LATEST NEWS
Coronavirus (Covid19) School Update - 30 March 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As you are aware, families are now encouraged to keep their children at home if they have the capacity to do so.
Education support settings are unique environments, that present a more complex environment for our students and staff in regard to the current pandemic threat.
Students who require close proximity with staff and those who have a cognitive or communication impairment that makes it more difficult for students to regulate their behaviour are at greater risk of acquiring and/or transmitting the virus. This includes students who require toileting, feeding, dressing and manual handling and those who are unable to regulate social distancing and behaviour.
The Department of Education has been in close consultation with the Chief Health Officer throughout. Given the spread of COVID-19, and the vulnerability of our education support students, the decision has been made that our education support students should remain at home.
We recognise that every student has a unique situation and we will be working .with families on the individual case management of your child with a view to safely supporting our students at home. Please contact us if you require our help in supporting your student at home.
We know our school is different to most schools, and our students have different educational needs. This undoubtedly will be one of the biggest challenges we face. Your child's education will continue, but it will look different. No matter what the situation, we will be staying connected with all our students.
I understand this is unsettling news but I want to assure you that the safety of all students and staff is our number one priority.
One of the best aspects of our school is our ability to look after one another. I am here for every one of you and your children, as are all the staff. These are unprecedented times and I know we will pull together and get through this.
Kind regards,
Jacquie Gellel
Principal
Dianella SC ESC
30.03.2020
As you are aware, families are now encouraged to keep their children at home if they have the capacity to do so.
Education support settings are unique environments, that present a more complex environment for our students and staff in regard to the current pandemic threat.
Students who require close proximity with staff and those who have a cognitive or communication impairment that makes it more difficult for students to regulate their behaviour are at greater risk of acquiring and/or transmitting the virus. This includes students who require toileting, feeding, dressing and manual handling and those who are unable to regulate social distancing and behaviour.
The Department of Education has been in close consultation with the Chief Health Officer throughout. Given the spread of COVID-19, and the vulnerability of our education support students, the decision has been made that our education support students should remain at home.
We recognise that every student has a unique situation and we will be working .with families on the individual case management of your child with a view to safely supporting our students at home. Please contact us if you require our help in supporting your student at home.
We know our school is different to most schools, and our students have different educational needs. This undoubtedly will be one of the biggest challenges we face. Your child's education will continue, but it will look different. No matter what the situation, we will be staying connected with all our students.
I understand this is unsettling news but I want to assure you that the safety of all students and staff is our number one priority.
One of the best aspects of our school is our ability to look after one another. I am here for every one of you and your children, as are all the staff. These are unprecedented times and I know we will pull together and get through this.
Kind regards,
Jacquie Gellel
Principal
Dianella SC ESC
30.03.2020
| Coronavirus (Covid19) School Update - 30 March 2020 |
Helping Students Understand the Coronavirus (Covid19) - 19 March 2020
Information packs to help facilitate discussions surrounding the Novel Coronavirus (Covid19) are below.
|
|
| ||||||
|
|
| ||||||
|
| |||||
Principal's Welcome Address Term 1 2020 - 03 February 2020
Dear Parents/Guardians
Welcome to Term 1 2020.
I am very excited and humbled as the new Principal, to be leading the Staff of Dianella Secondary College Education Support Centre. The majority of my 30 plus years experience in educational leadership has predominantly occurred south of the river but I am well aware of the outstanding reputation of this school and staff who set high expectations for all students and themselves. I look forward to meeting you all throughout the year and encourage you to attend meetings and special events so that we can continue to build on the exceptional partnerships developed here over the years.
As discussed with the staff on Thursday last week it is not my intention to make any significant changes to the programs, staffing or operations of the school unless directed by the Education Department of Western Australia. Please be assured that I have every intention of honouring the great practices currently in place. This means that I will not be changing the school mobile policy where senior students (Year 11 and 12) are permitted to use their mobile phones at break-times unless they breach the policy expectations – this policy is available on the school website. The teaching staff will discuss this policy with their classes this week.
You will have received some communication via the school website/communication methods concerning the Coronavirus. I value your support and understanding as the school continues to follow Health and Education Department directives in managing this. Last week school staff made direct contact with families who were likely to/had visited the affected regions - I am very grateful for the openness and support of these families who are adhering to the guidelines to reduce the possibility of the virus affecting others. Further updates from the Health and Education Departments will be shared with you when they reach us. Thank you for your support and patience.
If you have any concerns or need to update staff on your child’s/family’s circumstances, I urge you to contact your child’s teacher who can support you. Concerns regarding therapy should be directed to Noelene Bott. For financial matters/enquiries please contact Avril Clark on 93459272 or pop in to see her in the Office.
I believe that regardless of disability all students can learn and have the potential to make a positive contribution to their community and society. I am very confident that through excellence in teaching, the Dianella Secondary College Education Support Centre can provide the essential curriculum and supports for each student’s aspirations. I anticipate that 2020 will be another year of outstanding individualised outcome for all students.
Regards,
Jacquie Gellel
Principal
Welcome to Term 1 2020.
I am very excited and humbled as the new Principal, to be leading the Staff of Dianella Secondary College Education Support Centre. The majority of my 30 plus years experience in educational leadership has predominantly occurred south of the river but I am well aware of the outstanding reputation of this school and staff who set high expectations for all students and themselves. I look forward to meeting you all throughout the year and encourage you to attend meetings and special events so that we can continue to build on the exceptional partnerships developed here over the years.
As discussed with the staff on Thursday last week it is not my intention to make any significant changes to the programs, staffing or operations of the school unless directed by the Education Department of Western Australia. Please be assured that I have every intention of honouring the great practices currently in place. This means that I will not be changing the school mobile policy where senior students (Year 11 and 12) are permitted to use their mobile phones at break-times unless they breach the policy expectations – this policy is available on the school website. The teaching staff will discuss this policy with their classes this week.
You will have received some communication via the school website/communication methods concerning the Coronavirus. I value your support and understanding as the school continues to follow Health and Education Department directives in managing this. Last week school staff made direct contact with families who were likely to/had visited the affected regions - I am very grateful for the openness and support of these families who are adhering to the guidelines to reduce the possibility of the virus affecting others. Further updates from the Health and Education Departments will be shared with you when they reach us. Thank you for your support and patience.
If you have any concerns or need to update staff on your child’s/family’s circumstances, I urge you to contact your child’s teacher who can support you. Concerns regarding therapy should be directed to Noelene Bott. For financial matters/enquiries please contact Avril Clark on 93459272 or pop in to see her in the Office.
I believe that regardless of disability all students can learn and have the potential to make a positive contribution to their community and society. I am very confident that through excellence in teaching, the Dianella Secondary College Education Support Centre can provide the essential curriculum and supports for each student’s aspirations. I anticipate that 2020 will be another year of outstanding individualised outcome for all students.
Regards,
Jacquie Gellel
Principal
| Principal's Welcome Address - Term 1 2020 |
Important Update - Novel Coronavirus - 29 January 2020
Parents of children are asked NOT to send their children to school if the child has returned from mainland China or Hong Kong within 14 days. Even if they don’t have symptoms, it is advised that they do not attend school or childcare. Although the risk to children is very low, this is a precautionary approach to ensure the safest possible environment for children. Children do not require a medical certificate or clearance, but are asked to remain at home until 14 days after leaving mainland China or Hong Kong. More Information can be found in the download below.
| coronavirus-fact-sheet-for-parents-schools-and-early-childhood-centres.pdf |
R U OK? Day - 12 September 2019
Today, as part of R U OK? Day activities, staff and students were encouraged to wear yellow. In Tribes, students reviewed the 4 steps to starting a conversation:and at lunch 1 they shared a delicious treat of cupcakes and oranges. Thank you to Prepare, Produce, Provide for supplying the oranges.
Bush Ranger Day 2019 - 2 September
At Dianella SC ESC we are fortunate to receive funding from Department of Local Government and Communities and Cadets WA to deliver a Bush Ranger cadets program which supports students to take an active role in the conservation of the natural environment. As part of the whole school Bush Ranger program we have introduced a Bush Ranger Day that allows students the opportunity to partake in a range of exciting activities. This year Bush Ranger day was held on 2 September and activities included a Yarning Circle, Birds of Prey presentation, West OZ Wildlife encounter, Water Corporation Incursion and Reusing materials workshop. Our inaugural Bush Ranger Day was a great success with all students and staff eagerly participating in the activities and enjoying a sausage sizzle lunch.
The Water Corporation incursion on Edible Aquifers allowed cadets to learn about the water table by completing an experiment using ice cream, lemonade and sprinkles.
Indigenous Tours held a story time session in our Yarning Circle and cadets were offered a taste of local bush tucker cooked on a fire pit.
During the Reusable Materials workshop students worked in small groups and were challenged to create an outfit for one group member using only newspapers, staples and masking tape.
West Oz Wildlife brought a koala, joey, bobtailed lizards and a carpet python for students to interact with. There were plenty of close encounters with photo opportunities for all.
The day ended with a static display of Birds of Prey with the wedge tail eagle proving to be a crowd favourite.
Expo 2019 - 12 June
Last night we hosted a very successful expo and we would like to thank Mrs Heather Tonkin for all her hard work in organising this event. The event was attended by many of our families who were able to gather a range of information on services offered by over 30 providers.
|
|
|
|
Coral Bay Camp 2019 - 4 to 7 June
On Tuesday 4 June, 14 students and 6 staff departed Perth airport for a camp to Coral Bay.
While on camp we participated in two different boating tours; a glass bottom boat trip and a marine discovery tour on board a catamaran. Our day out on the catamaran was quite windy, but this just added to the enjoyment, with staff and students standing at the front of the boat enjoying the rocky ride while getting sprayed by the waves. While on the catamaran we were lucky enough to see a Dugong and calf swimming past.
The main activity for the camp was snorkelling and this was done either directly from the beach or from the boat. While snorkelling we were able to view a wide range of beautiful coral and other marine life such as fish, turtles and reef sharks.
This amazing opportunity would not have been possible without the support of Lotterywest Grants and Bushranger Cadets and we would like to thank both organisations for their sponsorship.
While on camp we participated in two different boating tours; a glass bottom boat trip and a marine discovery tour on board a catamaran. Our day out on the catamaran was quite windy, but this just added to the enjoyment, with staff and students standing at the front of the boat enjoying the rocky ride while getting sprayed by the waves. While on the catamaran we were lucky enough to see a Dugong and calf swimming past.
The main activity for the camp was snorkelling and this was done either directly from the beach or from the boat. While snorkelling we were able to view a wide range of beautiful coral and other marine life such as fish, turtles and reef sharks.
This amazing opportunity would not have been possible without the support of Lotterywest Grants and Bushranger Cadets and we would like to thank both organisations for their sponsorship.
|
|
Year 10 Camp - 5 to 7 June
Students from Room 16, 22 and 23 enjoyed a two-night camp at the Swan Valley Adventure Centre. On the first day they visited the Transport Museum at Whiteman Park followed by a BBQ before heading to camp. The following day the students had morning tea at the Margaret River Chocolate Café whilst they tasted the delightful chocolate on offer. The group then went on to the Reptile Park where they held snakes, lizards and observed various other native Australian animals. They then finished the day by playing a round of 9 holes at Supa Golf. For the final day, after packing their bags and cleaning the dorms they spent some time at Timezone before heading to Hog’s Breath for a delicious lunch. It was a fantastic camp which all the staff and students thoroughly enjoyed.
Staff Training
At Dianella SC ESC we believe every child deserves a voice, but we also understand that not all children communicate in the same way. For this reason all staff at the centre have been provided with the opportunity to participate in (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) AAC training. The training, delivered by Therapy Focus, provided staff with the opportunity to learn how to use Augmentative and Alternative Communication methods to communicate with students that have challenges in the production or comprehension of spoken or written language.
|
|
|
|
Staff Development - 31 May
At Dianella SC ESC we are proud to be an ethnically diverse school. Today, staff participated in an ‘Enhancing School Engagement Practices With Culturally Diverse Families” to further enhance our understanding of cultural diversity.
Reconciliation Week - 27 May to 3 June
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/
This year we have participated in Reconciliation Week by completing a range of classroom activities, taking part in a Dianella Education Precinct walk, and learning about the Stolen Generation. Students were fortunate to be able to listen to Sheila, from Urban Indigenous, as she shared her personal account of being part of the Stolen Generation. Sheila told of the challenges, cruelty and heartache she endured being forced to live in a New Norcia orphanage, even though she was not an orphan.
The stories of the Stolen Generation reveal individual triumph over tragedy, lessons in forgiveness, a commitment to Reconciliation, and positive change for Aboriginal families and Aboriginal Australia.
The dates for NRW remain the same each year; 27 May to 3 June. These dates commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey— the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision respectively.
Reconciliation must live in the hearts, minds and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation strengthened by respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
https://www.reconciliation.org.au/national-reconciliation-week/
This year we have participated in Reconciliation Week by completing a range of classroom activities, taking part in a Dianella Education Precinct walk, and learning about the Stolen Generation. Students were fortunate to be able to listen to Sheila, from Urban Indigenous, as she shared her personal account of being part of the Stolen Generation. Sheila told of the challenges, cruelty and heartache she endured being forced to live in a New Norcia orphanage, even though she was not an orphan.
The stories of the Stolen Generation reveal individual triumph over tragedy, lessons in forgiveness, a commitment to Reconciliation, and positive change for Aboriginal families and Aboriginal Australia.
Mother's Day Stall - 10 May
On Friday 10 May, the students from Black Friday Enterprises will be holding a Mother's Day stall, outside of the administration office, during lunch 1 & 2. There will be cards and gifts for sale, all at very reasonable prices. Students are welcome to bring money on this day if they wish to purchase an item and families are welcome to attend (11:00-11:30 or 1:30-2:00) if they would like to grab a Mother's Day bargain.
New Principal??? - 29 April
Many students were surprised to see some-one different sitting in in the Principal's chair when they returned to school on Monday morning.
For the first 5 weeks of term 2, Mr Piers will be on long service leave. During this time we are pleased to have Mrs Julie Allsopp stepping into the role of Acting Principal.
