Secondary School News

From the Dean of Pastoral Care, Kylie Virgo

It has been a very busy term for Secondary students with many House and school events to participate in and enjoy. All of these events have been welcomed by staff and students as we reconnect as a whole community with spirit and enthusiasm. 

Over the last few months students have been required to become more reliant on using technology and have seen increased use in some new social media apps. On Monday 7 September, students from Years 5 to 12 will attend a workshop with Paul Litherland from Surf Online Safe as part of our SEEDS Project Speaker Series. Paul will deliver up-to-date and relevant information while providing valuable learning tools to better equip our students when interacting online. In the evening he will present to parents and guardians and I urge you to attend his session so we can continue to work in partnership when supporting your child to navigate the online world.  Please see the link below to purchase tickets. 

Date: Monday 7 September 2020

Time: 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Cost: $10.00 per person

Who: All are welcome

Where: Victoria Morgan Arts Centre (VMAC)    

Student Services Reminder

If you need to collect your child from school early, please contact Student Services via phone or email ahead of time so Student Services staff can send a message to your child ahead of your arrival.

Additionally, if your child is late to school, they are required to sign in. Please write a note in your child's diary to reduce the need for our staff to contact you. 

Both practices will greatly assist our Student Services staff, who are often attending to other matters, and reduce your waiting time when collecting your child. 

Secondary Inter-House Athletics Carnival

The Secondary Inter-House Athletics Carnival was held on Wednesday 12 August at the Ern Clarke Athletics Centre, Cannington. It was a well-attended carnival and we were lucky to miss the rain. The Health and Physical Education staff, under the leadership of Acting Head of Department  Health and Physical Education, Jessica Dunn ensured the day was well-organised. 

The results were:

• First Place: Charter House
• Second Place: Hale House
• Third Place: Ramsden House
• Fourth Place: Scott House

House Spirit Trophy

This is was tightly contested trophy at the Secondary Inter-House Athletics Carnival. Ramsden House won the House Spirit trophy with their costumes, energy and spirit from the beginning to the end of the carnival. Well done, Ramsden!

Individual Age Champions

Founders’ Day

The School celebrated Founders’ Day on Friday 14 August. A few changes were made due to COVID-19 restrictions, with students and staff coming together in House and class groups to watch a Virtual Assembly. Thanks go to Community Engagement Manager, Amanda Barrett, for her work in recording and producing the Assembly. 

The School community continued support for the Homeless Healthcare, Socks in the City campaign this year. Through a joint effort across the whole school we were able to reach our target of donating 1000 pairs of socks for the homeless. Thank you to every one who contributed to this worthwhile initiative,

The traditional Principal’s Cup moved to the volleyball court with the Staff team being the eventual winners after a mini fight back from the students!

After lunch the students ran and participated in various stalls. A new addition this year that turned out to be very popular was the dunking machine. Thank you to all staff and students who 'took the plunge' despite the cool and cloudy weather!

For the first time Wollaston’s Dash was held during our Founders’ Day celebrations. This allowed for our Years 5 and 6 students to participate for the first time, being a welcome inclusion and something for us to repeat and grow into a whole school event in future years. The 2020 Wollaston’s Dash was won by Ramsden House. Congratulations to all student participants.

WAASA Year 12 Student Leaders’ Reunion

Five of our Year 12 Prefects recently attended the WAASA Leaders’ Reunion on Friday 7 August hosted by The Most Reverend Kay Goldsworthy AO, Archbishop of Perth. 

Here are a few reflections from our students:

Ashlyn Trouchet

Overall, I really enjoyed the afternoon at the Archbishop's House. It was an enjoyable afternoon that gave us an opportunity to talk a little bit about leadership and being a Year 12 student in 2020. 

There were three separate groups made up of a mix of students from each of the participating schools. Due to COVID-19 there was only half the number of schools represented compared to those attending the first event, late last year. The groups rotated between three sessions, one with Kelly Keall, Community Engagement Coordinator, Anglicare WA,  one with Penelope Russell, ASC Curriculum Advisor and one with Archbishop Kay. Each group was based around our experience with leadership this year, the good and the bad, who we perceive as leaders and our general experience with school and learning during the isolation period. Being given the opportunity to hear the perspectives of other students who were in the same position as myself, was really comforting to understand that we were, and still aren't, alone in this 'pandemic' situation. 

I also made a few friends from other schools who were in my group which allowed me to gain further insight into what leadership and Prefect roles are like for students in different schools. 

Overall it was a lovely day and an awesome opportunity for the future leaders of this school. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to attend.

Nicholas Fetherstonhaugh-Brash

The day started out with a greeting at the front of Archbishop’s House where we introduced ourselves to the leaders from other schools and also interacted with Archbishop Kay, The Rev'd Peter Laurence OAM, Chief Executive Office, Anglican Schools Commission and others.

We then all headed into the Archbishop's Chapel where we were introduced to Archbishop Kay and welcomed into the House. We were split into groups and then headed off into different rooms for various activities.

The first activity I was involved in was talking about role models and leaders we identify in our life and how they inspire us.

The second activity dealt with our leadership style and how we act as leaders. We had to identify a metaphor to explain our leadership or our qualities and talk about moments where we had to be a leader. 

The third activity looked at the hardships faced by COVID-19 with leaders having to take charge more. 

We then reconvened in the Chapel and discussed our experiences. After this, we had afternoon tea where we talked to fellow leaders some more and then departed Archbishop's House. It was a good opportunity to meet with other leaders and understand how other school-aged people were managing and what initiatives they had taken up.

Taylor Prothero

The visit to the Archbishop’s House was an enjoyable afternoon where I was lucky enough to not only reflect on my leadership in 2020 but share with others, the people in my life who inspire me every day. The first rotation for me was a chat with Kelly Keall, Community Engagement Coordinator, Anglicare WA. It was at this point that we had to provide insight into the people who inspire us the most. We had to state what we admire in the leader and why we have admiration for these people. 

After this activity, we spoke with Penelope Russell, ASC Curriculum Advisor. The activity we completed here was far from easy for me.  We had to come up with a set of adjectives to describe the traits which make us a good leader. We then progressed to identify an animal symbolising our leadership. 

The final rotation for me was with Archbishop Kay. The time in this rotation was a good opportunity to reflect on our leadership in 2020. It was reassuring that others are feeling the same about the effects that COVID-19 has had on our leadership. It was here that I realised that I wasn’t the only one who had struggled with being an ‘active’ leader in the current environment. It was really nice to be able to share this experience alongside some awesome leaders from not only John Wollaston but from different schools. I am inspired to develop my leadership as much as I can over the next few months at the School. I am really grateful that I was given the opportunity to attend this day. Thank you!

Bishop Jeremy's Visit 

After spending time with our Primary Students, The Right Reverend Jeremy James tssf, Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Perth, led our Secondary Chapel. His presence and wisdom were greatly appreciated by staff and students alike. Chapel Prefect Teliah Godfrey and Chapel Captain Claire Bydder, led our services and read The Parable of the Sower. In response, Bishop Jeremy spoke during his reflection, about the importance of listening for understanding, particularly when faced with situations we haven’t dealt with before. He related this theme to the Thailand cave rescue which was an extremely risky situation that neither Richard Harris or Craig Challen had faced before. Bishop Jeremy explained that they spent time listening to each other to understand the best way to overcome the challenge presented to them and in doing so, saved the lives of the trapped children and adults. Bishop Jeremy shared a valuable quote and set our community a challenge to conclude his reflection: Alone you can go fast but together we will go further. 

After the Chapel services, Bishop Jeremy spent time with our Prefects discussing leadership and their plans for next year. He was greatly impressed by the diverse interests and equally impressed by their understanding of what it means to lead. 

Bishop Jeremy concluded his visit by spending time in a variety of classes, enjoying the aromas coming from the Foods and Hospitality kitchens and listening to some of our Years 7 and 12 students talk about what they were currently learning. 

ACC Netball Carnival 

Eleven students from Years 11 and 12 participated in the ACC Netball Carnival on Wednesday 19 August. All students enjoyed the experience and played exceptionally well, finishing fourth in Division 3.

Armadale Youth Advisory Council (AYAC)

The City of Armadale is looking for aspiring change-makers aged 12 to 25 years old who live, work or study in the City of Armadale.

The AYAC is an opportunity for young people to connect, advocate and have their voices heard. Have your say about youth issues and projects in our community.

Completed applications can be emailed to info@armadale.wa,gov.au or handed into the City of Armadale Administration Centre.

Applications close Monday 21st September 2020.

Project Youth 

Project Youth is a fun and FREE youth program running every week (Thursdays 3:00pm – 6:00pm) for three months at the Armadale Arena. Come along and socialise with other young people, get a free sausage sizzle, play some sports and make use of the free community services. 

With support from YMCA, Headspace, Communicare, APM, Save the Children and the local Police, it is a safe space for local young residents to come and enjoy a ‘hub’ of activities and services. Join in some cool boot camp and fitness sessions. 

What will be there? 

• Boxing
• Basketball
• Homework help
• Resume writing and job ready skills
• Chill out zones with Lego and board games
• Boot camp and fitness
• Life skills workshops
• Local service providers
• Free sausage sizzle

This event is alcohol and drug free, and suitable for young people aged 12-18. For information please contact info@armadale.wa.gov.au 

TEDxYouth@Armadale 

TEDxYouth@Armadale a space where young thinkers, innovators, entrepreneurs, campaigners and change-makers come together to celebrate ideas worth spreading and strive for a better future. 

TEDxYouth@Armadale tackles the issues and ideas that young people are passionate about today. With a collection of speakers and performers and the chance to meet like-minded people, TEDxYouth@Armadale connects the local to the global. 

Date: Saturday 28 November 2020 – 11:00am to 3:00pm 

Age: This event is best suited for young people aged 12 to 25 

Event Contact: Phone (08) 9394 5637 

Stay tuned for ticketing information. 

What is TEDx?

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TED has created a program called TEDx. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxYouth@Armadale, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxYouth@Armadale event, TED Talks video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events, including ours, are self-organized.