Helena College welcomes Third Generation

Helena College has served families in the Perth Hills for over 80 years, with the Darlington Campus opening in 1942 and the Glen Forrest Campus welcoming its first students in 1988.  For one family, however, the College’s history is far more personal, with three generations making the school their educational home since the 1960s.

Jane Oliver (nee Tinker) was the first in the family to join the Helena community, in the early 1960s, followed by her daughter Amy Varis (nee Oliver) in the 1980s. Then, in 2024, we welcomed Amy’s son William to Year 6 at our Glen Forrest Campus, and in 2025, her daughter Isabelle to Year 5 at the Darlington Campus. Will and Izzy’s younger brother, Nicholas, will join them in a few years’ time.

Our school archivist, Carmen Hedley, sat down with Jane, Amy and William to chat about being one of the first three-generation families at Helena College.

Jane’s recollections of Helena School (as it was then known) are centred around Miss Jane Ashbury, and Miss Mary Jones, and her friends.

‘I remember Miss Ashbury as being a strict teacher, and of her holding up flashcards and thinking ‘please don’t pick me!’ She seemed as old as the hills to me back then! I remember Miss Jones took on more of the domestic-type roles, such as cooking for the boarders.’

Jane notes that teaching was very different back then but says that after seeing both Amy and William thrive at Helena, is clear that that some things remain entrenched in the school’s culture.

‘One of the things about Helena College that hasn’t changed is the nurturing aspect of it, the holistic approach to the child, whether they are sporty, or academic, or struggle in some areas. The child remains at the centre of what the school does.’

Amy concurs and says that her own experiences of Helena College influenced her decision to enrol her children at Helena College.

‘I have such fond memories of Helena. I loved it.’

Amy says she felt supported throughout her time at the school.

‘As students, our relationships with the teachers were very positive – you really felt listened to and respected, like you were on an even keel with them. I found the classes and support I received good.

Amy acknowledges that the camps and extracurricular programs were an essential part of her growth as a student.

‘I still remember the camps, and the impact the teachers had on me, and on my choice of career. I remember a Politics and Law camping trip to Port Hedland and, on the way, we visited different remote Aboriginal schools and did some work experience. That really sparked my passion for working with children, and I became a social worker, working initially in child protection and now with Playgroup WA.’

The Year 9 Camp at Nanga was a pivotal one for her year group, says Amy.

‘I don’t think Year 9 is a nice year for any student, but I think the Nanga Bush Camp really helped unify the group. I also liked the Year 12 Camp at Rottnest – it was a really nice way to end our schooling’.

When asked what the one thing was that Helena College taught her, Amy said it was hard to pick just one.

‘We did lots of things at Helena that meant we were giving back to the community. I received the Citizenship Award at the end of Year 12. I remember there being lots of opportunities, and wanting to give back, which is why I ended up in my field. But I feel looking at the big picture is what was really fostered and encouraged at Helena. It’s not just going to school and coming come home, there was always a sense of there being more to life. A holistic experience.’

Jane echoes what her daughter has said.

‘Amy was always just keen to go to school, and that is a parent’s dream – that your child wants to go to school every day. My experience as a parent was much the same as hers too – I was happy to volunteer and get involved with school activities and get to know the other families.’

Will said he had heard his mum talk about Helena College, but said it was a surprise to hear his nan was a past student too. He said that it was his first visit to the College before commencing in Year 6 in 2024 that convinced him it was a good option for him as well.

‘I like the range of different things you can do at Helena. My favourite subject in Year 6 was media and film. I like the social side, the playground and the environment too - there’s so much wildlife on campus. I’ve made some friends and settled in well.’

The College’s focus on whole-child development was why Amy has chosen to send her children to the school.

‘Will is academic and athletic, and he just wants to have a go at everything. Izzy enjoys being creative and has such a great personality and can find a laugh in every situation. Nicholas is only just starting his schooling journey, but he is independent, kind and inquisitive. As a parent, it is difficult to pick a school when your children have different needs and interests, and I didn’t want to end up driving the three children to three separate schools!

Amy notes that what she really likes about Helena College, is that it looks to more than just the basic curriculum.

‘As a student, you feel supported in all elements. And there are so many opportunities on offer, my children are sure to find something they would like to do. We think they will flourish no matter what they choose – academically, creatively, sporting, or anything else. It is a school that fits all three of them: Izzy, Will and Nicholas.’

Helena College is delighted to have welcomed the third generation of the family through our doors. Their enrolment is a testament to the school’s commitment to giving students opportunities to develop the key cognitive, social and emotional skills they need to flourish and be active members of the community.

Want to know more?

We welcome all enquiries, and if you'd like to know more about current enrolment opportunities, we invite you to join one of our upcoming tours.