When speaking with our Year 12 students, a recurring reflection is just how quickly their final year at school seems to pass, and they’re absolutely right. The Year 12 program consists of three full terms, followed by a dedicated week of activities leading into the graduation ceremony, held at the beginning of Term 4. Soon after graduation, students on an ATAR pathway commence their final external examinations.

Given this fast-paced timeline, there is much for our senior students to contemplate, including what lies ahead after their time at the College. To support this, the College offers a range of programs and opportunities designed to help students begin planning for life beyond secondary school.

Year 9 students recently engaged in career taster sessions, lead by our Careers teacher Ms Kirsten Greenshaw, where they learned about aligning their skills, strengths and values to careers. The highlight for many students was the immersive VR experience from Mindflight, where they had an opportunity to try out a range of jobs using VR headsets.

Moving into Year 10, all students undertake a year-long course titled Career Pathways as they start to think about course selections for Years 11 and 12. This course includes:

• Aptitude Testing - Helping students discover their strengths and potential career matches.
• Pathway Exploration - Understanding the routes to university, TAFE, apprenticeships, and other vocational options.
• Practical Skills - Developing resumes, cover letters, and participating in mock job interviews.
• Financial Literacy - Covering key concepts such as budgeting, interest on credit cards, and buy-now-pay-later schemes.

Students also participate in a one-week Work Experience placement with an employer of their choice, gaining valuable insight into the workforce.

In Term 3, our Director of Upper School, Mr Craig Hillman, hosts an information evening for Year 10 students and their parents. This event outlines the subject selection process for Years 11 and 12 and introduces a broader post-school planning conversation. Following this, families are invited to meet individually with Mr Hillman to discuss course choices and long-term goals. Looking ahead to 2026, we expect to offer 19 different ATAR courses and 13 General courses, which is a wide selection for a school of our size, ensuring students have meaningful options tailored to their interests and aspirations.

In addition to WACE courses, students may choose to participate in the Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Schools (VETDSS) program, offered through TAFE. This initiative allows students in Years 11 and 12 to study VET Certificate courses at various TAFE campuses across Perth. The College supports students who attend these courses, which typically involve being off-campus one day per week.

As students move into Years 11 and 12 they have access to a broad range of events and resources aimed at informing their post-secondary plans. These include:

• Visits to universities
• Presentations at school from Perth’s five main universities
• A comprehensive presentation from the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) on the university application process
• Attendance at the Skills West Careers Expo, featuring over 100 organisations offering pathways into apprenticeships and other vocations
• Eight weeks of Workplace Learning for students on the General pathway\
• Access to the General WACE course Careers and Enterprise, which is open to all students

These programs collectively ensure that students are well-informed as they are planning for their lives after school.

If you have any questions about pathways for Year 11 and 12 students, including career options and post-secondary planning, please don’t hesitate to contact Mr Craig Hillman at chillman@helena.wa.edu.au.

Peter Coombs | Principal

AI and Deepfake Technology

AI's potential is increasingly becoming more and more part of our lives every day. However, it also has a dark side that's alarmingly real – with AI generated deep fake technology being accessed freely and easily by young people to create sexually explicit content or ‘deepfakes’

As parents, we want to protect our children, so it's important to fully understand the scope of this concerning trend, starting with identifying the potentially risky online behaviours that leave our young people vulnerable.

The following is taken from a recent article released by our cybersafety partners - ySafe.

Protecting your Child from Harmful AI-generation Apps

As a parent, it can be distressing to discover that your child has downloaded or is using an AI-generation app that has the potential to create sexually explicit content or deepfakes. The following are some proactive measures to address the situation and protect young people from harmful AI-generation apps.

Install parental control tools that go beyond the built-in device settings, such as the Qustodio Parent App, to prevent the download of risky apps and limit unrestricted online browsing.

Talk to your child about the difference between public versus private information and the idea of consent when it comes to sharing content about themselves or someone else online.

Search your child's device regularly for apps that can create harmful content. Use the built-in search function to look for specific app names or keywords. Apps to be wary of include:- Candy.ai- undress.ai- undress.cc- Soulgen- Deepnude AI- Nudify

If you discover your child has downloaded or used these apps, or found another means to create AI-generated explicit content or deepfakes, have a calm conversation with them to discover their motivation and determine appropriate consequences.

Educate your child on the legal and ethical consequences of creating, possessing, or sharing deepfakes and AI-generated explicit content, It is important for them to understand that any material that sexually exploits a child is harmful and illegal, including self- or AI-generated-content and material created or shared by other children.

For more information on this topic or other cybersafety issues please visit our Cybersafety Hub.The Cybersafety Hub link is accessible from every page of the Helena College website, in the top navigation bar. It has a wide variety of resources for parents and for children.

Justin Pitt | Head of Senior Campus

Student Drivers

Year 12 Students may drive to school as a matter of privilege, not of right. Students must register their vehicles by completing a Student Vehicle Permission Form (available in the Administration Office and my.helena via Year 12 Communications - Parents and Students) to be registered to park. Any changes to previously registered details (e.g., new passengers, new make/model, etc.) must be re-registered on a new Student Vehicle Permission Form.

If passengers are to be in the vehicle, their names must also appear on the form, along with an accompanying parent signature indicating permission. A reminder that laws introduced in 2024 mean that red P-plate drivers in Western Australia can only travel with one passenger in their vehicle at all times.  This applies to all current and future red P-plate drivers. 

Please note that only Year 12 Students may park on campus and only in the Year 12 Carpark area between the College Oval and Bilgoman Road. Our current Year 11s will be Probationary Drivers soon. Unfortunately, there is no parking available on the campus for Year 11 student drivers. We also remind parents and guardians not to use the Year 12 carpark for pick-up.

Uniform | Winter is coming

Please remember that the College Sports Jacket is not part of the School Uniform. It is part of the Sports Uniform and worn during Physical Education classes and Inter-school sporting events. With the days getting colder and wetter, it is a timely reminder to get a College Jumper or a soft-shell jacket to prepare for the winter months ahead.

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.

Casual Dress Day In support of RedKite | Thursday, 22 May

On Thursday, 22 May, we have our first Casual Dress Day at the GFC. Funds raised through gold coin donations made to wear Casual Dress will go to support RedKite. This Australian-wide charity provides professional and essential support to children diagnosed with cancer and their families.

Every day in Australia, three families will hear the words "Your child has cancer." When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it affects the whole family, and family is everything. Redkite acknowledges the struggle, trauma, and stress the cancer diagnosis can bring upon the family, and for more than 35 years, has been helping and supporting cancer families. Redkite provides financial support, counselling and social work to navigate difficult conversations, practical support, and connect groups where families can share their thoughts with others in similar situations.

Casual Dress Day guidelines will appear in the my.helena News Feed this week.

Senior Ball | Thursday, 3 July

As you all know, our Year 12 Ball Committee has been working very hard and is finalising decisions on a DJ, food options, the evening's theme, and decorations. The ticket prices will include a mocktail on arrival, a three-course meal, free-flowing soft drinks throughout the night, a DJ, a professional photographer, table decorations, and a photo booth.

Just a reminder that Year 12 students are required to stay at school on the day of the Ball, Thursday, 3 July, until 12.15 pm, so please make sure all appointments for hairdressers, etc., are in the afternoon on that day. Be organised in advance with everything you need to do for the Ball so that students can focus on their study program. There is no school for the Year 12s on Friday, 4 July.

Regarding pre- and post-school parties, please remember that there are specific laws on consuming alcohol and underage drinking and on providing alcohol to underage drinkers. Please take heed of these laws and remember that the school does not sanction any pre- or post-ball parties.

If anyone arrives at the Ball under the influence of any illegal substances or attempts to consume them at the Ball, they will be IMMEDIATELY sent home in a taxi, at their expense. This is a serious issue for the school in our duty of care, so please, parents and students, be responsible.

We are all looking forward to a wonderful evening and the social event of the year for our Year 12 students.

Upcoming Year 10 Family Information Evening - Subject Selections (Year 11 2026)

Save the date | Tuesday, 22 July 2025

Current Year 10 students will soon make choices related to their 2026 Year 11 courses.

Year 10 students and their parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to attend this presentation. Information regarding the subject selection process and its implications for Years 11 and 12 and post-school pathways will be shared during the evening.

The evening will be in the PAC on Tuesday, 22 July, from 6.30 pm to about 7.45 pm. Please bring your Year 10 child with you.

For further information, please contact Craig Hillman, Director of Upper School.

Years 11 and 12 Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences

Save the date | Monday, 28 July

We have historically held a 'Making Sense of the Results Night' for Year 11 Families following the Semester One Exams. The messages shared that evening were generic and focused on success in Year 11 ATAR courses.

In response to parent feedback from the last survey, we have improved College communications with families about their child's achievement. We will hold a second Parent-Student-Teacher Conference Evening to further enhance our communications with families about their child's achievement. While the event is slightly shorter than the one held in March, it will follow a similar format.

Parent-teacher interviews will be conducted for Years 11 and 12 from 2.30 pm to 6.00 pm on the above date in the College Gymnasium.

We will send detailed booking information closer to the date. We look forward to seeing you there.

End of Year 10 Celebration Day

Save the date | Friday, 5 December 2025

This date marks the last day of Year 10 for 2025. It will incorporate some House-based challenges at school, morning tea, bus transfers to and from Barrack Street Jetty, a three-hour River Cruise, and lunch.

Watch this space for the theme of the day and ticket details.

Careers information

Careers Expo 15 – 18 May

The Careers Expo could be your first step towards your future pathway.It is at the Convention Centre on Thursday, 15, and Friday, 16 May, from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, Saturday, 17 May, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Sunday, 18 May, from 10:00 am to 3.30 pm. To register for free and for more information, including to see who is exhibiting, click HERE.

The only careers event in WA that brings together over 100 organisations. It attracts local and national universities, various vocational and professional training providers, industry associations and employers.

This event is for students, graduates, and job seekers and is open to everyone of all ages. It’s perfect for anyone pondering their future, seeking personal development, training, or employment opportunities.

A Special Note for Year 10: If you are in Year 10, the Expo can help you decide what subjects you may need to study in Years 11 and 12. 

Career Conversations 2025 - Information sessions for parents/guardians and students

The world of work is changing. It is important to have career conversations with our young people to support their understanding of the future learning, work, and life opportunities available to them.

Armed with accurate, up-to-date information, parents and students can explore the full range of career pathways, build confidence to make decisions about course selections and support a successful transition to post-school education, training and employment.

At these free events for parents, students, and community members, you will learn more about:

• exploring university and training pathways
• career pathway information for young people with disabilities
• the labour market and where the jobs are
• future work trends
• what employers and industry are looking for.

There is one ONLINE EVENT for the Perth metropolitan area on Tuesday, 10 June 2025, from 5.00 pm to 6.00 pm.

As this is an online event, consider booking one ticket per family. For more information and to register, click HERE.

FACE TO FACE EVENT Tuesday, 20 May 2025, in Morley from 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm.

LOCATION: John Forrest Secondary College Auditorium (180 Drake Street, Morley, WA, 6062) Registration opens at 6:00 pm for a 6:30 pm start.

For more information and to register, click HERE.

Defence Force Gap Year

If you are not sure what you want to do next year, check out the Defence Force Gap Year program.

• You get paid.
• You have somewhere to live.
• You learn new skills.
• You travel and you meet new people.

The website is great, with personal stories from young people who are actually doing the Gap Year.

There are 22 career paths to choose from. Check them out HERE

Live Parent Webinar: How You Can Help Your Child Prepare for Exams

Elevate Education will host a free webinar for our parents on exam preparation on Wednesday, 21 May.Elevate works with our students, delivering high-impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series, you’ll learn how you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills they’re learning at school.Sign up for the session below to learn how you can help your child to get ready for their assessments and walk into the exam hall feeling confident and prepared.​​​​​​
Live Parent Webinar: How You Can Help Your Child Prepare for Exams

Wednesday 21st May, 4.30 pm - 5.30 pm (AWST)

Click here to register for free.

Here’s what Elevate will be covering on the night:

• Prioritise your child’s high-impact work to maximise marks
• Improve your child’s time management to avoid last-minute preparation
• Help your child study effectively using past papers

Creating a Playlist To Study By

How Music Can Transform Your Study Sessions

For many students, studying feels like a solo journey through a mountain of books and notes. But what if the right background music could make the process more enjoyable, focused, and productive? Creating a study playlist tailored to your needs can enhance concentration, reduce stress, and even help you retain information better. Let’s explore how to use music strategically to boost your study game.

1. Choose the Right Genre for the Task

Different types of music work better for different study activities. For tasks requiring deep concentration, classical or instrumental music is ideal. The absence of lyrics ensures you won’t get distracted while reading or writing. Lo-fi beats are another excellent option, providing a steady rhythm that helps maintain focus without overwhelming your senses.For brainstorming sessions or creative work, try upbeat instrumental tracks or even light jazz. These genres can spark ideas and keep you energised.

Tip: Experiment with nature sounds like rain or waves if you prefer a completely distraction-free environment.

2. Keep the Volume Low

While music can be motivating, it’s important to remember that too much stimulation can have the opposite effect. A loud, fast-paced song might be great for a workout but can be distracting when studying. Keep your playlist at a low volume, allowing it to serve as background noise that enhances focus rather than competing for your attention.

Tip: Use noise-cancelling headphones to block out other distractions and immerse yourself in your study zone.

3. Avoid Lyrics When Reading or WritingSongs with lyrics are notorious for disrupting focus during tasks that involve reading or writing. It’s hard to analyse Shakespeare or draft an essay when your brain is processing the words in a pop song. Instead, save lyrical tracks for tasks like organising your desk, planning your week, or taking breaks.

Tip: If you’re drawn to lyrical music, consider songs in a language you don’t speak fluently, so the words become more like sounds than distractions.

4. Build a Custom PlaylistCreating a dedicated study playlist is key to avoiding distractions. Instead of spending time skipping tracks, curate a list of songs that fit your study style. Apps like Spotify offer pre-made playlists for studying, such as ‘Focus’, ‘Deep Focus’, and ‘Lo-Fi Beats’, which can serve as inspiration.

Tip: Arrange your playlist to start with calming tracks for focus, add more energetic songs for motivation, and end with slower tracks for winding down.

A Soundtrack for Success

Music is more than just entertainment—it can be a powerful ally in your study routine. By selecting the right genres, controlling the volume, and tailoring your playlist to your tasks, you can create an environment that keeps you motivated and focused. Experiment with your playlist, refine it over time, and discover the tunes that turn studying into a more enjoyable and effective experience. So, grab your headphones, press play, and let the music work its magic.

You can learn more at www.studyskillshandbook.com.au by logging in with the details below and working through some of the units.

Username: forhelenaonly

Password: 71results

COLLEGE BUS SERVICE | Four Point Bus Check-Up

Families who make use of the school-provided bus services are kindly asked to complete a quick four-point bus check in RollCall.  RollCall is the School’s bus management system and can be accessed through the RollCall parent app or via the link to the web portal on my.helena.

There are a students traveling on our bus services without cards/bookings/stops and bus routes. In order to ensure student safety (i.e. students are getting on and off at the correct locations), it is essential that parents and carers make the time to check that everything is in place. 

If your child has misplaced their SmartRider, new SmartRiders can be ordered on QuickCliq (Senior School only) or by phoning Mrs Emma Kelly on 08 9298 9100, Senior School Admin. The replacement cost is $5.

For a selection of frequently asked questions click here

Mother’s Day Events

To celebrate our beautiful mums, the Pre-Primary and Kindy students hosted a special event last Friday. The morning was filled with joy as we shared delicious treats, enjoyed craft activities, gave a beautiful performance, and offered a little pampering for our very special guests. It was a lovely way to show our appreciation, and we feel so lucky to have such supportive and caring families in our Helena College community.

Exploring Community in Kindy

This term in Kindy, we have been exploring the concept of community and what it means to be an active member of one. We began by looking at how we participate as active citizens within our classroom and how we contribute to and feel a sense of belonging in the Helena College community. As part of our inquiry, we were excited to welcome special visitors who shared the important roles they play in supporting and helping within the wider community.

Our focus for Auslan has been the importance of Non-Manual Features and Size and Shape Specifiers, or the use of facial expressions and body language to create meaning. The students embraced the challenge and had a great time allowing their personalities to shine through and demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of Auslan.

Lauren Bates | Auslan Teacher

We are excited to bring a new sporting event to the arena on Tuesday 20 May - the Junior School Interhouse Cross Country Carnival. The event will be held at 'The Pines’ in Darlington, giving students in Years 1 to 5 the opportunity to run for their House. Self-nominated Year 6 students will also trial run for their place for the upcoming interschool competition, scheduled for 6 June. Students in Years 3-6 will be selected for the team based on their performance at the school event next week.

The students have already begun on their running training, learning to pace themselves and ‘walk strong’, when they are feeling tired. There has also been lots of team work and encouragement for one another to accomplish laps for their House during their lessons. The course itself is located predominantly alongside the Darlington oval and around the oval, with the Year 5 and 6 also heading down the trail to cover the longer distance. Spectators will have plentiful viewing, and the chance for a coffee at one of the local cafes.

Permission and event information has been emailed. If you have any questions regarding the event, or are available to help set up, please email lgood@helena.wa.edu.au

We look forward to seeing you there.

Lisa Good | Physical Education Teacher

Peer Support is an important part of the College’s transition programme. This week, our 24 Peer Support leaders and the Year 6 cohort reflect on their experiences during the program. Year 10 leaders facilitated the eight weekly sessions of the Rethinking Challenges program which aims to teach the younger students to have an open-minded approach to challenges, while also promoting resilience, friendship and lots of fun.

We asked some Year 6s what they thought of the program:

~ I found it enjoyable to get to hang out with the older kids and play a lot of fun games to get to know the other kids in my group. - Flynn G

~ It was fun it helps me find friends and the peer support leaders were really nice and friendly I enjoyed all the game we did and the activities. – Lottie M

~ it was fun and interesting to learn about it and we all played lots of games, the leaders were also really caring and supportive. -Isla T

Here are some of the leaders’ thoughts as well:

~ I really enjoyed the Peer Support program and the experience I gained from it. It was a very rewarding role to take on and I have some memories that will last forever from getting to know the Year 6s. I hope that the Peer Support program helped ease them into their first year at the high school. – Emily M

~ It was a great experience. It was lots of fun and very enjoyable. – Bailey R

This Friday at recess, the Year 6 students will host a special morning tea for our Peer Support Leaders as a thank you for all the work they put into running last term’s program. Photos of the morning tea will be shared on our Facebook page.  We thank everyone who contributed to this thoughtful acknowledgement. The leaders will also be gifted a memento from the College and a certificate signed by Mr Coombs and myself.  A big thank you to Ms Anne-Marie Lee and the Year 6 teachers, Ms Martina Francis and Ms Madison Lewis who helped coordinate over the course of the program and additionally Mt Matt Zarb who attended the training camp last year.

Mr. Hortense | Peer Support Coordinator

Year 6 students have created vibrant mixed media paintings of birds and insects, beginning with observational drawings that focused on basic shapes, proportions, colour, texture, and tone. They prepared wooden boards with torn collaged newspaper, followed by expressive washes and splashes of paint, before painting their chosen designs using techniques such as blending, dry brushing, and stippling. Pens were then used to define forms and enhance surface textures. In doing so, students carried on the long-standing artistic tradition of depicting animals—subjects that have captivated artists and audiences alike for thousands of years.

Kingsley Gray | Visual Arts Teacher

The Semester 1 Year 9 Outdoor Education students undertook a successful three day, two night hiking and mountain biking expedition in Week Two this term. With perfect weather during the day and chilly overnight temperatures groups bonded during their activities and improved their skills and organisation in preparation for taking on the challenge of hiking part of the Cape to Cape next year.

Well done to all involved!

Joel Cullen | Outdoor Education Teacher

As we continue the academic year, this term is filled with exciting opportunities for learning, growth, and community engagement, with a number of activities planned to enrich the student experience. 

These events are designed to support students' personal development, strengthen school spirit, and foster a sense of belonging. We encourage all students, parents, and staff to participate actively and make the most of what this term has to offer.

Be on the lookout in future newsletters, social media and What's On for further updates.

• Junior School Interhouse Cross Country Carnival - Tuesday 20 July (see article in this edition of the newsletter for more information)
• Scholastic Book Fair - Darlington Campus - Thursday 22 May and Friday 23 May
• Dress Up Day at Darlington Campus - Friday 14 June
• Winter Music Concert at Glen Forrest Campus - Wednesday 18 June
• Interhouse Music Carnival at Glen Forrest Campus - Friday 27 June

Jamie Robson | Class of 2018

We were thrilled to hear from another of our Old Helenians, and where life has taking since his graduation. After graduating from Helena College in 2018, Jamie went on to complete his light vehicle apprenticeship at ABS in Midland (service, repair and diagnostics).  He continued building his knowledge and undertook some more specialised diesel/performance work at Perth Fuel Injection in Welshpool.   Recently, with the help of family and friends he has started his own business, Perth Hills Mechanical.  His business will be providing servicing, diagnostics and repairs on most makes and models of cars and 4x4.  Congratulations, Jamie, and we wish you all the best in your next endeavour!

Disclaimer: Inclusion in the Helena College Noticeboard is at the College's discretion and does not imply endorsement. Information for listings is supplied by third-party participants and organisations, with sole responsibility for the accuracy and further use.

Old Helenian - Jamie Robson, Class of 2018

See article under Old Helenians section.

Midvale Hub Parenting Service Perth North - East | Shire of Mundaring 

Attached are flyers and links for upcoming programs and workshops.  These services are funded by the Department of Communities and the services are FREE for parents and carers who reside in the local government areas of Mundaring, Swan, Bassendean or Bayswater.

All programs are delivered by experienced professional facilitators.

Multi- Session Program

Tuning in to Kids - For parents and carers of children aged 3 – 10 years (6 session) Midland Women’s Health Care Place. Click here for further details and to book a place

Single Session Workshops

Mindful Parenting – Midland Women’s Health Care Place. Click here for further details and to book a place. 

Online safety workshop - Presented by WA Child Safety Services - Online platform.  Click here for further details

Protective Behaviours - Presented by WA Child Safety Services - Online platform.  Click here for further details

Anxiety & Your Child - For parents and carers of children aged 4 – 12 years – Parkerville. Click here for further details  

Support Groups

Young Parent Group – For parents and babies – Child & Parent Centre Clayton View. Click here for further details 

WA MyTime - Peer support group for parents and carers of a child with a disability, chronic medical condition, developmental delay or other additional needs – Online platform. Click here for further details 

Other contributions

Australian Sports Camps 3 Day School Holiday Program

Academic Group July Holiday Program

Academic Task Force Years 7 10 Program

Edu Sing 4 Years and Under

Exam Experts

Mastermind Tuition