Secondary

Years 7-12 Semester One Reports

Years 7-12 Semester One Reports are available via SEQTA Engage. The reports provide parents with valuable information regarding their child’s academic achievement this semester. The reports also indicate the semester average for all students studying that particular course. The College strongly encourages parents to discuss the report with their child during the holidays. A positive start to this conversation can be to acknowledge the successes before identifying any areas where improvement is required. A useful activity can be for students to complete a self-reflection, celebrating their achievements and identifying the areas to focus on and develop in second semester. The Semester Review document available in the SEQTA Documents tab can provide a starting point for students with regards to this.

Parent student teacher interviews

Parents will have received an email providing information about the Parent Student Teacher Interviews to be held on Wednesday 24 July from 3:30-7:00pm. Further details regarding how to book using PTO are available in the email.

NAIDOC week

NAIDOC is the annual celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

On Thursday Secondary students and staff received a Welcome to Country from Shaun Nannup and Josh Birtwistle. Shaun is a Whadjuk Wardandi Nyungar man. He works in areas of mentoring, leadership and healing within both Indigenous and mainstream communities. Josh is Shaun’s nephew and, according to his uncle, is one “amazing didgeridoo player and cultural man”.

Shaun and Josh began the event with a fire, then led a smoking ceremony by carrying smouldering leaves from peppermint, balga and eucalyptus, and weaving with the smoke among the seated students.

Shaun engaged the audience by teaching some Noongar vocabulary and getting them to stand, clap, step and dance in time with didgeridoo and tapping sticks. In his talk, Shaun stressed the importance of Art, Song Dance, Language and Story as the means of communication in Aboriginal culture. He emphasised the interconnectedness of individuals with one another, with their ancestors and with nature, and he discussed a model of leadership that was ‘leading with’ rather than ‘set apart’. Shaun guided the College community into the experience of being welcomed to Country rather than just listening to words, and he expressed the hope that we might let the experience continue to resonate beyond NAIDOC Week.

SRC members, Ella Fracaro, Lucy Jenkins and James Vardanega, led the assembly with competence and grace. The ceremony concluded with Scripture and prayer and with the lighting, by Year 10 students, of three symbolic candles.

Mary Anne Lumley

College Liturgist

Italian Exchange Students

I would like to again thank the families who have generously offered to host one of our Italian students for two weeks in Term 3.

We still require families, to host a student from Italy from 27 August to 13 September. If you are able to do so then please click the attached letter for further information and complete the Expression of Interest to Host Application Form and return it to monica.smokrovic@cewa.edu.au as soon as possible.

We especially need families willing to host male students.

Letter and Appication Form for Host Families Vasto.pdf

Monica Smokrovic

Italian Exchange Coordinator

Many thanks to all our Host Families for the Japanese Exchange

A big, warm thank you to the many families that have so generously offered to host our wonderful exchange group from Fujimi High School in Japan next term.

We will be posting out information on Friday about exchange students to every family that has offered. The Japanese students will arrive at the Thomas More Exhibition Centre on Sunday 28 July at 3:30 pm. So, we look forward to meeting you all then.

It takes a generous community to run an international exchange program. Without the kindness of your family, we would not be able to engage and celebrate with our friends from overseas. Your hospitality is much appreciated.

Ms Shane Glass

Head of Learning Area (Languages)

Year 9 Social

Mullets, flannel, thongs and Ugg Boots were the high fashion accessories worn at the Year 9 Social’s Bogan theme this week.

The Social was greatly patronised by the cohort and 12 very enthusiastic Year 12 SRC students who were brilliant role-models initiating games and interacting positively with the Year 9s.

Many thanks must go to Alumni Steve Vincent (DJ), Sam Tout (Photography), Daniel Paparo (Tech Support), Doug Watson (Logistics), Jeff Janson (Sound & Lighting), Homeroom and Year 9 support staff for helping make the night possible.

Cameron Haines

Assistant Deputy Principal – Year 9

Un défilé de mode incroyable! An unbelievable fashion show!

Year 9 French students finished their term’s study of “la mode” off in spectacular style by hosting a fashion show. Both classes wrote scripts in French, drawing on the vocabulary they learned this term, describing their outfits, including fabrics, colours and opinions. Each student stepped out on to the catwalk showing off their chosen outfit accompanied by a diverse range of songs. They did an amazing job. Congratulations Year 9 on another successful term of French.

Merci Beaucoup to Mme Charly for inspiring and supporting the Year 9 French class.

Shane Glass

Head of Learning (Languages)

Christmas in July

Year 12 Hospitality students hosted a "Christmas in July" themed service at the Circle of Friends cafe. They created tantalizing treats including gingerbread frappes and cookies, pulled pork buns and sausage rolls. I would like to thank the Year 12's for their professionalism and for maintaining a high standard over the last two years.