Senior School

Developing Skill or Craft – Growing Expertise in an Age of AI

As mentioned in previous Courier articles, Quality Thinking (the ability to think critically, creatively and deeply when engaging with complex ideas and challenges) is one of the competencies in our New Metrics partnership with Melbourne University. An important element of Quality Thinking is the development of a skill or craft. Whether it is writing, solving complex problems, composing music, coding, designing or mastering a sport, students learn that expertise is built over time through practice, reflection, feedback and persistence.

Developing a craft teaches students that meaningful learning rarely happens instantly. Instead, expertise grows through repeated effort, thoughtful refinement and a willingness to learn from mistakes. While artificial intelligence can provide support, suggestions and inspiration, it cannot replace the learning that occurs when a person grapples with a challenge, refines their thinking and steadily improves through effort.

As AI becomes an increasingly common part of work, study and daily life, one of the most important capabilities we can help young people develop is the ability to use these tools thoughtfully. AI can accelerate learning, but does not replace human judgement, creativity and deep understanding. Just as a calculator does not eliminate the need to understand mathematics, AI does not remove the need to develop knowledge, skills and craft. In fact, the rise of AI makes the development of deep expertise even more important, as students need the confidence and capability to question, evaluate and build upon what AI produces.

This was a key theme explored at our recent community event with Dr Sara Ratner, hosted by The Fogarty Foundation on Tuesday 30 June, where parents, staff and students came together to discuss the opportunities and challenges of AI in education. The evening highlighted the importance of ensuring that young people continue to develop the knowledge, habits and thinking skills that underpin lifelong learning, even as powerful new technologies become part of everyday life.

Building on this work, Week 1 of Term 3 marked the launch of our policy and governance partnership with Dr Leon Furze, one of Australia’s leading voices in AI and education. Through this partnership, All Saints’ College is strengthening its approach to AI literacy, responsible use and governance, ensuring that our students are equipped to engage with AI ethically, safely and effectively, while continuing to develop the human capabilities that matter most.

Upcoming Djaaliny Presentation with Dr Leon Furze

We are delighted to announce that Dr Furze will return to All Saints’ College with a presentation for parents on Monday 9 November. This promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking evening exploring the future of education, AI and the skills young people will need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. We encourage families to save the date and join us for this important community conversation. More information and a link to register will be shared soon.

To support your child’s quality thinking at home, we encourage you to ask;

These questions celebrate progress, promote reflection and help students recognise that expertise is developed through consistent practice. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, cultivating deep knowledge, strong habits and a commitment to continuous improvement remains more important than ever.

Shannon Armitage

Director of Senior School (Teaching and Learning)

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019). 

Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:

This information assists schools to:

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.

Should your child be included in the NCCD, there will be no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The College will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student can be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information.

To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy.

Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal.

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact Head of Learning Support, Amanda Cook.

Important dates for Term 3

31 July and 3 August – Year 8 students meet with their Tutor and Year 9 students meet with their Head of House to discuss subject selection for 2027.

10 August – Last day to withdraw from a Year 12 ATAR course without a practical component.

27 August – Student Declaration and Permission data due

28 August – Applications for permission to enrol in a WACE language course close

8 September – Year 12 ATAR individual examination timetables available on SCSA website

21–25 September – Year 12 Semester 2 exams Week 1

5–9 October – Year 12 Semester 2 exams Week 2

Farewell to Rotary Youth Exchange Student Essi Mustonen

Over the past year, our College community has had the privilege of hosting Rotary Youth Exchange student Essi Mustonen. Through the Rotary Youth Exchange program, students have the opportunity to experience life in another country, develop independence and resilience, and build lifelong international friendships.

Essi has embraced every aspect of Australian life with enthusiasm and warmth, becoming a valued member of our College community. She has built strong friendships, shared her Finnish culture with us, and enriched our College through her positive attitude and willingness to get involved.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Bodman family for generously hosting Essi during her stay and helping to make her exchange experience so memorable.

Essi has now returned home to her very small village in Finland. We wish her every success and happiness in the future, and thank her for the many wonderful contributions she has made to our community.

Interested in Rotary Youth Exchange? Families with students currently in Years 10 to 12 who may be interested in an outbound exchange in 2027 or 2028 are encouraged to contact Jeanette Sealy (Director of Senior School - Student Wellbeing), who can connect you with Applecross Rotary to learn more about this life-changing opportunity.

Building Critical Digital Literacy with Paris McNeil

As technology continues to evolve at an extraordinary pace, helping young people navigate the online world safely and responsibly has never been more important. At our recent Staff Professional Development Day, we were delighted to welcome Paris McNeil, a speaker and educator specialising in AI, digital disruption, cyber safety and youth leadership.

With a background in law and a unique Gen Z perspective, Paris has become a leading voice in helping schools, parents and students understand the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies. In 2025 alone, she delivered more than 100 hours of training to over 12,000 students, parents and educators across Australia

During her presentation, Truth and Algorithms: AI, Influencers and Identity, Paris explored how artificial intelligence, social media and online influencers are shaping the way young people form opinions and develop their identities. She provided staff with practical strategies to think critically about online content, recognise AI-generated material and support students in making informed decisions in digital spaces.

We are pleased that Paris will return in Week 4 to work directly with our Year 7 to 10 students through age-appropriate sessions designed to strengthen digital literacy and online safety skills:

Year 7 - Dopamine Hackers

Years 8 and 9 - Artificial Connections

Year 10 - Truth or Algorithms: AI Influencers

These sessions will encourage students to think critically about their online experiences, better understand the influence of technology on their wellbeing and relationships, and develop the skills needed to engage confidently and responsibly in an increasingly digital world. We look forward to welcoming Paris back to continue these important conversations with our students.

E-Bike Safety Reminder

E-bikes are becoming an increasingly popular way for students to travel to and from school. To help keep all members of our community safe, we encourage students and families to ensure that e-bikes comply with WA regulations, including being primarily pedal-powered and having motors that cut out at 25 km/h. Riders must also be at least 16 years of age to use an e-bike.

At All Saints’ College, student safety is our highest priority. We ask all students who ride an e-bike to do so responsibly, follow road rules, and wear an approved helmet at all times. E-bikes must be parked and secured in the College bike shed during the school day, and should not be stored elsewhere on campus.

To access the bike shed, students must have a access card. Access cards are available from Nexus-S.

We appreciate the support of families in helping students develop safe riding habits and ensuring that their journey to and from school is as safe as possible.

Jeanette Sealy 

Director of Senior School (Student Wellbeing) 

Interhouse Athletics Carnival 2026

The countdown is on for one of the biggest highlights of the year – the All Saints’ College Interhouse Athletics Carnival 2026! This year, we’re bringing even more energy, excitement, and opportunities for every student to get involved.

To maximise participation and create more space on the main carnival day, the 1500m and Javelin events will be held beforehand. This allows more students to enjoy and take part in Shot Put, Long Jump and athletics games on the day itself.

Please note: All carnival pre-events follow the same rules and expectations as events on the main carnival day. If a student is unable to participate in a pre-event, the ASC Challenge Process will be followed.

Dates for Pre-Events:

Friday July 24, Periods 3 & 4

Year 11/12 pre-events – 1500m and javelin

Remaining year 11/12 rotate around events.

Friday July 31, Periods 5 & 6

Year 7 practice carnival. All events

Tuesday 4 August, Periods 5 & 6

Year 7, 8 and 10 pre-events afternoon – 1500m and javelin

Students who have signed up for these events attend.

Thursday August 13, Period 1

Year 9 pre-events – 1500m and javelin

Remaining Year 9 students can choose an event to practice.

Week 4

Catch up in case of extreme weather. Specific groups will be informed.

Sign-ups for all carnival events will occur during AMP and Tutor Group. Please direct any questions to your HoH.

Term 3 Sport Cocurricular

Cocurricular is back! And more sporting options from running club to athletics carnival training to swimming. Here’s a quick overview on what’s on offer. 

Monday AM - Strength and Conditioning, Years 9–12 (7am–8am).

Monday PM– Badminton Club (3.30pm–4.30pm).

Tuesday AM– Running Club with an Athletics focus (7am–8am).

Tuesday AM– Junior School Soccer (7am–8am).

Wednesday AM– Strength and Conditioning, Years 7 and 8 (7am–8am).

Wednesday AM– Athletics Training–Jumps and Throws (7am–8am)

Wednesday AM– Swimming Training (7am–8am)

Thursday AM– Senior School Soccer (7am–8am)

Thursday PM– Athletics Training, all events (3.30pm–4.30pm)

For more information and to sign up, head to RollCall.

Katie Clayton

Director of Sport and HPE