Principal's Message
As we reach the midpoint of Term 1, it’s a great time to reflect on the exciting start to the year and the many initiatives underway at our school. The students have settled into their routines, and we’ve already seen some fantastic learning and community engagement. We are looking forward to continuing our work together to ensure every student has a positive and successful experience this term. As always, thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in our school community.
Program Kaartdijin: A New Student Information System for WA Public Schools
Exciting changes are coming to WA public schools with the introduction of Program Kaartdijin, which will deliver a modern, integrated Student Information System (SIS) to replace the outdated SIS Classic. The current system has reached the end of its useful life and no longer meets the needs of contemporary education. The new Kaartdijin Solution, developed in partnership with Compass Education Pty Ltd, will provide a secure, streamlined, and user-friendly data management platform for schools.
What This Means for Our School Community
✅ Go Live Date: 13 May 2025
We are in the process of transitioning to the new SIS, ensuring a smooth changeover for students, parents, and staff.
The Kaartdijin Solution comes with essential features as standard, but schools will have the option to add additional modules, such as fee payments and excursion management, to suit their needs.
This is an exciting step forward for WA schools, ensuring that students, families, and educators benefit from a modern, efficient, and connected education system. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for the transition.
Board Update: BYOD Parent Survey
The School Board recently reviewed the results of the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) parent survey, which provided valuable insights into our school community’s views on this topic. The results were closely split, with 47% in favour and 53% against introducing a BYOD program.
Parent comments offered a good snapshot of opinions, highlighting key considerations such as the age-appropriateness of BYOD, intended use in the classroom, and the importance of digital literacy. Many parents noted the need for students to be confident using technology before high school and ensuring our school remains on par with others in tech skills.
Given the divided response, the Board is considering sending out a more targeted survey to explore details such as appropriate year levels, specific uses, and the necessity of devices in the learning program. Another potential approach is for the school to purchase or lease additional laptops, possibly with P&C support, to enhance access to technology without requiring families to supply their own devices.
We appreciate the valuable feedback from families and will keep the community informed as we continue this discussion.
Grounds
Heart of the School Project Update
Progress continues on the Heart of the School project. In the coming weeks, a meeting will be held to finalise the Concept Design, which will then be shared with the wider community. While there were some delays over the holiday break, the Grounds Committee is working hard so the school is best placed to ensure the project is completed as soon as possible.
To ensure parent voices are heard, the P&C is planning a session for parent input. Stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved and have your say.
Junior Toilets Update
Exciting progress is being made on the new junior toilets, with plans currently in for approval. We anticipate installation to take place in Term 2.
These new facilities will be dedicated to our Year 1 and 2 students, providing a convenient and accessible toileting option closer to their classrooms. This will mean more time for learning and less time spent walking long distances, especially during hot or wet weather.
We look forward to sharing further updates as we move closer to installation.
Makers Market
A huge congratulations to all the students who ran stalls at the Makers Market during the Welcome Back BBQ! Their fantastic efforts helped raise over $1,600 for the school. The students will now have the opportunity to decide how to best allocate these funds to benefit all students. Well done.
Great to see students (and staff) so well presented for our school photos over the last few days.
Andrew Streeton
Principal
Student Services
School Psychologist FAQs
Who is the School Psychologist and how often are they here?
Lucy Downing is our School Psychologist – she commenced working with us in 2022 and currently attends North Perth Primary School on Wednesdays and Thursdays, which is the equivalent of 20 days per term.
What is the role of the School Psychologist?
The primary function of the School Psychology Service is to support schools to optimise student education outcomes. As a School Psychologist, Lucy provides proactive and responsive psychological services to North Perth Primary School in the areas of mental health and wellbeing, disability, behaviour management, learning, engagement and attendance, incident management, change management and organisational development. Across the areas, Lucy is involved in promotion, prevention and intervention support.
What activities can School Psychologists undertake?
As a School Psychologist, Lucy may provide support across three tiers. Her involvement in these areas is prioritised by North Perth Primary School on the basis of school needs in each of these areas.
- Whole School Services – this involves consulting with school leaders and staff, students, parents, the community and interagency partners to assess the need for school wide programs that are proactive and preventative. This support should address the needs of 80% of the school community.
- Indirect and Targeted Support Services – this involves consulting with teachers, parents/guardians and other stakeholders to address the needs of students considered to be at risk of not meeting their full potential, or disengagement, by providing targeted inventions. This support should address the needs of 10 – 15% of the school community.
- Direct Services – this support is provided to address the needs of specific students who are considered most vulnerable. This can involve psychological, behavioural or educational assessment, psychological treatment and counselling and should address the needs of approximately 5% of the school community.
What activities don’t School Psychologists undertake?
Due to issues regarding professional boundaries, dual roles and confidentiality, the following activities are not covered by the School Psychologist:
- Support or counselling for issues that are not school based in nature
- Counselling for students regarding parental separation/divorce or grief
- Counselling for students who are already receiving therapy from an external psychologist
- Counselling for parents or staff
- Family therapy
- Diagnosis of psychiatric disorders
Lucy can provide psychological first aid and referrals for individuals and families to other suitable services, where appropriate.
How are referrals made to the School Psychologist?
School Psychologists are paid for by the Department of Education and, in some case, partly funded by individual schools. They are a limited resource and their services are largely prioritised by the Department and the schools with which they work. Here at North Perth Primary School, we regularly liaise with Lucy to determine how best to spend her in time in order to meet the school’s needs.
Referrals are submitted through the following referral process:
- Classroom teacher identifies an issue and shares these concerns with the child’s parent/carer. The teacher then works collaboratively with the family to identify classroom, playground and home-based strategies to address the concern.
- If the intervention provided by the classroom teacher has not had a positive impact, then a request for assistance from the Deputy Principal is made. The Deputy Principal contacts the parent to discuss the interventions provided to date and meets with the classroom teacher to review current data and discuss whether additional assessment, plans or referral pathways are required.
- If the issue requires specialist support, the Deputy Principal submits a referral to the School Psychologist. If the School Psychologist determines that further investigation is required, a meeting is arranged with the classroom teacher, Deputy Principal and the parent to gain Informed Consent. Informed Consent must be gained prior to any School Psychologist involvement. The School Psychologist then determines what intervention is required and attends case conferences regularly to monitor progress.
Should you have any questions regarding any of the above, or would like any further information, please contact one of our deputy principals, Libby Goodwin or Anna Dennis.
School Wellbeing Officer
Hi everyone! I’m Jen Lee, and I’m excited to join North Perth Primary as the new Student Wellbeing Officer! My role is to support the students and their families through life’s ups and downs—whether that’s offering a listening ear, having a chat over lunch, or simply being a steady presence when things feel tough. I’m here to walk alongside you, celebrate the good times, and offer support during challenges. I believe in creating a welcoming space where everyone feels valued and supported.
I live with my husband, our two kids, and our two guinea pigs. Outside of work, I love discovering great food and spending time with my family. My door is always open, and I’m looking forward to getting to know you all!
Welcome, Mr. Mena – Our New Music Teacher
We are excited to welcome Mr. Mena as our new Music Teacher for Term 1. He is officially appointed to replace Mrs. Haines, who is currently on maternity leave.
Now in his second week of teaching, Mr. Mena has already been engaging students with his passion for music. Coming from a jazz background, he brings a dynamic and creative approach to music education, inspiring students to explore rhythm and improvisation.
We look forward to seeing the wonderful musical experiences he will bring to our school community this term.
Key Upcoming Dates
- Wednesday 12 to Monday 24 March - NAPLAN
- Friday 14 March - Whole School Assembly
- Wednesday 19 March - School Tour at 9.30am
- Friday 21 March - Harmony Week Picnic
- Tuesday 25 March - Year 4 -6 Interschool Summer Carnival
- Friday 28 March - Year 4 - 6 NPPS Swimming Carnival
- Monday 31 March to Friday 11 April - P- 6 Interm Swimming
2025 Term 1 Planner
Click here for the Term 1 Planner 2025
Some Key Dates for Later in the Year
- Friday 16 May - Year 3 - 6 Cross Country Carnival
- Friday 30 May - SSWA Cross Country Carnival
- Monday 2 June - Western Australia Day - Public Holiday
- Friday 25 July - 2026 Kindergarten Applications Close
- Tuesday 29 July - Year 3 - 6 Interschool Cross Country Carnival
- Friday 22 August - Book Week Dress Up
- Friday 29 August - Years 1 - 6 Athletics Carnival
- Wednesday 3 September - Early Childhood Sports Day
- Tuesday 16 September - Interschool Athletics Carnival
- 5-7 November - Year 6 Camp
- Wednesday 17 December - Year 6 Graduation 7.00pm
Student Update Forms
It is important that student records are kept up to date throughout the year. Student Update Forms are done annually and were sent home with your child at the end of Week 3.
This information is held on the school's administration system. Please check through thoroughly and make any necessary corrections to addresses, contact details, medical or access restriction details and return to the school by the due date 28 March 2025.
P & C News
Numbats
The North Perth Numbats Father and Father figure group is planning a full year of events and activities for the school. Our group is an opportunity for dads and kids to connect through fun activities and events, it is also a great opportunity to get to know about the school, meet other dads and get to know your childs' friendship group in a fun and informal environment. The committee has taken a different approach this year as we know some dads can be commitment or planning challenged with everything else going on, we are looking to do some events which require bookings and some events which are going to be more drop-in for those who are just at a loose end on a weekend and want to get out with the kids but may not be able to commit to the booked events. The committee schedule for the year is as follows, save the dates!
Term 1
- A staple in the early childhood calendar! Kindy and pre-Primary movie afternoon - Sunday, February 23rd
- Back by popular demand - Sailing on the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) - Saturday, March 22nd, (children aged 5+)
Term 2
- Bowling at Rosemount Bowls
- Capture the flag and BBQ - location TBA
Term 3
- Indoor Rock climbing
- Bike ride - route TBA
Term 4
- The showcase event! Dwellingup Camping weekend - Friday October 31, Saturday November 1 - Save the date
- Dad's only golf day
We will be putting out communications on the Numbats Whatsapp group in the coming weeks, you can text 0410 861 766 to sign up, or see the poster on the notice board in the front courtyard with a QR code invite to the group.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our events!
North Perth Numbats Committee