History
2024
60th Anniversary Events
On Saturday 27 July, the school held an “Old Woodlandians” Alumni event. The school library was filled with 60 years of photos, school records, memorabilia and a 20 year old time capsule. The library was filled with former students and staff who enjoyed meeting old friends and sharing happy memories. Guest speaker and former student, Gavin Hegney, shared stories from 40 years ago which underscored the importance of community and shared values. Connections in Woodlands run deep and last a lifetime.
On Saturday 2 November, the P&C Held a 60th anniversary community fete on the school oval. The fete included entertainment by the Junior and Senior Choirs, Hooper Troopers, WPS Dance Troop and Ripper Skippers. Stalls included baked goods, crafts, books, and second-hand jumble sales. There were many fun activities for the children, but the most popular activity was the dunking tank, which involved staff being dunked by students and parents alike.
Olive Cheng – Mural
Woodlands mural captures school’s cherished nature. A new mural depicting the abundant flora and fauna in the grounds and surrounds of Woodlands Primary School is part of the school’s 60th anniversary. The mural, by local artist Olive Cheng, captures a family of tawny frogmouths and the native flora after which the school’s sports factions have been named – Jarrah, Banksia, Tuart and Hakea. Olive ran workshops with the school’s Year 6 students to develop the conceptual drawings that went into the mural, celebrating the school’s verdant position.
P&C Air Conditioning Project
In the school holidays, the final part of the 2023 P&C air conditioning fundraising project was completed with the installation of a massive cooling fan in the school’s undercover area. Already nicknamed “the helicopter” by Chris Santos our Cleaner in Charge, the new air-cooling system will provide welcome relief on hot days during school assemblies and special events, like graduation. Thank you to the P&C for leading this important fundraising effort and to all our wonderful parents who support the school through fundraising and so many other ways.
Runner Up – STAWA Science school of the year
2023
Deb Boner – Mural
Over the past two years students have been working towards a community mural project which shares stories and learning of Noongar culture. These messages were chosen by students, drawn from their own learning from class, incursions and excursions. This project was made possible with the support of Lotterywest and the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
STAWA Science school of the year
2022
Coding classes started in all Years 2-6 classes.
STAWA Science school of the year
2021
STAWA Science school of the year
2016
In 2016 our Year 6 students transformed the vegetable garden watertank and signage into the Warakurna Waterwell alongside Aboriginal artist Deborah Bonar. A new transportable was located next to the library in December ready for the beginning of 2017.
2014-15
In 2014 Woodlands celebrated its 50th Year and as a part of the celebrations the schools community orchard was designed, planted and opened in November.
In 2015 the ‘all school community mosaic’, reflecting our school values, was constructed by all 470 students, teachers and many parents.
2011-12
Woodlands Primary School became an Independent Public School in 2011 resulting in the school rebranding to reflect its new direction in 2012. The school motto was changed from ‘Endeavour’ to ‘A world of opportunity through the power of learning’, with the values of humanity, belonging, possibilities and respect being adopted. The logo and school song was changed to reflect this new direction.
2006-10
As the new millennium rolled in, the school was looking for more ways for how to expand further and cater for the influx of students. In 2006 Kindergarten classes commenced, and by 2008 the school library building was opened. In 2010 a purpose-built art room and 3 classrooms were constructed under the Commonwealth Government’s ‘Building the Education Revolution’ financial stimulus project.
1975-76
From the original two room structure of 1964, which is currently Room 1 and 2, the school has expanded. In 1975, when a peak enrolment of 609 students was reached, there were 14 classrooms and 3 transportable classrooms in use.
In 1976 Pre Primary classes commenced in an “off-site” location in Tamarisk Way and in 1993 they were located back to the school site.
1964
After the suburb of Woodlands developed in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, the school was pened in February 1964, starting with an enrolment of only 53 students under the leadership of Head Mistress Dorothy Rushton. During this time parents and teachers fought a successful battle to retain as many trees as possible, and their wisdom and foresight, has provided the present school with a delightfully picturesque and shady environment.
