In the previous edition of The Helenian, I provided details on the results of the most recent Parent and Carer Survey, which showed that parents are overall very positive about their children’s experience at the College. Along with this feedback, other positive indicators, including our students’ performance in ATAR and NAPLAN, give us good reason to feel proud of the learning program here at the College.
Having said that, great schools, like all successful organisations, are those that continually seek to improve. At Helena College, we remain committed to reflecting on our practice, listening carefully to feedback, and identifying ways in which we can continue to strengthen the experience and outcomes for our students.
Helena College Strategic Plan
Our Strategic Plan 2025–2027 provides the framework that guides this work. It reflects our commitment to educational excellence and to nurturing a community in which students are supported to grow academically and socially. The plan focuses on five key areas:
Looking Ahead – ensuring that our learning programs remain flexible and responsive so that we can adapt to change and prepare students for the future.
Educational Excellence – providing engaging and challenging learning experiences where every student is empowered to achieve personal success through the development of knowledge and skills.
Student Experience – fostering a safe, inclusive environment in which students flourish as individuals and contribute positively to the life of the College.
People and Culture – building a positive workplace culture that supports the wellbeing and professional growth of all staff.
College Sustainability – ensuring the long-term strength of Helena College through careful oversight of our finances, facilities and learning programs.
This Strategic Plan provides a clear blueprint for the Executive team and staff as we continue to build on the strengths of Helena College. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of the College Council, and in particular our Chair, Ty Theodore, for their leadership in developing this plan and support in shaping our direction for the coming years. The 2025-27 Strategic Plan can be found here
As part of our commitment to continual improvement, a number of initiatives will be a focus across the College during 2026.
Improving communication with parents through the my.helena platform
After introducing my.helena last year, we are seeking to improve how and when information is shared with parents through the platform. This will be a particular focus in the Junior School, to ensure families receive clear and timely communication about student learning and school events.
Pilot use of AI in English marking
With the increasing use of artificial intelligence in modern workplaces, the Senior School English department will pilot an AI-supported tool to assist teachers in providing feedback on student writing during the drafting process. Teachers will remain responsible for all grading and final feedback, with the aim of the AI program to provide students with more specific and timely guidance as they develop their work.
Implementation of curriculum changes
Several learning areas, including Arts, Science, Mathematics, HASS, and Technologies, are implementing changes resulting from the School Curriculum and Standards Authority’s adoption of Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum. These updates involve adjustments to topic sequencing, assessment types, and the introduction of new content.
Master Plan development
Throughout this year, there will be planning and work on enhancing the school's facilities. This will include improvements to Junior School playground areas and work beginning on a new building at the Glen Forrest Campus. These projects represent an important step in supporting the future growth of the College and enhancing the learning spaces available to our students.
Review of the Senior School daily schedule
We will continue reviewing the structure of the daily timetable to ensure that lesson length and class frequency best support effective learning for our students.
I look forward to updating parents throughout the year on our progress towards each of these school improvement initiatives.
Peter Coombs | Principal
Child Safe
Child Safe | Justin Pitt - Head of Senior Campus
eSafety Commissioner Sports Hub
I regularly receive updates about new initiatives the eSafety Commissioner is developing to support young people and families.
Recently the eSafety Commission released its eSafety Commissioner Sports Hub, designed to help sporting organisations set up child safe practices when it comes to communicating with its members.
With so many Helena families involved in sporting clubs in our community, it is a great resource to help navigate child safe practices in a club setting. Whether you are a coach, volunteer or parent, the Sporting Hub has got your back! Topics include:
How you can help young people and their families with the social media delay
Child-safe alternate ways of communicating to your members
What to do if something goes wrong while an under-16 is on an age-restricted platform.
Check out the Sports Hub to find these tools and more!
Justin Pitt | Head of Senior Campus
Leadership
Messages from the Head of Junior School
We are now past the halfway point of Term One, and it has been a wonderful start to the year in the Junior School. With the arrival of autumn and the gradual change in the seasons, our classrooms and playgrounds continue to be filled with enthusiasm, energy and curiosity. It has been particularly pleasing to see how confidently students have settled into their new routines and embraced the opportunities that a new school year brings.
Throughout the year, the College shares and celebrates student learning and achievements through a variety of platforms, including newsletters, school publications and social media. Thank you for taking the time to read this edition and remain connected with the life of the Junior School. As a reminder, please continue to regularly visit my.helena for news and updates regarding your child(ren).
Term One
The first term is always an important time for students to settle into new routines and develop an understanding of the expectations that come with a new year level. I would like to congratulate our students on how positively they have embraced these new routines and opportunities.
Term One is also a time of welcome as we greet new staff, families and students into our community. Over the past few weeks, it has been a pleasure getting to know everyone, and we look forward to strengthening these connections throughout the year.
Interhouse Swimming Carnival
In Week Four, our Year 3, 4 and 5 students participated in the Junior School Interhouse Swimming Carnival at Bilgoman Pool. It was a fantastic day filled with enthusiasm, participation and strong House spirit!
This year marked the first-time students competed across four Houses, with Maali proudly represented. Our Year 12 House Captains and some Year 10 students provided excellent leadership and encouragement for the younger students, helping to make the day such a success.
In addition to our superb Physical Education teacher, Mrs Lisa Good, thank you to Jen Casotti for her invaluable support in coordinating the electronic timing and scoring system, kindly supplied by the Guildford and Kalamunda Districts Swimming Club. We are also grateful to the parents who were able to attend and support this event. Most importantly, congratulations to every student who participated with such courage and enthusiasm!
Year 5 Leadership Program
Term One has also been an exciting time for our Year 5 students as they engaged in the Junior School Leadership Program. A highlight was their recent excursion to Parliament House and the Electoral Commission, where students gained valuable insight into elections, campaigning and the Australian democratic process.
We have recently appointed our House Captains, Ministers and Sports Captains. Each of these students has embraced their leadership role with pride, and we wish them every success as they carry out their responsibilities throughout the year.
Supporting Student Wellbeing
As the school year settles into a steady rhythm, it is important for students to maintain healthy routines both at school and at home. Regular reading, good sleep habits, time outdoors and opportunities for play all contribute significantly to children’s wellbeing and their readiness to learn. When school and home work together to support these routines, students are well placed to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
K-10 Parent-Teacher Conference Day (Term Two) | Please save the date
Our annual Parent-Teacher Conference Day will take place on Friday 24 April 2026. Please note that this will be a student-free day to allow teachers to meet with families.
These conferences provide an excellent opportunity to discuss your child’s academic, social and emotional development, strengthen communication with your child’s teacher and explore ways to best support your child’s learning. Further details, including access to an online booking system, will be shared later this term.
While attendance is not compulsory, families are strongly encouraged to make an appointment - unless you have recently met with your child’s teacher. Even when there are no specific concerns, these conversations are a valuable way of showing children that their learning is important and that school and home work together in supporting their growth.
Acknowledgements
I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our Junior School staff, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the year has begun so smoothly for our students. Their commitment, care and enthusiasm create the vibrant learning environment that we enjoy each day. I am equally grateful to our parent community for the ongoing support you provide to both staff and students.
Looking ahead
As we continue through Term One, I look forward to the many opportunities ahead for our students to learn, grow and contribute to the life of our Junior School. Thank you for the ongoing support you provide as parents and caregivers. When school and home work in partnership, we create the best possible environment for our children to flourish.
Greg Miller | Head of Junior School
Kindergarten to Year 5
Craig Hillman | Director of Upper School
As you read my newsletter article, it is worth noting that we are nearly two-thirds of the way through Term One, and a great deal has already happened across our school community. In the Upper School, we’ve welcomed back Year 13s, held Year 10 and 12 Family Information Evenings, attended the Year 12 Retreat, and attended a Student Council Leadership Conference. Our Student Council has also hosted three Assemblies at the GFC.
With these highlights now behind us, we still have much to look forward to, including next week’s Interhouse Swimming Carnival (the last for our Year 12s) and next Thursday night’s Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences (19 March). These conferences will provide valuable opportunities to discuss learning progress and goals for the year ahead. Students from Years 7 to 12 have also been embracing a range of leadership opportunities. Our Year 11s will have their social highlight of the year aboard the Crystal Swan in Week Nine. University Open Day season commences this term as well.
As we look forward to next term, Year 11 and 12 exams are approaching. During that fortnight, students on the General pathway will explore real-world learning experiences and develop important skills beyond the classroom through their work placements. The term concludes with our 12 students having their social event of the season, the Year 12 Senior Ball.
Thank you for your ongoing support and for helping to balance the academic demands of the term with opportunities to connect and celebrate together. I look forward to continuing to work with you to bring out the best, together.
Save the Date - Year 11 and 12 Parent, Student, Teacher Conferences
Parent-teacher-student interviews for Years 11 and 12 will be held in the College gymnasium from 3.45 pm to 7.30 pm on Thursday, 19 March.
Interviews will be FIVE minutes in duration.
While not compulsory, all families are encouraged to attend with their child and discuss their child's progress. Booking information will be sent to families with Interim Reports at the end of Week 7.
Changing Years 11 and 12 Courses
It is still possible to change course selections after discussion with the classroom teacher and with the Director of Upper School's permission.
Changes to Years 11 and 12 Semester One courses must be finalised by Wednesday, 25 March, as the College must upload course selections to the School Curriculum and Standards Authority. After this date, students will be unlikely to be able to complete the structured education program or complete sufficient assessment tasks to allow a grade to be assigned in the units to which they are transferring. When a student changes to a new course, all missed assessments in the new course must be completed.
Save the Date - Year 11 Dinner Cruise
Please note, the school day will finish at 3.15 pm on this day.
Date: Wednesday, 1 April 2026. Time: 6.30 pm - 6.45 pm for drop off at Barrack Street Jetty. 10pm Pick up at same location. Dress: Semi-formal. Evening Mocktail.
Cost: $120. Permission and payment information have been sent through TASS.
The ticket price includes the three-hour cruise, a sit-down meal service, a DJ, a photo booth, and bottomless soft drink.
Please note that students having their nails done for the occasion can wear them to College during the week leading up to the event and until the school holidays. Hair must remain a natural colour in line with the uniform policy.
The Crystal Swan will depart from Barrack Street Jetty at 7 pm promptly and cruise on Perth Water before returning in three hours. To whet your appetite, you can find a photo gallery of the Crystal Swan at https://crystalswan.com.au
To ensure this Dinner Cruise is enjoyable, we would like to inform students that all school rules and expectations apply throughout the evening. Concerns about students' behaviour or non-compliance with school rules, especially those pertaining to smoking, intoxicants, or illicit drug use, will see those involved placed in a taxi and returned home at parents' or guardians' expense.
The river cruise is a semi-formal function that requires students to wear Semi-formal/evening mocktail attire.
Students must be collected promptly from the Barrack Street Jetty at 10 pm. Students will not be allowed to make their own way from the jetty after the cruise.
We would also like to point out that the College does not sanction any form of pre-cruise or post-cruise party.
Save the Date - Year 12 Helena College Senior Ball
Date: Thursday, 2 July 2026
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 12.15 pm, 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. Hair must remain a natural colour in the lead-up to the Ball, in line with the uniform policy.
The College does not sanction any pre- or post-ball parties. However, suppose anyone arrives at the Ball under the influence of alcohol or any illegal substances or attempts to consume them at the Ball. In that case, they will be IMMEDIATELY sent home in a taxi - at the family's expense.
Watch this space for more information about the Ball.
Years 11 and 12 Semester One Examinations/Work placements
Year 12 Examinations and Semester One Work placements will be in Weeks Six and Seven, Term Two.
Year 11 Examinations and Semester One Work placements will be in Weeks Seven and Eight, Term Two.
While our Year 12s have been through the exam cycle as Year 11s, this is a timely reminder for them to brush up on good exam techniques. Elevate Education will also run its "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 involve a select group of Year 12 students, who will share their exam tips and advice directly with our Year 11s.
College Skirt, Dress, and Shorts Length
While the College values high uniform standards, it is undesirable to devote excessive time and resources to enforcing 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 Guidelines.
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.
Acceptable use for Student Mobile Phones – reminder
We ask parents and carers to support students by reminding them that, in line with College policy, mobile phones must remain in their lockers during school hours (8.40 am to 3.15 pm). This includes during recess and lunch. Mobile phone payments are not accepted at the Canteen - only EFTPOS or Smartriders may be used. Parents can add credit to their child’s Smartrider using the Quickcliq online ordering platform. Instructions for adding credit are available HERE.
(Policy excerpt) At Helena, we accept that families give their children phones to protect them from everyday risks involving personal security and safety. It is acknowledged that providing a child with a mobile phone gives families reassurance that they can contact their child if they need to speak to them urgently.
Acceptable Uses
Mobile phones should be switched off and kept in the locker during school hours.
Students are not to access their mobile phones during school time.
Students should use their phones only before and after school.
Families are reminded that in cases of emergency, the Front Office remains the vital and appropriate point of contact and can ensure a student is reached quickly and assisted in any appropriate way.
Use in the classroom: There may be an occasion when a teacher requests students to use their mobile phones in the classroom. With permission, the mobile phones will be used for educational purposes only and will be secured in the locker when that lesson has ended.
Consequences
Students who infringe the rules set out in this document will have their phones confiscated and left at Student Reception for the rest of the day. Students may collect their phones at the end of the day.
A second infringement will result in the confiscation of the phone, and it will be held in the Student Reception for the parent to collect.
Repeated infringements may result in further sanctions as outlined in the School’s Student The Acceptable Use Policy for mobile phones also applies to students during School excursions, camps, and extra-curricular activities, unless otherwise stated in event documentation.
Student Leadership
Student Council Update
Our 2026 Student Councillors have had a busy start to the school year. They have hosted Assemblies to Welcome back the GFC, run House Assemblies, and reintroduced high-achieving students from the Class of 2025 to our current students to gain insight into how the lessons learned by our newest Old Helenians can help our current students make the most of their own school experience. Their last Assembly for this Term was to launch our Student Wellbeing Program on the GFC. More will appear in future Newsletters about the program’s progress.
Our Councillors have started the year strongly and look forward to developing their leadership skills and running student-focused events throughout the year.
Combined Student Leadership Group
Our first Combined Student Leadership Meeting with our Homeroom Representatives and the Student Council will be in PA1 this Friday, 13 March. This meeting sets the agenda for this group's work this year and is an important forum for student voices at the College. Watch this space for ideas, events, initiatives, etc, that will help enhance the student experience at the College.
Parking/Pick Up
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 while 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.
2026 University Open Days, Events, and Opportunities
For aspiring tertiary education students, the March to May (and with the opening of ECU’s City campus, August) period can only mean one thing: OPEN DAYS! Whether in Year 10, 11 or 12, Open Days are a fun way to gain a taste of university life, find out the information you need and narrow down your options.
Go to as many Open Days as possible and make a day of it with your friends and family. Once you’ve found out what you need to know, enjoy the day.
Click HERE for tips on preparing for an Open Day. On the same site, you can also find answers to the questions “Can parents and guardians go to Open Days?” and “Why go to an Open Day?”
A Guide to Open Days for Year 12 Students can be found HERE.
For Year 11s:
Talk to current students on the stands.
Go to presentations and exhibitions.
Pick up handbooks, pamphlets, and free merchandise.
For Year 10s:
Try stuff. People will invite you to engage with practical experiences in their courses. It could be VR, medical research, or using their workshops.
Pick up handbooks, pamphlets, and free merchandise.
Find the libraries.
Find the coffee shops.
UWA Career Services Open Now
The UWA Future Students team is available from Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 5.00 pm. To get in touch, submit an enquiry through askUWA, call them on 131 UWA (131 892) or book a virtual appointment
Ngala Kwop Biddi - Brighter Futures Scholarship extended for three years.
Murdoch is proud to announce that the Ngala Kwop Biddi Brighter Futures Scholarship has been extended for a further three years to support school leavers in 2026-2028. Each WA Secondary School will be able to nominate one of their graduating Year 12 students, who, through their leadership and activities have effected positive change in their school or community.
The Ngala Kwop Biddi Brighter Futures Scholarship is valued at $12,000. For more information, please click HERE.
If you are thinking about applying for this scholarship, please see Mr Hillman.
Girls + Engineering Tomorrow (GET)
This doesn’t start until May, but places fill early.
The GET Network is a ten-session program designed to support and inspire girls and non-binary students in Years 11 & 12 interested in exploring engineering. The program runs over Terms 2 & 3 at Curtin University on Saturday mornings, providing study support and opportunities to explore engineering through engaging workshops, mentors, and study pathways.
For more information or to register, please click HERE.
News and Opportunities
Year 12
Year 12 Information Handbook
The School Curriculum and Standards Authority Year 12 Information Handbook is provided in two parts, with Part I for all Year 12 students, including information about: • key dates that are important for you this year • what is involved in the WASSA and the WACE • the student portal and the WACE Checker • equivalences and how they can count towards your WACE • school-based assessment and how it works • examinations (the focus of Part II, available in July) • general advice on life as a Year 12 student.
Year 12 Information Handbook 2026, Part I, available at -
2026 Medicine - University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) Dates
If you want to apply for medicine for 2027, you will need to undertake a UCAT assessment.
These are the important dates for UCAT in 2026:
Deadline times are 11.59 pm AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time
Year 11
Doing ATAR?
Year 11’s who are doing ATAR will use their first semester Year 11 results to apply for early offers to university in 2027. You will need your best possible ATAR result from Semester 1 this year to increase the university course choices that you have.
Year 9 – 10
8 or 9 April Student for a Day Murdoch University Student
Year 9 and 10 students are invited to explore their interests and where they could lead through a Day in the Life of a Murdoch University Student. You will create your own timetable of hands-on activities in subjects of interest and speak with current students.
Kim Beazley Lecture Theatre, Murdoch Uni. 8.30 am - 3.30 pm
For more information, or to get tickets, please click HERE.
Year 8 – 9
Murdoch Code Crush IT – Female Tech
This is a Girls in Tech initiative run from June 3 – 6. It is another popular program that will be filled quickly so register soon if you are interested.
When students bring mobile phones or smart devices to school, these must be handed in to Administration for safe keeping prior to the commencement of classes and collected at the end of the school day. Even when devices are set to ‘school mode’ (or similar), they may still cause distractions during the school day, including for nearby students. It is not feasible for staff to verify or monitor individual device settings.
Students are able to contact their families through the school office when required, and families may likewise contact students via the school office during the school day. This ensures that student safety and communication needs are appropriately supported.
Administration staff will store devices in a named bag; however, parents and students are asked to ensure that devices are clearly labelled. Students with medical conditions requiring monitoring via a mobile phone (for example, diabetes) are exempt from this procedure and may retain their devices throughout the day. In addition, exceptions to this procedure may be approved at the discretion of the Head of Junior School.
Parents are asked to review their household insurance arrangements, as the school does not accept responsibility for the security of personal belongings, nor for the cost of repair or replacement in the event of loss or damage, whether accidental or resulting from another student’s behaviour.
Parent Directory
A big thank you to the parents and staff who attended last Friday's Welcome Sundowner at the Glen Forrest Campus - we had more than 50 people attending from across both Junior and Senior School. Many of the attending parents are new to the school this year, and the event provided the perfect opportunity for them to meet other newcomers, as well as long-term Helena families.
If you were not able to attend the Sundowner, but are keen to connect with other parents, we encourage you to make use of the Parent Directory, which is accessed via the Parent Lounge. It is an 'opt in' directory, which allows you to choose what and how much to share with others.
As the Parent Directory is accessed via my.helena , it means any data you choose to share is password protected, and safer than in a shared online document, such as the traditional 'phone trees' common in many schools.
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)/homeroom (Y6-12) will be able to see your details if you choose to be involved.
A short video is available here to demonstrate the steps in activating your Parent Directory listing. Note: The video is a generic one, so instead of the login screen shown, simply use your my.helena log in details and tap/click on the P*Lounge menu to access the Parent Lounge.
Junior School | Darlington Campus
Junior Swimming Carnival Success 2026
The Junior School recently held their Interhouse Swimming Carnival at Bilgoman Pool. Our new House, Maali, proudly wore their purple swim caps, alongside Kiara in yellow, Waughul in green and Cardan in red. There was plenty of fun and activity in the water, as the program this year included more novelty events which enabled every Year 3-5 student access to the pool. Events from 15m to 50m were also organised to provide a competitive element to the Carnival, and thus providing recognition to our stronger swimmers, who will be selected to compete at the IPSHA Carnival on 30 March.
Congratulations to Waughul for winning the House Swimming Carnival 2026, with Maali close behind in second place, Cardan third and Kiara fourth.
The following students achieved podium finishes that accumulated to Runner up or Champion place.
Age Category
Champion
Runner Up
Year 4 Girls
Grace C
Indiana K and Laura N
Year 4 Boys
Dylan O
Joel D
Year 5 Girls
Arkie B
Lucy C
Year 5 Boys
Oliver B
Kobe B
A special mention to Harry K, Milly W and Georgie P in Year 3, who all received a Certificate of Excellence for swimming 50m in their chosen strokes.
Swimming lessons through the school are commencing in Week Eight, please keep the momentum going and enrol in swimming lessons throughout the year. Water confidence and the ability to swim is a life long skill, captured from a young age.
Locally, Swan Active, Aquatots at Maida Vale and Guildford GK Swim school are places to check out for lessons. Soccer, Football, Hockey, Rugby, Basketball and Netball also commence their seasons in Term Two. If you are looking for a local club or would like to know more on local sporting opportunities, please email lgood@helena.wa.edu.au
After the disappointment of postponing the original event, we are very excited to finally hold the Carnival. The weather forecast is looking much more favourable, and the students are eager to get in the water and support their House groups. Our rescheduled Interhouse Swimming Carnival will take place on Monday 16 March, and we are looking forward to a fantastic day of competition, participation and House spirit. A copy of the program is available here.
Students are to attend school as normal in the morning and report to homeroom before being bussed to the pool for the Carnival. The first event is scheduled to begin at 9.15 am. At the conclusion of the Carnival, students will return to school by bus in time for normal end-of-day arrangements.
We look forward to a great day filled with enthusiasm, participation and plenty of friendly rivalry!
Solar Car Challenge
The Solar Car challenge was once again very popular with our Middle School students. Seven teams from Year 6 participated in this year’s Interclass Challenge, where they had to build and race a solar-powered car. The winning Year 6 team included Angus C, Edwin G, Sayuri M and Chance V D W.
The Year 8s students also build and race a solar car, as part of their assessment program. They also held an interclass race to determine, with Gemma Y, Ryder H and Annabelle S taking out the top spot.
Thanks to all the participants (and Mr Ford) for giving up their lunch times to help with thecompetition. The two victorious teams will now compete in the Synergy Solar Car Challenge which is scheduled to take place on 17 March at St Mark’s Anglican Community School in Hillarys. We wish them all the best for the competition, and look forward to providing you with an update on their performance!
Deven Reddy | Solar Car Challenge Coordinator
Outdoor Education
It has been a busy start to the year in Outdoor Education. The Year 9s have been preparing for their upcoming expedition, getting familiar with equipment such as stoves and tents, while learning how to safely and effectively cook on trangias.
The Year 10s have begun the year kayaking and are starting to look a lot more comfortable in their boats. The Year 11s have begun their upper school Outdoor Education journey by enhancing their mountain biking skills and getting prepared for their first expedition together early next term. Lastly, the Year 12 class have been spending their time abseiling, prusiking and climbing caving ladders at the local quarry in preparation for their canoeing and caving expedition in Term Tgree.
Well done to all involved!
Joel Cullen | Outdoor Education Teacher
School Sports Update
3x3 Lunchtime Basketball Competition
Students recently enjoyed the fast-paced action of our Lunchtime 3x3 Basketball Competition, which brought plenty of energy and friendly rivalry to the courts. The competition saw teams from across several year groups take part, competing in quick and exciting half-court games during lunchtime this week.
3x3 basketball is a dynamic format of basketball played with three players per team and encourages teamwork, quick decision-making and plenty of scoring opportunities. The lunchtime setting created a great atmosphere, with many students coming down to watch and support their friends.
It was fantastic to see such strong competition across all divisions, with students demonstrating excellent sportsmanship, enthusiasm and skill throughout the games.
Events like these provide valuable opportunities for students to stay active, connect with peers and enjoy sport in a fun and inclusive environment.
We look forward to running more lunchtime sporting competitions in the future!
ACC Interschool Swimming
Our ACC Interschool Swimming Carnival is fast approaching and will take place on Friday 20 March (Week 7). This Carnival provides a fantastic opportunity for students to represent the College, compete against other schools and demonstrate their skills in the pool at the interschool level.
Due to the postponement of the Interhouse Swimming Carnival, there will be a very short turnaround between the two events this year. As a result, team selection and other important information will be communicated within a limited timeframe.
Students and guardians are encouraged to keep a close eye on their email and daily notices for updates regarding team selections, event details, and permission information. It is important that students and guardians respond promptly to any requests to ensure the team can be finalised and prepared for the Carnival.
We look forward to seeing our swimmers proudly represent the College and wish them the best of luck as they prepare for the competition.
