At Kerry Street, we include in our curriculum the various activities, topics and specialist subjects that suit our school, our values and our students. Where possible, these additional programs and opportunities are integrated holistically into our students’ learning experiences. If more appropriate, they are offered as separate subjects.
Drama and Music
Our Drama and Music program fosters creativity, self-expression, and collaboration, offering students the opportunity to explore the world of performance and sound. From Year 1 through to Year 6, students participate in one hour of Drama and Music each week, engaging in a variety of activities designed to nurture their confidence, communication, and creative skills.
The program is designed to provide students with a well-rounded experience in both drama and music. In Drama, students are introduced to storytelling, role-play, improvisation, and performance techniques, allowing them to express emotions, ideas, and narratives through movement, voice, and imagination. In Music, students explore the elements of music and develop an understanding of rhythm and melody through participating in a range of activities.
By immersing students in the world of Drama and Music, we aim to ignite their passion for performance, deepen their understanding of the arts, and give them the tools to express themselves in new and exciting ways. This dynamic and engaging program supports students’ emotional and social development, providing them with a creative outlet to explore their talents and build lasting memories.
Languages
Learning a language is a key ingredient in creating well-rounded, enthusiastic learners. Our Italian language program, led by our dedicated teacher Caroline Colliss, is a vital component of our curriculum from Year 1 through to Year 6, providing excitement, enjoyment, and challenge for both students and teachers.
Learning a foreign language is not just about exploring another culture; it’s a dynamic process that fosters communication and enriches the learning experience. Our approach emphasises practical tasks, such as drama, story-telling, cooking, role-play, speaking, and listening, creating a thoroughly enjoyable language-learning environment with a focus on engaging activities.
The benefits of language education extend beyond the language itself. Students develop a deeper understanding of language conventions through our Italian program, enhancing their English literacy and comprehension skills. Research has shown that early exposure to language education can significantly improve students’ grasp of their first language, establishing clear connections between cross-lingual phonetic and semantic patterns.
Additionally, our students experience greater cognitive capacity by navigating between different languages and enhancing multi-tasking, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities. Language learning at Kerry Street Community School is not just about acquiring linguistic skills; it’s a holistic journey that strengthens cognitive abilities and promotes a broader cultural awareness.
Visual Arts
Our Visual Arts program encourages creativity, self-expression, and exploration, enabling students to engage with a variety of artistic mediums and techniques. From Pre-Primary through to Year 6, students participate in one hour of Visual Arts each week, where they are guided by our specialist teacher to develop their skills, imagination, and artistic voice.
Following the Western Australian Curriculum, our Visual Arts program exposes students to a range of artistic practices, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital arts. Through hands-on activities, students experiment with materials, learn to express their ideas visually, and reflect on their creations. This process encourages problem-solving, critical thinking, and fine motor skills, while fostering a deep appreciation for art in its many forms.
Beyond the technical aspects, Visual Arts at Kerry Street nurtures students’ ability to communicate through imagery and supports their social and emotional development. Art provides a safe space for students to explore and express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. By engaging with different art forms, students also gain a broader understanding of cultural diversity and history, enriching their global awareness.
Physical Education
At Kerry Street Community School, Physical Education is an integral part of our curriculum, promoting health, fitness, teamwork, and a love for active living. Facilitated by our classroom teachers, the program focuses on developing fundamental movement skills and team sports skills, such as soccer and basketball, through collaborative and inclusive games. Our approach emphasises participation and enjoyment rather than competition, fostering a sense of cooperation, resilience, and mutual respect among students.
From Pre-Primary to Year 6, students also enjoy weekly excursions to a local park on Friday mornings, where they participate in organised sports sessions. These sessions are either facilitated by our dedicated staff or offered as part of the Australian Government Sporting Schools program. Over the years, our students have enthusiastically engaged in a diverse range of sports, including soccer, basketball, swimming, bike riding, rugby, netball, athletics, volleyball, judo, tee-ball, gymnastics, and AFL football.
Caroline Colliss is a multifaceted educator who has been an integral part of the Kerry Street Community School since 2016, bringing together her passions for art, language, culture, and education. With a Bachelor of Science in Human Movement and Italian Language and a Diploma of Education in Physical Education, Health, and Italian, Caroline serves as the school’s dedicated Language and Visual Arts teacher. Her diverse background allows her to inspire and connect with students across multiple disciplines, fostering a love for learning and self-expression.
In her role as Visual Arts Specialist, Caroline transforms the ‘Francas Ruckus Hall’—the school’s dedicated Arts Space—into a hub of creativity and exploration. She introduces students to a wide range of artists and topics, encouraging critical thinking and self-expression through colour, texture, and sustainability. Her initiatives, such as participation in Plastic Free July and collaborations with Remida for sustainability-focused incursions, instill environmental consciousness and creative problem-solving in young minds. She also curates engaging excursions to the Art Gallery of Western Australia, offering students invaluable exposure to the world of art. Caroline’s efforts to showcase her students’ talents have resulted in remarkable displays like the Floating Cities project, reflecting innovation, collaboration, and imagination.
“Teaching art at Kerry Street has been a lifelong dream come true. The students’ creativity and sense of wonder continually inspire me, revealing new ways of seeing the world”
As the Language Specialist, Caroline brings the Italian language and culture to life in her classes. She establishes meaningful connections with the Italian Village Fremantle, offering students authentic immersion experiences that deepen their linguistic skills and cultural understanding. Her dedication to fostering a love for Italian culture is exemplified in the annual Italian Lunch, a cherished event where students and families gather to enjoy authentic pasta and gelato, creating memorable, community-centred experiences.
Outside of school, Caroline enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, caring for her family, and running her part-time business crafting reversible bicycle seat covers. She is not just an educator but a mentor, artist, and advocate for lifelong learning and creative expression. Caroline’s dedication and innovation have profoundly enriched the vibrant artistic and cultural fabric of Kerry Street Community School.
Eylish Hodgins holds a Bachelor of Education with specialisation in the Arts from Edith Cowan University. Eylish graduated in 2019 and has been spending her time as a Relief Teacher as well as an After School Care Coordinator. She is an enthusiastic educator with a strong drive and motivation that makes a conscious effort to ensure her students excel with the upmost academic nurturing and care.
Over the course of Eylish’s career, she has worked heavily with students with special needs and behavioural challenges. These experiences have allowed her to structure lessons using an inclusive approach, regardless of her student’s educational level. Eylish incorporates play-based learning and explicit instruction to form interesting lessons and to further student’s educational abilities. Eylish has in-depth knowledge of both the Australian and Western Australian curriculums which has been demonstrated throughout her career.
Eylish always develops a fun, inclusive and caring classroom. This complements Kerry Street Community School’s core philosophy of being a community driven environment, and allows her students to feel comfortable, respected, and excited to learn.
“Seeing children embrace who they are through the Arts is the most rewarding experience, and Kerry Street’s vibrant environment presents a constant source of inspiration for myself and my students.”
Eylish Hodgins