While the start of the school year does not seem long ago, we have already reached the end of the first term. One of the reasons time appears to pass so quickly is the busy and vibrant nature of school life, with a wide range of opportunities provided for students to enjoy as part of their school experience.

Alongside high-quality teaching and learning in the classroom, across the College, students have been actively engaged in a variety of enrichment activities throughout the term, all of which contribute to their learning here at the College. These include:

I am sure you will agree that each of these experiences provides outstanding opportunities for student learning and development. As we approach the end of the term, I would like to sincerely thank all staff members who have generously given their time and talents to facilitate and support these activities. Without their commitment, these opportunities would not be possible.

With parent involvement a key component of our College mission, I encourage all families to attend the Parent–Teacher Interviews for Kindy to Year 10 on Friday, 24 April. The Years 11–12 Parent-Teacher Conferences, held last week, were very well attended, and we hope to see a similarly strong level of engagement.

Please note that in the Junior School, the meetings are for parents and teachers, so there is no school for students that day. For Years 6 to Year 10, however, students are strongly encouraged to attend the conferences with their parents to be part of the conversation about their progress at school.

For Year 11 and 12 students, this will be a normal school day.

As we come to the end of this term, once again I would thank all parents and carers for your ongoing support of the College. We deeply appreciate the trust you place in us to educate your children each day.

Regards

Peter Coombs | Principal

Schools Holidays and the Digital World

As we approach the term break it is important we continue to think about the digital world our children live in. The holidays can sometimes be a time of increased online activity with young people using the internet for everything from gaming to social messaging, making it a core part of their day to day interactions with others and a key part of their social identity.

While new age restrictions aim to shield those under 16 from certain social media pressures, no platform is entirely risk-free. Children can still encounter inappropriate content or be contacted by strangers through anonymous scrolling or on alternative messaging and gaming sites. As parents, the goal is not just to monitor, but to help our teens develop the resilience and critical thinking skills needed to navigate these digital spaces safely.

Open communication is your best tool for online safety. Remind your teens to protect their privacy by using neutral screen names and thinking twice before they post. Remind them also that their digital footprint can impact future school or work opportunities. But most importantly, reassure them that they can always come to you if something goes wrong or they feel unsafe, knowing they won’t get in trouble for asking for help is the strongest protection you can provide.

Helena College continues to partner with ySafe and our Cyber Safety Hub is always a great place to start if you are looking for advice on online safety. I also encourage parents to explore the e-safety for parents page on the e-Safety Commissioner’s website for more helpful information

Wishing all families a happy Easter holiday break

Justin Pitt | Head of Senior Campus

Message from the Head of Junior School

With the conclusion of Term One upon us, it is a pleasure to reflect on what has been a rewarding start to 2026. Our students have embraced a wide range of opportunities for growth, learning and discovery - alongside a few memorable summer / autumn heatwaves I am incredibly proud of their enthusiasm and resilience, as well as the continued support from our wonderful school community.

Learning Excellence

From Kindy through to Year 5, our students have made impressive strides in their learning. Whether building confidence with multiplication, crafting imaginative stories, refining swimming techniques or producing some creative artworks - their achievements have been outstanding! I congratulate all students on their commitment and the positive approach they bring to their learning each day.

Parent-Teacher Conferences (Student free day)

A reminder that our annual parent-teacher conferences will be held on Friday 24 April 2026. If you have not yet scheduled a meeting with your child’s teacher, you are welcome to take the opportunity to do so. Further details can be found in the emails previously shared with families.

Sibling Enrolments

2027 enrolment interviews are now underway for selected year groups and will continue throughout Terms Two and Three. If you are considering enrolling a sibling and have not yet submitted a registration form, we encourage you to do so at your earliest convenience. For further information, please contact our College’s Enrolment Coordinator, Kate Paterson, at enrolments@helena.wa.edu.au

My.helena

We encourage all families to regularly check the my.helena platform. It provides valuable updates and insights that are not always communicated via email, including photos and snapshots of classroom and specialist activities. Many families find this a wonderful way to stay connected with their child’s experiences at school.

Thank You - Teachers and Parents

I would like to sincerely thank our dedicated staff for their ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality teaching and for the care they show each student. I also extend my appreciation to our parents and guardians for their continued support. Together, you play such an important role in nurturing and guiding our young learners.

Term One Holiday - Rest and Enjoyment

As we head into the holiday break, I hope you enjoy a well-earned rest with family and friends. May it be a time filled with relaxation, laughter and special moments - perhaps with a few Easter treats along the way!

I look forward to welcoming everyone back for the start of Term Two on Monday 20 April 2026.

Warm regards

Greg Miller | Head of Junior School, Kindergarten to Year 5

What a big Term One it has been in Upper School.

With the end of a very busy Term One now here, it is a perfect moment to reflect on the start of 2026 in Upper School.

This term, our students and student leaders have helped organise, attend, or present at three whole-school assemblies, run respective House Assemblies, and participated in our Wellbeing program’s first two activities. They also participated in a hugely successful, rescheduled Inter-house Swimming Carnival, competed with sportsmanship beyond reproach at the ACC Inter-school Swimming Carnival and in NIAS sports competitions, attended a Student Leadership Conference, enjoyed the Year 12 Camp, demonstrated their service through participation in the National Schools Clean-Up Day, and our Year 11s have had their Dinner Cruise. Among all these activities, students attend classes and strive to do their best.

To all students, families, and staff, I hope you find time to reflect, relax, and recharge these holidays. I look forward to seeing you all back on deck on Monday, 20 April, as we embark on a no-less busy Term Two.

Craig Hillman | Director of Upper School

Uniform Matters

Skirt, Dress and College Short length and Black leather school shoe

While the College values high uniform standards, it is undesirable to commit an excessive amount of 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 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.

Remember that students must wear an acceptable black leather lace-up school shoe. Please note that neither the Vans®-style black leather nor canvas shoe, the Nike Air Force 1®, nor a Mary Jane style meets the high standard of dress expected by the College.

Year 12 Helena College School Ball

Save the 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.

This is just a reminder that all Year 12 students will be expected to stay at school on the day of the Ball until 12.15 p.m., so please make sure all appointments are in the afternoon. Be organised in advance with everything you need to do for the Ball.




There is no school for Year 12 students on Friday, 3 July. They may start their well-earned Term Two break early.

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. The rules around hair colour still apply.

The school 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.

More information about the Ball will be published soon.

Years 11 and 12 Semester One Examinations

Y12 Semester One Examinations and Work Placements - Weeks Six and Seven, Term Two.

Y11 Semester One Examinations and Work placements - Weeks Seven and Eight Term Two.

While our Year 12s have been through the exam cycle, this is a timely reminder 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. A select group of Year 12 students will attend the session and share their exam tips with our Year 11s.

Consent in Relationships

On Tuesday, 10 March, guest speaker Adam Przytula from Armed for Life delivered their ‘Consent, in Relationships’ presentation to our Year 11s during lunchtime. The topic of ‘Consent’ has been in the news recently as we strive to build healthier and more respectful relationships.

Consent in relationships can be a confusing concept for teenagers. Clarity is lost in the sea of endless ‘What if?’ scenarios. The presentation conveyed the essence of consent and explored common scenarios in which consent is needed but often not sought.

Following the presentation, Adam said that he was “impressed by the maturity of the group and with the insightful way they engaged with the workshop.” 

I would like to thank our Year 11s for their maturity AND for giving up their lunchtime.

Careers

News

Agriculture Needs You
It will be no surprise to many that Western Australia is a world leader in many types of agriculture. Our research and development of agriculture as climate change evolves is world-class. If you’re interested in a career in an industry that makes a difference, check out the new Career Information Hub Career Booklet

Occupational profiles include:

• Agronomist
• Ag Tech Specialist
• Agricultural Worker
• Precision Ag Operator
• Careers in the Agriculture Supply Chain

Check it out HERE.

Events

Filmbites - Animation Skills for Age 9 – 18

Dive into the work of animation with our 2D Animation course designed for kids aged 9-18!

Learn fundamental skills like creating walk cycles, mastering motion, designing characters with unique personalities, and telling compelling stories through animation.

• Beginner Animation Ages 9 – 13
• Intermediate 11-14
• Advanced 14+

At Filmbites Malaga, 4.30 pm - 6.00 pm, Tuesdays. Check out the April holiday courses HERE.


22 April ECU - Engineering Showcase
The Engineering Showcase Evening at Joondalup campus begin with light refreshments at 4:30 pm, followed by a presentation at 5:00 pm. Afterwards, you will be taken on a tour of ECU’s state-of-the-art engineering facilities. You’ll also hear from current students and alumni who will share their experiences at ECU and discuss their smooth transition into exciting industry roles. Plus, you’ll have the chance to engage with their academic staff.

Register HERE.


14 – 17 May Careers Expo. Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
Careers Expo is where students come to get ideas and information about possible future pathways.

Find out more HERE.


ECU WAAPA 2026 Short Courses Announced
Weekend Workshops (Some start in May)

• Acting Audition Masterclass
• The Actor's Lab
• The Screen Actor's Lab

13 – 17 July Winter School for Years 7 - 12

• Acting for Camera
• Acting for Stage
• Dance Squad

Music Theatre Kickstarter

Earlybird Price closes 1st June 2026

University Events

8 Open Tips to make the most of Open Day

MyFuture provides 8 tips for making the most of university open days.

To make the most of the open days that you visit, check out these 8 tips.

University Open Day Dates 2026

Saturday, 28 March - Postponed | 10.00 am – 3.00 pm - South Street | Get details HERE.

Sunday, 29 March - Postponed | 10am – 3pm | Get details HERE.

 Saturday, 2 May | 9am – 3pm | Get details HERE.

         Sunday, 3 May | Time TBC. ECU South West, Bunbury | Get details HERE.

         Sunday, 9 August  |  Time TBC. ECU City  |  Get details HERE.



28 April UniPrep Information Evening
ECU’s University Preparation Course – or UniPrep – is a free program that gets you ready for university level study by teaching you the skills required for academic success - with an emphasis on you becoming an independent learner.

UniPrep is open to anyone who hasn't been at school for a while, or to recent school leavers who didn't get the result they’d hoped for.

Joondalup 6.00 pm 7.30 pm. Register HERE.

5 May Applications Close - Fogarty Foundation
A UWA Fogarty Scholar is a high school graduate who has distinguished themselves in various pursuits and has shown potential and high achievement relative to opportunity, in one of the below ways:

• a combination of significant academic achievement and accomplishments in three or more other areas; or
• exceptional talent in one specific area while maintaining outstanding academic outcomes; or
• has been faced with significant challenges and been successful academically and in other areas.

Find details HERE.

University News

Non-ATAR Pathways

There is a new focus on universities providing support to students from equity backgrounds. Universities are keen to qualify for this funding.

If you think you might fit an equity criterion, or even if you don’t think you fit, it’s worth asking for bonus points.

Apply for consideration for bonus ATAR points even if you don’t go to a school classified as disadvantaged. All the unis recognise that the classifications are broad and that many students may qualify due to their personal circumstances.

Also, check out First in Family to see what else you might be eligible for.

Curtin 2026 Course Guides

Curtin’s 2026 course guides have been published. The Undergraduate Course Guide provides a good overview of all the faculties.

• Undergraduate Courses
• Humanities
• Business, Innovation and Law
• Science
• Engineering
• Health Sciences

Portfolio – Experience Based Entry at Curtin
Students must start preparing for Experience Based Entry now. Students frequently get their applications wrong. Contact Curtin directly for advice on how to apply. Students can also see Mr Hillman. The application is digital. It must be sent to TISC.

ECU - New Parents’ Guide to University Study release
Each year, ECU publishes its Parents’ Guide to University Study. It is easy to read and useful for families with young people attending any university.

Check it out HERE.

Senior School Events

Curtin - Applications Close 5 April for Curtin’s 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.

Find information and register HERE.

WA Government Kickstart Program

About a third of Australia’s jobs are in government. Whether you want to work in agriculture or the arts, there could be an opportunity that will be perfect for you.

The State government has opportunities for:

• Traineeships
• Work experience
• Internships and vacation programs
• Graduate cadetships

Explore opportunities to do work experience in a government office HERE.

Opportunities

Year 12 Opportunities

2026 Medicine - University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) Bookings Open

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

• BOOKING OPENED - 3 March 2026
• Concession Application Deadline - 11 May 2026
• Access Arrangements Application Deadline - 15 May 2026
• BOOKING DEADLINE - 15 May 2026
• Late Booking Deadline | Late Access Arrangements application deadline - 29 May 2026
• FINAL Late Booking Deadline - 5 June 2026
• Cancellation Deadline - 12 June 2026
• Testing Begins - 1 July 2026
• Last Testing Date - 5 August 2026
• Results Delivered to Universities - early September 2026

Sign up for notices on the UCAT ANZ website.

Make sure you meet the WACE requirements - see Mr Hillman if you have any questions.

The College has checked what you are enrolled in to make sure that you are studying the right subjects to get a WA Certificate of Education at the end of Year 12.

Download the WACE Manual and review any sections you're uncertain about or check in with Mr Hillman. You can download the WACE Manual HERE.

Year 12 - Become a Swimming Instructor

Instructors and Coaches are in high demand. Certificates III and IV in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation have been added to the skills shortage priority list.

There is often a shortage of holiday swimming coaches. To get a swimming instructor job with us, you must:

• be at least 17 years old.
• have a current CPR certificate.
• have a swimming instructor qualification.
• have a Working with Children Check, or have applied for one.

See details HERE.

Australian Federal Police Online Information Sessions

Australian Federal Police will be at the Careers Expo

If you are interested in the law and law enforcement, consider the Australian Federal Police.

They respond to national and international threats. They protect critical infrastructure, look after our diplomatic community, and the pay and conditions look good.

• The work would be varied and interesting.
• Free training.
• Lots of different career paths.

Find more information HERE. Register for an online webinar HERE.

Year 10 Opportunities

Choosing subjects for Years 11 and 12
Curtin has released its Year 10 Guide.

This Guide provides a:

• Find U Quiz
• Pathways information
• Information about Curtin
• Course information
• Support available at Curtin

Find the Guide HERE.

Education Department Advice on applying for Apprenticeships and Traineeships
School students and their families can find information about apprenticeships and traineeships at the Education Department site. It gives basic information and links to key sites for further information.

Find the Education Department introduction HERE.

Information and support are available at the Apprenticeship Office and at Apprenticeship Support.

Career Planning Support for Parents
Anyone interested in helping a young person start thinking about their career can find helpful resources on the Jobs and Skills WA page.

Follow the links below, to find out more.

• The future world of work
• Starting the conversation
• Case studies: Career conversations
• What is career planning?
• Knowing yourself: Skills and abilities
• Finding out: Occupations and options
• Taking action: Setting goals
• Skilling up: Education and training options
• Skills Ready — Free training, and more!

Australian Defence Force - Work Experience Program
The Defence Work Experience Program gives young Australians the chance to explore life in Defence and discover careers in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Public Service (APS). It’s a unique opportunity to learn, gain hands-on experience, and see what a career in Defence could look like.

For more information or to find a placement, click HERE.

Have questions, need help or assistance, email

Years 9 – 10 Opportunities

Murdoch - 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.

Get tickets HERE.

Year 8 – 9 Opportunities

Murdoch - 3 June 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.

Find information HERE.

Jonathan Diaz | Maths Teacher and Old Helenian from Class of 2010

The Bendigo Bank Eastern Suns are thrilled to welcome back Jono Diaz, Helena College alumni and current staff member,  for the 2026 season. A true Suns man, Jono holds the record for the most games played in club history with 206 appearances, having worn the orange from 2012–2019. When he stepped away from the game, he did so as Men’s Captain, making his return out of retirement all the more special. 

Jono’s connection to the club runs deep. His leadership, toughness, and understanding of what it means to represent the Suns make this a huge addition to the program. Having a player of his calibre and character back in the group is invaluable, both on and off the court.

Article and image as shared by Eastern Suns on Facebook.

School Holiday Administration Hours

Glen Forrest Campus

Friday 3 April to Friday 10 April - Closed

Monday 13 April to Friday 17 April - Open 9am to 3pm

Darlington Campus

Friday 3 April to Friday 17 April - Closed

All students return on Monday 20 April.

Perm-a-pleat Uniform Shop Update

Perm-a-pleat have advised that there will be a delay in the delivery of microfibre jackets and track pants. At this stage, delivery is expected in May, with a second order to follow in July. Parents can pre-order their required sizes through the Perm-a-pleat shop in Midland.

Perm-a-pleat also advises that the shop will not be open Easter Saturday or Anzac Saturday. In addition, there will be roadworks in the area from 3 to 14 April, which will affect traffic, with Cale Street to be closed (no on-street parking available). Please keep these in mind when planning your visit, or make use of the online ordering option. Click and collect and delivery options are available. Fees apply for delivery.

College Term Dates 2027

Uniform Check

As we approach the upcoming holiday period, families may find it a convenient time to review their child(ren)’s uniform to ensure all items are named, remain well-fitting, in good condition, and aligned with College expectations. This can help support a smooth and confident return to school for Term Two.

For ease of reference, please click here to view the most up-to-date DC Uniform Guidelines.

It’s the end of Term One and our students have been visiting the library during their library sessions to borrow for recreational reading and research purposes, and to participate in a variety of literature and information literacy activities.

We have recently welcomed the Kindy students to the library to enjoy time choosing and looking at books and reading with friends.

Term Two will see the return of the Scholastic Book Fair on Thursday 21 May and Friday 22 May 2026 so keep your eye out for more information next term on all the amazing books available.

The Premier’s Reading Challenge has started and runs until 12 June 2026. Students from Kindergarten to Year 12 can discover the joy of reading and log their progress for a chance to win weekly prizes. Visit premiersreadingchallenge.wa.edu.au for more information.

Please remember that over the holidays your local public library is open and able to provide a variety of free paper based and electronic reading resources. We also encourage the use of World Book online, which is a curated, paid resource that Helena College students can use for research purposes, or just for fun.

Emma Debnam | Teacher Librarian

Our Interhouse Swimming Carnival, held at Bilgoman Pool on Monday 16 March, was a fantastic success and a real highlight of the school calendar.

It was extremely pleasing to see such high levels of student participation across the day. Students embraced both the competitive races and the novelty events, with many getting involved, having fun, and showing great House spirit. The novelty events in particular were a standout, drawing strong participation and plenty of laughter from both competitors and spectators.

As always, a special highlight of the day was the annual Year 12 floatie race. This event continues to be a favourite and plenty of fun!

It was also wonderful to see such a strong turnout of parents and families in attendance. Your support and enthusiasm created a fantastic atmosphere and added to the overall success of the day. Events like this are always made more special when our wider community is involved.

Congratulations to Kiara, who were crowned Champions on the day. It was great to see Kiara students proudly wearing their House colours to school on the following Friday as recognition of their achievement.

Final overall results:

• 1st = Kiara on 832 points
• 2nd = Cardan on 825 points
• 3rd = Waughul on 771 points
• 4th = Maali on 768 points

A particularly close Carnival this year! A special note to our individual champions and runners up on the day - a fantastic effort!

Joe Kendall | Head of Health & Physical Education

Term One has flown by at a rapid pace, with the Outdoor Education cohorts immersing themselves in a diverse range of activities. These sessions have been essential for developing the skills and physical readiness required for the expeditions scheduled for later this year.

The Year 9 students have spent the term focusing on the essentials of self-sufficiency in the wilderness. They have engaged in lessons covering camp cooking, shelter construction, and the art of efficiently packing a hiking backpack. Along with mountain biking sessions, these skills are all building toward their upcoming three-day, two-night expedition in Wellington National Park.

Similarly, the Year 11 class have been undertaking consistent excursions to John Forrest National Park, specifically designed to enhance the fitness and technical handling needed for their own three-day mountain biking trek.

Meanwhile, the Year 10 classes have dedicated their term to the discipline of kayaking. It has been rewarding to witness the considerable improvement in their paddling techniques and the increased control they now demonstrate over their vessels. These students have transitioned from basic manoeuvers to confident navigation, proving they are ready to paddle moving water later this semester.

Finally, the Year 12 class are nearing the completion of a unit focused on roping activities. These sessions have provided the skills and safety protocols necessary for their expedition in early Term Three, which will involve the unique challenge of abseiling into and climbing out of complex cave systems.

Congratulations to all students involved for a fantastic term of hard work and preparation; we look forward to seeing these skills put into practice on expeditions in the future.

Joel Cullen | Outdoor Education Teacher

ACC Interschool Swimming Carnival

Congratulations and well done to all students involved in the ACC Swimming Carnival on Friday 20 March It was the first time we have competed in the indoor pool for over a decade, and it did not disappoint! The atmosphere was electric - with a poolside view, the bigscreen streaming the races and the names of athletes competing displayed as they raced. 

Our students athletes represented Helena College brilliantly, with outstanding effort as well as sportsmanship.

We finished the day in 4th place overall, but also came home with two shields - The Junior Girls Champions, and the Overall Girls Aggregate Champions. An amazing effort!

A special mention of some individuals who had particularly strong days, finishing in the Top 5 Individual Champions:

• 4th - Female U13 - Amelia H
• 2nd - Female U14 - Annabelle S
• 3rd - Female U15 - Scarlett W
• 5th - Female U19 - Macayla F
• 2nd - Male U13 - Harley D
• 2nd - Male U14 - Keegan N
• 2nd - Male U15 - Jackson S
• 5th - Male U19 - Wallace W

A full record of results can be found here: 2026 ACC Swimming Carnival Results

Thank you also to all the staff and officials who helped on the day!

Helena College entered two teams into the 2026 Synergy Solar Car Challenge.  The Year 6 and Year 8 team were each selected from the interclass challenges held earlier this year (check out the last edition of the newsletter for more on this!)

The teams head to St Mark’s in Hillarys to compete against other schools from the North Metro region. The Year 6s were up first. They had an hour to build and test their car. They were successful in the first round placing second out of four teams. Unfortunately they were knocked out in the second round.

The Year 8 team was up next and although they successfully built and tested their car, technical difficulties on the start line meant that they were knocked out. 

Despite this, both teams enjoyed the day and learnt many valuable lessons. Both teams were really impressive in terms of their passion and enthusiasm. A big thank you to Mr Ford for accompanying the Year 6 team to the competition.

Deven Reddy | Solar Car Challenge Coordinator

While it feels like an eternity has passed since we unpacked our bags, the recovery process from Year 7 Camp is still very much underway. It was an experience defined by three things: incredible activities, physical exhaustion, and some of the highest temperatures many of us have ever experienced. Perhaps a slight exaggeration, but it was undeniably hot!

Our arrival in Dwellingup was a quick immersion into camp life. The first day was spent finding our bearings and, for many, losing the first of what would become a long list of misplaced hats, water bottles, and just about anything else that could be lost and would be lost. The competitive spirit emerged early during Ambush, where several groups took tactical stealth to an entirely new level.

After morning tea, we began the first of many activity rotations, offering a fast-paced preview of the days ahead. Aerial challenges such as flying foxes, abseiling, and an exhilarating dash across the Dwellingup Treetop Adventures ropes course tested students high within the canopy. On the ground and in the water, students took on engineering challenges with billy carts, mountain biking, the ECO challenge, and river activities including kayaking, canoeing, and swimming.

That first night was a period of adjustment. Between the adrenaline of night games and the novelty of shared dorms, sleep did not come easily. Eventually, however, exhaustion took over. Students and staff found some much needed rest as the physical toll of the day began to set in. We awoke early, the morning air fresh and crisp. Except for that one group who had no alarms and slept through breakfast.

As the week progressed, the challenge shifted from the activities themselves to the environment. Mountain biking, in particular, proved a gruelling test of stamina as temperatures climbed into the high 30s and low 40s. May well have hit 50, if you ask me. Hydration quickly became the central focus of the camp! ‘Survival’ depended on a constant rotation between water bottles and parched throats.

Archery Tag was a highlight, especially for the team tasked with “Project: Get Mr Scott.” With the incentive of extra dessert on offer, it was a mission that was successfully accomplished.

The night walk, and the concept of “night vision,” was for some students their first real experience of complete darkness. The challenge of silence, however, proved far more difficult for certain members of the group.

And then, it was over. Time to pack our bags and head for home. The contrast between the ride to camp and the ride home was striking. While the journey to Dwellingup was filled with energy, anticipation and lots of noise, the bus ride home was remarkably subdued. With the heat and hills behind them, many students opted for sleep over conversation.

Ultimately, the camp was a resounding success. We returned with fewer hats, fewer water bottles, and very little energy, but with a strengthened sense of resilience and a collection of lasting memories.

A sincere thank you to the staff who gave up time with their families to support the camp. Without their commitment, experiences like this simply would not be possible.

Thanks for reading

Matt Zarb | Head of Year 7

The Helena Basketball Club's summer basketball season wrapped up last week, with many Helena teams achieving fantastic results and progressing through to the finals.

This season, we had an incredible 31 teams competing in the Hills Raiders Basketball Association Summer Competition. Of the 29 teams eligible for finals, an impressive 23 finished in the top four of their division and went on to compete in the finals — a wonderful achievement for our players and coaches.

Eight Helena teams advanced to the Grand Finals, with five teams ultimately taking out the premiership. Congratulations to Helena Hawks, Helena Daditude, Helena Heat, Helena Hamsters, and Helena Falcons on their outstanding success.

We are very proud of all our players for their teamwork, sportsmanship, and commitment throughout the season. A big thank you to our families for their ongoing support, encouragement, and time spent cheering from the sidelines — it makes a real difference to our teams.

Vashti Vaughan | Helena Basketball Club

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.The following are this edition's submissions:

Bricks 4 Kidz Holiday Workshop

Grasshopper Soccer Term 2 2026

Midland Junction Arts Centre Apr School Holiday Workshops

Midland Junction Arts Centre Apr School Holiday Workshops Details

US Soccer Scholarship Trials

US Girls Soccer Scholoarship Trials

Mundaring Junior Football Club Registrations