As we move into the cooler months the College remains as busy as usual.
Our Year 11 and 12 students are currently engaged in their mid-year ATAR examinations. We commend them for their focus and commitment during this important time. For those on the General Pathway, these two weeks offer a different kind of learning experience, as they head out for workplace learning placements. These real-world opportunities play a valuable role in preparing our students for life beyond school.
Last week, our Junior School cross-country event was held on the Senior Campus. It was fantastic to see so many parents cheering from the sidelines, but even more heartwarming was the way our students encouraged each other. Every runner was cheered across the finish line, reflecting the wonderful community spirit we are so proud of.
I extend my best wishes to the students selected to represent our school at the Interschool Cross-Country Carnivals this week (Years 7 to 12 at the ACC Carnival today and Years 3 to 6 at the IPSHA event on Friday). We know they will give their best and represent our school with pride.
Our camp program continues to thrive. Following a wonderful Year 2 camp earlier this term, last week was the Year 9 camp, with students returning full of stories and experiences. We now look ahead to the upcoming Year 7 camp, which promises to offer similar opportunities for growth, teamwork, and fun.
As the weather turns colder, I’d like to remind families of the importance of keeping unwell children at home. We have seen a rise in students presenting with cold and flu symptoms shortly after arriving at school. To help us maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone, please keep your child home if they are feeling unwell or showing any signs of illness. Your support in this matter is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students’ wellbeing and success.
Peter Coombs | Principal
Child Safe
WWC - Have you checked? | Justin Pitt - Head of Senior Campus
The Working with Children screening unit has recently launched a campaign called “Have you checked?” The campaign encourages parents and guardians to sight and validate the Working with Children cards of self-employed people undertaking child-related work, such as a babysitter, tutor, children’s party entertainer or driving instructor
The WWC Check is a child safety strategy which provides ongoing screening of people who engage in child-related work and if you are looking to engage the work of a self-employed individual we encourage you to ask to see their WWC Card.
Have you checked? Campaign information
To help promote this message across the community, the “Have you checked” campaign has been developed. The awareness campaign highlights the importance of any self-employed individual offering child-related work to have a current WWC Card. We want to empower parents to feel confident to ask to see the WWC Card and validate their details online.
To complement this campaign, The WWC screening unit will be holding a free online information session for parents on Wednesday 11 June at 12:30pm. A new parents webpage has also been developed that covers important information about WWC checks and how we can all work together to keep kids safe.
Leadership
Head of Junior School | Greg Miller
Celebrating the Junior School Years
As we head towards the halfway point of the school year, it is a natural time to reflect on the rhythms of school life and the growth we see in our students each day. For students in the Junior School, school is so much more than a place to learn - it is a place to belong, discover, connect and to grow.
During these foundational years, the experiences children have at school play a vital role in shaping who they are becoming and, their attitude towards future learning. School offers them a consistent, safe environment where they are supported to take risks, learn from mistakes and build resilience. The structured routine helps children feel secure, while the diverse learning opportunities help them stretch their thinking and expand their sense of possibility.
One of the most wonderful things to witness is the joy our students take in their day-to-day school experiences. Whether it is the excitement of a new book during guided reading, the buzz of collaborative problem-solving in Maths, or the pride of presenting a piece of work to their peers, students thrive when they feel a sense of purpose and achievement. School is a place where effort is celebrated, and growth (both academic and personal) is nurtured.
Equally important are the friendships and connections that flourish at school. Children build strong social bonds, learn how to navigate relationships, and begin to understand the importance of kindness, inclusion and teamwork. These connections create a sense of belonging - and it is clear that many of our students feel deeply proud to be part of our school community. We often hear them speak about their class, their teacher, their friends, and “their” school with affection and confidence – especially to visitors on tour days!
As parents and educators, we work in partnership to support this connection. When children see that home and school are united in valuing education, they feel secure and supported. Regular attendance, engagement in school events and encouraging conversations at home about learning, all reinforce the message that school is a place that matters.
The foundations being built now (academically, socially, and emotionally) are laying the groundwork for a lifetime of learning. Thank you for your ongoing support, and for the trust you place in us to be such an important part of your child’s life.
Warm regards,
Greg Miller | Head of Junior School, Kindergarten to Year 5
Director of Upper School | Craig Hillman
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 on my.helena>Year 12 Communications - Parents and Students> Student Vehicle | Driving Permission Form) to be eligible to park. If a passenger is to be in the vehicle, their name must also appear on the form, along with an accompanying parent signature indicating permission.
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.
Please note that only Year 12 Students may park on campus, and they must park in the student parking area between the College Oval and Bilgoman Road. Our current Year 11 students will soon become probationary drivers. Unfortunately, there is no parking available on the campus for Year 11 student drivers.
A Report from the Ball Committee
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 event this year 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.
Tickets will be on sale in Week Seven —more details to follow soon.
This is 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. Please ensure that 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 you can focus on your study program.
Please note that students who have their nails done for the occasion can wear them to school during the week leading up to the event and until the end of the school holidays. Hair must remain a natural colour in line with the uniform policy.
There is no school for 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 responsibility, so please, parents and students, Take responsibility.
We are all looking forward to a wonderful evening and the social event of the year for our Year 12 students.
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 had a narrow Year 11 ATAR focus.
In response to parent feedback from the last survey, we have improved College communications with families about their child’s achievement. To further enhance our communications with families about their child’s progress, we will hold a second Year 11 and 12 Parent-Student-Teacher Conference Evening. 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 Year 11 and 12 students from 2.30 pm to 6.00 pm on the above date. Venue TBC.
We will send detailed booking information closer to the date. We look forward to seeing you there.
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. As the days grow colder and wetter, it's a timely reminder to invest in a College Jumper or a soft-shell jacket to prepare for the winter months ahead.
Undergarments
During the colder months, we still expect students to meet the high standard of dress as an outward statement of the College’s identity and belonging to the community. Even on a cold morning, we can experience a sunny afternoon.
On such days, students are reminded that the uniform guidelines state that no undergarments should be visible under the uniform. For example, no round-neck t-shirts should be worn under open-collar shirts, and no long-sleeve undershirts should be visible below our short-sleeve shirt, blouse, PE, or House shirt.
Thermal t-shirts can be worn under the College uniform in conjunction with the College jumper and/or jacket; however, no long-sleeve garment can be worn with only the College shirt, College blouse, PE, or House Polo.
A short-sleeve thermal V-neck t-shirt or tank top would be ideal for staying warm and complying with our Uniform Policy.
Y10 Family Information Evening - Subject Selections (Y11 2026)
Save the date. Tuesday, 22 July
Year 10 students will soon make course choices for their 2026 Year 11 studies.
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 on the evening. Please bring your Year 10 child with you.
The presentation will run from 6.30 pm to approximately 8.00 pm.
This date marks the last day of Year 10 for 2025 and will incorporate some House-based challenges at school, morning tea, bus transfers to and from Point Fraser in East Perth, a 3-hour River Cruise, a live band, and lunch.
Watch this space for more information.
Get Your Unique Student Identifier (USI)
All students undertaking nationally recognised training, such as a VET in Schools course or First Aid training, must have a USI. Without a USI, they won’t receive their statement of attainment, qualification, or award upon completion of their studies.
You also need your USI to be able to access Commonwealth Government Supported Places at university. The Commonwealth Supported Places are subsidised university places available to all Australians.
Western Australian agriculture colleges offer specialised education and training in agriculture and related trades for students in years 10, 11, and 12. These colleges offer both vocational programs and pathways to university, ensuring that students gain practical skills and knowledge for their future careers.
This is a free event for parents, students, and the community in your local area. At the event, 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.
Date: Tuesday, 10 June 2025, 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm (AWST). Register for this online event HERE.
13 – 15 June | Perth Tradie Expo Ascot
The fastest growing salaries are for jobs that require VET qualifications. Attending the Tradie Expo allows you to meet professionals in technical fields and view the latest tools and machinery used in the construction and resources industries. Get details HERE.
University News
2026 University Early Offers
3 June - Early offers for university in WA for 2026 will open on 3 June.
1 September - TISC will not make an offer before 1 September 2025.
19 December - ATAR results
24 December – First round offers will be sent out.
Early offers are NOT available for courses with quotas.
Don’t Rush to put in an early offer.
If you know what university you want to go to and what course you want to do, you can apply now via TISC.
Only your first preference is considered when you put in an early application. You can change your mind, but it takes a bit of fiddling around. You have until Tuesday, 2 September to apply.
If you want to be clearer about what to do next year, you can:
Speak to Mr Hillman
Go to one or more universities and speak to their career advisors.
There are a range of options that you can check out HERE
There are lots of different tests for you to explore HERE.
ECU Events
9 June | ECU Mastering Social Work Webinar
Social workers champion social justice, equality, and human rights, standing alongside individuals and communities to improve society's overall well-being. Discover a new career in social work with this new degree that includes 1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork.
If you have an interest in psychology or counselling, this webinar will introduce you to our range of courses where you'll learn about people's experiences, feelings, behaviours, and interactions and how they make decisions and take specific actions.
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.
To get some guidance, join the Curtin Future Students Team at their Year 9 to 12 Information Evening, where you’ll hear about subject selection, admissions, and scholarships.
You can also speak with course experts who can address your specific questions. You are encouraged to take your child along to this event, whether you are attending the presentation online or in person.
Step into the 2025 Winter Collective exhibit, where you can explore student work across Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Fine Arts and Urban Design from all study levels. During this Open Night, immerse yourself in our school community and connect with academics and students to hear about what it's like to study design at UWA.
Click HERE to Register for UWA’s School of Design Open Night, hosted in the ALVA Building at UWA's Nedlands Campus.
Date. Wednesday, 18 June 2025, between 4.00 pm and 7.00 pm.
Closing 20 June | UWA Winthrop Scholarship
Open now – closes 20 June 2025
Up to five scholarships are available.
Domestic Year 12 students with an ATAR of 95+.
Recognises academic excellence, leadership vision, and community involvement.
$10,000 per year for undergraduate and postgraduate study.
19 June | Casper Test for Murdoch Veterinary Science Applicants
The deadline for applications for Veterinary Science at Murdoch 2026 is 31 August 2025. You must have undertaken the Casper Test BEFORE you apply. There are TWO remaining Casper test dates
19 June
5 August
There are Casper Test instructions via a webinar recording at takecasper.com. You can also find essential information in this article to help you have a smooth experience with Casper.
Minimum requirements
Completion of the application form for the 2025/2026 admission cycle.
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. The Casper Test is held nationally and is sat online from home.
Applicants are responsible for making their own arrangements to register for the Casper Test. Please refer to the Acuity Insights website to register for the test.
Available Casper test dates for Curtin Medicine
5 Aug 2025 at 7:00 PM (AEST)
11 Sep 2025 at 7:00 PM (AEST)
5 Oct 2025 at 10:00 AM (AEDT)
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.
Resources for High School Students about transitioning to university.
The Uni Ready toolkit was released last year. It was designed by students in NSW to assist students with their transition from school to university.
It provides insider tips, study strategies, and peer support to help you navigate the leap from high school to university.
Uncover the differences between high school and uni learning.
Master 'Study Smart' techniques for effective time management.
Navigate texts and assessments like a pro.
Develop critical thinking skills crucial for success in any field.
Find academic support and your go-to people for advice.
The Uni Ready toolkit is a free resource created by the Access, Equity, and Inclusion team at UNSW in partnership with the University of Sydney and the University of Newcastle, supported by funding from the NSW Government.
Achieve Your Best – ATAR Revision Programs for Senior Students
The link below has updated information about ATAR revision programs that are available in WA. The information includes links to each of the programs. Find the post and a summary of all courses HERE. Thanks to Bev Johnson at InFocus Careers for preparing this information.
Academic Group. July School Holiday Revision Courses
Academic Task Force is committed to supporting students and their families in achieving academic success. You may be aware that they offer ATAR Revision and Exam Preparation Courses for Years 11 and 12 and Skills Development Courses for Years 7 - 10 during the July school holidays.
For more information about Years 11 and 12: ATAR Revision Courses, click HERE.
10-hour ATAR revision courses available in the July holidays at Churchlands SHS, All Saints' College and online.
Students will revise Semester 1 content, enrich their understanding, and work through exam-style questions with feedback from qualified teachers providing tips and strategies to boost exam performance, leading to increased confidence.
For more information about Years 7 – 10: Skills Development Courses, click HERE.
In very small class sizes, your child can be supported and build their confidence in their subjects with help from a qualified teacher who will address gaps in understanding and help boost their skills and results.
6-hour courses in Maths and English, as well as their immensely popular and effective Essay Writing and Learning Skills Courses.
View Academic Group’s 7-10 flyer and timetable HERE.
Admin Notices
Playground Areas and Equipment
As a friendly reminder, playground areas or play equipment are not to be used before school begins or, once classes are dismissed at the end of the day. Parents are asked to help remind students or younger siblings to stay out of these areas and off playground equipment before classes open each morning and after school each afternoon.
Please note that before school, Year 5 students enjoy a special privilege - dedicated outdoor activity time that reflects their role as the oldest students and leaders of the Darlington Campus.
Keep unwell children at home
As we enter the flu season, we are seeing an increase in various illnesses within the community, including influenza, COVID-19, gastroenteritis, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In order to protect the health and well-being of all our students, staff, and families, we kindly ask that you do not send your child to school if they are unwell.
Even mild symptoms such as a cough, sore throat, fever, upset stomach, or fatigue may indicate a contagious illness. Keeping sick children at home helps reduce the spread of infection and allows them the necessary time to rest and recover.
We understand that arranging care for a sick child can be challenging, but your cooperation is essential to maintaining a safe and healthy school environment for everyone.
If your child tests positive for any communicable illness, please inform the school office as soon as possible.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
Vanessa Kennedy | School Nurse
Additional information on protecting yourself and your family from viruses is available on the HealthyWA website.
Second-hand Uniform Shop
Donations of good condition second-hand school uniform items - particularly for the ELC - would be welcomed by the shop volunteers. If you have any pre-loved items you're keen to pass on, please drop them off at Administration.
Junior School | Darlington Campus
Aussies of the Month | June 2025
Providing students with opportunities to take on roles and responsibilities is an important part of childhood development.
The Aussie Of The Month (AOTM) program celebrates personal effort, achievement and contributions to the school and wider community. It also reflects key Australian values such as fair play, generosity of spirit, active community involvement and care for the environment.
Each month, one student from Year 3 and one from Year 4, are recognised as our Aussies of the Month. These students receive a certificate and a badge, which they can wear with pride throughout the month.
Congratulations to Ruby (Year 3) and Lucy (Year 4), who have been selected as our Aussies of the Month for June 2025.
Exploring History
The Pre-primary students are exploring the past and discovering how life has changed over time. As part of their inquiry, they visited the Kalamunda History Village, where they experienced what life was like in the "olden days."
During the excursion, they explored an old-fashioned school, a general store, two historic houses with outdoor toilets (dunnies), a post office, a fruit grading machine, an old train, a fire truck, and a collection of traditional toys.
The students were divided into groups and spent the morning discovering what daily life was like in the past. Our guide, Nicole, gave a demonstration of how the fruit grading machine worked. The students sketched their favourite thing at the Village and we added some charcoal back at school.
Despite a few rain showers, the children enjoyed a brief playtime at Stirk Park.
We are approaching that time of year when sneakers turn into dancing shoes and Helena House Hall transforms into a disco zone!At the end of this term, on Friday 27 June 2025, we look forward once again to the annual Student Disco, held here at the Darlington Campus, where students can groove to the beat and have some fun! Fundraiser Day! In the lead-up to the event, for a gold coin donation, students from Kindy to Year 5 are invited to add something wacky, fun or dazzling to their school uniform (with school shoes) on Friday 13 June 2025.
The goal is fun and fundraising - with all funds raised going directly to supporting the occasion. Some funky flair might include wacky socks, lavish ties, glittery wigs, oversized glasses, fake moustaches - anything fun that helps raise some funds for this year’s Disco. Full details about the Disco will be shared soon, but for now, we cannot wait to see all the wonderful wearables on the fundraiser day!.
DC Library Update
We welcomed the Scholastic Book Fair to the Junior School Library this month and received a huge response from both students, staff and parents visiting the Library both before and after school, and during library sessions to browse the fantastic array of books and items that were available. Many purchases were made, and we were able to use the money raised to purchase some great new resources for our Library, as well as funds for future purchases. A BIG thank you to all the members of our school community who came and supported our 2025 Book Fair. We really appreciate all your support, and we hope all the Helena College community enjoys the new purchases we have made over the coming months.
Our Year 5 2025 Library Ministers, Elly and Emer, helped us choose some Book Fair books to purchase for use in our Library. They have also been busy handing out House tokens to those students enjoying the library during lunch recess.
For those students who are taking part in the Premier’s Reading Challenge, you only have a few more weeks to read and log your books (11:59 pm Friday 27 June 2025).
A reminder that the use of library bags is a library requirement, especially with the wetter weather (finally). Replacement bags are available for $5; payment can be made at admin. All students have their library session on either a Thursday (5C, 5M and Preprimary) or Friday (Kindy, 4, 2, 3 and 1).
We look forward to another term of reading, reading... and even more reading!
Senior School | Glen Forrest Campus
Duke of Edinburgh
Over the years a number of our Senior School students have taken on the challenge of completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award, an internationally recognised youth program that rewards you for taking part in activities that you choose to do!
The Duke of Edinburgh is a youth development program for all young people aged 14-24, regardless of background or circumstances, to explore their potential by learning a skill, being physically active, volunteering in the community and going on an adventure!
Best of all, it lets you design your own Award around your interests!
There are four sections:
Service: Develop a sense of community service by helping others in need
Skills: Learn something new, or develop your existing interests, skills or hobbies
Physical Recreation: Get active!
Adventurous Journey: Discover a spirit of adventure and work as a team with your friends
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the following students who have elected to complete a Duke of Edinburgh Award:
Darcy D, Year 9 – Bronze
Ellis G, Year 12 – Silver
Harrison M, Year 10 – Bronze
Olivia R, Year 9 – Bronze
Zachary C, Year 9 - Bronze
I’m looking forward to supporting the newly joined students and the existing students to complete their award over the coming months.
I would also like to congratulate two students for recently completing their Bronze Awards which will be presented during an assembly in the next few weeks:
Alicia S M, Year 9 and Sasha R, Year 10 - Bronze
If you want to have adventures, learn about new things, meet people who share your interests, help others, build confidence, resilience and employability skills, get fitter and work as part of a team…please check out the Duke of Edinburgh link in my.Helena or the Duke of Edinburgh website https://dukeofed.com.au/doing-the-award/ for more information and speak to Ms Murray if you are interested.
Rebecca Murray | Duke of Ed Award Leader
Year 9 Project News
Countdown as of Friday 30 May: 23 weeks to go
Year 9 Project Interviews
The Year 9 project interviews have almost been completed and all students have been advised of their project supervisor. Students should be walking into their first meeting with their supervisor with process journal entry number two completed. During the meeting supervisors will be checking on the current status of their project and will record discussions and suggestions for future activities on meeting sheet one.
Process Journals As we are now a number of weeks into the Year 9 Project students should have organised their process journals and started recording their initial reflections. There are many prompts throughout the student booklet to assist students with ideas for these important reflections. It is important that students remember to keep evidence of the work they are completing for the final assessment in Week Four, Term Four.
The Product During the interviews with each student or group of students, the timeline was discussed. The timeline is an important component of any long-term project. Students should be working on this with the idea to start their product soon with the recommendation to have it completed no later than Week Ten Term Three or earlier if possible. As students begin working on the product, I advise that they collect evidence of the progress, which can include photos and videos.
If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Rebecca Murray | Year 9 Project Coordinator
GFC Library News
VIBE 2025
Once a fortnight during their library lesson, the Year 6 students and each English class in Years 7 to 9 visit the library for a VIBE (Very Important Book Experience) opportunity to immerse themselves in books and reading for pleasure. This year we have introduced a digital log where students are able to record their reading progress and earn points towards an end-of-year celebration.
Premier’s Reading Challenge
The countdown is on to record 12 or more books in the 2025 WA Premier’s Reading Challenge. The opportunity to enter books for the 2025 challenge ends on Friday 27 June. Any student is welcome to join the challenge up to year 12and log their reading on the PRC website. Students need to read and log 12 books over the course of the challenge. They can choose to read books, short stories, graphic novels, eBooks or anything that sparks their interest!
Any student who reads 12 books and logs them during the challenge period will receive a certificate from the Premier of Western Australia and the Minister of Education. There are also weekly chances to win one of over 110 amazing prizes drawn at random when they log online at least one piece of reading material.
What is it: Tabletop Gaming Club is a space for building, painting, and tabletop miniature gaming. We primarily have capacity for Warhammer 40000, Warhammer 40000: Killteam, and Conquest: Last Argument of Kings. Students are free to build, paint, or game as they please, and we’ll periodically run tournaments and skills sessions.
When: 3:15pm - 5:15pm on Thursday afternoons during Term.
Where: English 1
What to bring: Nothing required, we have a small stock of club materials for students to use. If they have their own minis they’re welcome to bring them. Storage is available in English.
Academic Support and Clubs
The Glen Forrest campus academic support and clubs have had a few changes for Term Two. A broad range of services available to help you students succeed in their studies, including one-one-one tutoring, study groups and workshops remain a feature of the calendar. We also have a range of clubs and activities on offer, so there's something for everyone - including our brand new Tabletop Gaming Club (see below for more information). Come along and make the most of your last few weeks of Term Two. View the timetable here.
Noticeboard
Community Notices
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.
