The beginning of Term Four is a time of celebration tinged with sadness as we farewell our departing Year 12 students.
During Week One, following the Interhouse Cross Country Carnival, our Year 12s, dressed in a wide array of fancy dress, were joined by our youngest students from the Junior School for our traditional Helena Walk. It is always a pleasure to see the joy in the eyes of both our youngest and oldest students as they connect and share this moment together.
After a series of farewell activities for our senior students this term, we honoured their time at the College at our Graduation Ceremony last Friday evening. This event was a wonderful celebration with family and friends to recognise the end of an era. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of all at Helena College to thank our departing students for all that they have brought to our community. I wish those who will be completing ATAR exams later this month, along with those who have now completed their secondary school studies, all the very best wishes for their futures beyond the College.
Department of Education Non-Government School Accreditation
In May this year, the College completed a thorough self-study of our operations and programs as part of our process to maintain Non-Government School Regulatory Accreditation through the Western Australian Department of Education. Accreditation is required for non-government schools to operate in Western Australia as outlined in the School Education Act 1999.
I am pleased to report that following our self-study and a series of meetings between College Council members, teachers, Executive team members and representatives from the Department of Education, the College received the maximum five-year accreditation.
This achievement is a reflection on the work that happens here at the College every day as we strive to positively respond to the two key questions for accreditation:
Are the students learning?
Are the students in a safe environment?
We were able to provide evidence of learning through our compliance, planning and delivery of the WA curriculum for our range of students. This is emphasised by our positive NAPLAN and ATAR results.
We were able to show evidence of a safe environment by providing examples of where we have followed through on our written policies and procedures in regard to child safety and management of student issues.
Of course, while these two questions are important, the accreditation process reviewed all areas of the College including: governance, finances, parent-staff-student satisfaction, learning support, buildings and maintenance and our overall success in achieving our school Mission and Vision.
A vital aspect of this accreditation process was to provide written examples for hundreds of different policies, procedures and activities across the College. I would like to acknowledge and thank our Risk and Compliance Officer, Nyaree Blakeney, for all her work in coordinating this process and putting together our submission.
Of course, I would also like to extend appreciation to all Helena College staff for their role in the educational journey of our students and making Helena a safe and caring place.
Helena College has had a long partnership with WA Child safety services and they are regular visitors to the College to run workshops with our students. WA Child Safety Services is deeply committed to nurturing a culture that prioritises the safety and empowerment of all children involved in our programs and services. They recognise that children are vulnerable and have a fundamental right to be protected from harm, therefore we pledge to uphold the highest standards of child safety and wellbeing in our everyday practices.
This week, WACSS sent me some tips for Halloween, something I am aware many students in our community participate in. Please consider the tips below when planning your family activities.
Leadership
Director of Upper School | Craig Hillman
Year 12 Final Events
2024 Student Council Breakfast
We celebrated and recognised our 2024 student leaders for their outstanding leadership qualities, hard work, and dedication at the Student Council Breakfast at the Dome in Mundaring on Tuesday, 8 October.
Working with the Student Council this year has been an honour and a privilege. We hope the lessons these students have learned through their service to others will give them a rich skillset to draw upon and apply in future leadership roles.
Year 12 Dress Up Day
Year after year, Schools turn their considerable attention to balancing celebrating the end of Year 12 and, simultaneously, limiting community harm caused by rampaging School Leavers hell-bent on ‘leaving their mark’ on their school. Not at Helena.
Our Year 12s celebrated the end of their Helena journey in style and brought smiles to the campus with their creative and colourful costumes. Their behaviour, individually and collectively, was impeccable and capped their last week of school in style.
Thanks to Chris Jeffrey for capturing the look and feel of the 2024 Year 12 Dress Up Day.
Year 12 Final Breakfast
Our Year 12s enjoyed a delightful breakfast on their final day at Helena. Filling up on pancakes, croissants, bite-sized treats, and orange juice was ideal for settling the nerves and emotions before the Final Assembly. A big shout out to our Design and Technologies Head of Department, Mrs Coombs, along with Mr Zarb, Mrs Dowler, Mrs Venters, Mrs Hanly, and the Year 11 FST student helpers for their work in preparing an outstanding breakfast.
Graduation
The Year 12 Graduation ceremony was held at the Glen Forrest Campus Gymnasium on Friday, 18 October and marked the formal conclusion to their years spent at Helena College. It was an evening for the Year 12 students, their families and teachers to celebrate the Class of 2024’s academic, sporting, leadership and effort achievements.
How Parents Can Support Their Students During Stressful Assessment Times
With external ATAR Course Exams, Year 11 Semester Two Exams and End-of-Semester assessment periods approach, students often face increased pressure, which can lead to significant stress. While some handle it with ease, others may find it overwhelming. One of the best ways to manage this pressure is through preparation. The earlier students start, the less likely they are to feel anxious as deadlines loom. As a parent, your role is crucial in helping them manage stress and maintain a balanced approach to studying. Here are some practical tips to support your student during this busy time:
Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle
A well-rounded lifestyle is key to achieving good results. Remind your student that a healthy body supports a healthy mind. Ensure they:
Eat balanced meals: Provide nutritious snacks and meals to fuel their brainpower.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help them stay alert and focused.
Get enough sleep: Sleep is vital to memory consolidation and overall performance. Encourage them to avoid sacrificing rest for late-night study sessions.
Exercise regularly: Even a short walk or some stretching can relieve stress and help students focus better.
Schedule relaxation: Encourage downtime to avoid burnout. Short breaks can recharge their mind and improve retention of information.
Offer Practical Support
Openly ask your student how you can help. Offer to:
Assist with organising their study schedule, setting reminders, or preparing an exam timetable.
Help source materials such as books, stationery, or online resources.
Quiz them on topics they need to memorise. Some students find it easier to retain information by talking through their notes or practising with a parent.
Prepare nutritious lunches and snacks, allowing them to focus on studying without distractions.
Encourage limited use of social media or gaming during study blocks to reduce distractions.
Focus on Effort, Not Just Results
It’s important to reassure your student that effort matters just as much (sometimes if not more) than results. Encourage them to:
Take pride in the hard work they’re putting in, regardless of the final grade.
Build resilience by learning from mistakes and overcoming challenges.
Celebrate small successes along the way, fostering motivation and confidence. Avoid criticism and negativity.
Remind them that academic performance is only one part of their life’s journey. There are many ways to achieve future success, and exams are just one stepping stone and one pathway.
Keep Communication Open
Be a consistent source of support by maintaining open lines of communication. Try:
Having regular check-ins to discuss their progress, challenges, or concerns.
Creating a relaxed environment for these conversations—sometimes casual chats during car rides or while having dinner are more effective than formal sit-downs.
Being patient if they express frustration or anger. Acknowledge their feelings and offer a listening ear. If you notice that stress is affecting their well-being, encourage them to seek help from a school counsellor, teacher, or other professional resources.
Help Manage Worries and Stress
If your student feels overwhelmed, guide them through problem-solving:
Allow them to express their concerns fully before suggesting solutions.
Encourage them to identify specific worries and work through ways to manage them—whether it's time management, understanding a subject, or handling test anxiety.
Explore available resources, such as speaking with teachers, seeking academic support, or accessing online tutorials.
Ask them how you can help—sometimes your presence and understanding are the most valuable support you can provide.
Final Thoughts
Exams and assessments can be stressful for students, but with the right support, they can navigate these challenges successfully. By fostering a balanced approach that includes both academic preparation and emotional well-being, you can help your student develop resilience and the skills needed to thrive under pressure. Remember, your encouragement, support, and understanding will make a lasting impact.
You and your student can learn more about how to study effectively at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units.
Username: forhelenaonly
Password: 71results
And, of course, remind them that their marks do not define them #thereslifeafterschool, and You are NOT your ATAR.
If you have any concerns about your child, please contact the College to discuss it.
Our best wishes go to all the Year 12s as they finish their school career.
Year 11 Updates
Year 11 Semester Two Examinations
The Year 11 Semester Two Examinations run from Monday, 11 November to Friday, 22 November. There is a copy of the Exam Timetable and Exam Information in this Newsletter. The Exam Timetable is also available at SEQTA>School Documents>Exams> 2024 Y11 Semester 2 Exam Timetable.
We wish our Year 11s well as they embark on their last exams for the year. Please direct any queries to Craig Hillman. Director of Upper School.
Year 11 Semester Two Work Placements
We wish our Year 11s well on Semester Two Work Placements. We know they will represent themselves, their families and the College well as they head out on their placements. We have great relationships with employers because of the maturity, initiative, and great communication skills of this year’s group. Thank you to Ms Lewis for her hard work in coordinating this important and valuable experience.
2025 Student Council Update
Our Year 11s have submitted their applications, delivered speeches, and are currently being interviewed for 2025 Student Council roles. The calibre of applicants this year is year high. We look forward to a strong and vibrant Student Council and announcing the successful candidates in the next newsletter.
Free Parent Webinar: Helping Your Child Manage Their Time
Elevate Education will be hosting a free webinar for our parents on Time Management on Wednesday, 30th October, 3:30 pm-4:30 pm (AWST)
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 stay focused and prioritise revision when it matters most.
Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:
Aligning expectations on homework with your child
Helping your child balance their schoolwork and social life
Setting up a weekly planner tool with your child
Student Drivers and Parking
Owing to the restricted number of parking bays, our policy at the College is that only Year 12 students may park their vehicle on the College grounds and only in the calendar year that they graduate. We must give priority to our 2024 Leavers during their ATAR Course exams to avoid them missing out on a car bay on their exam day and consequently running late or missing the start of their exam.
If circumstances dictate that this arrangement cannot be complied with, please contact the Director of Upper School directly.
Please note that the last 2024 External ATAR Course Exam at Helena is Thursday, 14 November. Therefore, 2024 Year 11 drivers will have full access to the Year 12 Carpark from Friday, 15 November.
Year 10 End of Year Celebration Day
Date
Friday, 29 November 2024. This marks the last day of Year 10 for 2024.
Program
8.40 am : Homeroom. Arrive at College in House Uniform
8.50 am : House-Based activities in Year 6 Undercover Area
10.00 am : Morning tea. Students change into their themed outfits.
10.30 am : Bus to Barrack Street Jetty
11.30 am : Depart Barrack Street Jetty on ‘River Bell’.
2.00 pm : Return to Barrack Street Jetty
3.00 pm : Return to Helena. Students dismissed.
Theme: Tropical
Uniform: House Uniform at school (8.40 am - 10.00 am)
Themed outfit for Party Bus rides to and from Perth, as well as during the River Cruise
Normal Casual Dress Day Guidelines apply in that attire should be suitable for attending school, i.e., no short shorts, miniskirts, bare midriffs, or bare shoulders are permitted. In addition, shoes must be fully enclosed and meet OSH requirements (i.e., no thongs, open sandals, high heels, wedges, or stilettos are permitted)
Given the day's celebratory nature, normal jewellery and hair restrictions will be relaxed for the River Cruise aboard 'The Queen'. Hair must be a natural colour but may be worn down. No face piercings are allowed.
No inappropriate slogans or graphics on clothing.
Cost: $80 (includes Morning Tea, Party Bus transfers, Boat hire, Subway lunch and soft drinks on board ‘River Bells’). Payment details to follow.
2024 Parents and Guardians Guide
Education, training, and work opportunities for young persons (15 – 24 years). This booklet provides information that will help you to help your young person to make their next move.
If you’d like advice on gaining entry to your chosen undergraduate or postgraduate course, Curtin is ready to help. Their Pathway Support Days are your opportunity to discuss your study options based on your chosen course, qualifications and circumstances.
Their Future Student Advisors will give personalised pathway advice and application support and answer any questions you have about studying at Curtin.
Book an appointment for 6, 13, 20 or 27 November HERE.
20 November ECU Future Student Information Expo
Join ECU’s Future Student Information Expo to discover the diverse range of courses ECU offers, along with the excellent support services you can expect as a student. They will cover course admission pathways, how to apply, fees and scholarships and flexible study options like online or part-time. Take family or friends and explore the campus and their great facilities.
7 December & 8 January – Murdoch Law Start – alternative entry into law test
Law Start is an alternative admission pathway that allows students entry into an undergraduate law degree outside of traditional requirements. Students need to be excelling in one or more ATAR subjects with a strong focus on essay writing and communication to be eligible.
This pathway involves a half-day workshop, including a written assessment. The written assessment tests your skills and ability for studying law and is used as a basis for admission, instead of your overall ATAR score or selection rank.
If you successfully complete the course and meet all eligibility requirements, you will receive an offer to study a Bachelor of Laws or a combined Law degree at Murdoch University.
Upcoming test dates: Saturday 7 Dec 2024, and Wednesday 8 Jan 2025.
Cost: Full $650 Early bird $620 (closes 16 December 2024)
Music Theatre Kickstarter 6 - 10 January 2025
Time: 10.00 am – 4.00 pm
Cost: Full $650 Early bird $620 (closes 16 December 2024)
Greg Miller | Head of Junior School
Welcome to the final academic term of 2024 - a time filled with excitement, reflection and significant achievements. It has been wonderful to see your children return from the Term Three break with their characteristic enthusiasm - once again bringing vibrant energy to our campus as they carry out their learning experiences.
Warm Weather Reminder
As the weather warms up, please ensure your child arrives at school well-prepared for the heat. This includes applying sunscreen at home, bringing a clearly named hat, and packing a refreshed water bottle each day. In line with our school's 'No Hat, Play in the Shade' policy, students without hats will be directed to shaded areas. Additionally, we kindly remind you to review the lunchbox safety guidelines in the Parent Handbook, which offer important tips on keeping food safe during hotter days.
Orientation Days | 2025
In Week Six, the Junior School will hold our Orientation Days. As students prepare to move into the next year level, they will experience changes such as new teachers, shifting expectations, and possibly new classmates. These days are designed to help students transition smoothly, marking an important step in their progression. While staffing placements for 2025 are not yet fully confirmed, we aim to have staff in their expected classrooms for these sessions. Please note that staffing arrangements for 2025 may still be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
The 2025 Pre-primary to Year 5 orientation will occur on Tuesday 12 November while Kindergarten orientation will take place on Wednesday 13 November. For more details, please refer to the relevant Orientation Day emails.
Our current Year 5 students will have their 2025 Year 6 Orientation Day on Wednesday 20 November (held at the Glen Forrest Campus).
Year 5 Class Placements | 2025
The welfare and well-being of our students are at the forefront of all decisions regarding class placements. As professional educators, we approach the development of class lists with great care and consideration, taking the time to ensure that each class is well-balanced to provide all children the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.
Individual class placements are determined by staff based on their professional judgment of each child’s educational needs, circumstances, and interests. Classes are structured to best meet the needs of all students, while working within the constraints and resources available.
For further information regarding class placements, please see Darlington Campus Class Placement Procedures at SEQTA Engage > Documents > Parent information > DC Classroom Placement Procedures.
Darlington Arts Festival | 2024
On November 2 and 3, the much-anticipated Darlington Arts Festival (DAF) will take place, offering exciting performances, captivating exhibits, unique items for purchase, engaging workshops, and delicious food! Some of our Junior School students, including choir members, will be performing on stage on Saturday 2 November at approximately 10 am. Your support and presence would be greatly appreciated, and you may wish to visit the Helena College stall (Darlington Oval).
Carols Evening | 2024
Please reserve Friday 22 November for an event you will not want to miss - hosted at our Glen Forrest Campus (Senior School) on Bilgoman Road. Further information and details for families will be provided in the near future.
Best Wishes to our Year 12 Students
Following our joyful annual Helena Walk and Graduation Assembly, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to our Year 12 students as they prepare for their next steps. Whether they are getting ready for final exams or setting out on new paths, I am confident they will reflect on their time at Helena College with gratitude - treasuring the unique and meaningful experiences they have had here.
2024 College Tour Day
Do you know someone looking for a new educational experience?
Helena College is a great school! Our rare and special bushland place, combined with quality teachers and teaching and learning programs, makes our College an excellent choice for parents. Prospective families are most welcome to come and see our terrific school in action. The Junior School (Darlington Campus) has one remaining group tour day in 2024, on Thursday 7 November - commencing at 11 am. While selected year groups are at capacity in 2025, there are a few year groups with places available for enrolment in 2025 and beyond. If you know of anyone seeking enrolment, please encourage them to visit our website and book a tour.
Term Four
To every member of our community, I wish you a rewarding and beneficial final term ahead.
Kind regards
Greg Miller | Head of Junior School Kindergarten to Year 5
Staff News
Staff News
DC Elective Program Staffing News
After nine (9) wonderful years, Walter Johnston’s time of teaching drum lessons here at Helena has unfortunately concluded. Walter has decided to focus on his ever-expanding yoga career. Walter has been terrific in his role as drum tutor, and we are most grateful for all that he has done. We wish him all the best for his future endeavours.
Mr Steven Hartley will be commencing in Week Four to continue drum lessons for the semester - and will continue in the role in 2025. Steven also teaches at the Glen Forrest Campus and we look forward to him joining us to be able to continue the delivery of the Drums Elective at the Junior School.
Student News
Student News
Aussie of the Month Award Recipients October | 2024 Congratulations go to Lucas H and Oliver B (Year 3), Frankie K (Year 4C) and Heath S (Year 4P) who have been chosen as the Aussies of the Month for October 2024.
The award recognises personal endeavour, achievement and contribution to the community. The award also reflects some of the values we share as Australians: a sense of fair play; generosity of spirit; commitment to community participation; and a real concern for the environment.
Lani Q | Year 9
We are proud to recognise that one of our own self-published author's, Lani Q has been working hard on her book Tales of Pluto: Sparks Flying, which she has produced as part of her Year 9 Project. Her project idea came from her passion for reading since Year 7 and this personal project truly brought out her inner author.
Over the course of the school year leading up to the Year 9 Project, Lani has worked tirelessly in the Creative Writing Club and personal time to create her 188-page novel that she will showcase at this year's Year 9 Project Exhibition. Lani's work will feature alongside the efforts of her classmates in Week Four. Year 9s take on a long-term self-designed capstone project, culminating in the Project Exhibition. The Exhibition will be open from Tuesday 29 to Thursday 31 October between 9 am and 4.30 pm.
Admin Notices
World Teacher's Day
Hats off to Australia’s teachers this World Teachers’ Day, which takes place on Friday 25 October! On this day, Helena College will be joining in celebrating our teachers for their skilled work in educating, inspiring and supporting students. Staff at Helena College are experienced, highly skilled professionals who are committed to nurturing and challenging our students, and we appreciate their efforts, and the efforts of staff who support them, every day.
Parents are known for putting their children’s needs ahead of their own. With the mantra of ‘be involved’ in your child’s life a dominant parenting message, it is now common for parents to neglect their own social and wellbeing to give their children the best possible start in life. This selfless approach is commendable, but questionable if it means you are constantly stretched, stressed and tired. Parenting is draining.
Please click here for an informative parent information article regarding self-care.
Junior School | Darlington Campus
Pre-primary Sleepover
The Pre-primary sleepover is the first introduction to the camps program at Helena College, and it is always a very exciting time for the children. The children arrived back at school at 5 pm and set their beds up in Helena Hall, giving their mums and dads a kiss the Pre-primaries began their activities on camp.
First we began making fruit kebabs and then made we made our own placemats to eat dinner on. After dinner we headed out for a fun walk around the school at night. With torches in hands we headed out to explore the night sky. We saw the city lights and saw two possums in one of the trees in the ELC. After all of the excitement the children snuggled into their sleeping bags, watched a movie on the big screen and drifted off to sleep. After an early wake up the children were ready to have breakfast and start their day.
The children reflected on their camp experience with drawing and writing about their experience. The Pre-primary sleepover is a wonderful way for the children to begin their camp experience developing long-lasting relationships and building a sense of community within their school classroom.
Our Year Five students had a wonderful day participating in the Scitech Challenge Day. They had an opportunity to represent Helena College in a friendly competition where they were able to develop and apply their 21st Century Skills to solve a real-world problem.
Designed by Scitech’s very own team of STEM educators, the Challenge Day expanded on the students’ existing knowledge of the world around them. In teams of four, the students worked towards using understanding and innovating to solve a problem. They worked through an array of challenge activities, developing their creativity, communication, critical thinking and collaboration skills as well as developing a sense of character and communication.
One student said 'I’m so stressed' and in the next breath said 'I’m having so much fun!'.
Senior School | Glen Forrest Campus
Interhouse Cross Country Carnival
Congratulations to Waughul who were the winners of our annual Interhouse Cross country Carnival that took place on Thursday of Week One. It was a very close competition, with less than 30 points separating all three factions. What was fantastic to witness was that we had over seventy-five percent of our student population step up and participate. Well done to everyone who got out there and gave it their best!
Overall Scores
1st – Waughul on 225 points
2nd – Cardan on 222 points
3rd – Kiara on 196 points
Elysha Von Knoll Memorial Shield Winners (fastest senior boy and girl on the day):
Girls – Holly M, Year 9
Boys – Luke S, Year 11
Individual Champions
Year 6 Boys: Damon S Year 6 Girls: Annabelle S
Year 7 Boys: Henry M Year 7 Girls: Eloise B
Year 8 Boys: Brodee E Year 8 Girls: Charlotte H
Year 9 Boys: Mitchell B Year 9 Girls: Holly Marsh
Year 10 Boys: Blake S Year 10 Girls: Veronique L
Year 11 Boys: Luke Sutherland Year 11 Girls: Ella Parish
Year 12 Boys: Laurence Tenhave Year 12 Girls: Jasmine Williams
Joe Kendall | Head of Department - Health and Physical Education
Outdoor Education
Despite the school year gradually coming to a close, Outdoor Education is still a hive of activity. From Year 12s reminiscing about their time on expeditions before their graduation, to Year 11s climbing down at Boya Quarry, to Year 10s continuing to scale heights at the indoor climbing centre and abseil at Boya Quarry it has been a busy start to the term.
The biggest undertaking this term was the recent Year 9 Expedition to Wellington National Park. Nearly half of the year group took on the challenge of a three-day, two-night hiking and mountain expedition around the park. A couple of scrapes and bruises, a rolled ankle or two and even some rain on the second evening didn’t dampen the students spirits as they all seemed to have a wonderful time on their first expedition. Well done to all involved!
Suara Indonesia Dance
Our Year 8 Indonesian students recently participated in an exciting cultural incursion led by Suara Indonesia Dance. The workshop introduced them to Ratoh Duek, a captivating body percussion dance from Aceh, and Randai, a dynamic theatre tradition from West Sumatra. Students engaged in rhythmic hand and body movements, traditional songs, and even tried wearing the unique galembong pants used in Randai. The experience not only enriched their understanding of Indonesian culture but also built a sense of community, confidence, and creativity through shared action and rhythm.
Our students provided feedback on the activity:
We did dances that were from Indonesia and we did lots of dances with these special pants and you could bang them and they made a sound and they’re loud and very cool and that was my favourite thing about the incursion. - Rex D
Yesterday, two people taught us some very cool Indonesian dances. I learnt that they used the dances to help people who lost loved ones to the tsunami. It was very energetic and was very hard. We wore funny pants and made up our own dance. It was fun, but I felt a bit weird with the pants on - Matilda L
Patent to Prototype - Real World Engineering Solutions
Over the past year, Helena College has offered its engineering students a unique and groundbreaking learning experience. In what is possibly a world-first initiative, a group of Year 11 and 12 students were given the chance to work with patent-protected intellectual property, focusing on an innovative wind harvesting technology that is pushing the boundaries of renewable energy.
Known as the Archimedes Initiative, this project was made possible through collaboration with a company owned by a member of the Helena College community.
The students’ challenge began with analysing a complex patent document and understanding the scientific and engineering principles behind the invention. Their task was to develop a working model of the wing wind energy harvester.
Building on last year’s foundational work, students this year advanced from the concept stage to developing a fully functional prototype of their own. Remarkably, Helena College students were the first technical team worldwide to be granted the opportunity to build a model of this innovative technology.
Students collaborated closely, applying advanced engineering principles to bring the oscillating wing wind energy harvester to life. Unlike traditional spinning turbines, this technology utilises the oscillating motion of wings to convert wind energy into electrical power, opening new possibilities for increased efficiency in wind energy extraction.
The students’ efforts culminated in the development and testing of fully operational prototypes. The prototypes demonstrated an impressive ability to harness up to 90% of the Betz limit, the theoretical maximum for wind energy conversion efficiency. This achievement highlighted the students’ technical skills and marked a significant milestone in the project.
Wind tunnel testing further demonstrated the potential of this innovative technology, bringing it close to its theoretical maximum efficiency and showing that it could be a new player in the rapidly-growing renewable energy sector.
Looking ahead, the parent company behind the patent is now exploring commercialisation opportunities for the oscillating wing harvester. The promising outcomes achieved by Helena College students showed that this technology could be brought to market, representing an exciting development in renewable energy.
The Archimedes Initiative has set a new benchmark for hands-on STEM education. With support from industry mentors and the guidance of their Design and Engineering teacher, Mr Sam Davy, students have gained invaluable real-world experience. Their participation in this cutting-edge project is a testament to their talent, hard work, and the forward-thinking ethos of the College’s STEM-focused learning areas.
Clubs
Academic Support & Clubs
The Glen Forrest Campus Academic Support and Clubs for Term Four are now open. We have a range of services available to help you succeed in your studies, including one-on-one tutoring, study groups and workshops. We also have a range of clubs and activities on offer, so there's something for everyone. Come along and make the most of your Term Four. View the timetable here.
Events
Year 9 Project
Helena College welcomes all members of the community to visit our upcoming Year 9 Project Exhibition. The exhibition is the culmination of a long-term project our students have undertaken exploring a personal passion. The exhibition bears witness to a wide range of skills and interests explored during this project and is a testament to their hard work and persistence. We invite you to come and explore the exhibition and leave some feedback for our intrepid and passionate students.
Darlington Arts Festival
Come find us at the Darlington Arts Festival! We look forward to seeing you at the Darlington Arts Festival on the weekend of 2 and 3 November. We will be running some craft activities, and will feature a terrific display of student work. In addition, we have students from both campuses performing on the Main Stage on Saturday between 10 am and 11.30 am.
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.
WAAPA Summer School 2025
Start your new year with an exciting experience at WAAPA. Come along this January for a fun-packed program where you'll meet new people, sharpen your skills, and get plenty of performance opportunities. WAAPA’s Summer School offers a wide variety of performing arts courses tailored for secondary school students. Whether you're going into Year 7 or Year 12, there's something for every aspiring artist—classes in Acting for Stage, Dance, Acting for Camera, Jazz Music, and Music Theatre. Our expert instructors welcome students of all skill levels and experiences. For more details on the courses available, visit Summer School 2025 or reach out to Gabrielle Metcalf at explore.waapa@ecu.edu.au or call 9370 6775.
