Artwork contributed by ESC students

As 2024 comes to a close, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to families for your support throughout the school year. Your partnership has been invaluable in helping us create a positive and inclusive learning environment.

The Family Open Day and Annual Open Meeting on Monday, 25th November, was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the many achievements of 2024. It was a proud moment to showcase what our school community has accomplished and to see students sharing their achievements with pride.

To the parents of our 2024 graduates, it has been a privilege to get to know you and work alongside your children. The Graduation Dinner was a memorable evening filled with joy and heartfelt goodbyes. A huge thank you to Ms Cutts and the Graduation Committee for organising such a wonderful event. We wish our graduating students and their families all the best for their future endeavours.

Earlier this term, we held elections for our 2024 Student Council Representatives. Congratulations to Jessica Hornhardt, elected as School Captain, and Owen Edwards and Lilly Southgate, who will join the Leeming SHS and Leeming SHS ESC Student Council in 2025. A big thank you to our 2024 student leaders for their enthusiasm, innovative ideas, and dedication. It’s inspiring to see so many students stepping forward to take on leadership roles in 2025.

As we bid farewell to this year, we also say goodbye to Michelle Smith, who has completed her teaching degree and will be embarking on an exciting three-year teaching contract in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. We are incredibly proud of her and wish her every success.

Additionally, we wish Mr Holdsworth, Ms Chatfield and Ms Hillas the best of luck with their adventures in 2025 and eagerly anticipate their return in 2026.

We would also like to extend our best wishes to Mrs. Khosla, who will be taking some leave in 2025. We’re excited to see her back occasionally as a relief teacher in between her travels.

After 15 years at Leeming SHS ESC, Mrs. Kaiser will be leaving us. Her contributions to teaching art to our students have been nothing short of inspiring. She has nurtured the artistic talents of students, helping them create incredible works of art that have been celebrated by our school community. We thank Mrs Kaiser for her passion, creativity, and dedication and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.

We bid a fond farewell to our wonderful long-time relief teacher, Mrs. Jo Lee, who has been an invaluable part of our school community for over 15 years. Throughout her time with us, Jo has built strong and meaningful relationships with both staff and students, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. Jo will always hold a special place in our hearts, and we wish her all the best as she embraces the exciting next chapter of her life as a proud and adoring grandparent.

Finally, I would like to recognise the incredible efforts of our staff. Together with our students, they have achieved so much this year, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we have accomplished as a team.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday break. Thank you for being part of a memorable 2024, and I look forward to another fantastic year in 2025.

Keran Davies

And just like that, we are at the end of the school year! This year was my first as board chair; honestly, I had no idea what I was saying yes to. I was nervous at the start of the year, but with gentle encouragement from all the other members, I feel I have found my footing, though I am still a little shaky for those bigger occasions. 

Our last meeting was a celebration of all we achieved in 2024. There were a few business items on the agenda, and final preparations were made for the Alumni Picnic. We discussed the change of reporting this year, and we congratulated Emma Gage and Lyn Johnson for their nominations for the WAESPAA Teacher of the Year and the WAESPAA Allied Professional of the Year Award.

Attending the 2024 Graduation dinner at East Fremantle Yacht Club with fellow members Medline, Lydia and Dawn was a privilege. We all found it hard not to get emotional seeing the graduates accept their certificates and the immense pride beaming from their family's faces. 

A big thank you to all the parents, carers and families who attended our Family Open Day and Annual Open Meeting held earlier this week. I hope you all had a fantastic time visiting your child's classroom.

I would like to finish by sharing some of the sentiments from my talk that day;

I want to express my most profound appreciation to all the lovely staff members and parents I have worked closely with this year. Being a board member, you see some of the behind-the-scenes work that we often take for granted, and I can tell you, it is a lot of hard work. This hard work is done by incredible humans who care deeply for our children and want to see them succeed in everything they do. I am very proud to say that my daughters go to Leeming ESC.

I would also like to make a special mention to the amazing ladies in the admin department. They play an important role in this well-oiled machine and often do not receive the credit they deserve. Thank you, I couldn't have done this year without you. 

To my fellow board members - Keran Davies, Emma Gage, Carol Rodoreda, Kerryn Coles, Dawn Barker, Lydia Jiang, Medline Manhanzva, Karl James & Sheila Koh, a million times thank you! 

Staff, I hope you enjoy your 6 weeks off, and parents.... brace yourselves; we've got this!

Happy Holidays & see you all in 2025! 

Olivia Sjahrir 

  

Our Year 12 students celebrated their final day of school and Graduation Ceremony on Thursday 14th of November. The event was held at the Swan Yacht Club and was spent celebrating student achievements and looking back on their high school journey. We would like to congratulate and acknowledge the below award winners:

Endeavour Award - Presented by Maitlin Cutts

Ayden Falzon

Award for Excellence in VET - Presented by Vojin Zivkovic

Fatima Salman

AMPOL Best Allrounder - Presented by Keran Davies

Oscar Cuffe-Cain

Leigh Caddy Independence Award - Presented by Lyn Johnson

Nick Fleming

Workplace Award - Presented by Arron McMillan, sponsored by Workpower

Kooper Muston

USTAR Award- Presented by Arron McMillan, sponsored by Workpower

Kenneth Hee

Sportsperson Award- Presented by Jenelle Heard, sponsored by Channel 7

Zoe Balcombe

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2024!

Our 2025 Student Council team were announced at our last assembly.  Next year, we will have three representatives working with the LSHS mainstream student council team.  Well done to all the students who nominated, campaigned and voted this year and also thank you to staff, in particular Maitlin Cutts, for facilitating the Election Day.  

The total amount payable for Years 7 to 12 is $320.

Credit card payment is available using our BPoint banking facility via our school website (Leemingesc.wa.edu/payments). Please be sure you are on the Leeming ESC website and not the mainstream high school website.

Click on the 'Parent Information' tab then 'Payments', click 'Online Payments' then ‘Make an online payment’, and enter the requested details. 

Please note, we do not have EFTPOS facilities on site, however, payment can be made either by cash, cheque, BPoint or you can pay directly into the school bank account details below:

BSB Number        066040
Account               19900866
Name                   Leeming SHS ESC

Please remember to include the student's surname and a description of payment as the reference.  For example Fees BLOGGS 

Secondary Allowance Scheme

The SAS is available to parents, guardians, and independent students who meet the following criteria:

• Hold an eligible and valid concession card with the name of the student listed. This could be either a:
  • Services Australia (Centrelink) Pensioner Concession card
  • Services Australia (Centrelink) Health Care Card – family card only, for medication purposes e.g., Child Disability Allowance card (CDA)
  • Department of Veteran Affairs Pensioner Concession Card (Blue card only)
• Have children enrolled in Years 7 to 12 studying a full-time secondary course at a Western Australian School or registered with a Western Australian Department of Education Regional Office for Home-schooling.
• Have not previously claimed the same student in the same year (or where another parent/guardian has made a claim previously).
• Are not a foster parent.
• Are an independent student in secondary school with an eligible concession card (students who have their own Health Care Card but are still dependent on their parent or guardian are not eligible).

Application

To apply for the SAS, parents, guardians, or independent students should:

1. Come in to the ESC Administration office once the school term commences.
2. The application form is completed online.
3. Please ensure you bring the supporting documentation (Centrelink Concession card).

Applications can only be submitted in Term 1 – after your child’s first day of school and before the last day of term.

Receiving Payments

The SAS is made up of 2 allowances:

Education Program Allowance of $235

• This is paid to your school unless you are registered for home-schooling.

Clothing Allowance of $300

• This is paid to the applicant’s nominated bank account. For public school students, parents and guardians have the option to pay it to the school.

Payments are expected to be processed by the end of May for each school year.

WEEK 5 ASSEMBLY

U nity
S elf-responsibility
T eamwork
A chievement
R espect

This term, we have continued the explicit teaching of expected behaviours through our weekly PBS lessons. In Term 4, we focused on:

Congratulations to ESC2 for winning the Tarak Award for our focus value: Respect

This year we continued to celebrate our staff and students and their achievements at our ESC assemblies through the USTAR raffles. We also acknowledged classes who earned the highest amount of USTAR points for the focus value of the fortnight. Winning classes were presented with a certificate at the ESC assemblies and are rewarded with a Tarak plush toy and a pizza lunch party.

Congratulations to the students who have reached their 300 USTAR point milestone in 2024. Students received their wristbands at the ESC assembly, and it has been wonderful to see students wearing their wristbands proudly!

In 2025 the PBS team will continue working on implementing the PBS theme song into our explicit, weekly PBS lessons and at our ESC assemblies. The PBS team will continue focusing on developing and distributing support resources to all staff to assist with keeping informed data on both positive and unproductive behaviours within the school. Stay tuned!

The last term has gone by so quickly.  It has been a busy term with the Beach Safety program, Camp at Woodman Point and starting their first work placement.  Students have been busy finishing off their ASDAN modules for the year. Students have also been learning to stay safe in the community and online, telling time and fine-tuning their CBL skills of identifying landmarks.

Students have made massive progress in their first year of senior school. I have watched them develop greater resilience and confidence in handling challenges that come their way. I am so proud of how far they have come and look forward to seeing them develop greater independence as they transition to Year 11. Here are our students' thoughts about everything they like and what they look forward to next year.

Xavier -My favourite subjects are Music and Peaceful Kids. I like playing the drums and swimming. I am looking forward to more meditation and Peaceful Kids sessions next year.

Ruby - My favourite part of 2024 has been going to Kalgoorlie with Miss Cutts and Miss Heard for our Bush Ranger camp and going rock climbing and flying fox at Woodman Point. My favourite subjects are sports, literacy and Peaceful Kids. Next year, I am excited to go to Alaska with my family.

James - My favourite subject is Art. I like going on CBL and going on camp at Woodman Point. I will miss my friends. I am looking forward to meeting my new teacher next year.

Shirah - My favourite subjects are cooking and music. I like CBL, camping, art and workplace learning. I will miss my friends, teachers and walking to school. I am looking forward to meeting my friends and my teachers next year.

Thomas - My favourite subjects are sports. I like music and dancing. I will miss my friends. I am looking forward to catching public transport next year.

Cristian - My favourite subjects are cooking and art. I like going on CBL to Garden City. I will miss my friend, Ruby. I look forward to attending CBL and meeting my new classmates next year.

Walter - My favourite subjects are cooking and computing. I liked going to camp with Ms Heard. I will miss my classmates. I am looking forward to meeting my new teachers next year.

Luke - My favourite subjects are cooking, art and music. I like going on playing different instruments and cleaning at Strikers. I will miss my friend, Walter. I am looking forward to workplace learning next year.

As we come to the close of an unforgettable year, we reflect on the final term for our Year 12 students in ESC 2. This period was not only a busy time of completing work but also one filled with celebrations, and memories that will last a lifetime. A few key highlights of the term were the Year 12 camp in Geraldton and the much-anticipated Graduation Assembly and Dinner.

Geraldton Camp
The camp was an absolute blast! Despite the long 5-hour bus ride, everyone was in high spirits, enjoying the journey with a few stops to stretch their legs. Once at Fair Bridge School Camp, the students embraced the variety of activities and challenges, with everyone having a go at something new. Whether it was teamwork-building exercises, outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing together, the camp provided an excellent opportunity for our students to bond and have fun. The food was fantastic, and the camp staff were incredibly accommodating, making this trip a huge success.

Year 12 Graduation Assembly
As the final weeks of school rolled in, our Year 12 students gathered together for a heartfelt Graduation Assembly. This was a special moment where students connected with one another, shared in the joy of their achievements, and sang their final song as a cohort. It was a time of reflection, filled with emotion as everyone celebrated the incredible journey they've taken throughout their schooling. It was a beautiful celebration of everything they’ve worked so hard to accomplish.

Graduation Dinner
The Graduation Dinner was another highlight of the term, bringing together families, staff, and students for a night of celebration. The dance floor was packed, with students and staff showing off their best moves! The energy in the room was awesome, and the evening was a perfect way to commemorate the end of a wonderful chapter in our Year 12 students’ lives.

This year has been truly special for everyone in ESC 2—full of laughter, challenges, and moments of pure joy.

Thank you to all the staff, families, and students for making this year memorable. We wish our Year 12 cohort all the best in the exciting journey ahead!

Warm regards,
The ESC 2 Team

Students started by commencing their Work Place Learning roles on Wednesdays. Some work allocations included The Lollybus, The Happy Pet Place, Brandon’s Shredding, WorkPower, and gift hamper making for our lovely host supervisors. We also had our fortnightly Community-Based Learning visits to Garden City. Students revised their skills in catching public transport, identifying various train and bus routes, crossing roads safely, and managing their money when making purchases. It is so wonderful to see our students grow in their confidence and independence in the community.

For maths, students have been learning about measurement and the language we attribute to measures such as short, tall, long, small, etc. Students have also been learning to use informal and formal units of measurement, specifically using a ruler correctly to measure an object in centimetres. For functional literacy, students have been looking at different schedules and answering literal and inferential questions based on the information provided. For news, students have been recounting what they have done over the week and presenting this in front of the class. Our year 10s have demonstrated achievement by standing in front of the classroom audience and using appropriate oratory skills during their presentation.

Our much-loved classroom cooking program has continued this term, with students enjoying tasty treats such as almond crescent cookies, microwaved cake in a cup, apple turnover and lemonade scones, to name a few. We have been comparing the cost of ingredients from various supermarkets, sequencing recipe steps and ensuring appropriate food handling protocols have been followed. Our students always show unity and teamwork skills when cooking and cleaning up the utensils afterwards.

Students have enjoyed the ESSN carnival at Byford this year. They participated in multiple events such as relay races, tunnel ball, shot put, and basketball. But we can’t forget the best part of this term so far… Camp! Activities included raft building, kite making, archery, going on the flying fox, rock climbing and spending quality time with friends and staff. I’m sure that everyone agrees what an unforgettable experience it was!

Working with such a diverse cohort of students uniquely gifted in their own way has been excellent. Once again, ESC 4 is so blessed to have staff who ensure that our year 10s step into year 11 feeling empowered and confident to take on whatever opportunities come before them. We wish you all the very best for next year!

 Mrs M, Mrs L, Ms Harcourt, Mrs Blacklock, and Ms Palma.

What a year 2024 has been! It feels like time has flown by, and it is time to say goodbye to my excellent class, which I have been lucky enough to have for the past two years.  I am very grateful to have taught this fantastic group of students and wish them all the best as they move to a new class with a new teacher and staff in year 9.

We have had so much fun in ESC 5 this year, and I am truly grateful to have shared the year with my wonderful team of Sarah Russell, Karlene Wynd, Georgia Hillas and Sue Owen. You have been a massive support, and I couldn’t have done it without you all. Every student, Bronwyn, Sabrina, Isabel, Elvin, Tommy, Mira, Katelyn and Hunter, has developed so much over the past two years, and they should all be very proud of their achievements. I am lucky to have played a small part in their high school journey.

To all of the families, I wish you all a safe and restful holiday. You have all been amazing to work with, and your support has been incredible. I look forward to seeing you around the school in the future.

Thank you!

Jack Drennan

As we close out this incredibly busy school year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the amazing journey we've shared. It's been a year of excitement, growth, and memorable moments. Our students have truly excelled, showing remarkable progress academically, socially, and creatively. We have done hands-on projects about Space, budgeting and designing our own waterpark, our pop-up shop, wreath making for Anzac Day and many more.

We have been reading Craig Silvey's book Runt since Term 3 and have done lots of further work on that, as well as, of course, going to see the movie.

Every moment has allowed our young learners to explore, discover, and thrive. We are so proud of all their hard work and accomplishments! Thank you to our wonderful EAs, Janet Bruns, Angel Dale, Sue Owen and Lisa Wood-Smith, and families for your continued support.

What the students have loved about 2024.

Isabella: I have LOVED doing mainstream English. Drama and dance because it lets me show my true talent. I liked learning all the different types of poetry with Miss Wyatt too, as it made my brain explode, in a good way!

Indigo: I have loved doing creative writing because it helps me go beyond the limits of my imagination and makes my writing neater.

Blake: Blake has loved dancing to Danny Go and DJ Raphi and doing his PET program - as he gets to work closely with different people.

Kobe: I like how I participate in class. I liked doing HASS as we studied maps, and I love how I know directions by navigating.

Evan: I love everything about being a Class Leader. I loved making different things in cooking and then eating them all.

Ebony: I love catching the bus for CBL, watching Runt at the movies, and being Blake's good friend.

Eva: I loved doing all the performances with the Choir, being selected for Leadership Camp and doing different types of poetry in class.

Alisha: I love having Miss Wyatt and my EAs as teachers as they taught me how to do Maths. I love music and Mrs Damos because she taught me to sing beautifully, and I have a beautiful voice.

Conna: Conna participated in a lot of things this year. We learnt that he LOVES word searches and crosswords and Belinda Carlisle is his favourite pop star!

I can hardly believe we are at the end of the year already! What an incredible journey in ESC 7, filled with learning, laughter, and countless memories to cherish.

This term was packed with exciting experiences. In Science, we delved into the fascinating concepts of Earth and Space and explored the different types of clouds, igniting curiosity and wonder about the natural world around us. We finished our science lessons with a trip to SciTech, which was a highlight. We explored space and galaxies together as a class, and it was both thrilling and educational! Another unforgettable moment was embarking on our first Community-Based Learning (CBL) excursion. The students showed immense growth as they practised purchasing food, managing money, and confidently communicating their needs at the counter.

As we wrap up the term, I want to thank my 7.2 class, Harvey, Stirling, Bee, Omar, Harrison, Vlad, Eddie and River. It was a privilege to be your teacher this year and experience you all grow into respectful young adults. A special shout out to the Education Assistants, Mrs Bregger, Mr Burton, and Mrs Botha, for all their support and positive attitude. They were always willing to go that extra mile to care for the needs of the students. I also want to thank all our families for their ongoing support throughout the year. Witnessing the students' growth and accomplishments has been an absolute privilege. Here’s to a well-deserved break, and looking forward to more adventures next year!

Wishing you all a joyful holiday season!

Mrs. Thomas

As term 4 comes to an end, we start to wind down and reflect on all the achievements we have made individually, and the memories we have created together in 2024. We have started to get into the Christmas spirit, and put up and decorated our class Christmas tree as a team. We are also enjoying the variety of Christmas themed books in our class reading corner.

This term, we welcomed Mr Sukadana to ESC8 as he completed his final 4-week practicum. We loved having Mr S as our teacher from weeks 4-7 and enjoyed his HASS and Science lessons. We are excited to see Mr S around Leeming ESC in 2025.

We are starting to wrap up our term 4 programs. This term in Health, we have learned about exercise and changes that happen to your body during and after, and the health benefits. We conducted an experiment in class and compared how our bodies and mind felt before and after 15 minutess of exercise. In HASS we have continued our Geography learning on places and spaces and have enjoyed learning about community features. In Science we focused on Earth and Space Sciences and loved our end of term excursion to SciTech. In Maths we have been learning about money, and recycling in Bush Rangers.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank my WONDERFUL year 7.1 class Amenah, Quinn, Lily, Lexden, Daniel, Onsashe, Tanish and Austin. I have had an amazing year working with you all and have loved being your teacher. I am so proud of all your achievements, and of the young adults you are growing into. I can’t wait to watch you continue your journey at Leeming. Thank you to the ESC8 parents/carers for your support and kindness, and a HUGE thank you to our Friday teacher Ms M and our wonderful Education Assistants, Mr Kosc, Ms Payne and Miss Chatfield.

Merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday break. See you all in 2025!

Miss Gage

Term 4 has been full of fun and finishing off our yearly programs. We have been focusing on place value in maths and working with fractions. We have gathered and analysed data from various school events, and all students have done an amazing job.

We have continued our reading of the novel ‘Runt’ during Literacy, created a full book review and engaged in many comprehension activities throughout the term. The focus has been understanding various text topics and applying adjectives, verbs and nouns to our creative writing projects.  

During Bush Rangers, we explored many areas of climate change and the impact this has on Western Australia. We created class presentations around one chosen area and completed independent research on ways we, as students, can combat climate change in our everyday practices.

We had an amazing time at the ESSN Carnival, participating in the high jump, netball, sprints, tunnel ball and leaderball events. Everyone had such great sportsmanship, and it was a fun event for us all to participate in.

 We are all so excited for our camp this term, we can’t wait to try out the huge flying fox and hit the waters on the kayaks. Spending the last two weeks of school together will be so special.

 Year 8 has been truly amazing with these fabulous students and staff.

We wish everyone a happy, safe and merry Christmas and New Year.

Love from the team of ESC9.

Term 4 has been a whirlwind of new staff, Mr El-Chami completing his teaching practical, interschool sports carnival, and even a visit from Mrs Gibson with baby Harper.

In our fortnightly Community Based Learning Excursions to Cockburn Gateways, we enjoyed shopping at Kmart and Salvos Store, independently ordering and buying our lunch at the Food Court.  Students also created a shopping list to purchase ingredients for cooking classes. Seeing the students’ increased independence and responsibility out in the community is pleasing.

In HASS, students learned about Australia’s relationship with Indonesia by exploring agricultural products exported to Indonesia. We watched videos of Miss Kenny’s son harvesting wheat which is used to make noodles. In class, we milled the harvested wheat into flour and then baked bread rolls. Everyone enjoyed eating them hot from the oven with golden syrup or vegemite.

Each Friday, as part of our beach safety program we visit Port Coogee Marina. Students have participated in fun beach activities like flag races and water rescues. Building sandcastles is a favourite with everyone!

An awesome year with a fantastic group of students, and we wish you all the best for Year 10.

Mrs Sutherland , Miss Kenny, Mrs Buchanan, Mrs Hewer, Mr Sukadana,  Ms Hartree

As we look back on a remarkable year filled with growth, achievements, and unforgettable memories at Leeming SHS ESC, the Year 10 Camp at Woodman Point stands out as a true milestone for our students. In a unique environment, encouraging teamwork, resilience, and personal growth. From tackling the flying fox and mastering archery to team-building challenges and beach activities, the camp offered countless opportunities for students to step out of their comfort zones and build confidence.

The evenings were a time for reflection and fun, including games, movies, and the much-loved talent show. Watching our students bond, overcome challenges, and celebrate their successes was an enriching experience for all involved.

While the Year 10 Camp was a standout, it was just one of many memorable events this year:

• Community-Based Learning (CBL): Our excursions to Fremantle, Gateway, and Garden City, allowed students to connect with the broader community, build independence, and apply their learning in real-world settings. These outings were both educational and empowering.
• Sports and Cultural Events: Students showcased their talents and teamwork during sports carnivals, multicultural festivals, and assemblies. These events celebrated diversity, inclusion, and the spirit of collaboration that defines our school.
• Classroom Success: From excelling in PAT-R and PAT-M assessments to developing leadership, confidence, and communication skills, our students have demonstrated remarkable growth across all areas of their learning.

This year has also been about personal milestones. Students have shown maturity, independence, and resilience in academic and social settings. Their achievements were made possible through the dedication of our fantastic staff, including Mrs Brayne, Ms Sooi, Miss Lomax, and Mrs TJ, who consistently go above and beyond to support our students.

As we wrap up 2024, we are incredibly proud of the student's progress and accomplishments in ESC13. The year has embodied the values of quality teaching, purposeful curriculum, positive culture, and strong community connection that define Leeming SHS ESC.

We thank our students, families, and staff for their unwavering support and enthusiasm throughout the year. We wish everyone a safe and joyous holiday season. We can’t wait to see what 2025 has in store!

Thomas Bakowski

It has been such a fantastic year and a privilege for us to work with such an amazing group of young men in ESC14. We have finalised our preliminary units for ASDAN and produced some fantastic, high-quality portfolios. Our feedback has been outstanding and is a testament to our students.

This term, we went to our year 11 class camp in Quaranup, just south of Albany. It was a tremendous trip, and when we finally made it down, it was worth the drive, with us arriving just in time to see the sunset over Shoal Bay. We spent day two doing activities onsite. First, we completed a geocaching activity using GPS navigation devices to locate hidden caches across the campground. Then, we took part in a sensation trail where we used blindfolds and relied on our leader to guide and direct us on a short walk. After this, we went through an obstacle course with a blindfold, but this time, we relied on a rope to guide us up over obstacles or duck under things.  Finally, we did some team games, such as throwing beanbags at different ranges or picking up a treasure chest using nothing but a rope.

On day three, we travelled to the Albany wind farm to learn about sustainability. We walked along the cape to see some of the giant windmills. We finished our camp with a trip to the Valley of the Giants to see the enormous tingle trees and see firsthand why sustainable foresting is essential.

On behalf of Mr Frewer and Ms Megrail, we thank all the families and carers for such a fantastic year. We would also like to thank Ms Banks, Mrs Mac, Ms Maunder, and Ms Morgan for all their hard work. Their efforts have made this year a huge success.

Have a safe and happy holiday break!

Ms Megrail & Mr Frewer

This semester has certainly been a busy one. We completed all our preliminary units and ASDAN portfolios, and the students should be commended for their tremendous work ethic. Not only completing all their required tasks but completing them at a very high quality.

The students have also been developing their geographical knowledge, learning about a new country as they expand their knowledge to greater reaches of the world.

We have also spent the semester learning various interesting life skills such as cooking meals, measuring ingredients, making the bed, washing, and hanging and putting it all away. We learned road crossings and road rules, looked at the inside of the car, and made sure we knew the necessary steps to make sure it was fit to drive.

On camp, we had the opportunity to complete Geocaching in groups. We used a GPS to follow directions and locate hidden clues around the campsite. We participated in a sensation trail. Everyone was blindfolded, requiring the command and directions of others to help guide us safely through the camp. Then we took on a trail solo, blindfolded and holding a rope, and we managed to navigate obstacles by focusing our senses on touch and a bit of help from those around us. We participated in team games, competing in various activities requiring coordination and communication.

We also went to the Albany Windfarm and marvelled at the grandeur of the enormous windmills, learning a thing or two about their history and what they provide. Then we headed to the Valley of the Giants, where we walked 30m above ground on a walkway that allowed you to see straight down. It was great to see students conquering their fears as well as learn about the conservation of forests.

I want to thank all the families for your communication throughout the year and for raising a great group of kids. It’s been an absolute pleasure to teach you all. I’d also like to say an enormous thank you to Mrs Tan, Ms Temple, Mrs Lu, and Ms Sherlock for all the work and extra hours you have put in throughout the year to help achieve the best outcomes for the students and for making sure that the work environment is a positive one.

Merry Christmas!

ESC16 has had an incredible semester filled with exciting experiences, valuable learning opportunities, and moments of growth. It has been a term full of teamwork, dedication, and fun!

Instead of our usual CBL sessions, we had the opportunity to go on industry visits to expose the students to various career options and pathways. These visits included exciting trips to Optus Stadium, Bunnings O'Connor, Success Library, Cockburn Youth Centre, and Curtin University, where the students participated in an engaging coding workshop. These experiences have broadened the students’ perspectives and helped them explore future career possibilities.

Our Physical Education program also offered fantastic opportunities, including the Notre Dame program and beach safety sessions, which were a huge hit with the students. Everyone had a great time and learned valuable skills to stay safe at the beach.

Looking back to Term 3, our Year 9 camp was another highlight. Seeing the students fully engage and give their best throughout the trip was wonderful. I was impressed with everyone’s efforts and how they supported each other during the camp activities.

Students also participated in My Plan sessions with Ms FP throughout the term to help them transition into Year 10 and senior school. These sessions have provided essential guidance as they begin to plan their next steps in education and beyond.

As we close the term, I want to say how proud I am of everyone in the class. It has been amazing to see each student grow, develop new skills, and begin to transition into senior school. Keep up the great work, everyone; your hard work and enthusiasm have made this semester memorable!

Mr Calasse

I have had a wonderful year to see my students mature, develop resilience, and make some decisions for themselves. They are ready to set sail and take on the challenges in Year 10 and beyond. This could not have been possible without your countless support and the never-ending hard work of my team of superwomen, a big shoutout to Ms Luca Farmer, Ms Leah Van Der Zwaan and Mrs Chaya Warusaperruma.

This term, the students have been very busy attending Career Taster Program excursions to different venues, getting a feel of different workplace options.

Students have developed great life skills at school and out in the community, preparing for the new challenges in senior school. Students also attended the Beach Safety Program with Ms Heard to learn the skills to keep safe at the beach and in the water.

ESC 17 participated in My Plan meetings as a Year 9 cohort with Ms FP, which was a great success as students could identify their likes and dislikes, which would help them plan their My Plans in Year 10.

I appreciate the feedback from parents after the Parent Morning Tea and your kind words in appreciation of my team with all the hard work put in this year to bring out the best in each student.

We do have two more excursions planned for week 9. The Year 9 cohort are going to watch a movie that will be privately screened in Hoyts Southlands. To wind up a successful year, the students will attend Chins Noodle House for a Luncheon to celebrate our achievements on the last Friday of week 9.

I wish you and your family an amazing Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Mrs Deepika Khosla

Term 4 has been the busiest one yet! We have participated in several events, including the Notre Dame Program, ESSN Athletics Carnival, Wildcats Basketball Carnival, Kalability Basketball Carnival, our Beach Safety Program, and the Leadership Camp at Rottnest.

ESSN Carnival:

On October 23rd, years 7, 8, 9, and 10, students travelled to Byford College to compete in the annual ESSN Athletics Carnival. Students participated in various events, including sprint races, high jump, team games, flag belt rugby, netball, and more. Well done to all students who displayed all USTAR values throughout the day. A special mention to Ruby Rolph and Kaelan Crackett, who were awarded medals for sportsmanship and participation for the day.

Wildcats Carnival:

On October 30th, students who have a keen interest and have shown high basketball skills in sports lessons were selected to represent Leeming SHS ESC in the Wildcats Carnival. Students participated in multiple games throughout the day against other schools. Our students showed fantastic sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect with each other and with peers from different schools. Congratulations to Jaylene Michaels, who was awarded the Sportsmanship award, and Lily Southgate, who represented Leeming in the All-Stars game against the Perth Wildcats!! It was a fantastic day; well done to everyone.  

Kalability Basketball Carnival:

On November 13th, Leeming took two basketball teams to the Kalability Basketball Carnival in Lesmurdie. Students played three basketball games, competing against other Education Support Schools around Perth. It was a fantastic day, with students demonstrating all USTAR values. Congratulations to Leeming Team 1, who won division 2 and took home the trophy! A special mention to Lily Southgate and Austin Sarney, who were awarded Sportsmanship trophies.

Beach Safety Program

Our year 9 and 10 classes have been participating in the Beach Safety Program at Port Coogee Marina on Fridays this term. Students have been learning about beach safety signs and how to navigate them, where to locate safety devices (e.g. defibrillator, first aid, rescue tubes), how to perform a tow rescue, and participating in a range of beach games. Students have particularly enjoyed versing each other in the Flags game, competing for the weekly champion title. Thank you to all staff attending this program for your hard work, support, and organisation- it is greatly appreciated.

We look forward to wrapping up the year with our Leadership Camp on Rottnest Island. Thank you to everyone involved in events and carnivals this year. We appreciate your support and commitment to the Health and Physical Education Programs.

We look forward to seeing you all in 2025.

Jenelle Heard and Jackie Pereia.

Celebrating Creativity: A Productive Semester of Art

This semester has been inspiring for our students, who have genuinely embraced their artistic talents and creativity. From vibrant paintings to innovative sculptures, the array of artwork has showcased their dedication and imagination.

One of the highlights of our art curriculum was the engaging project where students created 3D turtles swimming in the ocean. This hands-on activity allowed them to explore different materials and techniques, resulting in a diverse collection of unique turtle creations.

Using cardboard as the primary material, students crafted their turtles precisely and carefully. They utilised masking tape to secure their designs, demonstrating their artistic skills and problem-solving abilities. Once the turtles were assembled, students unleashed their creativity with paint, adding vibrant colours and intricate details that brought their oceanic friends to life.

In addition to our turtle project, we also enjoyed celebrating the Day of the Dead, a rich cultural tradition honouring loved ones who passed away. Students engaged in creating colourful puppets as part of this celebration. This activity was fun and educational, as it provided insights into the significance of the holiday.

 Another exciting project this semester involved creating decorative bells to hang in gardens. Students used clay, paint, beads, and foil to craft these stunning pieces. The process allowed them to explore texture and design while honing their sculpting skills.

The results were truly amazing! Each decorative bell was unique, showcasing intricate details and vibrant colours that will undoubtedly brighten any garden space. The use of beads and foil added an extra touch of sparkle, making these bells functional and beautiful works of art.

As we wrap up this semester and year, we are excited to see what other creative endeavours await us. The enthusiasm and talent displayed by our students inspire us all, reminding us of the power of art to connect, express, and innovate.

Let’s continue to celebrate our artistic journey together!

Lilian Robbshaw

Term 4 has been bustling as we welcomed the year 10 cohort onto the program. These students engaged in practising skills across a variety of industries, such as retail, warehousing, car detailing, animal care, and community services. They should be super proud of their work contributions and efforts this term, such commendable efforts!

A special mention to our two recipients of the Employee of the Month award at the final assembly for 2025:

Sheona has proved to be consistent in her positive and productive approach at each of her workplaces. This semester, at the library placement, Sheona displayed team leadership and mentoring skills. The library has valued Sheona’s work contributions, especially as she completed each task with a smile!

Congratulations to Izzie, who challenged herself this semester as she engaged in two industry placements this semester. Izzie worked very hard to support the children at Mercy Care and gain retail experience at the Lolly Bus. Izzie’s confidence and independence increased as she became familiar with both settings. Amazing!

All senior students have demonstrated to their host employers and supervisors a range of valuable work capabilities throughout the year. Students have been collaborating within their workplace teams and practising effective communication skills, as they work towards individualised workplace goals.

Each week, students presented themselves in a professional manner in matching attire and taking pride in representing themselves in the community. As industry skills are being developed, students practised perseverance and resilience as they worked towards challenges and problem-solving in the workplace. These are transferrable and valuable skills to be learned as students continue to explore future industry placements.

We are delighted to share that this year, over 65 host employers have supported Leeming ESC students across industry settings.

As we are busily planning meaningful industry placements for students leading into 2025, we are excited to bring on board some new hosts from our wonderfully supportive community, including The Hurt Locker (gym), St. Luke’s Community Garden, Dome Café and Uncle Joe’s Barber…just to name a few!

We wish all students and families a lovely school holiday break, and we look forward to bigger and more fabulous outcomes in the workplace in 2025!

Follow the official LESC Facebook page for event information, photos, student updates and parent updates

https://www.facebook.com/LeemingSHSESC/

The private Facebook group is a safe space to help parents and carers connect, offer and receive support, share information, experiences, and resources, and foster social connections between students outside of school hours.

The group is administered by the parent representatives on the LESC Board. The Facebook group can be found at the link below; where you can request to join.  For more information, contact Bernadette McCarthy by email bmmcleod@bigpond.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/377265386625078

Planning for Therapy 2025 has Commenced

Dear Families and Caregivers

To manage the large volume of therapy requests at the start of the year, we have generated a 2025 LSHS ESC Therapy Process flyer. 

We ask families to forward the flyer to their therapist to make a request for Therapy During School Hours.

For any enquiries, please email:  leeming.shsesc.therapy@education.wa.edu.au

Leeming SHS Education Support Centre appreciates the contribution that therapy services can make to the lives of people with disability in supporting them to reach their potential and enjoy meaningful relationships and experiences in their community.

Louisa Franceschini-Piil | Therapy Coordinator