16 May 2025

Messages From the Principal

Welcome to Term 2

Welcome back everyone. Although we are already completing Week 3! I hope that you managed to have some family time with the children. Our calendar is quite full, and I recommend that you check the term planner for the events we have planned.

Embedded community engagement processes
Communities of support for the school’s vision and outcomes

ANZAC

On Friday 2 May, our students conducted a commemorative assembly that honoured our ANZAC’s. Their respectful attitude to this very important day was evident during the ceremony. 

Students’ individual wellbeing
Embedded community engagement processes
Communities of support for the school’s vision and outcomes

School Board

Thank you to all who nominated to become a Board member.  We had 5 parents nominate for 3 places and we are now conducting the community election process. You should have received a School Stream message with the candidate profiles and a link to vote. Thank you for taking the time to be part of this very important process.

Embedded community engagement processes
Communities of support for the school’s vision and outcomes
High expectations, by the school’s communities, for student & school outcomes

Mother’s Day

I hope that our mothers had an awesome day, spending time with family and friends. Thank you to our P&C for organising the Mother’s Day stall and the raffle.  I also managed to observe the wonderful activities organised by our early childhood team. Our mothers were pampered by getting hand massages and having their nails painted: and shown love with cooking/art activities and having special photos taken.

Students’ individual wellbeing
Embedded community engagement processes
Design of learning environments – classroom, schoolwide

Works

If you have visited the school grounds lately, you would have noticed that we have commenced the oval rejuvenation program with the top oval.  The works are required because of too many weeds and the surface becoming too hard.  Unfortunately, the oval will be out of bounds for most of the year.

School resourcing
Aesthetic environment
An embedded revitalisation process
Design of learning environments – classroom, schoolwide

Mr Peter Jakimowiez
Principal

Messages From the Deputy Principal

Meet Shadow

We are thrilled to introduce a very special new member to our school community - Shadow, our school wellbeing dog!

Shadow is a gentle, friendly poodle who will be working alongside staff to help support the wellbeing of our students. Her role is to provide emotional support, assist with regulation when students are feeling overwhelmed, and simply bring a sense of calm and comfort to our school environment.

The short-term goal for Shadow is to integrate into the school community, and to feel comfortable in the school environment.

In the near future, you may be greeted by Shadow at the school gates, see her walking around the school on-lead, or spending time with students who need a quiet moment or a calming presence. She has already demonstrated her natural ability to connect with young people and make them feel at ease.

We have told the students about Shadow, as well as going through some rules for her and the students. Check out our school Facebook page for their reaction :)

She is hypoallergenic, and students will always be asked if they are comfortable to interact with Shadow, who will be on-lead around them. However, if you would not like your child to interact with her, then please email us at dianellaheights.ps@education.wa.edu.au

We look forward to the positive impact Shadow will have on our school community and are excited for everyone to get to know her!

Year 6 Information

To assist with your planning, below are a few important dates for the Year 6 cohort.

Camp chocolate fundraising money due
Term 2, Week 5

Camp forms sent home
Early Term 3

Camp money due
Term 3, Week 9

Camp
Term 4, Week 3
Tuesday 28 Oct to Friday 31 October

Graduation Evening
Lake Karrinyup County Club
Term 4, Week 9
Friday 12 December, 6:00pm

Mr Ben Taylor
Deputy Principal

Messages From the Manager Corporate Services

Applications for Enrolment 2026

If you would like to make an application for enrolment to Dianella Heights Primary School in 2026 please apply through the school website. Full details of required documentation may be found here.

Applications are due in the school office by Friday 25 July.

All Kindergarten students currently attending Dianella Heights Primary School are required to complete a new application form for entry into Pre Primary in 2026. These forms have been sent home with students. Please complete the application form and return to the classroom teacher by Monday 26 May with the following documents:

• Pre Primary application form
• Proof of address
• Australian Immunisation History Statement

If you do not intend to re-enrol your child for Pre Primary in 2026, please inform the school as soon as possible.

Mrs Jackie Kelly
Manager Corporate Services

HASS - Humanities and Social Science

The very first Harmony Day celebration was held nationally in 1999, each year Dianella Heights Primary School celebrates with a weeklong event. The colour orange was chosen to represent Harmony Day because it symbolises communication, meaningful conversations and the freedom of ideas, encouraging mutual respect.

The festivities included a read aloud of the wonderful book I’m Australian Too; a whole school art installation in the garden; wearing cultural dress or orange to school; lunch time activities hosted by our amazing specialist teachers and a special Harmony Week lunch order organised by our P&C. Individual classes and buddy classes also completed activities throughout the week.

At Dianella Heights Primary School we celebrate and respect all the different cultures that make up our school.

HaSS Committee

EALD – English as Additional Language/Dialect

Last term, the Year 2 students enjoyed reading the book about Rodney the rabbit losing his pencil. They loved it so much that they asked if they could make their own Rodney books this term. The students are working hard to innovate the story, they have created their own characters that will lose something precious to them. There is a story about a Burger Man, Sally Bally the kitten, Bob the alien and Steve the caveman. Once they have developed their story with some strong adjectives, they will publish their very own books to bring home and share with their families.

The Kindy students have been listening to stories about a cheeky possum, Possum Goes to School and Possum in the House. The students answered lots of questions about the stories to develop their comprehension skills. They then got to retell the events of the story using a possum puppet and a doll house. Using the real objects to retell the story was a fun and engaging activity for all the students and built on their story telling skills. We even changed the ending of the story so that the mum and dad eventually caught the cheeky possum.

If your child’s classroom teacher requests to meet with you to discuss your child’s progress, the school can organise an interpreter, either via a conference call or in person, to translate the conversation into your home language. This is a free service offered by the Department of Education. All you need to do is let the teacher know that you would like an interpreter and which language you require. Let’s work together in unity to build strong cultural relationships between our families and the school.

Natalie McInnes
EALD teacher

ECE – Early Childhood Education

ECE Term 2 Highlights

We’ve had a wonderful start to Term 2, and you may have noticed a few exciting changes around our ECE environment!

Playground Refresh

Over the holidays, our amazing staff volunteered their time to give the playground a fresh new look. The tunnels have been painted (inside and out) with blackboard paint, creating a fun and creative space for the children to draw and explore. We’ve also started developing our new ‘Construction Zone’, where children can play with real wood offcuts (sanded for safety) and other props to inspire imaginative building and cooperative play.

Thanks to the help of Mr Chris, we’ve added new stepping stones and revamped our bike path. Sending a big thank you to all staff who contributed their time and effort over the break!

Celebrating Our Mums

This week, we’ve been celebrating the wonderful mums in our ECE community.

• Our Kindy students gave a heartfelt performance and shared a special morning tea they had helped prepare the day before.
• Pre-Primary children treated their mums to some pampering, including head massages and nail painting—a fun and memorable experience for all.

Thank you to everyone who joined us; we hope you felt appreciated and enjoyed the celebration!

A Note About the Weather

With the cooler mornings now settling in, please ensure all clothing is clearly labelled. This helps us quickly return lost items to their rightful owners.

The ECE Team

Wellbeing Officer

Happy Term 2 everybody! I hope everyone had a chance to rest, play and connect with friends and family over the holidays.

I’ve been thinking about joy a lot lately. When my daughters heard the sound of the ice-cream truck on our street and flung themselves (with hopeful side-eye) out of the door squealing, I thought I can’t argue with that level of joy. Last week I watched a year one delight over a grasshopper, and another gush about the party invitation she’d received. As they say, children are hardwired to experience joy, and it’s always special to witness it and remind ourselves to be open to those little moments of joy and wonder…

"Find joy in the simplest of pleasures and you'll never feel deprived" - Unknown

Our Friday Lunchtime Discos continue to bring me a great deal of joy! Check out these glorious groovers!

Lego Club will be returning soon as well - keep a listen out for news on that.

As always, come say hi and have a chat anytime - I’m out and about on Fridays and every second Monday.

Jess Lewis
Wellbeing Officer

From Around the School

Year 2 Excursion - Kalamunda History Village 

On Wednesday 2 April, the Year 2s went on an excursion to Kalamunda History Village to support what we are learning in history. We stepped back in time to learn about life in the olden days. One of the highlights was making toilet paper using newspaper. It was fun to see how different it was from what we use today! We also had a go at washing and ironing clothes by hand with a washboard, mangle and an old-style iron. It was hard work and made us realise how lucky we are to have washing machines.

We visited an old-fashioned toilet called a dunny and learned how people used to go to the toilet without running water. It was very different from today’s toilets! Inside the old schoolhouse, we sat at wooden desks and pretended to be students from the past. The teacher showed us how children used slate boards to write on and how harsh the consequences were in the olden days.

We stopped by the blacksmith’s workshop, where we learnt how skilled the blacksmith had to be. In the orchard shed, we discovered how changes in technology have made life easier for us. We had a great day and learned so much about how people lived long ago.

My favourite part was the school because it is wild that they use chalkboards, and I love that we got to see what was in the past. – Evie

My favourite thing in the excursion was the apple machine because it sorted the apples in a cool way. I also like that part when we went to the old school. – Oliver

The thing I liked about the excursion was when I was scrubbing the clothes. The second thing I liked was playing in the garage. – Sebastian

My favourite thing at the excursion was to see the classroom and see the amazing home that had eight people. – Mila

My favourite part was when I got to wash the clothes. – Chester

My favourite part was doing the washing up and going into the olden days house. – Tahali

My favourite part was when we got to go to the Kalamunda School because we got to write on slate. – Thripura

My favourite part was when I got to play with the olden day toys. – Ayan and Neisha

My favourite part was seeing the dunny. – Elise

My favourite part was when I got to wash the clothes and peg them onto the line. – Alice

Year 5 Students Harness Solar Power to Cook S’mores!

Our Year 5 students have been putting their design and problem-solving skills to the test in an exciting project—building and testing solar ovens to cook s’mores! This hands-on activity not only provided a delicious reward but also introduced key concepts in design and technology.

Throughout the project, students explored how people in design and technology occupations work to improve efficiency and consumer satisfaction. They considered different materials and designs to maximize heat absorption and retention, much like engineers and food scientists strive to optimise production systems. By experimenting with reflectors, insulation, and various container shapes, students aimed to create an oven that efficiently melted chocolate and marshmallows using only the sun’s energy.

To guide their work, students followed a structured design process. They defined the problem - creating a functional solar oven - and developed a sequenced plan, making key decisions along the way. They brainstormed designs, tested prototypes, and recorded observations to refine their ideas. This approach helped them understand the importance of problem-solving in real-world applications.

The project not only reinforced STEM concepts but also encouraged collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. By engaging in hands-on experimentation, students gained a deeper appreciation for sustainable technology and innovation. Plus, they got to enjoy a tasty treat at the end of their hard work!

We are incredibly proud of our budding engineers and look forward to seeing how they continue to apply their design thinking skills in future projects. 

Mr Zanatta, Mr Righton, Mrs Clohessy & Mrs Miolin

Year 6 Mother's Day Workshop with Bunnings Malaga

On Wednesday 30 April, our Year 6 students had a fantastic hands-on experience thanks to the generous team from Bunnings Malaga. The Bunnings crew kindly donated their time, tools and materials to help students create beautiful, handmade Mother’s Day gifts. Using wood, nails, and hammers, the students practiced valuable skills such as measuring, hammering, teamwork, and creativity. Once built, they decorated their gifts with care, adding a personal touch for their mums.

A huge thank you to Bunnings Malaga for making this special experience possible and for supporting our students in developing both practical and artistic skills!

Room 7’s ANZAC Day Tribute: Honouring the Past with Creativity and STEM

In the lead-up to ANZAC Day, the Year 6 students in Room 7 created a thoughtful and visually striking tribute. As part of an integrated learning project, students researched individual soldiers who served in past wars, crafting handmade figures that displayed key facts about each person’s service. To accompany their work, the class collaborated to build a beautiful LEGO floral display, symbolising remembrance and respect.

This project combined historical research with STEM and design skills, as students used teamwork, problem-solving, and spatial thinking to bring the LEGO element to life. Their display is a meaningful reflection of both their learning and gratitude.

Samantha Verruno
Teacher

Sports Report

2025 Swimming Carnival

On Thursday 1 May, our school gathered at the vibrant Bayswater Waves Aquatic Centre for the much-anticipated swimming carnival. The day commenced with the freestyle events, under the bright sunshine and amidst the cheerful quacking of ducks in the outdoor pool. The atmosphere was electric as students rallied behind their respective factions, making it a day to remember.

Overall Results

After a day filled with spirited competition and camaraderie, the Emus emerged victorious, clinching the overall championship once again! Their consistent performances and unwavering team spirit were evident throughout the day. Congratulations to the Emus for their outstanding achievement!

Individual Champions & Record Breakers

The day concluded with the announcement of individual champions and runners-up, celebrating the outstanding performances across various age groups and events. These accolades not only recognised athletic excellence but also the dedication and sportsmanship displayed throughout the day.

Staff Tyre Race

A standout moment was the staff tyre race, where our dedicated teachers showcased their competitive spirit. Mr Zanatta emerged victorious in this thrilling event, earning the admiration of both students and staff alike.

A Day to Remember

Overall, the swimming carnival was a resounding success, fostering a sense of community, sportsmanship and school spirit. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants and look forward to next year's event.

Well done to all our individual champion and runner up place getters.

Overall Faction Points

Premier’s Reading Challenge

Discover the magic of reading

Register your child for the Premier's Reading Challenge! From 7 April to 27 June 2025, students from Kindergarten to Year 12 can discover the joy of reading and log their progress for a chance to win weekly prizes.

Visit premiersreadingchallenge.wa.edu.au for more information.

Cassie Pinkard
Curriculum Coordinator / Teacher Development Coach

P & C

Mother’s Day

Hoping that you all had a wonderful Mother’s Day and sending a big thank you for supporting our fundraiser. We had so much fun at the Mother’s Day Stall.

“A heartfelt thank you to the P&C team for the amazing Mother’s Day stall. I truly felt so spoiled by all the lovely gifts my sons brought home. I absolutely love the earrings, they mean so much to me. The apron is beautiful and such great quality. I can’t wait to wear both while spending time in the kitchen. Thank you for making this Mother’s Day so special. Happy Mother’s Day ❤️” - Annie

Congratulations to our Spa Day raffle winner Rochelle C.

Election Day Sausage Sizzle

Thank you to all volunteers and for your support at the Election Day Sausage Sizzle. So much hard work from set up to closing - we couldn’t have done it without you! 

Please join us at our next P&C meeting in Week 6, taking place in the conference room on 3 June at 4:00pm.

We are still in search of a fundraiser Coordinator and Class Rep Coordinator. We would love to hear from you. 

For more information about our P&C please visit our website https://dianella-heights-primary-school-parents-citizens-incorporated.square.site/

Warm regards,

Indah Yildiz
P & C President

Keyed Up Music

Hello from Keyed Up Music, we are delighted to continue to have our Keyboard and guitar lessons at Dianella Heights this term. Unfortunately our guitar spots are completely filled but we still have a few spots available for Keyboard lessons on Tuesday and Thursday. Enrol your child today through our website Enrolments • Piano Lessons and Guitar Lessons Perth - Keyed Up Music - Piano Lessons and Guitar Lessons Perth

Triple P, Positive Parenting Seminar

City of Stirling - Community Safety Expo

The City of Stirling is pleased to announce its first Community Safety Expo from 2:00pm to 4:00pm on Saturday 31 May 2025. This will take place at the Stirling Community Centre - Jim Satchell, located at 1 Lights Street, Dianella.

This engaging, family-friendly event will provide an opportunity for the community to learn more about safety initiatives, public services, and practical ways to enhance local security. The expo will feature informative booths, giveaways, safety-themed face painting, a complimentary sausage sizzle, educational activities, interactive displays, and live demonstrations from key safety organisations.

Saver Plus

Better Health Program

2025 Term Dates

The Term Planner has been published on School Stream.