Celebrating Our Incredible Volunteers

This week, our school community came together to honour the remarkable individuals who dedicate their time and energy to making a difference in our students’ lives. Over the course of this year, more than 40 people have generously volunteered with us, and we were thrilled to welcome many of them to our annual Volunteer Appreciation Afternoon Tea.

The event was a celebration of connection, community, and gratitude. Our volunteers enjoyed a delightful spread of treats, lovingly prepared, as a token of appreciation for their invaluable contributions. The Principal presented each volunteer with a certificate of appreciation and a small gift, a gesture to acknowledge the profound impact of their time and efforts.

The afternoon was also an opportunity for reflection and conversation. Volunteers were invited to pair up and share their thoughts on two key questions: “Why do you volunteer?” and “What keeps you coming back?” The responses were inspiring and spoke volumes about the strength of our school community:

  • A desire to be actively involved in their child’s education.
  • The joy of connecting with other parents and families.
  • A shared commitment to making a meaningful difference.
  • A sense of pride in being part of our vibrant school community.
  • The fulfilling sense of belonging that comes from contributing.
  • The positive impact on their own mental health and wellbeing.

These heartfelt reflections underscore the vital role volunteers play in fostering a connected and supportive environment for our students, families, and staff. Their dedication not only enriches the school but also strengthens the sense of unity that defines our community.

A special thank you to Maryteresa Higgins for her thoughtful organisation of this celebration, ensuring our volunteers felt the deep gratitude of the entire school.

To all our volunteers: thank you for your kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to our school. Your contributions make a lasting difference, and we are so fortunate to have you as part of our community.

Reading Quest

This summer, the City of Armadale Libraries—Armadale, Kelmscott, Piara Waters, and Seville Grove—invite students to discover ancient worlds with the Summer Reading Quest! Running from December 1 to January 31, the program offers exciting activities, hidden treasures, and plenty of prizes to win.

Students aged 5 and older can pick up a Reading Log, while younger readers can grab a Summer Steps card to get started on their reading adventure. Visit your local library to join the fun and ignite your imagination over the holidays!

Don’t miss this opportunity to make reading a part of your summer story. Find more details by scanning the QR code on the flyer.

CHRISTMAS HAMPER APPEAL

Our Christmas Hamper Appeal is now underway, and we invite our wonderful school community to help spread joy to families in need this festive season. Every year, Westfield Park Primary School rallies together to collect non-perishable food items and festive treats, ensuring that families in our community have a special holiday experience.

Donations can be brought into the school from now until 6 December. We welcome anything from Christmas cakes and puddings to everyday essentials like tea, pasta, and tinned goods. Your generosity will help create hampers that make a real difference to families who could use a little extra support this Christmas.

Join us in making the holiday season brighter for others — your kindness matters!

Introduction of Young Hearts Domestic Violence Counselling Service at Our School 

We are introducing Young Hearts, a specialized domestic violence counselling service provided by Anglicare, now available at our school. This free program is designed for children and young people up to 18 years old who have been affected by family and domestic violence. 

Young Hearts offers a six-to-eight-week program, conducted by a professional counsellor from Anglicare. The service provides a secure and supportive environment where participants can engage in various therapeutic approaches, including play, art, and narrative therapy. The sessions are held in a neutral and safe space, allowing children to explore their emotions and develop vital life skills. 

This program is designed for those who have been exposed to or experienced physical, verbal, or emotional violence, as well as those showing related behavioral issues. Young Hearts aims to help participants build healthy relationships and a strong sense of self, without requiring them to disclose personal stories. 

For more information on how your child can benefit from this valuable service, please contact us. 

Amy Crombie                                                                     Marie De Alvis 

WPPS Student Services Coordinator                                Counsellor, Young Hearts 

amy.crombie@education.wa.edu.au                            marie.dealvis@anglicarewa.org.au

9234 9200                                                                             0491 092 328

Junior Block Students Enjoy Special Visit from Community Police Officer

This week, students from the Junior Block had an exciting and educational experience during a special incursion with Armadale Community Police Officer, Sergeant Steph Higgins. The children were thrilled to see a real police vehicle up close and were eager to ask questions about the role of the police in our community.

Sergeant Higgins took the time to explain the various equipment she carries and the vital ways in which the police work to keep everyone safe. The students listened attentively and were highly engaged, raising their hands enthusiastically to ask about her duties and the day-to-day responsibilities of a police officer.

The visit provided a valuable opportunity for our young learners to connect with an important community service, fostering a sense of safety and trust. The school extends a big thank you to Sergeant Higgins for her time and dedication to educating our students.

This memorable experience is one of many ways we aim to enrich the learning environment and strengthen our ties with the broader community.

Autism Specialist Learning Program to be located at Westfield Park from 2024

Today, Hon Sue Ellery BA MLC, Minister for Education and Training, announced that students with autism spectrum disorder will benefit from the expansion of Western Australia’s successful Specialist Learning Program (SLP) to eight additional locations. Westfield Park Primary School will provide SLP facilities from Term 1 2024. 

The program provides specialist and intensive support to students with autism – without intellectual impairment – who have the capacity to learn at or near their academic year level standard with support, but may have specific social and emotional development needs that are related to their autism. Applications for enrolments to the program will be open from Term 4 2023. 

To find out more click on the link below

https://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Pages/McGowan/2022/10/Autism-Specialist-Learning-Program-expanded-to-additional-schools.aspx