Secondary School News

From the Dean of Pastoral Care, Kylie Virgo

It is with a great sense of excitement that I write to the School community for the very first time as the new Dean of Pastoral Care. I am humbled by the opportunity to serve you: the students, parents and staff of John Wollaston Anglican Community School.

As an experienced and passionate educator of young people, I strive to empower students to develop their hearts and minds as they navigate through their schooling life. I work by the African proverb that 'it takes a village to raise a child’, and what a welcoming and supportive village we have at John Wollaston. With this in mind, as a Pastoral Care team, we can not assist when students are going through challenging situations if we do not know about them. Please afford me and our dedicated and supportive team the opportunity to assist and support your child by getting in touch as soon as possible.  

It's hard to believe we are only at the end of Week 2! I must congratulate the students for the way they have begun the 2020 school year; it bodes well for a successful year.

For the Years 12s, the year started off with a wonderful celebration at the Year 12 School Ball. The function room at the Hilton was beautifully decorated by members of the Ball Committee and parents, setting the scene for a tremendous night ahead. It was a lovely way for the Year 12s to come together as a cohort and ready themselves for the year ahead.

Our four Heads of House, along with House Group teachers have been busy over the first two weeks settling the students in and getting them ready for the year ahead. Through their supportive approach our students have settled quickly into the rhythm of the term.

Our Year 11 Peer Support Leaders have done a wonderful job in helping our new students, including the Year 7s settle into the Secondary School. Their kindness, assistance and support has been vital in allowing for the smooth transition for many of our new students. The Year 7s enjoyed a visit from the Peer Support Leaders earlier this week to play some games and have an opportunity to get to know other students in their House. We look forward to creating more opportunities for the Peer Support Leaders to work within their Houses to ensure all feel a sense of belonging to their House. 

It was lovely to walk around the School on Wednesday morning seeing lots of parents and guardians enjoying a chat and a bite to eat at our ‘Meet and Greet’ House Breakfasts. This was followed by an extended House session where Council Elections occurred to finalise our 2020 student leaders who will be commissioned next week.

In conclusion, at our first Secondary Assembly, I challenged all students to embrace this year’s theme, Opportunity, by getting involved in the many opportunities on offer at the School. I encouraged them to be kind and respectful; to work hard to achieve their personal best; to display gratitude to those who assist them during the year; and perhaps be and reason why someone else had a great day.

I look forward to sharing your son’s and daughter’s educational journey with them, supporting and nurturing them along the way as they realise their strengths and passions and grow into young women and men who will make a valuable contribution to their community and world, leading to a bright future for all.

Kylie Virgo

Dean of Pastoral Care

Service Learning Immersion Opportunities

Samoa - July 2020

All  current Years 9 and 10 students are invited to apply for this service learning trip to Samoa in July 2020. Students will have the opportunity to attend a presentation by The Reverend David Jones during Session 1 on Thursday 20 February. Students interested in applying will need to fill in an Expression of Interest form. The link can be found on the information sheet below: 

Walkabout Cambodia 2021

Students in Years 10 and 11 are invited to apply for the Walkabout Cambodia Service Learning trip to be held in 2021. Father Noel Oakey will be running an information session for students and parents in Week 3. Please find the details below:

When: Tuesday 18 February 2020

Time: 5:00pm – 5:45pm

Where: John Wollaston Anglican Community School Chapel

RSVP: kuink@jwacs.wa.edu.au

Immersion opportunities are a rich and valuable way for students to immerse themselves in different cultures and traditions. In addition, it provides a chance to be active within a community through service projects. I encourage you to discuss these exciting opportunities with your child. Hopefully we can support these initiatives.

For more information contact: Kylie Virgo on 9495 8100 or via SEQTA Direqt Message. 

Secondary Assistance Scheme

The Secondary Assistance Scheme is available to parents/guardians with children enrolled in secondary schooling who hold an eligible concession card.  The Secondary Assistance Scheme comprises of an Education Program Allowance which is paid to the school and a Clothing Allowance that is paid to the parent.

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Students in Years 7 to 12 may be eligible for up to $350 comprising of: 

$115 Clothing Allowance

$235 Educational Program Allowance

To be eligible parents or guardians must hold one of the following cards:

Department of Human Services (Centrelink) Health Care Card

Department of Human Services (Centrelink) Pensioner Concession Card

Veterans' Affairs Pensioner Concession Card

Applications close Thursday 9 April 2020.

For an application form or for more information please visit the School Reception.