Dear families

Staff news

On Thursday we will farewell some of our staff who have made valuable contributions to the school. 

Mrs Sandi Hird is retiring after many years as a teacher.  Mrs Hird decided that she wanted to be a teacher when she was in Year 5 and she has fulfilled that dream and then some.  She has been a dedicated teacher who has always wanted the very best for the children, to have a strong connection with families, and to work alongside and support her colleagues.  Mrs Hird’s deep care of ‘her’ children meant that no one was overlooked or missed out.  From the end of term notes, open nights for families and endless games and toys, Mrs Hird made sure that she had something for everyone.  Mrs Hird’s care was not limited to the children as she was always aware of the needs of the staff around her.  If there was a need for someone to step up, Mrs Hird was the go to person.

Mrs Peta Chance is also retiring after a career of more than 30 years.  Mrs Chance has spent most of her career with the youngest children. She has always had a focus on early literacy and numeracy, and ensuring that children have the necessary skills to navigate the school environment.  Mrs Chance was an excellent listener whose advice was always welcomed by staff and parents.  If there was a deadline, Mrs Chance made sure that she was well ahead of it, and you never needed to ask twice for anything. 

After many years at Joondalup Primary School, Mrs Kim Daniels is taking 12 months leave to try something different.  Rather than spending her day with children, she is joining the growing workforce in the mining sector.  Mrs Daniels has been a constant in many children’s day as she has provided valuable support as they have learnt new things.

Miss Charlotte Taylor has been appointed to Springfield Primary School next year.  She is joining the staff as a full time Pre-Primary teacher.  Thank you to Miss Taylor for doing a wonderful job in the Pre-Primary classes.

Mrs Dawn Toomey and Mrs Alana Coutts have been in Year 5, Room 10, and both have also been a valuable relief teachers. We appreciate their willingness to step up to take on a range of teaching roles at short notice.  I am sure that we will see them again next year.

Mrs Zulyani will be taking leave at the end of this year and will be welcoming a new baby to her family. We wish her all the very best as she enjoys being a new mum. 

Staff news – Congratulations!

Mrs Stacey Young has accepted a contract as Deputy Principal at West Greenwood Primary School for Term 1 next year.  It is such exciting news and Mrs Young is more than capable of fulfilling this role.  Mrs Young is a stand out teacher and school leader.  Her students are richer for her teaching and we always benefit when she steps into an Associate Principal role.  West Greenwood PS is lucky to have Mrs Young on their staff.  We will miss Mrs Young next term.

Twenty Plus Club

Last week we recognised the staff who have been at Joondalup Schools for 20 or more years.  This select group enjoyed lunch together and was our opportunity to acknowledge their commitment to this school.

School banking

School banking has wrapped up. Our school banking has been coordinated by a number of people over the years and I would like to thank them for the time they have given.  The last of our coordinators are Meg Turkich and Jenny Hermans.  Thank you for helping our children build their savings accounts.

New School Captains, Faction Captains and Choir Captains

Congratulations to the School Captains, Faction Captains and Choir Captains who have been selected for 2022. 

Student Captains

Faction Captains

Choir Captains

A huge thank you to the outgoing councillors and captains for all their work during 2021.

Graduation 2021

Congratulations to the Year 6 Graduating Class for 2021.  We had a wonderful ceremony today where we celebrated the end of primary school for our students.  I would like to thank Miss Mercer and Mr Cutler for all of the work they did to make today (and this week) so special for the students.  Thank you also to the many staff who have undertaken so many jobs to make everything as close to perfect as possible.

A number of students were recognised for excellence across many areas and we extend our congratulations to each of them.  A summary of their citation is as follows:

Carols by Candlelight

We enjoyed a fabulous Carols by Candlelight last week.  It was very well attended and audience feedback was very positive.  Thank you to Miss Rhiannon O’Connor for her expert organisation and musical talent which made the night possible and to Mrs Jayne Butler for her support of the School Choir.

Mrs Helen Sweet created another amazing artwork that was used as a backdrop for the event.  It was the collation of student work showing all of the different skills the children have learnt throughout the year.  As always, Carols was a team effort.  I greatly appreciate the work of staff from across Joondalup Schools who cooked the sausage sizzle, set up, packed away, attended rehearsals and helped on the night. 

Enterprise Day

Congratulations to the Year 6s for organising a fantastic Enterprise Day, they raised an incredible $2387.25 which is a record!  Last Friday afternoon children were able to use their tickets to participate in activities and purchase items from stalls that were planned and organised by the Year 6 children.  Money raised is being used for next year’s Year 6 Camp.  This is the outgoing students way of paying it forward.

Important dates for 2022

Please note that the school office is closed from Friday 17 December 2021 at 11.00am and will reopen on Monday 24 January 2022 at 8.30am.  During this time any emails sent to joondalup.ps@education.wa.edu.au will not be responded to immediately and phone messages will not be regularly checked. 

Best wishes

I would like to acknowledge the work of the staff who have done an amazing job throughout 2021.  Once again, we have managed to pack the year with a range of exciting opportunities for the students and their families.  The staff have continued to show a high level of commitment to the education, safety and well-being of all students.  It is a privilege to work alongside such an excellent staff. 

To Miss Tammy Hanrahan, Mrs Carol Perry and Mrs Stacey Young, thank you for always having my back, playing a crucial role in decision making, and leading the school to always improve.

To Miss Natalie Farina, Mrs Jessica Barrett and Mrs Marie Earley, thank you for being so welcoming of our many children, families and visitors and for being on top all of the school activities.

To the School Board and P&C Association – Thank you for the vital role you have played in the school.  I have appreciated your input and valued your commitment to the school through your gifts of time and expertise.

To all of the children and their families, have a very happy Christmas.  Enjoy the school holidays and take some time to chill out with family and friends, to get outside and play, read a few books, and not worry about getting ready for the school day.  I will see everyone on Monday 31 January 2022 when I can hear lots of holiday stories.

Ms Selley

Principal