While high quality teaching and learning remains our primary goal, I was reminded at a recent Senior School assembly presented by our Student Council about the wide range of other learning opportunities which exist for our students across the College. During this term here are some of the co-curricular activities which students have taken part in:

What a big Term One it has been in Upper School

With the end of a very busy Term One now here, it is a perfect moment to reflect on the start of 2025 in Upper School.

Our families, students and student leaders have helped to organise, attend or present at four whole-school assemblies, attend a Year 10 and/or a Year 12 Family Information Evening, run respective House Assemblies, participate in our Wellbeing program’s introductory session and complete the second activity, see a hugely successful Inter-house Swimming Carnival run and won, compete with sportsmanship beyond reproach at the Inter-school Swimming Carnival and in NEAS sports competitions, attend a Student Leadership Conference, enjoy the Year 11 or Year 12 Camps, demonstrate their service through participating in the National Schools Clean-Up Day and our Year 11s have their Dinner Cruise on the horizon. Among all these activities, students are attending classes and striving to work to the best of their ability.

To all students, families, and staff, I hope you find time to reflect, relax, and recharge these holidays. I look forward to seeing you all back on deck on Monday, 28 April, as we embark on a no-less busy Term Two.

Skirt, Dress and College Short length

While the College values high uniform standards, it is undesirable to commit an excessive amount of time and resources to enforce this policy at the expense of our core business, which is student learning. To this end, parental and student support is imperative for the College to maintain the uniform standards detailed in our Uniform Policy.

This is a timely reminder for students, parents, and guardians that the specified skirt, dress, and Navy College shorts length should be just above the knee. Please amend the length of these uniform items or purchase new ones if required. Don't get caught short.

Save the Date - Year 12 Helena College School Ball

Date: Thursday, 3 July 2025

This year’s Year 12 Ball is being held at Fraser’s Kings Park. Fraser’s Kings Park is located in the tranquil surrounds of Kings Park and sits high above the city with views of Perth and the beautiful Swan River.

This is just a reminder that all Year 12 students will be expected to stay at school on the day of the Ball until 12.15 pm, so please make sure all appointments are in the afternoon. Be organised in advance with everything you need to do for the Ball.

Please note that nail appointments can be made during the week of the event. We will relax the usual nail restrictions for the week leading up to the Ball. The rules around hair colour still apply.

The school does not sanction any pre- or post-ball parties. However, suppose anyone arrives at the ball under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substances or attempts to consume them at the Ball. In that case, they will be IMMEDIATELY sent home in a taxi - at the family’s expense.

More information about the Ball will be published soon.

Years 11 and 12 Semester One Examinations

Y12 Semester One Examinations and Work placements - Weeks Five and Six Term Two.

While our Year 12s have been through the exam cycle, this is a timely reminder to brush up on good exam techniques. Elevate Education will also run their “Ace Your Exams” workshop for our Year 12s early in Term Two.

Our Year 11 students will be experiencing the exam period for the first time next term. To help them prepare beforehand, we will hold a short pre-exam information session in Week Three of next term. A select group of Year 12 students will attend the session and share their exam tips with our Year 11s.

Careers Information

Education Department Advice on Apprenticeships and Traineeships

School students and their families can find information about apprentices, traineeships and school-based apprenticeships and traineeships at the Education Department site. It gives basic information and links to key sites for further information.

Find the Education Department introduction HERE.  Information and support is available at Apprenticeship Office and at Apprenticeship Support. 

School to Work Pathways: Infographics and Activities

These are designed for teachers, but they are easy to follow. If you are wondering how to become an electrician or a graphic designer, check out some of the 23 different pathways that are available HERE.

Filmbites 

Animation Skills for Age 9 - 18

Dive into the work of animation with our 2D Animation course designed for kids aged 9-18! Learn fundamental skills like creating walk cycles, mastering motion, designing characters with unique personalities, and telling compelling stories through animation.  Junior Animation Ages 9–13. At Filmbites Malaga 4.30 – 6pm Tuesdays. Check out the course and enrol HERE.

April School Holidays Filmbites Workshops

Would you like a career in the screen industry? Western Australia has invested in the new WAAPA facilities in the city and Perth Film Studios in Malaga and the screen industries look buoyant in the next few years. A variety of Filmbites April school holiday workshops will be run in venues across Perth. Check them out HERE.

WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) Short Courses

Music Theatre Workshops Year 7 - 12

Music Theatre is an exciting blend of theatre and music, weaving storytelling through the integration of singing, dancing and acting. WAAPA’s Music Theatre course offers students the perfect starting point to develop the vocal, acting, and movement skills necessary to become a true ‘triple threat. ’Each term, students get hands-on experience by applying their skills to a new musical production. Book Music Theatre Workshop for Term 2 HERE, which starts on 11 May.

Actors’ Workshop

The Actor’s Workshop supports students in building self-confidence as they put their abilities into action on both stage and screen. Participants will develop ensemble skills and the confidence needed to collaborate and work as part of a team. They will be guided by experienced teachers, who aim to challenge students in a respectful and encouraging environment, allowing them to develop their talent and abilities.  Book Term 2 Actor’s Workshop HERE.

Sky Careers School Holidays Workshops Ages 7 – 16 Years

Choose one or more of these great workshops to explore careers relating to aviation. They are on at 35 Eagle Drive, Jandakot Airport. Check out details and register HERE - Runs from 14 – 17 April

University News

Open Days

MyFuture.edu.au provides eight tips on how to make the most of open days at universities. To make the most of the Open Days that you visit, check out these eight tips HERE.

4 May - ECU Mt Lawley

24 May - Notre Dame

UWA Fogarty Foundation Scholarships

Open now - closes 20 May 2025

• Up to 10 scholarships for WA Year 12 students 
• Predicted ATAR of 98+ 
• $12,500 per year for undergraduate study + $10,000 per year for postgraduate study
• Get more details HERE.

UWA Winthrop Scholarship

Open now – closes 20 June 2025 

• Up to five scholarships are available. 
• Domestic Year 12 students with an ATAR of 95+ 
• Recognises academic excellence, leadership vision, and community involvement. 
• $10,000 per year for undergraduate and postgraduate study 
• Get more details HERE.

University Early Offers

3 June - Early offers for university in WA for 2026 will open on 3 June.

• 1 September - TISC will not make an offer before 1 September 2025.
• 19 December - ATAR results
• 24 December – _first round offers will be sent out.
• Early offers are NOT available for courses that have quotas.

Murdoch Non-ATAR Pathways

Very Cool Experience Based Entry Checker 

Murdoch has created a cool online tool for checking your eligibility for experience-based entry. You can check it out HERE. Experience-Based-Entry assesses academic, vocational and extracurricular experiences like employment, volunteering and sport leadership to determine eligibility for courses entry.

• Media Portfolio for Arts, Communications or Creative Media courses.
• On Track Sprint: 4-week enabling course alternative enrolment in courses requiring ATAR 70Four Summer intensive program focusing on referencing and academic writing.
• On Track Flex: One semester full-time that prepares students for university study. 

Non-ATAR pathways entry is only available to courses with an ATAR entry of 70. Students can adjust their course subjects or direction once they have demonstrated their academic ability in their university studies.

UWA Experience-based Entry Pathway (EBE)

Applications for Experienced Based Entry are up 20% in 2025 on 2024.

How it works

Applicants require 100 points:

• ATAR>70 = 60 points, > 60 = 50 points, >50 = 40 points
• Cert IV = 60 points, Cert III = 50 points, Cert II = 40 points.
• Enabling program up to 60 points for an average score of less than 65
• Individual ATAR subjects up to 15 points and General up to 10 points
• Big Picture and Duke of Edinburgh are now considered part of applications for Experienced Based Entry.
• Life and sporting achievements, work experience and volunteering also count.

Successful Entry Pathways at UWA

Participation in ATAR subjects significantly contributed to strong performance. Even students who completed ATAR subjects without attaining an ATAR demonstrated strong academic performance, boasting a higher pass rate. Attrition for EBE cohorts is higher relative to those entering using ATAR, but performance continues to improve.

Attrition Rate

• Students with normal ATAR application pathway have a 12% – 15% attrition rate.
• Experience Based Entry attrition rate is 15% - 20%

ECU Parents' Guide to University Study

ECU’s new Parents’ Guide to University Study assists parents to understand some of the mysteries of higher education. This guide can assist parents with information including how to choose a course, how to get into university, how their child will be supported, how to apply and where they will study their course.  The new guide also discusses how to have a great university experience, and highlights ECU’s commitment to ensuring every student has the best possible experience when they study with ECU. Check it out HERE.

First in Family site

Students who are planning to go to uni and their families can also check out the First in Family site HERE.

Terms 2 & 3 Curtin Year 11 & 12 Girls + Engineering Tomorrow Network

10 weekend sessions across terms 2 & 3. | An engineering program for Year 11 and 12 students interested in a STEM pathway. Through a series of weekend workshops, GET Network provides students with the opportunity to explore engineering study and career pathways while connecting with like-minded peers and industry role models.  Apply HERE.

Defence Force Work Experience

Defence Work Experience Program provides young Australians interested in Defence as a future career, the opportunity to sample life in Defence and learn more about the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Public Service (APS).

The Defence Work Experience Program is pleased to advise that Defence is offering opportunities for work experience activities.

• Army. Day in the Life of a Soldier: Irwin Barracks (June) - The closing date for application is 4 May.
• Air Force. Air Force Careers Day RAAF Base Pearce - The closing date for application is 11 May.
• Air Force. Indigenous Youth Program: RAAF Base Pearce - The closing Date for application is 11 May.
• Navy. Navy Careers Experience: HMAS Stirling - The closing date for application is 18 May.
• Army. A Day in the Life of a Soldier: Irwin Barracks (August) – The closing date for application is 22 June.

A New National Champion!

Maddie has just returned from the Junior National Track Cycling Championships in Brisbane where she co-captained the Western Australian team.  Maddie won the National Championship in the U17 Team Sprint with her two team mates and was presented her first National Champion Australian jersey.  Maddie also won a silver medal in the 500TT and a silver in the Individual Sprint competition and a Bronze in the team pursuit.  Congratulations, what a great achievement.

The Canteen has refreshed its menu for Term Two, and items on the menu will be available from Week One of the new term:

Darlington Canteen Menu Term Two 2025

Glen Forrest Canteen Menu Term Two 2025

New Uniform Items (Permapleat Midland)

Please note that the Perm-a-Pleat shop will be closed across the Easter long weekend (18 April to 21 April inclusive). It will reopen on Tuesday 22 April at 7am, when normal trading hours resume.

Second-hand Uniform Shop

Thank you to our volunteers for opening up the Second-hand Uniform Shop during the holidays. 

• Tuesday 15 April, 8.30 am to 10 am 
• Thursday 24 April, 8.30 am to 10 am 

Create and Make is our newest elective, offered as part of the Junior School Electives Program. This exciting class provides students with the opportunity to engage in a diverse range of creative and hands-on three-dimensional art projects.

Encouraging creativity and discovery through hands-on learning is at the heart of this elective. Students will explore various artistic techniques, including textile arts, nature-inspired creations, recycled sculpture, and seasonal projects.

This week, we've been thrilled to see the students bringing their projects to life. Our participating Year 1 to 3 students have been designing and crafting cardboard animals with moving parts, and their creations are already looking incredible - we can’t wait to see the final results!

Meanwhile, our Year 4 and 5 students have kicked off the year by constructing small bee boxes, which they’ll be able to place in their gardens once completed. This project not only nurtures creativity and design skills but also promotes an appreciation for the beautiful natural environment of the Perth Hills.

As expected, our Create and Make tutor, Marie Jacquier, has introduced some truly engaging projects for the new class. We look forward to seeing even more amazing creations throughout the year!

Beck Watson | Electives Coordinator

As part of their Event Photography assessment, our Year 10 Photography students recently completed their first major shoots - bringing a range of creative scenarios to life. From intimate proposals and elegant weddings to high-energy basketball tournaments, students worked in teams to direct, model, and photograph mock events as if on a professional assignment. These shoots challenged them to plan, style, and capture the emotion and energy of each moment. Below are a selection of raw, unedited shots to see their work in progress.

Daniel Hortense | Digital Photography Teacher

Outdoor Education has had a busy and active start to the year.

The Year 12 class has been working on their roping and abseiling skills in preparation for their expedition in Term Three where they will abseil into a couple of different caves in the Margaret River Region. 

The Year 11 class have been gaining fitness and skills on the mountain bikes in preparation for their expedition next term, an 80km ride along the Munda Biddi trail between Jarrahdale and Dwellingup. 

The two Year 10 paddling classes have spent the term working on their canoeing skills and also had the fun of practicing capsize drills. 

The Year 9 classes have been working on their basic camp craft, pitching shelters, cooking on camping stoves, mapping and mountain biking all in preparation for their expedition early next term.

Well done to all those involved!

Joel Cullen | Outdoor Education Teacher

Year 12 Abseiling

Year 11 Mountain Biking

Year 9 Camp Craft

Helena College once again entered two teams into the 2025 Synergy Solar Car Challenge. The Year 6 team who won the interclass challenge comprised  Sophie P , Taj W , and Layla R . The Year 8s did the Solar car challenge as part of their energy investigation. The fastest teams from each class raced off at lunchtime and the winners were Isla S, Byron B, Chloe S and Fergus H.

Our two winning teams went on to represent Helena College in the interschool challenge.  We headed Southern River College to compete against other schools from the South Metro region.

The Year 6s were up first. They had an hour to build and test their car. They were successful in the first round placing second out of four teams. Unfortunately they were knocked out in the second round.

The Year 8 team was up next and although they successfully built and tested their car, technical difficulties on the start line meant that they were knocked out. Despite this both teams enjoyed the day and learnt many valuable lessons. A big thank you to Mr Ford for accompanying the Year 6 team to the competition.

Deven Reddy | Solar Car Challenge Coordinator

The Year 9 students are about to embark on their Year 9 Project – an opportunity to explore a topic of their choice for an extended period. During the Meet the Teacher evening I mentioned a few things that will hopefully prove useful:

• Please have some conversations with your year 9 student about the project and a possible area of interest for them to consider
• Have a conversation about the option to complete the project as an individual or in a group of two

I have uploaded the exhibition brochures from previous Year 9 Projects into my.helena. I have suggested to the Year 9 students that they may like to read through the previous goal statements. They are welcome to duplicate a goal statement that they are may be interested in or take the idea and turn it into their own project.

Parent Information Session

There will be a Parent Information Session early next term where the Project will be discussed at length. Please put the date in your diaries:

Date: Thursday 1 May

Time: 6pm

Venue: Performing Arts Centre

This presentation will help prepare parents for the process. Students will need ongoing support from home and from their supervisor (as the College’s representative) to give them the best opportunity of achieving at the highest possible level in this project. Students are welcome to attend the presentation, which will cover all aspects of the project from the early planning right through to the final assessment and the exhibition.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any further queries regarding the community project.

Rebecca Murray | Project Coordinator

Exploring business through Fieldwork

Field studies are an integral part of the Business Management experience. The Year 12 class recently travelled to the Mundaring shopping precinct to conduct a marketing review and study of the businesses we frequent on a daily basis. Students investigated examples of shop signage, uniforms, the customer service experience and reviewed the demographic of the people using the businesses. The students used the data for their first assessment of the Year 12 course, which was to create a marketing plan for one of the businesses they visited in person.

Sold!

Entrepreneurship and innovation are steadily becoming desirable attributes for employers in today’s job markets. The Year 12 Business class dialled in to these skills with their recent ‘class business’, engaging in the process of brainstorming, designing, creating, producing, marketing and selling House Stickers in the lead up to the recent Interhouse Swimming Carnival. The ability to provide students with a tangible and experiential learning opportunity means that they are putting in to practice the concepts they learn in class. All profits from the sale of the stickers will go to the Royal Life Saving charity.

Did you miss out on an exclusive House Stickers? The Year 12 Business class will revive their business prior to the Interhouse Athletics Carnival - keep an eye out for their marketing!

Kirsten Greenshaw | Careers and Workplace Learning Coordinator

Year 10 Drama students recently undertook a lighting workshop by Aaron Stirk in preparation for designing and operating their own lighting states. Drama students will be performing their class production of Juice by Stephen Davies in Term Two.

On Friday of Week 8, our Year 12 Media class embarked on an exciting media camp in the city. We left in the morning, the bus packed with all our filming equipment. Once we arrived, we began exploring the city for potential filming locations. After a relaxing lunch, our actors joined us, and filming began in earnest in the afternoon and finished just before midnight. After an early start to catch the sunrise, we wrapped up the day and headed home with some stunning shots.

Despite having minimal sleep, everyone had an amazing time working together on our film projects, which will be submitted at the end of the year. The media camp was an incredible experience for our Year 12 class. A huge thank you to Mrs Owen for organising the camp, and to Mr Hortense, Ms Duffour, and Mr Gomes for their extra support throughout the day.

Written by Arts Captain Sarah M on behalf of the class.

It is not often that Albany’s weather can be described as ‘perfect’ but with mild days and cool (not freezing) nights for sleeping, the weather on Year 8 camp was exactly that. Combined with the picturesque views across the Princess Royal Harbour, Quaranup once again provided an exceptional base for camp.

After our arrival the students were greeted with an introduction by Quaranup staff then enjoyed afternoon tea before settling in to dorms and camp groups. After dinner, the itinerary was underway with a variety of team building games taking us into the evening.

Across the rest of week, the Year 8s visited the Museum of the Great Southern, the National ANZAC Centre, and the Historic Whaling Station. They also explored the rugged coastline at The Gap and Natural Bridge, tried their hand at Sailing and Kite making, took a guided walk around Quaranup, read the story of the Lighthouse Girl, tested their senses on the sensation trail, and paddled canoes in the waters off Quaranup.

The nights then saw the students enjoy pizza on the foreshore and Ten Pin Bowling or create wearable pieces of art at camp. Activities then concluded on Thursday night with the students testing their knowledge on all things Camp Quaranup with the Quaranup Quiz.

With the Year 8s thoroughly enjoying their time in Albany we were up early Friday morning and on our way back to school. The drive gave several weary students the opportunity to catch up on some rest. Possibly proof of a week very well spent!

Steven Emanuele | Year 8 Camp Coordinator

The Helena Hunters - a tight-knit squad of Helena schoolmates turned alumni - clinched the championship title with a gritty 38–33 win over the relentless Panthers.

The Hunters are not just teammates—they're Helena College graduates who finished school last year. Playing under the Helena banner, their loyalty, and shared history were on full display in a nail-biting thriller.

The Hunters set the tone early, commanding the first half with disciplined defence and slick passes. By halftime, they looked well in control. But true to form, the Panthers refused to fold.

In a roaring second-half comeback, the opposition clawed their way back to within 1 point, turning what looked like a walkaway win into a down to the wire challenge. With just three minutes to go, the Panthers sat only 3 points behind, and a looming three-pointer threatened to level the score.

But this Helena team - fuelled by friendship and fired by pride - held strong. A series of composed plays, sharp rebounding, and clever offence in the final minutes sealed the deal. Final score: Hunters 38 – Panthers 33.

The victory is a testament not just to athletic skill, but to the enduring spirit of camaraderie and friendship.

Congratulations to the Helena Hunters—2024/25 U20 Men’s Champions, and still representing Helena College with pride!

Disclaimer: Inclusion in the Helena College Noticeboard is at the College's discretion and does not imply endorsement. Information for listings is supplied by third-party participants and organisations, with sole responsibility for the accuracy and further use.

Community News

Gardening Australia

We are delighted to confirm that Hazel Granville (Indonesian relief teacher) will have her garden featured on an upcoming broadcast of the ABC show Gardening Australia. Hazel is the second of Helena's staff members to be featured on the show, with  Sue Crosse's garden featured last year.  To view Hazel's amazing garden for yourself, please tune in the show:

Date: 11 April

Time: 7.30pm

Channel: ABC

Noticeboard

2025 DAF Poster Competition - Enter now!

We’re looking for a fresh design to promote this year’s festival. It should be easy to read on the roadside, look great on a t-shirt, and get people excited about the 2025 Festival. Entry is free and open to all ages. $300 prize for the winning entry.

Enter online: Darlington Arts Poster Competition entry

Get creative and get cracking! Entries close 16 May

Mundaring Shire - Community Feedback

The Shire is currently seeking community feedback to inform our draft Fire & Emergency Public Education Program.  You can help us create better localised preparedness resources and to plan informative events that support community safety. Please share your insights today by completing a short survey at Mundaring Emergency Response Survey

Environmental Art Project 2025

In 2025, students across the City of Swan and Shire of Mundaring are invited to create an A4 artwork investigating and depicting their creative ideas for restoring Land for Wildlife*. Through this project, students explore the selected areas of focus to share their ideas for creating healthy, local ecosystems.  All student artwork is celebrated in an exhibition at the Midland Junction Arts Centre and presented online, with winning artworks selected to be transformed into public outcomes such as banners for the Mundaring and Midland Town Centres. 

Find out more HERE

Midland PCYC

Midland PCYC Boxing Fitness

Midland PCYC Kinder Sports Holiday Program

Midland PCYC FREE Basketball Program

Further Community Notices 

Yallingup Galleries - Art Beat Youth Mentorship Program

Bricks4 Kidz Workshop

Grasshopper Soccer Term Two

Masterminds

Stelle Nascenti - Italian Heritage

Study - Managing Your Childs Behaviour

Apex Not for Profit Gymnastics Club in Forrestfield