The Helenian - 28 March 2024

As we come to the end of this first term, I would like to thank all our parents and carers for their continued support of the College. Our school mission states that our aim is to be a school where students, teachers and parents actively engage as partners in the education process and I am pleased to see that this has been occurring this year. Our commitment over the past couple of years has been to increase our transparency with families about student learning.

I hope that many Senior School parents have had the opportunity to access SEQTA to view assessment rubrics and comments from teachers about areas of the curriculum where their child is doing well in class as well as feedback about where they can improve in the future.

For our Junior School families, student portfolios are coming home today. Please do find some time over the break to read through the portfolio with your child and engage in a discussion about their learning over the past nine weeks.

For more information about your child’s progress at school, all Junior School and Year 6 - 10 parents and carers are invited to our Parent-Teacher Conferences on Friday 19 April. For Years 6 - 10, information on how to make bookings with teachers will be emailed to parents today, along with details for accessing student Interim Reports. Unlike previous years, where teachers may have requested conferences with specific parents, all parents are invited to attend the conferences and make appointments with any teachers they wish to meet. I also encourage students to join their parents in meeting with their teachers.

Junior School Parent-Teacher Conferences are also being held on the same day, which will provide a wonderful opportunity for parents to discuss their child’s academic and social progress this year. The booking details were sent to parents earlier this week.

Parents of students in Kindy to Year 10 are reminded that it is a student-free day. Year 11 and 12 students are required to attend school and complete their normal timetabled classes.

Staff News

Recently Senior School staff came together to farewell one of our longest serving teachers, Denise Makley, as she retires from the College. Mrs Makley taught at the College for over 25 years and was instrumental in the development of our Media program, including assisting with the design of our Media learning spaces. Throughout her career, Mrs Makely has been a wonderful teacher and mentor to many students and we thank her for her contribution to the College and wish her well for life beyond Helena.

I would also like to thank and farewell Matt Perrin from his role this term as a Digital Innovations and Photography teacher while Danel Hortense has been on leave.

As we all head towards the term break, I hope all students and families stay safe and enjoy their time away from the daily school routine. We look forward to welcoming students back to school on Monday 15 April.

Peter Coombs | Principal

Helena College is very fortunate to partner with a number of child safe organisations that help support our staff students and community.

I have recently been working with ySafe to develop our 2024 cyber safety program. This will include workshops for our students later in the year and also a parent evening to discuss cyber safety in the home. Our partnership with ySafe also includes access for all parents and teachers to the Cyber Safety Hub (the link is accessible is also from the College website).

PB West is another organisation that is helping Helena staff become accredited Protective Behaviours Practitioners. I have completed this training previously and I am pleased to confirm that our Head of Year 9, Sara Settlemaier, has also recently also completed the PB West training to join me as an accredited practitioner at the College.

WA Child Safety Services is another WA based organisation that helps support our students with workshops and provides the curriculum support and resources to facilitate our child protection teaching and learning activities. WACSS have already been out to Helena College this year and we will continue to partner with them throughout 2024.

We will again have Red Frogs out to talk to our Year 12s in Term Three the year to discuss staying safe at Leavers and how to navigate and look after each other if heading down south to celebrate the end of school.

As an important element of the strategic direction of the College, it is great we can work with other dedicated organisations to ensure we focus on continuous improvement. Gaining the feedback and support from our child safe partners allows us to continually review our practices and ensure we are best practice in the area of child safety.

I would like to remind all young people of our child safe themes as we head into the holidays.

We all have the right to feel safe
We can talk with someone about anything, no matter what it is.

I wish everyone a safe and happy term break.

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.

Save the Date - Year 12 Helena College School Ball

Date: Thursday, 29 June 2023

This year’s Year 12 Ball is being held at Fraser’s Kings Park. Fraser’s Kings Park is located in the tranquil surrounds of Kings Park and sits high above the city with views of Perth and the beautiful Swan River.

Just a reminder, all Year 12 students will be expected to stay at school on the day of the Ball until 12.15pm, so please make sure all appointments are in the afternoon. Be organised in advance with everything you need to do for the Ball.

Please note that nail appointments can be made during the week of the event. We will relax the usual nail restrictions for the week leading up to the Ball.

The school does not sanction any pre or post-ball parties. However, should anyone arrive at the ball under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substances, or attempt to consume them at the Ball, the student will IMMEDIATELY be sent home in a taxi at the family’s expense.

More information about the Ball will be published soon.

Year 12 Carpark

Many see gaining a Driver's Licence and driving to School in Year 12 as a rite of passage. In some households, it also marks the beginning of the end of the family taxi service as the student driver can begin to shoulder some of the transport responsibilities. At Helena, we provide a Year 12-only car park located between Bilgoman Road and the GFC College Oval.

Recently, we have had students report being late for work/appointments because parents have blocked them in using this carpark during school pick-up time. We remind families that with the high volume of traffic in and around the College, the GFC Bilgoman Road pick-up drop-off lane is the safest place for collecting or dropping off Year 6 -12 students. Should family or friends assist with transporting your children to and from the College, please ask that they follow our requirements.

Years 11 and 12 Semester One Examinations

Year 12 Examinations and 1st Work placements - Weeks Six and Seven Term Two
Year 11 Examinations and 1st Work placements - Weeks Seven and Eight Term Two

While our Year 12s have been through the exam cycle, this is a timely reminder to brush up on good exam techniques. Elevate Education will also run their “Ace Your Exams” workshop for our Year 12s early in Term Two.

Our Year 11 students will be experiencing the exam period for the first time next term. To help them prepare beforehand, we will hold a short pre-exam information session in Week Three of next term. The session will be attended by a select group of Year 12 students, who will share their exam tips with our Year 11s.

Student Council Update

Our Student Councillors attended the Grip Leadership Conference with 600 other Student Leaders on Tuesday, March 21, at the PCEC. The Conference sessions focused on the theme of Stepping Forward.

The presenters energised the crowd and inspired our students to make the most of their year as Student Leaders.

While thought-provoking, the content at the Conference was presented engagingly, and our students appreciated it. To help the room stay focused, the Loud Noise Crew kept the crowd entertained with their high-energy presentations. Our Year 12 Councilors represented themselves and the College very well. They are now tasked with the challenge of ‘Stepping Forward’. Given the high-calibre nature of our Councilors, I am confident they will meet the challenge.

School Holiday Fun

Did you enjoy Murdoch University’s Open Day? Now try their Years 11 & 12 Exploration Day.

This FREE event will allow you to explore all Murdoch has to offer.

Immerse yourself on their campus and meet their friendly staff and current students while taking part in interactive workshops specific to your area of interest and exploring their unique facilities.

Registrations are essential. There are only a few tickets left. You can register HERE.

Date: Wednesday, 3 April 2024

Time: 8:00 am - 3:30 pm

Youth Week WA 2024.

Kickstart Festival Time 4 – 12 April. Young creatives will be performing at the Kickstart Festival during the school holidays.

For more information, to see the program of events and to unlock your exclusive festival discounts via the Kickstart Festival Pass, click HERE.

Filmbites Screen Academy for 7 – 18 year olds

Filmbites teaches acting, film-making, animation and game design to West Australians aged 7 – 18. There are beginners’ classes and advanced classes which run after school, on weekends and on school holidays.

They are running School Holiday Workshops and taking bookings now for Term 2. Check it out HERE.

University News

ECU Years 11 and 12 Engineering Showcase

ECU is pleased to invite you to attend their upcoming School of Engineering courses and careers information session so you can discover why engineering is such a great profession and how ECU can provide you with an excellent start to a highly rewarding career.

Date: Wednesday, 24 April

Time: 5.00 pm – 7.00 pm Joondalup Campus

Register HERE.

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 state-of-the-art production and design facilities.

Date: Sunday, 5 May

Time: 6.00 pm – 7.30 pm Mt Lawley Campus

Register HERE.

Notre Dame Doctor of Medicine information Session Online Webinar

Join Notre Dame for an online information session designed to provide you with crucial insights into Notre Dame's Doctor of Medicine program. This webinar offers a unique opportunity to delve into the program's structure, entry pathways, and exciting new developments.

Date: Thursday, May 9, 2024

Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm (AWST)

Register HERE.

ECU Years 11 and 12 Parent Information Session

For parents of students in Years 11 and 12, navigating the conversations about life after high school can be daunting. ECU's online information session is designed to alleviate your concerns and provide all the information you need to guide them through Year 11 and 12 and beyond. The Parent Information Evening will cover ECU Course options, Entry Pathway options, Application Processes, Fees, Scholarships and Support Services. Register HERE.

ECU Open Day

Sunday, 14 April, Joondalup, 10.00 am - 3.00 pm
Sunday, 21 April, South West (Bunbury Campus), 10.00 am - 1.00 pm
Sunday, 28 April, Mt Lawley, 10.00 am - 3.00 pm

For more information about ECU’s Open Days, register your attendance and to explore the possibilities, click HERE.

Notre Dame Open Day

Saturday, 4 May. 10.00 am - 3.00 pm.

On Saturday, 4 May 2024, explore Notre Dame’s Fremantle campus and meet its students, academic staff, and graduates. To discover what Notre Dame University has to offer and register your attendance (which puts you in with a chance to win a Notre Dame Frank Green gift pack), click HERE.

University News - Early Offers will not made until 2 September

All WA universities will be open applications for 2025 on 1 May. The first offers will not be made until 2 September. This is a significant change which brings our procedures into line with a consistent cross jurisdictional approach. More information can be found HERE.

Training News

Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Service

The Australian Apprenticeships and Traineeships Information Service (AATIS) offers pathways information to students, job hunters, career advisers and employers. Our website, app and resources are used by schools, parents, friends and supporters providing career planning and direction. Find them HERE.

Defence Force Work Experience

Defence Work Experience Program provides young Australians interested in Defence as a future career, the opportunity to sample life in Defence and learn more about the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Public Service (APS).

The Defence Work Experience Program is pleased to advise that Defence is offering opportunities for work experience activities. We encourage you to check our website regularly.

Army. Day in the Life of a Soldier: Irwin Barracks - 16 May 2024. Closing date for application 31 March 2024
Air Force. An Aerial View: Air Force Careers Day RAAF Base Pearce - 21 May 2024. Closing date for application 14 April 2024.

Year 12 Opportunities

University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) 2024 Registrations are open

There are now three pathways into medicine in WA that require you to do the UCAT test:

To be offered a place in any of these three pathways, you need: amazing ATAR scores, a great UCAT score and have an interview or do the CASPER test. The UCAT testing begins on 1 July and runs through to 9 August. You can REGISTER HERE.

Key dates:

UCAT BOOKING OPENED via ucat.edu.au - 5 March 2024
Concession application deadline - 10 May 2024
Access Arrangements application deadline - 17 May 2024
BOOKING DEADLINE - 17 May 2024
Late UCAT booking deadline - 31 May 2024
Late Access Arrangements application deadline - 31 May 2024
FINAL late booking deadline - 5 June 2024
Cancellation deadline - 10 June 2024
Testing begins - 1 July 2024
Last testing date - 9 August 2024
Results delivered to universities - By early September 2024

You can see key dates HERE.

Practice Tests

There are many hints and practice tests on the UCAT page. I have been to information sessions at UWA and at Churchlands Senior High School where we were advised that the tests on the UCAT site are more than adequate and not to bother with the paid preparation courses.

Holiday Program Revision, Exam Preparation and Skills Development

Well-regarded ATAR Tutoring company, MasterMind Australia, have a number of courses running to assist students to achieve the best possible academic results in their first semester exams if they would like academic support in the upcoming holidays.

CHRIST CHURCH GRAMMAR SCHOOL (MONDAY 1 TO FRIDAY 5 APRIL)

ATAR Revision and Exam preparation for year 12 students only (10 hours).

HALE SCHOOL (MONDAY 8 TO FRIDAY 12 APRIL)

Essay Writing and Study Skills programs for years 7-12 (5 hours).

ATAR Revision and Exam preparation for students in years 11 and 12 (10 hours).

MasterMind Australia are offering our students a 20% discount on their programs.

If you would like any more information about these programs, please do not hesitate to call 9342 2000 or visit their website Mastermind Australia.

As we bid farewell to Term One, I am delighted to reflect on the incredible journey of growth and learning that our students have embarked upon. It has been a term filled with enjoyment, discovery, learning achievements and, Summer heat waves! I am very proud of our students' dedication and, the unwavering support from our school community.

Learning excellence
Our students (Kindy to Year 5) have excelled in their learning pursuits this term. From mastering multiplication tables to crafting magnificent pieces of art, their progress has been remarkable. I would like to commend our dedicated teachers for their hard work in creating engaging learning experiences and fostering a love for learning in our students.

Sporting endeavour and team spirit
This term, our students have also displayed exceptional sporting endeavour and teamwork. Whether it was during their Physical Education lessons with Mrs Good, or swimming in the Bilgoman Pool, our students demonstrated determination, resilience and, a true passion for giving their best. Congratulations to all our Year 3-5 athletes for their efforts and achievements during the Inter-house swimming competition - as well as those who represented Helena at Wesley College.

Upcoming events
Looking ahead to Term Two, we have an exciting line up of events and activities planned. A visit from the Life Education Team, our annual whole school Anzac assembly, camps, Mothers' Day and the end of Semester One student disco are just a few of many highlights to anticipate.

Parent-Teacher conferences - a student free day
As a reminder, our annual parent-teacher conferences will take place on Friday 19 April 2024. For those who have not yet done so, you are encouraged to book a time with your child’s teacher. To assist you, please refer to the detailed email communication that was sent to all families on Monday.

Online/social media reminder
In keeping with the spirit of the College’s motto Bringing out the best together, parents are to be conscious when using web-based communications to model responsible and ethical online behaviour to their children, which includes not making negative public commentary about other members of our school community. Parents are also reminded that we have a Community Code of Conduct to which all members of our community are expected to adhere. A year level Facebook page, for example, is not a forum to raise school concerns. While we are aware that there are year level Facebook groups run and managed by parents independently of the College, they are not official channels, and as such, are not an appropriate forum in which to raise concerns better addressed directly with the school. Rather, parents are reminded that when these Facebook groups were established some years ago, the intent was for them to offer opportunities for information sharing around the P&F, developing friendship groups, social activities and as a positive environment where parents could support one another. Matters or concerns regarding the selection of interschool sport teams, changes to school staffing, class sizes, upcoming camps, teachers, homework, teaching and learning programs, and personal grievances are all general examples of what is not relevant or appropriate to discuss in forums such as this. If you do have concerns that you would like addressed by the school, we encourage you get in touch directly with the College and follow the processes already in place. If you are unsure of who to speak to in regards to your concern, please contact the Admin office at either Campus, who can direct you to the appropriate person.

Student SmartRider card
For families (students) who use the College’s Bus Service (including the link-bus), a student SmartRider card will be required. Please refer to the email sent on Friday 22 March 2024 for complete details.

Thank you - teachers and parents
Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated teachers and staff for their tireless efforts in providing quality teaching and learning programs and, nurturing the students - as well as all the supporting parents and guardians. Your passion and commitment make all the difference in shaping the young minds of tomorrow.

Term One holiday - rest and enjoyment
As we embark on the upcoming holiday, I wish each of you a restful and enjoyable break with your loved ones. I hope it is filled with laughter, joy and cherished memories.

I look forward to welcoming everyone back for the commencement of Term Two on Monday 15 April 2024.

Warm regards

Greg Miller | Head of Junior School

This term, the Year 6 students participated in our Peer Support program “Rethinking Challenges”. Focusing on resilience and wellbeing, students were guided by our Year 10 Peer Support Leaders in sessions across eight weeks. The variety of activities enabled everyone to have a chance to be involved and discover helpful ways of thinking to learn from challenges.

For our Year 6 students, the program marked an exciting transition into life at the Senior School campus. It offered them the chance to make connections with new and older peers, instilling a sense of belonging from the outset. It also provided a safe space for students to express themselves while developing a range of skills. Similarly, this is an excellent opportunity for our Year 10 students, as it serves as a platform for leadership development, empowering them to become role models and mentors to younger students.

A big thank you to everyone involved in making this year of Peer Support a success!

Thank you to all our 2024 Peer Support Leaders:

Patrick A, Eva D, Tayla E, Madison E Shenae E, Ariaan F, Audrey F, Annalie G, Amelia H-M, Abby J, Veronique L, Romy L, Meg M, Rivalee McE, Sierra N, Kieren S, Stephanie S, Anoushka S, Anya S, Kirsty S, Tamsyn S, Reagan S, Lyla S, Cade Y, and Stella Y.

Maddison Lewis | Peer Support Coordinator

NEAS Sport

It has been a successful Term One for Helena in NEAS sport this year. Students from Year 7 to 12 have represented the College in both basketball and frisbee. The new format for the Senior NEAS (Year 10-12) Competition was a great success, which saw students compete against other schools in a One-Day Tournament model, with finals held the following week for the top two teams in each age bracket.

Of the eight teams involved in the NEAS competition this term, four of our teams earned a spot in their Grand Final. Three teams narrowly missed out on their respective grand finals, finishing up in third place in their categories, which is an outstanding achievement overall. Following the One-Day Carnival, our Senior Mixed Frisbee team defended their unbeaten run to win the final, while our 10-12 Girls Basketball team had a close loss in theirs.

Our two Junior Girls basketball teams (Year 7 & Years 8/9) both finished the season on top of the ladder and hosted their Final here at Helena College. A very successful afternoon followed, with both teams winning their NEAS Grand Finals! This capped off an undefeated season for the Year 8/9 Girls which is an outstanding achievement. It was also a huge effort for the Year 7 girls, especially considering several of them had not played basketball before, to win against opposition that had beaten us earlier in the season.

Congratulations to all students involved in the Summer NEAS program this term. The sportsmanship, teamwork and improvement that you have all demonstrated while representing Helena College has been fantastic.

I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the staff who have volunteered to be involved this term, giving up their time to coach, manage, supervise and support the students throughout the NEAS season. Thank you!

A reminder to students that the NEAS sports for Term Two are Soccer and Netball. Please keep an eye on the Seqta notices for more information and to sign-up!

ACC Interschool Swimming Carnival

Helena College attended the ACC Interschool Swimming Carnival. It was a great day of fierce competition and our students performed exceptionally well, representing the College proudly. We finished 5th overall on the day, as well as having some outstanding individual competitors that earned special recognition for their efforts.

St James’ Anglican School - 847pts
Geraldton Grammar – 826pts
Peter Carnley Anglican Community School – 755pts
Providence Christian College – 751pts
Helena College – 701pts
Living Waters Lutheran College - 695pts
Irene McCormack Catholic College - 644pts
Baptist College – 634pts

Congratulations to the following students who achieved in the ‘Top 5 Champions’ for their respective age brackets:

Caitlyn Ludlow - 1st
Jordyn Casotti - 2nd
Fife Trent - 3rd
Dion Van de Nadort - 4th
Sarah Sinclair - 5th
Macayla Fraser - 5th
Tristan Haass - 5th
Blake Skidmore - 5th

A lot of effort goes into a Carnival and I would like to acknowledge the work of all those staff and volunteers who were involved in the lead up and on the day for their work in helping make the day a success.

James Waterhouse | Interschool Sports Coordinator

HELENA BASKETBALL WINDUP

Last week the Helena Basketball Club Wind-Up was held at the Senior School oval to wrap up the summer competition. With a massive turnout of over 250 people, including some 140 players, it was a day to remember.

With activities including a foam cannon, ice cream and a skills competition there were happy faces all around. Congratulations to all players for a great season. We wish the best of luck to all teams who are through to the grand finals next Tuesday afternoon at Mundaring Arena.

It’s been a busy start to the year in Outdoor Education with paddling, roping and mountain biking activities.

The Year 12 class have been preparing for the week-long expedition that will be taking place next term by conducting some abseiling activities at the local quarry, while also learning how to tie a range of knots and coil ropes and have also begun rigging basic abseils.

The Year 11 class have been improving their mountain biking skills in John Forrest National Park in preparation for their three-day expedition at the beginning of next term.

The two Year 10 classes have been working on their canoeing skills and will begin kayaking next term.

And last but not least the three Year 9 classes have spent the term preparing for their first Outdoor Education expedition in Week Two of Term Two. They have been working on camp cooking, shelter construction, mountain biking, navigation and selecting appropriate equipment to ensure they are ready for their three-day, two-night hiking and mountain biking expedition around Wellington National Park.

A great start to the year by all involved!

Joel Cullen | Outdoor Education Teacher

This year‘s Synergy Solar Car Challenge was held 19 March at Southern River College in Gosnells. Helena College entered two teams: one in the Year 8 Division and one in the Year 6 Division.

The Year 8 team had qualified through our inter-class competition where all the Year 8s have a go at building and racing their cars. The fastest car belonged to the team of Ayda B-P, Hannah M, Chelsea P and Callum T.

The Year 6 team was chosen from the applicants who had to supply motivation to be included in the team. The Year 6 team comprised of Amber K, Zac H, Grady T, and Brianna W. This team had to practise during lunchtimes to build and trial their car.

The competition day itself was very intense - teams had just 45 minutes to build and trial their car before the racing in the heats.

The Year 8 team managed to get through the first heat but failed to get past the second heat, despite their very best efforts.

The Year 6 team proved to be invincible, winning all their heats comfortably and eventually winning the finals, giving them the title of Regional Champions. This qualified them for the Grand Final at Murdoch which was held earlier this week... and we We're over the moon to announce that our incredible Year 6 students have clinched victory in the grand finale of the Year 6 Division Solar Car Challenge! Their dedication, creativity, and teamwork shone as bright as the sun, powering them through to success.

A special thanks to Mr Shane Grey for driving us to Gosnells and back for the Regional event.

Deven Reddy | Solar Car Challenge Coordinator

Darlington Campus (Kindy to Year 5)

Glen Forrest Campus (Years 6 to 12)

Darlington Campus

Glen Forrest Campus