flinderspark.ps@education.wa.edu.au

Navigator Newsletter

Term 3 Issue 2

Principal's Message

Mural Project – Caring for Country & Culture

We are excited to announce that our new mural will be completed over the October school holidays by renowned local artist Sobrane Simcock. Funded by our wonderful P&C and a PALS grant, the mural tells the next chapter of our conservation and sustainability story.
It features local flora and fauna, celebrates Aboriginal culture through dual Noongar language naming, and links to our ongoing South Coast NRM Ringtail Possum project. A special thank you to our Aboriginal families, students, and staff for shaping the design together.

Teaching & Learning

Our focus documents for each year level continue to be published each term on our school website, giving families a clear window into the learning priorities across the school.

We are also introducing new whole school spelling programs:
- Word Origins (Years 4–6) will begin in Term 4. This approach replaces traditional spelling lists with deeper learning about words, vocabulary building, and root word knowledge.
- UFLI (PP–3) is currently being trialed by three Champion teachers and will be fully implemented in 2026.

We thank our P&C for funding new literacy resources to support this exciting journey.

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

Our PBS Matrix and Behaviour & Engagement Guidelines are now finalised and will soon be published on the school website.

Looking ahead to Term 4:
- The Good Standing Policy will be reintroduced.
- Students will help select our very own PBS Mascot.
- A PBS Handbook will be developed to support consistency across the school.

These steps continue to build a respectful, and positive learning environment for every student.

Early Years Education

Flinders Park has submitted an Expression of Interest to be part of a pilot program for a full-time Kindy onsite from 2027. This would link closely with our Community Hub and 0–4 services, giving families even stronger early learning pathways.

The K–2 team has also developed an Early Years Statement, with planning aligned to National Quality Standards. While Lower King Community Kindy will continue part-time, these developments ensure we are leading the way in supporting our youngest learners.

I have also been invited to attend the Early Childhood Stakeholder Forum in Perth this week. This will be a valuable opportunity to understand more about the full-time Kindergarten Pilot and to provide input and feedback around early childhood education in WA.

Staffing Updates

We would like to sincerely thank Mrs Jan Westerberg for her work in the Art role and Mrs Abbey-Lee Jones for her support of students in Room 5.3 during Term 3.

We are delighted to welcome Miss Olivia Lee, who joins our Flinders team for the remainder of the year as the Year 6 teacher in Room 5.3. Olivia has recently moved from Perth to take up this appointment and is keen to be an active member of both our school and local community.

Ms Leonie Dente will move into the Art role until the end of Term 4 while continuing her important work as our Learning Support Coordinator within the Student Services Team.

Business Planning 2026–2028

We are preparing to develop our next Business Plan.
- Community Consultation Event: Thursday 6 November, 4:30–6:00pm
- Staff Planning Session: Friday 7 November, Show Day.

This is a wonderful opportunity for our families, staff, and community to shape the direction of Flinders Park for the next three years.

From our mural project, to innovative spelling programs, to Friendly Schools Plus, to new early years pathways and PBS developments, every initiative reflects our shared commitment to respect, kindness, and responsibility.

Together, we are shaping Flinders Park Primary School into a connected, culturally responsive, and forward-looking community where every student matters every day.

Introducing Friendly Schools Plus at Flinders Park Primary

At Flinders Park Primary School, we are committed to supporting the wellbeing and success of every student. This term, we are excited to be implementing Friendly Schools Plus, an evidence-based social and emotional learning program developed here in Western Australia by the Telethon Kids Institute.

Friendly Schools Plus is aligned with the Western Australian Curriculum and helps students build the social and emotional skills they need to:
- Recognise and manage their emotions
- Build resilience and confidence to cope with challenges
- Foster respectful relationships and kindness towards others
- Make responsible decisions

The program also strengthens our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) values of Respect, Kindness and Responsibility, helping students to live these values every day.

As part of this initiative, students will take part in a Wellbeing Survey. The survey helps us identify student needs, guide support, and ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and able to achieve their best at school.

We are proud to bring this Western Australian initiative to our school community and look forward to sharing the positive impact it will have on our students’ wellbeing and learning.

Interschool AFL Carnivals

Flinders Park recently participated in the two AFL Carnivals against many local primary schools. Both teams played particularly well and made it into the Grand Finals!

Interestingly, the two Grand Finals were between Flinders and Mt Lockyer and in the end, both schools won an event with our girls team coming home victorious.

Congratulations to all players for their efforts and to staff and parents who supported them.

Ms Menegola

Skipping Hall Of Fame

Congratulations to Lucy, year 6 who achieved the highest honour in skipping by passing her black level this year. She has had her name added to the Skipping Hall of Fame on the honour board, making her the 106^th student to achieve this honour. She was presented with her certificate at the recent assembly.

Ms Menegola

Interm Swimming Lessons Term 4

Please see the timetable below.

Week 2 – Rms 4.1 & 4.4 (Dep: 12:10; Lesson: 12:30 – 1:50; Return: 2:10)

Week 5 – Rms 2.2 & 5.3 (Dep: 11:05; Lesson: 11:25 – 12:40; Return: 1:05)

Week 5 – Rms 1.2 & 5.4 (Dep: 12:30; Lesson: 12:50 – 2:05; Return: 2:20)

Week 6 – Rms 2.1 & 4.2 (Dep: 11:05; Lesson: 11:25 – 12:40; Return: 1:05)

Week 6 – Rms 2.4 & 4.3 (Dep: 12:30; Lesson: 12:50 – 2:05; Return: 2:20)

Students need bathers, towels, and dry clothes to change into each day. They should also have a bag to store wet bathers and towels after lessons.

School Photos Term 4

Our school photos will be taken by MSP Photography in Week 3 of Term 4, on Wednesday 29 October and Thursday 30 October, 2025.

We have sent out a Connect Message earlier this week containing information you will need to know regarding ordering your child's photos, the process for family photos and the proposed schedule for the photography. This letter will also be sent home in hard copy at the beginning of Term 4.

Please note that we will not be providing any shoot keys or envelopes for family photos until Term 4.

Acknowledgement Of Country

At Flinders Park Primary School we respectfully acknowledge the Noongar people as the traditional Custodians of the land we live, learn and play on.

We embrace the Noongar community and their continuing connection to Country, water and sky and pay our respects to Elders past and present. As a school we are committed to fostering respectful relationships with the First Nations Peoples and welcome their guidance and support.