26 September 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principals Report

What a fun filled Term 3 staff and students have had! We have shared the term with a number of students from visiting schools – the Year 10 students from Rockingham Senior High School Education Support Centre joined us Monday mornings for some time in the Workshop and transitioning students from Riverside Primary Education Support Centre joined us for a number of Tuesdays making both amazing food in the kitchen and some very creative stools in the Workshop. It was fantastic to see our students interact in a caring and respectful manner.

Classes have continued to power through a huge amount of work and it has been great to see students have success in achieving their goals. Students have begun to show confidence in their understanding of topics in classes and are very proud to share with me during my visits into classes what they have learnt or what they are working on. You are all superstars!!

Some successes I would like to celebrate with our community:

• A number of Year 12 students were challenged when faced with the OLNA testing. Whilst this was uncomfortable and quite scary I’m very proud of how everyone took it in their stride and tried their best.
• The Retail Team held a fundraiser for Jeans for Genes Day. I know students were very proud of their efforts and congratulations on the $278.90 raised for such a great cause.
• Some selected Year 12 students went to Parliament House to have lunch with MLA David Templeman. They went on a tour and were commended on being so well behaved.
• Workplace Learning continues with many students starting their placements and a small number of others continuing on independently. It is always a wonderful experience hearing from employers and community members about how well our students are going and how dedicated they are to their positions.
• Music Rocks has again been a wonderful success with many students challenging themselves, learning new songs (some which they didn’t really like), learning new instruments and holding it all together when it doesn’t quite go to plan. We appreciate Dean joining us each week to work with our students.
• Ms Tolomei and the Art Team have been working with Tim – our Artist in Residence to create our entry for the 2019 Castaways Sculpture competition. It has been slowly taking shape and it looks amazing! The colours are so bright! There has been an overwhelming support from our families and community about the friendship bands which will be included in our sculpture and I can’t wait to see it on display in late October.
• It has been great to see students nominate their peers for Cadet Leaders; this allows our students to shine in a different way. Leaders will have a uniform they are able to wear when representing the school in the community. In addition, the Cadet classes received some new shirts. Everyone looks so smart in their new uniforms.
• The Visage girls went and visited the residents at Mercy Place for a number of weeks. I’m proud of the feedback received saying that the students were respectful, kind and caring. They loved their treatments.

Next term see’s Ms Hawkins return as Principal from her much deserved time away. In addition – Cadet Camps for Year 11 and 12 students, the Castaways Sculpture installation, Heritage Museum excursions, Graduation and all the challenges that our students face. There is so much for our students to experience!!! I hope you all stay focused on achieving what you want and accept the opportunities that you may be offered in the future.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the students, staff, parents/caregivers, board members and wider school community for your support over the year whilst I have been Principal and wish students all the best for what the rest of the year has in store for them. Thank you very much and I hope you all have a wonderful, safe and happy holidays.

Amanda Flood
Principal

Dates to Remember

Classroom News

FG03

Susan Vivian

We have had a very busy term. In numeracy we have been investigating money, measurement; weight and mass, temperature as well as time. There have been lots of activities with scales and clocks. In literacy, students have been looking at job advertisements and personal attributes as well as reading comprehension and spelling.

In Workplace Learning we have finished our activities on workplace safety and safety signs and most students are in the workplace on Thursdays, putting their knowledge into practice. We have been looking at safety in their workplaces through activities in their Log Books. I have heard some great stories about what a success students are in their workplaces.

We continue to focus on the Zones of Regulation in Health and students are becoming better at recognising which zone they are in and the emotions of others. Personal space is also a topic we have been exploring; looking at photographs of people in different situations and discussing the appropriateness of their interaction through body language cues.

Music Rocks continues to be a huge success. This term, students are rehearsing All of Me and Thunderstruck for their performance that was held on Sunday 22nd September.

Students have been investigating the Virtues of Patience and Gratitude this term. We are in the process of developing an individual ‘toolkit’ to help pass time when waiting, as an example of patience. A busy term in FG03.

T1

Julie Higham

The students in T1 have been learning about time during our maths lessons. We have been reading clocks, calculating duration and converting between 12 hours and 24-hour time. It’s super tricky!

We are currently reading Holes as our class novel, Holes is a young adult mystery novel. It discusses issues such as friendship, race, crime, self-esteem and poverty in a humorous way involving family curses, false imprisonment and evil adults!! We are looking forward to watching the movie at the end of term.

We are continuing our class cooking on alternate weeks. We are going to Greenfields Woolworths to purchase ingredients, and we are learning to compare prices and to consider value for money as well as reading ingredients labels to see the levels of sugar and salt in processed foods.

T1 is very sad that Mrs Wyllie is leaving for a new job. We will miss her very much, we will miss the many ways that she helps us all and especially all of her spud-related jokes.

T2

Laura Tolomei/Kristin Lucas

It’s hard to believe the term and the school year is nearly over. The end of Term 3 already!

Workplace Learning has finished for some students, there are a few that have had their placement extended. Reports from employers has all been positive. Well done T2, the skills you have learnt at your workplace will be useful for your future employment.

We’ve started cooking again on Thursdays, students had to find recipes that would provide a healthy meal on a limited budget. So far so yum!

On Tuesday afternoons we’ve been involved in creating short videos to be entered into a local competition. We’ve had a few sessions with Toni, a film maker, she has given us loads of clues and tips. So far the videos are looking good. Who knows, we may have unleashed a load of talented actors, directors, camera operators and editors onto the local scene.

Visage

Trish Bradford/ Marnie Wyllie/Tess Wyllie

This term has been insanely busy with 3 excursions to Mercy Place and running our last Salon Day for the year. The theory component has been a little mind blowing this term, but with the student’s commitment and desire to obtain their certificate we have made great progress.

Our visits to Mercy Place were both a little over whelming and enjoyable. The girls conducted themselves professionally and with compassion towards the residents. We are looking forward to next term when we go to the RAFFA Estate to pamper some of the residents there.

We have had another successful Salon Day on Wednesday 25th September, thank you to everyone who came along and supported our Visage students.

Retail – Certificate 1

Clare Munro/Nat Harris/Peter McClay and our amazing cooks – Jack, Lachlain, Jackson, Cameron

This has been a very busy Term for our Retail Team. We have continued to complete our course work, while operating our Sausage Sizzle enterprise on most Wednesday lunchtimes.

We have spent more time in the kitchen cooking, with a few creative activities and practice in correctly setting a table and cooking for up to 8 people. Mr McClay led the team in a recipe of huge proportions when we made our delicious, ‘Giant Meatball’. This massive, main course was filled with tasty spaghetti and covered in pasta sauce and mozzarella cheese!

During Week 9, the students created one dish from a planned menu. Jack chose to make a Spicy Chipotle Pumpkin soup as a starter, Lachlain researched online to find a One-Pot Chicken and Rice dish and Jackson was in charge of the dessert, which was a sweet and sticky Mixed Berry and Donut Cobbler.

A highlight of this Term was our very successful fundraiser for the Jeans for Genes Organisation. Many staff and students from John Tonkin College Campus showed their support by purchasing one of our fantastic hotdogs and/or a drink. With the help of our very own, Mrs Sue Howard, we presented the charity with ??????$$$$$ See if you can find the amount in amongst our awesome photos.

We look forward to continuing our Retail Sausage Sizzle next term when we will be part of the John Tonkin College Campus Food Festival! It should be a great start to the last Term of the year!

Workshop

Mark Barritt/Susan Vivian//Lorna Craggs/Trish Bradford/Tess Wyllie

Most students have completed their major projects for the year, making either a pine table, a planter/storage box or a workmate, adding their own personal touches and colours, well done they look great.

Students have also been learning the difference between ‘hard woods’ and ‘soft woods’ whilst designing, drawing and making a laminated cutting board out of the hard woods ‘Jarrah’ and ‘Meranti’.

Workshop students have made good progress on their major personal projects during Term 2, and they are starting to take shape. Students have been busy cutting, drilling, sanding, gluing, screwing and clamping as they are keen to see their projects finished.

The 3D Printer and the COZMO Robots continue to challenge and entertain students and staff.

Construction

Mark Barritt/Lorna Craggs/Meagan Green

During Term 3, construction students have been working on building a rendered brick letterbox. They have been practicing teamwork, setting up the work area in the morning and cleaning up and packing away the tools and equipment in the afternoon, and working independently whilst building their individual projects.

Emergency Cadet Program

Peter McClay/Nat Harris/Sharan Hegney/Julie Higham

Cadets this term have focused on Search and Rescue methods. We have studied land, urban, sea, vertical and car crash techniques used in WA and how we can individually stay safe when out and about. Learning was achieved through the production of posters, verbal presentations and a visit to the Mandurah SES.

Line searching for “mentos”

Practising rescue and stretcher techniques

Cadets looked very smart on an excursion to the RAAF Museum in Bullcreek whilst wearing their new cadet work polos. The museum had air force veterans to guide us through as we looked at all the aircraft and history displays, from both the civilian and military aircraft used in Australia. After the museum visit we went to Monument Hill and learnt about the history of the site, looked at all the various monuments and plaques and then on completion we had lunch before returning to school.

Cadets and a Vietnam War “Huey” helicopter

Cadets standing in front of WWII Lancaster Bomber

Dean’s first flying lesson

Week 8 had our Cadet Leaders being fitted for their ceremonial uniforms, these will be worn for all official functions and parades. All Cadets will eventually be issued with the new ceremonial uniform.

Sam and Chloe trying on their new uniforms

Drill instruction was also a part of Term 3, Cadets learnt to march in an orderly fashion. Being quick learners, our Cadets didn’t take long to master the various drill instructions and there was strong competition between the 3 squads.

Introduction to marching drill – first steps

Of course along with revision, the maintenance and cleanliness of our own equipment is a high priority that all Cadets get involved in.

Team 1 hard at work in the Cadet Shed

Excursion to SES Mandurah

Workplace Learning

Kristin Lucas /Marg Bowman/Susie Smith

Thank you to all parents/carers and students for being organised for the work day and representing our school so well within the community.

We are so proud of our students who have completed their work placements for 2019. Feedback from our fantastic and supportive employers has been wonderful.

Adam - Good Samaritans
Blaze – People Who Care
Clayton – Falcon Library
Georgia – Hot Klobba and Chipmunks
Jack Ritchie - Men’s Shed
Sky - Hot Klobba
Tarnieka - Woolworths Greenfields

Tarnieka and Georgia thoroughly enjoy working at their placements at Woolworths Greenfields and Hot Klobba and they have requested that their placements be extended through this term as well.

Students from FG03 (and one from T1) commenced their placements in Week 4, and have been working well in various locations in the community; Halo (Lachlain and Sherin), Coles Pinjarra (Monique), Good Samaritans (Lily), JTC ESC Kitchen (Cameron) and our long time host employer Hot Klobba are again giving two students some work experience (Sky and Chloe). Daniela has continued to enjoy her work placement at Interchange offices throughout the year.

Two of our Year 12 students, Jackson and Preston, have also had the opportunity to complete a supplementary work placement at Workpower until early in Term 4.

Our school is very privileged to have these local businesses support our workplace learning program and we would like to take the time to thank each business who helps our students experience meaningful work in a supportive environment.

Transition

Jocelyn Carosin

In Term 3, we’ve had students from Riverside Education Support Centre and Rockingham Senior High School Education Support Centre come over to JTCESC each week to use our awesome facilities.

Every Monday of Term 3, the Year 10 students from Rockingham Senior High School Education Support Centre came to JTCESC to use our workshop. Under the careful guidance of Ms Bowman and Mr Barritt, students got to make their very own chopping boards using different types of timber.

Last year we invited the Year 5/6 students from Riverside ESC to use our facilities and it was such a great success that JTCESC wanted to offer it again this year! The first 6 weeks of Term 3, we’ve seen the return of the Year 5/6 students from Riverside ESC come over to JTCESC to work in the workshop to construct a stool made from timber and canvas. Students got to use the equipment such as the drop saw, vice, sanding blocks, electric hand drill, screw driver and drill press under the close supervision of both Riverside and JTCESC staff. Students also got the opportunity to cook in JTCESC’s fully equipped kitchen. Each Tuesday the students alternated between cooking delicious meals in our kitchen or heading down to the workshop to continue working on their wooden stools.

Both staff and students from Riverside ESC said Tuesday had turned into their best day of the week! JTCESC loved having them over!

This year, we’ve created new partnerships with some great local schools in Mandurah and have thoroughly enjoyed having students and staff from Riverside ESC, Meadow Springs ESC, Rockingham Senior ESC, Halls Head College ESC come over to JTCESC to participate in our programs! Next term, we will have the Year 10 students from Halls Head College Education Support Centre come visit our school as part of their Transition.

Visual Art Certificate 1

Laura Tolomei/Charm Guest/Rebecca Christensen

We have worked to improve our drawing skills over the term. We have done some specific lessons on how to draw drops of water, feathers and a glass of water. All very challenging. Our students once again proved they were up to a challenge and developed some brilliant artworks.

Recently we have been working on our own projects, they are as varied as they are fantastic pieces of work.

Art

Laura Tolomei/Marnie Wyllie/Charm Guest

Castaways has consumed us for most of the term and our sculpture Ocean Man is nearly ready.

This year we are making a giant sized barnacle. Once again we have been working with Tim Keevil, an artist who has worked on many students centred artworks.

Artist Statement: Ocean Man

The Purple Barnacle is usually found in clusters on rocks and jetty piles throughout the Australian southern shoreline. It may be considered a nuisance, ugly and weird, but it's tough, resilient and adaptable. It can be both communal and independent if needs be. The larvae stage of the barnacle swims in search of something suitable to attach and grow on. Hanging on, holding its ground forever, no matter the tides, storms and lean times. Just like a best friend.

One of the best things to happen while making our barnacle was how our whole school community got together to make the 400 plus friendship bands we needed to complete the sculpture. Students, teachers, education assistants, mums, dads have all contributed.

You can see our finished sculpture at Castaways on the Rockingham Foreshore, Saturday 26 October – Sunday 3 November 2019.

Breakfast Club

Rebecca Christensen

We are always busy in the kitchen. We had some pies cooking this term. Mince pies and chunky beef pies. We learnt how to make pastry from scratch and had a go at lasagne as well.

Getting ready for summer and the change to salads and fruits.

Favourite recipe for Term 3

Meat Pie

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 onions, chopped
• 11.5kg round or chuck steak cut into 1.5cm cubes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 4 ½ cups beef stock
• 2 tablespoons cornflour
• ¼ cup water salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 egg

1. Preheat oven to 180C (350F). To make filling, heat oil in saucepan/frypan over high heat. Add onion and cook for 2 minutes until soft. Add meat and cook for 5 minutes or until sealed. Add tomato paste, stock and Worcestershire sauce to pan and simmer uncovered for 1 hour or until meat is tender. Blend cornflour and water to a smooth paste, add to beef mixture and stir for 4 minutes or until mixture has thickened and return to a simmer, season with salt and pepper, set aside to cool.
2. Roll out short crust pasty on lightly floured surface to 3mm thickness. Line tray with pastry, spoon in filling. Roll out pastry lid, place on top, trim and press the edges of the pastry together. Brush top with egg and make a slit in pastry.
3. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden.

Shortcrust Pastry

• 1 2/3 cups plain flour
• 125g unsalted butter, chilled and finely chopped
• 1 egg chilled

1. Process flour, butter and pinch of salt in food processor until mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. Whisk egg and 1 tablespoon chilled water in a bowl until combined, then with food processor motor running add to flour mixture. Process until mixture begins to form large clumps, stopping machine before mixture forms a ball.
3. Turn pastry out onto a work surface and knead gently to bring together. Form into a disc for a round tart or into a log shape for rectangular tart. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate or for at least 2 hours.

Other News

School Board 2019

Simon Mills

It is a privilege to be a board member of such an outstanding school that offers a broad range of educational and vocational experiences for the students. I have been a board member at John Tonkin College ESC for a number of years, joining the board to support the generation of tools that measure and help the school reach its strategic targets, with specific focus on student socio-emotional wellbeing.

The school has incredibly passionate and competent staff who work tirelessly to support our great students develop skills that will make them valuable community members. I have enjoyed working with the Principal, my fellow Board Members, and the wider school community, and look forward to assisting John Tonkin College ESC reach its goals in the future.

Music Rocks

Our talented musicians have been unleashing their inner rock star all term culminating in a live performance at Badlands Bar on Sunday 22nd September, and they ROCKED! So good to see our students grooving while they played instruments or sang. How confident, proud and awesome they looked.

Well done to you all.

Graduation 2019