The end of semester is a good time to reflect on what has been a wonderful first half of the year and I am pleased  that our learning program across both campuses has given students a wide range of opportunities for learning and personal growth. 

Engagement

While students do spend the majority of their time learning in the classroom as teachers deliver the WA curriculum, so much of the Helena experience is outside the classroom as students engage in clubs, sports, service activities and the arts. If you think that your child is not engaging enough with some of these activities and you would like them to, I encourage you to have a conversation with their classroom teacher or Head of Year about how they can become more involved. 

Reporting in Senior School

In 2023, one of our key initiatives has been to ensure that we are following through on our commitment to provide a greater level of transparency for students (and parents) about each student's academic progress following our discontinuation with the International Baccalaureate this year. One way we have done this at the Senior School is to ensure that results and feedback from teachers on all summative assessments are posted online through SEQTA for parents to access throughout the term, and ahead of the Semester Report. If you have not had the opportunity to access this information yet, I encourage you to do so. Our teachers have worked hard to develop rubrics for each assessment with the aim of providing students, and parents, with specific information about what the student is doing well and areas where they can improve. Hopefully this information will generate good conversations at home about your child’s progress this year. 

Given this increased level of feedback for students, a change parents will notice from previous years is that this year there will not be a teacher comment on the end of semester report card. The report is divided into four sections: 

• A course description outlining what topics have been covered during the semester
• Feedback about the student’s learning behaviours, such as their ability to submit work on time and to use class time effectively
• The student’s learning achievement when measured against the expected learning outcomes for each class, and 
• An overall letter grade for the subject. 

With all of this information, along with individual feedback on each assessment task available online, we believe that we are providing a greater level of transparency about student learning than we have done previously. I would be interested to hear any feedback from parents once they have read through their child’s report. 

Junior School Literacy

In the Junior School, a key initiative for this year has been to consider our approach to teaching literacy. Changes have been made to the WA curriculum regarding the role of phonics in the teaching of reading and our Junior School teachers have been reviewing their practices and implementing any necessary changes when seeking to meet the needs of each student. 

General

A reminder also that we are hosting an additional round of Year 11 and 12 Parent-Teacher conferences on Monday 24 July. Details are available in the newsletter and in the What’s On weekly emails to parents.

Thank you all once again for your continued support of the College throughout this semester. For those who are able to, I wish you a restful break as we all reboot for the second half of the year.

Peter Coombs | Principal

Dear Junior School families

As we reach the conclusion of Semester 1, we cannot help but reflect on the incredible journey we have embarked on together thus far. This marks the halfway point of the academic year, and it is a perfect time to celebrate the achievements and efforts of our students. We would like to extend our genuine appreciation to each and every one for their hard work throughout the first semester.

Semester 1 student reports and portfolios

At Helena College, we understand the importance of partnership between home and school, and we are very proud of the progress our students have made - both academically and personally. The student reports and portfolios will provide for you a comprehensive overview of your child’s growth and development. It is a testament to their commitment and the support they receive from their parents and guardians. We encourage parents to engage in open and constructive conversations with their child(ren) about their report and portfolio - celebrating their accomplishments and setting goals for the upcoming semester.

Annual student disco

I would like to thank all the students who were able to attend last week’s disco and especially the parents involved who made this amazing experience possible. Helena House Hall looked ‘out of this world’ - as did the students who came dressed in their cosmic costumes. The annual disco is another way to signify and celebrate the student’s Semester 1 efforts and achievements - made possible by the terrifically supportive parent community and staff who assisted on the evening. Thank you!

Time to recharge and rest

In the midst of our busy lives, it is important to recognise the significance of taking some time to recharge and rest. The winter break provides an ideal opportunity for students to step back, relax and rejuvenate. Engaging in activities that bring joy and fulfilment can have a profound impact on overall well-being. I certainly hope that families are able to embrace this well-deserved break - spending quality time with loved ones, creating cherished memories, pursuing hobbies and, enjoying the wonders of the season and the pleasures of life.

Semester 2

Looking ahead, Semester 2 holds the promise of new learning experiences and exciting challenges. Our dedicated teachers have been diligently planning a range of engaging activities and projects that will support a well-rounded education that nurtures each student’s unique talents and interests - from camps and carnivals, to excursions and electives.

Happy holiday!

As we conclude this semester, let us celebrate the achievements, reflect on the growth, and recharge for the learning challenges that lie ahead. We have an amazing journey awaiting us and we are thrilled to share it with each and every one of you.

Whether you embark on adventures, or find solace in the comfort of your homes, we wish you a delightful winter break filled with warmth, happiness and rejuvenation - and I very much look forward to seeing everyone at the commencement of Term 3, Monday 17 July 2023.

Kind regards

Greg Miller | Head of Junior School (Kindergarten to Year 5)

Key changes to the Working with Children (WWC) legislation are anticipated to come into effect from 1 July 2023 to significantly strengthen protections for Western Australian children. Screening of staff and volunteers, using  working with children checks, is one of many child protective measures the College has in place to keep our students safe.

WWC checks are effective in deterring people from applying to work with children where they have a relevant charge or conviction on their criminal record that indicates they may harm a child. They also protect children by creating awareness that child safety is a whole of community responsibility.

Upcoming changes to the WWC legislation includes changes to ensure people who should not be working with children cannot access an exemption. People with a current interim negative notice or a full negative notice will no longer be able to access the parent volunteer or child volunteer exemption. These changes come in for all organisations that work with children and I would encourage anyone that is involved in clubs, sporting teams  or other groups that work with children to have a look at the changes on the WWC website.

Visit www.workingwithchidren.wa.gov.au for more information

Justin Pitt | Head of Senior Campus

Alysha Emanuele - parental leave 

Following this week’s Years 3-6 interschool cross-country event, Alysha will commence her exciting parental leave. Alysha is wished all the very best during this special time, and we look forward to hearing any ‘baby updates’ she may wish to share. 

During her leave, we are delighted to inform you that Alana Urlus has been appointed to take on the Performing Arts specialist teacher role - complimenting her Elective (Drama) and Creative Movement (ELC) positions. 

Donna Goodlet - Library Officer

At the end of the semester, Donna will finish in her role as Junior School Library Officer, as Leigh Thevissen returns from her LSL. Donna has been terrific and very much liked by the students. Donna is both thanked for all her contributions and, wished all the very best. 

Lauren Bates - Learning Support Education Assistant 

I am most pleased to inform you that Lauren is the successful applicant appointed to take on this role. Lauren’s experience in teaching across various year levels and, language specialist teacher background, are two of several qualities that make her very well-suited to carry out this position - commencing this week and working collaboratively with April Ledger and Cono Mangano (Learning Support team member).   

Electives program - Piano and Guitar tutors 

We are currently finalising the appointments of the above two positions - which will commence in Semester 2. 

Cindy Sangalli - Education Assistant 

Late last week, Cindy advised us that her time at the College will soon be concluding as she takes on another role at a new school. Cindy has been a wonderful asset to the College - and will be very much missed by students and staff. We wish Cindy all the very best in her future endeavours. Looking ahead, in terms of who will take on the Education Assistant (EA) role in Years 1 and 2, this will be advised in the near future. 

MOST VALUED PLAYER

Congratulations to Year 6 student Fletcher, who was recently awarded Most Valued Player by Tennis West for the 2022/2023 summer season.  Fletcher plays Pennants Tennis for the Glen Forrest Tennis Club. 

We are delighted to announce that Tessa Sargent, a talented Year 12 student, has been selected to showcase her remarkable lino print at this year's Meta Exhibition (Meta - Art Portfolio - North Metropolitan TAFE) . The event will take place at Gallery Central, North Metropolitan TAFE in Northbridge. META Exhibition is an annual platform that highlights the innovative and captivating creative works produced by students enrolled in visual arts and design courses across Western Australia. 

Tessa said that ‘The purpose of my artwork is to raise awareness of the current and pressing issue of industrial pollution, specifically its damaging effect on the environment. The environment has a significant impact on our lives, influencing our daily moods and emotions. Therefore, I aim to promote its beauty in contrast to an industrial setting, highlighting the stark reality of a darkened world devoid of the natural beauties that nature provides us. I was influenced by Australian artist Margaret Preston to experiment with the medium of lino printing, exploring an environmental perspective and employing detailed line work to create texture’.

Tessa's artwork will be on display from 17 July to 4August 2023. We encourage you to visit Gallery Central, situated at 12 Aberdeen Street in Perth, to witness this inspiring and vibrant exhibition firsthand. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the artistic talent and youthful energy on display!

Whole School

Office Hours during Holidays

Darlington Campus Administration will be closed from Monday 3 July to Friday 14 July.  

The Glen Forrest Campus Administration will be closed from Monday 3 July to  Friday 7 July, but will be open between 9am and 3pm from Monday 10 July, with normal office hours resuming at both campuses from 17 July.  

For all enquiries while the office is closed, please email helena@helena.wa.edu.au. 

We look forward to welcoming all students back on Monday 17 July.

Joining the Helena College Journey

Selecting the right school for your child is one of the most significant decisions parents will make and we believe that Helena College Junior School (Darlington Campus) provides our students with the best possible education and start in life.

Helena College is a great school. Our special bushland setting combined with quality teachers and teaching and learning programs, confirms the correct choice for your child’s education.

As a staff, we are extremely proud of our school and from all accounts, including feedback from a suite of evidence, as are you. Most pleasingly, many families indicate they would highly recommend our College to friends or family as a place to send their children.

Even with the rapid rise of social media, many recommendations, particularly for educational settings, still happen offline with people sharing their experiences with friends over the phone or face-to-face. Helena College is no different. We encourage you to invite friends or family members with primary-aged children to explore our campus. We have place available in selected year groups, and in particular, Years 2, 4 and 5 for 2023 and Year 4 and 5 2024.  You are welcome to share this link with them, which provides information on upcoming tours of the College. 

Year 6

The Year 6s have had a very busy end to their first Semester at the Glen Forrest Campus. On Monday it was fantastic to see a number of students participating in the Inter-house Music carnival. There were a range of instruments and for many it was their first time performing, so we congratulate them on their efforts. In Science they have been planning their own experiments, and in Humanities they have developed an effective argument for implementing a new law. In English they have been very busy finalising their picture books for the Year 2s who will be coming to visit and read with everyone on Friday. They have also been preparing to host their families with the Year 6 Showcase Assembly on Thursday. We congratulate the 6s on how well they have embraced this Semester and we look forward to seeing them back after a restful break in Term 3.

Anne-Marie Lee | Year 6 Head of Year

Year 9

As we bid farewell to the first semester of the academic year, we take a moment to reflect on the myriad of exciting experiences our students have had in the past few months. From engaging in ACC sports to navigating the challenges of assessments, to creating lasting memories during the Nanga Bush Camp, our students have truly made the most of their time at Helena College.

Our students have embraced the spirit of competition, representing our School with great pride on the field, displaying exemplary sportsmanship and dedication. The ACC and NEAS program provided a platform for our athletes to showcase their talent and compete against other schools in various sports. They gave their all, displaying immense skill and resilience in every match. We commend all our athletes for their hard work and dedication, as they showcased the true essence of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

The first semester brought forth a series of assessments, challenging our students to showcase their knowledge and skills across learning areas. From tests to projects and presentations, our students rose to the occasion, demonstrating their academic prowess and commitment to learning. We applaud their diligence and the unwavering support of our teachers who guided them every step of the way. As we move forward into the second semester, we encourage our students to continue their diligent efforts, always striving for excellence.

One of the most memorable experiences of the semester was undoubtedly the Nanga Bush Camp. Our students embarked on a thrilling adventure filled with team-building activities, outdoor challenges, and an opportunity to connect with nature. The Camp provided a platform for personal growth, fostering resilience, independence, and a deeper appreciation for the environment. We extend our gratitude to the staff members who organised and supervised the Camp, ensuring our students' safety and facilitating a transformative experience.

In a special endeavour, half of our year group embarked on an adventurous hike that took them through breathtaking landscapes and tested their endurance. The hike not only encouraged physical fitness but also allowed our students to develop perseverance, problem-solving skills, and a strong sense of unity. The journey was undoubtedly a testament to their ability to overcome challenges and support one another through thick and thin.

As we bid farewell to the first semester, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to all our students, parents, and staff for their unwavering commitment and enthusiasm. It is through collective efforts that we create a vibrant and nurturing learning environment at Helena College. We look forward to the second semester with great anticipation, eager to witness the continued growth and achievements of our students.

Wishing you all a rejuvenating break and a wonderful start to the next semester!

Tim Hayward | Head of Year 9

I hope you are all doing well and enjoy some time in the sun over the next couple of weeks. I am writing to share some highlights and achievements from the end of Semester 1. It has been a busy and exciting time for our Year 7s, and I am encouraged by how they are adapting to the challenges and opportunities of Middle School.

I want to congratulate all the students who participated in the various extracurricular activities and competitions throughout the term. We had some amazing results in NEAS sport, the Interhouse Music Carnival, the Library's chess competition, robotics and more. Well done to everyone who represented our School with courage and enthusiasm. Get involved in NEAS next term if you haven't already. See Mr Waterhouse for more details.

I also want to recognise the academic achievements of our Year 7 students. They have shown great progress and improvement in their learning across all subjects. They have also demonstrated creativity, curiosity and critical thinking skills in their projects and assignments. As the Semester 1 reports are released, please take some time to see where you are working well and where you can find some improvement. Chat to your teachers if you need some assistance to make that happen.

I want to applaud the Year 7 students for their positive behaviour and attitude throughout the term. For the most part, they have been respectful, responsible, and resilient in their interactions with their peers, teachers, and other staff. They have also been supportive, inclusive, and collaborative in their group work and class discussions. They have shown that they are not only learners, but also leaders and role models for our College community. Yes, they are loud...though Year 7 might just be the time to be a little loud.

Finally, I want to thank you, the parents, and carers of our Year 7 students, for your ongoing support and involvement in your child's education. You are the key to helping them transition to Middle School and cope with the changes and challenges that come with it. You have also been active in communicating with the teachers and attending the events and meetings that we organised for you. I appreciate your feedback and suggestions on how we can improve.

As we look forward to Semester 2, I hope you all have a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. I encourage you to spend some quality time with your family and friends. Spend some time reading something that interests you. Spend some time with your friends. Play some games. Or if you want to do some homework...spend some time baking (and cleaning up) in the kitchen!

I look forward to seeing you all again in Term 3. Until then, stay safe and enjoy your break. And go Freo!

Mr Matt Zarb | Year 7 Head of Year

With Semester 1 ending it is a good time to reflect on what the Year 8s have been up to this term. Term 2 was again a busy one and it was great to see a good number of Year 8 students attend the Middle School Social in Week 8. It was a fantastic evening of colour with approximately 100 students dancing and having fun with their peers. The students are also to be commended on their behaviour, with staff and Year 12 student councillors commenting on how great of an evening it was.

The Year 8s also had the opportunity to participate in the Music Carnival and all Homerooms took the opportunity to perform a piece. There were also many incredible individual performances, and it was fantastic to see the musical talent of Year 8. Well done to all who braved the stage and performed!

The Cow Cup also saw the Homerooms take part in a friendly competition of ‘Taboo’, a word guessing game that sees group members describe a word without using the word itself or five additional words. A workout for the brain! Well done to Waughul on their dominant performance and becoming the latest holders of the coveted Cow Cup.

I must also mention NEAS after-school sport and lunch time clubs such as the Chess Club. I have no doubt that I have missed some; however, the Year 8s have certainly been busy!

All of this goes hand in hand with quality learning and I would encourage parents and carers to have meaningful conversations with their student about their Semester 1 report. It would also be a good opportunity to access feedback from classroom teachers via SEQTA and begin to make some goals for Semester 2. One goal I would like for all Year 8 students to consider is increasing their communication with teachers. At times it may seem daunting for a student to ask their teacher for feedback or to clarify a concept; however, the resulting conversation is often extremely valuable to student learning. It is also a skill which is invaluable as students’ progress to Year 9 and beyond.

Some other points of conversation may be what is coming up in Semester 2. An obvious change will be the rotation of subjects for Year 8 students across Media, Drama, Music, Visual Arts, Engineering and Food Technology. Students will have completed three of these subjects in Semester 1 and will rotate to the remaining three in Semester 2. 

There is also the opportunity for Year 8 students to participate in the NEAS Mixed Volleyball competition and the Interhouse Athletics Carnival. We will also see the tireless work of those involved in the Peter Pan musical come to fruition.

I have no doubt that Semester 2will be just as busy as Semester 2  and I look forward to working with the Year 8s to help them achieve their goals.

Steve Emanuele | Head of Year 8

Our Year 9 students are counting down the weeks as they prepare their Community Project.  The countdown, as of Friday 30 June, is 18 weeks to go!  In terms of project milestones, here are some progress points to be looking for when chatting with your Year 9:

Meetings with Supervisor

Students should have completed their second meeting with their supervisor during the past two weeks and discussed their design specifications and timeline. Whilst there is no expectation that students work on the project over the school holidays it is hoped that they are ready for their third meeting when they return to school in Term 3.

Process Journals

Process journals should be beginning to look ‘healthy’ with entries that cover the beginning of the process and some critical analysis of sources. It has also been discussed and recommended during Connections classes for students to link their process journal entries to the Helena College Student Learning Goals, as listed on page 5 and 6 in their student booklet.

Beginning to ‘produce and implement'

Students should be starting work on their project if they feel that they have completed enough of the documentation to ensure their smooth transition to this stage of the project. If and when students do begin producing and implementing, then please remind them to take lots of photos as evidence of their progress and to include these, with links to the appropriate step in their development process, into their process journal.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.

Rebecca Murray | Year 9 Project Coordinator

For the second year in a row, Helena College is participating in the Alliance Française de Perth Poetry Recitation Competition. Eighteen students decided to expand their Language studies, be risk-takers and learn how to be efficient communicators by getting involved.  Students had to learn the selected poem for their category off by heart and make a video of them reciting it.

Congratulations to the following students who were selected for the Poem Recital Final, held last weekend.  These finalists to recited their poem in front of a jury with the winners to be announced 4 July.

Diplomas will be awarded to all candidates selected for the Grand Final.  Certificates will also be given to all participants in the competition:

Year 6 - Nora H, Amelia T, Niamh McE

Year 7 - Sophie C, Nadya P, Henry Y, Sen M, Neve G

Year 8 - Chelsea S, Violet T, Pax M, Wallace T, Harrison M, Nicole C

Year 9 - Abigail Y, Beatrice S, Sierra N

We were delighted to have the opportunity to nominate students who excelled in their Indonesian Language classes for the Bahasa Indonesia Student Awards 2022. We are even more delighted to announce that our two nominees, Jodie R (Year 12) and Reagan S (Year 9) did very well indeed, and we were able to hand over their Awardee and Appreciation Certificates this term. 

As part of their prize, the girls also received a gift voucher towards conversation classes with native Indonesian speakers from Bahasa Kita, which will give them the chance to practise and sharpen their conversation skills. The program will see the girls participate in four weekly one-hour sessions - a terrific opportunity!

In the cool, winter months everyone probably agrees that there is nothing better than cuddling on a lounge with blanket and a good book. Having lots of books around to pick from can make this activity a pleasant prospect. At the Glen Forrest campus, we have no limit on the number of books you can borrow from the Senior School Library, and we even have bags we can offer if you need help to carry the piles of books home.

The College is also a subscriber to the Wheelers eBook platform so that if you haven’t got a pile of books lying around, you can still enjoy a read, just with an eBook rather than a physical book! With over 2,000 eBooks and 350 audiobooks available for loan, any member of the College community can make use of the subscription by ‘borrowing’ electronically any of the books in the collection. Whilst the catalogue provides links to the Helena College Wheelers eBook platform, you can also visit  http://helenacollege.wheelers.co to make use of this subscription.

Once you have found the platform you can sign-in to your account using your Google sign-in details to browse, borrow and read instantly.

PREMIERS READING CHALLENGE

The Premier’s Reading Challenge is continuing this year and is encouraging young Western Australians from Kindergarten to Year 10 to read. To complete the Premier’s Reading Challenge, students will need to read a total of 12 books and log these books on the Premier’s Reading Challenge website. The challenge has also teamed up with Tourism WA and weekly prizes are on offer, with students who log a reading event going into the weekly draw.

Students can get involved by registering at www.premiersreadingchallenge.wa.edu.au. Those students below 13 years of age need to be registered by a parent or guardian. Those students over 13 years of age can register themselves. As part of the registration, students are able to choose an avatar and are able to log books that they have read. For students in Years 6 to 9, any books added to their VIBE reading record are able to be included in their Premier’s Reading Challenge log as well. A paper copy of the log is available for any students who cannot access an online account.

Challenge categories, book lists and prize information (including family holidays) are on the website. Opportunities to be included in the final prize draw close on Friday 8 September. The Challenge encourages students to explore different genres including historical fiction to graphic novels, comics to newspapers or song lyrics to poems.

CHESS COMPTITION

The library is currently hosting a Chess Competition in a round robin format which commenced in Week 9 this term with 16 registered players (including Mr Zarb). With a set of unique ‘rules’ the players will play against each other and culminate with a finals round in late Term 3. Good luck to those players!

Happy reading!

Rebecca Murray | Teacher Librarian

Year 11 and 12 ATAR and General Visual Arts students recently visited the Art Gallery of WA (AGWA) to explore the captivating West Australian Pulse exhibition. This year's exhibition featured an astounding collection of 61 artworks created by talented 2022 Year 12 visual arts graduates from 36 schools across the state. Within these artworks, themes revolving around mental health, social pressures, environmentalism, human impact, connection, meaning, and memory were portrayed.

Following their gallery visit, the students enthusiastically took part in a hands-on interactive activity titled 'Exquisite Bodies.' This multi-sensory participatory exhibition provided an opportunity for the students to actively contribute to an installation of monumental forms. By arranging abstracted shapes into towering figurative sculptures, they were able to engage their creativity and imagination in a truly immersive experience.

After a quick lunch break, the students proceeded to the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) to view the 'Hatched' exhibition. This showcase included a dynamic selection of artworks, ranging from paintings, textiles and sculptures to installations and audio-visual works. All pieces were crafted by emerging artists who had recently graduated from various tertiary art schools across Australia. The sheer talent and creativity on display left the students captivated and inspired.

Congratulations to the Year 11 and 12 students who attended this visual arts excursion. Your presence and enthusiastic participation transformed the trip to the art galleries into a very enjoyable day.

The first Middle School Social of the year was an occasion filled with exuberance, merriment, and an overwhelming sense of camaraderie.

Allow me to recount the electrifying atmosphere that engulfed us as the evening unfolded: The air resonated with pulsating beats, courtesy of the exceptionally talented DJ Linear X, also known as Xavier Wright (Head Student). He effortlessly commanded the dance floor, effortlessly blending beloved classics with cutting-edge hits, ensuring a continuous surge of energy throughout the night. In doing so, he introduced our esteemed staff members to a vibrant selection of new bangers, igniting their enthusiasm for the contemporary music scene.

It brings me immense pleasure to acknowledge the impeccable conduct displayed by our students throughout the event. Their exemplary behavior showcased their maturity and respect, demonstrating the values we strive to instill in them. A special mention goes to Harrison, who set the dance floor ablaze with his impressive moves, captivating the attention of all present.

I would be remiss not to recognise the tremendous effort put forth by Middle School Captain, Amy Hill, alongside the invaluable support from the Student Council, under the steadfast guidance of Mr Hillman. Together, they orchestrated an evening that will be etched in our memories for years to come. Their dedication and meticulous planning ensured that every detail was attended to, resulting in a truly unforgettable experience.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the staff members who graciously contributed their time and assistance. Your unwavering commitment to our students is deeply appreciated by the Heads of Year. Your presence and involvement undoubtedly played a vital role in making the Middle School Social a resounding success.

May this event serve as a beacon of unity and joy, setting the stage for more memorable occasions in the future.

Mr Tim Hayward | Head of Year 9

Parents are known for putting their children’s needs ahead of their own, and parenting author Maggie Dent says, “If we don’t care for ourselves, not only do we run the risk of parenting less effectively and compassionately, but we are not modelling self-care for our children.”

To read more on this topic, please click here to read the article titled 'Parenting self-care matters', by Jodi Richardson..

Did you know that Darlington Hall has been in operation for 100 years this year? That is quite a significant milestone for our local community. Before the Gymnasium was built on the College's Darlington Campus, Helena School (as we were then known), Darlington Hall was used for school concerts and other big events.

The Darlington History Group would love to hear from anyone who has memories or photographs of past events at the Darlington Hall. With such a rich history, including playing host to school concerts, Anzac services, Guides and Scouts, Freemasons Lodge, Theatre players, Kajamaba ladies choir, ballet classes, badminton, fancy dress balls, square dancing, P&C balls and more, we are sure there are local families who may have memories to share. Please contact Sally Herzfeld at alisonherzfeld@gmail.com or the Darlington History Group’s Archivist Lyn Myles at myleslc@bigpond.com. Photographs from those early days would be most welcome!