Dear Parents, Carers and Community Members

The developments of the past few days remind us that we do certainly live in very uncertain times.  The move back to dealing with COVID restrictions within the current lockdown has been embraced by our school community and again we thank you for your on-going cooperation.  As has been communicated, our school will be open for the remainder of this term.

A reminder that current restrictions include:

Masks are required to be worn by all adults at all times while they are on school grounds.  Primary school students are not required to wear masks while attending school.

We are encouraging COVID-safe behaviours, including:

• individuals should stay home when unwell;
• promote and practice good personal hygiene;
• ensure physical distance of 1.5 metres between adults, where practicable;

Parents are allowed on school sites provided they:

• wear a mask as per the face covering directions;
• practice 1.5 metres between adults physical distancing, where practicable;
• adhere to the 2 square metre per adult venue capacity rule; and
• follow good hand and respiratory hygiene practices.

We ask that parents do not enter classrooms unless there is a necessary reason.

1-2-3 MAGIC

At our last School Development Day our staff completed a refresher course on 1-2-3 Magic which is a behaviour management strategy utilised across the school and is a component of our Positive Behaviour in Schools policy.  Further information about the program and opportunities for parents can be found at Behaviour Tonics – First in practical parenting and See our NEW VIDEO that shows Brad... - Behaviour Tonics (facebook.com).  We trust that you find this information useful as we approach the holidays.

STAFF CHANGES – TERM 3

In Week 9 we welcomed back Ms Danielle Cheng from maternity leave – welcome back Ms Cheng! 

We have some staff changes that will take effect from the end of this term that include:

• Mr Ty Campbell’s contract concludes at the end of the term as Ms Nicole Campbell returns from maternity leave.  Mr Campbell has done a terrific job in our PE team and we hope to see him around the school in a relief capacity.
• Our COVID cleaners, Ms Rebecca Hobson and Mrs Jennifer Meecham will be finishing their contracts at the end of the term.  The ladies have done a wonderful job contributing to our school community in their time with us and we wish them all the very best for the future.

• Mrs Kiera Slade is leaving us next term for a new position as Associate Principal at Aspiri Primary School.  Mrs Slade has worked tirelessly for our school and her work in driving our Kagan pedagogy and the links to our teacher pre-service program in particular have been exemplary.  On your behalf I wish her only the best for the next stage in her education leadership journey.

TERM 3

A reminder that Term 2 concludes on Friday and Term 3 commences on Monday, 19 July for students and staff.  Students do attend school on this day at our normal times.  We will be touch via our usual communication channels if there is any change to these plans.

All of this current change doesn’t detract from the fact that we have had a very successful Term 2 and our children have had the opportunity to participate in a very wide range of learning opportunities to support their development.  On your behalf I thank everyone who works in our school for their contribution to the educational, physical, social and emotional wellbeing of our students.

Have a wonderful remainder of Week 11 and a relaxing vacation with your families.

Kind regards

Craig Ashby

PRINCIPAL

Farewell

It is with mixed emotions that I share with you that I am leaving Bertram at the end of this term to take a new position as Associate Principal at Aspiri Primary School.  I am looking forward to new challenges and shaping a developing school in my new role.   I have cherished the opportunities that Bertram has given me to develop, and have fond memories of staff, parents and students that I have worked with over the years.  Bertram will always hold a special place with me, and I am thankful to have been a part of its growth into what it is today.  Thank you to everyone for their support; I look forward to seeing what Bertram does next!

Mrs Kiera Slade, Deputy Principal

Year 6 Camp

Thank you to everyone who supported the fundraising for Year 6 Camp 2021. In total $15600 was raised, halving the cost of the four-day camp for our families. Our parent fundraising group has worked incredibly hard with the support of the  whole school donating gold coins on themed-dress days, buying tea towels, donating containers for change and buying sausage sizzles!

Later in 2021 it will be the turn of our current Year 5 cohort to start planning their fundraising calendar for Year 6 Camp 2022!

Semester 1 Reports

It has been wonderful to see so many students’ Semester 1 Reports viewed by their families within the first couple of days of being shared via email and Connect. There has been a far greater percentage of parents accessing their child’s report in Connect this semester. The advantage of Connect is that your child’s report can be accessed at any time while they are enrolled in a public high school. The link in the email you have received is only live for four weeks, so make sure you print or save your child’s report as a PDF.

If you have received an invitation to join Connect please follow the link to get it set up before Semester 2 Reports are distributed. If you change your email address or mobile phone number, please let the front office know so our records are up to date.

If your child’s teacher has requested an interview please make contact with them to arrange a time to chat either in person next term or over the phone. If you have any questions or concerns in regard to any aspect of your child’s engagement and progress at school please make contact with their LA teacher.

Student Attendance

The Education Department classifies attendance as:

Consistent attendance and participation at school are essential factors in achieving social and academic learning outcomes. In order to give your child the best chance of success, the school supports families and encourages children to attend on a regular basis.

While there may be circumstances which prevent your child attending school, the Education Act requires parents to ensure their child is attending on a daily basis.

Your child’s Semester 1 attendance is printed on the last page of their report. If their attendance in Semester 1 puts them in an ‘At Risk’ category, please consider if this is a result of a block of time away from school or a number of isolated days. If you would like support to improve your child’s attendance please talk to their LA teacher or a member of the leadership team.  

Jane Weir, Cathy Stott, Kiera Slade, Aimee Coffey

Deputy Principals

The Play Committee would like to thank the members of our parent community who took the time to respond to the Play Time at Bertram Survey.  We were pleased to read all the positive responses which demonstrated students are enjoying the varied play opportunities available during lunch and recess.

After carefully reviewing the feedback, considering our risk management strategies and resource constraints, we wanted to let you know:

• A parent representative will be invited to all future Play Committee meetings to provide a parent voice.
• Loose Parts Play is available for all students every lunch and recess in the Djidi-djidi (Community) Area.  We are improving the storage of loose parts and will seek further suitable donations next term.
• We are increasing the play opportunities by purchasing scooters for older students to use on the bike track (small bikes will be moved into the Kindy and Pre-primary play area) as well as moveable play equipment such as totem tennis or giant Connect 4.
• The supervision of students at lunch and recess has been reviewed by the School Management Group with input from all staff used to make adjustments for Term 3.
• The sensory garden has begun its installation with works continuing in Term 3.
• The Grounds Committee is currently discussing options for an additional playground or fixed equipment in the Djidi-djidi (Community) Area.
• A large game will be out each lunch time between the front office and kitchen in addition to the varied activities available to students at lunch and recess, which will be shared with families on Seesaw to be promoted at home.

The Play Committee will continue to meet regularly and work towards creating even better play time opportunities for our students.

The City of Kwinana has been granted additional funds to bring forward planned future projects.  Part of this funding is the installation of a footpath on the west side, for the full length of Trusty Way.

Construction of this footpath will take place between July and September.  Once a construction date has been booked by the City of Kwinana, they will notify the school 14 days prior to any works commencing on site.

If your child is four years old by 30th June 2021 we currently have space available in our kindy classes.

If your child is four years old by 30 June 2022 you can apply to enrol them in Kindergarten for 2022.

Enrolment Packs can be collected from the school office Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm, or you can complete Enrolment Forms online by going to our school webpage.  http://www.bertramps.wa.edu.au/enrolment-information/

At the time of enrolment your child will need to have an 'up to date' AIR Immunisation history statement.

Everyday of a child's education matters.

Payment Plans

May be arranged prior to the payment due date by contacting the Manager Corporate Services, Liz O'Born at the front office on 6174 1000.  

• Year 6 Camp to Woodman Point - total amount owing $125.00 per student to be paid in full by Thursday, 5th August 2021.
• Sumardi Wayang Kulit Shadow Puppetry has been rescheduled due to COVID, the new date is Thursday, 12th August 2021, payment of $5.00 is due by Thursday, 5th August 2021

Financial Support 

If providing your child/ren the opportunity to participate in  Excursions or School Based Activities is likely to cause financial hardship, we may be able to provide financial support.  Please complete the slip on bottom of the consent form and return it to the front office.

Being a volunteer is an incredibly rewarding experience that provides everyone, regardless of age or background, the opportunity to give something back to their local community.

Strengthen Your Community

Volunteering is a great way to become more connected and contribute to your community. Whether you're working on the frontline, or in a supporting role, your local knowledge can play a vital role in strengthening your community and keeping it safe.

Personal and Professional Development

As a volunteer, you'll have the opportunity to strengthen your communication and teamwork skills, all of which can be carried into your personal and professional life.

Sense of Achievement and Purpose

Volunteer work is beneficial for your community, but it can also make a positive impact on you. When you give back to your community, you're participating in something bigger than yourself, which can provide you with a great sense of achievement

Form New Friendships as Part of a Team

Volunteering also provides a place to connect with like-minded members of your community, work as a team and bond over shared experiences. Working closely together with new groups of people can help you forge life-long friendships.

Ongoing Training and Support

All emergency services volunteers are offered free training and education to meet the needs of their chosen volunteer role. Many of these skills are highly valued by employers and can be put into practice in real-world situations.

Whether you want to get involved in the frontline action, or you feel you're better suited to work behind the scenes, there's a role for everyone to play in keeping the community safe.

Find Roles

All children from Pre-Primary to Year 11 are eligible to dental treatment at the Wellard Dental Therapy Centre located at Wellard Primary School.

Wellard Dental Therapy Centre | Dental Health Services North

25 Breccia Parade, WELLARD 6170

T: (08) 9553 0610

E: wellarddtc@dental.health.wa.gov.au

W: www.nmhs.health.wa.gov.au | www.dental.wa.gov.au

Our Vision: Excellence in health care for our community.