As we embark upon the new year, I extend a warm welcome to both our new and returning families to our College community. At the heart of our educational philosophy lies the belief that success is a collaborative effort. Alongside our dedicated teachers and staff, parents play a pivotal role in nurturing the academic and personal growth of our students.
Last week, we were thrilled to see the strong turnout of parents at our Meet the Teacher evenings across both campuses. These gatherings provided invaluable opportunities for parents to acquaint themselves with their child's learning program for the year ahead and to forge connections with their child's educators. Building on these initial connections, I encourage parents to reach out to teachers at any point during the year should they have questions or concerns.
I also urge parents to communicate with the College should any incident or situation at school give rise to concern. While dialogue among parents is natural and beneficial, direct communication with the College ensures that we are promptly informed of any issues requiring attention or clarification.
Although we are only a few weeks into the school year, the pace of school life is already accelerating. Along with the excitement of meeting new teachers, making new friends and engaging in learning in each classroom, activities for students are well underway. Our Year 12 students commenced the year with a three-day retreat, which included a day trip to Rottnest Island and visits to universities, while our Junior School and Year 6 students began the year with swimming lessons. Meanwhile, a wide range of clubs and activities are starting across the school, and preparations are well underway for the upcoming Year 6 and 8 camps, set to depart next week. Undoubtedly, it promises to be an exciting year ahead for our students.
Finally, I had the pleasure of meeting many of our new Junior School parents at the recent New Parent Welcome morning tea and I eagerly anticipate reconnecting with current parents and extending a warm welcome to new parents at our upcoming Welcome Sundowner on February 23 at the Glen Forrest campus.
As always, thank you for your ongoing support and the trust you place in Helena College to work with you in educating your children.
Regards
Peter Coombs | Principal
Child Safe
Child Safety | Justin Pitt, Head of Senior School
Day one of a new year can be extremely busy! New lockers, learning new timetables and for our newest students learning to navigate themselves around our campus makes for a dynamic start to the year. Collapsing the timetable for this day also allows the College to run workshops and training for students, our Year 10s were involved in study skills seminars with Elevate Education and our Year 7s and 9s were all involved in workshops with WA Child Safety Services (WACSS).
The sessions run by WACSS are an important part of our overall Child Protection Program. Covering topics in an age-appropriate way, the sessions focus around understanding abuse, consent and what healthy relationships look like. All important aspects of our child safe curriculum and were well received by students. We look forward to having WACSS out later in the year to work with other year groups.
With the start of the new year there are always changes to staffing and roles in our College. I would like to introduce our 2024 Child Protection Officers, along with classroom teachers, homeroom teachers and any trusted adult, they are another source of support for Helena students.
Justin Pitt | Head of Senior Campus
Leadership
Upper School News - Craig Hillman | Director of Upper School
Student drivers
Year 12 students may drive to school as a matter of privilege, not of right. To be registered to park, students must register their vehicles by completing and returning a Student Vehicle/Driving Permission Form and a copy of their licence to the Administration Office. The form is available in the Administration Office and on SEQTA.
There is a strict 10km/h speed limit on campus. Student drivers are to park in the Year 12 Carpark located between the College Oval and Bilgoman Road.
If passengers are to be in the vehicle, their names must also appear on the form, along with an accompanying parent signature indicating permission. Any changes to previously registered details (e.g., new passengers, new make/model, etc.) must be re-registered on a new Student Vehicle/Driving Permission Form. Only Year 12 Students may park on campus and must park in the student parking area.
Driving with peer passengers
Did you know that if your child drives with a car full of peer passengers, their crash risk increases by four times compared to driving alone? Please discuss with your P-plate driver the importance of being a responsible driver. It may also be worth reminding your child that as a passenger of a P-plate driver, they should avoid engaging the driver in distracting conversations and behaviours.
Year 12 Retreat
Our Class of 2024 started their final school year on a bright and warm Sunday morning. Following the Coach ride to St George’s, our Year 12s and their Homeroom teachers settled into their digs before sitting down to a feast for lunch in the Hogwarts-esque Dining Hall. A post-lunch workshop in the Junior Common Room invited our Year 12s to explore what it takes to ensure Senior School success.
The Homeroom Teacher quiz caused equal delight, engagement, and consternation as students identified which of their teacher's first jobs or first cars was whose. For the rest of the afternoon, students read, talked and spiked fit balls over and sometimes under the volleyball net. After dinner, we tried out a few 'stress-busting' ideas under the stars and fairy lights in the quad before students explored their best possible selves and dream jobs.
Monday was all about Wadjemup. Upon arrival, we acknowledged that Whadjuk people know Rottnest Island as the resting place of the spirits. The island is a place of transition between the physical and spiritual world, and the deceased's spirit is believed to travel to Wadjemup during its journey towards the afterlife. Whadjuk people were present at the end of the last ice age when sea levels rose and formed the islands off the Fremantle coast. Whadjuk people observed this significant geological event and recorded it in their oral histories. These stories have been passed down from one generation to the next for over 7,000 years.
However, the subsequent colonisation of Western Australia resulted in Wadjemup acquiring a different significance, which still impacts Aboriginal people today. For nearly a century, Rottnest served first as a prison and then as a forced labour camp for Aboriginal people. In 1994, the State Government recognised Wadjemup as the largest site of Aboriginal Deaths in Custody in Australia.
In acknowledgement and respect for Noongar elders, visitors can take a handful of sand from the water's edge, which signifies being at one with the land, and then release that sand into the water.
The day was a busy one on the island. We rode/raced around Rottnest, took quokka selfies, surfed, snorkelled, swam, drank good coffee, and frequented the famed Rottnest Bakery. After returning to St George’s for a beautiful dinner, we explored the concepts of gratitude, awe, laughter, and character strengths as techniques to nurture our wellbeing.
On Tuesday, we visited UWA and Curtin University. At Curtin, students sat in a Psychology lecture. The lecture's purpose was to challenge our perceptions, and it certainly did that. The bus ride home to Helena was quiet after a busy few days. The Retreat was a great way to start what will be a memorable and rewarding 2024.
Our Year 12s are now proudly wearing their 2024 Leavers Jackets - even though the weather has remained warm. The Jacket is a rite of passage, and I would like to thank the Leavers Jacket Committee for their time and effort in designing this year’s version. There might be something in the fact that the 12s look cool in their new uniform item.
Year 10 Family Information Evening
Monday, 19 February. PAC. 6.30 pm - 8.00 pm. PAC.
All parents/guardians of Year 10 students are invited to the ‘Welcome to Upper School” Family Information evening next Monday, 19 February. Students are strongly encouraged to attend. Students do not have to wear school uniforms but must sit with their families.
Families will be introduced to and hear from Heads of Departments and gain deeper insight into how to help their child transition into Upper School.
Year 11 and 12 Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews
Thursday, 21 March, in the GFC Gymnasium from 3.45 pm to 7.30 pm.
The College encourages all parents/guardians of Year 11 and Year 12 students to attend the Parent/Student/Teacher interviews in Week 8. The evening will allow families to discuss individual academic progress and maintain an overview of their child’s achievement.
To help frame those discussions, Interim Reports will be made available to Year 11 and 12 students and families in Week 7.
Please be aware that if any changes need to be made to Semester One courses following the interviews, the window for those changes closes on Wednesday, 27 March.
Booking information will be made available closer to the date.
Year 11 Dinner Cruise
Tuesday, 26 March 2024.
Time: 6.45 pm drop-off at Barrack Street Jetty. 10.00 pm pick-up.
Dress: Semi-formal/ Evening Mocktail.
Cost: $90. Permission and payment will be sent through Paperly.
The ticket price includes the 3-hour River cruise aboard the Crystal Swan, buffet meal service, DJ, photo booth and bottomless soft drink.
The school day will finish at 3.15 pm on Tuesday, 26 March.
Please note that students having their nails done for the occasion can wear them to school during the week leading up to the event and until the school holidays. Hair must remain a natural colour in line with the uniform policy.
To ensure this event is enjoyable, we would like to inform students that all school rules and expectations about behaviour apply to this event. If there are any concerns about students' behaviour, especially those about smoking, intoxicants, and illicit drug use. In that case, we will place those involved in a taxi to be returned home at the parents' or guardians' expense.
We would also like to point out that the school does not sanction any post-celebration party.
Just a reminder, ALL Year 12 students are expected to stay at school on the day of the ball until 12.15 pm. Please make sure all appointments for hairdressers, etc., are in the afternoon on that day. Be organised in advance with everything you need to do for the Ball so you can focus on your study program.
Please note that students having their nails done for the occasion can wear them to school during the week leading up to the event. Hair must remain a natural colour in line with the uniform policy.
More information about the Ball, including ticket prices, will be published soon.
Reminder. Black leather school shoes
Please remember that students must wear an acceptable black leather lace-up school shoe.
Our Uniform Policy states that the College expects all students to develop a high standard of dress. Please note that neither the Vans® style black leather or canvas shoe, the Nike Air Force 1, nor a Mary Jane style meets the high standard of dress expected by the College.
Careers Information
WAAPA Junior Academy for secondary school students
The WAAPA Junior Academy is designed specifically for young people who have a passion for performing.
The program runs in 8-week blocks from February to December each year, in line with the school terms.
A new TAFE WA website was launched in late 2023. The site looks great, very modern and clean and even the flashing photos give loads of ideas about the technical courses you can do. There are links to:
* Each TAFE college * Key dates * Information about learning support * Jobs and Skills Centres
All West Australian universities will make early offers available from about April. All of the Open Days, apart from the Notre Dame one, will be held BEFORE applications open for 2025.
There is no advantage to applying early.
Year 12s - Register NOW for University Scholarship Alerts
Set up your infrastructure to support your transition from school at the end of the year.
In Western Australia, only Curtin University takes students into medicine straight from school*. It was designed as a pathway for West Australian school leavers.
Candidates from rural and regional areas and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and those from disadvantaged backgrounds will be prioritised.
* Rural and remote applicants: The Medicine Faculty at Curtin is keen to address the shortage of doctors in the bush in WA. Contact Associate Professor Keith McNaught - Rural Academic Lead, Curtin Medical School at Keith.Mcnaught@curtin.edu.au
There were over 3000 applicants for the 120 places being offered at Curtin in 2024.
* Applicants need to have an ATAR of 95 or higher, including Chemistry with a final score of 50 or higher. (See P4 of the Admission Guide for details.) * A competitive score on the Universal Clinical Aptitude Test. Bookings for the Test open 5 March. Testing begins 1 July. * Applicants then take the Casper Test which was introduced by Curtin last year.
School leavers with an outstanding ATAR may be granted an Assured Pathway into post-graduate medicine or dentistry degrees at UWA. Find details HERE.
University Admissions 2026
For students in Year 11 in 2024
* How to apply for a place at university, requirements and different pathways * Pre Requisites * Check out the University Admissions 2026 for a comprehensive list of prerequisites from each West Australian university. * Make an appointment with your school career advisor and go through university courses that you might choose. * Make sure you are doing the subjects you need to get into those courses.
UWA Year 10 & 11 Science, Health & Engineering Camp – July school holidays
This year both Year 10 and Year 11 students who are interested in any area of science are invited to attend. They will explore options in all areas of science, engineering, technology and health. Find details HERE.
Head of Junior School - Greg Miller
Welcome to another exciting school year!
It is with great pleasure that we welcome back our students, parents and staff to the new academic year. It was also a pleasure welcoming our youngest members of the community to Darlington - our Kindergarten students, along with the now ‘grown-up’ Pre-primaries! Despite the challenging hot weather conditions, our students have shown incredible resilience and enthusiasm commencing this year’s educational journey.
One of the highlights of the past few weeks has been the refreshing swimming lessons provided to our Year 1-5 students. These sessions not only offered a much-needed break from the heat, but also provided valuable life skills and confidence in the water. For Years 3-5, the Interhouse Swimming Carnival will take place on Wednesday 21 February (9.00am-12noon).
I extend my gratitude to the parents who joined us for last week's Parent-Teacher Information Evenings, and parents new to Helena at our Welcome Morning Tea. Your presence and engagement are invaluable as we work together to ensure the success of our students. I hope the information shared was beneficial, and I encourage ongoing communication and collaboration throughout the school year.
As we dive into the new term, it is essential to remember that time flies quickly. As such, I urge everyone to seize the various opportunities presented and fully engage in the diverse activities and initiatives available at our school. Whether it is academic pursuits, extracurricular activities, or community events, let us embrace each experience with enthusiasm and joy.
This year marks for me over 28 years of dedication to the field of education. I am genuinely thrilled to continue working alongside our incredible community to make this year truly exceptional. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Your feedback and input is invaluable as we strive for continuous improvement.
Some recent staffing news includes bidding farewell to Rebecca Bol (Physical Education) and Sara Miller (Administration Officer and Electives Coordinator) - both concluding their time here at Helena. In turn, we have welcomed Lisa Good (Physical Education), and it is with great pleasure to inform you that Rebecca Watson has been successfully appointed to take on Sara’s role.
Lastly, I would like to take this moment to express my gratitude to our students, parents and staff for the fantastic start to the year! The positive feedback we have received regarding the students' commencement and our dedicated teachers, is truly heartening. Together, let us continue to foster a nurturing and supportive environment where every individual can thrive and succeed.
Here's to a year filled with growth, learning and memorable experiences for all!
Kind regards
Greg Miller | Head of Junior School (Kindergarten to Year 5)
Admin Notices
College Bus Runs
Just a reminder that if you are planning on using the bus services this year you will need to download and use the RollCall app. If your child uses the bus on a regular or casual basis, and you haven't yet received your welcome email from the RollCall app, please let us know by emailing bus@helena.wa.edu.au.
Please note - In accordance with the College Bus Service Terms and Conditions West Coast Bus Charter and/or the College have a duty of care to a student whilst they are using the College Bus Service. Parents/guardians are held responsible for their own child(ren) prior to boarding the bus in the morning and upon departure from the bus in the afternoon.
West Coast Bus Charter operate the Helena College bus routes. All buses use the RollCall management system enabling live bus tracking and electronic ticketing via the RollCall parent app. Buses all have air-conditioning, CCTV onboard, seatbelts and GPS tracking.
How do I register to use the service?
If you have not already completed a registration form you will need to complete the form at this link. Once this is complete, you will be sent a “Welcome” email inviting you to set up a password and download the RollCall bus management app.
How do I pay?
From 12 February 2024, all payments for bus travel are made via the RollCall parent app.
Will my child need a Smartrider?
If they have one, they will be able to use it to tag on and off. It is not essential. If they do not have a Smartrider, the bus driver can tag them on/off manually.
What do I do with my old bus tokens leftover from 2023?
Please hand them in at Reception, and you will receive a travel credits in RollCall for any unused tokens.
How much does it cost?
Casual travel (pay as you go) is $5 per trip for local routes and $10 per trip for York and Toodyay.
For frequent bus travellers reserved seating is available. Reserved seating allows unlimited travel on the nominated route.
Reserved seating for AM routes is $175 per term ($350 York/Toodyay)
Reserved seating for PM routes is $175 per term ($350 York/Toodyay)
Reserved seating for AM and PM routes is $350 per term. ($700 York/Toodyay)
All bookings and payments must be done via the RollCall App.
Do I have to use the RollCall app?
Yes. From 12 February 2024 you will need to book your child onto the relevant route on the days/times they will be travelling on the bus unless you have arranged to purchase a reserved seat for a term charge - in this instance your child will have a permanent booking on the designated route for the term. For 'pay as you go' casual users, bookings can be made up to 30 days in advance, or as late as 5am on the day of travel for morning routes, or as late as 12 noon on the day of travel of afternoon routes.
Who do I speak to for further information?
All enquiries related to the bus services can be emailed to bus@helena.wa.edu.au
Ensuring Safety - Bush Fire Drill
As we embrace the warmth of the Australian summer, it's crucial to address the heightened risk of bushfires.
At Helena College, the safety of our students, staff, and the entire community is paramount. In light of this, we emphasise the necessity of conducting Bush Fire Drills during the summer months, for Helena College this means Terms One and Four.
Australia's landscape is prone to bushfires, and being prepared is our best defence. A Bush Fire Drill ensures that everyone on campus is well-versed in evacuation procedures, understands the importance of swift action, and is familiar with designated assembly points. By practicing these drills, we not only enhance individual preparedness but also foster a collective responsibility for the safety of our community.
Helena College is committed to providing a safe learning environment.
Bush Fire Drills are an opportunity for us to reinforce emergency protocols, test communication systems, and identify any potential gaps in our preparedness. This proactive approach ensures that in the event of a real emergency, everyone knows how to respond effectively.
We will use Facebook to notify the community and communicate to students and staff about the scheduled drill to minimise any anxiety on the day.
If you would like more information on our Extreme Heat Policy and Bushfire Policy, please view the School Documents Portal on SEQTA Engage.
Friends of Helena College
We are delighted to share the news that Jamie Nicholls has volunteered to coordinate the Friends of Helena College group.
As a parent, I've been involved in the school community in lots of ways such as, being class parent rep, coaching or playing basketball, organising (or just attending) family/class get-togethers or even SuperGolf days with some Dads. My wife, Parsha, and I also have had the privilege of witnessing the growth and development of my two sons, Keegan in Year 6 and Hayden in Year 4, since their days in playgroup.
Over the past eight years, I've noticed a gradual integration of my friend circle with other parents from the School, reinforcing the strong bonds within our community.
Looking ahead, my goal for the next year is to maintain the seamless execution of regular events like the Junior School Disco and collaborating with the College to arrange informative guest speakers for parent evenings. However, my utmost priority remains cultivating a collaborative partnership with the school to nurture and expand our vibrant school community. Together, we can continue to create an environment where every family feels welcome and every child thrives academically, socially, and emotionally.
For those new to the school community, the Friends of Helena was established as an alternative to the traditional Parents & Friends' Association, after College parents voted to dissolve the group in 2022.
The focus of the ‘Friends of Helena College’ is to build community links across both campuses, through organising activities for the community – this could include guest speaker evenings, dances, parent socials and family-friendly events. In addition, the Friends group may undertake fundraising activities, but on a project-by-project basis, with defined outcomes and benefits. The Friends of Helena provides opportunities for parents to actively contribute to the life of the College but without many of the heavy administrative tasks required of an independently incorporated body.
The first event of the year is the Welcome Sundowner, to which all parents and staff are warmly invited. Please see the separate article with all the information you need. If you would like to be involved in the Friends group, please email community@helena.wa.edu.au and we will pass on your details to Jamie.
Making the most of the Parent Lounge
We encourage parents to login to the Parent Lounge and review contact details, emergency contacts, child/ren's medical / learning data and permissions as soon as possible.
NAPLAN is a national literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year (being the only national assessment all Australian students have the opportunity to undertake).
When does NAPLAN take place?
NAPLAN occurs in Term One, Weeks 7 and 8. Participation in NAPLANA section contained within the parent information brochure provides details regarding student participation. Whilst the scheduled dates for this year’s NAPLAN are still a number of weeks away, the College is required to submit certain forms and documents in the lead up to the tests (each having submission dates). Please note, NAPLAN participation is for everyone. Authorities acknowledge, however, that families / students bring with them individual differences. As such, and where relevant, forms that may be submitted address student withdrawal; student exemption; and student adjustments for disability (*please see brief summary below).
If you believe any of the criteria described below are relevant to your child(ren), please notify the College. In addition, if your class teacher / Learning Support has identified that special provisions may be required in relation to your child(ren) surrounding adjustment for disability, they will be in touch with you.
Supporting your child for NAPLAN
For the College, NAPLAN tests provide point-in-time information in relation to student performance and are not viewed as pass / fail type tests - rather, they complement our suite of school-based assessments. While excessive test preparation is not recommended, it is appropriate for students to gain experience in such things as creating scripts under timed test conditions using practice topics; gaining familiarity with the format, language, response types and time constraints of tests; understanding they must complete the tests without communicating with other students and without teacher assistance (except where adjustments for students with disability are deemed necessary). Therefore, in the lead up to NAPLAN, your child(ren) will be provided with learning experiences based on the above-mentioned details. Parents, along with their child(ren), are able to view the types of questions and tools available in the online assessments at the NAPLAN public demonstration site.
The following is a brief summary for your information:
Withdrawal
Parents and carers have the right to apply to withdraw their child(ren) from one or all the tests in the NAPLAN assessment program. Withdrawals are intended to address issues such as religious and philosophical objections to testing (but may include other reasons which the parent is not required to disclose to the school). Should you choose for your child(ren) to be withdrawn from NAPLAN, it would be appreciated if you could please inform the College as soon as practical. Exemption
This includes English language proficiency (e.g., a newly arrived student with a language background other than English; or exemption for reasons of a disability).
Adjustment for disability - requiring test administration authority (TAA) approval
Students with a diagnosed disability may, for example, be entitled to additional time in some tests, etc.
NAPLAN participation, and the subsequent report you will receive later in the year, will be one element of the information we have on your child’s learning and achievement in literacy and numeracy. The report will support the more extensive and informative judgements made by the class teacher and other standardised assessments that may have been administered during the year.
Admin Notices - Junior School (Kindy to Year 5)
STUDENT ARRIVAL TIME
Ensuring the well-being and safety of our students is an important part of Helena College's commitment to providing a quality education. We have noticed that some students have been arriving at school well before 8.20am. Your cooperation in ensuring your child's adherence to the appropriate arrival time is greatly appreciated.
JUNIOR SCHOOL (DARLINGTON CAMPUS) PHOTOGRAPH DAY
As a reminder, the Darlington Campus Photograph Day is scheduled for Monday 19 February. Please refer to previously sent information. Could parents please ensure that their children attend school with the correct uniform, shoes, accessories and so on (as per the College’s Uniform Guidelines).
PARENT INFORMATION - GETTING YOUR CHILD SETTLED
There is a great deal parents can do to help their child(ren) adjust socially at the start of the school year. Encouraging your child to be open to new friendships is one. Please click here for some tips written by Michael Grose.
Admin Notices - Senior School (Years 6 to 12)
IMMUNISATIONS
During the 2024 school year, the School-based Immunisation Program (SBIP) will provide the following immunisations at Helena College:
Year 7:dTpa (Diptheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
Year 10:Meningococcal ACWY vaccine
All students require parent/guardian consent before they receive any vaccinations at school. The preferred method for providing consent is through the VaccinateWA website HERE. The Year 10 vaccination takes place on Monday 19 February, and as such, the SBIP team request you complete the consent form as soon as possible. A paper copy of the form is available from Administration should you experience difficulty with the VaccinateWA website.
FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Years 6 to 9 students participating in a foods course this year are reminded that they will need to bring in a non-breakable reusable food-safe container (labelled with the their name) to class. The Food Science and Technology team are keen to reduce the number of disposable containers used each year. By providing a container to take home, it means parents may actually get to sample the delicious recipes the students are learning to make - but we can't guarantee it won't get eaten before they get home from school!
SENIOR SCHOOL CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
More information about the various clubs, activities, homework and academic support groups is now available online HERE. This is currently in ‘read only’ mode, with new functionality that will allow you to book your child into these programs to be added soon.
UPCOMING CAMPS | Photos on social media
The Year 8 Camp commences on Monday 19 February, and the Year 6 Camp on Tuesday 20 February. Please note that while on camp, our staff are focused on the wellbeing of students, and may not have time to submit photos for sharing on our social media accounts. While we know parents love to see photos of what their children are engaged in, the priority of staff is to keep the students engaged, safe and having a good time. Should time (and wi-fi) allow, we will try to get a few up for parents to see, but cannot guarantee that photos will be available during the camp itself, though will aim to publish a selection in the following week.
DANCE TROUPE ELECTIVE
Canteen (Senior School - Glen Forrest Campus)
To eliminate any confusion regarding acceptable payment methods at the Canteen, please take note that students are not permitted to use their phones (such as for ApplePay/GooglePay etc) as payment method. The only payment options available are pre-ordering online via QuickCliq, Smartriders pre-loaded with funds through QuickCliq, or via EFTPOS. You can find out more information about online ordering and SmartRider payment options here. The Canteen does not accept cash payments.
Senior School | Glen Forrest Campus
Health and Physical Education
Year 7-9 JUNIOR NEAS SPORT, TERM ONE – (Basketball/Frisbee)
NEAS Sport starts for Juniors students (Year 7-9) next week, with our first fixture an Away game against Swan Valley Anglican School.
Games are played on Tuesday afternoons, starting at 4:00pm in Week 4-8, with Finals in Week Nine for the top two teams. Due to travel requirements, students are required to leave class 15 mins early for Away fixtures in order to ensure a prompt departure and arrival on time at the venue. Home games are usually finished by 4:50pm. Away games will return to Helena College by 5:15pm, via school bus.
If you would like to collect your student directly from an Away venue, please contact myself (jwaterhouse@helena.wa.edu.au) or your child’s Coach and ensure you arrive at the venue by 4:30pm to ensure we are not delayed in our departure.
***WE ARE IN NEED OF MORE PLAYERS TO SIGN-UP FOR 7-9 MIXED FRISBEE***
FIXTURES: Week 4 (20 Feb) - Away @ Swan Valley Anglican Community School Week 5 (27 Feb) - Home vs Swan Christian College Week 6 (5 Mar) - Home vs La Salle College Week 7 (12 Mar) - Away @ Holy Cross College Week 8 (19 Mar) - Home vs Ellenbrook Christian College Week 9 (26 Mar) - TBC pending results
COACHES: Year 7 Boys Basketball: Stefan Humphreys/Joel Cullen Year 7 Girls Basketball: James Waterhouse Year 8-9 Boys Basketball: Christopher Scott Year 8-9 Girls Basketball: Martina Francis/Dee-Anne Coghlan Year 7-9 Mixed Frisbee: Joel Cullen/Chris Dunne
Students will be invited to attend a meeting in the coming week to meet their coach and discuss any relevant details.
YEAR 10-12 SENIOR NEAS ONE-DAY CARNIVAL - TERM ONE – (Basketball/Frisbee)
For the first time, NEAS Sport for Senior students (Year 10-12) will be condensed into a One-Day Carnival, held on Wednesday 21 February (Week Four). Students will travel to Warwick Stadium and compete in their 5 regular season games in a round robin tournament, with Finals being held at the respective school in Week Five.
The move to a One-Day Carnival format seeks to minimise weekly classroom interruption and the time commitment from Senior students who have historically struggled to play in the NEAS competition due to study, work and other after school commitments.
Students will need to arrive at 7:45am on the day for a prompt departure via School bus at 8:00am. Students will return to Helena College by 3:20pm.
If you have any questions, about NEAS Sport, please contact me.
James Waterhouse | Sports Coordinator
INTERHOUSE SWIMMING CARNIVAL
Our annual Interhouse Swimming Carnival will take place on Wednesday the 28 February at Bilgoman Pool. Students will be bussed down to the pool starting at 1.30pm. The first event will start at 2.30pm and the Carnival should be finished by 7.00pm.
For over twenty years the College has successfully run Twilight Carnivals with the aim being to give families the opportunity to come along and support their students and House teams. It is always great from my perspective to see so many families and friends cheering from the side of the pool.
Once again students have been asked to nominate the events in which they would like to participate in. If they would like to make any changes to these nominations they must email Mr Waterhouse. All students will also have the opportunity to participate in novelty events which will take place in the diving pool from 3pm - 5pm. There is no need to nominate for this.
I have included an approximate timing of events below. A full program will be released on SEQTA by the start of Week Five.
The best swimmers in each age division will qualify for our ACC Interschool Carnival squad. This event will take place on Friday 15 March at HBF stadium (outdoor pool).
Please note that on Wednesday 28 February, the normal afternoon bus runs will be cancelled. Parents and guardians of students who use the afternoon bus routes will be required to make alternate arrangement for their trip home.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Joe Kendall | Head of Health and Physical Education
Staff News
Staff Movements
At the beginning of each school year we see various staff movements take place. We farewelled some staff at the end of 2023 and have welcomed the following to Helena in 2024.
Student News
Student News
DANTE CREAN - Year 11
Congratulations to Dante on his appointment as Youth Ambassador for Theatre 180, following on from his work experience at the theatre company last year.
The Year 10 Work Experience program provides a fantastic opportunity for students to learn more about future career paths, and it is terrific to see the next step in Dante's journey.
Old Helenians
Old Helenians Making News
Keaton Critchen selected for WA State Cricket Team
We are delighted to share the news that Old Helenian Keaton Critchell (Class of 2014), was named in the Western Australian one-day squad in the crucial Marsh Cup clash against Tasmania, and in upcoming the Sheffield Shield match. The all-rounder is made his debut on 14 February 2024, and hopes to play in the Sheffield match coming up this weekend.
Picture courtesy of The West Australian newspaper.
Kayps Awarded the 2023 Robert Juniper Award for the Arts
In a strong field of extraordinary creative talent, the Robert Juniper Award for the Arts announced in December last year that Old Helenian (and recent graduate), Kurrungaya Bieundurry (aka Kayps) as the 2023 scholarship award recipient. Kurrungaya’s musical versatility, steadfast commitment to artistic expression, and the thorough and thoughtful approach outlined in his project proposal impressed all the adjudicators. While not mandatory according to the award criteria, the judges believed that his project had the potential to not only improve his personal skills but also create a ripple effect by enriching his community. They unanimously selected him after an intense evaluation of an exceptional lineup of finalists. You can find out more here.
Helena College graduates have proved to be successful at the Robert Juniper Awards over the years, with writer, director and actor Hayley Whisson (Class of 2013) selected in 2021, and musician Annika Moses (Class of 2015), taking the Award in 2016.
Events
Events
INTERHOUSE SWIMMING CARNIVALS
Who will win this year? We look forward to welcoming families to the upcoming coming Interhouse Swimming Carnivals later this month. Please note that on Wednesday 28 February, the normal afternoon bus runs will be cancelled. Parents of students who use the afternoon routes will be required to make alternate arrangements for their trip home.
YEAR 13 BREAKFAST
The class of 2023 have been invited back to the College to attend the annual 'Year 13' Breakfast at 7.30am. This will take place on Friday 23 February 2024. We look forward to bringing you some photos from the event in the next newsletter.
PARENT SUNDOWNER
The Friends of Helena College cordially invite all parents and staff to attend a special Welcome Sundowner to kick off our parent events for 2024. Drinks and nibbles will be served in the Year 6 Undercover area at the Senior School (Glen Forrest Campus).
We look forward to seeing parents and staff from both our Junior and Senior Schools at the event. We particularly encourage parents and carers new to the school this year to attend - it is a great way to meet other parents, and find out more about the Friends of Helena group. It will be a relaxed and informal evening, and we look forward to seeing you there!
DATE: Friday 23 October 2024
TIME: 6pm to 7pm
VENUE: Helena College - Senior School Campus (Glen Forrest)
We kindly request that students/children do not attend the Sundowner. Family-friendly events will take place during the course of the year at which we would welcome all family members.
SAVE THE DATE: Parent/Teacher Conferences
Please note that the dates for the Parent/Teacher events have changed. Please mark these important dates in your calendar:
Thursday 21 March - Year 11 and 12 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
Friday 19 April - Kindy to Year 5 Parent/Teacher Conferences
Friday 19 April - Years 6 to 10 Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences
