Part of my role as College Principal is to meet with parents and students who may be interested in joining our community. It is always a pleasure to meet families that join us for tours of our College and share with them details of our learning programs and a little about the Helena experience for students.

When I meet with prospective parents I am always interested to know why they are considering our College. Perhaps the most common response is that the parents are looking for an independent school education without a religious affiliation. Being a school with a reputation for providing a nurturing environment is also important to parents of students of all ages. For some parents, it is our commitment to whole child development that is what is important to them and for others it is the rigorous academic program that parents are seeking. In most cases it is a combination of these factors which drives interest in the College.

It is pleasing to note that in discussing each of these, many prospective parents will say that they are aware of these things through their conversations with current College parents. We strive to be a school that parents are proud to send their child to and knowing that parents speak positively about the school with people outside of our school community is very gratifying.

Knowing that parents are often the best communicators about the College, I do want to share some information about our current and future enrolments. Currently we have 771 students enrolled across both campuses, which is six below the highest number we have ever had enrolled at the College. With higher enrolment and a strong demand for places at the College, in the next few years we will have full classes in a number of year levels meaning that some prospective students who are currently registered for places will, unfortunately, not be offered places at the College. At this point in time, it is likely that next year we will have waitlists in Kindergarten, Year 2, Year 3, Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7 with the likelihood that we will have waitlists in these year levels for the next few years.

This information has been shared with those currently registered prospective parents who may be affected by this. As always, the best advice for any parents who may be interested in enrolling their child at the College is to contact our Enrolments Coordinator, Kate Paterson, as soon as possible in order to register their child.

At Helena College, the safety and well-being of our students are our highest priorities. Recently, the College Council ratified and fully supported our new Reportable Conduct Scheme Policy, reinforcing our dedication to maintaining a secure and nurturing environment for all our students. This initiative underscores our commitment to safeguarding children and ensuring that any form of misconduct is addressed promptly and effectively.

Our Commitment to Child Safety
At Helena College, the safety and well-being of our students are our highest priorities. As part of our ongoing efforts to maintain a child safe environment, we are dedicated to upholding the standards set forth by the Reportable Conduct Scheme in Western Australia. This initiative underscores our commitment to safeguarding children and ensuring that any form of misconduct is addressed promptly and effectively.

Understanding the Reportable Conduct Scheme
The Reportable Conduct Scheme, established by the Ombudsman Western Australia, is designed to improve oversight of institutions working with children. It mandates that any allegations of certain types of misconduct by employees, volunteers, and contractors must be reported and investigated. This includes sexual misconduct, physical assault, ill-treatment, neglect, and psychological harm.

Our Obligations Under the Scheme
Helena College is legally obligated to comply with the requirements of the Reportable Conduct Scheme. This means that we must:

1. Report: Promptly notify the Ombudsman of any reportable conduct allegations or convictions involving our staff, volunteers, or contractors.
2. Investigate: Conduct thorough and impartial investigations into any allegations of reportable conduct, ensuring fairness and transparency throughout the process.
3. Act: Take appropriate actions based on the findings of our investigations, which may include disciplinary measures or changes to our policies and procedures to prevent future incidents.
4. Notify: Keep affected children and their parents or guardians informed about the progress and outcomes of investigations, while maintaining confidentiality and respect for all parties involved.

Our Commitment to Safety and Transparency
Helena College is dedicated to fostering a culture of safety, trust, and accountability. To this end, we have implemented several measures:

Training: All staff members receive comprehensive training on child protection, the Reportable Conduct Scheme, and their responsibilities under this framework.
Policies and Procedures: Our child protection policies are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect best practices and legislative changes. These policies are available on our Website.
Support Systems: We provide support to any child or family affected by reportable conduct, ensuring they have access to necessary resources and counselling services.
Community Engagement: We believe in the importance of open communication. Parents and guardians are encouraged to share their concerns and suggestions with us, contributing to a collaborative approach to child safety.

By working together, we can ensure that Helena College remains a place where every student feels secure, respected, and valued.

Welcome to Semester Two!

Even with our recent cold mornings and wet weather, Term Three has commenced with energy and enthusiasm!

Our staff began the term with a highly beneficial conference day that included professional learning sessions and collaborative meetings with colleagues across all grade levels (K-12). Spending time with colleagues, with whom you do not regularly interact, is invaluable, further embedding the notion of one school.

As we know, schools are busy and productive places. There have already been many exciting events, including excursions, assemblies, and tour days - with many more planned in the near future. Term Three is a terrific time for our students. The recent Semester One reports enable us to identify and work towards learning goals for the second half of the year, along with quality time engaged within a familiar learning environment.

Each term, we are delighted to welcome new families to the Darlington Campus. I have conducted student enrolment interviews for 2025, which will continue throughout Semester Two. As you meet our new families, please extend a warm welcome and help them feel part of our wonderful community.

One of the many delightful aspects of junior schooling is harnessing students’ natural eagerness and excitement - channelling it into success and achievement. Accomplishments can be seen in various contexts beyond the classroom, including the playground, year-level camps, the sporting field, and the stage. We look forward to partnering with you for another stimulating and rewarding semester, so please keep a watch for future event communications.

Finally, in this edition of the College newsletter, you will find valuable information on the importance of reading and comprehending text, along with some practical strategies to encourage and assist your child. I hope you find these details beneficial.

Wishing you all a pleasant weekend as we enjoy our last month of winter.

Kind regards

Greg Miller | Head of Junior School

The Joy of Reading

When you take time to read articles in newsletters, emails, or news feeds on social media, you likely do not even consider the importance and significance of being able to read. This is because you have mastered the necessary English reading and comprehension skills. If you paused for a moment to think about how many times each day you read and understand text, I am sure you would be quite surprised.

Reading and comprehending text occur in many forms and happen multiple times a day for everyone. For those who lack this ability, it can be a significant disadvantage. As a successful reader, there are many actions you can take to both encourage and help your child in developing their reading skills. These include:

• Show your child that you value reading by reading whenever you can.
• Encourage a positive attitude to books / text.
• Provide a variety of texts for your child to read to you, e.g. stories, comics, poems, plays, cartoons, reference books, magazines, children’s recipe books.
• Encourage your child to borrow books that are of interest to them from the library.
• Point out words on street signs, packets, labels, the television etc.
• Encourage your child to predict what a book is about from the cover and illustrations.
• Talk about illustrations and diagrams in books and discuss how they add meaning to text.
• Reread favourite books.
• Talk about the different purposes for reading a picture book, a novel, a television guide, a newspaper, a directory, a recipe book, an encyclopaedia etc.
• Point out the different size and shape of words.
• Point out the first sound of a word and encourage your child to think of other words that begin with the same sound.
• Encourage your child to read books for enjoyment as well as for information.
• Encourage your child to talk about characters and events in texts.
• Encourage your child to make sound effects for the characters and events.
• Ask your child to think of possible beginnings and endings for stories read and heard.
• ‘Sound out’ difficult words and / or give clues to the meaning of difficult words.
• Praise your child when they are reading, e.g. “well done - that was a difficult word”.
• Encourage your child to have a go at reading words that are unfamiliar.
• Ask your child to read on past the unknown word to gain clues from the rest of the sentence.
• Show your child how to find the meanings of unfamiliar words in dictionaries/online.
• Encourage your child to watch films and videos of books they have read.
• Talk about the ways in which a film version of a book compares with the print version.
• Discuss with your child why you think the author wrote the text.
• Discuss different genres (writing types) with your child and their varying purposes.

If your child is having difficulty with reading, or not enjoying reading, please ask your child’s teacher for help / ideas.

Protective Behaviours | 8 Body Safety and Consent Skills

At Helena College, we recognise that the students are the most valuable, but also the most potentially vulnerable, members of our community. Therefore, we are committed to teaching children practical and easy-to-understand personal safety strategies with the aim of keeping our students safe. Naturally, parents also play a vital role.

Please click here to read an article from Jayneen Sanders which highlights eight (8) body safety and consent skills you can cover with your child, both formally and informally, as they grow.

Year 12 Guest Speaker Seminar Series

During the Tuesday lunch break this term, we have been running this series for our Year 12 students.

While each post-school choice differs, we encourage all students to attend the sessions. Some information presented at the sessions that our 12s had yet to consider may change their minds regarding plans for next year or confirm their decision.

So far, we have heard from The Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC), Murdoch University, and E.C.U. Before the end of the term, we will hear from U.W.A., Curtin and Notre Dame. The series concludes with a presentation from Red Frogs Australia, which contains a broad message of well-being and safety connected to end-of-year Leavers celebrations.

Our Year 12s will also participate in a seminar run by Elevate Education titled “Finishing Line”. It will equip our 12s with some strategies for finishing the school year strongly. There is ample time and marks still in play for all Year 12 students to make a difference to their end-of-year results and, by extension, their competitiveness for workplace positions, entry to TAFE, or university placements in 2025.

Year 12 Graduation Information - Save the Date

The 2024 Year 12 Graduation ceremony will be at the Glen Forrest Campus Gymnasium on Friday, 18 October 2024. Graduation is the formal conclusion to the Year 12 students' years at Helena College. It is an evening for the Year 12 students, their families, and teachers to celebrate our students’ academic, cultural, leadership, and effort achievements.

We look forward to a wonderful evening and celebrating with our 2024 Leavers and their families.

Year 12 Email Addresses

Year 12s are encouraged to set up a new email address before the Helena address is turned off following the last ATAR exam in November. It is also wise to choose a professional address. This will help students represent themselves at their best when dealing with potential employers.

Transferring login details from third-party providers, e.g., Spotify, Google, SCSA, TISC etc., can take time. Year 12s are encouraged to start this process early to avoid being locked out down the track.

Year 12 The Final Countdown and School References

Our Year 12s have received two important documents this week. The first was ‘The Final Countdown’, which details all the school events and commitments our graduating class members need to know ahead of the year’s end. This document can be downloaded from SEQTA>School Documents>Year 12s>2024 End of year arrangements.

The second document related directly to Year 12 School References. Year 12 students only receive one school report. At the end of the year, they receive a ‘Statement of Results’ and a School Reference from the College. The reference can play an important role in helping our graduates enter the workforce or further education.

Year 11 Student Drivers and Parking

Owing to the restricted number of dedicated student parking bays on the GF campus our policy at the College is that only Year 12 students may park their vehicle on the College grounds and only in the calendar year in which they graduate.

There is only limited parking on the College grounds. Therefore, we must prioritise our 2024 Leavers right up until the conclusion of the last 2024 ATAR exam being held at Helena on Thursday, 14 November, to avoid our Year 12s missing out on a car bay on their exam day and consequently running late or missing the start of their exam. Current Year 11 students will be able to use the Year 12 carpark from Friday, 15 November. If circumstances dictate that this arrangement cannot be complied with, please contact the Director of Upper School directly.

Uniform Reminder

Even though the weather remains changeable this term, where a cool morning can become a warm and sunny afternoon, we still expect students to meet the high standard of dress as an outward statement of the College’s identity and belonging to the community.

Students are reminded that no undergarments should be visible under the uniform, e.g. no round neck t-shirts under open collar shirts, no long sleeve undershirts visible below our short sleeve shirt/blouse.

A short-sleeve thermal V-neck, t-shirt or tank top would be ideal for staying warm and complying with our Uniform Policy.

Year 11 2025 Course Selection

I would like to thank our current Year 10 families again for attending the Year 11 2025 Course Selection Family Information Evening.

Families unable to attend can find the slides and handouts distributed during the evening at SEQTA>School Documents>Year 10>2025 Year 11 Course Selection Information Evening.

All current 10s should now have returned their 2025 Year 11 Course Selections. This a reminder that a course in each grid and one private study allocation need to be selected. Students must also choose at least one paired List A and one paired List B subject.

Interview slips have been distributed to students. Parents and Guardians are welcome to attend the scheduled interview.

I look forward to meeting with and assisting our current Year 10s and families over the next three weeks, helping them chart their Year 11 and 12 journeys and exploring their post-school options.

Interviews run during Weeks Four and Five (and possibly Six) this term.

Year 10 - Save the date: Friday, 29 November 2024

This date marks the last day of Year 10 for 2024 and will incorporate some House-based challenges at school, morning tea, bus transfers to and from Barrack Street Jetty, a three hour River Cruise and lunch.

Watch this space for the theme of the day and ticket details.

ECU Upcoming Future Students Events

WAAPA Applications OPEN!

WAAPA Applications are open, and audition information can be found on the ECU “Interviews, folios and auditions page” or on the respective course information page on the WAAPA website.

WAAPA applications are direct to ECU. The audition packages are comprehensive and include application deadlines, audition submission dates, application fees and other requirements.

Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships

This is a reminder for students to register their interest in Commonwealth Teaching Scholarships. Round Two will open later this year or earlier next year and is for those students studying Semester 1 2025. Details on the scholarship as well as eligibility requirements, are available via the link below.

Register here: www.education.gov.au/teaching-scholarships

Murdoch University Open Nights!

28 & 29 August and 4 September. 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm

Murdoch University invites you to join us for our 2024 Open Nights.

Prospective students, their families, and the wider community are invited to Explore, Discover, and Immerse themselves in everything that Murdoch University has to offer over three nights.

• Hear first-hand from Murdoch students and academics about what to expect when studying at Murdoch.
• Explore double major and double degree combinations and possibilities.
• Tour their state-of-the-art facilities.
• Find out where our courses can take you in your career.
• Learn from current students about the practical experiences and opportunities available while you're studying.
• Find out how to gain entry through portfolio and enabling pathways.
• Ask questions about the application process, scholarships and support services.

Register for your preferred nights now!
Wednesday 28 August - Health & Education
Thursday 29 August - Sciences, Information Technology, Engineering & Maths
Wednesday 4 September - Business, Law, Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences

Aussies of the Month

Congratulations go to Latyce H (Year 3), Jason P (Year 4C) and Sophia D (Year 4P - not pictured) who have been chosen as the Aussies of the Month for August 2024.

The award recognises personal endeavour, achievement and contribution to the community. The award also reflects some of the values we share as Australians: a sense of fair play; generosity of spirit; commitment to community participation; and a real concern for the environment.

Letters Award

At our Senior School Assembly this morning, we were delighted to welcome Mr Tom Bottrell, the Director of Sport from the Associated & Catholic Colleges of WA (ACC) as a special guest. Mr Bottrell was onsite to present the prestigious ACC Letters Award to Year 12 student, Caitlyn. This is a significant award to have won, and marks the first time a Helena College student has received the award.

To be eligible for the award, a student has to have competed for their school in the ACC Interschool Competition for a minimum of four years in their chosen sport, and have been nominated as an ACC All Star in each of those years. All Star are the best performers in each event at the ACC Carnivals across all schools and divisions within the Association. To be nominated once is a real honour, and to have achieved this four times is simply outstanding.

Caitlyn has been a dedicated swimmer since a young age, and her hard work, talent and sacrifice is recognised through this award. We are very proud of Caitlyn, and the outstanding commitment she has shown to her sport, and to representing Helena College at such a high level. Our earnest congratulations to Caitlyn for her achievement. Well done, Caitlyn!

Winter Shield Irish Dancing Championships

Recently, one of our Year 7 students, Nieve, competed at the championships. Showing great determination and resilience, Nieve danced her way to success, taking out the Winter Shield Champion. She also placed first in the set dance. Congratulations Nieve - Irish dancing is a very competitive sport, and Nieve has done very well indeed!

Secondhand Uniform Shop

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).

Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:

• year of schooling
• category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
• level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive

This information assists schools to:

• formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
• consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
• develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.

The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.education.gov.au/p...).

Further information about the NCCD can also be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au).

If you have any further questions about the NCCD, please contact the College.

Preprimary Creek Visit

Tuning into an Inquiry finds out what the children already know, think and feel about the topic.

The children walked down to the creek at the base of the school property and spent some time exploring the environment. We asked the children to sketch what they found interesting and when we got back to class we asked the children to tell us what they had sketched and if they thought it could be living or non- living and why they thought this.

The rain held off for us and the pure enjoyment the children got exploring our creek was delightful to see. We couldn't wait to go back and draw what we discovered

Kellie Sorensen | Preprimary Teacher

Both Year 4 classes were happy to assist Mrs Crosse with some regeneration planting this week at the Darlington Campus. Our long, dry summer had taken a toll and killed off a significant number of plants on the Waabiny Hill play area. With the enthusiastic help of Year 4 students, and some special adult helpers, many new seedlings and smaller plants were placed into especially prepared holes in the damp soil. Hopefully the continuing rains predicted this week will settle them in for a great start to a long life growing near the happy sounds of Helena children playing.

Peter Cumming and Alex Cook | Year 4 Teachers

As part of HASS, Science and Technology, Year 5 students applied their knowledge of animal adaptations, and worked collaboratively to create a new animal that has adaptations that allow it to survive in a certain environment. This was based on their learning about North and South America. Students enjoyed planning and creating their unique animal with its own special adaptations as well as its environment.

With the wet weather please help your child be extra careful with their library bag so the library books inside don’t get wet. Unfortunately, wet and damp books tear, wrinkle and grow mould. We look forward to another term of reading, reading... and even more reading!

We are looking forward to another busy term in the Junior School Library.

Emma Debnam | Teacher Librarian

Book in  Box

This term the Year 5 students will be working on their projects where they decorate a box to represent a book of their choice and fill it with objects that represent different parts of the book. I know all the students at Helena College will enjoy viewing the finished products.

Library Olympics

The Junior School Library is celebrating the Olympics with a fun challenge. 

We will be displaying a variety of rebus puzzles for the students to decipher.

Book Week

In Week 6 we will be joining schools and libraries across Australia to celebrate books, and Australian children’s authors and illustrators during Book Week. 

At the Helena College Darlington Campus we enjoy dressing up as one of our favourite book characters and participating in a Book Week Parade. Our dress up day and Book Week Parade at DC will be held on Friday 23rd August. 

This year the theme is ‘Reading is Magic’ (costumes don’t have to match this theme) and all the nominated books can be viewed at the Children Book Council of Australia’s website, www.cbca.org.au. 

The Junior School has introduced a new activity to their Elective Program this semester - Active Movement. Aimed at students from Pre-primary to Year 5, the course highlights the benefits of physical activity, by focusing on developing sporting skills and general fitness by engaging students in a fun and varied exercise program. The activities are designed to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate. If you would like more information on our unique Junior School Electives program, check out our website: https://www.helenacollege.wa.edu.au/.../junior-school...

Recently the eagerly anticipated Year 7 playground was officially opened on Monday, 22 July. Located between the English and Art rooms, this playground is a wonderful addition to our Senior School campus. The older Middle School students have been campaigning for play equipment, as they missed having access to the Year 6 Nature Play area. The feedback from the Year 7s in particular was a key factor in getting the new equipment added to the facilities. We value student input very much, and are delighted that we were able to act on their request.

To celebrate its opening, the Year 7s took part in a Monkey Bar challenge, which sparked lots of excitement among the students. This led to many students testing their skills on the bar, and even the Year 8s had a go. All students who successfully completed the challenge were rewarded a small treat for their efforts. We look forward to seeing our students continue to enjoy and benefit from this fantastic new addition to the facilities at the Glen Forrest Campus.

We look forward to seeing our students continue to enjoy and benefit from this fantastic new addition to our school.

The playground was a great experience and it made me feel great. (Diora B, Yr.7 student)

The new playground brings us all a fun new experience that makes our recesses and lunches way more fun! Thank you so much! (Leigh C-S Yr.7 student)

The new playground is so good. I’m glad we were finally given a playground of our own. The monkey bars are a lot of fun and the monkey bar challenge was challenging but exciting. I can’t wait to enjoy playing on it more and making memories with my friends (Kimberley B, Yr.7 student)

Helena Jeffrey | Acting Head of Year 7

Salut, Mon Ami Course

This year, Year 7 students are diving into a unique blend of physical and cultural activities as part of their ‘Salut, mon ami’ course, which focuses on sports and well-being. A standout feature of the curriculum is the combination of a French yoga session followed by meditation to the sounds of the didgeridoo, integrating First Peoples Aboriginal culture.

During the yoga session, students received instructions in French, seamlessly incorporating language learning with physical exercise. This innovative approach allowed them to build their French vocabulary while engaging in various yoga poses, fostering both mental and physical flexibility.

The yoga practice was complemented by a meditation session, where the soothing tones of the didgeridoo created a tranquil atmosphere. This traditional Aboriginal instrument helped students relax deeply, providing a unique cultural experience that enhanced their mindfulness practice.

By blending French language instruction with yoga and meditation, the ‘Salut, mon ami’ course offers a holistic educational experience. Students not only improve their physical health and language skills but also gain an appreciation for Aboriginal culture.

These sessions have been met with enthusiasm, as students enjoy the harmony of movement, language, and music. The innovative program promotes overall well-being and cultural awareness, making it a memorable part of their school year.

Béatrice Archambaud | Head of Department - Languages

Alliance Française Exams

On Tuesday, 30 July, students from Years 10 - 12 participated in the esteemed 'Alliance Française' exams. These exams are a crucial part of their academic journey, offering a platform to showcase their proficiency in French.

Throughout the year, these students have dedicated themselves to mastering the language, and the 'Alliance Française' exams are an opportunity to validate their hard work and commitment. Success in these exams not only reflects their linguistic skills but also opens doors to further educational and cultural opportunities.

Wishing all students the best of luck and hoping they excel!

Béatrice Archambaud | Head of Department - Languages

NAILA Competition

Participating in the NAILA competition is a fantastic opportunity for you to showcase your language skills, creativity, and cultural understanding. This prestigious event not only enhances your linguistic abilities but also boosts your confidence and public speaking skills. By taking part, you will have the chance to connect with like-minded peers, gain recognition for your hard work, and potentially win exciting prizes. Don't miss out on this unique chance to enrich your learning experience and stand out in your academic journey! What is NAILA? The National Australia Indonesia Language Awards (NAILA) is an annual speech competition that rewards and fosters the development of Indonesian language learning in Australia at all levels. Primary and secondary school Indonesian language students are invited to submit videos of themselves speaking (in Indonesian) on a unique annual theme. Submissions are assessed by a panel of VIP judges. In 2024, participants have the chance to win part of over five thousand dollars in prizes and celebrate their success with the broader NAILA learning community.  

The NAILA competition comprises the following award categories:
Middle Years 7-9 $600
Senior Years 10-12 $800
This year’s theme is ‘Innovation’, with the theme question being ‘How has technology helped you stay connected? (tips and templates)

Béatrice Archambaud | Head of Department - Languages

Eastern Hills Concert

This week, Senior School students from the College's Strings and Classical Guitar Ensembles performed at Eastern Hills Senior High School as part of the Robert Juniper Trust Schools Concert. The students performed to a high standard, demonstrating their dedication and enjoyment of music. Well done to all students for their impeccable performance and a big thank you to the ensemble directors for preparing the students so well.

ACC Netball Championship

Well done to Veronica Smith (coach) and the senior netball team who competed in the ACC Netball Championship Elimination Bracket against Newman College, following their successful NEAS season.

The team represented the College exceptionally well, giving their best effort against a strong opposition. Unfortunately, the result was not in our favour on the day, but the girls should be proud of their achievement.

NEAS Mixed Volleyball

Our NEAS mixed volleyball games started this week, with an away game against Swan Christian College. Year 7 & 8s play on Tuesday afternoons. Year 9/10s & 11/12s play on Wednesday afternoons. If students are unable to play, they are asked to please contact their coach and Mr Waterhouse as soon as possible:

Year 7 - Mr Humphreys

Year 8 - Mr Waterhouse

Year 9/10 - Mr Kendall

Year 11/12 - Mr Lloyd

James Waterhouse | Health & Physical Education Teacher, School Sports Coordinator

Helena College was again proud to enter two teams in this year’s Titrations competition organised by the Royal Australian Chemists' Institute. This competition involves students finding the concentration of an unknown solution using a primary standard. The degree of accuracy required is to four significant figures which is what makes the competition quite intense and nerve wracking.

The teams comprised Ned C, Mackenzie T and Nikita R in one team and Lucas D, Jackson B and Dion V in the other team. The teams both performed very well and enjoyed the experience. The best part of the experience was getting to use the undergraduate laboratory in Curtin University.

The results of the competition were released this week, and two students from Helena College received certificates of high distinction. Jackson Besch and Mackenzie Thomas both placed in the top 20 % of students by obtaining a result within 1 % of the correct answer. These students will receive a certificate of high distinction along with certificates of credit for their teammates at the next assembly.

Deven Reddy | Head of Department - Science

Our recent trip to Falls Creek and Melbourne was nothing short of extraordinary, filled with exciting activities, cultural experiences, and lasting memories. Spanning eight days, the journey offered students a perfect blend of adventure and education.

Our adventure began with a day in Melbourne getting our bearings and exploring the city. Our first stop was the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to watch a thrilling game of Australian Rules Football. The atmosphere was electric as we cheered for the teams, experiencing the passion and excitement that makes footy a beloved Australian pastime.

We then travelled by luxury coach to Falls Creek for our Snow adventure. The excitement built throughout the journey, culminating in the first sight of snow. The students stayed at Ripparoo Lodge, where the hospitality was top-notch and the food was superb. Each morning, we were greeted with a hearty breakfast that fuelled us for the day’s activities on the slopes. The lodge's comfortable accommodation and friendly staff made our stay even more enjoyable.

The conditions were perfect, with blue skies every day and students of all skill levels had the opportunity to learn and improve their skiing and boarding techniques. Expert instructors were on hand to provide lessons, ensuring everyone could participate safely and confidently.

In the evenings, we gathered around the lodge’s cozy fireplace to share stories of the day’s adventures and enjoy delicious dinners prepared by the talented Ripparoo chef and his team. Evening activities were a highlight of the trip, including a highly competitive game of bingo, a pool competition, games night and Christmas in July.

After our exhilarating time at Falls Creek, we headed to Melbourne for an exploration of the city’s vibrant culture and attractions. We ventured into the heart of Melbourne for a day of shopping. Students enjoyed exploring the diverse range of shops and boutiques, from trendy fashion outlets to unique local stores. It was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to pick up souvenirs and enjoy the bustling city vibe.

Additionally, we had the incredible opportunity for some of our students to attend an open training session of the West Coast Eagles. Meeting the players up close, watching their training routines, and even getting a few autographs and photos made this visit an unforgettable highlight for many students.

Our afternoon was dedicated to a cultural art tour. We visited the prestigious National Gallery of Victoria. The students were captivated by the diverse range of artworks, from classical masterpieces to contemporary pieces. Additionally, we explored Melbourne’s famous graffiti lanes, such as Hosier Lane, where the vibrant street art provided a fascinating contrast to the traditional gallery pieces. The tour provided a wonderful insight into the rich cultural heritage of Melbourne and inspired many budding artists among our group.

This trip was a resounding success, offering students a unique combination of physical activity, cultural enrichment, and city exploration. It was a privilege to watch our students grow, learn, and have fun together in such a dynamic setting. Special thanks to Dr Parker, Madame Pindur, Mrs Ferreira, Ms Settelmaier, Mr Kendall and Mr Humphreys for giving up their holidays to come on the trip.

Tracey Wood | Ski Trip Coordinator

Clubs, Academic Support and other activities at the Senior School

The Term 3 schedule for Glen Forrest Campus has been updated. Plenty of choice on offer!  

Please click here to view the schedule.

Helena Basketball Club

SUMMER 24/25 Season is coming 🏀 and we are implementing a new registration process.

Please fill out the Pre-Registration form if you're interested in playing with schoolmates as part of our awesome community.

Click here to read all about it

A reminder to the College community that our annual Interhouse Athletics Carnival will take place on Friday next week (9 August). All student nominations have been entered and the PE department is hard at work behind the scenes preparing everything for the big day. The program should come out the day before the event. This will be emailed to students and placed on SEQTA for parents and guardians.

Families are encouraged to come along on the day. Dress up in your child's house colours and show your support.

If you have any questions please contact me at jkendall@helena.wa.edu.au

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Media Showcase, a celebration of our Media students' creativity and hard work. On 6 September, we will showcase the incredible talents of our Year 11 and Year 12 students. The evening will feature thought-provoking documentaries from our Year 11 cohort, exploring various themes and issues, followed by the Premiere of the Year 12 final ATAR films, which represent the culmination of their year of hard work and dedication. This is a fantastic opportunity to support our young filmmakers and experience their unique stories. We hope you are also looking forward to sharing this special night with our talented Media students.

Amber W | Year 12 Arts Captain.

Please use this link to purchase tickets

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