Secondary School

As we reach the halfway point of the term, we're gearing up for an exciting and eventful few weeks ahead. Our students have much to look forward to, with sporting finals on the horizon, musical performances showcasing their talents, and the highly anticipated Radioactive and the Kingfisher Concert bringing our community together.

In addition to these activities, our Year Ten students are currently immersed in Work Experience, gaining valuable insights into the professional world. Meanwhile, our Year Eleven students are beginning their preparations for leadership roles, setting the stage for their future responsibilities. For our Year Twelve students, the focus is on their final school examinations, which will take place in Week Ten.

During this busy period, I encourage all students to embrace every opportunity and tackle each challenge with enthusiasm. It's also crucial to prioritise self-care amidst the bustling schedule. Remember the importance of eating well, getting enough sleep, and taking moments to relax and recharge. By balancing work and well-being, students can make the most of the exciting weeks ahead.

Values and Christian Service (VACS) News for Years Seven to Nine

As this term’s rotation of VACS (Values and Christian Service) is drawing to a close, with one more session, the sense of pride in the students' participation and positive attitudes is palpable. This program has provided an invaluable opportunity for students to engage in a variety of sports including volleyball, netball, basketball, softball, and touch rugby, each offering its own set of skills to develop and unique challenges to overcome. The rotational nature of the program ensures that students are constantly exposed to new experiences and different teams, encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and broaden their horizons.

At the heart of each session is a reminder of the primary goal, to embody the school's core values in a sporting context. This includes demonstrating respect, fairness, and teamwork while building connections with peers outside their usual friendship circles and year groups. The emphasis on these values creates a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to try new things and work collaboratively towards common goals.

Throughout the term, countless examples of these values have been on display.

In Volleyball, students have shown exceptional teamwork, often cheering each other on and offering tips to help their peers improve. The spirit of camaraderie has been equally evident in Basketball, where players have been quick to pass the ball and set up opportunities for their teammates, prioritizing the success of the team over individual glory. In Softball, the students' commitment to fairness has shone through, with teams consistently rotating their positions and ensuring that everyone gets a chance to bat and field. Touch Rugby has also provided an excellent platform for students to practice quick decision-making and strategic thinking, all while maintaining respect for the opposing team. In Netball it has been heartening to see teams make a conscious effort to rotate fairly through their substitution benches, ensuring that everyone gets an equal opportunity to participate. The players have also shown great sportsmanship, with plenty of positive reinforcement and encouragement exchanged during play.

The favourable weather this term has been a bonus, making these outdoor sessions all the more enjoyable. The sunny days have not only lifted spirits but have also allowed for uninterrupted play, enabling the students to fully immerse themselves in the activities. The fresh air and open spaces have provided a refreshing change of pace from the usual classroom environment, offering students a chance to engage in physical activity and develop their skills in a more relaxed setting.

Years Seven to Nine Social

This Wednesday, the Years Seven to Nine social was a lively and memorable event, featuring a vibrant 'Aussie' theme that inspired some truly standout outfits. The students embraced the theme with enthusiasm, creating a fun and spirited atmosphere. The evening was filled with energy, with students showcasing impressive dance moves and enjoying the music together.

A special thanks goes to the Student Council lead by Mr Craig Emberson, and everyone who contributed to making the night a success—those who helped with catering, decorations, and supervision. Their hard work and dedication ensured that the event ran smoothly, allowing the students to have a carefree and enjoyable evening. It was a fantastic opportunity for the Years Seven to Nine cohort to come together, relax, and bond outside the usual classroom setting.

The students clearly enjoyed the chance to unwind and socialise in a fun, themed environment. The laughter, dancing, and camaraderie throughout the evening made it evident that everyone had a splendid time. Events like this are a wonderful way to build a strong sense of community and create lasting memories for the students.

Mr Neil Ferreira | Acting Head of Secondary

Year Eleven Politics and Law Camp

Student Reflection

Our Year Eleven Politics and Law camp was such a fun trip, filled with lots of immersive learning and exposure to how real world procedures work in the land of politics and law.

Upon arriving in Perth, our first visit was to the Supreme Court, where we met a Registrar, her assistant, and the university student named Subi who showed us around for the afternoon. There, we learnt about how court proceedings work in civil cases, and how alternative dispute resolution techniques are employed over a range of different issues arising before they are taken to court. After meeting with the Registrar, we went to watch a few court cases with criminal trial proceedings. We then moved to the District Court, and after making our way through security we watched some more court cases, which really opened our eyes to how all of these proceedings work in real world scenarios.

Day two of our trip, we went to Parliament! This day was a very informative one, which began with a tour around Parliament House and learning about the extensive history that went into the making of the building. We thoroughly enjoyed this tour, and a highlight for me was seeing the wall of portraits of influential women in parliament and being inspired by their incredible stories.

After not-so-accidentally photobombing the Attorney General’s press conference, we met with Mrs Rebecca Stephens for lunch! This was such a nice opportunity to meet with our representative, she was such a lovely and down to earth woman who was full of information about current events in parliament and was more than happy to answer our questions. The food was incredible, with such a variety of options all made to star standard.

After our delicious lunch, we went to watch parliament question time! This was certainly the highlight of the day, watching ministers and representatives have a chance to discuss what they have been doing and hearing a wide range of opinions about them. This was definitely an entertaining experience, and we were sad to leave so soon!

This camp was such an amazing opportunity to have and to experience everything we have, we are all so grateful to everyone to make this trip happen! A massive thank you to Mr Riches and gap year student, Miss Paige Boyley, for taking us on this trip. They are superstars and we couldn’t have done it without them.

Iris Miller | Year Eleven student

From the Careers Centre

UWA Albany Open Day

Curious about studying at UWA Albany?

Experience a day of discovery and excitement at our UWA Albany Campus Open Day!

Date: Sunday 8 September 2024
Time: 10.00am to 4.00pm
Address: 35 Stirling Terrace, Albany WA 6330

Murdoch University Events

Murdoch University invites you to join us for our 2024 Open Nights.

Spread over three nights, prospective students, their families and the wider community are invited to Explore, Discover and Immerse themselves in everything that Murdoch University has to offer.

Hear first-hand from our students and academics about what to expect when studying at Murdoch
Explore double major and double degree combinations and possibilities
Tour our state-of-the-art facilities
Find out where our courses can take you in your career
Learn from current students about the practical experiences and opportunities available while you're studying
Find out how to gain entry through portfolio and enabling pathways
Ask questions about the application process, scholarships, and support services

Wednesday 28 August - Health & Education

Thursday 29 August - Sciences, Information Technology, Engineering & Maths

Wednesday 4 September - Business, Law, Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences

Mrs Renae O'Donnell | VET & Careers Coordinator