On Friday 28 April we held our ANZAC Day assembly which was attended by students from Years 1 to 12. As with many events across Australia and New Zealand, our service was to recognise the bravery of those men and women who have fought to defend our freedoms and the freedoms of our allies and who continue to serve in conflict and peacekeeping missions today. Our two Head Students, Shae and Xavier spoke with reverence about experiences of soldiers who have lost their lives in war and recited the Ode of Remembrance and the poem, In Flanders Field. Our Junior Choir sang Can You Hear the Children Marching? before leading the school in singing our national anthem. To close our assembly, along with our Head Students, Year 5 House leaders Paul, Mika and Lauren, laid wreaths on behalf of the school.
Staff Conference Day
At the start of this term we held a Staff Conference Day where our teachers worked together on reviewing curriculum and developing assessments and grading rubrics. In response to feedback from parents, we are committed to improving the ways in which we communicate with families about the learning programs at the College. Our aim is to have consistent language and processes across the subject areas for providing feedback on assessments in order to be transparent in communicating to students and parents the learning areas where students are doing well and areas where they can improve. For Senior School students, summative assessments and grading rubrics are being posted online using SEQTA for students and parents to access. In the Junior School, assessments and rubrics were sent home to parents in a student portfolio at the end of Term 1.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
There was another opportunity for communication between the school and parents last Friday when we held our Years K - 10 Parent-Teacher Conferences. This was the second year of a full day of conferences at the Junior School and it was wonderful to see so many parents attend to speak with teachers about their child’s progress at school. Many parents also attend the conferences for Years 6 to 10 at the Glen Forrest campus. For Senior School conferences, we do encourage students to come along with their parents for the meetings. It is important that students are part of the conversation so that there is transparency among parents, students and the teachers about expectations in each class. This is a change to what has happened previously, and while there were some students who came along last Friday, I hope to see many more attend the conferences in the future.
The school year moves very quickly, as I am sure all of our Year 11 and 12 students will attest. I would like to wish all of our senior students the best as they begin their first round of exams or work placements in the next few weeks.
Peter Coombs
Principal
Leadership
Head of Senior Campus - Child Safe - My Consent Parent Presentation
With a growing focus on respectful relationships in the new Western Australian Health Curriculum there has not been a better time to begin considering how to best approach the topic of consent. Relationship and consent education in the Health curriculum plays a vital role in allowing students to establish and manage respectful relationships and equips young people with the knowledge, skills and understandings they need to promote their own health, wellbeing and safety, and to respect the rights and safety of others.
It is also an important topic that should be discussed at home. We are fortunate to have a presentation for parents coming up at the College that is aimed to help parents discuss consent in the home. The presentation is a collaboration between Mike Dyson, founder of Good Blokes Co, and Lucy Peach, Sexual Health educator. The 90 minute talk will help demystify consent and give parents the skills, and more importantly the confidence, to make conversations with their young people rewarding and even enjoyable. The presentation will unpack the cultural obstacles to young people’s understanding of consent, giving some practical age appropriate content and tips on how to make these conversations easy.
The presentation will take place in the Performing Arts Centre at Helena College's Glen Forrest Campus. It is open to all parents, from Kindy to Year 12. Please see link below to reserve your free tickets.
Justin Pitt | Head of Senior Campus
Date: Tuesday 13 June
Time: 6pm - 7.30pm
Venue: Performing Arts Centre - Bilgoman Road, Glen Forrest
Tickets: Free - all are welcome. Please RSVP here by 4pm on 12 June for catering purposes.
Director of Upper School
Caution - Peer Support at Work
The end of Term 2 will mark the halfway point of our Year 11s journey through Upper School - three semesters down, three semesters to go.However, before they reach the end of the term, their first Work Placements and Semester 1 exams loom large.
We encourage our students participating in the Workplace Learning program to identify their aptitude for and/or enjoyment of broad employment areas. Student sitting exams are encouraged to think of their exams as a way of identifying gaps in their knowledge. Work placements and exam experiences are as much a learning experience as a communication tool with families.
To help our Year 11s prepare for these upcoming and important, challenges, we scheduled a pre-Workplace Learning/Exam talk. The meeting allowed us to discuss the rules and regulations of the WPL/Exam period. In addition, select Year 12s helped by sharing their tips and tricks for WPL/Exams during a Q + A session. I am sure that the messages our 12s shared will stand the 11s in good stead as they head off shortly on their WPL/Exam fortnight. We wish all off our 11s and 12s the best wishes with their respective Work Placements and exams.
Your child says, "I have no idea what I want to do!"
While choosing a career is important, try to prevent your child from putting too much pressure on themselves to decide or to lock in only one option.
Today's new job seekers will have a number of different jobs during their working life, so it's okay if they don't choose a career path immediately after leaving high school.
Remind your child that there are many opportunities to change their mind, and they should check out everything that looks interesting to them.
You should also keep in mind that a gap year can be beneficial as it may give them time to decide what they'd like to study or embark on as a career. In addition, by taking a gap year, they can work or travel to find out what their true interests are.
Here are some suggestions to consider if your child doesn't know what they want to do:
18–21 May Careers Expo
The Careers Expo is the biggest career event of the year in WA. People from industry, education and training providers will be there to give information about their business.
Get tips on how to get the most from your visit HERE.
Career Expert Bev Johnson's Top Tip:
I have tried going at about 2.00 pm, during the week when the school groups have left, but I've found that many of the exhibitors are exhausted and ready to go home. I now go early on Saturday.
May – June Department of Education Career Conversations
The Department of Education gives advice on how to talk about careers with your student. The Department of Education is providing free, easily accessible support that helps families to work through career ideas with their students. You can register for one or more of the events HERE.
Hear about:
exploring university and training pathways
career pathway information for young people with disabilities
where to find accurate, up-to-date career pathway information
Apply your existing trade skills or receive world-class training in order to work with formidable military assets and enjoy the many benefits of a career in the Australian Defence Force. To find out more about available trade roles, come along to an info session and speak with current serving personnel.
Defence Force Recruiting Perth, Level 7, 66 St Georges Terrace, Perth, WA 6000
Experience the Army - Army Immersion Day, at the Irwin Barracks
Visiting an Army base is an experience like no other. Your students are invited to join Defence Force Recruiting on a tour of Irwin Barracks, Stubbs Terrace, Karrakatta.
They’ll see inside the restricted-access base, view vehicle and equipment demonstrations and get their hands on military equipment. They’ll also get to chat with current serving members and have lunch on base. This is your student's opportunity to experience the Army for themselves.
When: 8.00 am – 4.00 pm, Thursday 25 May 2023
Where: Irwin Barracks – Stubbs Terrace, Karrakatta, WA 6010
RSVP: Registrations close at 12.00 pm Tuesday, 23 May. Each attendee must submit a separate registration. To book your spot at the Army Immersion Day, register HERE
West Australia Defence Space Capability Training in Exmouth
WA is about to start building its capacity to engage in strategic naval and space capabilities at the Harold E. Holt defence base in Exmouth.
South Metro is joining forces with defence space capability partner Raytheon Australia to train its Exmouth workforce.
If you think working in the space industry is where you belong, contact South Metro TAFE to find out more.
University Events
Year 12 - University Early Offers 2024
Year 12s will be able to apply for a place at a university in WA for 2024 from Monday, 1 May. Applying early will NOT be an advantage over other applicants who do not apply early.
Curtin
If your final ATAR score is 3 points above your predicted ATAR, you'll receive a $3000 scholarship.
Apply through TISC from 1 May and choose Curtin as your first preference.
Year 11 results are used to calculate a predicted ATAR.
If you're studying a Certificate IV or enabling course, or if your predicted ATAR doesn't quite meet the minimum entry requirements for your course, you'll still be eligible for an early offer. This offer will be conditional on you meeting all entry requirements for your course.
Register for UCAT Now Medicine Application for 2024
You need to undertake the UCAT ANZ compulsory entry requirement if you are applying for medicine at Curtin, or for an assured pathway into medicine at UWA. The test is conducted between 3 July and 11 August 2023. ● You can register and find preparation tests HERE. Applications close on 17 May (late bookings close on 31 May).
All candidates need to prepare by understanding these test tools.
University Entrance – Alternative Pathways via Curtin
May 17 and 31 - Curtin Pathway Support
Thinking about applying to uni but have a few questions about the various pathways on offer? Come down to Curtin Connect to chat with one of our Future Student Advisors about your pathway options, including ATAR entry, Portfolio entry, enabling pathways, and more! We're here to run you through your options, give you tailored advice and discuss what your journey to Curtin could look like. So, bring your questions along; we look forward to seeing you there. Get details HERE.
ECU promotes non-ATAR Pathways
Students rate ECU as the top university in Western Australia for student experience. It is, therefore, well placed to support students to enrol and succeed through non-ATAR entry pathways. You can check out ECU Non-ATAR Pathways HERE.
24 May - ECU Year 10 Parent Information Evening Joondalup Campus 6.00 pm -7.30 pm
If you don't know what subjects to pick next year or just want to find out about uni and the courses we offer, this is a great opportunity to chat with our friendly Future Student Engagement Team! Find details and register HERE.
24 May - Murdoch Year 9 & 10 Parent and supporters information Evening
Assist your child as they navigate senior secondary school and the journey to tertiary studies!
Join us for a Parent Information Evening where we'll cover the following:
Course offerings
How to help your child choose preferences
Understanding university lingo
Fees & Scholarships
For any queries about this event, please contact us via email.
24 May - Murdoch Year 11 & 12 Parent and supporters information Evening
Help your child take the leap from secondary school to university!
There are hundreds of study choices for school leavers. We're here to help you through this exciting new chapter in your teen's life by providing all the information you need to guide them through Years 11 and 12 and beyond.
Join us for a Parent Information Evening where we'll cover the following:
Welcome to Term 2 - we have very quickly have dived back into learning with energy and enthusiasm. I look forward to working closely with you all throughout Term 2 and beyond - and to celebrating our students' successes together.
Whole School Assembly - Anzac Day
On Friday 28 April staff and Year 1-12 students came together as one school at our Glen Forrest Campus in a moving and thought-provoking Anzac Day assembly. A sincere thank you goes to all involved in the preparation and presentation of this assembly - especially Alysha Emanuele, Lauren Bates and our Junior School choir members who sang superbly at the occasion! In this edition of the newsletter, there is a separate article on our Anzac commemorations that showcase the many ways in which our Junior School delved into this topic.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Keeping families well-informed in terms of their child’s learning progress and development is a significant aspect of the education process.
From all accounts, last week’s parent-teacher conferences were a wonderful success - enabling two-way communication to take place with a specific focus on your child’s learning and social development. In doing so, further support can be provided to enable each child the opportunity to reach their potential.
Whilst Term 1 included settling in time for the students into their new learning year level, with routines and classroom ‘culture’ now established, Term 2 will allow for a great amount of further learning, progress and accomplishments to occur.
Aussie of the Month Award
Congratulations go to Rosalind (Year 3), Weston (Year 4C) and George (Year 4P) who have been chosen as the Aussies of the Month for May.
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.
Mother’s Day
This Sunday marks a very special occasion - Mother’s Day. Tomorrow's citizens are moulded in the homes of today and as such, you can never underestimate the influence of a quality parent figure. Mothers leave lasting impressions on the hearts of their children through words, actions and simple gestures such as a loving hug.
I hope that on Mother's Day, all of the mothers and parent figures within our community will feel the special love their children have for them. Thank you for all that you do. You bring joy, comfort and love into our world each and every day.
Wishing everyone, especially all the Helena mums and mother-figures, and my own, a wonderful upcoming weekend.
Kind regards
Greg Miller
Head of Junior School - Kindergarten to Year 5
Acknowledging our Anzacs
In the first week of Term 2, Helena College took some time out to reflect on Anzac Day, and participated in a two specials events as well as complete some related classroom activities.
Combined Schools Anzac Day Service
Helena College had the privilege of joining other local schools for the Shire of Mundaring Combined Schools Anzac Day Service at the Blackboy Hill Commemorative Site. It was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge our community's strong links to the ANZACs. On 17 August 1914, just 12 days after war was declared, the first volunteers arrived at the newly formed Blackboy Hill training camp located in Greenmount. This was the birthplace of the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) in WA and over 32,000 men passed through the camp before heading off to war - some 11 per cent of the State's population at the time.
Today, the Blackboy Hill memorial pays tribute to the many soldiers that passed through. The site features a series of sculpted arches, designed by Ean McDonald, symbolising the spirit of the AIF over the rising sun of its badge.
It is not often we have the opportunity to gather as a whole school, so it was good to be able to see all our students from Year 1 to Year 12 gather together at the Glen Forrest Campus for the College's Anzac Assembly on Friday 28 April.
Following readings by the Head Students and a performance by the Junior School Choir, the Head Students and the Year 5 Captains laid wreaths to commemorate the service of Australians since the First World War. While it was a reflective and respectful event, it was good to see how our younger and older students relished the opportunity to sit together. We also thank the parents who joined us for the Assembly this morning.
Following the Assembly, the wreaths were placed under the flagpoles at each of our campuses, as a visible reminder to passersby of the commitment and bravery shown by Australian servicemen and women in, both in conflict zones and in peacekeeping efforts.
Pre Primary
Our Pre-primary students enjoyed a variety of tasks as they learnt more about our Anzacs. They made poppies, taste-tested Anzac biscuits, read stories about the Anzacs, and even watched an episode of Playschool about Anzac Day.
Year 1
The Year 1s had a busy week learning about Anzac Day. They looked at a Powerpoint presentation of pictures of Anzac Day and had a wonderful discussion as part of that learning. The students then went on to write about how we can commemorate Anzac Day. The Year 1s also read the book, "Anzac Ted" during our Shared Reading lessons. The students have enhanced their vocabulary with many new words learnt from the story and thoroughly enjoyed finding the rhyming words on each page. Each student then wrote about why Anzac Ted is a hero. Lastly, each student made a poppy using a poppy template and red tissue paper during their visual arts lesson. This was was also a lesson in patience and perseverance!
Year 3 - Anzac Biscuits
As our Year 3s were learning about the Anzacs as part of the Humanities and Social Sciences curriculum, they were also utilising other developing skills. For example, when they made their Anzac biscuits, they had to read the instructions (literacy) and measure out the ingredients (numeracy), before baking them. Of course, the best part of the baking process may have been the taste-test afterwards! They also used their design technologies and visual arts skills to make beautiful poppies to hang in their classrooms.
Year 4
Our Year 4s created an Anzac tribute during their Visual Arts lessons. The scene depicts a digger paying respects to their fallen mates as the sun rises on the battlefield.
Staff News
Staff News
Rebecca Ewing - Head of Department, English
Congratulations to Rebecca and her husband Aedan on the safe arrival of their first child, daughter Myfanwy (Welsh, pronounced muh-VON-wee).
Heather Owen - Media Teacher
Congratulations to Heather Owen on completing her end-to-end tour of the Munda Biddi Trail. This is an amazing achievement for anyone. The trail runs for over 1,000 kilometres from Mundaring to Albany. The completed Munda Biddi Trail opened (end to end) in April 2013 when it claimed the title of the longest continuous off-road cycling trail of its kind in the world, and its NOT flat. Well done, an inspirational journey!
Shanae Campbell - Vocal Tutor
We are pleased to welcome Shanae to the College. Shanae studied her Bachelor of Music with first class Honours at WAAPA and comes to us with many years of tutoring experience. Shanae is passionate about creating a fun and enjoyable environment for her vocal students.
Junior School | Darlington Campus
Expressing emotions in Auslan
Junior School students have recently been learning lots of new Auslan signs for emotions and feelings. This has been such a fun unit and the actors among them have loved expressing themselves. Please enjoy the photos of us being happy, excited, scared, confused, worried, sad, surprised, sick and tired.
In the photo gallery below, students are using the signs for the emotions/feelings they are showing in their facial expressions.
Lauren Bates
Auslan Teacher
Environment Ministers Need Your Help
Help our Junior School Environment Ministers to collect bread bags for recycling - not only will this help to reduce the amount of plastic in landfill, we will also be able to earn points towards new sports equipment. Its a win for the environment - and a win for getting and keeping active!
It’s simple! All you need to do is keep your empty bread bags and drop them off to administration at either Junior School or Senior School for placing in a special pink bin. Once a bin is full, our enthusiastic post them to the Wonder Recycling Program for free. For every bin returned, the College will be rewarded with points which we can exchange for exciting sports equipment at the end of the program.
The more we collect the more points our College earns! Collections close 7 July.
Senior School | Glen Forrest Campus
Senior School Library News
The McGowan Government has launched the Premier’s Reading Challenge and is encouraging young Western Australians from Kindergarten to Year 10 to read. To complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge, students will need to read a total of 12 books from the available booklists and log these books on the Premier’s Reading Challenge website. The challenge is offering weekly prizes, with students who log a reading event going into the weekly draw.
Students can get involved by registering at www.premiersreadingchallenge.wa.edu.au. Those students below 13 years of age need to be registered by a parent or guardian. Those students over 13 years of age can register themselves. As part of the registration, students are able to choose an avatar and are able to log books that they have read. For students in Years 6 to 9, any books added to their VIBE reading record are able to be included in their Premier’s Reading Challenge log as well. A paper copy of the log is available for any students who cannot access an online account.
Challenge categories, book lists and prize information are on the website. Opportunities to be included in the final prize draw close on 9 September. The Challenge encourages students to explore different genres including historical fiction to graphic novels, comics to newspapers or song lyrics to poems.
The Premier’s announcement of the Challenge can be viewed here. Mrs Rebecca Murray (Teacher-Librarian) is the Reading Champion for the Senior School. Please contact her if you have any issues registering for the Challenge.
Boggle
The Library is running another Boggle competition with students having an opportunity to make as many words as possible and enter the competition with a chance to win a $20 canteen voucher. Entry forms are available in the library and close Friday 26 May.
Happy reading
Rebecca Murray | Teacher Librarian
French Immersion Day
On Saturday 6 May, the Year 12 French students had a full day of French Language and Culture Immersion. The aim of the day was for students to maximise their use of the French language by listening to, speaking, reading and writing about different material and topics. We first went to Alliance Française where we met Thomas Feldstein (Director) and Frédérique Antoine (Culture and Education Manager). We were warmly welcomed and were treated to a fruit juice and French pastries before visiting the biggest French library in WA and enjoying the exhibition of literary women from New Caledonia and completing some activities about it.
We had lunch at Chez Jean-Claude in Leederville, and after that we drove back to the College to meet artist Caroline Muscat, who presented a workshop on Impressionism, with a particular focus on Monet’s life and work.
Everyone got to produce their own interpretation of one of Monet’s most famous works, Waterlilies. We finished the day with dinner (foie gras on toasts, brioche buns with ham and brie as well as flan Breton for dessert) and a French movie (The Adventures of Adèle Blanc-sec). It really was a great day full of anecdotes, new experiences, laughter and the challenge to only converse in French!
Comments from students:
I enjoyed learning about French onomatopoeia and how different languages describe the same sounds, as well as learning a little more about the French overseas territory of New Caledonia. Ordering in French at Chez Jean-Claude was a little stressful, but I enjoyed my baguette and my tarts. Watching Xavier paint Chanel, the pig-dog-rat, was one of the highlights of the impressionist workshop. The hilarious French film we chose, the Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec, was a super fun conclusion to dinner and the day in general. - Masha K
Saturday was a fun and yet challenging day. I was challenged by speaking French all day towards my peers and teachers which was at first daunting yet still rewarding. I usually don’t enjoy painting and yet the workshop on Monet was enjoyable and interesting. The highlight of my day was the movie we watched at the end of the day titled The Extraordinary Adventures of Adele Blanc-Sec. A truly immersive day! - Luis
A very well organised day and a good chance to meet other French speakers in Perth. Great experience to see the biggest French library in WA! - Xavier
I really enjoyed the French immersion day as it was a fun yet challenging learning experience :) All the food we ate was really delicious, especially the Flan Breton Madame Archambaud made at home! - Georgia
The French immersion day was a great opportunity to practice speaking French with my peers, and the lovely people at Alliance Française! Not only did we immerse ourselves in the culture, but also the food, which was delicious! - Tessa
It was nice to finally put a place to the name of Alliance Française - the facility was super interesting and the overall vibe was very friendly and welcoming. It was challenging speaking French for the majority of the day but it was undoubtably useful for our pronunciation and vocabulary. And the food was delicious. Merci Mme A! - Shae
The food at Jean-Claude was very good, they had some nice pastries and bread. It was good to speak French the whole day, it helped me to grow more used to speaking French which I can’t usually do when surrounded by people who don’t speak French. I learnt a lot about notable French artists, including Claude Monet, and the movie and dinner afterwards was very relaxing. It was a great day to take a break from other Year 12 work while at the same time improving my French speaking and comprehension. - Caitlin
Millennium Kids Workshop
Earlier this year, our Year 12 Environment Captain, Tanami, along with a group of eleven other Helena College students, including Year 8s Chelsea S, Astrid, Fife, Kiera, Willow, Poppy, Evelyn, Alison, Peppin and Nicole, and Year 7 Chelsea P attended a one-day workshop focusing on climate change. The Helena students joined the Shire of Mundaring, Millennium Kids Inc, and children from Parkeville Steiner School, Treetops Montessori, Bob Hawke College and the wider community for the event.
The Mundaring Agents of Climate Change workshop involved various deliberative discussion activities to amplify participants’ perspectives and encourage them to discuss and reach a mutual consensus on pressing climate issues.
The day commenced with students developing an understanding of the climate issues facing their area. They then brainstormed these issues and themed them. Priority issues were: waste, energy, education and transport. After this, students addressed the issues by brainstorming, discussing, critically thinking and deliberating over the following questions:
What key changes do we need to make to the way we live?
What key changes does our area need to make?
Part three of the day involved students grouping their responses to the above questions and prioritising key themes. The top priority theme was selected from each table and further developed. Students came up with several creative and inspiring ideas listed below.
Rubbish Tax
Litter for Trees
5 Bin Policy
Hydroelectric Dam
Electric Cars
Education
Improving Op Shops
Two of the projects - the Rubbish Tax and Litter for Trees - were subsequently awarded grants to support the student in making their ideas real. One of the Helena participants, Chelsea S (Year 8), lead one of the successful groups. Dr Dianne Parker, one of our Humanities teachers, commented that Chelsea presented her pitch to the judges in a very professional manner. All our students were excellent ambassadors for the school.
We are looking forward to hearing how the projects continue, and the outcomes of the grant - so watch this space. If you would like more information on the workshop and its outcomes, a summary document is available here.
Helena College's Wall of Fame
If you've been to the gymnasium at Glen Forrest this term, you will notice some new additions - framed AFL player jumpers, complete with a signature and a brief message from the relevant star. What you might not know is that each of the featured AFL players are in fact Old Helenians, who spent all or part of their school career at our College!
It is a terrific way to acknowledge the sporting achievements of our alumni, as well as provide inspiration for current Helena students who wish to follow in their footsteps. The intention is to add further information and photos alongside each of the framed jumpers, and add more to the collection from a broader range of sports. We are fortunate to have some inspiring Old Helenians and are looking forward to seeing the 'Wall of Fame' grow over time!
The featured players are:
Mikayla Hyde (Fremantle Dockers)
Mikayla attended Helena College from 2014 to 2016, as part of the Class of 2019 cohort. She debuted with the Dockers in 2021. To date, she has played 23 games for the club, and we looking forward to watching her football career unfold.
Alex Rance (Richmond Tigers)
Alex was a Helena student until Year 10, and was part of the Class of 2006 cohort. Rance was a premiership player, five time All-Australian, a one time All-Australian captain, a one-time winner of Richmond's best-and-fairest award. For three seasons between 2017 and 2019 he also served as Richmond's AFL co vice-captain.
Mikayla Bowen (West Coast Eagles/Geelong Cats)
Mikyala started at Helena in 2006, and remained with the school until Year 11. Mikayla began her AFLW career as one of the West Coast Eagles first two recruits in the team's inaugural season. She moved to Geelong in 2022. She won Geelong’s Hoops Award in Season 7 – a player and staff-voted award presented to the player who best embodies the program’s values.
Denver Grainger-Barrass (Hawthorn)
Denver attended Helena from 2014 to 2016, before heading to a specialist sports college in Year 9. He was a member of the same cohort as Mikayla Hyde - the Class of 2019. Denver was pick #6 in the 2020 National Draft, and made his on-field debut in 2021.
Life Drawing Classes 2023
As part of their studies, Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts students participated in a five-week series of Life Drawing workshops, led by West Australian Artist Gordon Mitchell. Through these workshops, students were taken on a journey of exploration and discovery, learning to draw the human figure and honing their artistic skills. Life drawing is a crucial aspect of training the eye, and by drawing the human figure from life, students were able to maintain a high level of artistic excellence.
Over the course of the workshops, students experimented with various mediums, including charcoal, conte, graphite, pastel, and torn collaged paper, to focus on shape, form, depth, foreshortening, and perspective. We invite you to take a look at some of the amazing images produced by our talented students during these workshops.
Kingsley Gray | Visual Arts and Media Teacher
Admin Notices
Campus Safety
Parents and carers are reminded that it is essential to sign in at Administration when attending the campus during school hours. This is an essential part of our College's safety plan. By signing in (and out again at the conclusion of the meeting/appointment) we know who is on campus. This includes parents and carers who are attending individual meetings with staff outside of Parent-Teacher Conference days. Parents and carers who are volunteering in the classroom or canteen are also required to sign in. This is particularly important if the College faces an emergency situation such as a lock down or evacuation, as it ensures we can account for every person on site.
There are a limited number of exceptions to the requirement to sign in at the Senior School Administration office (Glen Forrest Campus):
when parents/carers are picking up their child from the Caretaker's Cottage on advice from the nurse
when purchasing items from Secondhand Uniform Shop during advertised opening hours
when attending events in the evening or outside of school hours
when attending Parent/Teacher Conference days
Helena College Council seeks new member
The role of the College Council is to provide overall governance of the school which includes setting the strategic direction, providing oversight of plans and budgets established by the school management, and monitoring the performance of the school against its Strategic Plan.
It is the function of the Principal and Executive Team to manage the operational organisation of the school in accordance with the Strategic Plan and College policies. The College Council and Executive work in partnership to achieve the College’s shared purpose and vision.
Some things to consider:
School Councils work best when people from a variety of different backgrounds, with a range of expertise, work together as a team.
Members must have an understanding of the governance role of a Council and the importance of independence and confidentiality.
Members are prepared to commit the time and effort needed to ensure the work of the Council is successful.
Why join the College Council?
Being on the College Council is a great way to get involved and have a voice in the strategic direction of the school. The work of the Council supports our present and future students and contributes to a strong and vibrant Helena College Community.
To support the work of the current Council, we are seeking an additional member, preferably with a background in one or more of the following areas:
Current & Future Technology
Education Leadership
Business Management
If you are interested in playing a role on Council or would like to know more, we’d really like to hear from you. Please email for further information.
Ty Theodore | Chair Helena College Council
Walk Safely to School Day
On Friday 19 May 2023, we invite our our community to take part in the National Walk Safely to School Day - a day designed to promote road safety, health, public transport and the environment. Benefits of walkingWalking regularly is one of the best forms of exercise because you can build it into your daily routine. Children who are regularly physically active are healthier and can perform better academically.
As a reminder, until a child is aged 10, they should hold an adult’s hand when crossing the road.
Want to join in?
Junior School families (parents, along with their children) are encouraged to collectively meet and walk together from the Darlington Oval (opposite The Hive Cafe) - starting at 7.45am. Please follow this link to see the map for further details.
For those who are able to participate, which may include leaving the car a short distance from the College and walking the rest of the way, or joining the group meeting at Darlington Oval, please call past Administration where you can receive a special ‘Walk Safely To School Day’ sticker.
Secondhand Uniform Shop
The Secondhand Uniform Shop has confirmed their opening hours for May.
Friday 19 May: 8.30 - 9.15am
Wednesday 24 May: 8.30 - 9.15am
Wednesday 31 May: 8.30 - 9.15am
The Secondhand Uniform Shop is looking donations of sports uniforms, jumpers and jackets. Please drop them into the Senior School administration at the Glen Forrest Campus.
If you would like to volunteer in the Shop, please email.
Darlington Campus
Small oval parking reminder
As with many schools, including Helena College Junior School, parking is limited, and our Junior School has provided parents with additional small oval parking during the warmer months/fine weather conditions in Term 1 and the commencement of Term 2. In order to protect our wonderful lawn play areas, regular parking will not be permitted in this space once the regular wet and cooler weather arrives. As we are sure you will be aware, the turning of car wheels is very destructive to wet / damp lawns.
Instead, it is hoped that families who have children who are ready to do so, will be able to utilise the main drop off pick up point (entry via Gate 4) - leaving the limited number of parking bays (entry via Gare 1 - undercover area and bays near Administration) for our Early Learning Centre families and for visitors remaining on campus for a short time.
As a safety matter, parents are asked not to park on the council verge/path areas that border our College, including on the corner of Leithdale and Ryecroft Roads. Parking in this location greatly reduces driver visibility to turning vehicles. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
Please help Helena College keep flu at bay
As we know, individual efforts have collective community benefits - and vaccination is the safest and most effective way that people can minimise their risk of getting the flu and passing it on to family, friends and colleagues.
Please see page 39 in the 2023 Darlington Campus Parent Handbook for more information.
Protective Behaviours - Keeping children safe in public
There is a strong shift away from the old rule of “never talk to strangers” to “never go anywhere with anyone without asking permission first”.
Catherine Gerhardt has five (5) practical ways to help keep children safe in public. Please click here to view the article.
2024 Kindy Enrolment Meetings - reminder
Term 2 sees the commencement of our Kindy Enrolment Meetings. This is a delightful time for both families and the College. For our current Helena College families, please ensure you have registered your enrolled child's siblings to avoid the disappointment of missing an enrolment place (in both Kindy and, other year levels). For more information, please contact our Enrolments Coordinator, Kate Paterson, at enrolments@helena.wa.edu.au.
Calling the Class of 2022
Remember how much fun you had at Nanga, way back in 2019 at your Year 9 Camp? You can relive those memories AND help a new group of Year 9s enjoy those same experiences by volunteering at this year's camp! If you're keen to get involved in the 2023 Camp, which runs from Monday 29 May to Friday 2 June, please get in touch - simply email Mr Tim Hayward.
Join the Push for Better Mental Health
Helena College is once again joining The Push Up Challenge in raising funds for Lifeline, as well as improving our own fitness and wellbeing. We're inviting you - staff, students, parents and Old Helenians to join us in this quest! The goal is 3,144 push-ups from 1 to 23 June. This is a lot, so we're totally on board if you want to aim for half of the target instead. You're also welcome to do alternative exercises if push-ups aren't for you. To join our team, the Helena College Pushererupperers, click on the link below to sign up, download the app and track your own progress. Find out more.
Clubs
Academic Support & Clubs
The Glen Forrest campus academic support and clubs for Term 2 are now open. We have a range of services available to help you succeed in your studies, including one-one-one tutoring, study groups and workshops. We also have a range of clubs and activities on offer, so there's something for everyone - including our brand new Dance elective (see separate article for more information). Come along and make the most of your Term 2. View the timetable here.
New Dance Elective for Years 6 to 9
Want to try something new in Term 2?
We are excited to let you know we are offering our first Senior School Elective Dance troupe! The class offers a variety of styles including contemporary dance, hip hop, jazz, and acrobatics for students in Years 6 to 9 at the Glen Forrest Campus.
Our experienced dance instructor, Miss Mersades, will guide students through flexibility and strength training exercises to help build the skills necessary to execute impressive and dynamic dance moves. Whether you're an experienced dancer or just starting out, this after-school class welcomes students of all skill levels.
Not only will students have the opportunity to learn new dance styles and techniques, but they’ll also have the chance to create their own choreography and showcase their individual style. Performance opportunities will arise throughout the year.
This Tuesday afternoon school program provides a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged to express themselves through movement.
The program will operate on the same principle as the Junior School one - families will be billed $199 per semester (pro rata for Semester 1 2023) to their tuition fee account. For more information, please contact the Dance Instructor, Miss Mersades, at mmucciarone@helena.wa.edu.au. Lessons commence 16 May (Week 4 of this term). For more information, please email Miss Mersades at mmucciarone@helena.wa.edu.au
Events
Second star to the right, and straight on til morning
The cast, crew and musicians of the upcoming production of Peter Pan have eagerly set to work preparing for this year's Senior School production. The production is set to hit the stage in late August. We look forward to sharing more information in the next edition of the newsletter. Tickets will be available soon - watch this space!
Noticeboard
Community Noticeboard
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.
Mastermind Australia
Master Mind Australia will be delivering Revision and Exam Preparation Programs in the July school holidays.
The programs will be held at Christ Church Grammar School in the first week of the holidays, and at Hale School and Ashdale Secondary College in the second week. OLNA Preparation Program will also be held at Hale School in the second week.
We would like to offer your cohort a 20% discount per subject into any program.
Old Helenians
The Random Tandem
Have you heard about The Random Tandem? If not - now's the perfect opportunity! Cameron Williams, aka the Random Tandem guy, is an Old Helenian from the Class of 2010 who is part way through an amazing journey from the top of North America to the very bottom of South America. This is a journey that spans 30,000km and approximately 18 months in total. To do this, Cam has embraced a mode of transport that's goofy in appearance, practical in nature, and overall just great fun - the tandem bicycle!
Cameron Williams in 2010!
To help break the isolation and keep his mental strength up, Cam is inviting people to come and join him on the second tandem seat for part of his journey! Anyone he meets along the way will have the ability to hop on and come along for the journey for as long as they wish, whether it is for a few hours, or maybe for a few weeks. They will need no gear, no preparation, and no special knowledge, only a desire to join Cam on his adventure.
We hope to share more regular updates on Cam's incredible journey as he makes his way down the Americas. We have heard that it won't be long before the second seat on the tandem is filled by other Old Helenians - so watch this space. In the interim, you are welcome to follow Cam's journey on Facebook, Instagram or YouTube.
Congratulations to Rebecca and her husband Aedan on the safe arrival of their first child, daughter Myfanwy (Welsh, pronounced muh-VON-wee). 
Congratulations to Heather Owen on completing her end-to-end tour of the Munda Biddi Trail. This is an amazing achievement for anyone. The trail runs for over 1,000 kilometres from Mundaring to Albany. The completed Munda Biddi Trail opened (end to end) in April 2013 when it claimed the title of the longest continuous off-road cycling trail of its kind in the world, and its NOT flat. Well done, an inspirational journey!
We are pleased to welcome Shanae to the College. Shanae studied her Bachelor of Music with first class Honours at WAAPA and comes to us with many years of tutoring experience. Shanae is passionate about creating a fun and enjoyable environment for her vocal students.
