It has been another jam-packed term in the Upper School.
Thank you to all our students for your energy and commitment over the past ten weeks. A special mention goes to our Year 12s, who are completing their final Work Placements and Semester Two Exams - we wish them every success. We also look forward to welcoming back our second group of Year 10s from their Cape to Cape Trek on Friday and trust their fortnight of camp and Work Experience was both rewarding and memorable.
Throughout the term, students in Years 10–12 have engaged in an incredible range of activities, including the Careers Expo, Outdoor Education expeditions, excursions, Drama workshops, our 2025 Interhouse Athletics Carnival, Alliance Française exams and language enrichment activities, guest speaker sessions, ensemble rehearsals, the Classical Guitar Festival, ACC and NEAS competitions, production rehearsals ahead of the sold-out and amazing Wolfstock, Art Club, Homework Club, PERMAH activities, and campus clean-ups.
Alongside these, we have seen Year 12 Homeroom Dinners, two Casual Dress Days, the Year 12 Media Showcase, the Write a Book in a Day competition, a Staff vs Year 12 Netball Game, Food Science Parent Dinner, PE ATAR Practical Exams, student leadership meetings, university and scholarship applications, and academic support sessions, Upper School Assemblies, and the Whole School Bullying. No Way! Assembly, provide further opportunities for reflection and growth.
While staff work hard to organise and lead these programs, they would not be possible without the ongoing support of our families—thank you for the encouragement, logistics, and taxi services you so generously provide to ensure our students can participate fully in the rich student experience at the College.
As we head into the holidays, I encourage families to make time for conversations about life after school. Exploring upcoming careers events together and beginning discussions about post-school pathways can be both challenging and rewarding. There are many events listed in this Newsletter.
There are several significant events marking the end of Year 12 next term. Our Year 12s will have their final meeting on Monday, 13 October, during Homeroom to help students with timings, reminders, and preparation for the busy week ahead. All the details can be found in the 2025 End of year arrangements document via my.helena>Year 12 Parents and Students Communications page>Files.
With so much achieved, the upcoming break is well deserved. I hope all students, families, and staff enjoy a chance to rest and recharge.
I look forward to seeing you all back on deck on Monday, 13 October.
Uniform reminder. Short, Skirt and Dress 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 and parents/guardians that the specified skirt/dress/shorts length should be just on top of the knee.
Please use this holiday break to amend the skirt/dress/ length if required. Don’t get caught short.
2026 Student Council applications are due Tuesday, 14 October
Current Year 11 students looking to take on the student leadership challenge in their final year at school are reminded that their application form(s) is due back to the GFC Front Office on or before 9.00 am Tuesday, 14 October.
The entire application process is explained in the information booklet distributed earlier this term. It is available via my.helena>Year 11 Parents and Students Communications page>Files>2026 Student Council App Part 1. Spare Part 2 Booklets are available from the Front Office.
We look forward to starting the 2026 Student Council selection process early next term. We know that the strong field of candidates will produce an excellent Student Council and continue the very fine work of our 2025 Student Council.
Please find a document prepared by the team at Grip Leadership to help parents support their child’s student leadership journey.
2025 Graduation Update
The Year 12 Graduation ceremony will be held at the Glen Forrest Campus gymnasium on Friday, 24 October 2025. Graduation is the Year 12 students' formal conclusion to their years at Helena College. It is an evening for the Year 12 students, their families, and teachers to celebrate collective academic, leadership and effort achievements.
We are confident the evening will be enjoyable and memorable for the Graduates and their families. We look forward to a wonderful evening and to celebrating with our 2025 Leavers and their families.
Class of 2025 Email Addresses
Year 12s are encouraged to set up a new email address before the Helena address is turned off following the last ATAR exam in November. It is also wise to choose a professional address. This will help students represent themselves at their best when dealing with potential employers.
Transferring login details from third-party providers, such as Spotify, Google, SCSA, and TISC, can take time. Year 12s are encouraged to start this process early to avoid being locked out down the track.
University News
ECU. WAAPA Music Theatre Workshops Years 7 – 12
We welcome passionate performers eager to challenge themselves and grow in a nurturing environment surrounded by supportive peers and seasoned professionals. This course is designed for all experience levels, allowing students to progress at their own pace while pushing their creative boundaries.
19, 26 October 2025
2, 9, 16, 23, 30 November 2025
7 December 2025
Time: 1.00pm - 4.00pm Find details HERE.
ECU. WAAPA The Actors’ Workshop
The Actor’s Workshop supports students in building self-confidence as they put their abilities into action on both stage and screen. Participants will develop ensemble skills and the confidence needed to collaborate and work as part of a team. They will be guided by experienced teachers, who aim to challenge students in a respectful and encouraging environment, allowing them to develop their talent and abilities.
Students are divided into Junior (Yr 7 to 9) and Senior (Yr 10 to 12) groups. Bookings are done on a term-by-term basis.
19, 26 October 2025
2, 9, 16, 23, 30 November 2025
7 December 2025
Time: 1.00pm - 4.00pm Age: High school students - Years 7 to 12
Find details HERE.
University Events
UWA. 24 September UWA Open Night Health, Biomedical Sciences and Psychology
If you're a current high school student interested in biomedical sciences, biochemistry and molecular biology, genetics, human sciences, nursing, optometry, public health, psychology, podiatry, or social work - dreaming of a future in health, biomedical sciences, or psychology this event is perfect for you!
An interactive event experience to spark your passion and curiosity for the human body, the mind, and health science.
5.45 Check-in. – 8pm Find information and register HERE.
ECU. 24 September Social Change Leadership Information Session
Want to make a meaningful difference, driving positive social change in communities? If you're passionate about social justice and want to become a leader in an organisation who shares.
Register HERE.
ECU. 20 October UniPrep Information Evening Online
UniPrep helps you bridge the gap between where you are now and being eligible and ready to study an undergraduate degree. This free program is ideal if you haven't studied for some time or you didn't get the Year 12 results you hoped for. It can be life-changing!
6pm- 7pm
Register HERE.
Murdoch. 21 October Year 12 Online Information Session
Join us to discover the wide range of supports available to assist you in your transition from secondary school to tertiary studies!
Year 12 is almost over, what happens next? Take the leap from secondary school to university!
There are hundreds of study choices for school leavers. We’re here to help you through this exciting new chapter in your life by providing all the information you need to transition through the remainder of Year 12 and beyond.
Register HERE.
ECU. 22 October WAAPA Production Tour
ECU's Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) is one of the world's leading performing arts academies and we're giving you the opportunity to explore our behind-the-scenes production and design facilities.
Mt Lawley Campus. Register HERE.
ECU. 19 November Future Student Information Evening
If you are interested in studying at ECU, come along to our Future Student Information Evening at our Joondalup campus to find out more. There will also be a free sausage sizzle!
Register HERE.
Training Events
TAFE Enrolments Open for 2026
Applications close 31 October. Late applications accepted for available vacancies up to the start of the 2026 academic year. Apply early to ensure you secure a place.
For support with career choices and applications find your local Jobs and Skills Centre HERE.
Applications are made through TAFE Admissions.
Find application information HERE.
18 October WA Electrical Industry Open Day - Joondalup
1 November WA Electrical Industry Open Day - Jandakot
Demand for electricians is predicted to rise 4% per year for every year to 2050.
What’s on the day
Guided tours of CET’s state-of-the-art training facilities
Information sessions covering pathways into the electrical trade, employment opportunities, legal insights for running a business, and safety training
An outdoor mini-expo featuring CET, EGT, Equip-Safe, ECA WA, and industry sponsors
Free food, drinks, and networking with apprentices, employers, and contractors
Why attend
Students can explore apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship pathways
Parents can learn about opportunities and support available
Students and parents can register here:
Joondalup : https://events.humanitix.com/wa-electrical-industry-open-day-joondalup
Jandakot : https://events.humanitix.com/wa-electrical-industry-open-day-jandakot
Year 12 Events
Curtin. 5 Oct 2025 at 10:00 AM (AEDT) Curtin Medicine Casper Test
If you will be applying to Curtin University Medicine (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), apart from the UCAT, applicants will also need to register and complete the Casper Test.
All admission information for domestic and international students, including details about the requirement to sit the Casper Test can be found via the Curtin University School of Medicine webpage.
Find information HERE.
Curtin. 8-9 October Business Innovation Bootcamp
Register Now School Holiday Program
Curtin is hosting its two-day Business Innovation Bootcamp for students in years 10-12 who are interested in entrepreneurship, planning for their start-up, already running their own business or anywhere in between.
Day one explores the fundamental entrepreneurial skillset, from idea generation to business planning and market research. Day two introduces advanced concepts and gives students practical experience in developing and showcasing their own idea or prototype.
Tickets are $20 and include the full program, workshop resources, and morning tea and lunch on both days.
Find information and register HERE.
Murdoch University. 21 October Online Information Evening
Join us to discover the wide range of supports available to assist you in your transition from secondary school to tertiary studies!
Year 12 is almost over, what happens next? Take the leap from secondary school to university!
There are hundreds of study choices for school leavers. We’re here to help you through this exciting new chapter in your life by providing all the information you need to transition through the remainder of Year 12 and beyond.
Register HERE.
TISC Important Dates
Tuesday, 30 September
11.59pm - Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at Curtin (including applications on the basis on financial hardship), the Assured Pathway to Dentistry and Medicine at UWA - you can't apply for these courses or add new preferences for these courses after today. You can still change the order of existing preferences on your preference list.
Sunday, 5 October
11.59pm - Assured Pathway to Medicine at Notre Dame - you can't apply for this course or add a new preference for this course after today. You can still change the order of existing preferences on your preference list.
Monday, 13 October
Early conditional offers despatch for Year 12 applicants for first preference.
Monday, 24 November
Early conditional offers despatch for Year 12 applicants for first preference.
Friday, 28 November
5pm - Closing deadline for submission of Education Access Scheme applications and supporting documentation for Main round consideration.
11.59pm - Final closing date for the Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) and the Assured Pathway to Podiatry courses at UWA. You can't apply for or add new preferences for these courses after today. You can still change the order of existing preferences on your preference list.
Wednesday 3 December
Last Early conditional offers despatch to Year 12 applicants for first preference.
Monday, 8 December
11.59pm - Closing date for change of address for WACE students for mailing of Universities Admission Advice Letter.
Wednesday, 10 December
11.59pm - Final date for you to upload documents/transcripts of results to be guaranteed consideration for the main round of offers.
Friday, 19 December
WA 2025 ATAR results and Universities Admission Advice Letters online.
Saturday, 20 December
11.59pm - Closing date to apply and add/re-arrange preferences, and to update your postal and/or email addresses, before the Main round of offers.
Wednesday, 24 December
Main round offers available online and emailed.
Applications and change of preferences re-open for Second round of offers.
Year 9 and 10
Murdoch University. 30 September and 1 October A Day in the Life of a University Student
Do you want to experience a day in the life of a Murdoch University student?
If you are currently in Year 9 or 10, A Day in the Life of a Murdoch University Student is the perfect opportunity for you to explore your interests and where these might lead you. You will create a customised university timetable based on subjects of interest, speak with current Murdoch University students about their study journey and be inspired by our academics.
You can go to either day. Register HERE.
ECU October 2 and 3 - Year 9 Experience Days
Experience ECU Days | Spring School Holidays Year 9 & 10’s
ECU Student Ambassadors will be back in the October school holidays to provide two full days of free experiences at Joondalup campus.
ECU Thursday 2 October | Psychology, Law, Engineering
The Moot Court simulation will offer participants an immersive experience into legal proceedings and ignite interests in legal careers. Other activities will include a fun dive into Psychology concepts and Engineering style practical building opportunities.
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DEZYK
ECU Friday 3 October | Medical and Health Sciences
This is a hands-on day where students will be engaging in a Microscope Hair session (bring in your pet hair), Nutrition workshop making smoothies and an interactive Sport Science exercise session to add a dynamic element to the day!
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DEZYL
Contact: ecustudentambassadors@ecu.edu.au
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Opportunities
ECU 11 November Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander information session online
Join us for our Online Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Information Session. Whether you are considering returning to education to further your career or pursue a new passion, this event is designed to provide you with all the essential information you need to take the next steps.
Register HERE
ECU 12 November Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Information Session Joondalup
Join us for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Information Session. Whether you are considering returning to education to further your career or pursue a new passion, this event is designed to provide you with all the essential information you need to take the next steps.
5pm – 6pm Register HERE.
Koomba Birdal 2025 at NM TAFE campus - Applications Open for 2026 Enrolment
The Koomba Birdal (Big Spark) program is designed to reduce the barriers that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders may face in education and is designed to provide accessible, customised, supported training.
It aims to increase employment and/or further education options with opportunities to connect with Aboriginal Career Guidance Officers to prepare and network with potential role models within industry to further increase successful outcomes.
If you would like to know more, please register your details using our Koomba Birdal General Interest form. You can also contact the Enhanced Aboriginal Engagement Team via email EAE@nmtafe.wa.edu.au or call 9428 0340.
For information go HERE.