Heads of Year Reflections 2024

Year 7 Highlights 2024

Mr Joshua Hoffman | Head of Year 7

The 2024 Year 7 cohort at The King's College embarked on an incredible journey this year, transitioning into secondary school with enthusiasm, resilience, and plenty of fun along the way. I am proud of them all and thankful to have had the chance to journey with them this year.  The adventure began in Term 4 of 2023 with Orientation Day, where students got to meet one another and their mentors. The day was filled with games and activities designed to build connections and ease nerves ahead of the 2024 school year.  The Prestart Day provided another important step in our students’ transition to secondary school. Students were equipped with their iPads, assigned lockers, and introduced to the school rules and procedures. Meeting their teachers and learning what to expect set them up for success.

Throughout the year, students participated in an exciting range of activities that fostered teamwork and strengthened friendships: 

• In Term 1, they visited Bounce in Cannington, enjoying an afternoon of high-energy trampolining.
• Term 2 brought the thrill of Laser Tag in Port Kennedy, where students teamed up for an action-packed experience.
• Term 3 featured a lively Quiz Night, testing their knowledge and bringing the cohort together for some friendly competition. 

The year culminated in the highly anticipated Year 7 Camp in Term 4 at the Baptist Campsite in Busselton. The camp featured beach walks, swimming, raft-building challenges, team games, and a fun-filled quiz night, offering students a chance to create lasting memories.

The Year 7 cohort has embraced their first year of secondary school with energy and positivity. They’ve built strong friendships, grown in confidence, and laid the foundation for continued success in the years to come.

Year 8 Highlights 2024

Mr Drew Walsh | Head of Year 8

Our Year 8 cohort in 2024 is a diverse group of students who have, for the most part, enjoyed a successful year.  It was obvious that improvements in maturity and responsibility had occurred over the summer and 2024 saw a shift in mindset for this group. 

It was pleasing to see greater participation levels across all interhouse competitions, with a number of Year 8’s being selected to represent The Kings College at an Interschool ACC level. A huge congratulations to all the students who competed; this was a fantastic opportunity to compete against some of the best athletes in the state.

Social events throughout the year were always well supported, and a huge thank you to all of the staff and students who attended some or all of these events. We are looking forward to more of the same in 2025 with even greater numbers on board.

A big shout out to our two Student Councillors from this year, Kirima Florens and Annabelle Gonzalez, who performed their roles with excellence and pride and always assisted with assemblies, student grievances and the promotion of upcoming events. Thank you, girls, for all your efforts this year.

Finally, to the entire cohort, thank you for keeping me busy over the last 6 months. Since joining the College as Head of Year 8, I have learned a lot and managed to build strong and positive relationships with the vast majority of you. I look forward to a productive and exciting 2025 and wish you all the very best for the festive season.

Year 9 Highlights 2024

Mr Jeremy Hubbard | Head of Year 9

2024 has been a standout year for our Year 9 cohort, marked by impressive growth, maturity, and success across various areas. The Year 9 Camp was a major highlight, with students demonstrating resilience, teamwork, and a positive spirit that made the experience memorable for both students and staff. We’ve seen a notable improvement in behaviour throughout the year, with fewer infringements and a significant increase in EPS points, reflecting the students’ commitment to making positive choices.

It’s been encouraging to witness more students actively attending the God and Pizza Bible Study, indicating a growing interest in spiritual discussions and community building. Overall, the reduction in behavioural concerns and class removals is a testament to the students’ developing maturity and their growing ability to take responsibility for their actions. It’s been a rewarding year seeing the progress of this group, and I’m excited to see how they will continue to develop in their senior years.

Year 10 Highlights 2024

Mr Mathew Asphar | Head of Year 10

The Year 10 Cohort of 2024 started as a group of immense promise, who returned to Term 1 under the false sense of security that this was to be the ‘fun’ year before Year 11. Despite having some fun highlights, this illusion was quickly replaced with the insight from their new Head of Year, Mr Asphar, that they were now in the ‘Big Leagues’ of High School, and on the precipice of adulthood, whether they liked it or not.

Throughout the year, the cohort operated under the principle of being ‘Blessed to be a Blessing’ whilst always striving to maintain their already established excellent reputation throughout the college. The Year 10 Assembly followed this theme with our bible reading being Matthew 5:1-12 and the Beatitudes.

As iron sharpens iron, the extra sense of responsibility that being in Year 10 brought the cohort, worked well with the student body. The student leadership group, led by Jasmin Dalgrin and Kiandra Hellema, excelled and went beyond what was expected in all that they did, both for the cohort, and for the College. This resulted in them gaining an unprecedented amount of official Student Leadership Positions in 2025, when they begin Year 11.

The social highlights for the Year 10s of 2024 were Ice Skating in Term 1, a Karaoke Night in Term 2, a movie night Fundraiser at the beginning of Term 4 and finally, the Year 10 River Cruise in Term 4.

A big thank you to the 2024 Year 10 PC Angels, who always offered tremendous advice, guidance and nurturing to the students. Shout out to Mrs Debbie Best, Miss Clair Nolan, Mrs Alyssa Kidd, Mrs Mary-Ann Koshy and Ms Sarah De Piazza for your continued excellence this year. Good luck next year, Year 10s of 2024 and remember:

“Be not be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21

“You don’t waste good, and you’re good” Gibbs Rule Number 5 – NCIS

ELE – Everybody love Everybody (not that love, the friendship love)

Year 11 Higlights 2024

Ms Erin East | Head of Year 11

As we come to the end of what has been a memorable and eventful year for our Year 11 cohort, I want to take a moment to reflect on the highlights and express my gratitude for the amazing journey we’ve shared so far.

This year has been filled with moments of joy, growth, and togetherness. Term 1 kicked off with an exciting laser tag outing, setting the tone for a year of fun and friendship. In Term 2, students enjoyed a relaxed Pyjama Movie Night, bringing with it connection and time to unwind. Term 3 brought us all together at the Forest Edge Camp, where the theme of being "Undefeated" stands out as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination you all have within you. This sentiment will serve as a source of strength as our Year 11s prepare for the challenges of their final year of school, reminding us that with perseverance, we can overcome anything. And, of course, in Term 4, the End of Year Beach & Bowling Day was a perfect way to celebrate the end of a wonderful year.

I would also like to extend my wholehearted thanks to the students who worked diligently on the Leaver’s Jacket Committee, bringing their creativity and enthusiasm to designing the final jacket, which I know we will wear proudly next year. Similarly, the students who volunteered their time to form the Senior Ball Committee deserve special mention for their dedication and hard work in planning every detail of the ball, from the venue and theme to fundraising efforts. Your commitment has been admirable and has helped to shape what will no doubt be one of the most memorable events of 2025. 

A huge thank you also goes to the outstanding form teachers, Mr Wilson, Mrs Plandran-Lane, and Mr Caizley, whose unwavering support, encouragement, and guidance have made all the difference this year. 

As our Year 11s prepare for their final year of school in 2025, know that it will be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. We’re excited to continue supporting them and creating memories in what promises to be an unforgettable final year. Wishing you all a restful and well-deserved holiday break. Here’s to a fantastic Year 12!

Year 12 Highlights 2024

Mrs Karin Au | Head of Year 12

As I reflect on my fourth year as Head of Year 12, I find myself experiencing mixed emotions. This role has been an incredible journey, filled with moments of joy, challenges, and immense pride. I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the two Pastoral Care Teachers, Ms Alyssia Rudd and Mr Damien t’Hart, who have been an integral part of the Year 12s’ journey. Their unwavering support, dedication, and care for our students have been truly invaluable. 

Throughout the year, we’ve shared many memorable experiences, from the fun-filled social events like ice skating and laser tag to the magical evening at the School Ball. These moments have not only brought us closer as a cohort but also reminded us of the importance of celebrating milestones together.

One of the highlights was the Farewell Assembly, where we reflected on the students' incredible growth and celebrated their achievements. It was a moment of gratitude and nostalgia, as we looked back on the journey that brought them to this point. Presentation Night was another unforgettable occasion, showcasing the hard work, determination, and talents of this remarkable group of young people.

What stands out most to me is witnessing the students reaching their potential. Each of them has demonstrated resilience and dedication, and it has been an honour to guide and support them through this significant chapter of their lives. Special thanks also go out to the College Captains, Eairn Santos and Beckham Cust, who have been exceptional leaders throughout the year. Their commitment, enthusiasm, and ability to inspire their peers have set a high standard for student leadership.

As I think about their future, I am reminded of Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” I hope they carry this message with them as they step into the next stage of their journey.  To the Year 12 class of 2024, thank you for the memories, the laughter, and the lessons you’ve taught me. I wish you every success in the years ahead.