March 2025
Principal
Dear Families,
As we begin another exciting school year, we are thrilled to welcome new faces and embrace the growing family of our school community. This year is particularly special as we open our arms to 12 new kindergarten students, each beginning their unique educational journey. We know that the first steps of a child’s learning adventure are incredibly significant, and we’re honoured to be part of that experience. A warm welcome to each of our kindergarten students and their families—we look forward to supporting and celebrating every milestone along the way.
We are also excited to introduce some incredible new additions to our staff who will be supporting and enriching the learning experiences of all our students. Please join us in welcoming:
- Carl Gregory, who joins our secondary team as Secondary Deputy. Carl brings a wealth of experience and passion for inclusive education, and we’re confident he’ll be a tremendous support for both our students and the broader school community.
- Cassie Camacho, who has stepped into the role of Early Years Deputy. Cassie has a deep commitment to early childhood education and will be instrumental in ensuring that our younger learners receive the care and guidance they need as they explore and grow.
- Hannah Gibson, who has taken on the role of Program Coordinator at Embleton Primary in our satellite program. Hannah’s leadership and expertise will provide vital support to our Embleton team, helping to make sure all students have access to the resources and strategies they need to succeed.
We are also excited to welcome several new teachers to our dedicated team:
- Hayley Roll and Abigail Head have joined our Early Years team, bringing their energy, expertise, and enthusiasm to create a nurturing and dynamic learning environment for our youngest students.
- Jade Lewis, Hannah Scanlon, Evan O’Sullivan, and Jack Amos, have joined our Embleton satellite program. Their diverse backgrounds and commitment to inclusive education will strengthen our team’s ability to meet the unique needs of our students.
- Ainslie Sellers has joined the room 12 and 19 teams in Primary. Ainslie brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to her new role, and we’re excited to see the positive impact she’ll have on our primary students.
Together, this talented and dedicated team is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and enriching environment for all of our students.
Durham Road School has a strong community of teachers, staff, and parents working together to ensure that all students are supported through their schooling. We encourage parents to communicate and engage with the school by attending Individual Education Planning meetings, attending assemblies, or through our social media. Effective communication will ensure we continue to build a stronger community together with a focus on supporting students. We look forward to working alongside you and your children to make this year a memorable one.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or to share how we can continue to support your family throughout the school year.
Kind Regards,
Ellen McAllister
Principal
From the Leadership Team
The Satellite students have settled in well to their classrooms and are now familiar with their daily routines.
On Friday the 21st of February, Daniyal in Satellite 4 went to the Perth Convention Centre for the GRIP leadership conference with the other student leaders from Embleton Primary School. The student leaders participated in training to enhance their skills in effective school leadership and teamwork.
Students from Satellite 1 and Satellite 2, along with a select group from Satellite 3 and Satellite 4, have been participating in swimming lessons every Friday at Durham Road School. It has been great to see students confidence in the water increase each week. In weeks 9 and 10, students from Satellite 3 and Satellite 4 will complete their 2 week block of swimming lessons at Bayswater Waves.
The early years and primary classes have all started the term on a positive note, with students quickly settling into their routines and structures. It’s wonderful to see everyone back and engaged in their learning. Some students have transitioned to new classes and are adjusting well. Parents will have received invitations to IEP meetings; teachers are in the process of putting together the student plans with the view of them being sent out later this term.
Please note- Room 2 and 3s assembly has been postponed- it will now be held on Friday 11th April.
The 2025 school year has commenced with Secondary students engaging in the school program and connecting with their friends. Students make their way to the ETC for art and pre-employment skills, demonstrating great pride in their achievements. Funfit incursions have commenced with the students having a lot of fun whilst keeping active. Students have also engaged in Transperth Tours and an incursion to support transport training outcomes. On Wednesday the 12th March students will be participating in the Kalability sports carnival which promises to be a fun day for all. It has been very positive to see Secondary students engaging in their learning, developing their independence skills and connecting with their peers. We look forward to a very productive term filled with learning and laughing while always moving forward.
Kind Regards,
Susan Moran and Cassie Camacho (Early Years)
Simon Hume (Primary)
Sharon Peach (Student Services and Operations)
Hannah Gibson (Satellite)
Carl Gregory (Secondary)
Room 1
Welcome to Room 1! This term we have been learning all about ourselves and our bodies. We are learning to locate our main body parts and how we can use them in the classroom. During science we have been learning about different textures through sensory play and demonstrating our communication skills to say if we like or don’t like the feeling. We have lots of fun in room 1 and enjoy our singing sessions with Miss Claire, this term we are learning to count our five little ducks and our little speckled frogs. We can’t wait to see what fun we have through the rest of the year.
Room 2
Room 2 have settled into school fantastically.
Our theme for the term is ‘family and relationships’. We are learning all about the different members of family, how families can look different and the importance of friendship. Focus Key Words Signs (KWS) for the term are ‘friend’, ‘mum’, ‘dad’, ‘brother’ and ‘sister’. We have also all loved looking at ourselves in the new mirrors around the classroom and have been learning the Key Word Sign (KWS) for ‘beautiful’.
Room 3
The start of the school year has been both busy and exciting! I would like to congratulate our kindergarten students and new classmates on their smooth transition. It has been wonderful to see them forming connections with both staff and peers. The students have especially enjoyed their hydrotherapy sessions and time in the Multi-Sensory Room.
Room 10
Welcome back to school 2025! We hope you all enjoyed family time over the long holiday break.
Room 10 started this year by re-establishing our friendships and routines and welcoming a new student. Over the term, students in Room 10 will work to improve their communication skills with their devices, spelling names and counting. We aim for learning to be fun and to work on our fine motor skills.
Room 11
We are such a busy bunch in room 11.
We have come back refreshed and ready to learn! In maths and literacy rotations we mix it up with learning the letter of the week and mathematics skills in counting by using Ipad apps, concrete materials and worksheets. This is how we make sure we never get bored and get to try fun activities while learning.
Room 12
Room 12 have had an amazing start to 2025! We are all engaged, excited and ready to learn lots of new things this year.
We have been reading books with a monster theme and are making some beautiful artwork about each book of the week.
In Science we are learning about life cycles of living things, and this week we have made greenhouses with seeds. We are eagerly watching our greenhouses to see what is happening inside!
We love our bike riding and outdoor sports sessions; anything to get our active bodies moving!
It is going to be a wonderful year in Room 12.
Room 16
Room 16 have had a great start to the year and all students are settling into their class well and enjoying getting to know their new friends and teachers.
This term our theme is ‘Dinosaurs’ and we have been loving reading lots of exciting books and doing dinosaur themed art.
In Science we are learning about living and non-living things and have been going outside the classroom to observe living and non-living things in our school environment.
Our favourite lessons are bike riding, MSR and cooking which are the highlights of our week.
With such a fun start to the term, we can’t wait to see what the rest of the year holds!
Room 25
Welcome to 2025!
The students in room 25 have settled in wonderfully to the new school year and have been working really hard at all their activities. The students enjoyed attending a St. John Ambulance incursion learning some basic first aid and exploring an ambulance.
The students have also been participating in a dance program – FunFit every Friday and have been sharing their dance moves with each other. Along with cooking, which has been a hit every Friday, the students have really enjoyed making some pancakes, pizzas, and their favourite so far, cheesy garlic bread!
2025 is looking at being a great year!
Room 26
Room 26 has settled in wonderfully and is off to a fantastic start with our learning programs! The students have been busy and engaged, beginning with exciting activities like building boats to see if they float and move, sparking curiosity and hands-on learning. In cooking, the class had a blast making delicious pizzas, honing in on their culinary skills. The football clinic has been a hit in sports, with students improving their skills and teamwork. In art, the student have been exploring mythical creatures. It’s been a great start to the year, and we can’t wait for more adventures ahead!
Room 27
As we begin the new term, students have already had an exciting start with a fantastic TransPerth incursion. This hands-on experience introduced the students to various forms of transport, exploring WA’s new train lines and all things buses, trains and ferries! Students gained valuable insights into how our city’s transport system works and the importance of public transport in our daily lives.
We’re excited to see what the rest of the term holds, with more engaging activities just around the corner! Stay tuned for what’s next!
Room 31
Room 31 have started the year focussing on independence and safety. We took part in a very interesting Transperth Station Tour in the second week of school. We learned all about how to stay safe on public transport. We also learned how to pay.
We travelled on buses and visited the Galleria Bus Station (previously known as Morley Bus Station) and the Morley Station which is a new train station and bus interchange. We caught the train back to Bayswater station. It was quite educational for all as the buses we usually use had all changed numbers and routes.
In class we’ve also started planning activities for the rest of our year. We have three 18th birthdays happening in the class in 2025 so we are looking forward to some fabulous celebrations!
Room 32
Room 32 has a group of eight students this year – we are a very busy hard working group of energetic boys. We enjoy our Wednesday swim lessons and our daily fitness routine -where we have been focusing on balancing. We all love to practice our bike riding on Friday mornings too!
In Science, we have been using our five senses to explore the world around us. We are curious about many things.
We work hard and we play hard! We have already celebrated two special birthdays this term.
Satellite 1
What a fantastic start to the year for Satellite 1! The students have settled in beautifully and are already building great habits. They’re doing an excellent job of unpacking their bags, lining up during transitions, waiting their turns, and sharing with one another. These positive behaviours are helping to create a lively and well-organized classroom environment for everyone!
Our weekly Wednesday library and fitness sessions have quickly become a class favourite. The students are excited to pick out new books to take home for the week, followed by fitness activities on the big oval and a fun obstacle course on the playground. We’re all committed to staying healthy through regular exercise, maintaining our Crunch and Sip routine, staying hydrated, and applying sunblock.
Fridays are another highlight of the week, beginning with a whole-school Jump Jam session in the morning. In the afternoon, students excitedly line up for the bus ride to Durham Road School for swimming lessons. Afterward, they enjoy some fun playtime on the playground, especially the merry-go-round and trampolines.
In February, we celebrated our wonderful peer Ader's birthday with a little party. It was lots of fun, and everyone enjoyed some delicious treats!
In addition to all the fun, the class has been diving into exciting lessons in Math and Literacy. The students are making amazing progress and enjoying their learning.
Our class rewards program has been a big hit! The students have been earning Dojo points for their efforts, with many already reaching 10 points to choose a prize from the prize box. It’s fantastic to see their enthusiasm and dedication to doing their best every day.
We’re all looking forward to the exciting adventures the rest of the year will bring. Keep up the great work, Satellite 1!
Satellite 2
As we enter halfway of our first term, it’s been fantastic to see how well the children have settled into their new classes and routines! From day one, their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn has been wonderful to witness.
Swimming Lessons on Fridays
Each Friday, our students have been enjoying their swimming lessons, which have been both fun and educational. It’s great to see the improvement in their swimming skills as they build confidence in the water. Whether they are learning basic strokes or improving their technique, the students are embracing every opportunity to grow.
Creative Exploration in Art
Our art lessons have allowed the children to express their creativity in so many exciting ways. From painting and drawing to experimenting with different materials, every child has had the chance to showcase their unique artistic talents. The joy of creating something new is evident in their work!
Exciting Science Experiments
Science has been a huge hit, with hands-on experiments sparking curiosity and wonder. From mixing colours to exploring simple chemical reactions, our students are developing a love for discovery. These activities are not only fun but also teach important concepts in a practical, engaging way.
Inclusion in Sports
Our inclusion sport program has been a huge success, promoting teamwork, collaboration, and physical fitness. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of ability, creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every child feels confident and valued.
Talk for Writing & Letter Sounds Program
In literacy, we have focused on the Talk for Writing program, where students have been learning to create and tell their own stories. This method has been a great tool to develop their language and communication skills. In addition, our Letter Sounds program continues to support phonics development, helping the children to strengthen their reading and writing skills.
Overall, it's been a fantastic start to the year, and we are so proud of how well the children have adjusted to their new class and embraced all the learning opportunities. We look forward to another exciting term of growth and discovery!
Thank you for your ongoing support
The Satellite 2 team
Library
We’ve settled into the routine of library for this year, borrowing, music and story sessions, nicely. The early years and primary students enjoy coming in even when it’s not their scheduled session. Our secondary students love choosing different books each week and reading them in class each day.
Books are important to all children small and big. When children are read to it helps them understand their world, expands language skills, vocabulary, thinking skills, as well as building self-esteem, imagination and can even help a child relax as they listen.
This week Durham Road School was extremely lucky to have a huge donation of reading books given to us by Perth College, organised by Hannah (Embleton site), Ally and delivered with the help of Mike both from Perth College, thank you so much.
The photos show Hannah and I with the wonderful people from Perth College and the collection of books that were donated. What an awesome start to the year for us.
Art
Welcome to 2025, Durham Road School’s first newsletter for the year. As we start the school year, we find ourselves in the Noongar season Bunuru. This is the hottest time of the year and is represented by the colour orange. Week one was certainly a hot week to begin the school year and our students managed very well in the heat. It has been great to touch base with all of our students again and begin the Arts program.
We began the year by looking at Chinese New Year celebrations and related this back to the beginning of the new school year and sharing our work with each other. Students enjoyed watching dancing dragons and lions and then drawing and collaging their own. This also fits perfectly with our art theme of ‘fantasy creatures’. We will be working with this theme to learn about and explore textures. I am thoroughly looking forward to creating with all our secondary art students. A huge thank you to our team and the smooth start to the year.
Family Liaison Officers
Organisations that may help you:
Source Kids
There are almost 850,000 people in Australia under the age of 25 years with a disability. Source Kids has been developed to deliver important information to those caring for and working with these children and young individuals.
Some of the latest reads are -
- Managing playdates when your child has a disability
- Parents need help too
- Supporting children who struggle with social anxiety
Kiind (previously Kalparrin)
www.kiind.com.au
Perth Children’s Hospital
Family Resource Centre
Kiind supports families raising children living with disability, developmental delay, autism, genetic, rare, undiagnosed and/or chronic conditions.
Their experienced team all have lived experience of raising a child with disability and complex needs. They have extensive knowledge of the health, disability and education systems and help families to find the answers they’re looking for via a range of services including:
- Hospital support: Assistance for inpatients and outpatients at the Perth Children’s Hospital, including ward visits, emergency care packs, connection to other families, supports and services.
- Pathway planning: One-on-one support to help families get connected quickly to other families and the supports and services they need.
- Kiind Families Facebook Network: A private, judgement-free forum through which families can share knowledge, experiences, ask questions and seek advice.
- Information, tools and resources: To build knowledge and confidence, enabling parents to advocate successfully on behalf of their children and family.
- Parent support groups: Run by experienced facilitators with expert guest speakers.
- Parent coaching: Connecting an experienced Kiind parent to another parent who may be seeking guidance from someone who is further along their child’s disability journey.
Kiind is a family-led, independent peer support organisation that has been operating in Western Australia since 1989. They support thousands of families each year and all services are provided free-of-charge.
- (08) 6164 9806
E.support@kiind.com.au
W. kiind.com.au
DDWA - Developmental Disability WA
ddwa.org.au
Is an organisation that supports people with disabilities and their families across various areas of life, including education, employment, recreation, health and disability services. The provide support with planning and coordination of services for individuals with complex needs.
DDWA also offers free membership to those interested in advancing disability rights and needs.
Tenpin Bowling Australia (TBA)
Entries are now open for the 36th National Tenpin Bowling Championship for Persons with a Disability, with the event making a long-awaited return to Western Australia for the first time in 15 years.
The Championship will be held at Zone Bowling Morley from 4–14 June 2025 and is expected to once again attract a strong field of competitors from across the country.
In collaboration with Tenpin Bowling Australia (TBA) and the Australian Disabilities Tenpin Incorporated (ADTI), this popular event remains one of the sport’s most attended competitions. Last year’s event in the nation’s capital, achieved record-breaking participation with approximately 360 bowlers taking part.
This Championship is inclusive of bowlers with all skill levels, with seven competition grades ensuring fair and enjoyable competition among participants of similar ability. Competitors will compete in Teams, Doubles, and Singles events, with each grade crowning champions in the respective formats. Additionally, an All-Events champion will be declared in every grade for participants who complete all three disciplines and nominate for the All-Events category.
The Championships are open to all TBA registered members who have a disability, with key showcase events including the Cole Cup Challenge, Michael Cooke Memorial Shield, and the Masters events for Open, Classic, and Restricted grades.
The event will also feature key components of the TBA Inclusion Division National Ranked Event Program, with ranking points available for eligible bowlers in:
- All-Events Open and Classic Division
- Masters – Open and Classic Division
Entries will be submitted in three distinct stages leading up to the Championships, with the first stage now open. All details, including grades and eligibility, can be found in the entry form.
Entries can be sent to [email protected] , and questions regarding the event can be directed to [email protected] .
We can’t wait to welcome bowlers to Zone Bowling Morley for an unforgettable event showcasing the talent and spirit of our inclusive tenpin bowling community.
All known information including the entry form will be posted and maintained on the National Disability Championship Headquarters webpage which you can access by clicking the green button below.