Issue 1
Term 1
18 February, 2021
Hello and welcome to the first Newsletter of 2021. I hope you are all as excited to be back at school as I am. Whilst this year still has the awful shadow of COVID 19 and its variants hanging over us, we are absolutely committed to follow on the successes of last years interrupted journey to do the very best that we can for our students. Our expectations will not be lowered in any way and I still expect only the very best from our students in terms of attitude, behaviour and effort and from you, our community as well. Our staff have made a strong commitment to do their very best professionally and personally and this should be honoured and respected.
I would like to say thank you to Mr Pettit who took my place towards the end of 2020 and very capably finished the year off for us all. Also to Ms Evans and our Leadership team for stepping in at short notice to start the school year off whilst I was undertaking 14 days of mandated home quarantine following my return from NSW. Well done everyone.
Things are evolving quickly at our school. Currently our enrolments sit at 863 students, an increase of around 160 on this time last year, with more to come. This has been well planned for and has necessitated additional classrooms with several more to come to cater for our requirements. In addition, we have welcomed nearly 15 new staff to our team, each of them an asset in their own way.
A reminder to everyone that due to COVID, we are still in a State of Emergency and subject to Phase 4 restrictions. These mainly centre around social distancing and advanced hygiene requirements as well as modified school and classroom access. A reminder that children cannot play on playground equipment at the end of each day as it has been COVID cleaned for students the next day or for our OHSC family in the afternoons. It will continue to impact the nature of larger events to be held during the year and the first example of this is the need to cancel our Welcome BBQ that was to be a feature of our Parent Information sessions this week. In addition, the mode of delivery has gone digital and online. Opportunities to meet with teachers remain, however this will need to be by appointment and follow phase 4 guidelines.
As we grow, so too does the parking and traffic dilemma we face. See below for a message from our school Board Chairperson, Mr Wiltshire. Rest assured we remain committed to making the journey to and from school as pleasurable and safe as possible for our community and children, but much of it comes down to you being careful, obeying the law and being considerate. We are currently considering trialling kiss and drive drop off locations for “drive through” arrivals (for want of a better phrase) and we are considering making use of the fenced enclosure at the rear of our assembly area as a trial space for drop offs in the mornings. Can I suggest that we try this in the interim, however it is predicated on the understanding that you move in the flow direction- which is Sunray Avenue to Rossiter Avenue, carefully drop off and continue. It is not for waiting or parking. Both sides of the road can be used in the spaces available. We will open the rear gates behind the Covered Assembly area for student access to school during this time. I would like to trial this beginning next week, Monday the 22nd of February. Also in this weather you can always walk to school, ride bikes or scooters – with helmets.
School Board vacancies - see below for more information. I would like to take this opportunity to warmly thank the outgoing Board members, Mrs Monique Stevens who was also our secretary and Ms Kelly Burdett, one of our original Consultation Group and then Board member. Mon and Kelly have given the school wonderful and absolute support and enthusiasm during their time and we will miss their valuable contributions and strong participation. I hope to see them re nominate for theirs or future positions.
See you at the gate.
Noel Morgan, Principal.
The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program Triple P is an internationally-recognised program that gives parents the skills they need to build strong family relationships, manage misbehaviour and prevent problems happening in the first place. Seminars are free and families are welcome to visit seminars held at any other school or Child Health Centre in the state. Click on the link to find a seminar near you
Unfortunately, we have had to postpone our scheduled Term 1 Triple P Seminars to be held here at Aspiri Primary. We will advertise new dates for Term 2 soon so stay tuned!
Mr Jordan - Physical Education
Hi my name is Mr. Jordan and I have the pleasure of taking your child/ren for Physical Education this year. I have come on board to join with Miss Ryan as Aspiri continues to expand and grow from last year. I have enjoyed a number of appointments in a variety of schools within the Perth Metropolitan area and in the last year, overseas in London.
These experiences have enabled me to develop my skills in planning and implementing meaningful learning experiences for children in both primary, as well as high school settings. I am an avid outdoorsman who thrives in challenging situations, with a passion for the environment, a healthy lifestyle and outgoing activities.
I always seek to create a safe and supportive environment where students feel like they can attempt any skill, activity or any sport without fear of ridicule. I also aim to teach all my students to develop strong teamwork, good sportsmanship, respect and resilience. This year we will be teaching a range of sports including; Cricket, AFL, Soccer, Tennis, Basketball and plenty more.
I am a firm believer that when one door closes, another opens and although COVID-19 derailed my dreams of teaching and living in London, I feel very blessed to have been given the opportunity to be apart of an amazing school with supportive staff and students who are eager to learn.
I look forward to meeting you all and if you have any questions, my door is always open.
Mr Jennings - Science
Hello, my name is Mr Jennings and in 2021 I have joined the Aspiri team to teach Science classes from Year 1 to Year 6. I am an enthusiastic science educator who has maintained a lifelong interest in science and technology. I have returned to Perth after 3 years teaching Science in the remote WA town of Laverton. This year, as Aspiri students explore the curriculum strands of Physics, Earth and Space Sciences, Biology and Chemistry, it is my aim to present each topic in an enjoyable and engaging format. By conducting safe practical experiments, students can perfect their application of the scientific method and will follow it to first observe, accurately measure and then record various scientific phenomena. I have thoroughly enjoyed the start of the year at Aspiri Primary School and look forward to a successful year of educational growth alongside all parents, students and staff.
If your child is interested in learning a musical instrument or singing then please collect an application form from the Administration Office or email the Perth Music Agency. Don't delay as places fill quickly!
All queries are to be directed to the Perth Music Agency