With the 2025 school year now underway, I warmly welcome both new and returning families to our College community. As outlined in our College Mission, we believe that education is a shared journey, with teachers and parents playing a vital role in supporting the academic and personal growth of our students.
It has been wonderful to see such a strong turnout at our Meet the Teacher and information evenings across both campuses. These events provide invaluable opportunities for parents to gain insight into their child’s learning program and connect with their educators. To build on these initial conversations, I encourage parents to reach out to teachers at any time throughout the year with questions or concerns.
To enhance communication between students, parents, teachers, and the College, we have introduced the my.helena online platform this year. I hope many of you have already signed in to explore the available resources specific to your child. As we become more familiar with the platform, we will continue to expand its capabilities. For now, it already provides a wealth of information about our curriculum and programs across the College.
When it comes to communication, I urge parents to contact teachers, Heads of Year, or members of the Executive team directly if they become aware of an incident or have concerns regarding their child at school. While discussions among parents are natural, informing the College promptly ensures that any matters are addressed effectively and efficiently.
Although the school year has just begun, our students have already immersed themselves in a range of activities. They are embracing the excitement of meeting new teachers, forming friendships, and engaging in their learning. Our Year 12 students started the year with a three-day retreat, including a day trip to Rottnest Island and university visits, while our Junior School and Year 6 students have been diving into swimming lessons. Across the school, clubs, sports, and activities are now in full swing, and preparations are well underway for the Year 6, 8, and 11 camps later this term. It promises to be another dynamic and engaging year for our students.
I look forward to welcoming many of you at our Parent Sundowner on Friday, 7 March at the Glen Forrest campus. This will be a great opportunity to meet new families and reconnect with familiar faces.
As always, thank you for your ongoing support and the trust you place in Helena College. We are privileged to partner with you in your child’s education.
Warm regards,
Peter Coombs | Principal
Child Safe
Head of Senior Campus | Justin Pitt
Our Week One Program
Once again this year we were fortunate to have WA Child Safety Services (WACSS) at the College to run workshops with both staff and students in Week One. WACSS have been a long time partner with our College offering programs with the aim to educate and empower children, young people, and adults to create safer communities.
All Helena staff, both teaching and non teaching, completed training in Mandatory Reporting, understanding abuse and what to do if a child discloses. Our Year 7s participated in an age appropriate workshop on understanding abuse. WACSS also facilitated a workshop with our Year 9s covering the topics healthy relationships and consent.
During the first week, all students had discussions about our child-friendly complaints process and who they can talk to if they have a concern. The Student Code of Conduct and specific policies around ICT, mobile phones and expected school behaviour linked to our values were also discussed.
Helena College's Commitment to Child Safety
Helena College is committed to providing education and care to children and young people.
Our goal is to assist them in developing into high-achieving, supported students positively connected to their communities.
The College is dedicated to ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of all children and young people.
We are committed to protecting them from abuse and grooming through robust policies and procedures.
Helena College has a zero-tolerance policy for child abuse and grooming.
The College regards its child protection responsibilities with the utmost importance.
We provide the necessary resources to ensure compliance with all relevant child protection laws and regulations.
Our commitment extends to maintaining safe and supportive physical and online environments for all children and young people.
Justin Pitt | Head of Senior Campus
Leadership
Head of Junior School | Greg Miller
Welcome to an exciting new school year!
It has been a pleasure to welcome back our students, parents and staff as we embark on another year of learning and growth. Despite some recent hot weather, our students have started the year with enthusiasm and resilience - embracing their educational journey with energy and curiosity.
A particular highlight of these first weeks has been the refreshing swimming lessons for our Year 1-5 students. Not only have these sessions provided some welcome relief from the summer heat, but they have also helped build water confidence and essential life skills. I would like to mention that we acknowledge and appreciate the extra effort families have made in ensuring their children have the necessary swimming gear during this time. For our Years 3-5 students, the Interhouse Swimming Carnival will take place on Monday 24 February from 9.00am to approximately 12.00pm. This will be a fantastic opportunity to showcase their progress and team spirit!
We also extend a warm welcome to our youngest students in Kindergarten, as well as our now ‘grown-up’ Pre-primaries. It has been a joy to see them settling into their new routines with excitement and confidence.
Thank you to the parents who attended this year’s Parent-Teacher Information Evenings. Your involvement is invaluable, and I hope the sessions provided useful insights. Open communication and collaboration are key to ensuring the success of our students, and I encourage you to reach out if needed. For those who were unable to attend a session(s), please ensure you obtain a copy of the year level information booklet and class timetable.
As we settle into Term One, I encourage everyone to embrace the many opportunities available - whether in teaching and learning programs, extracurricular activities, or community events. The school year moves quickly, so let us make the most of every moment!
This year marks for me over 30 years in education. I remain deeply committed to working alongside our incredible community to make 2025 an exceptional academic year. Our College staff always welcome your thoughts, feedback and questions - as we strive for continuous growth.
In staffing news, we warmly welcome Shannon Warrener, who is teaching Year 1 for Term One, and celebrate the return of Alysha Emanuele from parental leave as our Performing Arts Specialist.
Finally, I want to express my sincere gratitude to our students, parents, and staff for a fantastic start to the year. The positive feedback we have received about the students’ transition and our dedicated teachers has been truly pleasing. Together, let us continue to create a supportive, enriching and inspiring environment for all.
Wishing everyone a year filled with learning, growth and memorable experiences!
Kind regards
Greg Miller | Head of Junior School Kindergarten to Year 5
Director of Upper School | Craig Hillman
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.
For the rest of the afternoon, students read, talked and revisited their Tabloid Sports skills through a bit of friendly House rivalry during Leaderball and Tunnel Ball games. 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. 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.
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 2025.
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 a passenger is 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. Please also be aware of the new 'Red Plate, One Mate' legislation that came into effect late in 2024.
Only Year 12 Students may park on campus and must park in the student parking area. Unfortunately, there is not space for Year 11 students to park on campus.
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, and the need to adhere to the 'Red Plate, One Mate' rule. 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 Family Information Evening
The Year 12 Family Information evening was well attended. The ‘journey’ that is Year 12 can be equal parts challenging and rewarding. After working through the rules and regulations around Year 12, we talked about flourishing in Year 12.
Some of the key takeaway messages were:
Keep talking with us, not about us.
You are NOT your ATAR.
Access career advice/post-school destination information via Teachers, Friends, Family, Mr Hillman, my.helena News Feeds, the College Newsletter, and Open Days.
Stay well-rested, well-fed, well-watered and well-nurtured.
Pay attention to deadlines.
If you could not make it to the evening, slides and handouts can be found on the my.helena News Feed. (Please check News Archive if it is no longer on your Feed)
Year 10 Family Information Evening
We had a great turnout at the Welcome to Upper School presentation. Some of the key takeaway messages were:
There is lots of information and ways to help you monitor your child’s progress: by accessing my.helena, Academic Reports, attending Parent/Student/ Teacher conferences, contacting your child’s Classroom Teacher, the HOD, and/or the Director of Upper School.
There is lots of support in the classroom and via the Academic Support sessions run by Departments (see handout).
Students are working on transferable Employability skills to help them navigate the modern world of work.
Save the date. 2026 Year 11 Course Selection Evening. Tuesday, 22 July @ 6.30 pm.
Work Experience and Camp dates (Weeks 9 and 10 – Term Three)
End of Year Celebration Day, Friday, 5 December. This is the social event of the year and includes a three-hour River Cruise, including lunch aboard the River Bells
If you could not make it to the evening, slides and handouts can be found on the my.helena News Feed.
Save the Date
Year 11 and 12 Parent/Student/Teacher Conferences
Thursday, 27 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 Seven.
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, 2 April.
Booking information will be made available closer to the date.
Save the Date
Year 11 Dinner Cruise. Thursday, 10 April
Time: 6.45 pm drop-off at Barrack Street Jetty. 10.00 pm pick-up.
Dress: Semi-formal/ Evening Mocktail.
Cost: TBC. 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 Thursday, 10 April. There is NO school for Year 11s on Friday, 11 April.
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.
Uniform Reminders
Skirt, Dress and College Short Length
While the College values high uniform standards, it is undesirable to commit an excessive amount of time and resources to enforce this policy at the expense of our core business, which is student learning. To this end, parental and student support is imperative for the College to maintain the uniform standards detailed in our Uniform Policy.
This is a timely reminder for students, parents, and guardians that the specified skirt, dress, and Navy College shorts length should be just above the knee. Please amend the length of these uniform items or purchase new ones if required. Don't get caught short.
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
University Events
Go to Open Days 2025
All senior school students who want to go to university in WA should go to two Open Days:
1. To the one closest to where you live. 2. The one that has the course you love.
In 2024, unis accepted applications from about April but didn’t send out any offers until September. It will be the same this year. You can apply early, but the offer will not be made before September.
Year 12 Events
2025 Medicine - University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) Dates
If you want to apply for medicine for 2026 you will need to undertake a UCAT assessment.
These are the important dates for UCAT in 2025:
Concession Scheme opens | Access Arrangements open - 3 February 2025
BOOKING OPENS - 4 March 2025
Concession application deadline - 9 May 2025
Access Arrangements application deadline - 16 May 2025
BOOKING DEADLINE - 16 May 2025
Late booking deadline - 30 May 2025
FINAL late booking deadline - 6 June 2025
Cancellation deadline - 11 June 2025
Testing begins - 1 July 2025
Last testing date - 5 August 2025
Results delivered to universities - Early September 2025
Year 12s - Register NOW for university Scholarship Alerts
Set up your infrastructure to support your transition from school at the end of the year.
Free Parent Webinar: Helping Your Child Manage Their Time
Elevate Education is excited to announce that on Wednesday, 26 February, they will be hosting their first free webinar of the year for parents.
Elevate works with our students, delivering high-impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series, you’ll learn how you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills they’re learning at school.
Sign up for the session below to learn how you can help your child to balance their priorities and stay on top of their workload.
Live Parent Webinar: How You Can Help Your Child Manage Their Time
Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:
Align expectations on homework with your child
Help your child balance their schoolwork and social life
Set up a weekly planner tool with your child.
From ‘To-Do’ to ‘Done’: Task Prioritisation
Mastering the Art of Getting Things Done. Study Skills Handbook.
Do you ever feel like your to-do list is running your life instead of the other way around? With schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and social commitments, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Prioritising tasks is a skill that helps you take control of your time, reduce stress, and boost productivity. By focusing on what matters most, you’ll find yourself achieving more and worrying less.
Study Skills Handbook has some great activities and advice on how to manage Task Prioritisation.
You can learn more at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units.
Username: for Helena only Password: 71 results
Academic Task Force
Weekly Tuition and Master Classes
Academic Groups supports the excellent work of teachers and is committed to helping students in all aspects of their studies.
During the term, we offer Tuition for students who would benefit from additional support.
We also offer weekly Master Classes for students in Years 10 – 12 who want academic extension in their subjects.
For more information on Academic Group's programs, please see the flyer.
Staff News
Staff News
Congratulations
Rebecca Ewing-Sykes - Head of Department, English
Congratulations to Rebecca and her husband on the safe arrival of Ida, born 8 January 2025.
Kayla Ferris - GFC Music Teacher
Congratulations to Kayla and her Fiancé Sol who became engaged 8 Jan... We wish them a lifetime of happiness.
New Staff and Staffing Changes
As with any school year we have a number of new staff joining the College and some staff members who have changed departments.
Student News
Virtual Swim
Ella N, Year 8
Over the school holidays Ella set a goal to participate in the virtual 3.6km Busselton Jetty Swim. Ella trained for six weeks at the local pool. The local pool is only 25m so this took a lot of effort. In mid-January she completed the swim at Bilgoman Pool in a time of 1 hour 24 minutes. What a wonderful achievement. Congratulations Ella.
Admin Notices
Admin Notices - DC
Parking at Darlington Campus
Thank you to our community members for refraining from parking around the perimeter of the College during drop-off and pick-up times. We recognise that parking is limited, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and cooperation.
As a reminder, due to the constraints of our school’s land and layout, we prioritise play spaces over parking. This means there will be times when parking is particularly busy, and we appreciate your understanding during these periods. Additionally, parking on the large oval for drop-off has now ceased, as we aim to preserve the quality of the lawn for the student’s Physical Education lessons and break times.
Parenting information | Helping your child adjust socially at the start of the school year
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.
Residential Address Collection
Each year the Australian Government Department of Education requires the College to provide the department with the following information about each student at the school:
names and residential addresses of the student's parent(s) and/or guardian(s)
Please use the dedicated lane within the school grounds on Bilgoman Road for drop-off and pick-up. Do NOT use the area outside administration or the Year 6 area for this purpose. This entry is only for people who are intending to park. The traffic flow is as follows:
Turn left into the College off Bilgoman Road at the oval end.
There is NO RIGHT TURN into the College from this entry.
There is NO RIGHT TURN out of the drop-off/ pick-up lane.
Important Note about Drop off and Pick up in the Year 6 Area
We remind all Year 6 parents to make use of the designated drop off and pick up areas on Bilgoman Road. The parking lot next to the Year 6 Nature Play area is not intended to be used as a drop off and pick up zone, as there is no safe passage for pedestrians. For the sake of our students' safety, please refrain from using this section for drop off and pick up.
Parking areas
There is some parking at the oval end of the College but the main parking areas are at the administration end of the College.
Turn into the College at the roundabout, at the intersection of Bilgoman and Marnie Roads.
Turn right at the flag poles for Year 6 families parking bays (strictly for parking only, not for drop off/pick up).
Turn left at the flag poles for all other visitor parking.
There is NO STOPPING ON BILGOMAN ROAD for dropping off or picking up students. Please do not use the bus lane on Bilgoman Road for dropping off or picking up.
Pick up times
Parents are reminded that classes finish at 3.15pm. Please note that students need 5-10 minutes to access lockers before being ready for collection. Please arrange for pick up after 3.25pm. Make a specific time with your student eg 3.25pm or 3.30pm. Early arrival may result in unnecessary blocking which can result in delays for everyone.
Thank you
Thank you to all parents for your support with making the process as safe as possible for our students. Teachers on after school duty have been asked to request parents to please move on, if they are in vehicles that are parked and holding up traffic flow. Your cooperation would be appreciated.
Uniform Shop
Term 1 Trading Hours
Tuesday 18 February, 9am - 9.45am
Wednesday 27 February, 9am - 9.45am
Tuesday 4 March, 9am to 9.45am
Tuesday 11 March, 9am to 9.45am
Thursday 27 March, 9am to 9.45am
Junior School | Darlington Campus
Kindy First Day
We have had a wonderful start welcoming in our littlest students to Helena College Kindergarten. The children have enjoyed making new friends, engaging in the learning environments and exploring our new playground.
Vashti Vaughan | Kindergarten Teacher
Pre-primary
The first few weeks in Preprimary have been wonderful! We have made new friends, had so much fun playing and learning together, and enjoyed exploring our new indoor and outdoor environments. Every day is filled with laughter, creativity, and exciting new experiences! We are excited for the year ahead!
Most of our students have been visiting the library during their library sessions to borrow for recreational reading and research purposes, and to participate in a variety of literature and information literacy activities. With essential swimming lessons finishing up, we look forward to seeing all classes regularly… so please remember your library bags!
World Book Online
For Helena College families, Helena College subscribes to World Book Online. It contains thousands of curated informational articles with illustrations, videos, interactive maps, research help, and activities.
Your child/children will have library on the following day…
Thursday classes: 5M, 5B Preprimary.
Friday classes: Kindy (TBA), Year 4, Year 2, Year 3 and Year 1.
A reminder that all students require a navy blue, library bag to borrow from the library. Replacement bags can be purchased (paid for at the admin office) for $5. New students will receive their new library bag during their first library session.
We really appreciate your help in encouraging your child/children to remember their library bag and return and borrow books on a weekly basis. Together we can help encourage a positive and active reading culture at Helena College.
Emma Debnam | Teacher Librarian
Senior School | Glen Forrest Campus
Peer Support Program
Our Peer Support Program is off to a fantastic start! Our student leaders and Year 6s have been placed into their groups and are actively participating in the Peer Support ‘Building Resilience’ Program. This initiative is designed to help students navigate a new environment, overcome challenges, and build lasting friendships—not just with their peers, but also with their mentors.
In our second week, students engaged in an insightful activity where they positioned themselves along an imaginary rating scale from 1 to 10, ranking various challenges they may face, such as making new friends or staying organised. This exercise encouraged reflection and discussion, with leaders guiding them in identifying strategies to overcome these challenges.
To reward positive engagement, our leaders also hand out raffle tickets to well-behaved and high-performing Year 6 students. These tickets go into a draw for a $10 canteen voucher, and in the last photo, you can see three of our lucky winners!
A big thank you to Ms Maddi Lewis, Mrs Martina Francis, Mrs Anne-Marie Lee and all of the Year 6 Teachers for their continued support of the program.
Check out some highlights from this week's session in the photos below.
Daniel Hortense | Peer Support Coordinator
Clubs
Clubs and Support
The Term One schedule for Clubs, Academic Support and other activities at the Senior School (Glen Forrest Campus) has been updated. Click here for the choice on offer!
Helena Basketball Club | Winter season registrations are OPEN
The Helena Basketball Club is a volunteer run club focused on supporting Helena College students and friends to play basketball in the local Hills Raiders Basketball Association.
Games are held across various days in Mundaring throughout Terms Two and Three for the Winter season.
We are now taking pre-registrations (compulsory for all players) for the upcoming season. Pre-registration closes on 3 March 2025.
Join the Senior School Dance Troupe | For Year 6 – 9 Students
Do you love to dance, or want to discover the joy of movement? Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, our Senior School Dance Troupe is the perfect place to express yourself, build confidence, and explore your passion for dance!
Why Join?
✨ Supportive & Fun Environment – Miss Mersades will guide you every step of the way in a friendly and encouraging class.
✨ Explore Different Dance Styles – From contemporary to hip-hop, jazz, and beyond, we'll dive into a variety of dance styles throughout the year. There’s always something new to learn and enjoy!
✨ Performance Opportunities – Show off your skills at local festivals, school events, and even the Channel 7 Christmas Pageant!
✨ Build Confidence – Dancing is not just about learning steps; it’s about finding your voice and embracing your strengths. Watch yourself grow in both ability and confidence as you take on new challenges!
Come Dance with Us!
Don’t miss out on the fun and excitement! Whether you're looking to try something new or take your dancing to the next level, this is the class for you.
Join us today and become part of a fantastic, supportive community of dancers!
Year 7-9 Junior NEAS Sport | Term 1 – Basketball/Frisbee
NEAS Sport starts for Juniors (Year 7 to 9) students in Week Four (25 February), with our first fixture a Home game against Swan Valley Anglican School.
NEAS games are played on Tuesday afternoons, starting at 4:00pm from Week Four to Week Eight, 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 approx. 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 YEAR 7 TO 9 MIXED FRISBEE***
Week 4 (Feb 25) - Home @ Swan Valley Anglican Community School
Week 5 (Mar 4) – Away @ Swan Christian College
Week 6 (Mar 11) – Away @ La Salle College
Week 7 (Mar 18) – Home vs Holy Cross College
Week 8 (Mar 25) - Home vs Ellenbrook Christian College
Week 9 (May 1) - TBC pending results
COACHES
Year 7 boys Basketball: James Waterhouse
Year 7 girls Basketball: Tracey Wood
Year 8/9 boys Basketball: Stefan Humphreys
Year 8/9 girls Basketball: Martina Francis
Year 7/8/9 mixed Frisbee: Maddison Lewis
Students will be invited to attend a meeting to meet their coach and discuss any relevant details for the NEAS season.
If you have any questions about NEAS Sport, please feel free to contact me.
James Waterhouse | Sports Coordinator
Year 10-12 Senior NEAS One-Day Carnival | Term 1 – Basketball/Frisbee
After a very successful trial last year, NEAS Sport for Senior students (Year 10-12) will be condensed into a One-Day Carnival, held on Monday 31 March (Week Nine). Students will travel to Warwick Stadium and compete in their five regular season games in a round robin tournament, with Finals being held at the respective school in Week 10.
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.
Events
Interhouse Swimming Carnivals
Junior School Carnival
Year 3-5 Interhouse Swimming Carnival will be held on Monday 24 February 2025 at Bilgoman Aquatic Centre.
The Carnival will begin at 9.00am and conclude at approximately 12.00pm. Students will participate in a variety of races including freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle relays and novelty events.
Transport and Arrival: On the day of the Swimming Carnival, Year 3, 4 and 5 students are to be dropped off at Bilgoman Aquatic Centre between 8.40am and 9.00am. Parents are most welcome to stay and watch the carnival.
Bus / Link Bus students: Any Year 3-5 who students travel to school via the College bus service, including the GFC-DC link bus, will still catch the link bus at GFC as per normal, and will be dropped off at the pool at 8.40am (the link bus will then continue onto DC with the remaining PP-Year 2 students). For further information including what to bring and pack, please refer to the permission form sent home last week.
The Junior School would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to Jen Casotti from the Guildford and Kalamunda Districts Swimming Club, who has generously offered the use of the Dolphin timing system and her services for the day once again.The weather is looking great for the day and we are looking forward to a fun-filled carnival.
Lisa Goode | Physical Education Teacher
Senior School Carnival
Our annual Interhouse Swimming Carnival will take place on Wednesday 26 February (Week Four). This year the Carnival will run during the school day and not in the afternoon and evening. Students are required to come to school and head to homeroom as per usual before being bussed down to the pool and back again for a normal 3.15pm departure. The normal bus schedule will apply. The first event will start at 9.15am.
Students were asked to nominate their events over the first two weeks of school. I am pleased to say that once again the number of nominations is very high and students have really embraced our participation focus. If any students are yet to nominate or require any changes please email Mr Kendall asap.
The weather forecast looks great at this stage. On top of all of the swimming events on the day there will also be novelty events available to students. Each year group will have two opportunities throughout the day to have some fun and cool off in the dive pool.
A big thank you to Jen Casotti from the Guildford and Kalamunda Districts Swimming Club, who has once again donated the use of the Dolphin timing system along with her services for the day. It is very much appreciated by us all!
Joe Kendall | Head of Department - Health and Physical Education
Parents and Staff Sundowner
The Friends of Helena College cordially invite all staff and parents (Kindy to Year 12) for the annual welcome sundowner on Friday 7 March from 6pm. It is a great opportunity to meet other parents, and chat to staff on a more informal basis. Drinks and nibbles will be served. This is an over-18s only event. We look forward to seeing you!
Parents and friends of Year 7 Gamelan students are reminded to save the date to watch their performance.
Year 13 Breakfast
We look forward to welcoming back our 2024 Year 12 cohort to catch up on where life is taking them after Helena.
Noticeboard
Community Notices
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.
