Secondary School News

From the Dean of Pastoral Care, Kylie Virgo

As the term continues to fly past, we thought this would be a great opportunity to reflect upon all the events and activities of Term 2.

Year 8 Encounter

The Year 8s had a fabulous time in Dwellingup for their Encounter. They enjoyed perfect camping weather and the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities including mountain bike riding, rafting and orienteering. Students were divided into their Houses to rotate through their activities and take turns in preparing and cooking our meals or cleaning up. All participation required the students to work as a team, develop their communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills. Whether they were stepping outside of their comfort zone, supporting other group members or overcoming a lack of sleep the students needed to demonstrate resilience as they overcame challenges. For some, this included riding a bike for the time, trusting others members as they ‘boarded’ the raft made by their group or as they were led through the bush with a map and compass to assist them. Each student should be proud of the challenges they were able to overcome. 

Year 8 camp was a thrilling experience, including hiking, mountain bike riding, rafting, and team activities. Throughout the camp, we had to use a lot of skills, for example, navigation for hiking and teamwork when cooking. We had to bring our own tents and set them up. Although the teachers and instructors (who were amazing) were there to supervise, we did most of the work, including trying to find our way home when hiking with a compass and map to help us. I had a great time with my friends around the fire at night and the milo breaks through the day. In team building, my team achieved 101 points in one of the games, which showed how well we worked together as a team. This camp was a great opportunity to work together with other students in our House. 

- Sienna Macri

My overall experience at camp was great I really loved exploring the campsite and doing the hiking and team building, I think this improved some of my skills like team building and thinking in rafting and also improved my friendships with people. I would give this camp a 10 out of 10 .

- Seb Cole  

My first camp trip at John Wollaston was really cool and definitely full of new experiences. It helped me get to know many of my peers. I had a few struggles trying to build the raft but all of it made me happy because I met new people and got to know them. I never knew life at a camp with no electronics could be such a great experience. I'm so happy I went to camp it was the best! 

- Hannah Gilham

What I really enjoyed about camp was that we all got along. Doing activities in our Houses meant that we could bond with people we might not even have met properly. I made some great new friendships, and learnt some amazing new skills, like reading a compass and changing a wheel on a bike. I cannot wait for next year's Encounter.

- Georgia Smithson

I really liked the Year 8 Encounter. It was fun and enjoyable and I liked the activities with Adventure Out. I think it made people come together. We had so much fun at the camp. I also made new friends. I want to say thanks to all the teachers who attended the camp with us. I think that camp is one of the most amazing memories I will have. I had some challenges at camp, but the teachers and my friends were supportive, and they helped me overcome them. 

- Karan Kaur

I found camp a great learning and bonding experience. I learnt different things about different people and I learnt new skills. For example, I learnt how to navigate and I also learnt how to remove a bike wheel. I really enjoyed spending my activities with my House group and getting to know them better.

- Charlize Slater

Wellbeing at JWACS

Students have continued to participate in various Wellbeing lessons over the last couple of weeks. These explicit teaching lessons, taught in Houses and led by House staff form part of our focus on student wellbeing. 

The wellbeing lessons allowed us to discuss the fact that everybody deals with stress in their own way. The activities encouraged us to have a positive mindset when dealing with stress rather than overloading ourselves. I enjoyed these sessions because it made me aware and prepared for the future when I will deal with more stress. It has given me some strategies to handle it calmly and effectively.

- Vidisha Parashar

This term we completed a number of Wellbeing lessons in extended House group. This was an engaging and helpful way for us to take note of our strengths and to contribute to strengthening our overall wellbeing. The booklets we used talked about being 'mentally strong' and what that meant. It covered a range of different things that contribute to our overall mental strength and headspace, including things we can do to improve ourselves. These lessons were helpful and insightful for us to gain a deeper perspective of our own minds and to explore how we can look after our minds in the stressful environment of high school. We talked about the importance of sleep in terms of how it affects the synapses of the brain, eating in terms of how 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut, and exercise in how it can strengthen not only the muscles of the body, but also the muscles of the mind.

- Anna Shaw

I have really enjoyed the Wellbeing lessons, as they have showed me that I do have people to talk to if I need to. In the future, I will remember to talk to someone if need be.

- Georgia Smithson

Advocacy Masterclass

On Thursday 20 May, 12 of our students attended the inaugural Advocacy Masterclass hosted by Anglicare WA. It was a wonderful event that brought together like-minded students from Anglican schools across Perth. 

The afternoon was an opportunity for students to come together to learn about advocacy, different types of advocacy and hear what makes a good advocate. The last part of the session allowed students to break off into groups to participate in hands-on activities as they considered an issue and the actions towards advocacy. 

Year 10 VAP 

Over the last few weeks, Year 10 students have participated in a couple of presentations during their VAP session. 

Dr Jane Genovese who runs a company called Learning Fundamentals worked with students on effective study skills. In an interactive and engaging way Jane identified a number of ‘Study Hacks: Shortcuts to Study Success’ strategies the students could employ for their first exams later this term. Jane was very impressed with our students commenting that she really enjoyed working with them and what a wonderful group they are. 

The second presentation was delivered by Kate Chaney, Director Innovation and Strategy, at Anglicare WA. Kate spoke about the complexity of homelessness including the widespread myths and stereotypes held regarding those experiencing homelessness. This presentation linked closely to what the students have been doing in RAVE this term and to the Anglicare School Sleep Out which we look forward to supporting again this year. 

Kind regards

Kylie Virgo

Dean of Pastoral Care

ECU CREATE STEM School Holiday Program

The ECU School of Engineering invites students in Years 9 to 12 to participate in the STEM School Holiday Program this July. The one day workshops will be held on 6 - 8 July and 13 - 15 July at no cost to participating students. 

CREATE is designed to support the teaching and learning of STEM subjects for students interested in STEM studies. Limited places are available and registration closes on Wednesday 23 June. For more information see the flyer below.