Secondary School News

Dean of Teaching and Learning, Mrs Rebecca Piccolo

Welcome back to Term 2! I hope all families had a relaxing and enjoyable Easter break. The School has a feeling of renewed energy among our students, suggesting they have returned refreshed, eager to reconnect with friends and continue their learning journey.

Traditionally, Term 2 builds upon the knowledge and skills the students have acquired in Term 1 and often culminates in major assessment tasks, including the completion of projects and end-of-topic tests. For students in Years 10-12, they will also be preparing for their Semester 1 examinations and Externally Set Tasks.

Assessments can be a significant source of stress for students. While teaching staff will continue to offer the necessary support to help students achieve their individual academic goals, additional assistance from families can be invaluable during these busy times. Here are some practical ways you can support your child at home:

Create a Conducive Study Environment: Provide a quiet and peaceful study area where your child can study with minimal interruptions.

Develop a Study Timetable: Encourage your child to create a schedule that includes time blocks for study, topics to cover, and periods for breaks and relaxation.

Open Communication: Invite your child to express their needs for support during this time. Encourage them to meet with their teachers to discuss or clarify any concerns they may have about the assessment.

Limit Technology Use: Set boundaries around the use of devices, as they can distract from study goals. Encourage device use only during scheduled breaks.

Promote Adequate Sleep and a Healthy Diet: Stress the importance of a good night's sleep, especially before exams, as sleep is crucial for memory retention and learning. Research suggests that a healthy, low GI breakfast is a great option for boosting and maintaining concentration levels during examinations.

While it is natural for parents to desire their children to achieve excellent results, it is equally important to commend their efforts, regardless of outcomes. Praising students for their dedication to study and assessment preparation can enhance their motivation, reduce stress, and foster a positive and enjoyable learning experience.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. We look forward to celebrating the successes and achievements of our students in the months ahead.

Upcoming Event – An Evening with the Universities

The School is delighted to present the first session of the Year 10 course selection process: "An Evening with the Universities." This event will be held on Wednesday 29 May from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. An Evening with the Universities will provide a fantastic opportunity for Year 10 students and parents to receive the latest information about the available courses and various pathways to entry into Western Australia’s leading universities: the University of Western Australia, Curtin University, Murdoch University, Edith Cowan University, and Notre Dame University.

Parents can RSVP by following the link provided via SEQTA Direqt Message.

Beyond the Classroom

Despite the term only being two weeks old, our students have been making the most of opportunities to step outside the classroom and apply their learning in new and engaging ways.

• The Year 9 Outdoor Recreation students enjoyed an ‘Introduction to Golf’ workshop at Melville Glades Golf Club. Under the guidance of PGA professional, Scott McLean, students were coached on how to hit, chip, putt and drive a golf ball.

Golf workshop | Year 9 Outdoor Recreation

• To deepen their understanding of Developmental Psychology, the Year 11 ATAR Psychology class, assisted by the Year 9 Science Challenge students, facilitated a series of cognitive activities for Pre-Primary students.

Cognitive activities for Pre-Primary students | Year 11 ATAR Psychology

• Year 12 Biology and Human Biology students attended an excursion to the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research to investigate mutations. Students participated in a hands-on simulation activity, where different mutations are spread through a population, and students discovered how these mutations can persist in the population, and how natural selection and random genetic drift can remove mutations and alleles from a population. Students also used DNA technologies, such as PCR and Gel Electrophoresis, to understand which family members carried the gene mutation and predict the likelihood of the next generation to be impacted by the disease. Students also learned first-hand how advances in research conducted in Western Australia are directly impacting the lives of families around the world.

Excursion to Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research | Year 12 Human Biology 

• Year 11 and 12 Hospitality students welcomed their parents and guardians to the Chalk Café for a buffet style breakfast. Students designed the invitations, menu and allocated the roles for service. Important roles for the event included: setting up the restaurant and buffet tables, preparing fruit salad, chia puddings and pancakes; running the espresso machine, waiting tables and washing up. All guests enjoyed the food and atmosphere throughout the morning. Thank you to Mrs Bissell for coordinating this event.

Family Breakfast at Chalk Café | Years 11-12 Cert II Hospitality 

• Congratulations to all students who participated in the Inter-House Cross Country competition. It was an exciting day of racing with close finishes and a wonderful celebration of House spirit.

Secondary Inter-House Cross Country Carnival 

Learning Area Spotlight - Mathematics

During week 8 of Term 1, the School celebrated Maths Week under the exciting theme "Playing with Maths." The Mathematics staff enthusiastically participated, wearing Mathematics-themed outfits throughout the week which created a fun and engaging atmosphere for all students.

Maths Week Activities

Students participated in a variety of games, that had been carefully designed to enhance learning. The students eagerly took on the challenges presented by the competitions and activities, including Strike, The Mean Game, and the Times Table Speed Challenge. Mr Marchant achieved an impressive score of 51, claiming the highest staff total for the week.

The Academic Council organised and facilitated the Numero competitions which saw participation from students across Years 7-12. Winners were celebrated and received their prizes during class this week. Students are encouraged to stay informed via the SEQTA Notices about upcoming competitions and the invitation to join the Numero Club in Term 2.

Numero competition

Additionally, over the Easter holidays, our School's Building and Grounds team were hard at work transforming the learning spaces in the Mathematics classrooms. Enhancements included:

• The Pascal room was revamped to foster "thinking classroom" behaviours such as persistence, discussion, participation, and knowledge mobility, with the addition of 5 vertical whiteboards.
• A new large monitor was installed in the breakout area to facilitate collaborative learning.

Best wishes

Rebecca Piccolo

Dean of Teaching and Learning