A Note from the Principal
Busy school years move very quickly and it seems remarkable to me that I am writing this newsletter piece at the end of Term 3.
I am sure that this feeling is shared by our Year 12 students who have now completed all of their regular classes for secondary school. This week our ATAR students began their school-based exams and these will be followed by their final external exams beginning at the end of October. I know I speak for our whole community when I wish these students well with their exams.
Of course, not all of our senior students complete ATAR exams and over these past two weeks, these students have been experiencing their final placements at a range of different workplaces. The Workplace Learning program is a wonderful way for young people to experience life beyond school and try different types of jobs before making decisions about possible careers.
During the first few weeks of next term we will celebrate all of our departing senior students with a series of events, culminating with our Graduation Evening on 20 October.
There have been so many wonderful things happening around the school over the past few weeks. The Peter Pan musical was sensational with many people, both students and adults, contributing to the success of the show.
Across the College we raised $785 for RU OK? Day. This annual event is instrumental in fostering awareness in our students about the importance of mental health and community engagement.
We were also pleased to receive the news that our Wakakirri Team had received a State Winner award for their performance earlier this term.
Last week the Year 11 and 12 Media students astounded an audience of parents, staff and their peers with their unique films and wide range of innovative storytelling at our Film Festival.
Recently our Senior School Athletics Team competed in our division at the ACC Athletics Championships. We finished in fourth place overall, taking out the Junior Girls Champions and tying for the Girls Aggregate Champions shields.
Our Year 10 students have been busy as well. While half the cohort embarked on their Cape to Cape Expedition last week, the other half completed work experience with a wide range of employers. This week, the two groups swapped roles. It has been a pleasure to visit some of these students at their workplaces and hear about their experiences.
This week, our Pre-Primary students enjoyed the Heritage Trail Walk and our Year 5 students headed to the picturesque Fairbridge Village in Pinjarra for their camp and, by all accounts, are having a fabulous time.
Finally, over the course of three days, we welcomed the grandparents and special friends to our Darlington Campus. It is pleasing to know that all of these events align perfectly with one of our core values – being connected to one another and our community.
As we head into Term 4 there are many more events and activities happening across the College. Please do keep an eye on the school calendar, the weekly What’s On email and other direct emails for details about all upcoming events.
I would like to encourage parents and carers to complete the Family Experience Survey as soon as possible. To give families more time to contribute, we have extended the deadline to Friday 22 September. The survey process is being managed by an external organisation and all responses will be anonymous. Family Experience Survey 2023. The feedback we receive from parents and carers is very valuable, and we encourage you to take the time to complete the survey.
As we approach the end of this term, I extend my warmest wishes to all our families for a restful break. We eagerly anticipate welcoming back all our students on Monday, 9 October, as we embark on a new and exciting chapter of learning and growth in Term 4.
Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in our wonderful Helena College community.
Peter Coombs | Principal K-12
