for teachers to dive into the changes and discuss how we can integrate these updates into our teaching practices.

A key focus was establishing a whole-school vocabulary scope and sequence, ensuring that we use consistent terminology across all year levels. This common language will help students and staff better understand and communicate mathematical concepts.

The session included discussions about the major changes in V9, including new terminology, the introduction of real-life mathematics, and the importance of moving from hands-on modelling to abstract concepts. A significant improvement in this version is the integration of mathematical pictures, helping students visualise concepts more effectively.

Teachers also spent time reflecting on important considerations, such as the sequencing of outcomes and how long it takes for students to learn certain concepts. They were asked to think about which areas might need more attention across the school and to identify ways to support students with hands-on activities and real-world problem-solving.

In small group discussions, teachers shared their insights and took part in activities to explore these changes, ensuring that all staff are on the same page when it comes to the delivery of the updated curriculum. The session was a collaborative effort, with feedback being shared to continuously improve our teaching practices.

As part of this ongoing work, we are also establishing a shared vocabulary list, which will be essential for teaching in Term 2 and beyond. Teachers will work together to ensure that the same language is used consistently across the school, creating a unified approach to teaching mathematics.

This collaborative approach ensures that we are not only addressing the needs of the students but also staying aligned with Teaching for Impact and curriculum updates. It’s important for parents to be aware of these developments, as they will support our goal of creating a rich, engaging, and consistent learning experience for all students.

Class Liaison Parents (CLP) Update
A big thank you to everyone who nominated themselves to be a CLP and for attending the information session last week. It was wonderful to have you all involved!

During the session, I took the CLPs on a tour of the school, dropping in on some fantastic lessons. We were lucky enough to witness an impromptu music lesson by a Year 6 class, where students showcased their musical talents with various instruments. We also got to see an art lesson in action and had the opportunity to admire the impressive student artwork displayed around the room. The tour even took us to parts of the school that some of the CLPs had never ventured into before!

I hope the experience was both enjoyable and informative. Looking forward to working together to support our school community!

Swimming Lessons Update
Our Pre-primary, Year 1, and Year 6 students have been enjoying their swimming lessons, and we are excited to share that our Year 2 and Year 4 students will begin their lessons in Week 9. The Year 3 and Year 5 students will have their swimming lessons in the first two weeks of Term 2, completing our 2025 swimming program.

A huge thank you to all the parents who have supported our program behind the scenes, ensuring that students have everything they need to participate each day. It’s wonderful to see our students engaging so positively in this vital part of our annual timetable. Learning essential water safety skills is so important, especially in Australia, where our outdoor lifestyle and proximity to water make it crucial for all children to feel confident and safe in the water.

Have a wonderful weekend ahead, thank you as always for your support.

Warm regards,
Heather McNeil

This new school year, join dozens of Subiaco Primary School families in signing the WaitMate pledge and be part of the movement empowering parents to put smartphones on pause until at least Year 9.
Let's give our children their childhoods back and help to change the disturbing mental health trends for our future teens.

It's easy to feel helpless in the face of technology and the intensity of peer pressure to use and own a smartphone. Signing the WaitMate pledge will connect you with like-minded Subiaco Primary School parents in your year group.

1. Sign the pledge: www.waitmate.org.au
2. Let other families know about this initiative.
3. When 10 families in your year group have signed, the page unlocks.
4. You will then receive an email to connect you with the other like-minded families who have signed in your year group, so that you can stand stronger, together. As more families join, you will be updated monthly.

Many WA Primary Schools around Subiaco have already launched this initiative, and we're excited to join them.

Our School Staff and the P&C support this initiative. It is part of our ongoing activities to provide you with information and help in all aspects of cyber safety and security.

Throughout the year, we'll continue to share updates and information. Be sure to check out www.waitmate.org.au.

Congratulations to all our fantastic Year 3 and Year 5 students who have completed NAPLAN. These tests are an academic marker in your educational journey but do not define what makes you exceptional and unique!

Thank you to the staff for guiding them calmly and confidently through the process and to Mrs Dumaresq for ensuring that all the technology was up to date and ready to go. 

It was a great team effort!

Alan Ramsey
Associate Principal

The competition was fierce at this year's Primary School Faction Swimming Carnival, held at the Claremont Aquatic Centre. With an incredible 167 events throughout the day, our students showcased not only their impressive swimming skills but also their remarkable teamwork and faction spirit.

Swimmers from all factions gave it their all in individual races, relays, and team games. It was a joy to see students compete in fun-filled challenges, and the sportsmanship and camaraderie on display made the day even more special.

In a sensational performance, Julius dominated the competition, earning the coveted Faction Swimming Carnival Trophy. Congratulations to all Julius competitors on a well-deserved victory!

Click HERE for photos.

Celebrating Individual Champions
Congratulations to our Individual Champions and Runners-Up, whose skill, endurance, and sportsmanship stood out during the carnival:

Year 6
Boys Champion: Archie B., Runner-Up: Misha B.
Girls Champion: Lulu G., Runner-Up: Anna D.

Year 5
Boys Champion: Banri H., Runner-Up: Matthew G.
Girls Champion: Indi M., Runner-Up: Lola A.

Year 4
Boys Champion: Luke E-H., Runner-Up: Teddy D.
Girls Champion: Claire S., Runner-Up: Isabelle S.

A massive thank you goes out to our incredible teachers, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and on the day to ensure everything ran smoothly.

We also want to express our deepest gratitude to the amazing parents who came along to support our swimmers. Your energy, cheers, and encouragement from the stands created an electric atmosphere, lifting the spirits of all our competitors.

Our focus shifts to our Faction Cross Country event held in Week 4, on Friday 23 May.

The City of Subiaco would like to advise that they have made changes to parking restrictions on Hamersley Road from Railway Road to Rokeby Road, which will come into effect from this month.

Parking pressure on Hamersley Road has increased due to its proximity to King Edward Memorial Hospital. To ensure turnover of vehicles in Hamersley Road a reduction in parking limits from 2 hours to 1 hour is being implemented.

Please be aware of this, as parking restrictions in the area will be strictly enforced.

This year marks the 29th Scholastic’s National Family Reading Month (NFRM), which encourages families to read together on a regular basis to create strong reading habits. Most of us know how important reading together is and its long-term value to our children’s success in school and in life. However, we also know it is not always that easy to put into practice with our busy schedules and increasing competition with screen time.

That is why we ask you to take the 31-Day Challenge – to inspire you to make reading together for at least 10 minutes every day a focus, to create positive, long lasting reading habits and lifelong readers! Registration is now open.

Register between 1 March and 31 March to win one of 50 free book packs worth $150!

This year’s challenge will be supported by our Ambassador Mr Luke, illustrator Chris Kennett and more, who will take the challenge and Read More in May.

NFRM will launch on, Thursday 1 May 2025, AT 11.00am AEST where it will be livestreamed all across Australia and New Zealand via Facebook and YouTube.

Mr Luke will read his book Guess What We Are Doing Today?  together with illustrator Chris Kennett and kick off the 31-Day Challenge, as we Read Every Day! Read More in May!

If you are looking for a simple, no-bake treat with a creamy yoghurt filling, crunchy biscuit base, and fresh berries we have the healthy recipe for you. The Berry Nice Cheesecake Cups are easy to make and delicious to enjoy - give them a try! Download the recipe HERE.

Get Involved With the P&C in 2025!

Getting involved with the school P&C or one of the sub-committees is a great opportunity to get to know other families, be involved in the school community, and work alongside a friendly and supportive team. To find out more about what we do and how you can join us visit our page on the school website here or contact secretary@subiprimarypc.com.au
There’s no need for prior experience—just a willingness to get involved!

How to Join the P&C for 2025
✅ Fill out the P&C Membership Form and email it to secretary@subiprimarypc.com.au

✅ Pay $1.00 membership (with your name as reference) to:
Subiaco Primary P&C Association
BSB: 016 460 | ACN: 340889723

Save the Date: Friday 11 April, Swim Carnival Food Stall
To wrap up the end of Term 1, the annual Swim Carnival Food Stall will be held during the Junior Carnival on Friday 11 April.  Please keep an eye on Compass communications for more information about how to donate and how you can volunteer on the day!

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.

I have had enquiries about Winter Uniform items for Kindy/Pre-primary students. It is easy to keep the little ones warm with our Dark Royal Zip Jacket available in sizes 3, 4, 6 and 8. This is the compulsory jacket to be worn at school and especially on excursions.

There are matching Dark Royal Fleecy Track Pants, they have a double knee cuff to prevent wear and tear. Sizes available are 4, 6 and 8. The Track Pant is an optional piece that looks very cosy and smart for cooler days to come! There is also a Long-Sleeved Polo in Red, a warm layer for under the Zip Jackets. Available in sizes 4, 6 and 8. The Red Polo is also an optional uniform item.

For all our new and existing students in Choir and Orchestra, the Music Polo is required for special events held in school and at functions away from school.  The Music Polo is a gorgeous design, and the children take pride in wearing it! Available in sizes 6, 8,10 12, 14 and 16. They are priced at $40. My guideline for choosing the right size for your child is to take the same size as they wear in their gold polos.

All uniform items are available online https://shop.subiprimarypc.com.au/ or shop instore on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8.30am till 10.30am.

Shan
Uniform Shop Coordinator.

The Whitlam Institute’s national writing competition is now open for students in Years 5-12!

This is an opportunity for young writers to express what truly matters to them—whether through fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or prose. In 600 words or less, students can share their perspectives and be in the running to win fantastic prizes, including books, cash awards, and unique, money-can’t-buy experiences.

Allen & Unwin is offering a special prize of $1,000 to the finalist in Years 5-8 who best showcases their passion for storytelling. This prize will be awarded to an entry that demonstrates strong narrative skills, originality, and takes the reader on a compelling journey.

Entries close Friday 16 May 2025.

For more details and to enter, visit WHAT MATTERS?

Kids' Clothing Swap
Join WMRC for our free Kids' Clothing Swap and share your unwanted textiles 💃♻️🙌!

Saturday 5 April, 9.00am - 11.00am
The Grove Library, Peppermint Grove

All you need to do is bring along quality kid's clothes, shoes, and accessories from size 0000-10 years old and exchange them for items that you like.

Drop off your kids' clothing on the day, or at the Grove Library the week preceding the swap

❌ Please no toys, books, adult clothes, or bric-a-brac at this event. ❌

For more information visit https://events.humanitix.com/kids-clothing-swap-56rweak4

‘Lantern Luminance’ at Kings Park
We are excited to announce a special collaboration opportunity for children of Perth to see their art on display as part of this year's Lightscape event at Kings Park in June and July.

Art pieces can be painted or drawn from pollinators that ‘can’t live without you’, such as the honey possum and the banksia, the wasp and the orchid and the wattle bird and mallee.

Winning pieces will decorate the exterior of a lantern shade and the top ten will win a family pass to the Lightscape Preview Night.

Entries close 31 March 2025 and the winners' artworks will be on display at Lightscape from Friday 13 June – Sunday 27 July 2025.

For more information about the competition and how to enter visit Lightscape.

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