Program Coordinator - Student Services

NAIDOC Day Celebrations - 3rd August

We are thrilled to share with you a recap of the wonderful NAIDOC Day celebrations that took place here at the College. NAIDOC Day, is a time to honor and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and it was a truly special occasion filled with learning, creativity, and unity.

Our students had the opportunity to engage in a variety of educational and entertaining activities that helped them gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous cultures and histories. Here are some highlights from the our celebrations:

Flag Raising Ceremony: The day commenced with a Flag Raising Ceremony, where the Aboriginal flag was raised, accompanied by the playing of a didgeridoo, symbolizing the unity and respect we have for these cultures. Didge player, Justin Chester spoke about the Aboriginal land management practices and the mentoring he had received from local Aboriginal elders.

Craft Workshop - Reclaim the Void – Students took part in a craft workshop where they created woven artwork that will be used as part of the reconciliation process.

Kwoorabup Nature School, finalist in this years Narragunnawali Reconciliation Awards 2023 visited the school. Teacher, Olly Watkins spoke to our students about the award and the emphasis the school places on increasing the knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories of its students. Students from the school performed two songs for our students, one in Noongar language.

Unveiling of new signage – a new welcome sign, designed and constructed by the different members of College staff was unveiled. The sign recognises that the College sits on Minang and Bibbulmun Country.

Special lunch – following in last year’s tradition, kitchen staff prepared a delicious kangaroo stir-fry.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the teachers, staff, students, parents, and community members who contributed to making NAIDOC Day a memorable and enriching experience for everyone involved. This celebration has sparked important conversations and a greater awareness of the richness of Indigenous cultures, fostering respect and unity within our school community.

As we move forward, we encourage ongoing conversations and learning about Indigenous histories, cultures, and contributions. Let's continue to celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity throughout the year.

A big welcome to our new nurse - Emma Pascoe

Emma is a Registered Nurse who has specialised in Mental Health and Child and Family Health. She graduated from Notre Dame University in Fremantle in 2013. Since then she has had extensive experience working rurally in acute, community and residential adolescent, adult and geriatric mental health. She has a passion for creating connections and understanding what matters to people to support them to improve their well-being and pursue a fulfilling life based on their own values and goals. In her personal life she is a wife and mother who loves gardening, baking, singing, dancing, music, the beach and reading.

Emma is onsite Thursday mornings. Students can make appointments through Student Services.

School Values Program

Teaching values in school is an important aspect of education that goes beyond academic subjects. Values education helps students develop a strong moral and ethical foundation, guiding their behaviour and decision-making throughout their lives. 

Chris Urshitz, the School Chaplain, as part of the Student Service team has begun a program with our Year 10 students to explore our school values and there relevance in everyday life.

Study Skills Program 

Study skills encompass a range of techniques and strategies that enable students to effectively absorb, retain, and apply knowledge. These skills are not only vital for achieving academic excellence but also for building lifelong learning habits and boosting self-confidence.

After consulting our ATAR students, Bree Crockett, our School Psychologist has begun a study skills education program with several students. She will be covering topics such as time management, note taking, revision methods, memory, timetabling, managing stress and procrastination.

Brad Woodruff

Program Coordinator - Student Services

WACOA - Denmark