Our Members, Making a Difference - Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020 - wappa
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Our Members, Making a Difference Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
Take a moment...
to invigoraTe your leadership
One day WAPPA workshop with Brendan Spillane
Designed to inspire your leadership, including three provocations with structured workshops to extend your thinking.
Leadership is not a suit you wear, it is
the place from where you come.
- Brendan Spillane
Connected Autonomy Creating Psychological Safety Thinking in Complexity
Explore the idea of Connected ‘People will trust their leaders We live in fast and increasingly
Autonomy as the mature state when their leaders do the kinds complex times. Principals
or, more accurately, the mature of things that make them feel face issues daily that require
stance of the most successful psychologically safe.’ - Sinek them to think differently in
organisations and systems. order to move forward with
Arising from a synthesis of Pink’s In many ways, leadership is
hope and possibility. In this
work on Motivation and Fullan’s language. Talk is not cheap! In
provocation, we will focus
work on Nuance, Connected this provocation we will make
Autonomy requires a particular on the differences between
the link between psychological
leadership disposition that is Complex and Complicated
safety and innovation and
both generous and generative. and Chaotic situations, with
focus on some key shifts in
For many leaders, this is not a advice from the field of
leadership language that
discovery but a recovery of Complexity Theory on the
what they have always deeply signal safety without avoiding
thinking methodology of best
known to work. the truth of performance.
fit for each.
November 6 2020 | 8am - 3.30pm | Crown Perth, Astral Rooms 1 & 2
Register now at WAPPA.asn.au
Thanks to our WAPPA partner, OSHClub, your registration will include complimentary attendance at the
Awards & Grants Event and Sundowner which will follow this workshop.
Room restrictions are in place due to COVID-19, get in quick!
breathe talk Think
7
Aspiring Leader
8
A Tour of Orange
Contents
Grove Primary School From the President 2
From the GM 5
Aspiring Leaders 7
A Tour of Orange Grove Primary School 8
16 We Are Here to Support You 11
Attention All Aspiring Leaders 13
Mud Pools, Mud Pies, Positive School Culture 14
Mud Art! Mud Pools, Mud Pies, Mud Art! 16
An Acrostic View of COVID-19
at Woodland Grove & West Byford 18
An AGPPA Update 22
Life Members’ Lunch 23
23
Primary Principals’ Day 2020! 24
Embracing a Difference 28
Life Members’ Lunch
24
Primary Principals’ Day 2020!
Cover: International Mud Day at Christmas Island, Pg 16 Contact WAPPA
P (08) 6380 1755 | E wappa@wappa.net.au | W wappa.asn.au
Opinions expressed by contributors to WORDS are their own
and not necessarily endorsed by the publishers, the Western 440 Vincent Street West, West Leederville WA 6007
Australian Primary Principals’ Association (Inc) and its members. Professional Support Line (08) 9388 8437
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
1
From the President
Ian Anderson, President, WAPPA
This year, more than any I can primary students have been relying I am not sure about others, but I can
remember throughout my career, on “remote learning” for most of the admit that I am beginning to suffer
has highlighted the resilience of our year. from Zoom fatigue and look forward
school leaders, as they traverse the to being able to spend quality (and
COVID-19 pathway. Indeed, we are relaxed) time with colleagues. Yes,
lucky to be living in a state which has our meetings are more focused, but
been able to close off its borders so so much happens outside the formal
effectively and limit the spread of the meeting agenda and this is what
virus, allowing us to enjoy freedoms I find to be the missing part. The
our fellow Australians in other states conversations which can yield so
have not been able to. much information just don’t seem to
happen in an online world.
The impact on our schools is still
being felt, due mainly to the limits on This edition of WORDS
crowd size and social distancing, but
this has also come with the added I feel confident, however, that our showcases how some of our
teachers will be able to ensure
bonus of schools being able to “reset” members have demonstrated
some of their arrangements which that students continue to progress
had been in place for many years. and that any learning gaps will be their resilience to ensure
addressed through appropriate
One of the most noticeable changes assessment and appropriate
that their schools survived,
has been the reported increase teaching. and indeed thrived, in the
in student’s resilience, with even
our youngest students taking As leaders, we have been heavily COVID-19 shadow. It never
engaged in the online world with
responsibility for getting to their
zoom and WebEx becoming the
ceases to amaze me just
classrooms and unpacking their own
bags. Over the years, many children common forms of communication how committed you are in
were deprived of this opportunity as with others outside our immediate
environment. ensuring that students are at
their parents often took responsibility
for these things. the forefront of your mind in
What we don’t know, however, everything you do.
is what the long-term impact of As you read this edition of WORDS,
COVID-19 will have on our current our 2021 elections are open and
students. Most here in Western it has been terrific to see so much
Australia did not miss much learning, interest, with a record number of
however, there are many who have nominations being received for
found it difficult to re-engage with vacant Board positions. Once again,
schooling, and in states like Victoria, our election is via an electronic vote
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
2
and I encourage all eligible members (Ordinary and Life assure you that WAPPA is in good hands.
Members) to ensure that they cast their vote before 29
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Jo
October 2020.
Stephens, who recently stepped down from her position
Your Board has worked extremely hard this year, not as Vice President and acknowledge the great work she
only managing their own school, but also ensuring that has done for WAPPA over many years.
our Association continues to be strong, supportive, and
influential.
As you begin another Term, I am confident that you will
continue to ensure that our students and staff are in good
hands. What you also must ensure, however, is that steps
are in place for your own health and well-being. Our
schools need you to be well, for them to thrive.
Supported by our staff at the Business Centre, I can
Term 4’s WORDS Magazine focus is
Celebrating Our Success.
As 2020 draws to a close, it is time to reflect, acknowledge and celebrate
what we were able to achieve in this constantly changing year.
We would love to celebrate and showcase how our members have created
something new that has come out of 2020. Capturing the success of your
leadership or how you have been able to harness these positive changes.
This could be a story of joy and celebration of a member’s achievements, or at
your school community.
Let’s make time to celebrate the accomplishments, no matter how big or small.
If you have any uplifting stories of how your team, school or community has
celebrated your success, we would love to hear from you.
If you would like to contribute, please contact Bree at bfinlay@wappa.net.au
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
3
Wellbeing at WAPPA
The WAPPA strategic plan includes the Wellbeing
Objective to ensure we support the wellbeing of all
WAPPA members and stakeholders.
WAPPA will support you to take the next step in your professional and
workplace wellbeing journey.
Individual, group or whole school programs available.
Ask us how we can help you.
Contact David Hewitt
dhewitt@wappa.net.au | phone 08 6380 1755
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
4
From the GM
Marni Hill, General Manager, WAPPA
There are so many inspirational year. With business no longer as
quotes that I have seen over the usual, we have all been exploring
years about making a difference. extra ways to communicate and
Nelson Mandela said, connect more efficiently, advocate
even more effectively and support
our members more extensively than
ever before.
We can change the world Highlighting just a few of these
initiative into Term 4 as well as
and make it a better place. changes to make a difference for our
2021 as a regular Board meeting
It is in your hands to make a members.
input.
» A stronger focus on being
difference. proactive in establishing » You will see on Page 7 of this
relationships with our edition of WORDS we have been
stakeholders. This opens hosting our Aspirant Member
communications to a solution events during each of the school
Jane Goodall said,
(not blame) focus. While this holidays. We have another day
hasn’t yet reduced the total planned these October holidays.
number of support matters that If you have anyone in your school
WAPPA advocates for on behalf aspiring to school leadership let
What you do makes a of individual members, it has in a them know about WAPPA Aspirant
difference and you have lot of these cases, helped to close Membership.
to decide what kind of the matters out sooner with a
» With connection and
reduction in the significance of the
difference you want to impact. WAPPA will continue this
communication as a key part of
make. our strategic plan, we have spent
great work with the aim to improve
time this year redesigning and
those results even further.
developing the WAPPA website.
» Our Chapter Chairs were invited It will host more resources,
While we can’t make the whole world
to attend a WAPPA Board meeting articles, advice papers, and all the
a better place, the resilience we have
via zoom to connect and have wellbeing and support services
shown and the differences that we
direct input for the members of that WAPPA has to offer its
have been able to make, has been
their chapters on the current members in an easy to navigate
simply to decide to take things into
needs of the membership. Also format.
our own hands. Whatever it is that
on the agenda was the direction
we can change to make that part of Our focus will be to continue to make
of the current advocacy works
our world a better place. a difference with more benefits,
being undertaken to bring change
additional support services and
The WAPPA Board along with the for Primary Schools. While the
greater value for your membership.
WAPPA Business Centre staff have internet crash cut this short, the
embraced making a difference this Board has agreed to take this
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
5
Aspiring to
Leadership?
Are you, or do you know an amazing
teacher and team leader, who may be
aspiring to take the next step?
As an Aspirant Member, WAPPA can help
you discover your path to leadership.
WAPPA gives you access to the support
and professional learning programs that will
help you on this journey.
You don’t need to be a Principal or Deputy Principal to join.
OF WA
OVER YOUR
3,000+
GOVERNMENT
PRIMARY FEES
85% SCHOOLS MAY
HOURS OF HAVE A BE
SUPPORT
PROVIDED
WAPPA TAX
MEMBER DEDUCTABLE
EACH YEAR
To learn more, please call 6380 1755 or email wappa@wappa.net.au
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
6
Aspiring Leaders
Michelle Head, Class Teacher, Ellen Stirling PS
I have been an educator since 1998, the morning, highlighting key and the warm congratulations by my
teaching in the Great Southern, professional learning including Seven like minded colleagues was deeply
Midwest, Kimberley, North and South Habits of Highly Effective People, noted.
Metropolitan Regions in primary, Leadership Development Program
So now, I am planning my time
district high and remote settings. I and Making the Leap. We met each
for completing the modules, keep
have taught every year level from member of the team and it was
applying for opportunities and look
K-7, been a Health and Physical pleasing to hear that discussions
forward to the next Aspirant session
Education Specialist, Literacy and for consistent protocols were taking
in the October holidays.
Numeracy Whole School Leader place.
and recently had seven months as I would recommend anyone
As Aspirants, we shared our
an Associate Principal after being considering the leap to
experiences with each other and it
selected from the Aspirant Pool. leadership to become an
was refreshing to hear our similarities
When I received an email of extensive experience, numerous Aspirant WAPPA member and
inviting me to the WAPPA attempts at applying for promotions,
access these sessions.
Masters of Educational Leadership
holiday session where they
graduates and passionate educators Keep informed through their
were seeking feedback from who put children first and model magazine and articles and seek
Aspirant Members, I did not the positive traits of collaboration, out the support of a Professional
resilience, persistence and kindness, Colleague to assist in what can be a
hesitate to attend.
just to name a few. long and tough journey.
I was keen to have a clear
Together as a group, we came up Learning is lifelong and I believe that
understanding of how the association
with suggestions such as forming the right opportunity will eventually
is structured, what they can offer
a collegial group, listening to the present itself.
Aspirant members besides Words
Magazine, The Leading Edge wisdom of the WAPPA Alumni and
and President’s Update emails Mentors, creating a WAPPA Aspirant
and discover if there were any Pool and listen to professionals for
opportunities that I was missing or opportunities beyond education.
have overlooked. The session was a timely motivator
Upon arrival, I was welcomed for me to keep persisting and to take
by the friendly staff. Seventeen the opportunities on offer including
other Aspirants attended to find seeking a Professional Colleague.
out more about WAPPA and offer Even better, I was ecstatic to win the
their thoughts for support. The door prize which was a place in the
professional team lead us through Leadership Development Program
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
7
a n g e G r o v e
A tour of
Or Pr i m a r y S c hool
Bree Finlay, Marketing and Communications, WAPPA
During such an out of the ordinary The Sensory Garden The Peace Garden
year not only for education This gorgeous little garden behind Built in amongst the natural
in WA, but the entire world in the Kindergarten building is bushland, the Peace Garden was
general, we wanted to take the one of the many Boral assisted initially developed by the children,
opportunity to focus on some of projects around the school. who created the sandy path.
the incredible things our members Their volunteers came in and When Boral became involved they
are accomplishing in their donated the concrete bicycle donated the road base for a more
communities. path. Then the conservation permanent and refined garden.
WORDS is WAPPA’s and our biologists planted the native plants
During NAIDOC week one year
members opportunity to share including the Geraldton waxflower
the students created mosaic
and see the different innovations (chamelaucium uncinatum).
plaques of six seasons (the
and ways people are making a The flowering plant (pictured) is
six seasons in the Noongar
difference. Within your schools endemic to Western Australia.
seasonal calendar are Birak,
and whole communities. Behind the sensory garden is also
Bunuru, Djeran, Makuru, Djilba
a small veggie garden accessible
After hearing from a number of and Kambarang) which now live
to the Kindergarten students.
people absolutely raving about along the pathway. Of course due
Orange Grove Primary School, The Cow to snakes the garden is out of
Marni and I decided we needed to Lesley got an email one year in bounds during summer. However
see it for ourselves. January explaining that the dairy during winter the students utilise
industry were giving away ten life the garden to go for a walk, have a
Turning into the driveway of size ceramic cows as a promotion, chat and practice mindfulness.
Orange Grove immediately first come first serve. So she
transports you from the city immediately replied saying that
The Veggie Patch
to a quaint little country town. There was a second veggie
they would love one. They emailed
Surrounded by towering gums and garden for the rest of the school
back and said that Orange Grove
gorgeous native flowers you could built in front of the library. This
had been successful. Working
swear you were smack bang in the year the pre primary teachers and
with the art teacher, the students
middle of the Australian outback. students planted all the veggies
painted the cow during their art
When we were in fact a mere 25 and herbs and built the scarecrow
lessons while learning about the
minutes from the middle of the city. as well. The students harvest what
dairy industry in WA, such as
they grow and then have a little
where milk comes from and how
We completely understood the market day to sell the produce to
cheese is made. Then it was
awe that others had experienced the parents to buy more seeds to
shown at the canning show! Which
and wanted to share it with the keep the veggie patch going.
I can understand why, it is pretty
rest of the membership.
spectacular. I would like to thank both Claire
Deputy Principal, Clare Heffernan, and Lesley for taking the time to
Memorial Garden
was bursting with pride as she show us around your school and
This area was once just sand.
walked us through her school, talk us through all of the fantastic
Nothing managed to grow there,
pointing out some of her favourite initiatives, which as I mentioned
not even grass. During the winter
spots. We later sat down with early I only managed to mention a
months, when it rained, it become
Principal, Lesley Ghent who has few!
a mud pit and the partly paved
been at the school for 8 years,
section would become slippery
and she talked us through the
and dangerous. So the volunteers
projects that she had been a part
from Boral came in and built a
of implementing during her time
swale designed to manage the
at Orange Grove. As well as the If you would like to share some
runoff to water the plants and re-
schools partnership with Boral and of the fantastic things that your
paved the rest of the area. They
their environmental conservationist school is doing and allow us to
were then able to build what is
volunteers. showcase them a future edition of
now fondly known as the Memorial
Although we were shown a lot Garden. Boral donated the WORDS, please contact me on
more than I could possibly fit onto ‘defence force’ and ‘RSL’ roses, bfinlay@wappa.net.au
this page, I have chosen a few of rosemary for remembrance as well
our favourites. Our tour begins in as the limestone and plaque. Each
the Sensory Garden, moving anti year they hold their ANZAC Day
clockwise around to the Veggie ceremony by the garden and the
Patch! students hand out the rosemary.
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
8WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020 9
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Membership Matters
Don’t struggle though it on your own.
WAPPA is here to support you when you need us most.
WAPPA’s Support team is ready to help you with; WAPPA has supported members with matters
around
» Experienced Principals to provide advice,
mentoring or collegial support » Improving connection & Staff team management
» Personal wellbeing support by phone, online » Advocacy on behalf of members with DoE/REO
or in person
» Improvement actions / school reviews
» Matters referred to General Council for legal
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» Whole School health & wellbeing » Bullying / Harassment
» Advise on unusual school problems » Parental Issues / complaints & community
matters.
» Management of Workers compensation /
return to work / redeployee process
I have been a member of WAPPA for over
20 years. During this time I have enjoyed
the opportunity to access high quality
I want to sincerely thank you from professional learning; build networks with
the bottom of my heart for your outstanding colleagues; and influence
Thanks so much for such
Fierce Conversations PL. It was educational policy and direction at state and
a stunning, welcoming and
such an insightful PL where we had national levels.
inspiring morning at the Aspirant
so much opportunity to discuss and When most needed, WAPPA has Member event.
really put into practice the learning always been there to provide the support
we were engaging in. Greatly appreciate all the time,
necessary to successfully navigate through
effort and care that went into
I have already used what I have the most complex challenges we can face
making us all feel valued and
learnt on numerous occasions as school leaders. Despite having over 30
important. Can’t wait to hear
this week and it has made me a years of experience as a school leader, I
about the next aspirant events.
lot more of a listener rather than a recently was thrown a couple of curve balls
solver! and had to call upon WAPPA to get me
Kat Bavcevic
through. It’s like having a good insurance
Cass Bender Aspirant Teacher
policy – it is always there when you need
Principal Parkerville Primary School
it and I am grateful to have access to this
O’Connor Education Support Centre amazing support.
Dean Finlay
Principal
Ocean Road Primary School2 days 8:30am - 4:30pm 21 - 22 October WAPPA BC
Member $695 +GST Register today wappa.asn.au/pl
Non-member $885 +GST Ask about PL on Request
Places are now full for the October delivery of Fierce Conversations.
Head to the WAPPA website to find out more or contact us today to register your interest for future events!
2 days 8:30am - 4:30pm 2 - 3 November WAPPA BC
Member $695 +GST Register today wappa.asn.au/pl
Non-member $885 +GST Ask about PL on Request
Places are still available for the November delivery of 7 Habits.
Head to the WAPPA website to find out more and register today!
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
12ATTENTION ALL
ASPIRING
LEADERS
Do you find it tricky to attend Leadership Professional
Learning during the school terms?
Join WAPPA during the school holidays and get 2021 off to a flying start.
Two of our most requested leadership programs are on offer.
Fierce Coversations
2 days 8:30am - 4:00pm 18-19 January 2021 WAPPA BC
Member $695 +GST Register today wappa.asn.au/pl
Non-member $885 +GST Ask about PL on Request
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
2 days 8:30am - 4:00pm 21-22 January 2021 WAPPA BC
Member $695 +GST Register today wappa.asn.au/pl
Non-member $885 +GST Ask about PL on Request
Do one or do both…
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
13Positive School Culture
Michelle Nash, Deputy Principal, Oakwood PS
School culture is the character, personality and unconscious (or conscious) identity that is
shaped each and every day by the values, traditions, interactions, beliefs, behaviours and
attitudes of all members – staff, students and the wider community.
It is owned by everyone and is a and collective efficacy of staff, which
continuous work-in-progress that can in turn benefits student learning.
be shaped, altered, transformed or This doesn’t happen by chance, When colleagues make a
improved in an ever-evolving manner, and leading the visible and invisible
with every aspect of a school informing elements that inform ‘the way we commitment to be there for
and impacting the cultural identity. do things’ and champions what is each other, trust grows and
important within a school requires teamwork improves. When
As a reflection of a school’s core conscious attention, articulation and
values, maintaining a positive school continuous acknowledgement. they make each other’s day
culture that brings people together,
supports high-functioning teams, sets with simple gestures of rec-
The FISH! Philosophy
expectations for how people behave ognition and thanks, people
and communicate, and promotes feel valued. When people
alignment with the vision and direction
of the school is of utmost importance. bring a playful state of mind
“Education is, at its heart, a to work, it releases energy
and enthusiasm. When
people business. Our success
everyone, leaders included,
in delivering a great education takes responsibility for the
for every public school student attitudes they choose, the
depends on the motivation team spends less time on
and capability of our staff” unproductive behaviours
-Lisa Rodgers, Director General and more time working for a
Laying the foundations of a successful
common goal.
and positive culture within a (Lundin, Paul & Christensen 2006)
school increases the engagement,
commitment, happiness, well-being
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
14With strategic attention paid to the “At our school, together we to maintain our positive culture is
importance of setting the culture of the can make it great! highly valued and consistently at the
school on a positive trajectory from forefront of our approach. From writing
the very beginning, Oakwood Primary Let’s BE THERE for each other an appreciation to acknowledge the
School adopted the principles of the by staying focused on what work of a colleague, to team-building
FISH! Philosophy at a staff, student we’re doing and how we’re based staff meetings, through to our
and community level, aiming to create doing it. annual flagship day of whole school
an innovative an accountable school and community celebrations, we swim
environment where playful, attentive A kind gesture can MAKE together as Oakwood Fish, embracing
and engaging attitudes lead to more THEIR DAY – when we do the fun each and every day.
energy, enthusiasm, productivity and things big and small, to
creativity. make them feel good.
As an aligning force, this philosophy, Good and bad things
and way of being, prioritises happen every day, but you Adults spend about 75%
effective relationships, values open of their wake-time doing
communication, and promotes high-
can always CHOOSE YOUR
functioning team structures. Most ATTITUDE. work related activities –
importantly, the FISH! Philosophy We know learning is more getting ready for work,
emphasises the importance of making fun when we throw ourselves travelling to work, working,
the school environment a fun and into it, so let’s PLAY!”
enjoyable place to be every day. contemplating work, and
With the origins formed in a fish
As a school community we are decompressing after work.
immersed in the common language,
market in Seattle by a group of fish active reinforcement and celebration
If we spend that much time
mongers who were committed to of this approach that naturally results in that part of our lives, we
bringing joy to all aspects of their in high energy, joy and a strong
workplace, business, and customer ought to enjoy it and be
sense of connectedness, colloquially
interactions, then adapted specifically termed ‘Oakwood Awesomeness’. energised by it.
for implementation in schools, the Taking time regularly throughout the
4 guiding principles in an education (Lundin, Paul & Christensen 2006)
day, week, term, and year, to varying
context state: degrees, and for a variety of purposes,
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
15Mud Pools, Mud Pies, Mud Art!
Jacki Collis, Mud Day Coordinator, Year 2 Teacher at Christmas Island DHS
There are countless ways to A student from Yr 1 said, “I felt This year there were four pools filled
celebrate International Mud Day, with different coloured mud, clay and
but all of them have one thing in so good and it was exciting. I water.
common: can’t wait till next year!” “I liked the mud pools the best
Teachers, Education Assistants, because you can sit in there
You have students from Kindergarten to
Year 6 and their parents, have the and put the mud all over your
to get dirty! opportunity to engage in a few fun
filled hours of messy nature play.
Playing with mud is a fantastic
body and face” - Ashley, Yr 2.
Students were able to splash in the
sensory activity. It also develops coloured water while feeling the mud
fine motor skills, and gives children under their feet. Lots of students
another positive way to interact and loved to sit or lay in the pools to
What better way to connect with practice their social skills. cover their whole body in mud.
nature than to play with the earth
itself? “I had an amazing time A student in Year 5 said, “The
Mud Day, 2020 was a huge success putting mud on my friends when mud felt soft and I liked how it
and is a much-loved annual event they didn’t know I was right felt on my skin when it was wet”
on the Christmas Island District High
School calendar. behind them!” - Scarlette, Yr 5. For those students who were morehesitant to dive into a pool, there enjoyable time covering
were several tubs filled with clay. themselves and others in mud.
This allowed students, parents
and teachers to touch or squish
“I loved how the teachers
the mud in their hand without got just as muddy as the kids
getting their whole body involved.
did and we didn’t even get
“I didn’t want to go in
into trouble for putting mud
the pool but I liked the
on them!” – Jasmin, Yr 6.
mud on my hands”
A surprise this year was a
- Indi, Kindergarten. visit from the Christmas Island
Volunteer Fire and Emergency
Some students found sticks and
Services Unit, who came with a
nuts to push into the clay, which
fire truck to hose everyone off at
was great for strengthening the
the end of the session.
muscles in their fingers.
A painting area was also set up
Santiago, Yr 2, summed up
for budding artists to paint, using the day perfectly by saying,
mud, onto perspex easels. The
sand pit was another popular
“Mud Day was Fun! Fun! FUN!!!”
spot. Everyone had a thoroughly
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
17An Acrostic View of COVID-19
ommunity Vitality
During COVID we have missed the
vitality that our families bring to our
school. On the flip side we have
kept our morning arrangements the
pportunity
Ashley Mottershead same with students only on school
Principal grounds. This time has allowed for
a very calm and orderly start to our
Community school day. Whilst we have been
During COVID restrictions it was working hard to keep the heart in
important for us at Woodland Grove our school we knew we needed
to keep the heart in our school. We
used our website to post vlogs of to be able to see our community
face to face. With this in mind
itality
storytelling and cooking, including
some cooking lessons provided by we recently held our Book Week
our students. Parade. In a large school we could
run the parade and provide space
We used the See Saw application
to communicate regularly with our for social distancing by spreading
students and families. We were the parade out around the school.
fortunate at WGPS to have already Our community love the annual
nspirational established a 1:1 iPad program for parade and put in a big effort with
our Year 3 to Year 6 students. This costuming. The renewed energy
program meant that we were able injected in to our school with this
to add value to an established use event and subsequent events such
of the devices and technology by as our sporting carnivals has been
building community connection. welcome.
An appreciative parent wrote: Inspirational
ynamic We are loving the stories being
read. Our children are going to bed
with the stories every night. Thank
The Byford community our
school is situated in has been
you Woodland Grove. inspiring with their commitment
Opportunity to, and acceptance of the COVID
restrictions. Our parents were
COVID gave us a wonderful committed to establishing engaging
opportunity to think about and
highlight what the critical learning learning spaces for their children
is for children at WGPS. As we within their homes. Our teachers
developed our Learning at Home were able to provide Learning
packs staff had time and space Packs for families prior to the Term
to work collaboratively to develop 2 school holidays with families
and plan for essential learning. The giving valuable feedback on the
sense of teamwork and purposeful packages. This work meant that our
collaboration was palpable across school was in a great position to
the school. We used the VUCA establish Learning at Home in Term
Model to help us plan in what was 3 if needed. Our website provided
an ever-changing and somewhat
unpredictable space. Through valuable information and a space
the VUCA Model we developed a for our learning packs. This was well
framework for our Learning at Home received and accessed by families
processes which is holding us in outside our school.
good stead for ongoing and future
planning.
Dynamic
Leading through VUCA Our dynamic deputies; Rebecca
Hartman, Dahmen Higgs and Jen
Lay worked tirelessly throughout the
COVID restrictions. They supported
staff with their deliberations and
collaboration. They remained in
contact with families requiring extra
support and ensured the needs
of students were at the centre of
their work. Woodland Grove is an
amazing school and reflective of
the inspiring community it serves.
I would like to take this opportunity
to acknowledge and thank all who
work here.
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
18at Woodland Grove & West Byford
Opportunity iTheatrics provided an informative
The WBPS Unchock - a - Block Zoom session for the students
Competition ramped up this year, with the wonderful Cindy Ripley,
with the inaugural Unchock - a - recognised worldwide as a Lead
Block. The staff worked in their Educational Consultant, on the
teams, going above and beyond power of being a Performing Artist.
Cleo Jenkins clearing out and reorganising blocks, It was an incredible experience and
Deputy Principal classrooms and storerooms that calming for the students to know that
were disorganised or full of unused performers all around the world were
Community resources and equipment. having the same issues. Reaching
The West Byford Early Childhood out and making connections gave
Teachers inspired our students to Staff located items that were the students and staff the mindset
give back to the Byford Community previously missing and resources and tools to persevere. Moana, the
by creating, sharing and displaying they had long forgotten about. All of WBPS musical, will be performed
positive messages outside and this great work paid dividends later at WBPS on the 3rd, 4th and 5th
around our school’s gates. The in the year with students and staff November.
Kindergarten students created a working effectively in organised,
beautiful rainbow picture using revamped learning environments,
paint and encouraging proactive including wet areas free of clutter.
language, for the elderly residents in The winning team was rewarded with
the Graceford Residential Aged Care lunch from a number of local take-
facility in Byford. away venues and it was delivered to
the block by Administration.
Vitality
The experience of COVID, with its
challenges and changes has given Dynamic
our students a renewed vitality,
and changed how they feel about Our dynamic Principal, Mike
their life and the life of others. Our Bettenay, agreed to fund and
Year 6 students created a book expertly cook breakfast (with a smile
for our library called ‘The Impact and a lovely apron) for the staff mid-
of COVID-19’ which documents week (thanks to a slight push from
their personal reflections on the our enthusiastic Year 3 team)!
pandemic.
It was very well received and the
message of thanks in return made our
students realise the positive impact
they can make to their community.
This enabled the Wellbeing
Inspirational Committee to shine a much needed
During restrictions, our Performing light on our staffs’ mental health and
Arts teacher Mrs Nicole George to build cohesive spirit amidst the
reached out to iTheatrics in New challenging and uncertain times. The
We were greatly moved by your York for guidance and inspiration on cook started at 7:45 am in the Dugite
how to keep the school’s musical, alcove area and included a delicious
encouraging kind words, and spread of bacon, eggs, hash browns,
beautiful colourful rainbows. It Moana, on track and how to best
keep the momentum for our students toast, spaghetti, juice, coffee and
touched our hearts that such when they were not allowed to meet tea. We sat outside in the sunshine
physically small hearts could in person to rehearse. and enjoyed a sense of togetherness
give such great love and care by sharing a meal – 1.5 meters
for us; the elderly. It really made apart!
us smile and we are still smiling
as we have hung the poster on
our dining wall. We hope you
keep safe and are smiling too!
-Graceford Residential Aged Care
residents, Byford.
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
19Interaction + Fun Learning
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An AGPPA Update
Ian Anderson, President, Australian Government Primary Principals Association
During this COVID-19 period, » Secretary - Britany » Review of Senior Secondary
AGPPA has played a key role in Roestenburg (NT) Pathways
ensuring connection amongst » Treasurer - Pat Murphy (QLD) » National Evidence Institute
our Government Primary School » Online Formative Assessment
AGPPA has continued to develop
Principal Associations. With all Initiative
strong partnerships with our
states following slightly different
national bodies (ACARA, AITSL, A strong focus for AGPPA
pathways through the pandemic,
NEI, ESA and DESE) and has has been Principal health and
this connection has enabled our
been involved in a number of key wellbeing and we have recently
state associations leaders to
national reviews, including: engaged Philip Riley’s team to
share and learn from each other
prepare a report unpacking the
in what has been very different » Australian Curriculum Review
data sets for government primary
and difficult times. » Reducing Red Tape
Principals and Deputy Principals
» Teacher and School Leader
AGPPA’s core focus continues by state. This information will
Abuse
to be to provide a unified voice support our work both at the
» Disability Standards Review
to promote and advocate for national and state levels as we
» Alice Springs (Mparntwe)
government primary Principals work with departments to improve
Declaration
and schools within Australia. Principal wellbeing.
Our National Council represents
over 5,300 government
primary schools with each
state and territory having two
representatives.
This year, our meetings have
been held via zoom where we
continue to discuss national
matters and connect with key
stakeholders across the nation.
The National Council of AGPPA
consists of the Executive and
representatives from each
State Government Principals
Association.
The current Executive includes:
» President
Ian Anderson (WA)
» Vice President
Anne-Maree Kliman (Vic)
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
22Life Members’ Lunch
Phillippa Berkhout, WAPPA Life and Alumni Member
Often in life, you experience memorable events, and attending the
WAPPA Life Members lunch ticked all the boxes.
Being the new kid on the block I had of ensuring a positive future.” This event was well attended. We
no idea what to expect and was more He continued that “by valuing remembered those who were no
than pleasantly surprised. Below our heritage, we will continue longer with us together with those
I have included excerpts from a to move forward to ensure all who were unable to attend for a
speech I delivered that day on behalf children within our care have a variety of reasons. The event gave
of my colleagues. fair chance in life.” us a chance to talk to members
of your Board who were seated at
On September 16th, 1953, 21 As a new life member, I certainly
every table. The room was filled with
headmasters and headmistresses feel valued by WAPPA and see life
conversations about the past and the
gathered at Perth Boys School to membership as an honour. Even
present with so many great stories
consider the prospect of forming though now retired, I join many
about the past. It would be wonderful
a professional association. They of you who continue to work for
if these stories could be captured
proceeded and it was called WAPPA in a variety of ways.
before they are lost forever.
the Metropolitan Association
I hope that the formation of
Headmasters and Headmistresses. We all thanked WAPPA for its hard
the WAPPA Alumni adds value
Those 21 were movers and and enduring work, and encouraged
to those retired members. The
shakers, way ahead their time. the Association to continue to fight
Alumni is new and has a small
the fight and be the loud voice of the
While researching for this speech, membership base, but just like
membership even when times are as
I read Mike Bearson’s great book those original 21, I am hoping
difficult as they are now in the midst
– A Fair Chance in Life. In his that the numbers will grow when
of this pandemic.
forward he wrote “Valuing the people see the personal benefits.
past is one of civilization’s ways
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
23Primary Principals’ Day 2020!
Australian Primary Principalss Day is all about celebrating our Principals and Deputies
across our state and thanking them for the incredible and valuable work they do year
round. Here are a few posts that our amazing members shared this year!
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
24WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020 25
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WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
27
safetyschool@cccsf.org.au | 9272 0000Embracing a Difference
Bree Finlay, Marketing and Communications, WAPPA
I recently had the opportunity to visit Keryl Caird’s (a WAPPA Life Member and previous
Vice President) school, Willandra Primary, to have a chat with one of her incredible
teachers. Debbie Molyneux is not only an engaging teacher that her students adore and
a very talented artist, she is also an extremely resilient deaf woman. She spent 12 years
teaching at Mosman Park School for Deaf Children before resettling at Willandra Primary
where she is thriving not only in her own mainstream classroom, but also teaching art in
many other classes throughout the school.
How long have you been at used to it. Instead of having an hour of that and zero in onto them. But
Willandra Primary School and or two every afternoon, I just have they have fun with it. They’ll try things
what was your first year like, in it every day, all day. And I love it, I and then they go ‘oh, she didn’t hear
regard to transitioning from a absolutely love it. it!’ You know, and sometimes I catch
school for deaf children into a it and sometimes I don’t. But if I don’t,
Keryl has said that the kids
mainstream school environment? sometimes an EA will walk in and go
absolutely adore you. Do you ever
‘got ya!’ or a teacher will walk past
This is my third year, I was made to feel, and I apologise as I feel like
and go, ‘hey!’, you know and I’ll be
feel very welcome here. I mean it’s I’m being a bit negative, but do
like, ‘oh what happened?’ and they’ll
like anywhere, starting somewhere you ever feel like there’s situations
say ‘oh this child said this did this or
new. It’s a bit nerve wracking. You where the students struggle to
that’. But it’s never negative, it’s all
know, do I know what to do? Do I communicate with you?
fun and positive.
know how everything is run? Every
No, I’ve never had that problem.
school is different. Very different That’s so lovely. So, would you say
to where I came from for over 12 Do you ever catch them being that there is much of a difference
years at a deaf school at Mosman naughty behind your back? in your classroom to that of a
Park. I went to two other mainstream hearing teachers’ classroom?
Not always, though of course
schools and they both made me sometimes. There will be a hearing We all treat the children the same. I
feel very welcome, before coming to teacher will walk past or EA and they think with the children with me is they
Willandra. might catch something. All children learn about my deafness as well,
Was it a difficult adjustment do it. My boys did it too when they they have more understanding. They
coming into mainstream schools? were growing up. They know how don’t all try and talk over at once, you
much you can hear and how much know, because I can’t hear. So, they
No, I was lucky because when I
you don’t, and they do like to try it do learn, okay, if you’re going to talk
worked at Mosman Park, I worked
and they like to test you with it. But I to me, you know, you have to face
in the deaf school, but I also worked
get to learn the children and I know me, you have to make sure that I’m
teaching art in the mainstream. So,
their habits and the way they do looking at you. You could be talking
for many years, I’ve learned and I’ve
things. So, I’m very in tune, and if you to me sideways, but if I’m looking
worked with all the hearing children.
do get one that likes to misbehave or at someone else, or I’m talking to
So, moving into a full time hearing
likes to try things I’m very conscious someone else, I’m not hearing what
school, it’s very different, but I gotyou’re saying, so they’ve learned now to treat everyone respectfully and because I’ve got two hearing aids
to be a bit more patient. Knowing sometimes you do have to make on, you know, and I can still talk. The
that well, I can’t keep talking because adjustments, to counter that slightly, parents are very accepting, they treat
Mrs. Molyneux’s not going to hear like you do have to face me when me like any other teacher.
me. So, they are going to make sure you’re talking and if you call out, well,
What is your favourite thing about
that I am facing them. They have that I’m not going to respond. So just talk
Willandra Primary School?
understanding now, that I don’t think normally, don’t yell, don’t mumble,
a lot of children had that experience they learn that. What I like about here is everyone
before. gets along, everyone treats people
Another thing I do with my kids,
respectfully, everybody listens,
They become more courteous, I which is a little bit different, but I think
everybody helps each other. And
suppose, not talking over each other some of the other teachers are now
that’s one thing I’ve noticed with this
to trying to get attention. They know starting to do it too, is we do Auslan,
COVID situation that we’ve had, is
that if the noise levels get too high, I only a little bit, not too much. So
that everyone became closer, we
can’t hear anything. They do get very sometimes with our talk for writing
all gelled. It’s a situation that we’ve
excited when my hearing aids go flat. program, there is a bit of Auslan
never been in before, and it didn’t
Sometimes the batteries will beep involved in that. I like the kids to learn
faze us, we just thought, right, let’s
and they’ll go, ‘oh it’s beeping’ and and they love it. You know, they think
just get on with it. We all helped
they get all excited, because they we can communicate now.
each other, we all shared ideas. We
see if I take one hearing aid out and
How’s that for the parents? Did shared resources. If someone were
I’m changing the battery, they find it
you find you had to educate the struggling, we’d band together and
fascinating and want to have a look
parents a little bit as well in that helped. That’s one thing I’m very
and see how it works. But then some
respect? impressed with here. You’re not
of the kids will go ‘Mrs. Molyneux’s
on your own here, you don’t have
can’t hear! Say something she can’t A little bit. A lot of parents know or
to struggle on your own. If there’s
hear!’ I’m thinking you’ve forgotten I might have some members of the
something that you don’t know or
still have the other hearing aid in! I family who are deaf. Of course, a
don’t know how to do or you’re not
catch them all the time, they seem to lot of them don’t. I tend to meet with
too sure or unclear about something,
forget. all the parents at the beginning of
there is always someone that can
the year, and I introduce myself. I
We have a lot of fun. Yeah, but it’s help you. And that’s one thing I like
explain, this who I am, and this is
good that I’m teaching them that about here.
where I come from. I think it helps the
everyone is different. That you have
fact that they know, well I can hear, I feel like I’m meant to be here.
WORDS, Volume 40 | Edition 3 2020
292021
Professional
Learning
on Request
Where you need it
When you need it
How you need it
WAPPA facilitators can;
» Deliver programs to all regions
» Deliver programs to suit your specific needs
» Facilitate a program to your leadership team
or whole school
» Deliver programs or tasters to networks,
chapters or collegiate groups
Call today to find out how WAPPA can
customise you learning.
Dr Tara Smith
Manager Professional Learning
08 6380 1755You can also read
