A unique feature of working in a school is that each school year has a distinct beginning and end. This yearly cycle allows for moments of reflection of what has been and for anticipation of what is ahead. At the start of this year we welcomed many new students and families to the College and there was an energy across both campuses as students forged new friendships as they found their tribes and settled into the new school year.
Reflecting today, I can see just how far all of our students have grown academically, emotionally and socially throughout the year. I am sure that parents and guardians have also seen tremendous growth in their children also.
Our College proudly declares that we strive to provide a balanced education program with a wide range of opportunities for students to learn and develop as young people. In order to provide these opportunities, there are many adults who support our learning program beyond the classroom and I would like to thank every teacher, staff member and parent volunteer who helped us provide enriching experiences for our students which have included sporting events, artistic performances, leadership opportunities, art shows, excursions, and many other activities.
Sadly, at the end of each year we also farewell those who are moving on from our community. To all of the students and families, I wish you all the very best for whatever comes next for you. We do have a number of staff moving on also and I would like to thank Tim Hayward, Jasmine Watts, Lidija Spiroska, Josh Tedjasaputra, Mercedes Mucciarone and David Castaldini for all they have brought to the College. Best wishes for the next chapters in your careers and lives.
In closing, I would like to express my gratitude to Ty Theodore, the Chair of the Helena College Council, and all Council members for their unwavering support and guidance throughout this school year. Their commitment has been instrumental in shaping the success and spirit of Helena College.
As we approach the holiday season, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to all our students, staff, and families. May your holidays be filled with joy, laughter, and moments of restful reflection. I eagerly anticipate the return of our students to the Darlington and Glen Forrest Campuses on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.
Peter Coombs, Principal
Child Safe
Child Safety | Justin Pitt, Head of Senior School
School holidays are a time for children to take a break from their daily routines, and spend it with families and friends. There are also opportunities for older children to start exploring their independence and freedoms. It is in these times when children are away from their trusted networks that they need to understand when they are feeling unsafe and recognise their early warning signs that something might not be right and take action to become safe again. Self awareness, resilience and a responsibility for self are important parts of the protective behaviors process.
It is important as educators and parents to continue to promote the theme that young people do have the right to feel safe and they can talk to a trusted adult about anything. It is important young people re-visit, especially during school holiday times when routines can be a little different, who is on their trusted network and who they can approach if they need someone to talk to. Holiday periods often provide parents with opportunities to have conversations with children about staying safe and to talk about strategies young people can use when dealing with potentially unsafe situations.
I would like to wish all students a safe and happy summer holiday and I look forward to seeing everyone in 2024.
Have a wonderful break!
Justin Pitt, Head of Senior Campus
Leadership
Director of Upper School | Craig Hillman
WISHING YOU A SAFE AND RELAXING HOLIDAY
As we arrive at the end of the 2023 School year, I would like to reflect on our College values and highlight those on display among the student body.
Care and compassion when tackling a challenging problem, whether it is in class or between friends; Integrity and responsibility when coping with room changes to accommodate exams and camps; Respect for self, others and our surroundings by working hard to develop respectful relationships and moderate our behaviour in and out of the classroom; and Inclusivity and participation as we take advantage of new leadership and learning opportunities offered at the College.
These values underpin the College, and all combine to strengthen every aspect of school life. Visitors to the College always comment on the calm and purposeful atmosphere our whole school community has created at Helena. This atmosphere is partly due to how our students engage with the College values.
I would like to thank all parents and guardians for their support this year. Thank you all for your continued engagement with the College. Without open lines of communication between home and school, we would be unable to bring out the best together or achieve so much collectively. I look forward to your continued cooperation in 2024.
Finally, I wish our 2023 Leavers and their families all the best on their post-Helena journey and know that great things are in their futures. To those leaving Upper School at the end of this academic year, I wish you well and say that you will always be part of the Helena College community. We look forward to hearing about your future successes.
I wish you a wonderful and relaxing holiday.
Craig Hillman | Director of Upper School
YEAR 12 RETREAT - Sunday, 28 January to Tuesday, 30 January 2024
Day 1 - Sunday, 28 January
Morning Depart Helena 11.00 am. Travel by hire bus to St George's College and settle into accommodation.
Afternoon Lunch at accommodation Team building games and activities.
Evening Dinner Camp activities and wellbeing sessions for the year ahead.
Day 2 - Monday, 29 January
Morning Breakfast at accommodation. Travel to Rottnest. Rotation of compulsory activities - Surfing, Cycling, and Snorkelling (plus plenty of free time)
Afternoon Lunch on Rottnest - at the student's expense. Return to the accommodation with Rottnest Express and hire bus.
Evening Dinner at accommodation Camp activities and wellbeing sessions for the year ahead.
Day 3 - Tuesday, 30 January
Morning Breakfast at accommodation. Exit accommodation and begin a tour of the UWA campus.
Afternoon Travel via hire bus to Karawara Food Hall for Lunch. Bus to Curtin. Tour of Curtin University Campus. Return to Helena College by bus at 3.00 pm.
Year 12s return to school on Sunday, 28 January, at 10.30 am. Students begin their school year with the Year 12 Retreat. The Retreat is designed to start the year on a positive note, enhance their study skills, refocus on the challenges ahead, and build a sense of group cohesiveness and identity.
TIME - Students arrive at the College at 10.30 am in time for an 11.00 am departure.
WEAR - Casual dress day guidelines apply at St George's and for university visits. Beach attire is appropriate for Rottnest.
THINGS TO BRING
Please be advised that St George's College supplies all bedding. A sleeping bag, sheet to cover the mattress and pillowcase are optional.
Water bottle
Small daypack for Rottnest and university visits
Pen for writing
Bathers and beach towel
Towel and soap
Comfortable clothes to cater for all weather (hot/cold)
Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent (if you don’t like the College ones)
Personal medication (as prescribed by GP and stated on the medical form)
Mobile phone
Power board (to share between friends for charging phones, cameras etc.)
Closed-in shoes for cycling while on Rottnest. (Students will not be allowed to ride if they don't bring closed-in shoes)
Bicycle helmets must be worn at all times whilst riding on Rottnest. If you don't want to wear the Rottnest Express hire ones, please bring your own helmet and ensure that you have it with your day pack on Sunday.
Snacks
Money for free time expenses on Rottnest as well as for LUNCH on MONDAY and TUESDAY
REMEMBER TO: Sign the e-permission form.
Details of the three-day Retreat are on SEQTA>School Documents>Camps, excursions, incursions>GFC>Year 12 Retreat Information
Year 12 Retreat FAQs
Is the Year 12 Retreat compulsory? All camps at Helena are compulsory. It's a fantastic opportunity for students to come together, create lasting memories, and make the most of their final year at school
Why is the camp in the School Holidays? The Year 12 Retreat has always taken place during the school holidays. While there were a couple of exceptions in 2020, 2021 (Covid affected), and 2022, the Retreat has been held before the start of the school year or held in the second week of the September School holidays.
Why did it move? Great question! We made the shift because we removed the academic year rollover.
Why are students not staying on Rottnest? Rottnest is fantastic, but during the January holiday period, bookings for school groups are closed. Not to worry, though—students still get to enjoy the same awesome activities, from surfing lessons to snorkelling and the Island Bike Ride.
Why are we staying at St George’s College? St George’s offers direct access to Fremantle for our Ferry Rides on Monday and fantastic, plentiful meals that will leave everyone satisfied. The air-conditioned rooms and ensuite facilities ensure comfort, and the Dining Hall even has a touch of Hogwarts magic. The accommodation and food are superior in every way to Kingstown Barracks.
Why do students have to stay with their Homeroom? They are only required to be with their Homeroom while engaging in the Island activities. Students stay with their Homeroom teacher and the appropriate medical kit to avoid any mix-ups and ensure everyone has a fantastic time without any worries. It's all about creating a safe environment for everyone involved.
FIRST DAY OF 2024 SCHOOL YEAR - Wednesday 31 January
Normal Classes commence.
Please support the College and aid your child's transition back to school by ensuring that hair, dress lengths, shirt size, shoes, jewellery, and other uniform standards are adhered to. We have a smart-looking, comfortable, and easy-to-wear uniform, and I thank families for their ongoing support of our College's values and standards.
Class of 2024 Student Drivers – a reminder
Any Year 12 student of legal driving age who intends to drive to school, either regularly or occasionally, must comply with the College policy and is required to complete the student vehicle permission form. The form can be downloaded from SEQTA. In addition, the parent of any passenger in that vehicle must also give their permission to travel in said vehicle.
Driving to school is a privilege, not a right, and it carries with it a number of responsibilities outlined in the following conditions, along with the general duty of care.
Owing to the restricted number of parking bays, only Year 12 students may park their vehicle on the College grounds and only in the calendar year they graduate. Students are required to adhere to all road rules and drive safely and responsibly.
Students are only to use their car for travelling to and from school and must seek permission to access their vehicle during school hours.
The speed limit upon entry to the school is 10kph.
Students are not permitted to drive out of the school grounds during the day (except during examination periods after an exam has finished). The car's make and registration details must be recorded with the school.
A complete list of conditions and Vehicle Permission Forms are available from the GFC administration. Thank you in advance for your understanding and for helping us manage the traffic flow on the Glen Forrest Campus.
2024 STUDENT COUNCIL
Our 2024 Student Councillors have already set their sights on enhancing the student experience at Helena in 2024. While juice boxes, Chupa Chups and Zooper Doopers might have pleased the bellies of our Student Leaders, the real work on the day was done during workshops and activities to develop their leadership, team building and communication skills.
I am sure that our 2024 Student Councillors will enjoy their well-deserved break ahead of the commencement of the new school year. I am equally confident that the planning started during our planning day on Monday, 4 December, will continue to ensure the work done by our new School Captains will be the best ever. I look forward to seeing them grow and develop and how their efforts translate into an even better student experience.
Title
Student
Head Students
Maya Armitage and Hannah Kelly
Academic Captain
Amelia Mirco
Environment Captain
Amelie Flynn
Middle School Captain
Emma Thompson
Student Council Secretary
Kyle Piesse
Wellbeing Captain
Lexi Andrews
Arts Captains
Amber Weir and Imi Young
Sports Captains
Tom Hayward and Jasmine Williams
Cardan House Captains
Ruby Hercik-Saul and Caitlyn Ludlow
Kiara House Captains
Elizabeth McBride and Jye Stephens
Waughul House Captains
Bria Pitt and Jayme Thomas
YEAR 10 END-OF-YEAR CELEBRATION DAY
Homeroom-based games, friendly House competition and a cupcake. What a way to start the day End of Year 10 Celebration Day. We capped the morning off with a short film highlighting the great Year 10 moments across 2023. A big thanks to Ella for putting that together.
After a quick outfit change into Summer Vibes themed outfits, the students boarded the Party Buses for Barrack Street Jetty and a three-hour cruise on Perth Water.
A trip down the river to the tunes of the four-piece House Band, a Subway lunch, soft drinks, sunscreen, and dancing, was a wonderful way to send our Year 10s off on their summer holiday.
I extend a big thank you to Mrs Williams and Mrs Kelly in the Front Office for their hard work behind the scenes and to Year 10 Homeroom Teachers for their support on the day.
SCHOOL SHOES
Black leather school shoe
Please remember when purchasing school footwear for the new year that students must wear an acceptable black leather lace-up school shoe before you head out for the post-Christmas sales.
Our Uniform Policy states that the College expects all students to develop a high standard of dress. Please note that neither the Vans® style black leather or canvas shoe, the Nike Air Force 1, nor a Mary Jane style meets the high standard of dress expected by the College.
Head of Junior School | Greg Miller
Term 4 is traditionally fast-paced, and this year has been no exception! So much so, and by way of reminder, we are in the final full month of the 2023 school year - so thank you for your ongoing efforts, understanding, patience and support.
World Teacher’s Day | 2023 This term, we celebrated World Teacher’s Day! Here at Helena College, we acknowledge every staff member for working tirelessly as they endeavour to meet the needs of each student and family. A scrumptious morning tea was shared together, where everyone’s efforts were collectively acknowledged and thanked.
Darlington Arts Festival (DAF) | 2023 What a great time was had recently at this annual festival. Our students were stars on stage as they sang and danced - representing the College superbly! The Helena College stand and Darlington Oval itself was buzzing with displays of artworks, foods, craft, homewares, rides and so on. Thank you to all who were able to attend and share in this wonderful occasion - and we are already looking forward to DAF 2024!
Orientation Days Our recent orientation days were yet again a huge success. These occasions are a rewarding way for our College to showcase the importance we place on a quality early education experience. Whilst parents and families will always remain a child’s first educator, schools certainly take on an essential role and, in partnership with families, foster and develop educational understandings and social skills.
Three weeks remaining - a strong finish With our College continuing to be a busy place (and planning for 2024 well underway) we have many exciting events between now and the final day of Term 4, including Elective Showcases (Drama, Art and Pottery), Carols Concert, Electives Assembly, ELC Christmas Activities, Year 5 Celebration Evening, and end of year excursions. Please aim to maintain consistent routines with your child(ren) - particularly until the end of the academic year.
Carols Evening | 2023 It is with much excitement that we look forward to seeing families at next Friday’s carols evening which is being held at our Glen Forrest Campus (oval) on 24 November 2023. Please refer to the invitation that has been previously emailed to families.
Best wishes for a magnificent weekend.
Greg Miller | Head of Junior School Kindergarten to Year 5
Junior School | Darlington Campus
ELC Water Fun Day
The Kindergarten and Pre-Primary children participated in the annual ELC Water Fun Day. All of the children arrived at school in their bathers, and were very excited to get started.
The children visited lots of different water based stations in small groups. They got to dig for treasures in frozen ice blocks, and fish for letters and numbers. They also enjoyed some water pistol fights, they used the boats in the tunnels and ponds, blew bubbles, and made sand sculptures with wet sand. However, one of the most popular stations was the water slide that was set up down the hill. This was super slippery, and the children loved zooming down as fast as they could.
Thank you very much to the parents who helped out by supervising the children at the stations, and for packing away all of the equipment afterwards. We would not be able to run such a successful and fun day without all of your help.
Kelly Sorensen and Vashti Vaughn, ELC Teachers
Guiding the Way
Organised by Laura Ryder (Year 4 parent) the Year 4 cohort was visited by OJ and Thomas – two Labrador pups from Guide Dogs WA. The trainers will have the pups for a year before they return to Guide Dogs for their official seeing eye dog training. The Year 4s learnt more about the role of guide dogs, and the valuable role they play in helping others. As service dogs in training and need to be fully socialised to all the environments that they will need to work in as guide dogs, so it was also an opportunity for the pups to learn! The Year 4s thoroughly enjoyed this special visit.
Senior School | Glen Forrest Campus
Alpaca Picnic
Recently Year 6 Students designed and created their own menu and invites for their Alpaca Picnic. Each group dressed up to match their theme. The eagle-eyed judges were on hand to pick the best picnic. The students were very excited to see their picnic ideas come alive, and with a special appearance from a few very real alpacas, it was a day in the Year 6 area to remember.
The Curtain falls on Drama Club for 2023
Students lives are always so busy and structured, it’s been wonderful seeing our enthusiastic dramaturges being freely creative with their friends, and making new friends in this environment. This year we workshopped various scripts, including the three witches scene from MacBeth. Mostly Drama Club has been about being playful with improvisation, games and building confidence performing. Our Year 12 Arts Captains joined students in Drama Club in Term One, before refocussing back to their studies.
Thea O'Keeffe, Head of the Arts
Digital Photography
Year 9
Students had to create Digital Photography portfolios with photos related to a teenage issue that they chose to represent. They learnt to do so by discovering the conventions of four main styles: Macro, Landscape, Portrait, and Black and White. They had to design their images and think of symbols that can aid in their representation. Students had to choose a celebrity with a large social media following who is currently spreading awareness about a similar issue to the one student’s chose. Here are a some of the images for your viewing pleasure.
Daniel Hortense, Digital Photography Teacher
Year 10 Advanced
Students were tasked with creating their own ‘Surreal’ themed images. They had to use at least 4 photos they took themselves and Adobe Photoshop to edit these photos together to create one seamlessly blended image. Here are some of their awesome works
French Culture
La bûche de Noël
Year 6 French students loved their end-of-year cultural activity: making the traditional French Christmas log (Bûche de Noël) whilst listening to French Christmas songs. Their creativity and enthusiasm resulted in some real masterpieces’ The smiles show how much they enjoyed having a go at trying out traditions from another culture.
Les Gaufres de Noël
As part of the Year 7 French course this semester, we offered students the opportunity to taste Belgium waffles. Having mentioned the topic of 'food' throughout the year, this was a great opportunity for students to enhance their cultural awareness of Francophone countries. All the students had lots of fun and produced great works of art on the theme of Christmas. They devoured their waffles and completed a Christmas Sudoku whilst listening to French Christmas themed music.
Le Petit Déjeuner Français
As part of the Year 8 French course this semester, we invited students to take part in a typical French breakfast. Having mentioned the topic of “food” throughout the year, this was a great opportunity for students to enhance their cultural awareness. They were served a freshly baked croissant, a freshly baked pain au chocolat, a glass of orange juice and a hot chocolate. They were taught about the art of dunking but not everyone was convinced.
Outdoor Education Wrap
Another year has come to a close in Outdoor Education, but not before some final fun was had by the Year 9, 10 and 11 Outdoor Education classes.
Firstly, the Year 11’s finished the year off with some abseiling and climbing down at Boya Quarry. Students had the chance to attempt four different abseils around the quarry, including the huge 55m main face, before closing the year with a couple of climbing sessions.
The Year 10 Roping class moved onto some outdoor climbing before having once last session at Summit Climbing in Malaga. One of the highlights of the year was watching experienced climber Daisy Grey completing some lead climbs in the last session at the centre. Students ended their year with a modified excursion to the Adrenaline Vault in Belmont, with students spending a couple of hours bouldering (and playing chess in between) on the challenging climbs set up around the gym. With such a hot day, a nice cooling off swim was had by all at Bilgoman Pool to finish up the day.
Lastly, the Year 9 Outdoor Education classes have enjoyed the final weeks of the year completing a bunch of taster sessions, ranging from Orienteering at Whiteman Park, to Canoeing at Fishmarket Reserve, Abseiling at Boya Quarry and Climbing at Summit Climbing. A great way to end their year and hopefully this has sparked some future interest in these endeavours for some of the students.
Year 9 Visual Arts
Landscape painting is a practice that spans back to primitive times and has evolved in style and technique over the centuries. Year 9 students drew a series of landscape compositions and features, before creating a mixed media painting on a textured surface of sand glued onto boards. The objective was to convey the illusion of space and atmospheric depth through varying tones, colours, and levels of detail. As a concluding element of the project, students produced sets of gift cards from printed photographs of their paintings. This practical exercise aimed to develop their artistic skills and provide insight into the evolution of landscape painting as an art form.
2023 Senior School Award Recipients
Thank you to all those who joined us in celebrating with our Senior School students (Years 6 to 11) at the Awards Night on Thursday 7 December. Our school’s mission states that we are a school with high expectations for learning and the awards being presented on the night are recognition for those students who have worked hard throughout the year to meet this goal. Evenings like this help to build a culture that values each student's academic journey towards being the best they can be.
Year 6
First Name
Surname
Award Category
Lemoni
Bates
Outstanding Academic Effort
Ruby
Czerw
Outstanding Academic Effort
Imogen
Fysh
Outstanding Academic Effort
Evie
Kemp
Outstanding Academic Effort
Orla
O’Neill
Outstanding Academic Effort
Mika
Otsuka
Outstanding Academic Effort
Isla
Sorensen
Outstanding Academic Effort
Amelia
Taaffe
Outstanding Academic Effort
Rosie
Thomas
Outstanding Academic Effort
Scarlett
Woodgate
Outstanding Academic Effort
Harrison
Yurisich
Outstanding Academic Effort
Bo
Alves
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Isla
Broad
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Oliver
Charlton
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Sophia
Clare
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Constance
Daykin
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Emilia
Deluca Cardillo
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Emily
Hahn
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Nora
Halim
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Réka
Leggett
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Niamh
McEwen
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Jacinta
Quartemaine
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Carlo
Ridolfo
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Zade
Sadler
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Clara
Tang
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Sandy
Turley
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Aaliyah
Ussi
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Ffion
Vance
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Lemoni
Bates
Citizenship
Réka
Leggett
Citizenship
Year 7
First Name
Surname
Award Category
Oscar
Ben-Ary
Outstanding Academic Effort
Faith
Brock
Outstanding Academic Effort
Poppy
Brock
Outstanding Academic Effort
Hannah
Maslen
Outstanding Academic Effort
Jack
Mullan
Outstanding Academic Effort
Eloise
Smith
Outstanding Academic Effort
Callum
Theodore
Outstanding Academic Effort
Henry
Young
Outstanding Academic Effort
Darcy
Dinka
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Samuel
Elliott-Smart
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Chella
Emin
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Neve
Graves
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Cadence
Greenup
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Charlotte
Hayward
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Sienna
Hedley
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Sen
Masek
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Chelsea
Pattison
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Olivia
Ridolfo
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Alicia
Solino Merat
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Sian
Turley
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Sofia
Wakeling
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Sienna
Hedley
Citizenship
Olivia
Ridolfo
Citizenship
Sian
Turley
Citizenship
Year 8
First Name
Surname
Award Category
Mia
Beard
Outstanding Academic Effort
Molly
Birleson
Outstanding Academic Effort
Olivia
Buckingham
Outstanding Academic Effort
Willow
Burr
Outstanding Academic Effort
Jaida
Clarke
Outstanding Academic Effort
Zakariya
Jeewa
Outstanding Academic Effort
Nate
Marriner
Outstanding Academic Effort
Holly
Marsh
Outstanding Academic Effort
Paige
Monger
Outstanding Academic Effort
Makady
Smith
Outstanding Academic Effort
Seraphina
Uppal-Betts
Outstanding Academic Effort
Evelyn
Daykin
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Tiagh
Flynn
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Freya
Gray
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Emily
Moffitt
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Madeline
Pitt
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Lani
Quirk
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Bailey
Ryan
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Kayella
Serrano
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Chelsea
Springbett
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Violet
Taaffe
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Fife
Trent
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Evelyn
Daykin
Citizenship
Emily
Moffitt
Citizenship
Bailey
Ryan
Citizenship
Chelsea
Springbett
Citizenship
Year 9
First Name
Surname
Award Category
Patrick
Attwood
Outstanding Academic Effort
Eliot
Brown
Outstanding Academic Effort
Lance
Greenup
Outstanding Academic Effort
Amelia
Hayes-Middleton
Outstanding Academic Effort
Megan
Mackenzie
Outstanding Academic Effort
Elena
Parkinson
Outstanding Academic Effort
Anoushka
Sharma
Outstanding Academic Effort
Flynn
Theodore
Outstanding Academic Effort
Laura
Thompson
Outstanding Academic Effort
Anna
van Rensburg
Outstanding Academic Effort
Cade
Young
Outstanding Academic Effort
Hannah
Brownell
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Shenae
Errington
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Audrey
Franzi
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Ginta
Fujinami
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Yuki
Fujinami
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Zoe
Fulker
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Abby
Jansen
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Veronique
Leclezio
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Romy
Lenz
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Rivalee
McEwen
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Sierra
Norman
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Stephanie
Santos
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Anya
Simpson
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Reagan
Smith
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Beatrice
Stevens
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Stella
Young
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Shenae
Errington
Citizenship
Ginta
Fujinami
Citizenship
Veronique
Leclezio
Citizenship
Stephanie
Santos
Citizenship
Stella
Young
Citizenship
Zachary
Alves
Year 9 Project Excellence Award
Hannah
Brownell
Year 9 Project Excellence Award
Liam
Cowburn
Year 9 Project Excellence Award
Tayla
Edwards
Year 9 Project Excellence Award
Annalie
Gray
Year 9 Project Excellence Award
Veronique
Leclezio
Year 9 Project Excellence Award
Romy
Lenz
Year 9 Project Excellence Award
Megan
Mackenzie
Year 9 Project Excellence Award
Rivalee
McEwen
Year 9 Project Excellence Award
Elena
Parkinson
Year 9 Project Excellence Award
Stephanie
Santos
Year 9 Project Excellence Award
Anya
Simpson
Year 9 Project Excellence Award
Reagan
Smith
Year 9 Project Excellence Award
Lyla
Snape
Year 9 Project Excellence Award
Stella
Young
Year 9 Project Excellence Award
Year 10
First Name
Surname
Award Category
Charlotte
Bailey
Outstanding Academic Effort
Dante
Crean
Outstanding Academic Effort
Keira
Fraser
Outstanding Academic Effort
Samuel
Friedrichs
Outstanding Academic Effort
Cooper
Marriner
Outstanding Academic Effort
Lily
McBride
Outstanding Academic Effort
Benjamin
Phelan-Mould
Outstanding Academic Effort
Frank
Vinton
Outstanding Academic Effort
Daisy
Williams
Outstanding Academic Effort
Victoria
Baddock
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Thalia
Buckingham
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Ella
Danvers
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Daisy
Gray
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Sarah
Major
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Isabel
Middleton
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Ella
Parish
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Sam
Ryan
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Megan
Sargent
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Téa
Sills
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Abigail
Smith
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Luke
Sutherland
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Eliaine
Watson
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Ella
Danvers
Citizenship
Sam
Ryan
Citizenship
Megan
Sargent
Citizenship
Téa
Sills
Citizenship
Ella
Danvers
ADF Long Tan Award
Abigail
Smith
Mme Cameron Languages Award
Year 11
First Name
Surname
Award Category
Hugo
Aloi
Outstanding Academic Effort
Lexi
Andrews
Outstanding Academic Effort
Jessica
Bates
Outstanding Academic Effort
Lily
Gould
Outstanding Academic Effort
Ruby
Hercik-Saul
Outstanding Academic Effort
Caitlyn
Ludlow
Outstanding Academic Effort
Ziva
Manton
Outstanding Academic Effort
Toby
Materne
Outstanding Academic Effort
Elizabeth
McBride
Outstanding Academic Effort
Kyle
Piesse
Outstanding Academic Effort
Jayme
Thomas
Outstanding Academic Effort
Sebastian
Wood
Outstanding Academic Effort
Oskar
Buss
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Isabella
Crean
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Ned
Crozier
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Hannah
Kelly
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Amelia
Mirco
Outstanding Academic Achievement
James
Muir
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Chloe
Smith
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Mackenzie
Taylor
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Imogen
Young
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Isabella
Crean
Biology ATAR
Jamie
Byrne
Business Management and Enterprise General
Meaghan
O'Connell
Careers and Enterprise General
Ned
Crozier
Chemistry ATAR
Oskar
Buss
Engineering ATAR
Ned
Crozier
Engineering ATAR
Kyle
Piesse
Engineering General
Isabella
Crean
English ATAR
Jamie
Byrne
English General
Elizabeth
McBride
Food Technology General
Amelia
Mirco
French ATAR
Chloe
Smith
Geography ATAR
Hannah
Kelly
Human Biology ATAR
Mackenzie
Taylor
Indonesian Second Language ATAR
Isabella
Crean
Literature ATAR
Jamie
Byrne
Mathematics Essential General
Cameron
Mackenzie
Mathematics Applications
Imogen
Young
Mathematics Applications
James
Muir
Mathematics Methods ATAR
no
award
Mathematics Specialist ATAR
Darby
Raddon
Media Production and Analysis ATAR
Sebastian
Wood
Media Production and Analysis ATAR
Imogen
Young
Modern History ATAR
Oskar
Buss
Outdoor Education General
Hannah
Kelly
Physical Education Studies ATAR
Jayme
Thomas
Physical Education Studies General
Ned
Crozier
Physics ATAR
James
Muir
Physics ATAR
Amelia
Mirco
Politics and Law ATAR
Mackenzie
Taylor
Psychology General
Imogen
Young
Visual Arts ATAR
Benjamin
Collet
Visual Arts General
Darby
Raddon
Visual Arts General
Jasmine
Williams
Beugge Award
Caitlyn
Ludlow
Sports Development Award
2024 Student Council
First Name
Surname
Portfolio
Maya
Armitage
Head Students
Hannah
Kelly
Head Students
Emma
Thompson
Middle School Captain
Kyle
Piesse
Student Council Secretary
Amelia
Mirco
Academic Captain
Amelie
Flynn
Environment Captain
Lexi
Andrews
Wellbeing Captain
Jasmine
Williams
Sports Captain
Tom
Hayward
Sports Captain
Amber
Weir
Arts Captain
Imi
Young
Arts Captains
Caitlyn
Ludlow
Cardan
Ruby
Hercik-Saul
Cardan
Elizabeth
McBride
Kiara
Jye
Stephens
Kiara
Bria
Pitt
Waughul
Jayme
Thomas
Waughul
Staff News
Staffing Changes for 2024
Farewell
We wish to ackowledge the following staff members who will be leaving the College.
Tim Hayward - Senior School Head of Year 9
Mersades Murciano - Junior Education Assistant (Mersades will remain as Dance instructor)
Lidjia Spiroska
Josh Tedjasaputra
Dave Castledine - retiring
Welcome
Susan Foot - Junior School Educational Assistant (Year 1)
Chris Dunne - Senior School Science Teacher
Dee-Ann Couglan - Senior School English Teacher
Lea Duffour - Senior School French Teacher
Fabienne Clicteur - Senior School Mathematics Teacher
Extended Leave
Daniel Hortense - Digital Technologies and Media Teacher - LSL Term One
Warren Beckwith - Mathematics Teacher - one year sabbatical
Staff Changes - Junior School
Dannii Powell - DC Education Assistant - moves to Year 3
Donna Fox - DC Education Assistant - moves to Kindergarten
Ashlee Gibson - DC Education Assistant moves from fixed term to permanent
Staff Changes - Senior School
Matthew Perrin - Digital Technologies and Media Teacher (LSL cover for Daniel Hortense)
Sara Settelmiaer - Taking on the role of Head of Year 9 from Tim Hayward
Welcome back!
Rebecca Ewing - Head of English returns from parental leave
Belwyn Fairclough - Physical Education Teacher returns from parental leave
Admin Notices
Key Dates for 2024
The Glen Forrest Campus Administration (Senior School Y6-12) opening hours during the summer break are as follows:
Monday 11 December to Friday 15 December - 9am - 3pm Monday 18 December to Friday 19 January - closed Monday 22 January to Friday 26 January - 9am to 3pm Monday 29 January - normal office hours resume 8.15am to 4.15pm
The Darlington Campus Administration (Junior School K-Y5) will be closed until Wednesday 31 January.
For urgent enquiries during this time, please contact the Glen Forrest Campus.
Summer Holiday Office Hours
Commencement Dates
The following information details the commencement of our 2024 academic year:
Pre-primary to Year 12 | Wednesday 31 January 2024
Kindergarten (Group B - Thursday and Friday) | Thursday 1 February 2024
Kindergarten (Group A - Monday and Tuesday) | Monday 5 February 2024
2024 Term Dates
2024 Term Dates
Term 1: Wednesday 31 January to Thursday 28 March
Term 2: Monday 15 April to Friday 28 June
Term 3: Monday 15 July (staff only) | Tuesday 16 July (students) to Friday 20 September
Term 4: Monday 7 October to Thursday 5 December
Parent Directory
We are pleased to announce that a handy new module has been added to the Parent Lounge. The new Parent Directory is a more secure option than the traditional 'Phone Trees' and allows parents more control over their inclusion and what information is shared. The Parent Directory offers the following:
As the Parent Lounge is password protected, it means any data you choose to share is safer than in a shared online document
You can choose whether your information is to be included
You can choose which information you would like to make available to other parents
You can easily change your preferences at any time
If your contact details change, you only need change them in one place - the system will automatically update the Parent Directory and College records
Only other members of your child's classroom (K-Y5)/homeroom (Y6-12) will be able to see your details if you choose to be involved
The current Phone Trees will continue to operate for the remainder of 2023. However, we encourage families to log in to the Parent Lounge before the end of the year, and explore the Parent Directory options and perhaps give it a test run.
This video (which is also available in the links section of the Parent Lounge) demonstrates how to include your details in the Parent Directory.
The Parent Directory is intended to be a beneficial way to help families keep in touch with each other, connect new and existing families, and for those with younger children, arrange play dates!
If you choose to participate in the Parent Directory now, please be aware that you may be among the first to sign up and may not see other parents' details immediately - give it some time to allow others to choose their level of participation. Please note that you can choose to withdraw your details at any time.
NOTE: It is not possible for the Helena College to maintain the parent contact information that is displayed in the Parent Directory. It is the responsibility of each parent as to whether they participate in the directory and what information they make public.
Year 12 Notices
Reflections Yearbook
The yearbooks will be sent home with the youngest child in each family today. If your Year 12 student is the youngest in your family, you can collect your copy from Administration at the Glen Forrest Campus during holiday opening hours, which are:
Friday 8 December - closed
Monday 11 December to Friday 15 December - 9am to 3pm
Monday 18 December to Friday 19 January - closed
Monday 22 January to Friday 26 January - 9am to 3pm
Monday 29 January - normal office hours resume - 8.15am to 4.15pm
Graduation Photos Reminder
The photos taken at Graduation by 3P Photography are available online. For your reference, the details to view and download are:
This year marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Helena College Council Inc. Foundation Council member, Sally Herzfeld, has shared her recollections from 1973, when the College (then known as the Helena School), took that important step forward.
Reflections Yearbook
The yearbook will be sent home with the youngest student in each family on Thursday 7 December. For families where the youngest child is in Years 10, 11 or 12, the yearbook will be available for collection during the holiday office hours (see below), or in Week 1 of Term 1 2024.
Noticeboard
Noticeboard
Community Noticeboard
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.
Perm-a-pleat Trading Hours
Eye to Eye Photographic Competition
As part of its 40th year celebrations, the Lions Eye Institute is running the Eye to Eye Photographic Competition in Western Australia.
Entries are open 6 December 2023 to 16 January 2024. There are four categories focused on eyes and eye health.
Entries are open to Western Australian residents and there is an Under 18 category called Seeing Through a Child’s Eye, with a $500 cash prize to be won.
If you are looking for a creative opportunity over the school holidays - take your best Western Australian photo of human eyes, animal eyes or show us the world through your eyes.
For students involved in last year's Mosaic program, you are invited to attend the official presentation of the mosaic borders at Darlington Community Garden. This event will occur Wednesday 24 January.
At this point in time, not all mosaics have been placed, but those that have will be able to be photographed with the creator and the mosaic in place. Those not yet used will be placed in other areas of the garden at a later date.
Perth Hills United Football Club
Athletics Clinic - Sprinting Fast
International Sports Camps
Learn to Sail - Tackers Course
Master Mind Australia - January Preparation Program
The program is divided into two distinct and separate courses. The programs will be held at Christ Church Grammar School (Claremont) and Hale School (Wembley Downs) campuses.
TRANSITION SKILLS PROGRAM
For all students in year 6 (2023) entering secondary school for the first time in 2024 (year 7) NAPLAN preparation year 7 Subject Revision – 6 hours
MIDDLE SCHOOL PREPARATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
For students in years 8 to 9 Study Skills – 6 hours Essay Writing – 6 hours Subject Revision – 6 hours NAPLAN Preparation for year 9
SENIOR SCHOOL PREPARATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
For students in years 10 to 12 Study Skills – 6 hours Essay Writing – 6 hours Subject Revision – 6 hours Master Mind Australia would also like to offer Helena College students and families a 20% discount per subject.
Website: mastermindaustralia.com.auMaster Mind Australia’s January Preparation Program is divided into two distinct and separate courses. The programs will be held at Christ Church Grammar School (Claremont) and Hale School (Wembley Downs) campuses.
