Welcome to Helena College

We are delighted to welcome you to Helena College in 2026. We have compiled an 'at a glance' summary of key information that will help you settle in to life at our Junior School Campus in Darlington.

Below is some brief information and a preview to prepare our new students for their commencement at Helena College Junior School. For further information, please refer to the 2026 Junior School Parent Handbook.

Booklists

All booklist and stationary requirements for Junior School students (Kindergarten to Year 5) are included in the tuition fees for the year. 

Canteen Services

The Junior School Canteen operates on Monday through to Friday and welcomes voluntary assistance, particularly on Mondays and Fridays and for special events. We offer students recess snacks with a varying lunch menu daily.

  • The Canteen is a cash free facility - morning tea, lunches and ice-creams can be ordered online at www.quickcliq.com.au
  • The Canteen Menu will be available on my.helena prior to the commencement of Term One 2026.
  • The Early Learning Centre students have their morning tea and lunch delivered to the classroom. 
  • Years 1-5 students collect their morning tea orders from the Canteen at recess. Lunches are delivered to the classrooms in designated baskets. 
  • Years 1-5 students need to return to the Canteen at the second lunch bell to pick up their pre-ordered ice-creams. 
  • Online ordering closes at 8am on the morning of the day in question. Please note, the Canteen cannot guarantee a 100 percent allergy-free environment.
Devices

Helena College supplies a digital device for all students. In Junior School, all students will be provided with a school-owned device (as appropriate to their year level) which remains at school at all times for in-classroom use where relevant to learning. In addition, students will have access to our Makerspace Room - a Digital and Design Technology area used for both specialist teacher lessons and regular classroom teaching and learning activities. 

The fees for the College’s ICT/device program are incorporated into the annual tuition fee.  Use of the device is governed by the Student Code of Conduct and the ICT Policy, both of which can be viewed on the Policy page of the website

Electives

Junior School students have the wonderful opportunity to select from a wide range of creative and stimulating courses offered through the Electives program. Classes are purposely designed to provide differentiated learning experiences whilst fostering individual differences and embracing the richness and diversity of whole person development. 

Rather than one-off sessions or in-residence visits, our classes form part of our regular program. They run both in school time and after school and are primarily offered to students from Years 1 to 5. Please download the Electives Brochure for more information. 

Elective nomination forms have been provided to you via email as part of your Orientation Welcome Pack. If you require the link to the forms again, please contact the Junior School office on (08) 9299 6626.

    Optional Forms

    Please note that these forms are the same as those provided to new Junior School families via email. The forms are listed here as a reminder and quick access tool in case the original email is misplaced.

    • Bus Services/SmartRider: The College offers morning and afternoon bus services to six main regions, including a free shuttle between campuses for Junior School students. Registration is compulsory for any student planning on using the buses. Bus Use and SmartRider Form 
    • Canteen Volunteers: The Canteen is open five days a week. We offer students recess snacks with a varying lunch menu daily. The support of volunteers is benficial to the efficient running of the Canteen, and we warmly welcome new volunteers. Register your interest in volunteering
    School Hours/Class Times

    The school hours for the Junior School are as follows:

    • Administration Office: 8.20 am – 4.20 pm (during term times)
    • Years 1-5*: 8.20 am – 3.00 pm
    • Pre-Primary*: 8.30 am – 2.50 pm
    • Kindergarten*: 8.30 am – 2.45 pm (Please note: for the first two weeks of Term One, students will finish at 12 pm)

    *The chime will sound at 8.40am to commence instructional learning


    BREAKS

    Morning recess is from 10.30 am to 10.50 am and lunch break from 12.30 pm to 1.10 pm. Please note, we do offer a Canteen service Monday to Friday (online ordering only).

    CLASS TIMETABLE

    Parents will be invited to a Parent and Teacher Information Night in early Term One at which class timetables will be provided.

    Useful Information

    We're looking forward to welcoming you to our community. Here are a few additional items that may be of interest to new Junior School families:

    Parent Directory

    A Parent Directory is available through the Parent Lounge. It is a more secure option  allows parents more control over their inclusion and what information is shared. The Parent Directory offers the following:

    • As the Parent Lounge is password protected, it means any data you choose to share is safer than in a shared online document
    • You can choose whether your information is to be included
    • You can choose which information you would like to make available to other parents
    • You can easily change your preferences at any time
    • If your contact details change, you only need change them in one place - the system will automatically update the Parent Directory and College records
    • Only other members of your child's classroom (K-Y5) or homeroom (Y6-12) will be able to see your details if you choose to be involved

    We encourage families to log in to the Parent Lounge and explore the Parent Directory options.

    This video (which is also available in the links section of the Parent Lounge) demonstrates how to include your details in the Parent Directory.

    The Parent Directory is intended to be a beneficial way to help families keep in touch with each other, connect new and existing families, and for those with younger children, arrange play dates! 

    Please note that you can choose to withdraw your details at any time.

    NOTE: It is not possible for the Helena College to maintain the parent contact information that is displayed in the Parent Directory. It is the responsibility of each parent as to whether they participate in the directory and what information they make public.