15 December 2021

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

As my first complete year comes to an end, having started in Term 4 last year, I reflect on the growth I have seen in both the graduated students and the soon to be Year 12’s in 2022.

I constantly see great potential in these young men and women. Every year the new Year 12’s accept the challenge of being leaders in the school and grow as young adults to be proud of, none so more than this group, with the challenges Covid-19 has presented. In meeting these challenges, they provide great role models to the new Year 11’s. Our dedicated staff work incredibly hard to instil a sense of social responsibility and community spirit. As a school community we are so touched by witnessing Year 12’s assisting less able younger students and spending time with them unsolicited. This shows great maturity, strength of character and compassion, values that will enable success in the wider community as they finish their schooling.

The final term goes by with a rush with so much going on. The soccer carnival was once again a great success and brilliantly organised by ‘Kalabilities’ as was all the combined sporting carnivals. Once again, we played well winning all but one game. Those that didn’t play supported the JTCESC teams well and we thank them for this support.

The JTCESC EXPO, wonderfully organised by Ms Carosin was again a massive success, providing valuable information to parents and carers. This event is a powerful tool for raising the profile and gaining vital services for people and families living with disabilities.

I would also like to thank Ms Bowman for her efforts in providing work experience placements for the students. This is a vital part of the transition process giving students exposure to a variety of work experiences which is one of the cornerstones of our curriculum.

The School Cadet camps are always a major event in the school year, requiring major organisation with many risk assessments carried out to ensure the students extend themselves in the safest possible manner. For this a big shout out must go to Mr McClay the chief organiser and his assistants Mrs Hegney, Mrs Harris and Mr Barritt. The students had brilliant experiences ranging from canoeing to flying fox and many activities in between. The Year 12’s pitched tents and performed the domestic chores with minimal assistance showing the benefits of 2 years in the Cadet program. The Year 11’s were in dorms but also displayed promising capacity for independent living.

We continue the close relationship with our neighbouring schools, Halls Head, Riverside, Meadow Springs and Coastal Lakes to maximise the resources and offer as many curriculum and career options to the students as possible.

Finally, or last but by no means least, I am ever thankful to all the staff for the patience, care and respect they show to the students, as well as the admin team, Trish Magno, Sue Howard and Kristin Lucas for their continued and vital support.

Happy and safe holidays.

Cran Collis
Principal

Dates to Remember

English

Kristin Lucas

This semester in English the students learned how to write a newspaper article using the Who, What, When, Where, Why format. They practiced writing articles when given facts to report on and then moved onto brainstorming details of excursions and Work Placements for personal newspaper articles. They created some amazing articles with “click-bait” (as the students called it) headlines. A highlight was getting The West Australian delivered to the school each week and the students searching the paper for articles to read and discuss as a class.

Over the course of the semester we read a multitude of thought-provoking articles which the students respectfully discussed their opinions. The West Australian has a regular contributor who had her own videos on the website, and they augmented the students’ knowledge and learning.

Cooking

Danielle Du Plessis/Lorna Craggs/Sheri Henderson

We started of this term by making an instruction video on how to make a Chocolate Mug Cake for a pretend YouTube channel. Some students were presenters and others videographers. They worked together to produced amazing content and delicious mug cakes.

We also explored the types of food that people from different countries like to eat. The students divided themselves into groups, chose a country and then researched traditional meals of that country. Some of the countries that were chosen included New Zealand, Polynesia, America, Mexico, and Scotland. The students then chose one recipe that they wanted to make. Unfortunately, because this was such a short term, we only got to make a handful of all the delicious recipes the students found.

Over the last couple of lessons, the students prepared the Rocky Road and White Christmas treats that were sold as part of the end of year fundraising for the Y Knot Christmas Shop. They were also lucky enough to try a piece of each before it got packaged.

Everyone did an amazing job in the kitchen this term and are ready to help with all the Christmas cooking and baking happening at home.

Merry Christmas.

Integrated Lifeskills - (Fun Fridays)

Kristin Lucas, Laura Tolomei, Tarryn Lambert

In Fun Friday this semester we focused on teamwork and communication skills. Students participated in STEM challenges, made different robots with the Lego SpikePrime units, cooperative challenges and treasure hunts. They enjoyed many excursions using public transport.

We also ran our business enterprise and this semester we turned our sights to Christmas craft. We brainstormed names and the students voted using the preferential voting system to choose the name Y Knot Christmas Shop. After discussing what items would be sold, the students created advertising in the form of posters. The students made Rocky Road, White Christmas, used the 3D printer to create keyrings, used the sewing and embroidery machines to create Christmas themed coasters and napkins rings. The enterprise was a success and helped fund the last day of school trip to Amaze Miniature Village and a pizza lunch. The students enjoyed mini golf, the mazes and each other’s company for the last day of 2021.

At the end of this semester staff noticed a big difference in the students’ ability to work together as a team, get organised into groups and use and be prepared for using, public transport.

Maths

Tarryn Lambert

This term, our students had a scavenger hunt around the school. They were given a few riddles to solve which was designed by a Year 12 student. They were placed in groups, where they walked around the school, in search of the pictures hidden in the different locations.

Students practiced writing a few simple budgets for everyday expenses such as food, transport, utility bills and accommodation.

We also worked on using repeated uniform units to measure length, mass, capacity or area of objects in everyday contexts. They measured ingredients for baking and helped Ms Green make delicious cakes for our breakfast club.

Students enjoyed drawing and playing on Osmo and creating patterns with different colour blocks. We even had a special canine friend come visit us, where she showed off simple tricks and students gave them treats.

Creative Manufacturing

Trish Bradford/ Lorna Craggs/Tess Wyllie

Woohooo what a year we have had.

This year has been very productive, and the results have been outstanding. The organisations we have supported have been so truly grateful and appreciate everything our awesome students and staff have created and made. Well done team!

There have also been great gains individually, all the students have grown in their confidence, tolerance, communication, creative ideas and teamwork, you have all made us proud.

To Lorna Craggs and Tess Wyllie of all your support, this year would not have been as successful without you, for this I am truly grateful.

Have a wonder summer break, stay safe and see you next year.

Retail

Meagan Green/ Peter McClay/Nat Harris/Charm Guest

Congratulations to all students on completing their Retail course this term in addition to a Covid –19 awareness certificate - Well done!!

Excursions this term included the Mandurah Foreshore for Remembrance Day followed by a treasure hunt activity along the foreshore with the Manufacturing class. Ikea was an inspiration for many students who really enjoyed wandering through the room displays, excited by all the great accessories available for home areas and having lunch in the bistro/cafe.

Construction

Mark Barritt/Sharan Hegney/Jacquie Willcocks

The construction students finished off the year with the completion of their brick letter boxes, and then the safe demolition of their projects and clean-up of the construction area and storage shed.

Well done everyone for a great year in Construction.

Workshop

Mark Barritt/Laura Tolomei/Jacquie Willcocks/Nat Harris/Charm Guest

As the 2021 school year drew to a close, the workshop was a flurry of activity. Mr Barritt made sure everyone finished their major project. It is the most exciting and heart-warming part of the process. It is such a pleasure to see the pride and sense of achievement on the student's faces when they finish their project. Throughout the year, they have learned many things. They considered and used design fundamentals, workshop behaviour, and tool safety and use. Most importantly, they all achieved a sense of accomplishment.

Congratulations on a job well done to all students.

Emergency Cadet Program

Term 4 as usual was a busy time for our Cadets as our Year 12’s prepared for their camp to Hillarys and the Year 11’s organised to travel out to Bickley for their camp. Erecting tents, packing and cleaning all camping gear was achieved with a few laughs especially when practicing putting up tents.

The activities across both camp groups included a number of height challenges such as flying fox, big swing challenge, crate climb and vertical ascents. Other fun activities included going out for dinner, the movies, Holey Moley, laser tag, ten pin bowling, making and firing catapults, canoeing, kite making and a bush walk. Cadets were kept to a very busy schedule starting at 7.00am and not hitting the sack until well after 10pm. A lot of fun was had along with some unforgettable memories.

Our Cadet staff would like to wish all Cadets a fun and safe Christmas and New Year

Peter McClay/ Sharan Hegney/Tarryn Lambert

Workplace Learning

Marg Bowman

We rounded off the year with some great work placements and our students gained valuable experience. Feedback from our fantastic and supportive employers has been wonderful.

Mason, Harley and Nick – Intelife
Eithan – Delivery Centre
Connor – Vinnies Halls Head
Griffen – Woolworths
Jayden F – Pet City

Mason completed his Workplace Learning last year with Intelife and joined them again this year for 2 days a week. The staff at Intelife were very impressed with his work ethic and he will be joining them as a staff member in 2022.

Connor completed his Workplace Learning during 2020 and 2021 at Vinnies, Halls Head. They have asked him to continue to volunteer at the store when he finishes school.

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. Thank you to all parents/carers and students for being organised for the workday and representing our school so well within the community. We are so proud of our students who have completed their work placements for 2021.

Art

Laura Tolomei/Jacquie Willcocks/Lorna Craggs

Another year in the Art Room has come to a close. When I think about all the wonderful artwork produced at the end of each year, I never cease to be amazed at how creative our students are. Our students have explored, practised and used different art media with gusto, confidence and a willingness to try new ideas.

To our leaving Year 12 students, I hope your artistic experiences in The Art Space have given you a love of art and the confidence to believe in your ability. To our Year 11 students, I hope you use next year to continue to grow as artists.

Health & Phys Ed

Chris Wilton

Physical Education in Term 4 was focused on soccer fundamentals and game play. Our students were given the opportunity to display their skills at the Kalability Soccer Carnival held at Hartfield Park in Forrestfield. JTCESC had two teams participating and they both represented the school exceptionally well through sportsmanship and effort. Some standout highlights included Kassi’s goalkeeping plus Griffen and Byron scoring a hattrick of goals in different games. Well done to all those who participated on the day.

Yoga and mindfulness were incorporated into our health lessons, allowing students to learn a new discipline that they can build on and use to increase their strength, flexibility and overall health and mental wellbeing.

Transition

Jocelyn Carosin

It’s been a super busy Term 4!

We’ve achieved great results this year and recently finalised our graduating Year 12 students personalised post-transition pathway plans. Many of our students are now connected and registered with a Disability Employment Service provider who will be able to help students find paid employment next year.

We have a number of our graduating students who want to continue their studies and have enrolled at South Metro Tafe and some students who have obtained paid work. Congratulations!

How exciting for our graduating students! The Transition Team wish you all the best for 2022.

Halls Head students transitioning to JTCESC

In Week 8, our School warmly welcomed our new students who will be enrolling at JTCESC next year. The Year 10 Halls Head College Education Support Centre (HHCESC) students took part in a 4-day Transition Program to help students become more familiar with their new school and meet their new School Principal, Teachers and Education Assistants.

The students of HHCESC cannot wait to attend JTCESC in 2022 and both our students and staff are looking forward to building strong connections and positive outcomes for each new student.

JTCESC DISABILITY EXPO 2021

This year we had our JTCESC Disability Expo later in the year, on Friday 29 October 2022 at the Mandurah Forum.

There were 40 stall holders of Disability Service providers, Inclusive Sporting Groups and Community Based organisations. This was a wonderful opportunity for students, parents/carers, family and the Mandurah community to gain information on post school options and community engagements within the Mandurah Community.

The Expo was held at the Mandurah Forum and was a huge success with shared information and many connections made to support and enhance our student’s lives’. We can’t wait for next year’s Expo!

Breakfast Club

Meagan Green

Going into Term 4 students were invited to make their own breakfast club on Friday’s, encouraging healthy options and safety in the kitchen in for Christmas school holidays.

Shortbread Christmas Trees

7oz Butter
3 oz icing sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
10oz plain flour

Cream together butter, sugar and salt

Mix flour in with a butter knife and then knead well.
Roll out to 0.5cm thick slab and refrigerate for half hour.

Use round cookie cutters of varying sizes, place onto lined baking trays and cook on low 100-120 degrees for 1/2 hour.

Once cooked and cool, start with largest circle first to smallest with icing in between each layer.

Decorate with Christmas sprinkles.

Other News

Graduation

Congratulations to the Year 12’s who celebrated their Graduation Ceremony on Friday 3rd December at the MOFSC.

Mason, Connor, Ashton, Jayden, Tahlia, Shellan, Joshua and Griffen were all splendid in their graduation gowns and sashes and walked the red carpet in front of their very proud families, friends and JTCESC staff.

Thank you to our sponsors: Mayday, Mandurah Freemasons, Hon. David Templeman MLA, Ampol, City of Mandurah and Department of Fire & Emergency Services, your ongoing support is very much appreciated.

Bushfire Season 2021/2022

Pre-emptive (planned) school closure during the bushfire season

John Tonkin College ESC has been placed on the Department of Education bushfire zone register as it is located in a designated bushfire risk area.

If a ‘Catastrophic’ fire danger rating has been declared for the City of Mandurah, the school may be required to invoke a pre-emptive (planned) closure. A ‘Catastrophic’ fire danger rating poses a significant threat to the school if a fire starts, it is likely to be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving.

Parents will receive a text message to inform them of a possible pre-emptive closure of the school.

The final decision to pre-emptively close the school will be confirmed with the principal no later than 4.30pm on the day before the pre-emptive closure. If the forecast changes after the 4.30pm deadline, the school remains closed to limit confusion within the school community.

Parents will receive a text message to either confirm or reverse a pre-emptive closure of the school.

Typically, schools will only be required to close for a day at a time. However, this will depend on changing weather conditions. Parents will receive a text message to advise if the school will reopen the day after the pre-emptive closure, or whether it will remain closed.

Parents are encouraged to monitor official bushfire information sources for current information about fire danger ratings:

Emergency WA website - https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au/

Department of Fire and Emergency Services
Information line – 13 33 37
Twitter - https://twitter.com/dfes_wa

Local radio
ABC Emergency WA
ABC local radio
6PR

JOHN TONKIN COLLEGE ESC

CODE OF CONDUCT

All Staff and Students have the RIGHT to work in a clean and safe environment.

RESPECT

Appropriate language and behaviour
Treat equipment appropriately
Zero tolerance of bullying
Be aware of personal space
Phones of and away (8.00am-2.40pm)
No smoking site

RESPONSIBILITY

Follow mobile phone rules
Wear correct uniform
Be punctual
Be kind to all
Be prepared for all classes
Stay within set boundaries - Students not to leave the premises during school hours

Following the Code of Conduct is necessary to maintain Good Standing.

School Uniform

School uniform can be ordered from:
Fully Promoted
1/72 Reserve Drive, Mandurah
Phone 9581 9917

Useful Links: