Senior School

Being Persistent – Staying with the Challenge 

Persistence is the ability to keep going even when learning feels difficult. This can sometimes be particularly tough when students return from school holidays or when they have exams approaching. Struggle is the experience of deeper learning in action and is not a sign of failure. Persistence builds resilience, determination and a sense of achievement. 

In the classroom this may look like a teacher providing a student with feedback. This may look like guiding the next steps or encouraging the student to try again using a different approach.  

At home, you can support persistence by encouraging your young person to continue, even when it may feel uncomfortable or they may feel that they aren’t being ‘successful’. Some questions you may like to ask are:  

• “What was something hard today? How did you stick with it?” 
• “What helped you keep going?” 
• “What goal are you working towards this week?” 

These conversations normalise challenge and highlight the value of effort and perseverance. 

Shannon Armitage 

Director of Senior School (Teaching and Learning) 

Summary of Important Dates for Term 2

4 May – Year 11 2027 Course Selection Information Evening - Virtual

11 May – 29 - May Externally Set Tasks

19 May - Year 10 Student-Led Conferences - Virtual

25 May – 5 June - Year 11 and 12 Semester 1 Examinations

8 June – Years 8 & 9 Subject Selection Information Evening - Virtual

16 June - Year 11 Student-Led Conferences

26 June – Semester 2 reports made visible

Holidays- day before Term 3 starts

21 July – Year 10 2027 Family Course Counselling Day – On Campus

21 July – Years 7- 9 Student-Led Conferences – Virtual

OLNA – Round 1 – Term 3

The OLNA is an online literacy and numeracy assessment. It is designed to enable students to successfully meet the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) requirement of demonstrating the minimum standard of literacy and numeracy.

Students who have achieved the required standard of the three components of reading, writing and numeracy in their Year 9 NAPLAN 2025 are acknowledged as having demonstrated proficiency in using a range of ACSF Level 3 skills in that component and will not be required to sit the corresponding OLNA component.

Year 11, 12 and Year 10 students new to the College who have not met the minimum standard will be required to sit the OLNA Round in June 2026. Specific Testing dates will be sent to the relevant students and parents/guardians via email. Other Year 10 students who did not meet the standard in the OLNA testing conducted in Term 4 2025 will sit their second attempt in Term 3.  OLNA Information for Parents/Carers brochure is available online HERE.

Cyberbullying leaves a digital trail – and it’s Bigger than many parents realise

What happens online doesn’t just disappear. Every post, message, comment or image creates a digital footprint. Even when something is deleted, copies, screenshots or cached data can remain.  

This matters, because cyberbullying is increasing sharply. In Australia, reports to the eSafety Commissioner have risen by more than 450% in the past five years, with students entering secondary school (especially Years 7–9) among the most affected age groups.   

Cyberbullying often begins outside school hours but can quickly spill into classrooms, friendships and wellbeing. Helping young people understand their digital footprint and empowering families to act early is essential.  

If your child experiences cyberbullying: what parents can do  

Preserve the evidence  

• Phones and messaging apps: Take screenshots showing usernames, dates and messages.  
• Calls or messages: Contact your phone service provider if needed.  
• Serious threats or ongoing harassment: Report to WA Police.  

Report online content  

• Most social media platforms have simple reporting tools for harassment or inappropriate behaviour.  
• The Australian eSafety Commissioner can step in when content targets children or young people and platforms don’t act.  

Parent resources and step‑by‑step reporting help are available at eSafety Commissioner – Parents 

Our College also provides guidance for families on digital intelligence, online behaviour and cyber safety. Explore our resources through MyASC. 

Upcoming student workshops: learning from a leading expert  

We are pleased to welcome Paul Litherland OAM on Wednesday 3 June, when he will be delivering student workshops for Years 7–9.  

Who is Paul Litherland?  

• 2022 WA Australian of the Year  
• Former Western Australia Police Officer who worked in the Technology Crime Investigation Unit  
• Founder of Surf Online Safe  
• One of Australia’s most respected cyber safety educators, working with 850+ schools nationwide  
• Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his work in online safety education   

Paul’s sessions are practical, age‑appropriate and highly engaging, focusing on:  

• Digital footprints and online reputation  
• Cyberbullying and peer behaviour  
• Making safe, respectful choices online  
• What to do when something doesn’t feel right  

These workshops are a powerful complement to the conversations we encourage families to have at home.  

Together, schools and parents play a vital role in helping young people be safe, confident and respectful online.  

Jeanette Sealy 

Director of Senior School (Student Wellbeing)