In Term One I was the Principal while we awaited the appointment of a new Principal to commence in Term 2. It was a very busy term as the school is now the biggest it has ever been with a total of 74 students and 57 staff at the last count. Planning is underway to address the large size of the school due to the limited accommodation we currently have. Hopefully, by the end of Term 2 we will have an idea as to how this is going to be addressed.
The larger size of the school brings with it not only challenges, but also opportunities. It allows the school to specialize more in the curriculum area. Firstly, having at least one class per year group allows the opportunity to focus on year specific studies outlined in the Western Australian Curriculum as followed in the usual high school setting. This, of course, is adapted for the range of abilities our students have. In addition, the school has commenced offering Vocationally based Certificate Courses which are no longer offered at TAFE, namely Certificate I and II. As of Term 2 the school will be offering the following Certificates: Business, Agrifood, Transport & Logisitics, Hospitality, Warehousing, Horticulture, and Hospitality Skill Set. Current work experience includes: Activ, Workpower, Paid Work, GSI, and DOME.
In Term Two all our students attended swimming lessons at St Brigid’s Catholic School. Two of our Education Assistants who are trained swimming instructors adequately undertook the teaching. This term the students have gymnastics lessons at Zig Zag Gym which is behind Kalamunda Water Park.
The Kalamunda SHS School Ball was on 24th March attended by 13 of our students and 6 staff. The students had a great time.
We have been reviewing and tightening up on our health records and appropriate staff training. At the start of the year 19 staff were trained in Senior First Aid (Education Version) and two staff members are now First Aid Officers for the school. During the term a Senior Nurse Consultant came to the school and delivered Gastronomy Feeding (Peg Feeding) to 5 staff members and then Midazolam Administration and Epilepsy training to 11 staff. We have also been looking at best practices for handling medical data and emergency contact information which includes a smartphone app to access up to date details particularly, when out on excursions, work experience or other activities.
The new School Principal, Gayle Nelson, commenced at the start of Term Two. Gayle has a lot of experience in Education Support and is very enthusiastic to take over our thriving school.
Charles Attfield
Deputy Principal
(Acting Principal – Term 1)