Secondary School

Values & Christian Service (VACS)

Every Wednesday in Secondary School, staff and students participate in our VACS program.

This term, Years Seven to Nine students are competing in House Sport, while Years Ten to Twelve students are participating in a range of Arts activities. Some of these activities contribute to House points, while others are undertaken purely for enjoyment and skill development.

Years Seven to Nine are competing in volleyball, netball, basketball, touch rugby and softball.

For our senior students, activities include Battle of the Bands, debating, cooking, creative writing, dance, Photoshop, painting, woodwork, textiles and many other exciting opportunities.

Students were asked last week to nominate their VACS preferences, and activities commenced on Wednesday of this week.

VACS is designed to provide students with an opportunity to try new things, expand their comfort zones, and build strong, positive relationships with both peers and staff in a more relaxed environment.

It offers students choice, a chance to broaden their horizons, work in teams and build positive friendships. Students will get out what they put in, whether that is learning a new skill, practising leadership skills, enjoying some friendly House competition and developing sportsmanship, or spending time with people they might not normally socialise with at lunchtime.

VACS is not designed to be a highly stressful pursuit; in fact, quite the opposite. However, it is also not intended to be a free period where students are passive and expect to be entertained. It remains an important part of our educational program and relies on students actively engaging in the opportunities provided.

There is a great deal of discussion at the moment about what pastoral time will look like in 2027 and how we can continue to improve. This includes considering how we meet as Houses and year groups, how we develop these important life skills, and how we continue to learn about strategies that protect and strengthen our wellbeing.

Mr Jordan Owenell | Deputy Principal - Head of Secondary

Interested in Studying Music with WAAPA?

WAAPA Albany Diploma of Music Q&A 

As part of WAAPA’s visit to Albany, prospective students, families and community members are invited to attend the WAAPA Albany Diploma of Music Q&A at Albany Port Theatre on Monday 31 August at 5.00pm.

This free event is open to anyone from the Great Southern interested in learning more about the CUA50820 Diploma of Music, delivered in Albany, as well as WAAPA’s extensive range of performing arts programs available at Edith Cowan University’s stunning new city campus.

Hosted by WAAPA lecturers and Contemporary Music students, the session offers an opportunity to ask questions about courses, auditions, admissions, career pathways and student life. The event is generously co-hosted by our friends at Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company and is free and open to all.

Presented by WAAPA and supported by Community Bank Albany.

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