Issue 2 2025

Message from the Principal

Kaya Carramar Families 

Our positive start to 2025 continues. The school has a lovely tone to start each day and we thank you for transitioning your children calmly and exiting promptly, unless involved in classroom support. If you need to discuss matters with your child’s teacher, please make arrangements to meet with them during an agreed time, as per the information provided in the Parent Information packages in your children Connect Library. It is often tricky in the mornings as the teacher is getting everyone settled for the day. If the matter is urgent, please email your child’s teacher prior or pop in /email the front office.  We will ensure the message is passed on. 

Each fortnight at our Faction Friday Assembly, our Year 1 – 6 students come together in their factions, to revisit our Expectations and the Act Belong Commit initiative, to further develop strategies for good mental health and wellbeing.  The focus at our recent Faction Friday Assembly was “Belonging”. One of the most important factors for children’s well-being, both now and in the future, is their sense of belonging. Children who have a strong sense of belonging experience fewer mental health challenges: feeling like you fit in, that you matter, and that you are part of the school community, has a lasting positive impact on your mental health

The children shared their thoughts on what it meant to “belong”. We discussed “how we can belong, help others to belong, show we belong” and the importance of “feeling like you belong”. Simple acts and simple gestures like a smile, saying hello, inviting a student into a game, helping a new student find their way around the school, wearing our uniforms etc were discussed.  https://www.actbelongcommit.org.au/my-mental-health/belonging/

Complimenting the Act, Belong Commit initiative is the Action Respect Initiative, which our school was invited to participate in last year.  By educating our students on respectful relationships, we give them life skills to develop healthy, safe relationships and learn to avoid harmful situations.  In turn this helps to create safer school environments and reduce instances of harmful behaviour. Mrs Delcaro is coordinating this initiative and working with staff, students and parents to strengthen our existing practices, and further develop our whole school approaches.   We look forward to your involvement in this initiative as we work together to create a safe and respectful school environment for all.

Our Playgroup commenced last week with many enthusiastic future Carramar Stars (and their parents) enjoying the indoor environment of T2 and the outdoors of our beautiful Early Childhood Area.  Sincere thanks to Sherrie her coordination of many engaging tasks for our upcoming students. Please note that due to the public holiday on Monday, next week's session will be on Thursday 6th Match.  See Playgroup details elsewhere in the newsletter.

Our Student Leadership group participated in a very special day last week. Thank you to Mr Huggins for coordinating the day, which included team building challenges, guest speakers and working together to plan leadership projects for the year. (see photos elsewhere) I look forward to meeting with our Student Ministers tomorrow to hear their fundraising plans for the year. The focus for all their events will be raising funds to support children.  Stay tuned for details of their first event later in the term.

As a large school, it is important that all staff and the children are familiar with our Emergency Evacuation procedures. Practicing and rehearsing emergencies, without any real threat, helps everyone know how to behave if a real threat or emergency should present. In coming weeks, we will be having an Evacuation Practice Drill.   Thank you for your support and for talking to your children about this.  Our message for everyone is to stay calm and for students to follow the direction of their teachers.  

Thank you for supporting your children with all aspects of Road Safety as they travel to and from school each day. It is fantastic to see our students using their bikes and scooters to get to and from school each day.  Please remember it is compulsory for all cyclists to wear a bicycle helmet whether riding on the road, footpath, cycle paths and other off-road areas. Thank you for ensuring your children have their helmets done up correctly.  As mentioned in our last newsletter, please be mindful of speed limits and parking practices and adhere to all signage. The Rangers have been advised of concerns raised from residents of Houghton Drive, Fernhill Avenue and Millendon Road.  We ask again that parents DO NOT USE the Staff Carpark to drop off or collect children – this is very unsafe. Thank you for being safe and respectful in your driving and parking choices

It's hard to believe that what started 35 years ago, by Ian Kiernan, AO, an "average Australian" who had a simple idea to make a difference in his own backyard has now become the nation's largest community-based environmental event.

Whilst the official Clean Up Australia Day is this Sunday 2nd March, we will all be engaged in “Cleaning Up Carramar” on 21st March, as part of our contribution.  We know Australia's environmental challenges go beyond one day and welcome your ongoing support with practices that you engage in as a family and help conserve our environment, one piece of litter at a time!

We look forward to strengthening our connections with you. Please check your child’s Connect Library for any additional information relevant to their teaching and learning programs and keep in contact with your child’s teacher if you have any queries.

If you are heading off for the long weekend, travel safe and enjoy your sleep in on Monday morning.

Have a wonderful fortnight. 

Boordawan 

 Maree James  

PRINCIPAL 

Merit Award Recipients

Year 1- Jack, Chloe, Evelyn, Gracie, Heath, Otis, Aria

Year 2- Jarrah, Brayden, Lola-Mae, Harper, Oscar

Year 3- Johsua, Eden, Juandre, Zophia

Year 4- Carter, Evelyn, Wyatt, Jaxon, Sasha

Year 5- Tysson, Honor, Jake, Caelan, Daniel, Talitha, Archie, Maybelle, Lyla, Ollie, Emersyn

Year 6- Nate, Kenny, Paige, Shika, Summer, Bentley, Jesse

Community Support

We thank Bambam Against Bullies and Abuse for their very generous donation of $500 and an array of school supplies which will be utilised to assist families at our school.

2025 Student Leadership

As part of the development of our Student Leadership Team, our Student Leaders partook in a Leadership Forum at school on Tuesday, 18^th February. This event was for the Student Ministers, COW Project Team, Faction Leaders, and Student Technicians (IT, Music and Library).

The agenda for the day included a range of guest speakers who shared their experiences and expertise on challenges, perseverance, and resilience. Mrs Sabine Winton shared her journey to leadership and role in the community, Charlie Thomas (vice-captain of the West Coast Eagles AFLW team) discussed essential traits of a leader and how students can continue to improve both as individuals and a team, and Mrs James spoke to the group about her journey, along with her role as a leader in the school and how teamwork plays a fundamental part. Students participated in activities developing teambuilding skills and strategies for working with a range of people, as well as spending time working on their specific roles in their leadership teams.

The day was coordinated and run by Mr Huggins and Mrs McLeish, as well as Ms Malinovic, Mrs Block, Mr Malatios, and Ms Gordon.

What a fun-filled and educative day it was!

Sharing Successes

Isla M in Year 5, Room 11 was in the Ultra-Series Trail Runners on Saturday the 15^th of February. She ran 10 km, so she got a special 10 km medal, which was a big jump from running 5 km in the same running event last year. Super excellent job Isla, that is a great achievement and a formidable feat!                                              

Chloe O from Year 6, Room 16 has passed a level in her gymnastics academy - Jets Gymnastics. She has passed level orange and is now in level blue. What an achievement! You must have a lot of perseverance, Chloe.

Archer from Year 5 has been selected for the development team for the West Perth Falcons Under 12s. His training started in early February this year. Archer said that it is very fun, he likes meeting new people and he really enjoys it. A quote from him is to “never give up and keep on working hard.”

Also, Ethan in Year 6 has successfully been selected for the Falcons. He says it is fun and another opportunity to train. A quote from Ethan is” If you want to get better at something, train hard.” Hopefully one day the boys are going to go professional!

Eva from Year 1 Room 3 won a trophy for dancing. She did tap, lyrical, hip-hop, ballet and she did a solo in jazz. She enjoyed ballet the best as she said it was very fun, and she enjoyed performing with her team. We hope the best in her next dancing competition.

Early Childhood News

Dear families 

Welcome to Carramar PS Early Childhood. 

 The staff and students have had a great start to 2025! 

 Our little people in kindergarten have been very brave and are settling into routine well. 

Sometimes the new school year can be a little overwhelming, especially as the students transition from one year to the next. 

Below are some tips to help with separation which can be a challenge for some, from Maggie Dent. 

Separation distress or anxiety is quite common and Margot Sunderland in her book, The Science of Parenting, believes this distress can influence children even as old as 8. 

The changes of environment, people, routines and the number of other children they are interacting with can all cause spikes in the hormone cortisol, which creates the stress symptoms that you may see crying, clinging, tummy aches, refusal to leave your side, poor appetite, restless sleep and even outbursts and tantrums. 

Remember this means the downstairs brain is registering threat and is acting accordingly. They key stressor for children is separation from the most significant grownup who is their protector. 

As a starting point, it is useful to explain to kids that new things, places and people often make even adults feel those same feelings of being a little unsettled or anxious. 

Young children usually have strong imaginations, and I have found that some small techniques that strengthen the connection to Mum or Dad while they are away can help lots: 

1. You could help them create an imaginary protector. They imagine having their huge protector with them while they are away from you! I have two free downloads that could help here: 
2. Fill an empty, clean, small container with a lid with kisses from everyone they are fond of and tuck it in the bottom of their backpack. 
3. As they leave home always place a kiss from mummy in the same hand, left and daddy in the right it is also magic and stays there all day. 
4. Practise sending them rainbows of love from your heart to theirs at recess and lunch and ask them to send one to you when they miss you. 
5. Put a really small stuffed toy maybe smelling of your perfume, Dad’s aftershave or with a lipstick kiss in bottom of backpack. Again they don’t feel so separate and alone. 
6. Draw funny pictures on their lunch bags. 
7. Take a small bite out of their sandwich. 
8. Teach them how to take 3 big breaths and breathe out the butterflies hiding in their tummy or gently rub their tummy telling the butterflies they are safe. 
9. Teach them how to calm themselves by singing ‘Round and Round the Garden’ in their hand while making circles in their hand, just as you would do music and touch trigger feel-good hormones. 
10. Help build a special connection to one teacher or teacher assistant who can nurture their transition.  

Please see below for a little glimpse of our Pre - Primary students who are having a great time exploring the activities in their classroom. 

Chaplains Yarn

My Name is Bonnie Rodman, however, students at Carramar PS know me as Mrs Rodman. I have been in Chaplaincy since 2009 in many different capacities.

My journey at Carramar PS began in 2021 and I have loved every single moment since that first day. I absolutely love what I do and have a huge heart and passion for Mental Health and supporting our young people of today to become strong, kind and resilient future leaders of our beautiful country we call home. I feel very privileged and humbled to be welcomed into your child's life as a positive role model amongst the Carramar Community. I believe every journey is different. Each and every one of Carramar PS students and their families have the most incredible future ahead. It is humbling that I get to be a very small part of that journey in some way.   

I could not do this job without the incredible support of my beautiful Kids (10,7 & 5) and Husband who is my greatest support and encourager. They support me and release me to be able to do what I need to do and cheer me on constantly. 

When I'm not working as a Chaplain, I love being active, running, 4WDing, camping and last-minute adventures. Along with my two eldest son's (10 Juniors & 7 Auskick) We all play AFL with the Wanneroo Football Club (Go the Roo's). I love being part of the women's team and creating incredible connections amongst my community through Football.   I am a Volunteer Bush Fire Fighter with our local brigade Wanneroo Central Bushfire Brigade. I really enjoy being part of a team that works hard to protect, prepare and educate our local and regional communities. It is even more exciting when Carramar PS student wave as I drive past in the fire truck. Always bring a smile to my face. My family and I believe being part of and connected to community is so important. We also secretly love it when a past or current student says hello to us in the shopping centre . 

Well, that's enough about me. You may be asking yourself, What is the role of a School Chaplain? Great question!

My role is to be an additional support to our school staff, students and families as part of the Carramar Student Services Team. My role also includes supporting young people and their communities who may be facing challenging personal and social issues. I am here to listen, understand and refer the extra help, if it’s appropriate. I am at Carramar PS two days a week (Mainly Thursday and Fridays). You will find me in T10 "Djoorabiny Yongka Yarning" meaning "Happy talking" and Wellness Room.

How do I get my child to speak to the Chaplain? 

All you or your child need to do is let their classroom teacher know that they would like to speak with the Chaplain. The teacher will then send me an email with the request, and I will arrange a time that suits the classroom schedule. Please keep in mind that I am only at school two days a week and may not be able to see your child straight away. 

I would like to end by saying a massive thankyou to the Carramar PS community for once again being so welcoming and supportive.

“Your mind is like a garden. With care, it will bloom beautifully.” – Unknown

Bonnie Rodman

Chaplain

P&C Chat

With the year well and truly underway, we would love you to consider becoming a part of Carramar Primary School P&C.

We have our P&C Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 5th March at 9am. This will be held in the Staff Room. 

At this time, all positions are open. 

The positions are:

President 

Vice President 

Secretary

Treasurer

Fundraising Coordinator 

There are so many reasons you may like to be a part of this wonderful volunteer project. 

• You will Meet new people
• Be a part of your child's school 
• Create fun new ways to raise money
• Contribute to the running of our wonderful school 
• Enhance your sense of belonging within the school community 

The nomination forms can be found in the Front Office.

My personal journey with the P&C began many moons ago. My reason for continuing is, and has always been, my kids. They benefit from every new addition or programme the P&C has financially supported. They love participating in the community events run by the P&C. But MOST OF ALL, my children love helping their school out. They have loved playing their own active role in helping their school, their grounds and their learning. 

We are sure you have spotted posters popping up all around the suburb, in preparation for the upcoming election, but have you seen our DEMOCRACY SAUSAGE SIZZLE AND BAKE SALE signs on our Facebook Page? Come down to Carramar PS on SATURDAY 8th MARCH to fill your tummy with a delicious Bacon and Egg roll, or a delicious baked treat. 

Where: Carramar Primary School 

When: Saturday 8th March 8am onwards

Why: Democracy Sausage Sizzle

Our 20th Birthday Celebration is racing toward us. Sunday 30th March is the day! There will be 

• Market Stalls
• Food Trucks
• Rides
• Games
• Face Painting
• Stage Performances
• And More

Please keep your eye on the class page notifications on Connect and be a part of this momentous event. We need more volunteers than ever before, so please come down and help. 

Contact:

carramarparents@live.com.au

Or 

Louise Graham

0402168914

If you can offer some help.

We will be running our EGG-stravaganza Easter Raffle again this term. If any- BUNNY is to donate, we will start accepting in the coming weeks.

To make these raffles as amazing as they have been in recent years, CHICK out the donations suggestions list:

• Chocolate eggs and rabbits
• Small or medium hunt eggs
• Crafts
• Decorations
• Headbands/hats
• Baskets
• Stuffing
• Gift Bags
• Teddies

This amazing community always gets behind this wonderful project and we are looking forward to another amazing raffle.

Please Remember:

• P&C AGM:
• Wednesday 5th March 
• Week 5
• 9am
• Democracy Sausage Sizzle
• Saturday 8th March
• 20th Anniversary Celebration 
• Sunday 30th March

Playgroup @ Carramar PS

Please note that due to the public holiday on Monday, next week's session will be on Thursday 6th Match.