Time flies when we’re busy, and I’m sure this sentiment resonates with our Year 12 students, who have now completed their regular classes and are approaching the final chapter of their secondary education. This week, our ATAR students began their school-based exams, with external exams set to follow at the end of October. On behalf of our entire community, I wish them all the best in their upcoming assessments.
Not all of our senior students are sitting for ATAR exams. In the past two weeks, a group of students on our General pathway completed their final workplace placements, a vital part of our Workplace Learning program. This initiative provides invaluable opportunities for students to gain firsthand experience in various industries, helping them explore potential career paths.
Next term, we’ll celebrate the achievements and contributions of all our departing senior students through a series of events, culminating in our Graduation Evening on Friday, 18 October.
Recent School Highlights
In recent weeks, our school has been a hub of activity, with many noteworthy events. The Senior School's production of Trackers was a resounding success, with sold-out performances in all three shows. Special thanks to our Head of Arts, Thea O’Keeffe, and the students and staff who brought the show to life.
The Junior School's Dance Showcase was another highlight, with students from Pre-Primary to Year 5 dazzling the audience with their skills. A big thank you to Ms Mersades for her passion and dedication in making this event so special.
We also had the pleasure of presenting the Senior School Spring Music Concert and the Media Showcase, featuring films created by our ATAR Film Studies students on the same evening. Both events were a wonderful testament to the creativity and talent of our students. I’d like to thank Media teacher Heather Owen and the Music Department for their outstanding guidance and support.
Our Senior School Athletics Team performed brilliantly at the ACC Athletics Championships. Their efforts led to us winning the Senior Girls Champion Shield and the Girls Aggregate Shield. A special thanks to Sports Coordinator James Waterhouse and our PE teachers for their dedication.
Meanwhile, our Year 10 students have been equally busy. Last week, half of the cohort embarked on the Cape to Cape Expedition, while the other half gained valuable work experience. This week, the groups swapped activities, ensuring every student enjoyed both experiences.
Finally, we had the pleasure of welcoming grandparents and special friends to our Darlington Campus, where they were able to experience a day in the life of a Junior School student. It was a joy to see our visitors engage with our students and learn more about their educational journey.
Each of these events, and many others that I haven’t had space to mention, exemplifies our College values of inclusion and participation.
Looking Ahead
As we move into Term Four, a host of exciting events and activities are planned across the College. Please keep an eye on the school calendar, the weekly What’s On email, and other communications for details.
As this term draws to a close, I wish all our families a restful break. We look forward to welcoming our students back on Monday, 7 October, as we embark on a new chapter of learning and growth.
Peter Coombs
Principal
Leadership
Greg Miller | Head of Junior School
Dear Families
As Term Three draws to a close, it is a wonderful opportunity to pause and reflect on some of what we have accomplished together over the past ten weeks. Our students have made impressive strides in their learning, both academically and personally, and we have been fortunate to celebrate many special events as a school community. From classroom, community and sporting achievements, to the success of our Elective program, the students have demonstrated their dedication and creativity in all areas.
I would like to extend my thanks and congratulations to each of our students for their efforts placed towards doing their best, supporting each other, and contributing positively to school life. It is something we are all proud of!
Of course, none of this would be possible without the unwavering dedication of our Teaching and Administration staff. Their enthusiasm and passion for Helena College is genuinely appreciated. I would also like to express my gratitude to our parents for your ongoing support. Your partnership in your child's education is invaluable and deeply valued.
With the arrival of Spring, we are reminded of the opportunity for fresh beginnings. There is something energising about this season - the blossoming of nature around us mirrors the sense of renewal we can all embrace. The change in season is a great time to recharge, refocus, and prepare for the final term of the year.
Childhood can be both physically and emotionally exhausting for our students. Young and developing brains are working overtime to absorb and process new knowledge, social situations and observations - all in addition to their own reflection of each event. Therefore, as we approach the term break, I encourage everyone to schedule some quiet time amidst the activities. Whether it is enjoying nature, reading a book, or simply taking a moment to relax, it is so important to allow ourselves periods of rest and reflection - especially for our students, to assist them returning to school refreshed and ready for the excitement of Term Four.
Speaking of Term Four, it is often our favourite time to round off the school year! In addition to the teaching and learning programs, it brings a feeling of culmination and celebration. As such, we brace ourselves for a term filled with achievements, events, and new opportunities for learning and growth.
Wishing you all a restful break and a rejuvenating Spring.
Warm regards
Greg Miller | Head of Junior School
Director of Upper School | Craig Hillman
It has been another busy term in Upper School. Before Year 10 students undertook the 2025 Year 11 Course Selection process, we held a Year 10 Family Information Evening to explain the WACE, ATAR, VETDSS and how Year 11 and 12 will operate in 2025 and 2026.
Year 11s are working hard to prepare for their Semester Two exams and Work Placements. Many students have also started the application process to become Student Councilors in 2025.
Our Year 12s are in the middle of their Semester Two exams and Work Placements. This term, they spent lunchtimes finding out about university courses, learning some new exam preparation tips, hearing ways to stay safe and enjoy upcoming Leavers’ celebrations, and writing an email to themselves they will receive in 2034. The Year 12 school year is finishing fast but there is still lots to look forward to before Graduation.
Craig Hillman | Director of Upper School
ECU ATAR Revision Sessions 25 - 29 September 2023
ECU will deliver the ATAR revision sessions on-campus and online for regional and remote students.
Sessions run between Monday, 25 September and Friday, 29 September 2023
For more information and to register, follow the links below.
2024 Student Council Breakfast - Tuesday 10 October
We are incredibly proud of our 2024 Student Council, who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to further enhance the student experience at our College.
Undertaking 26 diverse projects, our Student Council showed remarkable leadership and initiative, enriching student life through environmental initiatives, supporting casual dress day fundraising activities, promoting mental health awareness campaigns, being present at Arts clubs, helping to coordinate our middle school socials, hosting school assemblies and Arts showcase evenings, presenting at a pre-exam/WPL seminar for our Year 11s, promoting and supporting our Interschool sporting teams, and Interhouse cultural and sports events, including the inaugural Dodgeball Competition.
Their dedication has cultivated a stronger sense of House and School spirit and positively impacted Helena College.
As a reward for recognition of service to the College, our Year 2024 Student Councillors are invited to enjoy a breakfast with other Student Council members and their respective mentor teachers.
The breakfast will be at Dome Mundaring on Tuesday, 8 October, from 7.30 am to 8.30 am. Student Council members must wear school uniforms and make their own way to and from the venue. Cost - nil.
I ask that parents who have yet to complete the Paperly permission form at their earliest convenience.
Student Council - R U OK? Day
On Thursday, 12 September, our 2024 Kiara House Captains, Lizzy and Jye, organised a Casual Dress Day to support R U OK? Day. The theme for this year was ‘Ask R U OK? Any Day. It is a timely reminder to our community that a conversation could change a life. Staff accessed resources from the R U OK? Day website to share in Homeroom and have placed posters in their classrooms containing ‘Conversation Tips’ and ideas on ‘How to stay connected and ask R U OK? Any Day.
Raising awareness of and participating in R U OK? Day is part of our broader student wellbeing program. On the GFC, we raised $578 for this worthy charity.
2025 Student Council applications. Due Tuesday, 8 October
Current Year 11 students looking to take on the student leadership challenge in their final year at school are reminded that their application form(s) is due back to the GFC Front Office on or before 9.00 am Tuesday, 8 October.
The entire application process is explained in the information booklet distributed earlier this term. It is available on SEQTA.
We look forward to starting the 2025 Student Council selection process early next term. We know that the strong field of candidates will produce an excellent Student Council and continue the very fine work of our 2024 Student Council.
Please read this document prepared by the team at Grip Leadership to help parents support their child’s student leadership journey.
Year 12 Dress-Up Day and Helena Walk - Thursday, 10 October
One of the great traditions surrounding graduation from Helena College is the Year 12 Dress Up Day and Helena Walk. This year, that day is Thursday, 10 October.
Our youngest Darlington Campus students enjoy walking with costumed members of our graduating class. The broader community sees the Costume Parade and Helena Walk as the end of one school journey and the beginning of another. The day is an annual highlight on the College calendar.
For that reason, we ask that Year 12s consider their costume carefully and avoid items that might be intimidating or controversial. Our Darlington Campus students and their families do not want to be scared, confused, or upset by costume choices.
The day will begin for our 12s on the Science Lawn at 8.30 am. Each student will be given a wristband. It is our way of identifying Helena students, especially those who have chosen to wear a mask as part of their costume.
At 8.40 am, we will take photos of all Year 12s in their costume. The images will be available to 12s and their families before the end of the school year.
2024 Graduation Update
The Year 12 Graduation ceremony will be held at the Glen Forrest Campus gymnasium on Friday, 18 October 2024. Graduation is the Year 12 students' formal conclusion to their years at Helena College. It is an evening for the Year 12 students, their families, and teachers to celebrate collective academic, leadership and effort achievements.
We are confident the evening will be enjoyable and memorable for the Graduates and their families. We look forward to a wonderful evening and celebrating with our 2024 Leavers and their families.
Date: Friday 18 October 2024
Time: Please be seated by 7.15 pm for a prompt 7.30 pm start (refreshments available from 6.15 pm)
Venue: Gymnasium, Helena College's Senior School Campus (Bilgoman Rd, Glen Forrest)
RSVP: Please confirm your attendance and refreshment order HERE.
Each Year 12 student may be accompanied by up to four guests. Guest seating is unallocated.
Class of 2024 Email Addresses
Year 12s are encouraged to set up a new email address before the Helena address is turned off following the last ATAR exam in November. It is also wise to choose a professional address. This will help students represent themselves at their best when dealing with potential employers.
Transferring login details from third-party providers, e.g., Spotify, Google, SCSA, TISC, etc., can take time. Year 12s are encouraged to start this process early to avoid being locked out down the track.
TAFE - Important Dates
2025 TAFE Applications opened on Friday, 6 September and close on Friday, 1 November 2024.
Applications for 2025 Semester One TAFE courses are open and close on Friday, 3 November.
See Key Dates HERE. Go HERE to fill start your online application.
TISC - Important Dates
Early Offer Round Dates
As we move forward in the year, please be reminded that there are still four TISC early offer rounds remaining for Year 12 students. While the first round has passed, it is important to be aware of the upcoming dates:
Tuesday 24 September Monday 14 October Monday 18 November Monday 2 December
Please note that students who wish to be considered for an early offer must complete their TISC application. If they are eligible, their first preference will automatically be considered for an early offer.
2024 End of Year 10 Celebration Day. Save the Date - Friday, 29 November 2024
This date marks the last day of Year 10 for 2024 and will incorporate some House-based challenges at school, morning tea, bus transfers to and from Barrack Street Jetty, a 3-hour River Cruise and lunch.
Watch this space for the theme of the day and ticket details.
Parents Helping Parents - My Kids Career
The Australian Parents Council has created MyKidsCareer to help parents to support their students. The MyKidsCareer website helps parents/guardians to guide their children toward a fulfilling career.
Study Skills Handbook - Preparing For Exams
Follow these steps to help you achieve your personal academic best in your upcoming exams:
Find out what you need to learn: ask your teacher if you will be tested on the whole year’s work or just the second half of the year. You may like to work through the PREPARING FOR EXAM BLOCKS unit to help you put together a study plan.
Make your study notes: work through the SUMMARISING unit to learn how to make brain-friendly study notes. On the THINGS TO PRINT page you will find a very useful Study Notes Checklist. You want to get your study notes finished as quickly as possible.
Learn your study notes: make sure you remember what you study by using the techniques in the ACTIVE STUDYING unit. Studying isn’t just about reading—it’s about remembering. If you are interested in exploring learning preferences, you can find more in this unit on this topic.
Practise the skills of the subject: do as many different questions, revision sheets, chapter reviews, sample essays or past examination papers as you can. There are suggestions on how to make sure the practise you do is effective in the ACTIVE STUDYING unit.
Review your test-taking techniques: this ensures you make the most of the time in the exam. Don’t let nerves trip you up! You can learn more about what to do the night before, the morning of the exam, how to approach multiple choice questions and essays in exams and much more in the TEST-TAKING unit.
And remember, don’t leave your study until the last minute – get yourself organised well in advance.
Bonus Tip: When you get your exam paper back, make the most of it by using the strategies in the AFTER TESTS AND EXAMS unit.
Year 7 – 12 Applications Open for Term 4 WAAPA Acting and Performance Making WAAPA’s Acting and Performance Making students will apply fundamental skills to develop strong voice, movement and acting techniques. Character development is explored through practical workshops including improvisation, script analysis, audition technique and scene study. Students have the opportunity to grow their self-confidence as they apply their skills to stage and screen performances. They will develop ensemble building skills required to devise their own work and are led by experienced tutors who facilitate fun and collaborative based classes. Bookings are done on a term-by-term basis and each term has a particular focus.
Curtin University. 3 and 4 October Curtin Business Innovation Bootcamp This Bootcamp is designed for high school students in years 10 to 12 who are curious about business careers, managing a small venture, or dreaming of launching their own startup.
ECU. 9 October ECU Engineering and Technology At ECU’s showcase evening you will get to tour their amazing facilities and have the opportunity to meet academic staff. They will provide a tour of our facilities, opportunities to talk to theur teaching staff, and meet student leaders.
Murdoch University. 9 October Enabling Programs Information Session Join the Murdoch Future Students team to learn about their empowering preparatory programs specifically designed to equip you for a successful transition into university life. Seize this opportunity to unlock your potential and make your academic dreams a reality at Murdoch University!
Murdoch University has an enabling program to suit any prospective students who aspire to go to University but may not be on track to achieve the required ATAR
Book an Online Advice Session at Murdoch If you can’t make it to the Murdoch campus for a face-to-face session and tour of the campus, book an online session.
Apply for student accommodation at Curtin Early applicants get the best choice of rooms. If you plan to study at Curtin in Perth or Kalgoorlie you can book your accommodation from October. There are a range of options that you can search HERE. Prices vary from $236 a week up to$545. You can get support to find independent accommodation HERE. Check out Accommodation Scholarships HERE.
Curtin Connect Assistance Curtin Connect is the student support service for current and potential Curtin students.
You can arrange an on-campus appointment or contact them by phone.
Curtin Portfolio Applications Through portfolio entry, you apply for your preferred course with a portfolio of documents that showcase your academic achievements, qualifications, work experience, extra-curricular activities and suitability for university study
There is a Portfolio toolkit with tips, examples, and templates to help you put your portfolio together. Check it out HERE.
30 October WAAPA Production Tour ECU's Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) is one of the world's leading performing arts academies and they are giving you the opportunity to explore their behind-the-scenes production and design facilities.
WAAPA is recognised nationally and internationally for the quality of its graduates and provides Production and Design students with ‘on-the-job’ theatrical experiences. You can find out more about WAAPA's exciting backstage Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, admission pathways and application process during this event.
WAAPA's VET courses provide some of the most comprehensive and highest-quality training for theatre and events.
6.00 pm - 7.30 pm. Building 1 Foyer, ECU Mount Lawley Campus
23 November TEDX Youth (22 September Ideas Cut Off) If you have an idea that could make a difference, why not present it at the TEDx conference?
You can upload a video explaining your idea by 22 September.
Find out more and share your ideas HERE. If you are one of the selected finalists, you’ll get the chance to share your idea at the State Theatre TEDx Kings Park Youth on 23 November.
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/guardians that the specified skirt/dress/shorts length should be just on top of the knee.
Please use this holiday break to amend the skirt/dress/ length if required. Don’t get caught short.
Child Safe
Head of Senior Campus | Justin Pitt
ySafe and Helena College Partnership
ySafe, Australia’s leading provider of cybersafety education, is a team of deeply experienced certified child wellbeing experts, former police officers, and teachers. They specialise in student digital safety and equip thousands of school communities each year with the knowledge and understanding to thrive in the online world.
This week Helena College hosted a ySafe Cyber Safety Day involving workshops for students in years 6, 7 and 9 and also a parent workshop.
ySafe's online safety experts deliver online safety education to students and the broader school community via the following:
Expert-led cyber safety discussion sessions for students that utilise case studies, scenarios and activities to explore ways to navigate the online environment.
Parent educational sessions and access to the Online Safety Hub resource.
Evidence-based staff professional development, examining the nexus between online safety and student social and emotional wellbeing
Parent Resources
The Online Safety Hub provides a rich source of information for you to help you manage cyber safety in the home, including engaging blogs, articles, guides and resources. We encourage all parents to have a look through the Online Safety Hub and the resources available. This links is available on every page of our website, in the top navigation bar.
Information on what was discussed at today's student workshop will be included in tomorrow's What's On.
Staff News
Staff News
Sunset Coast Marathon
Last weekend, Justin Pitt, Head of Senior Campus and Joe Kendall, Head of Department – Health and Physical Education entered, completed and crossed the finish line of the Sunset Coast Marathon after 42.2 gruelling kilometres.
The Sunset Coast Marathon is renowned not just for its challenging distance but also for its stunning route, offering runners breathtaking views of the coastline.
Once again, congratulations on your incredible achievement!
Celebrating a Hat-Trick of Hockey Honours
Congratulations to Belwyn Fairclough, Health and Physical Education Teacher for an outstanding hockey season! The recent triumph of her team, the York Scorchers, in the Avon Hockey Association Women’s competition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and skill that the team put in in this year. Securing a 3-2 victory in the grand final is no small feat.
Mrs Fairclough was also awarded the Fairest and Best in the Grand Final and adding to this being named the Fairest and Best Player for the Avon Hockey Association for the 2024 Women’s season highlights her consistent excellence. Furthermore, being recognised as the Best Player at the Country Women’s Championships for Avon Hockey Association is a remarkable achievement. Congratulations!
WAFL Colts Grand Final
Our Active Movement Elective Coach, Chayse Martin, will also be playing for sporting honours this weekend in the WAFL Colts Grand Final. Chayse is the co-captain of the Swan Districts Colts team, and together with his co-captain, will be leading the team in the WAFL Colts Grand Final. Current Year 12 student, Jamie S, will also be in the line up for the Grand Final! We wish Chayse, Jamie and the team all of the best in in the game!
Dale Cook Scholarship Recipient
Congratulations to Steve Smith, English Teacher who was recently awarded the Dale Cook Scholarship at the UWA Graduate School of Education, which is awarded annually to the highest scoring student in the Graduate Diploma, moving into the Master of Education (Mental Health and Wellbeing). Steve is currently in his final semester doing a dissertation on non-pharmacological student-centred therapies for students with ADHD, with a focus on balance therapy.
Admin Notices
Junior School Noticeboard
Helena Walk | 2024
By way of reminder, this cherished annual event will take place on Thursday 10 October 2024 at the Glen Forrest Campus (Senior School). Permission emails and information have been sent to families - providing full details of the event.
Year 5 Class Placements | 2025
The welfare and well-being of our students is paramount in all discussions and actions with respect to class placements. As professional educators, the development of class lists is a matter not taken lightly and staff take great care and time in forming well-balanced classes in which all children will have an opportunity to learn and grow in their academic and social skills.
Individual class placements are decided by the staff and based on professional judgement of the child’s educational needs, circumstances and interests. Classes are created to best meet the needs of all students within the constraints and resources available.
For further information, please visit:
SEQTA Engage > Documents > Parent Information > DC Classroom Placement procedures
Parking
As part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a respectful and safe environment for both our school and the wider neighbourhood, we kindly remind all families to adhere to local shire parking regulations.
Please refrain from parking on the footpath along the school’s perimeter, as this creates difficulties for parents, pedestrians and neighbours alike. By parking in designated areas, we can ensure the safety of our students and maintain positive relationships with all community members.
Parenting Information Article
How do you show up for your children? Please click here to read an article by Dr Jodi Richardson
Interhouse Cross Country
The annual Interhouse Cross Country Carnival will take place on Thursday 10 October. This is a special day on the College calendar as it coincides with the Helena Walk and the Year 12 dress up day. It should be a great event, as the course travels through some of the natural bushland surrounding the Glen Forrest Campus.
Note: Any parent or guardian needing to pick up or drop off their student between 11am and 2pm must park on Marnie Road as highlighted by the yellow dot on the map above. You can then walk to the front office from there.
Key Information
Students are to come to school dressed in their full PE uniform with House shirt.
Students will complete periods 1 to 4 as normal. Period 5 becomes an early lunch. Normal Canteen services will be available.
At 12.45pm students will head to the oval to meet their homeroom teachers in their respective House bays.
Year 6, 7 and 8 students will run first (one lap of the course) starting at 1pm. Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 will run second (two laps of the course) starting at 1:20pm.
The Helena Walk will take place at the conclusion of the second cross country race. All students are expected to participate in this.
The annual Year 12s versus staff Ultimate Frisbee game is scheduled to start at approximately 2.45pm.
Junior School | Darlington Campus
Fathers' Day at the ELC
The ELC dads had a lovely morning celebrating how special they are. The morning included some craft, some special songs and a yummy breakfast. They loved giving their presents to their dads and we are sure they were spoilt on the Sunday.
Each year across Australia, schools and libraries join together to celebrate books, Australian children’s authors, and illustrators during Book Week. We had a fantastic Book Week Parade at the Darlington Campus and were visited by a variety of amazing characters from a range of children’s books. We would like to thank the students, parents, grandparents, carers, and family and friends for the time and effort that went into all the wonderful costumes on display. We really appreciate your support. We would also like to thank our staff for their contributions (and costumes) and the Year Five Library Ministers, Chloe and Jasmine, and their friends who helped out with ‘crowd control’, judging duties and music.
In the Library we celebrated Book Week with nominated book readings, silly Madlib tales and some crazy ‘Reading is Magic’ character swaps.
The Year Five students have completed their ‘Book in a Box’ projects where they were tasked with decorating a box to represent a book of their choice and filling it with objects that represented important parts of the book. We have really enjoyed displaying the students’ work over the past week, and fellow students, staff and parents have all been blown away by the students’ efforts. I would like to extend my thanks to all the students and their parents for making this enjoyable and creative activity so successful, and we look forward to seeing what the 2025 Year Five students can produce!
A reminder that over the school holidays your local public library is open and may have special activities for children available throughout the school holiday period. We hope you all have a safe and relaxing school break with lots of time to read!
IPSHA Interschool Athletics
It is always a special day when our students get to represent Helena College at interschool level, and last Friday, our Year 3 to 6 athletes competed at the ISHPA Athletics Carnival.
Our team of Year 3 to Year 6 students were excited and ready to compete in an array of events from Turbo Javelin, Long & Triple Jump, High Jump, Sprints and Hurdles. There were seven schools in attendance this year and our team had some amazing results, including a few personal bests!
Many of them placed in their events, but even more than that, our students gave every ounce of effort and determination while competing, which is very commendable. There were outstanding displays of sportsmanship throughout the day. We are very proud of athletes for representing Helena College so well.
If anyone is interested, Eastern Hills Athletic Club have their registration night on Wednesday, 9th October, a come and try an event, where all the athletic domains are experienced over the course of the season. See their website for details.
In Week Eight, the Year 6 students travelled to Perth Hills Discovery Centre. The focus was on our ‘Living World’ as part of our Science inquiry. The students learn about the processes involved in monitoring animals including setting up traps and measuring key features of its body. They analysed the current habitat in comparison to the needs of some of the wildlife, and determined the likely success in this space. There were also a range of reptiles to meet, pat and ever handle. Although initially wet, the cohort had a great time applying their skills in a real-life context.
The Year 5 and Year 6 Creative Edge Teams headed out to Curtin University to compete in the 2024 Creative Edge competition in one of a number of categories, including Science, Literature, and Humanities and Social Sciences. Our Year 6s picked HASS. For this challenge, the students had six weeks to respond to a prompt explaining the past, present and future of an invention within a ten-minute Scripted Performance. Ellah, Will, Abi and Brianna chose to do a robotic dog, intriguing the judges. For the Spontaneous Challenge, the students were given a prompt and three minutes to discuss their best creative answer, presenting it to the judges in a one-minute response. We congratulate all the teams on rising to the challenge, and we look forward to further involvement in this annual competition in the future.
Digital Photography
Year 9 Photography students have spent the last three weeks practicing stylised shots with motion blur, cloning and colour splash on black and white. They have also been taking draft shots for their 'teenage issue' assessment where they have chosen to represent and raise awareness about various issues related to teenagers. Here are some highlights so far!
Languages Week Celebrations
A Week to Remember
Languages Week was a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and language learning, filled with a variety of engaging activities for all students and staff. The week was packed with exciting events, quizzes, and performances that brought the school community together to appreciate the richness of languages and cultures around the world.
Each morning began with Homeroom Quizzes, challenging students to test their knowledge of global languages, customs, and traditions. The competitive spirit and enthusiasm were on full display as students from all year levels participated, sharing fun facts and learning more about the world around them.
At recess, students had the chance to indulge in delicious international cuisine, with the canteen offering tastes from different corners of the globe. The International Food at Recess was a definite highlight, where students could try new dishes, explore diverse flavors, and share in a love for international culinary traditions.
Lunchtimes during Languages Week were filled with interactive and entertaining activities. The International Photo Booth allowed students to dress in costumes from various countries and capture memorable moments with friends. The International Games brought fun and friendly competition, with students engaging in games from different cultures. The Accordion Man charmed the crowd with traditional tunes, creating a lively atmosphere in the Year 6 area.
One of the standout was the International Dances, where students performed traditional dances from various countries, captivating whoever with their skill and enthusiasm. Another exciting event was the 'Tour de France' Time Trial Challenge, which saw students racing against the clock in a fun, bike-powered competition.
A big thank you goes out to all the students who participated in these events with such enthusiasm, as well as the teaching and non-teaching staff who supported and contributed to the success of Languages Week. Your dedication and energy truly made this week a celebration of language and cultural diversity, leaving us all with great memories and a deeper appreciation for the world’s many languages.
We look forward to more exciting celebrations in the future!
This term in Year 7 Indonesian we are learning about traditional food markets and cuisine in Indonesia. We have learnt about fruits and vegetables, basic ingredients, traditional dishes and flavours, and how to describe flavours.
In Week Four we put out food critiquing skills to the test. We tried lots of different Indonesian snacks and traditional dishes like Nasi Goreng, Rendang, and Sate Ayam. Many brave students tried the strong smelling durian lollies and were surprised to find they enjoyed the flavour.
Makanan Indonesia terbaik!
I think that that was very good, it all tasted good and it was a big variety of food. I wish we could do it every lesson but some more sweet foods would also be a good addition, maybe a dessert version. Overall good though. ~ Sandy T
I was happy and I liked all the things I ate (the lollie thing I don’t remember the name, not the durian one though!). ~ Ella J
Our recent Francophone dances workshop was a vibrant celebration of the rich cultural tapestry that spans the French-speaking world. From the energetic beats of Breton rhythms to the graceful steps of French folk traditions, students were immersed in the diversity and history that dance represents within Francophone cultures. This incursion offered a unique opportunity to not only enjoy the physical aspects of dance but also to appreciate its cultural significance as a form of storytelling and community expression.
Dance, an essential component of cultural identity, connects us to the roots of societies. By engaging with these traditional dances, students were able to experience firsthand the rhythms and movements that have been passed down through generations. These workshops serve as a reminder of how important it is to preserve cultural practices and understand the values and stories they convey. Through this incursion, our students broadened their perspectives on the diversity within the Francophone world and the universal language of dance that brings people together.
On the evening of Friday 6 September, the Year 11 and 12 Media students presented their finest work on the new big screen in the gym. The showcase was truly impressive, featuring a diverse range of genres including documentaries, comedies, romance, drama, and suspense. The films captivated an audience of students, staff, and families, making for a memorable event.
Interschool Athletics News
Year 7 to 12 ACC Interschool Carnival
Well done to all the students who were a part of the Helena College ACC Interschool Athletics team that competed at the WA State Athletics Stadium on September 4. It was a big day of 220 events, in ever-changing weather conditions and our students represented the College with outstanding effort and sportsmanship throughout the whole event.
Helena College won the Senior Girls Champions shield as well as tying the overall Girls Aggregate Champions. In addition, we had a number of students who achieved exceptionally well within their divisions:
Age Champion
1st - Jasmine W - U19 Female (97pts)
Top Five Finishers
2nd - Niamh McE - U13 Female (72pts)
2nd - Lacey B/Charlotte H - U14 Female (both on 53pts)
2nd - Reagan S - U16 Female (48pts)
2nd - Mitchell B - U15 Male (59pts)
5th - Jye S - U19 Male (48pts)
Senior Girls Champions
Our Senior girls won the Senior Girls Champion Shield, with the most combined points out of all schools competing. Our Junior girls were 3rd.
Girls Aggregate Champions
Our female athletes combined score was also the highest of all schools. We have now won the overall Girls Aggregate Shield for three years in a row (2022, 2023 and 2024), an absolutely outstanding effort!
I would like to thank everyone involved both on the day and in the lead up. The day would not be possible without these efforts behind the scenes - from program editing and printing to teacher officials. Thank you!
Year 6 IPSHA Interschool Athletics
Well done to the students from Year 6 who attended the IPSHA Interschool Athletics Carnival together with the Junior School competitors on September 13. The students performed extremely well and came home with a colourful display of place ribbons adorning their uniforms. I am sure these athletes will be ones to watch in the coming years as they move up into the ACC Interschool Athletics in Year 7. Congratulations and well done to these students for your efforts!
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education continued to be a hive of activity as Term Three came to a close. From the Year 9 classes expedition planning for their three-day camp next term, to the Year 10 classes continuing to abseil and rock climb, to the Year 11 class spending a week in the Kalbarri Gorge to the Year 12 class wrapping up their two-year journey with a few sessions at the climbing gym, it has been a busy end of term. Well done to all involved!
Year 11 and 12 Literature students attended a performance of Stef Smith’s re-imagining of Henrik Ibsen’s iconic 1879 A Doll’s House, where a young married woman, Nora, hides a secret from her husband.
Literature students and staff were blown away by the quality and polish of the script and acting, leaving a large number of the students emotionally bereft by the end, but full of admiration and awe at such as stunning performance (which is why we have no group photos of their tear-stained faces!).
Over the course of a few days, a secret burns a hole in Nora and Torvald's marriage leading to a door-slamming exit that has reverberated through marriages and western society since. Performed by third-Year WAAPA acting students, this version interweaved three sets of actors, all playing the same roles of Nora, Torvald, Krogstad, Kristine and Dr Rank, but set in three different time periods: 1918, the 1960s and 2018, embracing the culture, language and conflicts in those eras.
While you’d first think it’d be confusing to keep track, the constantly intertwined timelines were held cohesively together by the devastatingly melodramatic plots and characterisation of each role.
Personally, it’s probably the best theatrical production I’ve ever seen, a cracking performance and very glad that we got the students in to see the performance of one of their core Literature texts.
Mr Steve Smith English Teacher
Clubs
Robocup Update
Helena College sent two teams to this year’s Robocup competition, which was held on the weekend of the 24 and 25 August at Newman College. Both teams have been working hard since Term One to get their robots ready in time for the competition.
The first team to perform was made up of Bethany E, Chloe K, Penelope O’C and Sophie R with their robot (themed Busy Bees) who danced along to Lorde’s 'Royal'.
The second team to perform was made up of William H, Keegan N and Levi VdS with their robot (themed Taco Tuesday) who danced along to Michael Jackson’s ‘Smooth Criminal’.
Both teams performed admirably on the Saturday and can be very proud of their efforts. Busy Bees managed to make it through to the finals on Sunday. While they did not medal, they did very well indeed in overcoming some challenges.
Both teams learnt a lot from their experience and l hopefully look forward to next year’s competition. A big thank you to Mr Ford, Mr Hortense, and the parents for their support of the teams on the day.
Deven Reddy - Robocup Coordinator
Noticeboard
Community Notices
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Taekwon Do Masterclass for Beginners
Women’s and Girls/Mother and Daughter Self-Defence Absolute Beginners MasterclassClass taken by Taekwon-Do Grand Master Linda Low PhDThursday 2 October, 10am - 12pmPractical, fun and empowering workshop in Darlington. Phone/Text 0437 316 590 or email for more details.
