Cricket on the school oval 1940s
Principal's Message
One of the most anticipated events on our calendar is fast approaching, this Saturday – the 125th Anniversary Fair. It is with great excitement that we celebrate this significant milestone in our school's history. The preparations for this momentous occasion are well underway, thanks to the hard work and dedication of our organising committee and volunteers. The fair promises to be a day filled with fun, entertainment, and nostalgia as we come together to commemorate 125 years of North Perth Primary School.
As we build up to the fair on Saturday, I encourage all members of our community to get involved and lend a helping hand wherever possible. Please click on the link below to add your name to specific volunteer positions. All volunteers will go into a draw to win the following prizes:
- First Prize – Satchmo ‘Huge’ Bundle
- Second Prize – Satchmo $100 voucher
- Third Prize – The Glory Box voucher
We're thrilled to announce that the Fair will kick off at 2.00pm with a special smoking ceremony, set to take place on the grassed area between the school and Angove Street. This ceremony will mark the beginning of our celebrations and symbolise our connection to the land and community.
Following the smoking ceremony, we'll have the honour of officially opening the new entrance into the hall. This exciting moment will signify a new chapter for our school. We invite all members of our school community to join us for this significant event and to participate in the festivities that will follow.
We extend our gratitude to our recently retired teachers, Julie Fort and Robyne Hart, for their continued invaluable dedication and commitment to our school. Despite their retirement, they have generously returned this week to organise all of the historical photographs and artifacts in preparation for our upcoming fair. Their expertise and passion for preserving our school's history has been instrumental in ensuring that these treasured memories are beautifully showcased.
We are also incredibly grateful to former parent Andrew Kriskovich and his company, Print and Sign Co, for their generous donation towards the printing of our historical photographs. Their support and generosity have played a vital role in bringing our vision to life and ensuring that our school's rich heritage is celebrated and cherished by all.
Busy Bee
On behalf of the entire school community, I would like to extend a huge thank you to the P&C for organising a fantastic busy bee to work on the school grounds in preparation for the upcoming fair. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to enhancing our school environment is greatly appreciated.
P&C Update
I am pleased to introduce Nadia Timigi as our incoming P&C President, along with Ben Calleja as Vice President, Sarah Corbitt as Treasurer and Rubi Subramaniamas the Secretary. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and dedication to their roles, and I have no doubt that they will lead our P&C with passion, building on the work of outgoing President, Nabil Luyer and his team.
Joining Nadia, Ben, Sarah and Rubi we have a fantastic team of executive members who are committed to supporting our school community. Lisa Montgomery, Georgia Mathieson, and Ben Harvey will serve as integral members of our executive team, bringing their unique skills and perspectives to the table.
Andrew Streeton
Principal
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 Thursdays and alternate Wednesdays, which is the equivalent of 15 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.
Front Courtyard
It's wonderful to witness our students as they embrace the newly renovated front courtyard. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Lisa McGann and the P&C team of 2023 for their dedication and tireless efforts in spearheading this transformative project. Your legacy will be celebrated and appreciated for years to come.
Sensory Chill-Out Room
What is a regulation space?
A regulation space — also sometimes called a zen zone, chill zone, sensory space, or calming corner — is a safe and quiet area where a person can go to regulate (i.e. “calm down”) when they are feeling overwhelmed.
Important Notes for Adults
- There are no “good” or “bad” feelings, all feelings are important signals to us about what we are experiencing.
- Regulation is important so our emotions don’t overtake us, and our behaviour does not cause harm to ourselves or others.
- A chill zone or calming area should never be used as a threat, punishment, or rejection of a child.
- It is intended to provide a calm, quiet space for a child to seek support and develop emotional self-regulation skills.
Teaching opportunities
Everyone experiences a wide range of emotions. Our feelings are not inherently good or bad, they are signals from our bodies communicating something important, therefore it’s important we learn to listen to our bodies and what they are telling us.
This is why it’s also imperative we do not inadvertently send the message to children that certain feelings are acceptable and others are not.
Using regulation spaces effectively means:
- Teaching your students about the space, about the different options available, and how to use them
- Children cannot learn to effectively self-regulate until they’ve experienced co-regulation, and until they’ve been taught skills and strategies for doing so
- Validating the child’s experiences
- Helping the child notice and identify the feelings in their body associated with different emotions
- Providing a wide range of tools and strategies so students can explore and experiment to find which ones work best for them
- Offering empathy, comfort, and co-regulation, rather than punishment, consequences, and rejection
- They are not a time-out space. An adult can offer, asking if the child would like to try one of the options available, but it must always be the student’s choice
- Adults should role-model self-regulation strategies for the children, as this is one of the most effective ways children can learn how to use these skills for themselves
Student Safety
Ensuring the safety of our students is our top priority, particularly during busy times like after school when the carpark area may experience increased traffic. To help maintain a safe environment for everyone, we kindly ask for your cooperation in reminding students of the following safety measures:
Stay on Footpaths and cross walks: Encourage students to always remain on the footpaths and use cross walks when walking through the carpark area and surrounding streets. This helps to avoid potential accidents with vehicles and ensures their safety.
Avoid Distractions: Encourage students to avoid distractions such as using electronic devices while walking through the carpark area. Staying alert and aware of their surroundings is essential.
Follow Instructions: Remind students to follow any instructions or directions provided by staff members or crossing guards present. Their guidance is there to help keep everyone safe.
By reinforcing these safety measures with our students, we can work together to create a safer environment in the car park area during peak times. Thank you for your cooperation and support in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students.
Key Upcoming Dates
- Saturday 16 March - 125th Anniversary Fair 2.00pm - 8.00pm
- Wednesday 13 March - Friday 22 March - NAPLAN Year 3 & 5
- Monday 18 March - Friday 22 March - Harmony Week
2024 Term 1 Planner
Some Key Dates for Later in the Year
- Wednesday 24 April - ANZAC Ceremony
- Friday 19 July - Kindy 2025 applications close
- Friday 30 August - Athletics Carnival Year 1-6
- Wednesday 4 September - Early Childhood Sports Day
- Monday 14 October to Wednesday 16 October - Year 6 Camp at Woodman Point
- Wednesday 27 November - Night of Celebration
- Monday 9 December - Year 6 Graduation Ceremony
Student Update Forms
It is important that student records are kept up to date throughout the year. Student Update Forms will be going home this week. 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 as soon as possible.
Mount Lawley Dental Therapy Centre
Last week, student dental enrolment forms were delivered to the classrooms for distribution. Parents are asked to complete the forms as soon as possible and return to the school office. If you do not wish to enrol and use this service, please write 'not needed' or 'attending private dentist' on the enrolment envelope and return to the school office. This is a free government service and is not compulsory.