Dear Parents and Caregivers 

As I prepare to conclude my time as Principal after 12 wonderful years, I want to express my deepest gratitude to our entire Liwara School Community. It has been an absolute privilege to lead this school and to work alongside such dedicated staff, inspiring students, and supportive families. 

Your trust, encouragement, and partnership have made these years truly memorable. Together, we have built a strong, caring community where every child can thrive—and that is something I will always treasure. 

Together, we have achieved so much—celebrating learning, growth, and the strong sense of community that makes our school exceptional and created lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey. Liwara will always hold a special place in my heart. 

YEAR 6 GRADUATES: 
A special congratulations to our Year 6 graduates as they complete their primary school journey.  We are incredibly proud of their achievements and wish them all the best as they transition to high school.  Their leadership, kindness, and commitment have been an inspiration to our school community.  This year we also acknowledge and celebrate the recipients of our Year Six Christian Leadership Awards.  These students have exemplified the values of compassion, generosity, and service, and they truly embody the spirit of our school.  Congratulations to Callum Mayne and Matilda Jones on this well-deserved recognition! 

I would like to bid a fond farewell to the Year 6 families who are leaving us this year.  Your unwavering support, guidance and active participation have been instrumental in shaping not only your child’s journey but also the collective experiences of our school community.  Your dedication to their education and well-being has been invaluable, and we are grateful for the trust you’ve placed in us.  

STAFFING UPDATE:
We are delighted to welcome our new principal, Mrs Dee Johnston, to our school community.  Mrs Johnston brings a wealth of experience, strong leadership and a deep commitment to fostering a vibrant and caring school community.  I know the entire school community look forward to working together to continue building an  environment where every child can thrive and every family feels supported. 

We welcome Mrs Kristen Sparkes as our new LOTE (Languages Other Than English)  Auslan teacher ( Australian Sign Language); Mrs Kelly Beckett (Yr 3); Mr Luke Vine (Yr 6); Mrs Rebecca Farrell (PKR); Ms Libby Sanders (PKR EA) and Ms Teagan Carter (SSN EA).  We are excited to have Mrs Karen Weston back in 2026 who will be working alongside Mrs Beckett in Yr 3.   

Mrs Tracy Pearce has moved over to the OSHC program fulltime, earlier this term, and will be there till at least July of 2026. The students have loved her move to OSHC as she is appreciated everywhere for her gentle and affirming presence! Mrs Andrea Shilkin is having a change and moving to St Anthony’s Catholic PS in Wanneroo for 12 months. We know she will continue to make a positive impact wherever she goes, and we wish her every success.  Mr Barry McGilloway, our creative and passionate Visual Arts teacher who currently works three days a week with us, will be also working at St Elizabeth’s CPS in Hocking teaching Science and Design & Technology on the other two days of the week.  Ms Misty Waters is taking a break from fulltime teaching and will be working as a relief teacher around the suburbs and Mrs Jessica Basso has secured an ongoing position at St Simon Peter in Ocean Reef.  Mrs Bronwyn White will be back to replace Mrs Belinda Bywater in PPR every Wednesday.  Mrs Andrea Rattray will continue to fulfil the EAL/D position working with our students and families at Liwara in a part time capacity.   

REPORTS:
Reports will be available via SEQTA Engage today, Friday 12 December, from 3:30pm. If you are new to this portal, please read through the information in the Assistant Principals’ section of this newsletter.  Enjoy spending time together with your child reading through their reports and create lasting memories reflecting on the year that has been! 

IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2026:
Under the heading "Upcoming Events" you will find a list of important dates for 2026 which includes term dates, public holidays and pupil free days.

PARENT MEETINGS:
If you would like to meet with your child’s classroom teacher about your child’s report can you please email the teacher directly, to organise a time. Class teachers will be available on Monday 15 December to meet with parents as we have professional development in progress on the other days next week.   

PRE KINDY 2026/2027:
Our Pre Kindy, 3 Year Old Program has become an extremely popular program with families in our wider Greenwood community with the need for placements growing annually.  Due to this community need we will be running to classes each day, which is a wonderful step for our community. If you or if you know of anyone interested in sending their children to the PK program this year, once they turn 3 years of age, please ask them to register their interest via the enquires@liwara.wa.au email OR contact Anne Stent on 6224 2000, as soon as possible so they don’t miss out! If your child is eligible for Pre Kindy 2027 please also register your interest NOW as these places are also filling fast.   

STAFFING FOR 2026:
I am delighted to introduce our 2026 Team.  It is however important to keep in mind that this list can be subject to change before the beginning of the school year, in the event of any unexpected staff movements.