Malibu School Newsletter - 2021 Term 4 Week 10

Principal's Pen

Dear families

The end of this term marks the end of my first year at Malibu School. It’s a busy school and I have been delighted that every week has bought something new and exceptional. Term 4 has been a particular highlight with the success of Market Day, Navy Day, our year 6 and Year 12 / 13 graduations and the beautiful primary Christmas Concert. Each of these events showcase the incredible abilities and strengths of our students and staff, reflecting the high quality of our daily learning programs.

As we head to the holidays, I would like to acknowledge our classroom staff who see challenges as opportunities and embrace change and challenge with optimism and enthusiasm. Across the school, they are assisted by incredible support staff who ensure that our resources and learning environments promote student success. I would also like to acknowledge our Executive Leadership Team, comprised of our Deputies Natasha Miller, Sofie Williams and James Binsali and Manager Corporate Services Dee Lee and Lisa Duckett who have demonstrated admirable leadership in helping to align our forward planning with our school vision.

I recognise also the contributions of our School Board members who have represented our  community well, bringing their perspectives to share and shape priorities for our school. Following the recent call for three parent representative nominations, I am pleased to congratulate Matt Griffin, Leanne Stewart and Jason Biffin who will return to their positions in 2022. We had three nominations for our two Teacher Representative vacancies and, following a teacher vote process, I would like to congratulate Tiffany Brunswick and Shelly Whittall as the successful nominees. I look forward to working with all of our School Board members in the new year.

While on acknowledgements, on the 19^th November, Lucretia and her daughter Ssjahvonelle formally stepped away from the Little Stars Playgroup Plus at Malibu School. Lucretia had a vision four years ago and has made Little Stars the most unique Playgroup in WA. The success of this highly popular Playgroup is the engagement and integration with Malibu School’s Pre-Primary students and staff. Of the experience, Lucretia says “Over the last few years we have met so many wonderful people, made so many friends and have shown the world that our kids don’t see a difference, they see a friend.” I congratulate Lucretia for establishing the Little Stars Playgroup Plus and for the commitment shown by staff and parents involved. We are delighted for ongoing parent support and thank Malibu School parent Jennifer Baggaley for stepping in to ensure Little Stars continues in 2022.

It has been a privilege to work alongside such inspirational and dedicated people who have your child’s best interests at heart, every day. I am grateful for our team’s collective commitment to the short and long-term goals for students and dedication in working with each of you to plan for the best outcomes for your child. Malibu staff’s focus on ‘even better if’ is truly what sets our school apart and I speak for all members of our Malibu team when I say we look forward to sharing another very exciting year working with you to create great things for the students, together.

Enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season and I look forward to welcoming back our returning students and meeting our new Malibu family members.

Kind regards
Merrilee Wright

Thank you and farewell

With almost 100 years of service to education in Public Schools in WA, we were honoured to celebrate the careers of Sue Day (EA and Swim Teacher), Gill Butler (Social Trainer), Carol Williamson (teacher), pictured left to right, and Karen Hughson (EA) upon their retirement. Each have made a significant contribution to the lives of students and will be very missed from the Malibu family. We wish them all the best for their new adventures.

Thank you and farewell to the following departing staff. To each of you, we send our very best wishes in your new roles!

Nyarie Machiri, Teacher
Nicola Meegan, Teacher
Kylie Melling, Teacher
Torri Van Nellestyn, Teacher
Melinda Eaves, EA
Luisa Culley, EA
Amanda Lourenco, School Psychologist
Josh Lewis, Chaplain

School Board Chairperson 2021 Report

Reflecting on 2021 it has been a busy, productive and extremely successful year. 

We welcomed the appointment of Merrilee Wright as Principal of Malibu School who has been a tremendous asset with the wealth of knowledge and involvement with School Reviews.  We gained so much from extensive reporting of data, discussions on points of interest leading up to the Review and we were so proud of the outcome which was fittingly deserved.

After reviewing the staff feedback this year on the role of the School Board, School Board staff awards were introduced. It was endorsed that there would be a parent/community member at School events, Board members would be seated with the Leadership team at Assemblies and bio’s and photos of Board members would be included in the newsletters.

We have had many successful events this year. The Multicultural Day, Market Day and Navy involvement in the School were a credit to everyone and demonstrated the strong working community partnerships that continue to grow from strength to strength every year.  The support which Madeleine King, MP, as given us and her eagerness to promote our School for the work it's doing is truly appreciated.

It has been a great privilege to be a part of the Malibu School Board.  A big thank you to my fellow Board members for their continued dedication and commitment.  I would also like to thank the whole school staff who continually strive to make our School such a wonderful educational learning platform for all our students.

Yvonne Peters
Chairperson, Malibu School Board

29^th November 2021

School Board Award

The School Board acknowledges staff for their hard work and dedication to Malibu School. Congratulations to Leonie Williams, our Lead Education Assistant, who is the next recipient of the School Board Award. 

Leonie has numerous responsibilites as part of her Lead Education Assistant role. Leonie manages the Therapists timetables, showcases our school to new members of staff, supports inductions for work placement students, assists in classrooms, organises resources that need development on the computer and is always there to offer support & guidance.

Leonie undertakes all these tasks willingly and professionally and nothing is ever too much bother.  Leonie is a valuable team member of our Malibu community and is commended for her dedication towards students and staff.

TA1 - Water Fun at Point Peron!

What a term! We can not believe we are on the home stretch to the holidays.  We have had an amazing time here in TA1. We welcomed three new students to our classroom: Patrick, Isabelle and Ciahn, who have settled into our routine extremely well.

On Wednesday 8^th of December we celebrated our two Year 6 Graduates, Jake and James, by going to Point Peron with TA10. It was a scorcher of a day, but a very fun and exciting excursion. We swam in the water, went kayaking, paddled on the float with life vests and enjoyed a buffet lunch!

From all of us in TA1 we wish you and your families a very safe and Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! Enjoy the holidays and see you in 2022 😊

Mrs Di, Mrs Desiree, Miss Grace, Mrs Linda, Miss Mel and Miss Tylah.

TA3 - Reflecting on 2021!

As the school year draws to an end, we in our TA3 class celebrate the entire year of learning experiences and achievements.  Our class is super proud of our students who have gained in their abilities to communicate effectively, develop their independence and demonstrate ongoing resilience and courage.

The students have been immersed in learning to use AUSLAN Sign Language, the inclusion of Aboriginal cultural aspects and the use of the Zones of Regulation throughout all daily lessons and experiences. The students have engaged in wonderful stories and tasks for all Learning Areas. It has been fantastic to have the use of the hydro pool once more as well this term.

We’ve enjoyed The Day For Daniel as we learn about Protective Behaviours, Malibu’s Market Day where our Enterprise products were displayed after so much creative efforts, Clubs on Friday afternoons, and the wonderful Navy Day last week. So much fun, preparation and learning has taken place. It is sad to see it all end.

As the fantastic TA3 boys prepare to move into another year of school, we are excited to gather and celebrate at the Christmas Concert on Wednesday morning.  We wish you all a safe, relaxing and healthy holiday season.

Bec, Carol, Luisa, Gelinda, Gill, Hillary & Tylah.

TA8 - Out in the Community

This term TA8 have been on several outings into the community. These have included; ESSN athletics carnival, Malibu IGA, Georgetown Drive Reserve, Kwinana Adventure Park and Zone Bowling Rockingham. The students have all displayed our PBS expectations of being their best, showing respect and keeping safe while in the community.  Students have enjoyed the opportunity to use their social and safety skills outside of the school environment; showing great enjoyment and happiness when experiencing community access excursions.

Kate, Sharon, teresa, Adam, Halima

TA12 - Best Moments

In TA12, we have been reflecting on our best moments from this year.  We liked looking through photos to see how much everyone has grown and matured. Here are some of our predictable sentences:

• My best moment this year was Camp.
• My best moment this year was Navy Day.
• My best moment this year was the Colour Run.
• My best moment this year was working at Inspire Radio.
• My best moment this year was bouncing on the trampoline.

Nicola, Courtney, Kylie, Ruth, Mel

TA14 - A Whirlwind Term

It has been a whirlwind final term in TA14 and we have had a heap of fun.  Students have been on excursions to the Peel Zoo where we were swarmed by animals, held snakes and enjoyed a BBQ by a lake; the Dome Café where we had a private room and used impeccable manners enjoying our fabulous meals; explored the Castaways Sculptures on the Rockingham Foreshore, where we were amazed by the ingenuity of recycling into art.  Students had a fantastic time on the Senior Camp, strengthening their friendships and conquering exciting challenges!

Term 4 also saw our ”Woofers Dog Biscuits”, turn into a major money maker for TA14’s Business Enterprise - students researched, designed and created a wonderful product that dogs and their owners couldn’t get enough of – we had to stop taking orders because we had curriculum work to do!  TA 14 made nearly $400 – not bad at $2.50 per bag.

Now we are preparing for our Year 12 Graduation and farewell ceremony this Wednesday.  It has been an absolute pleasure to teach these wonderful young adults over the past year and to get to know their families.  On behalf of Annette, Vicky, Dee and Jennie, Ruth and Zoe, we wish you all Merry Christmas and a safe New Year.

Tiffany Brunswick

Classroom Teacher

Physical Education - Skills Development

Physical Education has been busy this term with student working hard to learn new skills.  Students have been learning how to play simple games with their peers and in doing so, learning that games have rules, games can be modified so everyone is able to be included, any equipment used needs to be used safely and appropriately and we need to play fairly, take turns and cheer on our classmates, all while having fun.

The focus for Middle and Senior students was to experience using a variety of sporting equipment to strike balls (or balloons or beach balls) such as bats, sticks and rackets.  Having received a grant from Sporting Schools and Tennis Australia, middle and senior students focused on experiencing tennis, and this was thoroughly enjoyed by most students. To improve the success, students practiced racket skills using large beach balls that moved more slowly so allowed for greater success, and they learnt to play modified games of tennis including the very popular ‘square tennis’. I was amazed at the skill of many students and how by practicing over many weeks they showed wonderful improvements in their racket skills.

Continuing on with batting skills and object control, middle and senior students also had opportunities to enhance their batting skills using other equipment including tee ball bats, and hockey sticks.

Our junior students were busy practicing their Fundamental Movement Skills and experimenting with using a variety of equipment and apparatus to further develop their confidence in movements, to problem solve how to move safely when use equipment, and to try different ways to negotiated obstacles by climbing, sliding, scrambling, crawling, stepping etc… Movement to music and simple games was a fun way to practice moving their bodies in a variety of ways, and to isolate body parts when moving, as well as developing balance, agility and an awareness of the space around them.

Junior students also focused on object control, with many opportunities throughout their Physical Education lessons to practice using a variety of balls to roll, throw, catch, tap, push and hit. Modified equipment ensured all students were engaged and fully participating in all aspects of the lesson.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all families a safe and happy summer break.

Debbie and Simone.

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Malibu Nurses Update

Dear parents/carers

For students that have medication/PEG feeds in school, please read all communication that has been sent home.  We will require all medication & milk returned to school on the 1st day of school Term 1.  This is also a good opportunity to think about any changes to medication or health statuses of your children so we can continue to support you and your child/ren in school.

Please note, day 1 of the new term may be a little busy at the health centre, please bear with us 🙂

On behalf of all the Malibu Nurses, we would like to wish you and your family a healthy, happy festive season and a wonderful summer break.

Contributions and Payments 2022

Invoices will be sent out at the start of the school year in Feb 2022.

Community Events and Information

Variety WA EduKids Grants - NOW OPEN

The Variety EduKids grant is aimed at helping WA children receive an essential education by providing funding for vital ‘Back to School’ equipment such as stationery, uniforms, laptops, tablets and more. We provide assistance that is not accessible through government funding and alternative services.

Applications closing 11th January 2022.

To be considered eligible the child/children must meet certain criteria - for more information, please contact the kids Support team at T 08 9355 3655 E kidssupport@varietywa.org.au

KEYS Parenting Workshops 2022

Please find attached the KEYS Parent Workshop calendar, the Parent Workshop Overview and Parent Workshop Flyers for 2022.  Most workshops can be booked online via Trybooking, or if there is no link parents can call KEYS on 9439 1838 to register their interest.

Telethon Holiday Makers Program for January 2022!

Running in Fremantle, Rockingham and Marangaroo, the program is for 10 – 18 year-olds on the autism spectrum and provides a fun and relaxed environment to hang out and engage in a range of different activities each school holidays. Some of the activities that we have planned for January include a trip to Cockburn Arc, Perth Zoo, Fremantle Pool, Perth Mint and the Art Gallery of WA plus rollerblading, rocket making, trampolining, rock climbing and much more. To view the whole program, head here.

The places are allocated on a first come first served basis - please see attached flyer for further information.

Details:

Fremantle

Days: Monday – Friday, 10 January – 28 January 2022
Venue: Spectrum Space, Fremantle Hospital

Rockingham

Days: Wednesday 12 & 19 January 2022
Venue: Rockingham Senior High School

Marangaroo

Days: Wednesday 12 & 19 January 2022
Venue: Hepburn Centre, Marangaroo

Enrolment: All participants must be enrolled before attending the Program. To enrol, please fill in the expression of interest form here or call us on 9431 2111.

More information about our groups

As well as running the Telethon Holiday Makers Program, we also run social groups throughout the school year. Using a strengths-based approach validated by Curtin University, our social groups connect young people with autism with others and provides opportunities for social interaction, engagement and fun. Designed for specific age ranges, the social groups offer a regular program of events and activities for members. Participants are invited to make decisions on what they would like to do throughout the term, both individually and as a group. As an NDIS provider, participants can use their plan to access our services.

For more information about our services, please contact us via email, phone on 9431 2111 or visit our website here.

Rotary Recreation Camp

Do you know anyone between 18 and 35 years young who might like to attend a special needs camp?

When-:  Sunday 8th to Saturday 15th January 2022.

Where-: Pt Walter Recreation Camp in Bicton.  Point Walter is a dormitory style camp, with rooms for 4 people, each with their own bathroom and caters for people with disability.

Rotary Camp Inspiration Activities include: Archery, Flying Fox, Ten Pin Bowling, Trip to Adventure World and Zoo, Watersports (biscuiting and boat rides), Bingo, Karaoke ...plus lots of swimming, pool games, and laughter!!

Rotary CLUBs will sponsor and pay for ALL participants if selected.

For further information please contact-: Veronica Lawrence on 0409 035 343 or email ffoliopr@bigpond.net.au or Peter Salleo on 9361 7500 or ask your local Rotary Club who will help you.

Travel Without Limits

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With Australia opening up this summer, a lot of families are sure to be dreaming about hitting the road and seeing the sights.  We’re here to help them with everything from destination guides to accommodation reviews to transit advice, to make their trip as smooth as possible.

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