Introducing Maali

The House system is a vital part of College life, offering students meaningful opportunities to connect, lead and participate. Our Houses support students in many ways, including:

• Community Building: Fostering smaller communities within the broader College, helping students develop a strong sense of belonging and identity.
• Friendly Competition: Engaging students in a wide range of sporting, artistic, academic and other activities that encourage teamwork, pride and fun.
• Promotion of Values: Reflecting Helena College’s values of participation and inclusion, encouraging involvement from all students, regardless of skill level.
• Leadership and Peer Support: Offering opportunities for leadership and connection across year levels.
• School Spirit and Tradition: Strengthening our culture and traditions, helping students feel part of something bigger.
• Organisational Efficiency: Providing a helpful structure for grouping students and supporting the smooth running of the College.

As our enrolment continues to grow, adding a fourth House will allow us to more evenly divide students into groups. A key outcome of this change will be smaller homerooms in Senior School, with approximately 20 to 21 students each, rather than the current average of over 30. These smaller groups will better support our homeroom programs, particularly the wellbeing sessions delivered across Years 6 to 12.

Additional benefits include:

• More opportunities for students to take on leadership roles within their House
• Greater chances for students to represent their House in various school events

Earlier this year, students from Kindergarten to Year 11 were offered the opportunity to become foundation members of the new House next year. Those who expressed interest were then invited to vote on a name and colour for the House.

A follow-up survey was shared with interested students and families to help guide planning for a smooth and supported transition.

We’re pleased to announce that the new House will be called Maali, the Noongar word for black swan, and its House colour will be purple.

The Maali House logo has been designed by our talented Art teacher, Mr Kingsley Gray, and complements the style and design of our existing House logos.

We look forward to welcoming Maali House into the Helena College community in 2026, and to the many new opportunities it will bring for connection, leadership and school spirit.