Dear Parents and Carers,

Faction Swimming Carnival
Today, I had the pleasure of attending my first Subiaco Swimming Carnival, and it was so great to see the students having an absolute blast! We are incredibly proud of how supportive they were of one another, how hard they worked all day, and most importantly, how much they enjoyed themselves while showing incredible team spirit. Congratulations to Julius for being named the winning faction!

I am looking forward to presenting the champion and runner-up medals to the individual winners at a special assembly very soon.

Events like these take an immense amount of preparation and organiaation, so a huge thank you goes to our dedicated Physical Education teachers, Mr. Clancy and Mr. Egan, for their tireless efforts in making the day a success. I would also like to express my gratitude to all the teachers and education assistants who played an essential role in making the event both fun and successful. Lastly, a big shout-out to our parents, carers, and grandparents who came out to cheer on our students.

Centre for Excellence in the Explicit Teaching of Literacy
Western Australian Primary School principals and their leadership team were invited to submit an expression of interest for their school to participate in the 2025 to 2026 internship program for the Centre for Excellence in the Explicit Teaching of Literacy.

The Centre for Excellence in the Explicit Teaching of Literacy supports a whole school approach to strengthening practices in the explicit teaching of literacy. The internship program provides an opportunity for teachers and principals to build, strengthen and develop their capacity to expand literacy teaching practices. The program aligns with the department requirements; the Quality Teaching Strategy, the Phonics Initiative and Focus 2025.

We have been selected to proceed to the next step in the application process which will be an online interview with members of the Centre for Excellence team. As the principal, I am required to take part in the interview and I have selected two other staff members who are leading literacy within the school, Ms Nicole Simons and Mr Alan Ramsey, to join the interview.

During the interview we may discuss the following:

• evidence that our school staff and culture show a readiness to embark on a school improvement journey in the teaching of literacy including a willingness to embed:
• connected whole school processes 
• high-quality classroom practice
• explicit teaching in literacy
• monitoring of student achievement
• engagement with Teaching for Impact and the Quality Teaching Strategy
• school leadership experience in leading and supporting positive change management processes.

Evaluation of the program: The Australian Education Research organisation (AERO) evaluates the effectiveness of the program. Participating schools form part of this evaluation and:

• receive summary reports about classroom practice and student progress in literacy
• help grow the evidence base on how to improve professional learning to benefit schools, teachers and students across Australia.

Public School Review 2025
As you may be aware Subiaco Primary School was advised late year that our Public School Review (PSR) was pushed back from Term 1 this year, to be undertaken in Term 2. The Public School Review is founded on how effectively schools create and sustain the conditions for student success through:

• engaging relationships and partnerships
• a positive learning environment
• effective leadership
• quality teaching
• use of resources
• an analysis of student achievement and progress

The review involves the school submitting a self-assessment of its performance (using an Electronic School Assessment Tool – ESAT) I was informed this week that the ESAT is due Tuesday 29 April Week 1, Term 2 in combination with an external validation process on Wednesday 7 May 2025 8.30am – 3.30pm, Week 2, Term 2.

Creative Schools Program
Creative Schools is a learning program developed by FORM.

Research shows education is most effective when young people are actively involved in leading and influencing it, taking responsibility for their own learning and playing an active role in school life.

Creativity brings with it the ability to question, to be curious, make connections, innovate, problem solve, communicate, collaborate and to reflect critically. These are the skills young people need to shape their future and make a positive impact on the communities.

I am very proud to inform the community that Subiaco Primary School has been accepted into this program for 2025. Ms Gemma Hayley, Year 4/5 and Ms Jennie Richardson, Year 4 will be using creative teaching and learning strategies to cultivate student agency and engage students in deep learning of the Western Australian curriculum, the General Capabilities and the Five Habits of Learning: being imaginative, inquisitive, collaborative, persistent and self-disciplined, with their respective, and classes. Click HERE to find out more about Creative Schools in the Creative Schools Info Package 2025. Click HERE to read Subiaco PS Creative Schools Program Application 2025.

Invitation for Nominations to Join the School Board
The Subiaco Primary School Board plays a vital role in guiding the school towards achieving the best possible outcomes for our students. The board's main responsibility is to contribute to the development and review of the school's objectives, priorities, and overall policy direction.

We currently have two parent representative positions available. This is an excellent opportunity to make a positive impact on our school community.

For more information on the nomination process, please review the attached documents:

• Subiaco Primary School Board Nominations 2025 
• Roles and Responsibilities of Board Members
• Subiaco Primary School Nomination Form 2025

Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Nominations Close 2:30pm Friday 14 March 2025.

P&C and Community Appreciation
Last Monday night, the first P&C meeting of the year was held and I would like to extend my appreciation and thanks to our hard-working Parents & Citizens Association at Subiaco. Our P&C executive are all parents, who work in their day jobs and look after their families but also give up huge amounts of time to support our school and mprove opportunities for Subiaco students.
Paying your P&C voluntary contributions and supporting fundraising initiatives is making a huge difference to our school. We would not have been able to proceed with
the range of P&C supported opportunities without your contributions.
I am very excited to let you know that in 2025 the P&C proposed budget will carry forward $115,000 for the Senior Playground, and a further $138,000 for the renewal of the Junior Playground as well as a further $50,000 ‘Strategic Projects’ to fund shade solutions for the Senior Playground. I hope you can see the direct benefits of supporting the P&C; through events, fundraising and voluntary contribution payments.

The P&C need your help this Saturday
We would so appreciate your help in contributing to making items for the bake sale or giving your time for the sausage sizzle/bake sale on Saturday 8 March for the State
Election. I will be there on Saturday morning serving up at the P&C sausage sizzle, I’m sure it will be a great community atmosphere.
The drop off for baked goods is Saturday morning. All proceeds go directly back to support your children’s experience at Subiaco.
I hope to see you there and thank you to P&C Fundraising and Events Coordinator, Veronica Wilshaw and to all our family volunteers.

We are still looking for parents from the following classes to take on the Class Liaison Parent (CLP) role – ideally two parents per class - LP4, L3, M2, M4, U1, U5, U3.

This is an important role in the school community which includes:

• Welcome new families and help them transition into our school.
• Organise social functions during the year to build friendship networks and community spirit e.g. class picnic for families or a morning tea for parents in the class or year level.
• Follow the Subiaco Primary School Communication Policy.
• Work closely with the classroom teacher and communicate for class purposes to parents
• through COMPASS – the school’s management system. This may include information about
• social functions, events and excursions requiring parent volunteers.
• Meet with the Principal and administrative team through the year to provide valuable
• feedback and input into the school’s strategic direction.
• Organise end of year gift for the class teacher according to the Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy and procedures.

COMPASS is the official communication platform utilised at Subiaco Primary School. Other platforms utilised for communication amongst parents are not endorsed or moderated by the school.

If you would like to volunteer for this role, please give your contact details to your class teacher. 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.

I am looking forward to the CLP Morning Tea on Tuesday 11 March 9.00-10.00am in the Library.

Warm regards,
Heather McNeil

Subiaco Primary School held our annual Emu Stalk on Friday 28 February.
We’re proud that our school looks so spick and span now!

We would also like to thank everyone who participated in the nation-wide Clean-Up Australia Day on Sunday 2 March. 2025 marks 35 years of improving and conserving our environment, one piece of litter at a time! Click HERE to see students participating in the clean up.

To celebrate Harmony Week (17 to 23 March), the City of Subiaco is hosting a free outdoor movie night, Harmony Under the Stars, on Saturday 22 March. 

This family friendly event will take place at the Subi Night Markets in Market Square and will include lion dancing, henna art, Aboriginal face painting, games, prizes and more. Once the sun sets the movie starts, so bring a picnic blanket or low chairs and enjoy the delicious food trucks at the markets.

Entertainment:
5.00pm – 6.30pm: Aboriginal face painting, henna painting, arts and crafts and games.
5.30pm – 6.00pm: Lion dancing performance

Movie: Kung Fu Panda (movie starts after sunset)

Harmony Week recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds; it’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. https://www.harmony.gov.au/

Each month this year a different year group will receive their VIP card which gives families a free traditional block loaf of your choice every day for an entire month – no catch and no extra purchases.

Year 6 students in U3 and U7 should have received their cards which are active until the end of March. If your child hasn’t received their card, check with your teacher first. If you misplace your card during the month, contact Veronica Wilshaw at events@subiprimarypc.com.au

Next month students in U6 and U8 will receive their cards, with other year levels to follow in coming months.

Click HERE for more information.

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!

Election Day Sausage Sizzle & Cake Stall – Saturday 8 March 2025
Come and join us on Election Day, tomorrow, Saturday 8 March between 8.00am-2.00pm to pick up some delicious homemade treats or a sausage sizzle to support the school’s fundraising efforts for the junior playground.

AGM Update
The P&C held its AGM on 4 March. Thank you to all those who came along on the night – it was great to see some new faces!

An enormous thank you to our outgoing Co-Secretaries, Tamara Brestovac and Jacinta O’Shea, who have passed the baton this year. These are key roles, and we would like to thank you for your fantastic contributions and many hours behind the scenes!

An enormous thank you to our outgoing Pool Coordinators – Peter Schwarzbach and Andrew Devitt. Running our Community Pool requires a huge amount of work from our volunteers, and we are incredibly grateful for their time and commitment!

Thanks to those who have taken on roles in the 2025 Executive Committee or joined a Sub-Committee. The P&C and what it contributes to the school is only as strong as the people that support it - without you none of this could happen!

A list of new committee members can be found 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.

Whilst cold, chilly weather is not yet upon us, the Uniform Shop is receiving Polar Fleece Jackets, the very popular Rain Jackets and maroon fleece Track Pants next week!  All size will be available, and I suggest ordering online https://shop.subiprimarypc.com.au/ or shop instore on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8.30am till 10.30am.

Exciting news, the maroon warm gloves will be back in stock in May. Perfect for chilly days, walking or riding to and from school.
This year they will be available in sizes, Small, Medium, and Large. They are priced at $8.00.

The preloved rack is full of great items in good condition! There are many Polar Fleece Jackets, in a variety of sizes. They are priced at a low $15.00.

Thank you for all the donations of preloved uniforms. No more items are currently needed!

Shan
Uniform Shop Coordinator.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: The Ultimate Guide
Explore the world of waste with the WMRC workshop series! We’re going back to basics to understand what goes in each bin, find out what to do with items that can’t be placed in kerbside bins, and take a tour of a local waste facility. It’s perfect for those who need help with waste sorting, are new to Perth, or are just beginning their low-waste journey - so if you’re already a waste expert, let someone in your life who’s keen to get started know about these workshops!

Workshops entry is $5.00 with more information and bookings at  https://ticketing.humanitix.com/tours/the-ultimate-guide-reduce-reuse-recycle?mc_cid=5656aa6dd8&mc_eid=8d757e583b

‘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