OPPORTUNITIES

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Mike Friday, Principal

Term 4 2019

I would like to thank you all for the year I have been blessed to have at the Communicare Academy. I am returning home to Geraldton to be with my family regretting that I will not be here to see the continued growth and development of the school and its students.

We had a difficult start to the year with a large staff turnover and it is a credit to the hard-working staff and the students that we have grown together into a school community. We have been very fortunate in gathering several new staff that have added to the quality teaching that already existed at the Communicare Academy. It is significant that we are NOT losing any staff at the end of the year, but we are in the position to add three additional teacher assistants to help meet the needs of the students in the classrooms, we have a full-time school psychologist and two trainers to assist in offering additional Certificate in General Education for Adults (CGEA) support.

We have a had a large number of students complete their CGEA certificate this year and we already have students with employment next year and a significant number accepted into TAFE courses that will set them up for successful careers.

The process is well in hand to appoint my replacement and I am more than confident that; with the dedicated staff that we have, 2020 will be a successful one for the Communicare Academy

I would like to sincerely thank all of those of you who have welcomed and helped me during my time at the Communicare Academy and wish you all a happy, safe and refreshing holiday period and a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

2 Term 4 2019THE COMMUNICARE ACADEMY

IMAGINE CLASS TERM FOUR - Emily Stevens

SENIOR COOKING - Sean Burke

From the end of Term Three this year, the Imagine class took on the challenge of designing and re painting the art wall in the Burnt Toast Café. We began the project by interviewing and surveying different people around the school to find out what was desired and what ideas others had for our designs.

From this, we were able to conduct some research and begin our designs. We used some great collaboration and managed to come up with some great draft designs based around cartoon pictures of the food we eat here at school.

Before we were able to paint the new designs on, we need to prep the wall. Using sandpaper, we sanded away the top layers of the old paint whilst at the same time, we wrote letters to Bunnings Warehouse asking for their help.

Luckily for us, Bunnings donated all the painting supplies we needed and we were very grateful to the as we went from school to pick up the supplies.

The next day the drop sheets were down, rollers out and we were learning how to apply paint in a smooth and consistent manner. Following this we were able to start painting on our designs using a variety of chalk pens. Unfortunately, it took us a few layers of paint to really get the colours to pop on the pictures, but we are really proud of our work and have had many compliments.

Term Four has seen the senior cooking classes tackle some quintessential Aussie dishes, such as meat pies, chicko rolls, kangaroo tail stew and damper. We end the year with some typical desserts, such as lamingtons, ANZAC biscuits and pavlova. Along the way students have honed their techniques of cutting, mixing and especially measuring, to ensure a good outcome, and always working together as a team. There haven’t been many leftovers this term.

If you are parking near the school DO NOT park at the businesses across the road or at the VET. These are private carparks and are not to be used by the Communicare Academy community. If you need parking space, please park down our driveway, or on Moore St near the PCYC, or at the train station. Thank you for your cooperation.

PARKING AT THE COMMUNICARE ACADEMY

3 Term 4 2019THE COMMUNICARE ACADEMY

YEAR 9 DREAM CLASS 2019 - Matthew Borgward

The year 9 students (Dream Class) have had a productive year this year. The students have worked diligently throughout the year in HASS, Numeracy and Literacy. What has been extra pleasing to see is that their work ethic has increased as the year has progressed giving them a strong foundation of knowledge to apply to their year 10 work next year.

Year 9 is considered a difficult year in most schools as the students are too young to participate in work experience and generally are unable to choose specialised subjects or begin CGEA work. However, this year, to reward Dream Class for their mature work ethic and behaviour we allowed the students in term four to start Certificate I In General Education for Adults. The students embraced this extra responsibility and proceeded to power through the first Numeracy and Literacy book for Certificate I with many students completing them.

This was a momentous effort from the class and I was very proud with how every student took ownership of their education and learning journey! To finish off the year we took the class to Adventure World to recognise the excellent work they had done for the year.

It was great to see the students playing, eating and laughing together. Although they all were taught a lesson in how to win go-cart racing by yours truly, it was a really fun day and one that they deserved and earnt! I personally would like to thank Dream class for a fantastic year, I have enjoyed being your main classroom teacher and wish you all a happy holiday and relaxing break!

BAND - Carolyn Bendotti

This term, after student requests at Community Circle, we started a Music Fixed Focus class. It runs every Monday, and Dennis has been teaching students to play guitar and bass guitar, with a few students learning chords, and Zoey has shown real talent and a good ear.

Dennis bought a new drum kit and some of the students have been giving it a beating! Both Dennis and Matt have been showing students how to play drums and keep a steady beat, and Kodi has stepped up and is starting his rock and roll drumming career. Mason has put his technical skills to good use, by being responsible for the audio, and he has this all under control.

Keyshiaa has been introduced to new genres of music and is learning some old songs and some current songs that she hasn’t heard before.

At this stage we are just jamming, having a bit of fun and learning a bit of music. We plan to continue the program next year, and will purchase more instruments if needed. We may even look into music lessons in the future.

4 Term 4 2019THE COMMUNICARE ACADEMY

OUTDOOR EDUCATION – ROTTNEST CAMP - Joao Montenegro

In Term Four students continued to experience a range of activities, including Mountain Bike and Surfing where they have been challenged physically and mentally. They have demonstrated great commitment and involvement in all proposed activities, developing their interpersonal skills and developing their understanding about the environment and its influence on safety and decision making.

Currently, our students are engaged in surfing lessons. They are learning about weather conditions, ocean awareness, wave selection, rips and currents.

They seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves, and they have been excellent ambassadors of the school.

At the beginning of November Communicare students spent three days at Rottnest Island as part of our annual camp. Our accommodation was situated at Thompson Bay near the shops, and literally one step from the main jetty. Very well located indeed! Definitely a great choice made by our amazing teacher, Mr Sean Burke.

Students participated in many structured activities, but also had free time to explore their own interests, be with friends or just unwind. Our itinerary included cultural activities, long-distance (very long indeed!!!) riding, fishing and snorkeling.

Day One we walked to the lookout where Sean delivered a knowledgeable speech about the history of the island and its fauna, including its dangers, such as snakes, strong rips and currents.

From there our group walked to the shop to collect the bikes and safety equipment in preparation for Day Two.

We rode back to our accommodation for dinner preparation. As negotiated, boys were responsible for cooking dinner on the first day and girls to clean the dishes. Pasta on the menu! Supreme! Maravilhoso!

After dinner students had the choice to stay in the units resting for the next day or fishing at the main jetty. For those who bravely went fishing, not a lucky night! Not to mention the chilly wind! For sure, it was much better to watch Sean trying to “fish” treasures from the bottom of the ocean with his magnet!

Day Two started with a ‘bit’ of physical exercise, as we rode to Wadjemup Lighthouse for a guided tour. Up and down the hills staff and students pedaled towards their destination. Some struggled and pushed their bikes uphill, but at the end we all made it. At the lighthouse, students had the opportunity to learn about its history and appreciate, after 155 steps, the 360-degree view from the highest point on Rottnest Island. Congrats to Amber who made it up for the first time ever.

From the lighthouse we continued our ‘Tour de France’ to West End to see the seals. We were all committed to the journey! Apart from the physical and mental challenge, every pedal paid off. The island is amazingly beautiful.

Geordie Bay was our next destination. Another 9.7 km for our deserved lunch break. From Geordie Bay we went to the Basin for snorkeling, pristine water and lovely weather. It was the perfect combination for relaxing after all the physical effort. From the Basin students had free time, however, most of them decided to go back to our units to chill or have a nap.

For dinner we had a very well served barbecue, accompanied by three types of salad. Well done, girls! Boys did the dishes. Later in the evening, students played spotlight in a pre-determined area. Everyone enjoyed themselves and had fun!

On our last day on the island we packed up and we all rode to Little Salmon Bay. Hearing a few complaints, especially from people with sore legs, we all made it! 100% Worthwhile! Another stunning place at Rottnest Island. As we were heading for the conclusion of our successful Camp, it was time to return the bikes and get on board the ferry to Fremantle B Shed.

Students successfully demonstrated great resilience and teamwork skills, responding positively to all challenges.

Many thanks to Sean, Rikki and Lucy for all your support! Without you it wouldn’t have been possible!

5 Term 4 2019THE COMMUNICARE ACADEMY

CGEA SCITECH EXCURSION - Carolyn Bendotti

PATHFINDERS BOYS - Sean Burke

Our Year 10 – 12 students, who are all currently studying Certificate I, II or III in General Education for Adults, attended a compulsory academic excursion to Scitech in Week 5. We had fantastic attendance, with nearly all our students making the effort to attend.

Our first activity was a group challenge, the students had to make a ‘flying machine’, using only a few supplies, that each had to be purchased with their small budget. This meant they had to be creative and come up with original and effective designs. Some students did an amazing job, and their machines flew for over a minute.

Our next activity was a demonstration called Power Trip – in which we learnt how to observe and measure energy, as well as how we can use it better. It had some dramatic explosions and we found out some things we hadn’t known before, it was pretty powerful stuff!

We then had an hour to roam around the gallery, playing with all the exhibits. The BHP Exhibition Gallery: Science Fiction Science Future was a really interesting experience – it was amazing to see what they have already invented. There was an invisible cloak – it works by bending light around you, so you actually disappear! There was a mind game, where the more relaxed you are the faster you win. That was tricky as most of us were pretty competitive! Many other exhibits gave us a hint of what the future might look like, including teleportation.

After lunch, we went to space and beyond in the Planetarium – it made us see how small and insignificant planet Earth is, and even though it takes 3 days to travel the 350 000 km to the moon, the next step is to Mars, and now that they know there is ice under the surface of Mars, perhaps we might make a home there one day, even if it is 55 million km away!

The boys of years 7 and 8 have completed an arduous project as part of their lessons. They have constructed and erected large planter boxes for the entrance of the school. In order to do this, they learned skills in carpentry as well as understanding the way in which a wicking bed (self-watering system) needs to be arranged in order to operate successfully. The boys can be proud of the way in which they applied themselves to this quest and they will be able to see the fruits of their labours blooming in the new year.

6 Term 4 2019THE COMMUNICARE ACADEMY

TRADE - Sean Burke

An expanded array of trade class in Term Four saw the younger students join in on a regular basis. Diligent students have been taking their products home, including planter boxes, shields, spears and quite a number of cheeseboards. Extension projects have included Halloween themed items, a barbeque table, sanding and painting a cradle and a couple of longboards. Students have developed their skills across a wide range of woodworking techniques and many appear to enjoy the class.

For the first time since its foundation Communicare Academy has offered to our students the opportunity to develop their fine skills in Basketball (Boys) and Volleyball (Girls) training sessions. The idea came from our community circles where students have a voice to express their thoughts and provide suggestions, adding value to the school community.

So far, our students have played against two schools, Clontarf Aboriginal College and St George Anglican Grammar School.

The Basketball team lost their first game vs Clontarf by just 1 point and won their second game vs St George by 30 points! Well done to Seth, Nick S., Liam, Coby, Kodi, Jayman, Blair and Blake B.

The Volleyball team beat St George by 2-1: 19/25, 25/13 and 25/22. Well done to Skye H., Taris, Rhianna, Jamie, Ebony and Lucy.

Through sports, students can develop valuable skills such as teamwork, commitment, problem-solving, and an understanding that hard work leads to good results. The ability to work together towards a common goal is an essential part of team sports, as well as an important life skill.

Participation in team sports allow students to make lasting friendships, develop communication skills, build self-esteem, and learn to respect their teammates, teachers and coaches. They can learn good sportsmanship, and how to make each game a learning opportunity, all while having fun and practicing a sport they enjoy!

SPORTS TRAININGS - Joao Montenegro

7 Term 4 2019THE COMMUNICARE ACADEMY

2020 TERM DATES

Term One04 Feb 2020 – 09 Apr 2020

Term Two28 Apr 2020 – 03 Jul 2020

Term Three22 Jul 2020 – 25 Sep 2020

Term Four13 Oct 2020 – 17 Dec 2020

BIG PROGRAMME EXCURSION - Sean Burke

The Brothers in Guidance programme continued with good momentum in Term Four. One of the benefits of the programme is that the boys have the opportunity to attend a serious gym and be instructed by professionals like Christian and Sam. The group who attended this term acquitted themselves well and reported being quite sore the next day, after enduring a full circuit of leg, back and arm work. Christian and Sam also shared their experience with the lads on the topic of developing a habit of apology, including useful roleplay.

Create has gone from strength to strength this term. They have been very busy across all curriculum areas and have been working collaboratively. Year 8 is a demanding year socially and academically and our Create group has really risen to the challenge in term 4. They have managed to grasp the complex relationships between different players in our economy. Phew! They have also created some brilliant paragraphs and are writing better than ever. They are firing ahead in Maths, creating masterpieces in Art, learning about their stage of life in Science and being champions in sport. On top of this, they have learned about ordinary people who make extraordinary choices in Health and learning about relationships in Pathfinders.

The Term Four excursion was the ultimate in teamwork. The Year 8’s challenged themselves in rock climbing and zip lining. Not everyone found it easy but everyone gave it a go! It was beautiful to see students overcome their fears. It was also beautiful to see this group of students come together, challenging each other and having a fun day.

This year has been a year of growth for Create. They have come together, learning to support and encourage each other, learning to work together and overcoming personal challenges.

CREATE CLASS - Navit Shchigel

8 Term 4 2019THE COMMUNICARE ACADEMY

GERALDTON VENTURER CAMP - Rikki Ziedas

This year our scout camp underwent a big trip to the exciting town of Geraldton.

The aim of this camp was to explore some history at the HMAS Sydney memorial, to go towards their “Their Service, Our Heritage” badge. Other excursions that have gone towards this badge have been, visiting the Albany War Memorial and the Kings Park Memorial site.

On our first night, we all went out into town and had some dinner after a super long 5 hour drive. This then lead to an early night.

On the second day, the Venturers cooked breakfast before heading out to meet with some Geraldton TAFE Tourism students who had kindly agreed to show us around. First stop was the Batavia Coast Maritime Institute. We split into groups and explored all the different types of fish and their life cycles.

Next stop was Geraldton’s Fisherman Co-Operative. Here, students learnt about lobsters. They were even lucky enough to hold one!

When we had finished our tour, we went on the bus to the HMAS Sydney memorial. Students were able to read about the history involved with the ship, where it sank, how many soldiers fought upon the ship and

the names of all those involved. At the memorial site there is a giant dome made of metal seagulls. This represents the 645 soldiers that died on the HMAS Sydney.

We said goodbye to the TAFE students and headed into town for an afternoon of free time exploring. Some students chose to swim and some chose to shop.

In the evening, after dinner at Skeetas, the Venturers decided to play a game (or ten) of spotlight. If the staff had let them, they could have played all night!

The next morning, we packed up as quick as possible and headed into town for breakfast. After breakfast we started our long journey back to school.

The Venturers were really well behaved and thanks to Rikki, Dennis and Mike for coming along and Emily for stepping in for Bec at the last minute, for what turned out to be a great camp!

Looking forward to the next one!

The Term Four Art focus has been the art form of tattoos. Some Communicare Academy students already have their own tattoos and were keen to share how they selected or designed their tattoo image. Students learnt a variety of tattoo styles and the pros and cons of choosing one over the other. Styles studied included Aboriginal designs, Neo-Classical, Polynesian Islands inspired, Realism, Traditional and Watercolour. The final project was to design and create their own tattoo inspired by previous and new founded personal knowledge. A highlight of Term Four was a visit by three local tattoo artists from Kelmscott’s Mad Catz Tattoo.

Communicare also provided the Art Studio three Wacom art pads which allow students to create and catalogue their own designs. Seeing the student focus with these new tools has been a positive highlight to Term Four.

All the best to our Year 12 Art students, Abbi, Amber, Nicholas, Sara, Sarah whom have contributed ample pieces to our school over their tenure.

ART - Tene Moore