Principal's Post

May the best House win

WACE Examinations have started this week and we wish our Year 12 students all the very best as they tackle the demands of these important external examinations. 

They have worked hard and been prepared well by their teachers. We are confident that they will do their very best and look forward to celebrating their many successes not only in these examinations but in their lives beyond school in the future. 

Our Annual Art Exhibition was formally opened on 22 October and what a splendid evening it was. My sincere thanks to the efforts behind the scenes of Mrs Carol Wohlnick, Head of Visual Arts and Mrs Michelle Hyland our Design Teacher extraordinaire. In the modern educational landscape, the significance of visual arts and creativity is often overshadowed by a predominant focus on STEM subjects. However, integrating visual arts into the educational journey of our students is not merely about fostering artistic talent, it is about cultivating a well-rounded, innovative and emotionally intelligent generation. Visual Arts and creativity play a pivotal role in developing strong critical thinking skills, enhancing academic performance and promoting positive wellbeing in our students. Engaging in artistic activities stimulates the brain in so many different ways and our Art Exhibition, open to all within the city, showcased our talent in abundance. 

By recognising and valuing the importance of visual arts, educators can cultivate a more balanced and forward-thinking educational environment, preparing our students not only to succeed, but to thrive. It was indeed a joy to attend the evening opening event and see the delight on the artists faces as their work was admired by all in attendance. Congratulations to Georgia Rose Dewar and Emily Muir who were selected as the Principal’s Acquisition Works for 2025. {The winner of the People's Choice Award, and more photographs from the event, are featured on the Creative Arts page}

The last of our Academic Afternoon Teas this week allowed for relaxed conversations with our academic team ably led by the wonderful Mr Anthony Bochrinis as Head of Curriculum. It was an opportunity to talk subject selections, examinations and all things marks and grades. It was also a chance for the families gathered to personally thank Anthony for his many fine efforts in guiding our academic pathways and supporting our students during his time with us. Anthony leaves us at the end of this year for a new and exciting business venture – he will indeed be missed.

Parent Invitation: Top tips from Australia's 'Cyber Superwoman'

As a reminder our Parent Guest Speaker this term is Susan McLean. After 27 years in the Victorian Police Force, Susan McLean is considered Australia’s foremost expert in cyber safety. With growing concerns regarding student access to smart phones and the complexities of the social media environment in which our young people operate, I encourage families to sign up to attend this amazing opportunity to listen to Australia’s Cyber Superwoman offer words of wisdom and advice in navigating this minefield with our children. Susan McLean will be at St George’s on Wednesday 13 November from 6pm – 8pm. I look forward to seeing you there! 

As the warmer weather descends on Perth, I remind all families as per Ms Scheele’s SEQTA message that hats or caps are required for all Phys Ed classes as they are out and about in the sunshine.

House Week this week has seen a range of activities and events overtake our lunch and recess times all in support of achieving those important House Tokens for the highly prized House Cup. There is certainly lively competition between the houses currently with House Week Dodgeball on the roof, a Mario Kart Competition and on Monday we have our very first St George’s Bake Off! 

We have heard rumours however that there are some secret stashing of house tokens at home in the depths of bedrooms or in laundries as they spill out in the washing machine – I encourage these to be dropped off so that they can be counted towards the 2024 House Cup. The winner will be announced at Presentation Night on Wednesday 04 December and the House Jars will be removed from the ground floor to tally the tokens at the end of the school day on Monday, 2 December. I’m hopeful of seeing the jars gradually fill up over the course of the next five weeks as we edge closer to the end of the 2024 school year – may the best House win!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend,

Mrs Tina Campbell

Principal