Hensman Street Elementary

Fire is a powerful analogy for learning.

A flame cannot be forced into existence. It needs the right conditions, patience, and room to grow. Too much control can extinguish it, while too little guidance can leave it struggling to take hold.

Children are much the same.

As educators, our role is not to create the spark or dictate how brightly it should burn. Instead, we provide the conditions for curiosity, confidence and capability to develop. Through real experiences, managed risk and opportunities to problem-solve, children learn to trust themselves and their own abilities.

The fire we built was more than an outdoor activity, it was a reminder that growth happens when children are given the space to learn, explore and thrive.

At Hensman, we believe every child is a capable, curious learner with their own rhythm and interests. We use two meaningful tools, Floorbooks and Learning Stories, that put your child’s voice, thoughts, and personality at the centre.

A Floorbook is a shared, living record of children’s ideas. When a group becomes excited about something (whether it’s dinosaurs, building the tallest tower, or exploring minibeasts), we capture their questions, drawings, theories, and discoveries together. It’s a beautiful way to follow their lead and turn their natural wonder into rich, meaningful learning.

Learning Stories are our special gift to you as a family. These are warm, narrative observations written just for your child. They don’t just record what they did, they beautifully capture how they thought, felt, solved problems, and grew. They become treasured keepsakes that show the real story of your child’s time with us.

This way of documenting learning allows us to:
Respect each child’s individual pace and passions
Make their thinking and learning visible to Families and the Children
Create personalised experiences that are deeply engaging and joyful

Above all, it’s documentation with heart, not for measuring or assessing, but for truly celebrating your child and extending their learning in ways that build confidence, creativity, and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

Creativity: A Core Value at Hensman Street Elementary

At Hensman Street Elementary, creativity is far more than an activity, it is one of our four foundational values that shapes everything we do.

Our Hensmanians are drawn to STEAM-inspired experiences. With perseverance, they use their individuality and creativity to keep developing their evolving practice, turning ideas into reality through experimentation and reflection.

From messy art projects, collaborative designs to inventive engineering challenges and imaginative storytelling, our students learn to embrace the unknown, persist through setbacks, and celebrate their unique perspectives.

Picture your child growing into a confident, resilient learner who isn’t afraid to think differently and create boldly. That’s the Hensman Street difference, where creativity fuels future-ready minds.

Offsite Friday at Hensman Street Elementary

Every Friday we step outside the classroom and let the world become our teacher.

We believe children are born curious explorers. Instead of containing that natural wonder, we follow it, into the riverbanks, parks, zoo, museums and streets of our community. This is place-based, play-based, child-led learning in action.

Our Philosophy in motion
Real experience sparks deeper understanding than textbooks ever can. Movement fuels the mind. Nature nourishes creativity and resilience. Connection to Country and community builds belonging and purpose.

Offsite Friday isn’t a treat. It’s essential education. Where wonder leads, learning follows.

Play. Explore. Belong. Grow.

Ready for schooling that honours how children truly learn? Send is a message today!

See what our parents say about Hensman and their honest opinion on how Hensman has supported both their child and them! Parents know what’s best for their child so getting our parents thoughts matter to us a lot!

Happy families, happy school!!

Interested in seeing what Hensman is about; book a tour with us using the website below or email us https://www.hensmanstreet.wa.edu.au/schooltours

[email protected]

What a day! 😍

Recently we hosted our inaugural Fundraising Luncheon at The Boatshed Restaurant and it exceeded every expectation!

The room was full of people who genuinely care about children, education and what's possible when a community comes together. We felt every bit of that. 💛

A huge thank you to our incredible guest panel - Dr Amie Fabry, Kristy Casella, Maree Whiteley and Tanya Speers - for a conversation that was genuinely thought-provoking and left the room with a lot to think about.

And to our MC Ross Hunter - you set the perfect tone for the afternoon.

To everyone who came along, donated a prize, contributed to the silent auction or raffle, or supported us in any way - thank you. We see you and we're so grateful. 🙏

A huge congratulations to our raffle and silent auction winners! 🎉

And a heartfelt thank you to our incredible donors and supporters:
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And to those we couldn't tag - Nina Sturgeon, Kate Thomas, Alexa Williams, Watkins Swim School, Borrello Cheese, Amcal Community Pharmacy Como, South Perth Book Club, Lefki Kailis, McLeish & Matthews, Shandell Dorsett & Sherridan Winch-Buist, and Rebecca & Darryl Church - your generosity made the day what it was too.

This was just the beginning. We'll be back next year - and with our 50th anniversary on the horizon, 2027 is going to be something really special. 🤩

🏡 Venue:
🎤 Panel: , Dr Maree Whiteley
🎙️ MC:
📸 Photography: