19 May 2016

Editor: Jenny LeSouef
Technology: Alex Mellor

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

We have had news of a series of successes by both staff and students. Congratulations to all on their attainments which are outlined further in this newsletter. We have an amazing depth of talent amongst our school community.

We held a morning tea to farewell Former Board Chair Lindsay Holland. In the words of the new chair Simon Lappin, Lindsay was committed, respected and humorous. His service to our school was outstanding and his presence was considerable. On behalf of our whole school community, I thank him for his contribution.

Principal Chris Booth with current and past Board Chairs, Simon Lappin and Lindsay Holland

Our school now relies more on communication through Connect and email. Please make certain your email address provided to us is current and active.

NAPLAN testing for Year 7 and 9 was held May 10 – 13. The testing venue and invigilation arrangements for over 690 students were a challenge which our operations team successfully met. We await the results with the supposition that our students will have done themselves and our school proud.

Our Year 12 councillors are in the process of developing a Mentoring Program initiative where Year 12 students will volunteer as mentors in academic tutoring, personal organisation and study skills for the younger students. This will be supported by Student Services staff. I am impressed by the councillors’ initiative and the positive social as well as academic aspects of the program. This is yet another example of the community focus we work hard to engender at our school.

The data for our second triennial review as an Independent Public School has been forwarded to the Department of Education. A panel will read our information, decide lines of enquiry, and then visit our school for two days in June to interview a wide range of staff, students and parents. Many thanks to all who supported the documentation process; we look forward to a positive assessment of the practices and activities which create our learning environment. The panel feedback will be placed on our web page when it comes to hand. In 2017, we begin another three year cycle and our school targets will be determined in line with both feedback and perceived need. The School Board will play an active role in this process.

Chris Booth

FROM THE BOARD

This term we had morning tea with the staff to acknowledge the retirement of Lindsay Holland as Board Chair again recognising his service to the school and the wider Willetton community. We are delighted that Lindsay is continuing to serve his community as Deputy Mayor of the City of Canning. Lindsay will be much missed at Board meetings, his sense of humour and direct approach to issues always ensured that meeting participants were kept focussed and alert.

The Board AGM was held in first term and we welcomed new parents and staff to the Board. All have shown their willingness to contribute to the Board from their wide areas of expertise. We look forward to another year of contributing to positive outcomes for all Willetton students.

Our partnerships committee consisting of parents and teachers is forging ahead developing valuable relationships with educational institutions and local businesses. We must especially acknowledge Tele Tan for his work in autism outreach. We hope there will be great shifts in business recruitment as a result of his work. This initiative is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Willetton and supported by Bankwest, and we thank them for their support. Bankwest is also sponsoring a series of other activities to enrich the educational opportunities for our students.

We have held a series of Board meetings at tertiary institutions. Our most recent was at Edith Cowan University Mt Lawley campus where we were impressed to see the partnerships developed between The Arts Learning Area and the WA Academy of Performing Arts. Our next external location will be the University of Western Australia and we look forward to hearing of the most recent developments at that institution. These meetings with the university representatives expand our horizons in supporting Willetton students enhance their life outcomes.

We recently sent an email to all parents outlining the projects towards which your voluntary levies are put. As you will have seen, they are school wide and enrich the educational context of the students and we encourage all to continue to contribute in this way.

I look forward to a busy and productive year supporting all of you to support our students’ education.

Simon Lappin: Board Chair

FROM OUR HEAD BOY AND GIRL

Usually by the time it reaches this part of the year, nearly halfway through and with exams imminent, most Head Boys and Girls would have composed a clever poem about life at school, or made a couple of jokes about exam stress.

The truth is, we aren’t like most Head Boys and Girls

And the same applies to our year group. We’ve both been struck by the resilience of our year group to cope with the pressures that the most senior of year groups must face, and impressed by their determination to see things though. We will create a positive impression on the next generations of Willetton students. Despite the inconvenience of the building program to students and staff, future Willo leavers will reap the rewards of the new facilities. I am confident that the Year 12 academic results will project an image of the success of Willetton, and we’ll challenge the limits of success for the future.

As for the two of us, we’ve done everything in our abilities to enact constructive change in our school community. The forum for student councillors that we’ve coordinated was a fantastic success (with additional forums being planned and scheduled), contributing to the development of a peer-based mentoring program being established at our school, as well as highlighting issues of importance such as the addition of more seating options and shaded areas for the students, and a more thorough organisation of our school’s many charitable initiatives.

James Dow and Carly Stokes

GENERAL REPORTS

RELAY FOR LIFE

Relay For Life 2016 has to be one of the best moments of the year for me. It all started in 2013 when I was in Year 9 and my friends started relaying for me. On January 10, 2013, I was diagnosed with stage 4 Ewing's Sarcoma an aggressive bone or soft tissue cancer. I had a rock melon sized tumour in my pelvis and it had metastasised into my hip bone and my lungs. I quickly started an intense treatment plan to save my life and was rarely at school, but my friends were always there for me. They joined the schools Relay For Life team and raised money for the Cancer Council of WA. I was able to visit them at the WA Athletics Stadium and they pushed me around the track as I was in a wheelchair.

2015 Relay For Life was also special. I had finished treatment in July 2014 and had to learn to walk again, due to one of my chemo drugs shortening my calf muscles. After intense physiotherapy, casting and splints, I could walk and I joined the schools relay team. It was an amazing feeling to be able to be involved in something so special.

This year’s Relay For Life was again an amazing experience. The Willetton team once again spent 24 hours walking, running and dancing around the track at the WA Athletics Stadium. I shared the first lap of the relay with my main carer, my mum and hundreds of other survivors, carers and warriors. That was a very special moment. In the evening at the Candlelight Ceremony we were able to remember our loved ones that had passed from this hideous disease. This was a very moving moment as photos of everyone’s loved ones were played on a big screen and we lit up memory bags around the track. During my treatment I made many friends in the hospital and unfortunately many of them have passed. It was an honour to be able to do the relay with them in my heart.

Thank you very much to Mrs Gauci, Mr Kearlsey and the other teachers who get involved and make it all possible. Special thanks to Mrs Barrett who buys and prepares us the best food and delivers it at midnight to keep us going through the night. This year we also had a visit from Bankwest staff who bought us gift bags and water. Bankwest are going to be involved with our Relay Teams in the future.

While fundraising for the Cancer Council is important, Relay is more than that. It is also about the community coming together and uniting for a common purpose. For me it is also about healing and showing cancer just what we can do together.

Caitlin Garrett Year 12

Kaitlyn Garrett at Relay For Life

WILLETTON ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE OR DIALECT (EALD) TEACHER OFF TO OXFORD

Marie Munro has won a place in the Oxford University Summer School Program for this July. She will be studying literature with some of the world's foremost authorities in the field, including Mr Peter Kemp and Dr John Ballam.

To win this place Marie had to go through a rigorous selection procedure assisted by her professor of linguistics at the University of Newcastle (NSW), Dr Christo Moskovsky, and her Head of Department, Nathan Harvey. Marie was one of 12 selected for this program from students in countries all round the world.

The Oxford University Summer Program includes courses in literary studies from early English poetry like Beowulf, through Shakespearean, Victorian and Romantic literature to the contemporary novel. Marie will study the Modernist fiction of Virginia Woolf and James Joyce as well as a unit in contemporary novels, including works by Ian McEwan, Sarah Waters and Jim Crace. Her stay at Oxford will be enhanced by live-in accommodation at the famous Exeter College which sits right in the heart of the town, next to the Bodleian Library. Exeter College was founded in 1314 and is one of Oxford's oldest colleges.

Whilst study will occupy most of her weekdays, Marie will be able to join in the organised activities on weekends, which include boating on the Thames (Isis), a trip to see the white horse engraved in a hillside and other outings to enjoy the local area, including we imagine, some real ale in the Eagle and Child which was the pub favoured by Tolkien as he wrote his famous work, The Lord of the Rings.

Marie hopes that this intensive program of study will enrich her own teaching but that she will be able to share some of her learning with colleagues when she returns. Literature is an important part of the EALD program at Willetton SHS and an experience like this will add a rich vein of expertise to the delivery of the course and to students' appreciation of literature.

OUR STUDENTS ATTEND THE LAUNCH OF CURTIN UNIVERSITY’S AUTISM ACADEMY

Liam Picen (Year 11) and Sam Bateman (Year 7) are two of many high school students with Autism Spectrum Disorder who are developing talents and skills highly sought by the information technology (IT) industry.

With the emergence of smart phones, tablets and other personal devices in addition to computers, the IT industry is growing rapidly. It will need many skilled workers especially in the areas of coding, and data security and protection, and there are people with autism who are highly capable of making a career in these areas if they are given the opportunity.

Recently, Sam and Liam represented Willetton Senior High School at the Launch of Curtin University’s Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA) by the Governor of Western Australia. Associate Professor Tele Tan, Deputy Director of AASQA and his colleagues set it up to join with industry partners in helping young people on the autism spectrum gain experience and employment in the IT industry.

According to Associate Professor Tan who is also a member of the Willetton SHS Board, the software testing industry in Australia is a $240 million business, so there is great scope to provide employment opportunities for young people on the spectrum who often have the interest, accuracy, focus and attention to detail required for jobs such as software inspection and data analysis. Unfortunately, up until now this pool of talented young people has been underrepresented in employment because they lack the necessary support in the work place.

Part of the work of AASQA also involves reaching out to high school students on the autism spectrum who have emerging talents in computer science. This has included establishing CoderDojos – clubs where interested young people can work on coding projects with the support of mentors.

In term 1 of this year, Liam and Sam were able to join a CoderDojo set up by Associate Professor Tan, through the School’s Board Partnership Committee supported by Mrs Jenni Hood from the school’s Resource Unit. This pilot CoderDojo was specially funded by the Rotary Club of Willetton.

What Sam really likes about this CoderDojo compared with another coding club is, it is a small group with mentors who will spend time with me teaching me the things I want to learn. Liam has been able to join this group not only to learn from the older mentors, but to act as mentor to the younger members, giving him valuable experience in helping others to learn.

Attending the launch of the AASQA was a great opportunity for Sam and Liam to hear from and talk with Curtin University lecturers as well as researchers from the Autism Cooperative Research Centre who are inspiring young people on the autism spectrum currently doing IT internships supported by AASQA with companies like Bankwest.

Sam reflected on the launch saying that, it was interesting to learn about the organisation's ambitions and how they are trying to help young people on the autism spectrum. Liam is very pleased that there is an organisation which has recognised that there are people on the autism spectrum who are very good at coding and will help to match them with potential employers so that they can have a career in an industry about which they are passionate.

Tanya Picen and Amanda Bateman Parents

Liam Picen and Sam Bateman with Prof Lyn Beazley, Tanya Picen and Amanda Bateman

About the School Board Partnership Committee

The Partnership Committee is comprised of both parent and teacher members of the School Board. The goal of the committee is to facilitate the building of partnerships between the school and the community to enhance the learning outcomes of the students at Willetton Senior High School. We are interested in working with teachers, students and the school community to identify partnership opportunities, match these opportunities with the various learning areas of the school and develop strategies to engage these partnerships. If you would like to work with the Partnership Committee, please contact co-chair Jenny LeSouef at Jennifer.lesouef@education.wa.edu.au

STUDENTS ATTEND BANKWEST CURTIN UNIVERSITY CENTRE BREAKFAST

The Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre is an independent economic and social research organisation located within the Curtin Business School at Curtin University. Willetton Senior High School and Bankwest are developing connections, which in this case has benefitted five students who attended the breakfast event at the Regency Hyatt in Perth city on March 22 along with approximately 220 other guests. Guests included Bankwest and Curtin Executives and staff, industry leaders, corporate and government representatives and the media.

The focus for the presentation was entitled: Positioned for an Ideas Boom: Productivity and Innovation in Australia. Discussion included comment on the crucial importance of economic growth, improving competitiveness and creating jobs. A panel discussion and Q & A included former WA Chief Scientist and 2015, WA Australian of the Year, Professor Lyn Beazley AO.

Professor Beazley’s presentation had a key focus on education with comment on education and funding. As our students were privileged to be the only high school students in attendance, they met and chatted with Professor Beazley.

Students who attended reported that their time at the event was a good experience where they were able to network and meet a lot of people, coming away with numerous business cards and possible connections. An interest in study at the Curtin Business School has been piqued. Further to this has been the wonderful opportunity to see “economics in action”, not only in the classroom. A recent assessment dealing with micro economic reform provided another benefit with the opportunity for the students to draw on the presentation material with relevant and current understandings and examples.

Thanks to Bankwest and Curtin University.

Ruth Barratt: HaSS teacher

Executives from Bankwest and Curtin University, Professor Lyn Beazley AO. And our students

WILLETTON STAFF ATTEND BANKWEST CURTIN UNIVERSITY CONFERENCE

The Bankwest Autism in the Workplace Forum was a perfect opportunity to promote to employers the many positives in employing people with Autism Spectrum disorder. There was a focus on systematic identification of suitable jobs matched to an individual’s strengths, abilities and aspirations.

Our Willetton Senior High School staff attendees, Jackie Chadwick, Lorna Thomassen and Mandy Nunn have gained valuable knowledge that can be applied to building sustainable relationships between Resource Unit students and host work experience employers.

Jackie Chadwick: Resource Unit Education Assistant (EA)

Jackie Chadwick (EA), Russell Thomas the Executive Manager from the Autism Association, Lorna Thomasson (EA) and Mandy Nunn (EA)

CONGRATULATIONS TO

Dylan Taylor, who graduated in 2012, who is a recipient of the 2016 UWA Business School/BHP Billiton scholarship valued at $20 000. Dylan has already secured a position as an investment banker at Credit Suisse for 2017 when he finishes his Study

FOLLOW THE DREAM

Follow the Dream: Partnership for Success
Mount Lawley Outreach Program

ECU/WAAPA EXCURSION Wednesday March 23, 2016

The first excursion for the Follow the Dream Outreach program 2016 was to ECU and WAAPA Mount Lawley. Nineteen students from nine schools including Willetton SHS attended this excursion to experience the campus and all it has to offer.

Follow the Dream Students

Dr Noel Nannup welcomed us to Country and spoke to us later in the day of the Noongar heritage, spirits and the atrocities that occurred to Aboriginal people on Rottnest Island in past times. Several of students will be heading to Rottnest Island on a Cultural camp at the beginning of the school holidays so it was important for them to have an understanding of this.

As the day progressed, we learnt about the courses offered at ECU, the support structures through Kurongkurl Katitjin and we experienced firsthand the Aboriginal theatre course at WAAPA, with a little help from past FTD student Demi Bennett.

All in all it was a great day, giving the students plenty to think about.

Bridgid Lafferty Program Coordinator Mt Lawley FTD Outreach Program

ANZAC This essay was presented by Sibhoin at our ANZAC service on April 27

ANZAC day is a day of commemoration. On ANZAC day we honour those who fought for our freedoms. It is just not Gallipoli we remember on this day, nor is it even the First World War. This is a day set aside for us to collectively give thanks to all those men and women who have put their lives at risk from every day since, and in many cases paid the supreme price.

There have been over 100 000 deaths of Australian Servicemen and Women since the First World War. With this, we also acknowledge the losses and sacrifices of their families. When we lose someone it affects the wife or husband, the mother and father and the children that will never see their mum or dad again. These men and women did not start the wars in which they were involved, though they fought to uphold the freedoms for their children and grandchildren. We honour their bravery, their courage and their commitment.

ANZAC day is not a day for honoring war, for war is not something to be honoured. War is a tragedy. War is something that is used as a last resort when diplomacy has failed and it is used by a nation to safeguard its sovereignty. We do however, on ANZAC day, honour the people of Australia who have undertaken warfare to protect that sovereignty, no matter how distasteful it may have been to them personally and in spite of the risk of losing their lives.

ANZAC day is therefore a day for all Australians, regardless of religion, racial

background or even place of birth. It is a day for my grandparents, my parents and me, in the same way as it is a day for you. It is a day to commemorate the bravery and self-sacrifice of past and present generations. It is a day to acknowledge the selflessness of all those who have been prepared to lay down their lives for Australia so that it can be a place of freedom for all. It is a day to forget our grudges, to remember that our ANZACS fought for everyone. Today we shall not be prejudiced; today we shall not discount any Australian, for today is the day where all Australians share in that mate-ship and that camaraderie.

On ANZAC day, we salute not only the spirit of the ANZACs but, in paying tribute to them, we take the opportunity to dedicate ourselves to striving for our country as they did and upholding their finest qualities of courage, commitment, endurance and mate-ship. So today we say thank you. To those who lived for us, and for those who died for us. We are able to live the way we do today, because of your selflessness and your sacrifice. You did not die in vain. You fought for us to practice freedom of religion. You fought for us to receive the education we do today. You fought for our freedom of the press and you fought for us to live in peace. For that, we are truly and eternally grateful.

Lest we forget

Sibhoin Ialacci Year 12

THE HALOGEN NATIONAL YOUNG LEADERS CONFERENCE

On March 18 2016, the School Board sponsored 55 students to attend the annual Halogen National Young Leaders Conference.

The Perth Halogen Young Leaders program was amazing. We had five main speakers coming from their own type of work.

Our first speaker was Nathan Dubsy Want. Dubsy is one of Australia’s rising voices for young people (kids). For the past decade, he has been working with young people, speaking into their world and giving them the skills to handle their life. Dubsy isn't afraid of challenging conversations and changing someone’s world to make them feel better about themselves.

Our second speaker was Alex Malley. Alex Malley is the chief executive of CPA Australia, one of the world’s largest accounting companies. In addition, he is the host of the 9 Network Australia series The Conversation with Alex Malley and author of the best-selling book The Naked CEO. From suspended schoolboy to amazing CEO, Alex Malley always does what he thinks is right for him and for what he does.

Our third speaker was Dylan Parker and his partner James Norton who was unfortunately not there. Dylan had a hobby of learning and doing new things, but James loved paper planes. Dylan Parker and James Norton met at the Canberra paper plane competition in 2008. Their love for paper planes, design and all things aerial lead them to compete not only at the Australian championships, but also the World Championships in Austria (2009). Dylan scored a world ranking of third with a throw of over 42 metres. Dylan and James have formed an initiative called The Paper Pilots. Since 2008, they have become so famous that they had a movie based on them!

With Dylan Parker

Our fourth speaker was Taku Scrutton. Taku Scrutton is a person from Zimbabwe and an author based in Perth. She has been celebrating all types of cultures on Australian stages, radio and TV since 2006. Taku inspires people to celebrate their uniqueness and dream, no matter where they are from. She is especially passionate about inspiring the young people of Australia to be themselves.

Our fifth and final speaker was Drisana Levitzke-Gray. Drisana Levitzke-Gray is the winner of the 2015 Young Australian of the Year Award in recognition of her passion and dedication for the human rights of deaf people, raising awareness about Auslan, and the right of deaf children in Australia to access Auslan from birth. Drisana is the embodiment of the concept of deaf gain, not hearing loss, inspiring the deaf community, and encouraging the wider community to accept diversity. She promotes a positive image of deafness, which states loudly and proudly, it’s OK to be deaf.

All of these speakers inspire the youth of Australia to do great things in their future and teach them on how to keep their future safe. They all promote youth to be themselves and accept the people who are different to celebrate each other. We should master the little in order to make the world a better place.

Agi Bakshi Year 8

Willetton students Arushi Katti and Himal Pandey asking questions

Only the big things I do will ever make a difference, said no leader ever.

This statement was the theme of this year’s National Young Leaders Day, hosted by the Halogen Foundation, and it really was an inspiring experience. We learnt of the importance to master the little, as those small things that usually go unnoticed really do add up and help us grow not only as a leader, but as a person too.

Advice included:

• Become a person of focus, it’s not always easy but it will be worth it
• When being a leader, it’s not do as I say, it’s do as I do
• Respect the people you don't like
• Life should be enjoyed, not endured
• Take the little opportunities
• And lastly, keep an open mind; you must be willing to make mistakes if you ever want to find a way to improve.

This, topped off with meeting other aspiring leaders from other schools across the state, great live music and performances, and being able to take part in this year’s Perth 10,000 Ideas video was truly a day to remember, and we look forward to the day when the young leaders who attended the conference use this master the little mentality to change the world.

Niklesh Warrier and Carmel Palan Year 11

Halogen Young Leaders Day

MOTHERS DAY CLASSIC RUN/WALK – MAY 8 2016

A group of Willo Warriors took to the Perth esplanade on Mothers’ Day morning to show support for Breast Cancer Research and to share this special time with thousands of other supporters, friends and family who have been affected by this terrible disease.

It was a gorgeous morning for the walk/run, and the brunch afterwards was well received. We look forward to more Willo Warriors joining us next Mothers’ Day!

Jude Fapani HPE Teacher

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S INTERNATIONAL AWARD

Congratulations to Teneika McCarroll and Benita David of Year 11 for completing their Bronze Awards and Rohan Jiandani (Year 12) for completing his Silver Award in recent weeks.

We have had a steady increase in registrations with many Year 9 students turning 14 and taking up their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. However, students can sign up at any time and have until they are 25 to complete an Award. All Awards are self paced and many Willetton students go on to complete their Award while at university or independently through the Western Australian Award office after they leave school.

It is always refreshing to see students start Awards, and watch them grow through the many opportunities afforded by completing Award sections. As a result, students often develop better personal organisation and management skill. They become more confident in communicating and working along side adult mentors and are more motivated to try new things or stick with their interests and hobbies. It is up to students to manage all aspects of their Award and seek support as required from Award Coordinators at school.

Completing an Award at Willetton creates opportunities and allows recognition when students participate in extra curricular activities including school bands, teams, administrative roles, Interact and various clubs or after school tuition. The highlight of the program is often our school based Adventurous Journeys. These include our annual Bronze Camp to Margaret River focusing on caving and bush skills camp. This year with the support of Mr Mike Forsyth and Ms Sophie McLean, we will also be offering a school based Silver Camp hiking the Bibbulmun Track. Gold participants continue to work towards their expedition to Vietnam later this year with some hard work being put in to raise funds for our community project.

I encourage Year 11 and 12 students who have started an Award to try and complete their Awards and get everything signed off as soon as possible. Once an Award is finalised, students benefit with points being credited to their WACE statement. These points can make a real difference, including the potential for students to achieve a Certificate of Distinction or a Certificate of Merit. WACE points are allocated as follows: Bronze = 5 points, Silver = 10 points and Gold = 20 points. Having an Award on a resume can also make a big difference when applying for scholarships, jobs and universities. Past students have reported that many questions at interviews have related back to aspects of their progress and achievements within Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Students wishing to inquire about starting an Award should speak to either their Year Coordinator or me. Application forms are available in Student Services at any time and I am also happy to provide participant support via email.

Judy Gauci School Coordinator
judy.gauci@education.wa.edu.au

THE WILLETTON BOARD GAME CLUB

Now in its second year, the Willetton Board Game Club brings together strategists, schemers and staunch gamers to compete and co-operate in a friendly – and loudly enthusiastically – weekly meeting. With support from the School Board, we have built a new library of modern, award winning games including the fast paced train robbery challenge Colt Express, the crafty and devious spy game Codenames and all-out giant monster brawls King of Tokyo!

Railroad mayhem with Colt Express

Meeting on Mondays after school the club is open to all students and teachers who want to get involved in the modern board game renaissance. With dozens of games suited to all tastes and styles there is always something new to try, and there’s plenty more on the way. We’ve already secured orders for highly anticipated upcoming releases Secret Hitler and digital balancing act Fabulous Beasts.

The colourful Fabulous Beasts

The club continues with the highly appreciated support of the School Board and our new partnership with Good Games Cannington. This local business is incredibly keen to help foster interest in gaming as a hobby and have provided us with fantastic deals and free games for students!

Sherriff of Nottingham – tell the truth, try and lie, or chance a bribe?

Gareth Mitchell Club Coordinator

INTERACT CLUB

The Interact Club at Willetton SHS, coming under the umbrella of Rotary International, is a community based club. It has had a wonderful start this year. Over 40 students have joined us in our ventures helping those in need. Just in last term, we raised $1736.20 to be given to the charity of our choice. We fundraised $455.05 from the Easter hamper, the winners of that hamper being staff member Mrs Karen Gatland in first place, second prize the Lee family, and third to Rotarian Mr Rob Webster.

We raised another $1281.15 during the Multicultural Week which is the time of the year where we celebrate the diverse culture, here at Willetton. Some of the stalls we set up during this time included a petting zoo, henna stall, jewellery/doll stall and a cake stall. A portion of the money we have fundraised will go directly to the Starlight Children’s Foundation, and the remainder to the Club’s nominated International charity. The effort and dedication from everyone made this possible.

Multicultural Week Stalls

Our efforts didn't stop there; another event that we participated in was the Willetton Rotary Fair on April 3. We had many people volunteering and it was amazing to see how many students were willing to give up four or five hours of their weekend to just help out. We will continue to strive to achieve better and bigger things this term. We would love to see more students and even parents getting involved with Interact so do feel welcome to join us. We meet at LANG6 every Tuesday lunch time.

Dayaanita Prabhabar President Interact, and Rebecca Wong Vice President Interact

RYPEN CAMP

Last weekend, six Interactors and I attended the RYPEN camp (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment). The goal of it was to enrich us and also to have a fun and enjoyable time. This program costs $285 per person but we are generously sponsored by the Rotary Club of Willetton.

As a Year 12 student, I was able to ‘detox’ my brain before the exams! Many who have previously attended agreed that it was a life changing experience and enjoyed the camp. I gained the same as they did, friendships and personal growth.

Rebecca Wong Vice President Interact

RINGS FOR LIMBS PROJECT

In 2015, the Interact Club collected ring pulls from cans, running the collection concurrently with other projects throughout the year. Early in 2016, the final boxes stacked with aluminium ring pulls were delivered to Applecross Rotary club.

Our collections will be recycled and the funds sent to Prosthesis Foundation of HRH The Princess Mother, based in Thailand. As a nation with many landmine victims, many of whom continue to work with severe injuries, single limbs and other amputations, there is a great need for artificial limbs. The Prosthesis Foundation provides a mobile service, travelling around Thailand to those who cannot afford to buy prosthetics. They make custom prosthetics from recycled material. Initially, the aluminium from Australian cans was used in the process, but the company now has a local source of resources. The money raised from recycling will go towards training locals to make the prosthetics and continuing to provide this service free of charge.

Georgina Earl 2015 Secretary Interact

GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION

YEARS 9 AND 10 HAVE SUM FUN COMPETITION

We sacrificed our Monday lunch break from the beginning of the term to meet in F16 and practice completing some past Have Sum Fun competition papers. Sometimes the questions were easy, other times they were really difficult, there were even times where the lines in the diagram didn’t fully connect but the markers wanted you to assume that they did. Suddenly, March 18 went from being a distant date to several days away. On our last Monday, we were wished good luck and told to bring as much food as we wanted to the competition.

On Friday, March 18, two teams of Year 9s and Year 10s from Willetton competed in Have Sum Fun 2016, a maths competition of four rounds of eight questions each. Team 2, Kaylee Wong, Leopold Ngu, Claudia Goh, Amos Choo, Sepehr Kimiaei and Jeevan Singh, worked through the questions and overcame significant struggles like trying to use a ClassPad and contemplating the spelling of forty. On the other hand, Team 1, Andrew Lee, Jordan Hoffmann, Delwyn Lee, Thomas Laing-Hughes, Mutia Daruso and Mihan De Silva, were systematic and checked over all their answers completely, some of them found by sheer luck with trial and error.

Highlights of the night include Willetton’s Mrs Hatch as the MC, a student from another school stumbling over the massive bag of food Leopold bought and the continual mystery of whether Team 2 was somehow the first team to hand in their tiebreaker or were actually so lost that they were the last.

All confusion and jokes aside, Team 1 finished in third place, just one tiebreaker point behind the second team. Team 2 finished in fourth place, tied with three other schools.

In the end, while we did want to rename the competition Have Sum Stress, we all really did Have Sum Fun that night.

Claudia Goh: Year 10

SENIOR GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAM

Semester One Revision Programs

Revision classes have begun to prepare Year 11 and 12 Gifted and Talented students for their first semester exams in May and June. We have an external provider offering revision in Mathematics Methods, Mathematics Specialist, Chemistry, Physics and English. Mrs. Hind is conducting revision for Year 12 Literature and Mrs Genoni for Year 11 Literature students.

The revision program is delivered after school in English classrooms in F Block and is free to students in the Senior Gifted and Talented Program. We have notified students in meetings, and timetables are on display throughout F Block.

SCITECH WORLD BIOTECH TOUR AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Shiya Huang, one of our Senior Gifted and Talented students, has been selected for the Scitech world Biotech Tour Ambassador Program. She will be paired with mentors to conduct a biotechnology research project. Shiya will participate in the Perth Science Festival in August and present a speech in September at Scitech.

The most successful ambassador will be selected to represent Australia at the World Science Summit in Japan in 2017.

This is a very prestigious program and to be selected is a credit to both Shiya and our Gifted and Talented Program. There will be an opportunity to work with mentors, participate in cutting edge research as well as communicate scientific ideas to a wider audience through a speech.

We congratulation Shiya on her success.

Julie Hind and Shelley Genoni: Senior Gifted and Talented Coordinators

YEAR 8 GIFTED AND TALENTED SCIENCE

SUBS in Schools Program

A group of students from the Year 8 Gifted and Talented classes are currently involved in the SUBS in Schools program. Students are designing and building submarines, or more specifically, underwater ROVs or Remotely Operated Vehicles. The initiative is funded by the Schools Pathway Program and is designed to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). Once complete, we will be fitting the ROVs with cameras and hydrophones and sample collection arms.

Later in the year the students will be involved in an interschool demonstration of their ROVs.

Jack Killoh, Callum Hutchison, Jonathan Chivers and Justin Moro with their ROV

Year 8 Biology

To better understand the scientific naming of living things, the Year 8 Gifted and Talented science classes have been learning Latin. We have planted twenty different species of eucalypts behind the science building, labelling each plant with both its common name and scientific name.

Jagriti Kari, Sarah Raphael and Sharaba Ahsan with a Eucalyplus erythrocorys seedling. The name means well capped red helmet.

Darren Hamley Gifted and Talented Coordinator

ENGLISH

LANGUAGE PERFECT

In 2016 Willetton Senior High School is funding access to Language Perfect for students who wish to extend their skills in reading and writing.

Education Perfect, with its Language Perfect software is a computer literacy program that was trialled by English staff in 2015. The program was particularly useful for ESL, EALD students, modified students and students in the resource unit. Research suggests that 65% of Willetton students come from a non-English speaking background and the program is excellent for helping those students work on syntax and tense errors common to non-native speakers.

Language Perfect is also an excellent homework tool for academic extension, with its ability to target areas of grammar and give instant feedback to the student. This is then translated into their classwork, where they spell, punctuate and construct better sentences and paragraphs. We wish to give our students free access to the Language Perfect program as a homework platform that teachers will recommend to students who need help with their literacy, or who wish to excel in their written expression.

Language Perfect aims to assist students with developing their literacy skills, a key part of the Western Australian curriculum. In addition it is one of our strategies to assist students in meeting the literacy standards required for graduation as measured by OLNA and NAPLAN tests by ensuring students spelling and grammar is of the highest standard.

Writing is a vital part of every course and every curriculum. The ability to write well is not just necessary for NAPLAN, or OLNA or English, it is necessary for all subjects and courses. By using Language Perfect in the formative years we hope that students will have a firm understanding of basic English skills for WACE courses, Certificates, General courses and therefore attainment.

Education Perfect has confirmed that they will deliver the program to our students and Willetton Senior High School is funding the project in order to help all our students excel at school.

Please encourage your child to get on Language Perfect 3 times a week. They can also ask their English teacher to recommend activities on which to focus, such as spelling, tense, punctuation and much more. We can also add homework specific to our learning content and this is why we believe Language Perfect is a fantastic homework aide.

Your child can log on now.

Student log in details as below
surnameini (surname and first 3 letters of their given name)
Password is first name

So for me it would be …..
User name: Saunderscha
Password: chantel

Chantel Saunders English teacher

If your child has any issues logging on please email one of us and we will send you the details or reset their passwords. Some students may find their user name difficult if they have three names. Students can also visit the library Wednesday recess to get help from us in using the program.

glen.carbon@education.wa.edu.au
chantel.saunders@education.wa.edu.au

Students using Language Perfect

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

YEAR 8 MURDER MYSTERY

To begin our History unit in Term 2, Year 8s were given the task of solving a mystery. After being issued evidence files that included maps, phone messages, timetables and party invitations; students were divided into Detective Squads to find out what happened to Mark Pullen who was found deceased on a country lane.

While the case was fictitious, the students had to use all of their document study, source analysis and detective skills to decide which pieces of evidence were relevant, reliable, significant, contradictory and useful for finding out if Mr Pullen’s death was accidental or a murder. They had to create a timeline of his movements prior to his death and consider the motives and movements of all of his contacts.

The groups were very productive, not to mention competitive in trying to solve the crime while trying to throw the other squads off the scent. Of course, as it was a fictitious case, there are many possible solutions (and there were meant to be) however, the most plausible, likely scenario – based on the evidence, won the day.

Despite the modern context, students had to use all the skills of an historian along with team work, organisation and perseverance.

Ms Bettermann Teacher Year 8 HaSS

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

YEAR 7 LIGHTNING CARNIVAL

The Year 7 Boys soccer tournament took place on Friday the Wednesday April 6 at Beale park. There were 10 schools participating in the B division competition split into two draws. This meant we played 4 x 30 minute games with a crossover final.

Willetton vs Applecross 4 – 0

1 goal – Oliver Hustwick
1 goal – Kurdvan Muzoori
1 goal – Tyler Cooke
1 goal – Cormac McGinn

Willetton vs Gilmore 10 – 0

4 goals - Kudvan Muzoori
2 goals - Tyler Cooke
1 goal - Oliver Hustwick
1 goal - Min Kyaw
1 goal - Cormac McGinn
1 goal – David Toluwade

Willetton vs Melville 8 – 1

4 goals - Tyler Cooke
2 goals - David Toluwade
1 goal - Kurdvan Muzoori
1 goal – Jai Ong

Willetton vs John Curtin 3 - 0

2 goals – David Toluwade
1 goal – Kurdvan Muzoori

Final vs Atwell 3 - 0

2 goals - David Toluwade
1 goal – Tyler Cooke

In the crossover final, we chose to go against the wind in the first half and were able to get the upper hand with a goal. David managed a fine solo effort by megging a player, and finished with an immaculate chip over the goalie. In the second half, Oliver was injured and was forced off. Jai stepped in and put in full effort, with end to end sprints for the rest of the game. There were so many other players contributing to such a fine performance to mention here. All players were a credit to the team and I am sure they will do well in all future competitions.

Year 10 Helpers: Brian Magombedze, Maheesha Samaraweera, Jayden Chew
Coach/Manager Mr E Pretorius

Back Row (L to R): Cormac McGinn, Jeong Kyu Lee, Kurdvan Muzoori (Captain), William Larrington, Charan Khokulan, Dev Venugopal, Pritpal Bal, Kishyean Anpalagan, David Toluwade

Front Row (L to R): Tyler Cooke, Ethan Boey, Cameron Scott, Min Kyaw, Kevin Chin, Jai Ong, Oliver Hustwick

2016 SSWA DIVISION B INTERSCHOOL SWIMMING CARNIVAL

2016 SSWA Division B Interschool Swimming Carnival was on Monday March 14 at HBF Stadium. After swimming our hearts out and stealing first place with a lead of 109 points it’s safe to say that it now holds a fond place in all our hearts. Not only did we all strive to achieve our own personal goals but also the memories we made together are something that will last a lifetime.

In the end, Willetton came first with 998 points, following Mount Lawley, Melville, John Curtin, Leeming, Ocean Reef, Woodvale and Como. This moves Willetton and Mount Lawley to division A next year.

We are very proud to see the dedication of all the swimmers especially the Year 12s, having nine of us in the team. Many of them have been in the team for the full five years since we entered high school in Year 8.

Willetton had so many placings in the swimming carnival, we are very proud of everyone. Even every freestyle relay team came first, second or third.

1st place: Year 7 boys, Year 9 boys, Year 10 girls, Year 12 boys.
2nd place: Year 7 boys, Year 10 boys, Year 11 girls, Year 12 girls.
3rd place: Year 8 girls, Year 8 boys, Year 9 girls, Year 11 boys.

Willetton didn’t just have lots of placings, we also had a few champions, runners up and third place champions who did exceptionally well throughout the carnival.

Champions:

Year 7 girls – Catherine Kenshaw
Year 10 girls – Marine McKenna

Runner up champion:

Year 7 boys – Samuel Preece

Third place champions:

Year 8 boys – Justin Moro
Year 9 boys – Kevin Lim

And to the coming Year 11s and for everyone else on the swim team, it’s been an amazing five years getting to know and swim alongside such an incredible group of people. We wish you the very best next year at A Division and for all the years after. Make Willetton Proud!

Sonia Bouska and Joseph Reagan 2016 Swim Team Captains

Sonia Bouska, Catherine Kerswaw, Marnie McKenna and Joseph Reagan

Chloe Tucek, Haley Burnett, Natasha Hoffman and Chantelle Hoffman

YEAR 7 LIGHTNING CARNIVAL NETBALL TEAMS

On Wednesday April 6, over 40 Year 7 girls competed in the South Coastal Lightning Carnival in Netball. Willetton had four teams competing and the results were as follows:

A1 Division- 1st Place
B1 Division- 3rd Place
C1 Division- 6th Place
C2 Division- 5th Place

A big thank you and congratulations to all the players, Year 9 and 10 coaches, umpires and teachers involved in the day.

Ms R Clemons, Mrs A Wheeler and Mrs S Banner HPE Teachers

YEAR 11 OUTDOOR RECREATION TRIPS

The Year 11 Outdoor Recreation students finished off Term 1, and their Snorkelling unit, with an adventure to Rottnest Island.

For some it was a first time experience while others were already well acquainted with the quokkas. Students had the opportunity to see some really large crayfish, dolphins, turtles, sting-rays, wrasse, lion fish, coral and many different fish species. Some brave students even challenged themselves with a couple of swim throughs at Little Salmon Bay.

Thank you to the teachers that assisted on the trip; Mr Forsyth, Mr Ranford, Ms Bogunovich and Ms Hayes. Overall, the students had a brilliant day and this was a fantastic opportunity for them to demonstrate their snorkelling skills gained over the term.

Ms Clemons, Mr Atterton, Mr Pretorius and Mr Donaldson: HPE Teachers

Buffalo Bream

Year 11 Outdoor Recreation Snorkelling Trip

LANGUAGES

LANGUAGES UNIVERSITY BONUS

Very soon students will be making course choices for Years 10, 11 and 12, 2017. All universities in WA, and many across Australia, give bonus entry points to any student who studies a Language in Year 12. The Tertiary Entrance Aggregate will be boosted by 10% of the final scaled mark in their language. The TEA score boost will apply regardless of which faculty of the university the student joins. This is a tremendous way in which language students are able to be even better off in the competitive field of tertiary entrance.

Students should see their languages teacher for more information.

Nathan Harvey HOLA Languages

Hyogo Centre

Minako’s Farewell

MATHEMATICS

AH THE WONDERS OF TECHNOLOGY

Classpad Emulators

Ah the wonders of technology! Joohun Rhee of Year 9 is modelling the maths department’s latest acquisition, Classpad Emulators. These devices project the workings of the classpad calculator to the electronic whiteboard so that students can follow the steps and learn how to use this rather sophisticated calculator.

Kate Thompson Mathematics Teacher

RESOURCE UNIT

FREMANTLE SURF LIFE SAVING SWIMMING AND WATER SAFETY CURRICULUM EXCURSION

On Wednesday the March 23, 2016 some of our Resource Unit students met with Michael Shall the president of Fremantle Surf Lifesaving Club.

Michael volunteered his time to show the students around the surf club to familiarise them with beach safety and rescue equipment.

The students met one of the surf lifesaving guards, whose job is to patrol the beach to ensure the safety of swimmers, reporting shark sightings to local authorities.

John Wong on the surf rescue jet ski

The students also saw a helicopter patrolling the coastline checking for sharks and had an opportunity to sit on the rescue jet ski which they much enjoyed.

Michael showed them the red and yellow flags, life jackets, the radio controls, the different equipment used in coordinating rescues like the rescue boards, rescue tube, rubber boats and spinal boards. The students toured the first aid room, inspecting and learning about oxygen for resuscitation, the defibrillators and how important it is to fill in an incident report.

They also went to the beach with Michael and checked for the safest place to swim and learnt how to break the waves by turning side on, dropping their shoulder in towards the incoming waves to avoid being knocked over.

The students also practiced a tube rescue by rescuing Michael who was signalling for help.

The school have these tubes in the P.E Dept so students can practice using them when engaging in some of the Outdoor Education sessions.

Kane Choong practicing to rescue Michael

Jenni Hood and Deb Lievense Resource Unit Teachers
Sonya Evans and Linda Burrows Education Assistants

SCIENCE

SUCCESS FOR WILLETTON FRC PARTICIPANTS

Late in 2015 a group of Year 9 students started the FRC journey. After school and on Saturdays they turned up at the Engineering Pavilion at Curtin University to learn about FRC, team building, leadership, safety, team dynamics and learning science & engineering information that would be relevant to building a robot. Fifteen students decided to take up the challenge and committed themselves to six weeks of robot building which started in January 2016.

In January each year, the FIRST® Robotics Competition game is announced. For an overview of the competition see the video below. To read about FRC Australia look at the link below . This game changes every year, and teams are not permitted to use any robot part they built prior to the game being released – so they have to start building a new robot every year. Adding to the challenge, teams have to complete building their robots mid-February, giving them just about six weeks to brainstorm, design, prototype, construct, use computer code to program and learn to drive a robot. The robots themselves are up to two metres tall and weigh as much as 50 kgs.

The students were placed in different teams that were made up of 15-20 students from different schools. There were three teams, each with a specific number (5087, 5333 & 5663) that had their own leaders and built their own robot to their own design. To help them with their ideas were Curtin University mentors. These mentors are engineering students that also commit themselves to the FRC cause by guiding and provide advice on ideas and systems. Project planning, scheduling, team meeting, budgeting, media representation and leadership skills have all been developed during the 6 weeks of robot construction.

The dedication of the student’s commitment should be applauded. Over 200 hours was invested toward this engineering opportunity during the holidays and thanks must go to Curtin University and the engineering student mentors. The parents of these dedicated students must also be thanked since they also sacrificed time as a motivator, essential taxi service and planning family events around FRC for over six weeks.

Boxing night was a celebration of many hours of work and for the students to show their robots in action. Sponsors were thanked and each team explained their robot design and introduced the team members. The Pathways Program from the education department is thanked for their sponsorship to FRC.

Some of the Willetton student involved in the 2016 FRC attended the ‘boxing’ night, with two former students from Willetton that are involved in the FRC mentoring program.

Back L to R: Chris Chivers, Jonathon Chivers, Dhruv Jobanputra, George Skyrme, Anand Karna, Ethan Pui

Front L to R: Hamish Vreeken (former student), Joseph Loveday, Nick Berryman, Himal Pandey, Yi Seng Yap, Vishnuram Arumugum,

Chaitang Goyal, Joshua How Son, Navindran R Ravichandar (former student)

One of the three robots, 5663, demonstrating its ability

The Sydney Competition

This is the most exciting part where the teams get to ‘play’. Working in alliances (3 robots) they compete (Co-opertition) scoring points for each action performed or task achieved within the rules. Strategy is very important for alliance success. The three robots built by the students at Curtin University were very successful with team 5333 (ranked 4th in the competition) and team 5663 (ranked 5th) participated in the final and in the same alliance with 5087 from Sydney. This is a great result for WA, Curtin University and all the students and mentors that have been involved with the 2016 FRC competition.

2017 FRC. We will be looking for students (Years 9, 10 and 11) to participate in the 2017 FRC on-season challenge later this year. If you have any questions regarding FRC please contact me Bruce.Dopson@education.wa.edu.au

Bruce Dopson FRC Coordinator

ROBOTICS …. STUDENT REPORTS

Robotics Competition

Since October 2015, people from schools in WA attended Curtin University to build a robot for a Robotics Competition. There were a number of students from Willetton Senior High School involved and some past students as mentors.

We didn’t know what type of robot we had to build, but we needed to learn some skills first. From October to December, we went to Curtin every Saturday. We learnt how to use Java, a computer language, did CAD and studied physics. During the Christmas school holidays we went to Curtin every week day. At the worldwide game reveal -which happened to be at midnight (US time), we found out what we had to make our robot do. There are two alliances, red and blue, with three robots in each. The field is a rectangle with two towers at each end, and defences in front of them. The defences are just obstacles our robots need to get past. We score points by crossing these defenses with our robot, and shooting small foam balls into the towers at the top or bottom. For more information see:

After the game reveal, we had a further six weeks to make the robot. For those six weeks, we went to Curtin after school and on Saturday, which was a huge commitment, and took up most of our spare time. However it was really interesting. We had three different groups at Curtin each building a robot. Finally we finished and packed it off to Sydney where the competition was to be held. Our robot was able to cross around half of the defenses, and shoot high goals and low goals. We then flew off to Sydney in March, ready to compete.

Firstly, there were the qualification matches, where teams were chosen at random and we earned ranking points. At the end of them, my team (5333 Can’t C#) came 4th, and the other two Curtin teams came 5th (5663 Ground Control) and 40th (4788 Ace of Spanners). Then the top eight groups were allowed to choose their teammates (alliances). We chose one of the other Curtin groups (5663) and another robot which could shoot the balls. After all the games, it was down to our alliance and another one facing off for the Grand Final. After three close games, we came second and the other alliance came first. My Team (5333) won the Regional Engineering Inspiration Award and the other Curtin team (5663) won the Industrial Design Award. Both teams qualified for the 2016 Worldwide First Championships to be held in America in April this year.

Christopher (Year 10) and Jonathon (Year 8) Chivers

Jonathan Chivers Year 8

Sydney report

Over the past six months, a group of motivated and determined students from Willetton Senior High School participated in the First Robotics Competition (FRC).

We participated with the determination to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) knowledge and skills. This competition started in early October last year with students participating in tech training sessions at Curtin University to learn vital STEM knowledge and skills which would help them build a robot. Students dedicated their time afterschool and during the summer holidays at Curtin University as they got assigned into teams and got six weeks to build a robot.

Students worked for long periods of time working on projects and scheduled work. We also had to build a robot according to the requirements of this season’s game, which was called the Stronghold.

The three Curtin teams were then sent over to Sydney in March to compete in the regional competition. Two of the teams, which were 5333 and 5663 were the finalists and as a result, the two teams will be travelling to USA to compete in the championships in April. Team 5333 was ranked 4th and they won the Regional Engineering Inspiration Award. Team 5663 was ranked 5th and they won the Industrial Design Award sponsored by General Motors. Overall, the alliance that had two Curtin teams (5333 & 5663) and team 5087 from Sydney came 2nd. The other Curtin Team 4788 unfortunately did not qualify for USA, however with their determination and motivation they earned the rank 40th.

Dhruv Jobanputra and Anand Karna Year 10

FRC Team Photos

INTEGRATED SCIENCE

Miss Hamilton’s Year 11 Integrated Science have been using skulls and play dough to reconstruct faces as part of the forensic science unit.

Year 11 Integrated Science students Liam, Robert, Raymond and Michael investigating how height affects blood splash patterns as part of the forensic science unit

YEAR 10 CELL MODEL

Miss Man’s Year 10 Science Class create cell structure models representing organelles found within the cell

TECHNOLOGIES

CERTIFICATE II IN VISUAL ARTS/GRAPHIC DESIGN

The galleries below are work samples from Year 11 and 12 students completing their Certificate II in Visual Arts, Graphic Design. Year 12 students have now completed the units BSBDES301 - Explore the Use of Colour and Year 11s have completed CUAACD101A – Use Basic Drawing Skills. Images have been produced in either Adobe CS6, Photoshop or Illustrator in IMac Computers. WACOM digital drawing tablets have also been used in numerous instances.

Judy Gauci TechnologiesTeacher

THE ARTS

ASSEMBLY PERFORMANCES BY WILLETTON CELLO ENSEMBLE

The Willetton Cello Ensemble performed at the Year 11 Assembly featuring the song Through the Eyes of Love from the film Ice Castles. Their performance was excellent and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Alita Monkhorst Cello Teacher

Jean Creelman Year 9, Jae Brieffies Year 9, Miss Monkhorst teacher, Louis Kuppers Year 8, Teya Saville Year 8, Kevin Chin Year 7, and Sam Fan Year 7

WILLETTON HOSTS MURDOCH LECTURERS OF MEDIA AND PHOTOGRAPHY

To kick off the second term the Media and Photography departments played host to two guest speakers from Murdoch University. Dr. John McMullan, Lecturer in Screen Production, and Mr. Rick Mason, Lecturer in Photography, held two special sessions with Year 12 ATAR Media students and Year 11/12 ATAR Photography students.

Students were provided with an insight into the courses offered by the universities, advice on building their portfolio and a special screening of award winning short films created by Murdoch students. It was valuable information that laid the groundwork for tertiary admission. We look forward to future workshops and information sessions with the Murdoch Academics.

Dr. McMullan gives Willetton students and taste of University level education

MUSIC NOTES

UWA students wowed by Willo percussionists

Our Percussion Ensemble wowed UWA music students at the recent WA Day of Percussion. Directed by Mr Iain Robbie, the group performed a variety of pieces, including log drumming on logs over 200 years old, for which they memorised an entire series of rhythms.

Year 9 student Kelvin Lim was accompanied by four percussionists from UWA group Piñata Percussion when he performed on the xylophone a Ragtime piece called Dill Pickles.

It was a wonderful eye-opening experience for me Kelvin said. They opened my eyes to the potential opportunities that can arise as a result of continuing with percussion.

Focus: Year 9 music student Kelvin Lim (centre) performing on xylophone with UWA ensemble Piñata Percussion at the recent WA Day of Percussion

Impressive: WSHS Percussion Ensemble wowed the audience at the WA Day of Percussion

Log on: Students performed on log drums made from wood over 200 years old, having memorised an entire series of rhythms for the occasion

Coming Up: Winter Concert

Our fine musicians and ensembles will celebrate their hard work at the Winter Concert, from 6-10pm Wednesday June 15. This event is always packed to the rafters, so tickets, available closer to the date, will sell quickly. Light refreshments, raffles and more entertainment will be squeezed into the interval. Music staff and students look forward to seeing you on the night.

Raffle Prize Sponsorship: There will be a raffle held on the night to aid the continued development of our music programme. Any parents or community members who would like to contribute to the raffle prizes can contact Pip Forster or Pip Peake on 9334 7200, or by emailing pip.forster@education.wa.edu.au or philippa.peake@education.wa.edu.au

Smiles: WSHS Junior Band members can’t wait to entertain the crowd at our Winter Concert, Wednesday June 15

Our Musicians… Out & About

Under the direction of Mrs Jenni Templar, our Senior Band performed at one of the City of Canning’s Canning Music Series concerts in April. The band entertained the crowd with several favourites, including Minnie the Moocher and Pharell Williams’ Happy. It was great exposure for the ensemble, which is now working towards the annual ABODA music festival in August.

The Entertainers: WSHS Senior Band, with conductor Mrs Jenni Templar, had the audience tapping their toes to a great song line-up at the recent Canning Music Series concert

Certificate II & III Music

Willetton SHS runs a very successful Certificate II & III in Music. Our highly talented Year 11 & 12 students explore the ins and outs of the music industry, song writing, the technical side of performance and other aspects of the industry. The students entertained parents at last term’s parent- teacher afternoon and will also perform at the Big Music Concert. Their music was also a big part the Multicultural Week celebrations.

Lunchtime Concerts

Would you like some Handel with that hamburger? Swift with your sandwich? The Music Department has begun Wednesday Lunchtime Concerts downstairs in the Arts building, encouraging our students to celebrate their hard work by performing for their peers. Music students can check Connect for upcoming dates and concerts will be advertised in the Daily Notices. We invite staff and students to come to the next concert in week 5, Wednesday May 25.

Talented: Laura Vickery (guitar) Sara Puteri Nur (piano & vocals), Charlotte Gray and Olivia Kopczyk (vocals) are an up-and-coming Year Seven ensemble who have performed at our Lunchtime Concerts

Baroque Luncheon

It was a feast of 17th century proportions when Ms Forster’s Year 9 classes celebrated their knowledge of Baroque music and lifestyle with food and song. Students brought in delicacies likely to be found on the tables of folk such as JS Bach or Isaac Newton, and each performed a Baroque piece of music.

Musical feast: Ms Forster’s year nine students had a ball at the Baroque Luncheon

Philippa Peake Music Teacher

OUR TOWN

Year 12 Willetton Senior High School ATAR Drama Production

Grover’s Corners meets WSHS

The Year 12 production of Our Town by Thornton Wilder reached Willetton Senior High School on a crisp Wednesday night and led the audience on an emotional and captivating journey for two hours. It was a tale about life in the small town of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire, providing an allegorical representation of all that life has to offer, from birth to the young and crisp salad days that we naively plod through before reaching the end of the line.

The play in three acts was a charming piece questioning our morals and projecting questions of what it really means to live.

The ATAR students were tasked with directing, designing and acting within the performance. The acts were divided among the students into pairs with their own unique approach. This vision also needed to fit in holistically with the entire show and the rest of the acts. It was all about trying to incorporate the ATAR students into every aspect of theatre and drama from costuming to marketing and give them an idea of what the actualities of theatre entailed. It focused on communication, team-work, punctuality and a lot of blood, sweat and tears.

The students had 10 weeks to block, learn lines, create sets, set up rehearsal schedules, improvise and in general jump into it. It was almost like preparing for the apocalypse for them. Anything and everything needed to be accounted for and something was most likely to go wrong. Even through all this, an enjoyable and engaging show was put on, even gaining a few tears from the audience and actors themselves!

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

the Dashing Mr Brand,
the Impeccable Ms. Talbot,
the Radiant Sound and Lighting Duo,
the Adaptable Backstage Crew,
the Charming Front of House
and the Lovely Costume Ladies.

Year 12 Drama ATAR and General Class

L to R: Tom McDonald (Year 11 Understudy), Jasmine Kaur (Actor), Jessica Darling (Actor), Ms. Talbot (Head of sound/lighting/backstage), Libby Charlton (Actor), Elyse McBeath (Actor), Li Suang (Actor), Corinne Rudman (Actor), Edward Morgan (Actor), Mitchell Hayward (Actor), Mr Brand (Producer), Ingrid Bailey (Actor) and Nicole Brown (Actor)

Edward Morgan Year 12 ATAR Drama

“You even made me cry!”
- Mr. Brand

SOUTH OF THE SWAN DANCE FESTIVAL

The Dance festival involving 159 Willetton students is happening in week 9 this term at the Octagon Theatre, UWA Monday June 20 to Friday June 26.

Our dance students love performing and the camaraderie of the Year 7 to Year 12 students makes this annual event special for students, parents and staff. It is an event where we celebrate creativity, develop lots of confidence and entertain one thousand people each night. The appreciative audience acknowledges the hard work, of making, learning and refining the many dance moves and skills to culminate in this weeklong event.

We look forward to seeing many parents in the audience.

Cheryl Venter HOLA The Arts

ST GEORGE’S ART 2016

The Year 12 ATAR Visual Art class has been hard at work this term, completing their final artworks for Unit 3. The theme for this unit is Up Close and Personal, and the standard of works produced this semester is very high.

Three students from this class, Kasey Jenkinson, Nikita Wynne and Qintha Yuansyah, will be exhibiting their paintings at St Georges Art 2016, which is an annual exhibition held at St George’s Cathedral in Perth. The exhibit is for students from all sectors in Years 10, 11 and 12. The quality of the work in this exhibition is excellent, and I am sure the work of these three students will continue this tradition.

Watch this space for photos from the opening night!

Exhibition details:

St George’s Art 2016
16 July – 24 July
St George’s Cathedral
38 St Georges Terrace, Perth
Open 7am until 6pm daily
Free entry

Nikita Wynne, Year 12, putting the final touches on her Unit 3 painting

Mrs Claire Rushton Visual Arts Teacher

STAR SEARCH 2016

The Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre Star Search is a talent quest to find and celebrate talented young people from migrant, refugee, cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds in the Perth metropolitan area. As part of the program, participants also spend time with mentors via workshops and training to help the students develop their leadership skills, confidence and make friends.

This journey for our students started on the February 23, when judges came to Willetton SHS during lunch and auditioned many of our talented students. A number of our students were selected to perform in the next following rounds of the competition, held at Mirrabooka shopping centre. The semi-finals saw four of our students successfully perform and three made it to the grand finals held at the Octagon on Saturday 7 May.

Congratulations to:

Audrey Santoso- first runner up (singer)
Nanda Binu - grand finalist (dancer)
Isha Nagar- grand finalist (dancer)
Kameron Sandhu- semi-finalist (rapper)

We acknowledge and applaud these students for their talents, leadership, dedication and hard work. Thank you to the parents who gave their boundless support and encouragement.

Cheryl Venter HOLA The Arts

YEAR 10 SCRIPTED PERFORMANCE

Stories in the Dark by Debra Oswald, was written about survival in a war torn city. I have set our version of this play during the Sarajevo conflict (1992-1995). This is a time when families were torn apart by the civil conflict taking place in the former Yugoslavia and is a core force for this production. The design concept is situated during this time and has influenced the costume, scenography and sound choices made by the students.

For this scripted performance, our class been focusing on the theatrical form and style of Poor Theatre developed by Jerzy Grotowski. Poor Theatre is theatre inspired by minimalism; where symbolism is the foundation for the design concepts. As actors, the class has used Grotowski’s rehearsal techniques to develop believable characters.

The class has been working very hard over the last term and school holidays to understand the context of the play, by becoming dramaturges and focusing on their production roles to create this performance. All of the students involved in this production have worked collaboratively using the director’s vision to develop their ideas to the final production that was held on Wednesday May 4. I am very proud of the efforts they have made to create this performance.

Ms Talbot Drama Teacher

PERFORMANCE EXTENSION YEAR 10 DRAMA

The first term of Drama in Mr Brand's class has been both fun and intense.

In preparation for our class production of Oliver Twist, we read through the script and held auditions in week 3. Our next focus was production teams, assigning roles and learning about stage managers, assistant directors, scenographers, costume/makeup, marketing sound and lighting.

We took workshops on costume, sound and lighting, physical theatre, Stanislavski (a naturalistic performance technique) and studied the elements and principles of design.

Finally, we each viewed a production for our assessment, a theatre review.

This term, we will continue to work on our production, Oliver Twist for its only performance in Term 3.

Oliver Twist: Monday 8 August 6:30pm
Tickets on sale: Monday July 25, $7 from the registrar’s office.

Stefan Brand Drama Teacher

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING (VET)

WILLETTON BUSINESSES SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS

Progressive Autocare is one of many businesses located in the Willetton area who are stalwart in assisting with the work experience placement of our students.

One of the many students who have worked at there is Mitchell Masters who participated in work experience during 2014 and 2015. In 2016, Mitchell has progressed from work experience student to apprentice at Progressive Auto. During his time on work experience, Mitchell had the advantage of working with different qualified mechanics, completing different automotive repairs and completing vehicle services on a range of different vehicles from different manufacturers.

On occasion Mitchell was also able to work on his own vehicle at the business premises which reflected the kind of interest and support of students and their career aspirations which businesses offer.

Another of our students who has benefitted from the opportunities at the business is Justin Giddings. His observations indicate that there was great opportunity for increasing knowledge and understanding of all that is involved in mechanical repair and service, especially in an ever changing landscape with increased technology in motor vehicles today when compared with previous experiences.

Justin Giddings at work at Progressive Auto

Students have valued the time taken to discuss aspects of their work experience placement as have the VET teachers arranging the placements.

The support of Progressive Auto and other Willetton businesses is valued and appreciated as part of the VET programme at Willetton SHS.

Ruth Barratt Teacher Career and Enterprise

CAREER AND ENTERPRISE

Forty four of our Career and Enterprise students made their way to the Careers Expo held at the Convention Centre on May 13. Our C&E courses work to empower students in mapping successful course selection at high school with a view to creating an education and training pathway leading to sustainable employment.

It is a challenge for any young person in any generation to find a career pathway forward. The Careers Expo provided our students with information about training and education alternatives including;

• universities both local and from South Australia and Tasmania)
• TAFEs
• the Defence Forces for work experience
• private providers of TAFE certificates like McDonald’s which outlines a pathway from crew member to working in a McDonald’s corporate role
• Group Training Organisations like the MPA (Master Plumbers Association) which manage apprentices and trainees.

Information also provided method of entry to these education and training alternatives which is important in planning and preparing for Year 11 and 12 for a successful transition from high school.

One student learned about other possibilities for the use of a business degree in logistics, another explored scholarship opportunities and another explored the various alternative entry pathways to university from an ATAR or General pathway perspective.

It was also a joy to catch up with 2015 WSHS graduate and former C&E student, Jozette Jansen van Vuuren who is currently successfully studying at ECU. Her visit to the Career Expo was to explore options in transferring her degree qualification to study at UWA or Curtin which is one of the possibilities discussed in C&E classes as part of managing an education and training plan. We wish her well with her studies and future work in Human Resources or Management.

This was a successful excursion, useful and applicable in enabling our students to find their way in the world.

Ruth Barratt Teacher in Charge: Career and Enterprise

Emily, Carly speaking with Josh from Curtin University

Former C&E student Jozette Jansen van Vuuren and current C&E student Jesse-Rae Van Heereden

More questions about Curtin University

YEAR GROUP REPORTS

YEAR 7

What a busy time in and around school at the moment. NAPLAN is over for another two years and the students are to be congratulated on how they conducted themselves over the three days. Even though the majority has completed NAPLAN in primary school, it was quite a daunting prospect to enter a room with nearly 300 students, find your tables before you even start the test. Well Done!

In the last newsletter, I mentioned the wonderful time we were having enjoying Multicultural week at the end of term 1. It was colourful with all the traditional dress, loud with the wonderful musical items and the school smelled amazing due to the number of food stalls. It was a week where the students were made aware of the diversity of the community in which we live. The Year 7 students were treated to fantastic performances from Rachel Miller, Anna Dude, Michelle Laing-Hughes, Maddie De Jager, and Hareny Peganeswaran, during their assembly.

Multicultural Performers

At the end of Term 1, all Year 7 students were invited to apply to become a student Councillor. With only eight female and eight male positions available, the decision was tough. I was astounded to receive over 40 applications. Well done to all who submitted an application. Those successful were announced in our cohort assembly and presented their badges by Associate Principal Mr Marshall.

Year 7 Student Councillors 2016

We have our first social event coming up, this is a great opportunity for students to socialise with peers and get to know each other. Not only will we be watching Inside Out and enjoying pizza, there will be games and prizes to be won! I hope to see lots of the Year 7s participating.

Movie Night 2016

Many thanks to those of you that attended my Connect Training night. I hope this was helpful and you are now able to access its services. It was great to see so many of you attend the evening. If you do require any further support in accessing it, please contact me.

Rachel Harrington Year 7 Coordinator

YEAR 8

HOP Movie Night

On Wednesday March 23 the Year 8s celebrated Easter with a movie night at school. A herd of rabbits descended on the school and after grazing on a mountain of pizza they settled in their warren to watch the movie Hop. As always the students were wonderful to spend time with and a good time was had by all. Amongst the many prizes won, our female Best Dressed was Emma Boyd and male Best Dressed was Jit Singh.

Multicultural Week

Thank you to all the Year 8 students who helped out with the annual Multicultural Week.

Special thanks to

• Deidre Godin’s family who made and donated a beautiful mud cake to be raffled (Mrs. Wheeler said it was amazing)!

• Zoe Karafilis’ family who donated a $45 voucher for their restaurant The Gypsy Tapas House, Fremantle (the very lucky Mrs. Wheeler is looking forward to her visit!)

• Ella Li’s family who donated a $25 voucher for their café, Café Au Lait, in Bull Creek.

ROLLER DISCO

On Thursday May 12, the Year 8s enjoyed a night of rolling and skating in true 80’s style with lights flashing and music playing. The Rolloway’s Roller Disco is the second social event of the year and was well represented with over 130 students attending. Many of the students were non skaters or very novice but still came along to give it a go or just be part of the fun of school socials.

As well as being a social activity there was also a fund raising aspect to the evening. At the end of 2016, 18 Gold Awardees from the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award will head to Vietnam to complete two sections of their Award. This includes a residential project within an impoverished community in rural Vietnam and a trek through the jungle. Eighteen students are preparing for this expedition and working hard to raise extra money to fund their project within the community. This money will be used to buy items including; educational resources, livestock, building materials and equipment. The Year 8 cohort are doing their part in helping to fund for these community projects by simply purchasing a hot dog and drink on the evening. All the profits made through the catering for the evening are going towards these projects.

A big thanks to all the teachers involved who made the evening such a great success: Colleen Hayes, Judy Gauci, Sharee Seeburuth, Grace Hamilton, Rachel Harrington, Stephanie Hill, Lana Warner-Gillon and Jaqui Bogunovich.

Year 8 Book Club

Last term a Book Club for the Year 8 students was inaugurated. There are 13 members to date and it is open to anyone that would like to come along.

The students take turns in picking a book, and that student then chairs the upcoming meeting. At the moment we are trying to meet approximately three times a term (depending on the thickness of the book!) The meetings are lively and flow easily and it’s wonderful to listen to them talk about the characters and the story line.

YEAR 8s enjoying Book Club

So far we have covered I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore, The Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan and the book that is up and running at the moment is Mrs Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar cCildren by Ransom Riggs.

Our next meeting is to be held on Thursday June 2 at lunch time in E06. If students are interested to join, please let me know and you can be added to our Connect group.

Kimberly Atkinson Year 8 Coordinator

YEAR 9

As I write this article the final NAPLAN testing has just been completed. I know this is a big relief for students and their parents and I am pleased to report that everything appeared to run smoothly. The NAPLAN results will not be known until early September. Any student who has not achieved Band 8 or who was absent for a NAPLAN test will be notified about OLNA (on-line testing) at a later date.

The Year 9 interim reports will be sent home with the students in the next week and the parent teacher meeting on Thursday May 19 is the best opportunity to follow up on any concerns. Any parents who are unable to see teachers should contact the teacher by email.

I am communicating regularly on Connect with information about school activities. The following activities have occurred since the last newsletter:

• Thirty Year 9s have just completed two Study Skills sessions after school run by Elevate Education
• Ten students are participating in Try a Trade next week and spending three days at Rockingham TAFE learning plastering and tiling skills.
• One hundred students attended the Ice Skating Social on the last Tuesday of last term at Cockburn Ice Arena. I am pleased to report it was a great injury-free event except for Jason Chong’s nose and my coccyx.

Congratulations to Nandana Binu and Isha Nagar who won the Starsearch competition held at Willetton last term. They progressed to the Grand Final beating 53 other schools to make it into the top ten. Isha and Nandana performed a magnificent dance item during multicultural week last term and obviously love to dance!

Isha Nagar and Nandana Binu

Many students are participating in the interschool sports teams that are taking place during and after school. In addition to this, the Year 9 Lightning Carnival will be held on Wednesday June 22. This is a one day regional competition for Year 9 students only. Students have the opportunity to play girls netball, boys AFL and there are both boys and girls teams in Soccer and Basketball. Year 9s will be notified about this competition in the next few weeks. There is no interruption to the normal timetable for other Year 9 students on this day as it is only the participants who attend the carnival.

Best wishes for the remainder of term two and please contact me by email; Andrea.wheeler@education.wa.edu.au with any queries.

Andrea Wheeler Year 9 Coordinator

YEAR 10

DECISION TIME: PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS

The Decision Time: Pathways to Success program at Willetton Senior High School is designed to assist Year 10 students with course selection for Year 11.

Year 10 results in Semester One are critical in making successful choices for Year 11, so we expect all students to be already working towards these goals.

The students commenced the Decision Time Program with a visit to the Career Expo on Friday May 13.

Year 10 examinations are planned during June 7 – 9, week 7 of term two.

The semester one report will then be issued at the end of term.

The Decision Time sessions for students are scheduled to follow examinations and will take place in English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities and Social Science classes during the last three weeks of term two. Year 10 students will receive a Decision Time booklet, a Year 11 Curriculum Handbook, a Selection Card and Student Guide and a Document Wallet to store this information.

A Parent Information Session is planned for week two of term three on Tuesday 26 July at 7pm in the Theatre. This session is designed to provide current information about Year 11 and 12 courses, WACE attainment, available options as well as the requirements for entry to University and TAFE.

Individual interviews will be arranged with one of the Course Counsellors during August 8 – 19, weeks four and five of term three. This timing allows the students to carefully consider the courses that best match their interest and ability and to seek teacher advice.

If you have any queries about the Decision Time: Pathways to Success program, please contact either Stefan brand on 9334 7254 or Lana Warner-Gillon on 9334 7229 in the Student Services Centre.

YEAR 10 COUNCILLORS

I would like to officially congratulate and recognize our hardworking school councillors:

Hannah Blyth, Jasmin Ely, Claudia Goh, Jordan Hoffman, Joshua Rangan, Marnie McKenna, Leopold Ngu, Himal Pandey, Avinash Rajandra, Matt Robson, Josephine Santoso, Amber Saxton, Erin Strle and Nikita Tcherkashnev.

Back row L to R: Nikita Tcherkashnev, Himal Pandey, Jordan Hoffman, Matt Robson, Avinash Rajandra, Joshua Rangan, Leopold Ngu and Erin Strle
Front row L to R: Hannah Blyth, Claudia Goh, Marnie McKenna, Josephine Santoso, Jasmin Ely and Amber Saxton

Thirteen of our school councillors attended the Young Leaders Halogen Conference where five speakers spoke about their journey to become leaders in their chosen fields. Please see comments below from our councillors:

This experience has reminded me that though certain things appear small and negligible, the key to success is to master the little as they accumulate over time. Alex Malley, CEO of CPA Australia, prompted me to think with an open mind and to celebrate failures. Success occurs overtime, not overnight.

Josephine Santoso

I’m glad to have been able to attend the National Young Leaders’ Day conference as it was a great day with a variety of interesting speakers to give advice and improve the many young leaders in attendance. Among the many things that I took home, what Nathan “Dubsy” Want suggested of becoming a person of focus and that the little things add up over time stuck with me and I hope that I can incorporate this advice into my life in the future.

Jordan Hoffman

National Young Leader's day was a really fun experience and I'm glad I got to be a part of. Aside from the main message of mastering the little in life, I also liked the ideas Alex Malley put forward - to lead without fear and embarrassment, and with humility and generosity.

Claudia Goh

I found the National Young Leaders day to be an extremely inspiring experience. The councillors from each year group learnt about leadership skills as well as life skills, which I believe we will use to a great extent. One enlightening message I will take away with me is that leaders don't merely focus on the bigger picture, but also the small steps which can lead to the real change.

Amber Saxton Year 10 Councillor

YEAR 10 UPDATE

It has been a busy couple of months with the Year 10 cohort.

Recent events have included the councillors attending the Halogen conference, the well supported river cruise, several students having excellent achievements and results outside of school, the lightning carnival, students being involved in the recent Zero to Hero camp, students attending leadership camps, the recent drama production of Stories in the Dark, the successful students involved in the Robotics competition interstate, the work experience program, the try a trade and the career expo.

And yet there is more!!

What is coming up?

Tuesday June 7 – Thursday June 9 - Year 10 examinations
Monday June 13 - Decision Time commences
Wednesday June 15 - Lower School Music Concert
Tuesday June 21 & Friday June 24 - Dance students performing at Octagon
Wednesday June 29 - Year 12 Drama production The Witches (involving some of the Year 10 drama students)

I have been impressed with the growing number of students who are achieving successes in and out of school. Please continue to let me know as it is great to recognize them.

Achievements in Year 10

Ashlee Conin

Ashlee won the bronze medal in the U16 Girls Triple Jump at the 2016 Australian Junior Athletics Championships

Melvin Tom

We welcome new student to Melvin Tom who has been successful in Inter school Debating, UN Youth State Conference and Evatt UN Youth Debating competition.

Charlie Watt

Charlie was recently chosen after Foxtel took him over to Sydney to work alongside Tim Cahill’s soccer coaching staff. The award means that Foxtel will sponsor him for a year and Tim Cahill will be mentoring him and taking him either to Shanghai or the UK for soccer with leading clubs.

Nikita Tcherkashnev

Nikita Tcherkashnev recently traveled to Melbourne to compete in Futsal Oz Under 14s FAFL National Championships.

His team Stirling FC, did brilliantly winning first place in the competition and Nikita received the award, the Golden Glove for being the best goal keeper in the competition.

Yutong Lui

From March 25 to April 2, Yutong represented Western Australia in the Australian Under 17 Badminton Championships held in Perth. She won the Team Silver, Mixed Doubles Gold and Womens’ Single Bronze medals.

Ben Hawking

Ben is this year’s ambassadors for Starlight Day and has been helping to raise funds. He recently attended a VIP lunch to speak to media to promote Starlight.

Thank you to the amazing Year 10 Councillors who helped to assist a tradition at Willetton, the Anzac Day service.

Zero to Hero has been a great supporter at Willetton Senior High School. Congratulations to recent graduate attendees Monica Rahman and Lucy Roberts. Another fantastic camp has been organized and application forms are now available from Student Services.

Anzac Day

Every year, Anzac Day is observed nationally on the April 25. It serves as a day to commemorate all Australians and New Zealanders who served and died in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. We take time to remember the contributions and suffering of all those who have served our country.

As Anzac Day fell on the last Monday of the school holidays, the school’s Anzac Day service took place on Wednesday, April 27. It was run by the Year 10 Councillors, along with guests - Head Boy and Girl Carly Stokes and James Dow, Siobhoin Ialacci and councillors from other years. The proceedings went smoothly despite last minute changes before the service began.

The councillors would like to thank the special guests, Ms Templar who played The Last Post, Andrew Tan who performed the national anthem and all Year 10s who attended for being respectful and patient before, during and after the service.

2016 Camp #7

Camp Hero was an amazing experience which both educated and challenged me. It was a great blend of physical activity and mental health enlightenment over the five days. Adventures such as swimming in the early hours of the morning and taking silent walks on the beach allowed us to open our minds and learn about ourselves as well as others. The camp gave us the opportunity to meet inspiring and like-minded people, gain friends and try our best in many areas in a safe and supportive environment. Although there were difficult obstacles such as not having a phone and talking about sensitive topics, it brought out a side of people they hadn't seen before. I would definitely recommend this to other students who are interested in making a difference in the area of mental health and being active over the holidays. It is a free experience in which I, along with others, have only gained in knowledge about myself and how to deal with situations many of us are not trained for. It was an unforgettable experience that helped me grow as a person and learn to work in a close-knit team.

Monica Rahman Year 10

Camp hero was an experience that I'll never forget. When I went into camp I lacked a lot of confidence and definitely didn't think of myself as the type of person who could go up to someone I didn't know without feeling insecure. While on camp however, I learnt that everyone has their own insecurities and flaws and that these shouldn't stop us from being able to meet new people. Coming out of Camp Hero , I am so grateful and glad to say that I am now so much more confident in myself and I no longer hold that same insecurity when talking to people I don't know.

Lucy Roberts Year 10

Year 10 River Cruise

On Thursday April 7, 234 students of the Year 10 cohort took part in the river cruise from Mends Street Jetty. Despite it being a normal school day, about two-thirds of the total year group were enthusiastic and excited about the event in the evening.

Arriving on the venue at 6 o’clock, everyone assembled in their groups — sorted out before hand, while the teachers took the roll to make sure no one was left out. The cruise ship arrived on the jetty at about 6:30 pm, after Mr. Brand had given out the final verbal notices. After everyone had boarded the ship and claimed a seat, the major part of the event had started.

While some students stayed with their groups to talk about various matters, some went to the deck to view the magnificent sight of the night city from a distance, leaving it behind, as the ship was heading towards Fremantle. A Disc Jockey (DJ) was also present in the cruise, taking in various song requests from the students who were full of energy and were dancing to the music. Unlimited free soft drinks were being served while the students were enjoying themselves. After more people joined, some students even started to dance in the middle of a big circle, creating their very own dance-battle by dancing and by appreciating other dancers.

Time flew by quickly, as the ship slowed down to stop at the jetty in Fremantle, where many boxes of Crust Pizzas were picked up. Unlike previous years, there was no limit to the number of pizza slices a student could have. After majority of the students finished eating their slices, the ship turned to head back to Perth and the activities continued as they were.

Multiple photographers were allocated to take pictures of the wonderful moments, with someone videoing the dance throughout the cruise. The deck was also full of people, as they could see the marvelous view of the Swan River and the glowing city behind it. At 9:30 pm, the ship arrived back at the Mends Street Jetty. Although the cruise came to an end, the excitement still remained when people reflected on the night as they headed out of the ship. Meeting their parents, they all headed back home to rest from the tiredness from the fun they had during the trip.

With yet another successful event, the cohort is hoping for more events that will be taking in the future.

Himal Pandey Year 10

YEAR 11

First term has come and gone and we achieved and experienced some great things in our first senior school term.

Our Year 11 Health Studies classes along with some of our councillors went to the RAC supported Bstreetsmart campaign where the impact of road trauma was played out in a very realistic scenario involving all of the WA emergency services and testimonials from those who have been affected by the tragedy of death on the road. The students heard first hand the impact on not only those who are first on the scene, but from those affected for the rest of their lives both physically and mentally. Students reported back to the whole year group and shared their experience with their friends. It is a fantastic imitative run by the RAC which continues to have close ties to our school through many excellent programmes.

We celebrated Multicultural Week and enjoyed the many activities and food that were on offer. Multicultural Week continues to play an important part of what makes Willetton a diverse and respectful community.

Clarrisse Wong,Paricia Yu, Stacey Teo

Congratulations to those students who participated in the Relay for Life walk for cancer last week end at the athletics stadium. It is a 24 hour charity walk to raise funds and awareness for cancer research and support. A particular mention goes to Kirstie Summers for representing the Year 11 group at Willetton SHS

The Zero to Hero camp continued to be a major highlight for several of our students over the April holidays. This is a fantastic experience where students explore their strengths and how they can help others overcome anxieties.

Councillors went to the annual National Young Leader’s Day forum where they had an opportunity to listen and interact with many inspirational leaders of our community. I am currently working on bringing some of those leaders to school to speak to the whole year group.

I also had the opportunity to travel to Rottnest with the Outdoor Education classes as a culmination of their snorkelling unit. The students were fantastic and the day was a huge success.

Exams are fast approaching and many students will be focused on maximising their success through solid study and revision programmes. This week we ran some extra lessons (MYLO) on techniques the students can use during the exam week. I wish all students well during this time and remind them to keep everything in perspective and to come and see me if they need to chat about any exam pressures whilst remembering that their class teacher is the best person to speak to if they have any particular curriculum concerns.

Colleen Hayes Year 11 Coordinator

RACBSTREETSMART EVENT

Earlier this year, two lucky classes were able to attend the RACbstreetsmart event hosted at Perth arena. Throughout this invaluable excursion we were witness to an extremely realistic car crash and were able to get more details on all the causes and effects of road trauma. People who had gone through real experiences were brave enough to share their stories to try and prevent more young people from making the same mistakes.

In 2014, 184 people were killed on Western Australian roads and with 22% of all fatalities being young people aged 17-24. In 2015 47 people under 25 became a part of the fatality statistics on WA roads. This is a massive problem because road trauma is preventable and this event saw to that prevention.

Not only did this excursion hold important messages to drive safely, it also showcased some potentially lifesaving skills in the case of a car crash. There was a large team of firemen, paramedics and police who took part in the event and during the lunch were able to ask individual questions.

This excursion was an invaluable experience and I hope that more and more students are able to access potentially lifesaving opportunities like this and that we do see a decline in road fatalities and accidents, especially in the under 25 category. The main things I learnt are the easy ways road trauma can be prevented, and I hope that none of the skills I learnt will ever have to be used, but if they are, I know I am much more prepared thanks to RACbstreetsmart.

Hannah Page Year 11

YEAR 12

It has been another busy start to term. Relay for Life was held on the weekend of April 30 and May 1. A team of students from Year 12 (and one brave Year 11 student) represented their school and managed to raise over $1500. Thanks to everyone involved and to Mr Kearsley and Ms Hayes for attending over the weekend. A huge thanks also to Mrs Barrett for her much anticipated midnight run of delicious hot food. It was exciting to have Bankwest visit us with supplies of water bottles and packs of goodies. We look forward to more involvement with Bankwest through our Relay for Life effort in years to come.

2016 Relay for Life Team

Year 12: Caitlin Garratt, Bo Davie, Tamika Canney, Annabel Koh, Rhianna Jones, Eda Pui, Jaron Gibbins, Loron Wong, Georgia Sharky, Rhianna Klisura, Chantelle Harper, Cassie Bettermann, Kara Lawford, Lucy Brammer, Beth Russell, Bridgit Saywell, Year 11: Kirstie Summers

Year 12 ATAR students sit their mid-year exams during weeks 5 and 6 this term. All the best to them. Students should remember to keep a healthy balance of downtime, eat well and get plenty of sleep when especially when exams are on consecutive days. Non ATAR students will be out on work experience and catching up with work at home or back at school. I urge everyone to make the most of this time.

I would like to congratulate the Year 12 Council, led by our Head Girl and Boy, Carly Stokes and James Dow for their planning and implementation of the Councillor Forum held late in Term One. The council put a lot of thought and planning into setting up the session and liaising with councils from younger year groups to arrive at an agenda incorporating pertinent issues affecting the student body. The forum itself was completely student led. There have been some exciting outcomes from the forum including this process becoming a regular feature on the school calendar.

I will also take this opportunity to acknowledge and congratulate some outstanding achievements by students.

Sanchez Horo – for his selection in the State Under 18 Rugby League Team. The team will play in Adelaide in June/July – Adelaide and NSW

Nick Berryman and Vishnu Arumugam – who were part of a team that won the Australian regional for the first robotics competition. As a result they attended the world championships held in St Louis, USA earlier this month. In their division, their team came 22 out of 75. The boys were part of the First Western Australian team to ever go to the First Robotics World Championships.

Shiya Huang – has been selected for the Scitech Biotech Tour Ambassadors Program. Shiya will get to work alongside a mentor while doing biotechnology research this year.

MacLain Wilson and Louis Scaramella were selected in Western Australia’s State Under 18 Mens Baseball team and competed in NSW recently, winning the gold medal. In addition to this MacLain was vice captain for the team and selected for the Australian Under 18s Mens team that will compete in the World Championships, USA later this year.

Michael McDonald was selected for the State Under 17 Rugby team and competed in Brisbane late last term. Their team was extremely successful achieving runners up at the tournament!

Emma McLean – for her selection for the Australian Junior Women's spirit softball squad 2016. Emma will play in the international friendship series in July during the school holidays.

Rohan Jiandani - who has been selected for Alcoa's Naturebridge Camp Scholarship. He will attend a 2 week camping trip at the Olympic National Park in Washington D.C.

We are almost halfway through Year 12 and the year isn’t showing any signs of slowing down! Student Services staff are super impressed with the way our year group is holding everything together and the majority of students are an absolute credit to themselves. I remind parents and students to regularly check Connect for information including tutoring and revision programs, scholarships, open days for universities and TAFEs and examinations.

Judy Gauci Year 12 Coordinator

SCHOOL BOARD NEWS

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

The next School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday June 28, 2016 in the conference room. A list of Board meetings for this year can be found on the school website, under the School Board information. All are welcome.

SCHOOL BOARD COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES

Two members of the local community may be appointed by the School Board in June each year. Terms of appointment are for 12 months. Expressions of interest from the local community are now open and should be forwarded to the School Board office, helen.s.wong@education.wa.edu.au

SCHOOL TOURS

School tours will take place at 9.00am on Thursday June 9 and Thursday June 23. Bookings are essential as places are limited. Please contact 9334 7217 to book a place.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOK FUNDRAISER

The 2016/2017 Entertainment Books are available to purchase through the School Board. For enquiries, please contact Helen Wong on helen.s.wong@education.wa.edu.au or 9334 7217 or make a purchase via the link below. Orders are available for immediate collection but supplies are limited so don’t miss out!

Profits raised from the sale of these books will go towards a Student Leadership Development Program initiated by the Board. Your support will be much appreciated.

DISCOUNTED HOYTS MOVIE TICKETS

Discounted Hoyts movie tickets are available for purchase through the School Board. The tickets are valid for use at any Hoyts cinema, Australia wide. Profits from the sale of these tickets go towards funding projects around the school, which enhance our students’ learning outcomes.

Due to increases from the supplier, there is a price increase to tickets. However, these prices still offer significant savings.

Pricing as follows:

Order forms are available from the School Board office by contacting helen.s.wong@education.wa.edu.au

SECOND HAND BOOKSHOP

The bookshop has a large supply of Physics, Chemistry, Human Biology and Mathematics textbooks which are no longer used with the current curriculum, but are excellent as resource or reference books. Priced at $6, books include: STAWA Exploring Chemistry Stage 2 & 3, Chemistry for WA Stage 2 & 3, Chemistry WACE Study Guides, Heinemann Physics Content & Context Stage 2 & 3, Physics WACE Study Guides, Human Perspectives 2A/2B & 3A/3B, Human Biology WACE Study Guides, Sadler Maths and Specialist Maths, Maths WACE Study Guides, Creelman Maths Exam Questions, and more.

The bookshop is located next to the canteen.

HOW TO CONTACT THE SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE

To find out more about the School Board or how you might get involved, please contact Helen Wong, School Board Executive Officer on email helen.s.wong@education.wa.edu.au or 9334 7217.

WILLO PARENT GROUP NEWS

WILLO PARENT GROUP MEETINGS

The Willo Parent Group meets each term, coming together for parent information sessions or meeting socially over morning tea, lunch or dinner. This is a great way to meet with members of the school community and find out what is happening around the school. Suggestions for meetings are always welcome. For details of Willo Parent Group events please contact helen.s.wong@education.wa.edu.au

WELCOME NEW FAMILIES PICNIC – March 16

The Welcome New Families Picnic was held last term and it was lovely to meet so many families that evening.

It was wonderful to have the Rotary Club of Willetton support our event by running the BBQ, whilst Principal Mr Chris Booth, Year 7 Coordinator Miss Rachel Harrington and staff mingled and welcomed the new families. Several Year 11 students and members of the Interact Club were also on hand to assist with any tasks – thank you for giving up your time.

A presentation on Cyber Skills was given by Year 7 Coordinator Miss Rachel Harrington and on Study Skills by GT Coordinator Mr Darren Hamley.

A special acknowledgement and thanks to the parents and grandparent who baked delicious goodies to be served to welcome the new families.

MULTICULTURAL LUNCH – April 8

As an annual tradition, the multicultural lunch was hosted by the Willo Parent Group to thank students for their efforts in organising Multicultural Week. Once again, the parent group outdid themselves and many donations of delicious home cooked meals were received for the lunch – from fried noodles, Boerwors sausage, chicken curry, fried rice, to pasta, to name a few, together with a wonderful spread of desserts. Several parents were unable to attend the lunch, but were happy to support it by sending in a plate of food. This was greatly appreciated by the students and invited staff. Thank you to all the parents for your enthusiastic support.

COFFEE MORNING – May 20

The next coffee morning is soon approaching, and we have our special guest presenter, Mr Colin Marshall who will be speaking to parents about changes to the WA curriculum and WACE/graduation requirements. This topic is relevant to parents of all year groups.

PARENT E-NEWS

If you would like to be included on a parent email distribution list to be kept informed of Willo parent activities and sent information relevant to parents, please provide your details to helen.s.wong@education.wa.edu.au. You may request for your details to be removed from the list at any time. Please incorporate your and your student/s name, your email address and phone number.