Heads of House

Cowan House

As we head into the holidays, I’m reminded of something our Principal, Mrs Tina Campbell, shared during the recent Parent Sundowner: 

“We’ve had a lot of firsts this year.”

That line has stuck with me because it captures the essence of Cowan House. Firsts are rare. They are powerful. And they shape the story we will continue to tell for years to come.

I have been thinking about Cowan House firsts, those once-in-a-lifetime moments that define a beginning. 

I remember the first time Cowan House was officially announced to our school community. The first time our Year 11 students submitted their expressions of interest, becoming our pioneers. The first time I stood beside the Edith Cowan statue at her unveiling, the first female recognised with a statue in the City of Perth. The first time our Cowan blue banner was raised at Chapel, standing tall with the other Houses. The first time I saw the Cowan House shirt. And I have a feeling that when you see the colour, you will like it too! 

All these moments make me incredibly excited for what is still to come. 

As we step into Term 4, the firsts do not stop.  We will soon announce our very first Cowan House Captain and Prefect at the Term 4 Handover Assembly. Students from Years 7 to 10 can soon express their interest in joining Cowan House and shaping the future of this remarkable new community and we will have our very first Cowan House Year 9 Prefects to lead our Middle Year Chapel Services and carry in the Cowan House Banner.

So, to every student and family, I hope you enjoy the holidays. The future is bright. The future is bold. The future is Cowan. The future is most definitely BLUE!

Mr Adam Edwards

Head of Cowan House

Gandhi House

A huge thank you to everyone in Gandhi House for making Term Three such a standout. The energy, enthusiasm, and House spirit you bring each and every day is truly uplifting. It has been a joy to see it in full swing across campus.

This term, Gandhi House has shone brightly across a variety of events - from the Interhouse Athletics Carnival to the Battle of the Bands and House Choir. You have showcased not only your incredible talent but also the kind of teamwork and pride that makes our House so special.

It has also been fantastic to see such strong engagement in our weekly Pulse check-ins and PCG quizzes. Gandhi students have consistently shown up, and that commitment speaks volumes about the passion and camaraderie that thrives within each PCG of Gandhi House. It is this supportive spirit that creates such a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. Heartfelt thanks to our amazing Gandhi PCG staff. Your dedication, positivity, and morning encouragement truly elevate the student experience on the Gandhi floors. Your efforts help shape not just academic success, but the vibrant culture and sense of belonging that defines Gandhi House.

I cannot wait to see this momentum carry into Term Four. 

Miss Amy Perejmibida

Head of Gandhi House

Lincoln House

What a fantastic way to close out Term Three with our beloved Mandela Charity Day lighting up the campus. It was heartwarming to see students from every year group diving into the festivities, especially our Year 12s, who have just wrapped up two intense weeks of mock exams. Watching them laugh, cheer, and celebrate reminded me of their incredible journey and unwavering dedication to Lincoln House. I will be sharing more reflections on their legacy in our first Dragon article of Term Four.

The Splash Begins! We have officially kicked off preparations for next year’s Sync Swim routine! Our Year 10 and 11 leaders have been meeting regularly to brainstorm music and set the vibe for 2026. I have sent out an open call to the House - whether you are a choreography whiz or just keen to help teach the routine, we would love to have you on board. The response has been phenomenal, especially from our enthusiastic Year 7 and 8 students. Their energy and House pride are infectious, and it is inspiring to see them step up despite the usual end-of-term tiredness. Go Lincoln!

Your Voice Matters! Year 7, 8, and 9 students, don’t forget your weekly PULSE check-in every Monday. PULSE is our wellbeing portal that helps your PCG tutors and the Pastoral Team support you better. And there’s also a little friendly competition involved! I will be tracking PCG completion rates on the House Board, and the top-performing group will score a prize at the end of term. So, please make sure that you regularly check in, speak up, and help your PCG shine!

To all our Lincoln students, have a safe, relaxing, and joy-filled holiday. Recharge, reflect, and get ready for an exciting Term Four. We cannot wait to welcome you back with fresh energy and big plans ahead.

Mr Vincent Lim

Head of Lincoln House

Mandela House

Today was extra special for Mandela House as we celebrated our first annual Charity Day Talent Show at our new campus at 441 Murray Street. It was a fantastic afternoon filled with energy, creativity, and community spirit.

A huge thank you to Mrs Taylor and Miss Scott for supporting with instruments and sound management, to all Mandela staff for organising PCG setups, to our teaching staff and Executive team, and most importantly, to the incredible performers and students of Mandela House who made the event such a memorable success. And well done to our winners on the day!

The Talent Show highlighted the amazing skills and talents of our students, and the addition of a Silent Disco, Photo Booth, and Sausage Sizzle made the afternoon even more exciting – a wonderful celebration to conclude Term Three. This year, all funds raised will go to the Stephen Michael Foundation, a new charity for Mandela House, continuing our commitment to giving back and making a positive difference in the community.

This has also been a highly successful term for Mandela House. We proudly claimed victories in both the Battle of the Bands and the House Choir competition, achievements that reflect the passion and teamwork of our students.

As we move into Term Four, I encourage everyone in Mandela House to keep the momentum going by bringing in any remaining House tokens to place in the jar, as it will be the final count of the year and the House Cup is most definitely still a three-way battle. Next term also brings an important moment as we farewell our amazing Year 12 students. We thank them sincerely for their contributions, leadership, and spirit, they have set a wonderful example for all of Mandela.

Mr Conrad Sloan

Head of Mandela House