9 December 2016

Editor: Jenny LeSouef
Technology: Nola Regan

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

I have returned from 15 weeks long service leave to a school which is running very efficiently. Many thanks to Colin Marshall who was Acting Principal during that period. He was very ably supported by Maura Sorrell as Acting Deputy Principal and our very committed staff who continue their efforts on behalf of our students.

Our examination period for Years 10 to 12 has passed smoothly. Our students have risen to the challenge and our examination spaces have enhanced the students comfort in this stressful period. We hope that our students have achieved the academic goals they set for themselves for 2016. Year 11 and 12 award winners are listed further in this newsletter.

The new classroom block is complete. The fence is down. It is amazing! The classrooms are stunning and the external environment is enhanced with first class landscaping. The architects and builders have done an outstanding job, thanks are also due to Jega and Phil Sherwood for their liaison to ensure that the buildings respond to the needs of educators. Shifting in is underway, and by the beginning of 2017 we will be in full swing with Mathematics, English, VET, Health Centre, Chaplain, School Board in residence. The front of the school will also be much improved with the removal of the temporary building there at present.

Work on our 2017 – 2019 Business Plan is well underway. Thanks to all involved in the planning. Further details will be available to the school community in 2017 after the plan has been ratified by the Board.

As another successful year draws to a conclusion comes the opportunity to reflect on what makes a successful school. To my mind, it is the community, parents, staff and students working together to achieve common goals for the intellectual, social and emotional growth of our students. As John Dewey wrote in 1897 education is a process of living and not a preparation for future living. We will continue to work together teaching, mentoring and modelling the targets for growth we have for the students.

I wish everyone joy for the Christmas period, and a holiday which is relaxing and renewing.

Chris Booth
Principal

FROM THE BOARD

This year has been most productive and worthwhile, and the Board is keen to consolidate the achievements. We will, together with the school, continue to find ways to enhance the learning and life outcomes for Willetton students in 2017.

The Partnership Committee met recently with representatives from the Bank of Queensland to discuss how the two organisations can work in partnership to support the broader Willetton school community. We look forward to communicating to you the nature of the partnership, once details have been finalised.

The Board is also working with the Willetton Garden Community to provide opportunities for Willetton students to learn more about sustainable horticulture by volunteering their time to help out in the garden (and getting access to organically grown produce!). More about this later.

At our last meeting, the Board had the opportunity to walk through the amazing new buildings and open areas which our students will access next year. They are stunning! Sincere thanks to all staff and Board members past and present who have worked so hard to make these possible.

Many thanks to all the members of the Willetton School Community who have volunteered their time throughout 2016; be it through the Willo parent group, uniform shop, second book shop or extra-curricular activities. Your contributions are highly valued and appreciated, and are an essential ingredient in the success of our school.

Thanks to all Willetton staff for their continued dedication to creating such an amazing opportunity for our students to learn and grow, this would not be one of the most sought after, and successful schools if not for their skill and commitment.

On behalf of the Board I wish everyone a safe and peaceful holiday period.

Simon Lappin
Board Chair

GENERAL REPORTS

Uniform Concepts trading times

STUDENT USE OF COMPUTERS IN THE CLASSROOM AND BETWEEN CLASS AND HOME 2017

The Education Department has an educational plan for online, classroom‐focused services and tools to enable teachers and students to work together in creating an interactive teaching and learning environment. Student and teachers want a seamless and personalised user experience that just works and the school has invested considerable money into equipment and resources to support our high level information and technology program.

Parents have been asked to contribute by purchasing a lap top for their child to use at school and to allow the interface of classroom and home to be smooth and rich. The intention is to put the use of IT into the hands of the student, and to educate them in its effective use as part of their education.

In 2017, we will be expanding our web based programs to include the intensive use of eBooks in English, Humanities and Social Sciences, Mathematics and Science in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10. Where possible, students in these years are encouraged to bring their own personal computer to school to manage access to these eBooks. Information about purchasing a personal computer, such as the Apple laptop, can be found on the school website.

Research shows that classes with online learning, whether completely online or blended, produce stronger learning outcomes than those using only face‐to‐face delivery. The use of ICT to support learning at home delivers a range of benefits including improved motivation and self‐confidence, particularly for under‐achieving learners.

Students in Years 11 and 12 will also benefit significantly from using a personal computer in their senior school studies.

In addition to the use of the eBooks, uses are:

• Access and interact with current and up to date trends in their areas of study
• Access key websites and in-class research
• Access Connect for assessments; detailed course content and resources and e-links
• Access specific programs for use in classes
• Producing documents for assessments
• Complete online activities
• Electronic submission of assessments

Christine Petersen
Curriculum and Timetabling Deputy Principal

WELCOME

We were pleased to welcome Ben Morton, the Federal Member for Tangney to a brief informal visit to our school on October 28. He was really impressed with both our wonderful students and our new buildings and will be an excellent advocate for our school.

Colin Marshall with Ben Morton Federal Member for Tangney

Congratulations to our Year 12 Award winners
YEAR 12 ACADEMIC AWARDS – 2016

THE ARTS

ENGLISH

HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

LANGUAGES AND EALD

MATHEMATICS

SCIENCE

TECHNOLOGY AND ENTERPRISE

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION TRAINING

WILLETTON SHS SPORTSWOMAN 2016

Bo Davie

WILLETTON SHS SPORTSMAN 2016

MacLain Wilson

WILLETTON SHS THE ARTS – CULTURAL 2016

Corrine Rudman

WILLETTON SHS CITIZENSHIP 2016

Tamika Canny

WILLETTON SHS GIVE, GROW, GUIDE – ENDEAVOUR 2016

Caitlin Garrett

WILLETTON SHS OUTSPAN 2016

Asia Turazza

ADF LONG TAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP AND TEAMWORK AWARD 2016

Carly Stokes

EDITH COWAN UNVERSITY PERSONAL EXCELLENCE AWARD 2016

Shrenik Jobanputra

WESTSCHEME EXCELLENCE IN VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING

Jason Lai

CALTEX BEST ALL-ROUNDER 2016

Shiya Huang

WILLETTON SHS VET DUX 2016

Tamika Canny

WILLETTON SHS ATAR DUX 2016

Dulasi Amarasingha

2017 SEIZAN FUKAMI FUND SCHOLARSHIP – MELISSA TAN

Congratulations to Melissa Tan, Year 12 who has been awarded the prestigious 2017 Seizan Fukami Fund Scholarship.

The Scholarship is awarded to students studying Japanese programs at Curtin University and may be used to cover HECS fees, books and materials and other costs related to study at the University.

Congratulations to our Year 11 Award winners
YEAR 11 ACADEMIC AWARDS – SEMESTER 2 – 2016

THE ARTS

ENGLISH

HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES

LANGUAGES & EAL/D

MATHEMATICS

SCIENCE

TECHNOLOGIES

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING

YEAR 11 COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD WINNER 2016: JOSE DEVES

Congratulations to Jose Deves who was this year’s winner of this prestigious award. He believes that helping others is the pathway to discovering important fundamental values.

Jose is a leader in the Australian Airforce Cadets and has completed work experience at the Aviation Heritage Museum in Bull Creek. He is currently able to fly solo and is well on his way to obtaining his commercial pilot’s licence.

Jose also works with Anglicare within a team which offers food, shelter, first aid and some education to the homeless in our community. Jose also volunteers weekly in his local church.

He is also active in the Zero to Hero organisation and has attended leadership camp, learning how to spread the word on positive mental health.

Jose was a peer leader and an elected member of the 2016 School Council. He has also performed admirably in his VET courses and achieved the VET Dux Award for 2016.

Jose Deves Year 11 Community Spirit Award Winner 2016

MINDFULNESS TRIAL RESULTS

The following are the initial results of a survey on the effectiveness of our trial Mindfulness program.

Students rate their levels of stress.

• Pre survey highest levels of stress were rated at 13.04%
• Post Mindfulness intervention, the highest reported stress levels were approximately halved to 6.12%
• Pre survey shows the second lowest category of stress moved from 13.4% to 34.09% of the student population feeling less stressed after Mindful intervention

The effectiveness of calming strategies

• Pre survey showed students rated their current calming practices being extremely helpful at 0% effectiveness. Post mindful practice they rated at 5.1% effective
• In the category below rating them as helpful the growth from pre to post survey showed a leap from 4.55% to 26.53% of students finding the calming strategies as being helpful

Openness to developing your skills further

• Pre survey showed 90.91 % of students were open to new experiences in calming strategies
• Post survey showed that 67.35% of students were open to using Mindfulness as a specific calming strategy.

Donna Gardiner Manager Student Services

The following is an addition to school policies

CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM IN ASSESSMENTS POLICY STATEMENT

Definitions:

Cheating - Acting dishonestly or unfairly in order to gain an advantage
Oxford Living Dictionaries

Plagiarism – stealing phrases from writings of another and publishing or claiming them as one’s own. Learnthat.org

Any activity that allows a student to have an unfair advantage over other students is unacceptable

All work submitted, including practical assessments must be the students own work. Plagiarism, collusion or cheating could lead to an assessment mark being cancelled or significantly reduced.

Breach of Assessment Rules:

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure all instructions relating to assessments are understood.

Students are not to:

• Collude with other students
• Have possession or knowledge of assessment questions before an assessment
• Have possession of unauthorised materials during the assessment. Possession of mobile technologies such as smart watch, mobile phone, ipod. MP3/4, computers, tablets, laptops, bags, pencil cases that are not made of clear material, calculator cases, calculator instruction booklets, external storage media, map templates are not permitted

Procedure:

All phones must be turned off and left at the front of the room in bags or as directed by the teacher in charge, together with any mobile technologies that may provide an unfair advantage. No responsibility will be accepted by the teacher or supervisor for your personal property.

Consequences:

If students are found with a mobile phone or other unauthorised device on their person during a test, assessment or examination then regardless of whether use has been established, the student may have their marks cancelled or reduced.

Teachers will move around the classroom and actively invigilate all assessments.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH – GOLD STUDENTS

The Duke of Edinburgh Gold students left on the November 25 for Vietnam to undertake a hike and community projects.

Back: Ms Judy Gauci, Chloe Tucek, Maryse Green, Andrew Tan, George Whitebrook, Kody Smith, Bo Davie
Front: Andrew Tan, Anahita Sharafi, Isobel Staniland, Ms Colleen Hayes

SANTA SACKS

A fundraising initiative has been introduced to our community to assist the Perth Homeless Support Group. Year 10 councillors have led the Year 8 - 10 cohorts in donating goods towards this project. Over the past two weeks Christmas sacks have been placed at Student Services.

The councillors are looking forward to giving the sacks to a representative who will be coming to the Year 10 assembly in the final week of school.

Thanks to all of those who have donated items to this fantastic cause.

Amber Saxton and Josephine Santoso with the handmade Santa sacks

EMMA JOHNSON

In the last weekend in November, Emma capped off a remarkable year by winning the State Open Fencing Final in both Foil and Sabre.

She won seven WA Championships this year. In 56 previous years of WA fencing history, the record has stood at five.

Emma won an unprecedented clean sweep of Sabre Championships in every age category awarded.

She also won a clean sweep of all three Under 15 Championships (Foil, Epee, Sabre), a feat only achieved once before.

Emma has also been selected as Team Captain for the WA Women's Open Sabre Team at the Australian National Championships and has also been selected as a member of the WA Women's Open Foil Team.

Emma and her father with some of her many trophies

STARLIGHT FOUNDATION

We are proud to announce that our Interact group fundraised and donated $1500 to the Starlight Foundation

The main thing I admire about The Starlight Foundation is that they never gave up on me. Even when I couldn’t get out of bed, or even talk to the Starlight Captains, they always arrived in my room at PMH every day and tried to help me to recover in a way that no doctors or nurses can. When they visited me, there was no talk about medicines or any treatments that were part of my life during the time I was in and out of hospital, there was fun and games, there was laughing. In the early stages of my time in hospital I was unable to get out of bed, to talk to others or to eat, but instead of not visiting me because I could not participate in the activities they bring with them, they arrived everyday in my room and tried to add some more positivity and an escape for me. As I started to improve, I was then able to participate with the Captains and their fun and games. There was always a time in the day when the Captains made rounds in the ward that I was in, and they had a big trolley full of games and activities that we did together to escape and bring enjoyment to myself, sometimes I was unable to do them and other times I was in my bed, waiting for the Captains to come around and wondering what activities we would complete that day. There was also packs of cards or activities that I could do by myself when the Captains were not there which was also another escape that I am very thankful for.

When I was able to move around, I visited the Starlight rooms and especially the teen room called Livewire where I could watch movies, do art, read books, play fun games and hang out with other people my age. I still remember the people that work specifically in the Livewire teen area who were always so helpful and accepting. They also made rounds to my ward and we could do more activities and even just talk together about anything going on which was easy because they were not doctors or nurses, although they were nice people, they could sometimes be intimidating and a bit anxiety provoking because they had a lot of power and my health in their hands. The people at Livewire were great and we could talk about anything at all, again it was like an escape from being in a hospital, we could just chill out and have fun.

I am so thankful to Starlight for helping me, as well as so many other sick children in Australia. The people at Starlight truly are magical, and with their rocket-ships and capes as well as laughter and fun, they will continue to help so many more children.

Josephine Groen Year 11

INTERACT CLUB NEWS

This term we decided to show our appreciation to all the teachers on World Teachers’ Day. Interactors brought in plates of food, and wrote many heartfelt cards for the teachers. We just wanted to say a big thank you to all the teachers for putting such a big effort into our education.

The Interact Club also participated in Operation Christmas child, bringing in several boxes filled with gifts for children living in less fortunate countries. This term we also presented the Starlight Foundation with a $1500 cheque from our year’s fundraising. Ms Danielle Santoro, who represented the Starlight Foundation, came and did a short presentation on their programs.

We want to thank all our Interactors and the teachers for their valued contribution. In particular, we thank the Executive team; Rebecca Wong (Vice President), Luke How Son and Jennifer John Britto (joint Secretaries), and Ling Huay Wong and Jack Killoh (joint Treasurers). We also would like to give the loudest shout out to Mrs Wong, Mrs Lievense, Mrs Thorp and Mrs Peake for their support.

We would love to see new faces getting involved with Interact next year, so do feel welcomed to join us.

Dayaanita Prabhahar Year 11

Starbassador & Wish Granter, Danielle Santoro with Dayaanita Prabhahar, Hannah Page and Deb Lievense

ROTARY NEWS

Twice a year, the Rotary Club of Willetton sponsors a number of our students to attend the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN). RYPEN is a camp open to students aged between 14 and 17 years of age who are:

• Wanting an opportunity to develop and challenge themselves
• Looking to develop their self-esteem and confidence
• Interested in developing skills including leadership, teamwork, communication, goal setting and problem solving
• Wanting to build a network of young people and to make new friends
• Excited about a weekend of fun

From the accounts below, the RYPEN camp was a most valuable experience for our students and we thank the Rotary Club of Willetton for their continued support in helping our youth develop their leadership abilities.

The Rotary Club of Willetton has also recently sponsored 20 of our students to attend the ConocoPhillips Science Experience to be held over summer. This is another wonderful opportunity for our students to enhance their learning in the sciences.

Helen Wong

RYPEN CAMP

In May this year, I was fortunate enough to be sponsored to attend the RYPEN Camp (Rotary Youth Program of ENrichment) by the Rotary Club of Willetton. The camp was a truly amazing experience - I got to meet new people, participate in team-building and physically challenging activities, learn skills in leadership and self-management that I will continue to use throughout my life, all while having an awesome time!

After I returned from the camp, I was invited, alongside my peers, to attend a meeting of the Rotary Club of Willetton to talk about my experience. The questions I was asked summarised my stay completely, and the members of Rotary were incredibly welcoming and considerate to us, listening as we talked of the fun times we had on the camp.

My experience with Rotary and RYPEN was one that I’ll never forget. I learnt so many skills, pushed myself out of my comfort zone and made friends who I’m sure will stay with me for many years. I cannot thank the Rotary Club of Willetton enough for this amazing opportunity, and for their kind hospitality during my visit.

Jae Brieffie Year 9

My experience on the RYPEN camp was once in a lifetime! I gained so much knowledge and had amazing experiences that I never could have imagined. My skills in leadership, team work, resilience and problem solving were all developed over the weekend. I made so many new friends from schools all over the state and I am still in contact with them today.

When I got back from the camp, I went to one of the Rotary Club meetings to share my experience with the Rotarians who sponsored me. I am so grateful for being able to do this as I was able to express how appreciative I was for the opportunity. The meeting was in a Q&A style and I felt so comfortable speaking in front of the Rotarians who were all so welcoming and friendly!

Brielle McKinlay Year 9

A week before the conclusion of Term 3 this year, I attended the Rotary’s RYPEN Camp. It was organised and coordinated by an amazing group of charismatic and highly passionate Rotary Youths Leaders who aimed to give 40 high school students from both metro and country regions a weekend full of fun and valuable experiences.

On our arrival on Friday evening we were thrown straight into ice breaker games in the camp’s gym and we instantly started to get to know the other campers. Team building and strategy games filled our night, and we concluded with a group discussion to consider what we learnt and how we could apply our new knowledge to our lives, this was guided by my group mentors for that weekend; Ali and Tom.

Throughout the rest of the weekend we always had something valuable to occupy our time. From team-building challenges that went from rock climbing, to maths puzzles, to strategic sports games that we reluctantly woke ourselves up for at 6am in the morning! We even had time for some important heartfelt discussions. Yet, regardless of what we did I could feel the amount of time and effort the Youth Leaders had dedicated into planning each and every activity.

On behalf of all my peers at Willetton who attended RYPEN, I would like to express our gratitude to Rotary and the Rotary Youth Leaders for giving us such an unforgettable weekend. Both the quality and quantity of the experiences I have taken away with me are priceless and applicable to countless aspects of my life.

Mihan De Silva Year 9

Birelle McKinlay, acting President Stuart Diggins, Jae Brieffies and Mihan De Silva

FOLLOW THE DREAM YEAR 8 DISCOVERY DAY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Follow the Dream, the outreach program for Aboriginal students attending high school in Western Australia brings Aboriginal students who aspire to further education together to support them to achieve their dreams. On November 23, I had the opportunity to attend the discovery day for Year 8 Aboriginal students who hope to undertake tertiary education.

About 40 Aboriginal students from high schools all over the state got together to find out more about UWA and the different courses on offer there.

I enjoyed getting to meet other Aboriginal kids who are in Year 8 from across WA. I made friends that I will hopefully get to hang out with at other Follow the Dream functions over the next few years.

Supervisors and Aboriginal students who are currently studying at UWA, helped show us around and taught us about the different courses you can do there. The two faculties that I found most interesting were Sports Science and Business and Commerce. Sports Science appealed to me because of my love for sport, and in the Business and Commerce faculty we did an activity where we got to design our own business: selling doughnuts.

UWA is a beautiful campus and I can really see myself studying there in a few years’ time.

Darcy Garlett Year 8

Darcy Garlett

ACARA UPDATE

NAPLAN Online public demonstration site

The NAPLAN Online public demonstration site is now available for students, teachers, parents and the broader community to see how NAPLAN Online will work and what it will look like.

Visit the NAP website to explore the different types of items (questions) and experience the NAPLAN online environment.

PARTICIPANTS NEEDED

Curtin University researchers are seeking interested volunteers to participate in a study investigating the relationship between indoor air pollution (created by cooking, heating/cooling, outdoor air infiltrating indoor air), and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and Type-2 diabetes.

Your involvement will not cost you anything, and all participants will be entered into a draw for an iPad.

If you are interested in helping us understand this important relationship, please complete the 5-minute confidential screening survey at the link below:

or contact Sue Gilbey on 0475 093 675, or email sue.gilbey@curtin.edu.au

This study has been approved by Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee (Approval Number HRE2016-0308).

ENGLISH

GREAT THINKING PHILOSOPHERS!

Our Philosothon team achieved a great result this year, coming second overall at the Perth College State Philosothon, against 28 other schools. The team was: Louis Kuppers Year 8, Jae Brieffies Year 9, Roshan Prashant Year 10, Jasmine Beck Year 11 and Hannah Page Year 11.

In addition to that excellent performance by every member of the team, Louis won the silver medal for the runner-up in Year 8 and Jae won the gold medal for the best Year 9 philosopher on the night.

The team discussed four topics:

How can a benevolent and omnipotent god permit innocent suffering?
Can a robot be conscious?
Is there a right to be rescued?
Why are humans so easily deceived?

Both Mr Munro and the parents who attended were very proud of the team and they received high praise from many of the judges and facilitators who hailed from all of our universities. It was a great achievement and a most enjoyable event.

Mr Munro HoLA English

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

BANKWEST CURTIN ECONOMICS CENTRE BREAKFAST - OCTOBER 20

This breakfast celebrated the launch of the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre report: Western Australia’s economic future after the boom.

Teachers David Johnson and Jennifer Chow enjoyed presentations which highlighted the changes in income and wealth since the peak of the mining boom and how the recent economic conditions have affected the labour market for West Australians. An understanding of our economy is a feature of the HaSS curriculum and senior school Economics and Business Management and Enterprise.

David Johnson Teacher HaSS

WE ARE OFF TO THE JUNIOR MCDONALD’S UNIVERSITY ACROSS THE ROAD

In Year 7 HaSS we have been working to develop some understandings of economics. This has included basic terminology like needs, wants, goods, services, producers and consumers. Another aspect of our study has been to look at different entrepreneurs and business people to appreciate the skills and qualities which help them to be successful.

Ms Barratt's Year 7 class was fortunate to listen to Mrs Janiene Pollock, one of the franchisee owners of McDonald’s Willetton and Riverton. Both Mr and Mrs Pollock are generous with their time to provide very REAL experiences for Willetton SHS students over many years, something that is appreciated by both students and teachers.

In our session on Friday November 25, our students learned of the need to be positive, to work hard, to be persistent (even when seeking loans for a franchise purchase in Victoria, which proved to be an outstanding success) and the need to listen to customer needs. Various strategies are used to meet customer needs with surveys and in depth questionnaires, which take place for different age and gender groups. Setting up shop or purchasing a franchise is not a license to print money but something that requires taking risks, great commitment and determination. Future business people from Year 7 may be a little wiser.

Our thanks to Carolyn Kirk, Catherine Yang and Angela John in representing our class and thanking Mrs Pollock for her time and being prepared to share her life experiences.

Ruth Barratt Teacher Hass

Year 7 Economics Excursion

LANGUAGES

GAYE GRAY

Mrs Gaye Gray, teacher of EALD, will be retiring at the end of this year. She has worked in public education in WA for over 40 years in a number of roles and locations. We will miss Mrs Gaye’s positive approach and sense of social justice, amongst many other things.

Below is a tribute letter from some of Gaye’s students.

Nathan Harvey HoLA Languages

Gaye Gray with some of her students

MATHS

AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS PRESENTATION NIGHT

The Australian Mathematics Trust 2016 Awards Presentation was held at the Christ Church Grammar School Chapel on Thursday November 24 for both public and private schools across the state.

Computational and Algorithmic Thinking Competition

Three of our students received a High Distinction and perfect score in the Computational and Algorithmic Thinking Competition, held earlier in the year. These students, Deidre Godin and Jonathan Chivers, both from Year 8 and Christopher Chivers from Year 10, were awarded their certificates on the night.

Australian Mathematics Competition

Jacob Head, also from Year 10 is congratulated on his achievement. He performed exceptionally well in the Australian Mathematics Competition and was a prize winner in the intermediate division.

Khushi Sesetti and Hang Yi Law both from Year 8 are also commended as they too were prize winners in the Junior Division. Hang Yi Law was also acknowledged for being the best student in our school having the highest standardised score.

Congratulations to these students and all the students who participated in these competitions.

Kerri Kalotay Mathematics Teacher

AMT Award Winners L to R: Christopher Chivers, Jonathan Chivers, Jacob Head and Deidre Godin

AUSTRALIAN INTERMEDIATE MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD

Students are invited to participate in the Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad (AIMO) based on their results in the Australian Mathematics Competition. It is also open to other talented students up to Year 10, who have demonstrated a gift for mathematics. Students compete in an intense four-hour examination where they attempt to solve eight extremely challenging problems.

This year, 1829 students were participating from around Australia and Asia. Our students did exceptionally well. Congratulations to Andrew Lee, Kee-An Seet, Jordan Hoffmann and Christopher Chivers for their outstanding results.

Kerri Kalotay Mathematics Tacher

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN JUNIOR MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD

The Western Australian Junior Mathematics Olympiad is an extremely challenging individual and team competition for talented Year 8 and 9 students and exceptional Year 7 students. The goal of the Olympiad is to challenge the best young mathematicians. This year it was held at the University of Western Australia on Saturday October 29, 2016.

Mutia Daruso from Year 9, Hang Yi Law, Jack Killoh and Jonathan Chivers all from Year 8, represented Willetton Senior High School in the team competition.

Also competing as individuals, were Felix Rego and Ryan Goon from Year 7.

All the students performed exceptionally well.

Kerri Kalotay Mathematics Teacher

HAVE SUM FUN COMPETITION

In Term 1, the Year 7/8 Have Sum Fun competition was held at Trinity College. Our school entered two teams. We arrived early for a 7:30pm start. There were many students from many schools from all over WA, all eagerly anticipating the exciting first round. We had 4 rounds of 8 questions, each round more difficult than the last, and we also had a tiebreaker round. It was an amazing experience, and great practice at working under pressure.

We are very proud of our two teams, who tried their very best, one of them even placing 4th in the overall event! The winning team was from Penrhos College and the runner-up teams were Rossmoyne SHS and All Saints’ College.

Extra special thanks to Mr Hamley, who gave up his valuable time to come with us and support us every step of the way. Hopefully we will do much better next year.

Saran Bicknell Year 7

Have Sum Fun 4th Place Team
Back row L to R: Aaron Lee, Lucky Daniswara, Ryan Goon and Mihir Pareek
Front row: Jack Killoh and Ethan Wan

HAVE SUM FUN ONLINE COMPETITION

Our fantastic Gifted and Talented Students have done us proud once again!

The Mathematics Department enrolled nine teams of students from Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 to compete in the Have Sum Fun Online maths competition earlier this term. This competition, although based in Western Australia, is open to schools Australia wide. Schools such as Perth Modern, Trinity, St Mary’s, Wesley, Penrhos and some interstate teams from Queensland, Victoria and South Australia were all faced with the same questions presented to them online. All had one hour for each round, to solve ten quite challenging questions. Students stayed after school one day a week for three weeks to work in their groups and submit their answers.

Out of 98 Year 7 teams, the team of Ryan Goon, Felix Rego and Max Zhang, achieved first place.

Out of 95 Year 8 teams, the team of Jonathan Chivers, Jack Killoh, Aaron Lee and Chris Law, achieved first place.

And finally out of 46 Year 10 teams, the team of Chris Chivers, Kaylee Wong, Nancy Shi and Andrew Lee, also achieved first place.

Congratulations to all the students who participated and in particular, these students, for their outstanding achievements.

Kerri Kalotay Mathematics Teacher

Year 10 L to R: Andrew Lee, Christopher Chivers, Kaylee Wong and Nancy Shi

THE ARTS

SOUTHERN PERSPECTIVES 2017

Devonny Sherwood’s diptych Pretty Little Cancer

Now in its second year, Southern Perspectives 2017 is an exhibition of Year 12 Visual Arts student work at Heathcote Museum and Gallery. All exhibiting students will have graduated in 2016 from selected high schools located south of the river.

Two students from our 2016 Year 12 ATAR Visual Arts class have had their works selected for this exhibition. Devonny Sherwood’s diptych Pretty Little Cancer, and Nikita Wynne’s diptych This is Me have been selected for exhibition in 2017. Congratulations to these two students on their fantastic achievement.

Southern Perspectives 2017 provides an opportunity to experience thought-provoking artworks by some of the state’s most talented graduating students. Southern Perspectives 2017 will be held at Heathcote Museum and Gallery in Applecross from February 11 until March 19, 2017. Further information can be found at:

Claire Rushton Visual Arts teacher

Nikita Wynne’s diptych This Is Me

YEAR 12 PERSPECTIVES 2017

Year 12 Perspectives is an annual exhibition of the best student art works from across Western Australia, held at the Art Gallery of Western Australia. Students studying Year 12 Visual Arts from all sectors (Government, Catholic and Independent schools) enter their works for consideration. Selection in this prestigious exhibition is coveted and competitive.

Two students from the 2016 Year 12 ATAR Visual Arts class have had their works selected for this exhibition. Joanna Go’s painting Cut from the same cloth, and Melissa Tan’s untitled self-portraits in pencil were chosen from hundreds of entries for exhibition in 2017. Congratulations these students on their outstanding achievement.

Year 12 Perspectives will be held at the Art Gallery of Western Australia from January 28 until April 2, 2017. Further information about this exhibition can be found at:

MUSIC

Music has had a busy term 4, including hosting overseas visitors and putting on fabulous performances. We hosted a visiting high school group from Singapore; Yishun Secondary School enjoyed a day with our students in music and other subjects, including Art, Media, Drama, Dance and Design and Technology.

Our end of year concert was a wonderful night of performances to a sell-out crowd. Thank you to front-of-house and back stage crews, Mrs Venter and Ms Talbot for their assistance.

Special thanks also to our ensemble directors for all their hard work throughout 2016:

Mr Ryan Huxley – Choir
Mr Iain Robbie - Junior Band and Percussion Ensemble
Mrs Robbie - Ann Rossi - Classical Guitar Ensemble
Mr Wayne Slater - Contemporary Guitar Ensemble
Mrs Jenni Templar - Senior Band and Jazz Band
Mr Mark Tooby - String Orchestra

Thank you also to our team of Instrumental Music School Services (formerly SIM) teachers for their hard work and expertise this year: Tania Swan and Lisa Gerritsen- clarinet, Kate Hare- flute, Lynda Luce- oboe and bassoon, Jenni Templar- brass, Deanne Rochat- violin and viola, Alita Monkhorst- cello, Mark Tooby- double bass, Iain Robbie- percussion, Wayne Slater- contemporary guitar, Robbie-Ann Rossi- classical guitar, Deborah Jackson-Porteous- saxophone and Ryan Huxley-voice.

Pip Forster, Jenni Templar, Pip Peake & Kate Hare Music Teachers

International Guests: Singapore Yishun Secondary School and Willetton students

THANK YOU

Thank you to staff and students for a fantastic term 4.

It has been a whirlwind of performances, recitals and exhibitions showcasing the many talents of our students. The cacophony of musical sounds, the visual gastronomy of colours, the visual movements and strange vocal sounds create an exciting and passionate Arts department.

An appreciation also, to the many students who were part of the front of house, back stage and technical crew. These are important roles and ensured the smooth running of every school performance.

Thank you to the parents and friends who have supported the students and staff in attending the numerous functions. We look forward to your continued support in 2017.

A loud applause to the Arts staff, an energetic, passionate and great team who dedicate many extra hours to support each student achieves their best possible performance.

The Arts Learning Area wishes all the students and their families a safe and happy festive season.

SCHOOL BOARD NEWS

School Board Annual General Meeting

The School Board AGM will be held on Monday March 20, 2017 at 5.30pm in the staff room. All members of the school community are welcome. Information on nominating for the Board will be sent out in the new school year.

WA Secondary School of the Year Scholarship

It is with great pleasure that we announce the recipients of the WA Secondary School of the Year Scholarship for 2017. Due to their outstanding attributes, it was extremely difficult to choose just one recipient so the scholarship has been jointly awarded to two deserving individuals – Corey Rynvis and Dev Venugopal. Both Corey and Dev possess different strengths and we know that together, they will work well as a team and be excellent role models to their peers.

Since Corey Rynvis was merit selected as a Year 7 Student Councillor, he has shown exemplary leadership skills and goes above and beyond to assist the Year 7 Coordinator and his peers. He is a valued member of the front of house and theatre team. Corey has displayed strong organisational skills through the planning of school socials and charity events. He is a reliable and trustworthy student who puts 110% into everything he sets out to achieve.

Since early 2016 Dev Venugopal has actively sought opportunities to rise as a leader. He was appointed as a Year 7 Student Councillor and has a naturally confident approach towards leading his peers, evident through his success as a team leader in the F1 championships where he travelled to Sydney to compete in the Nationals. Dev seeks opportunities to assist his peers in building confidence and resilience. He has a positive upbeat approach to life and strives to ensure peers feel the same.

Corey Rynvis and Dev Venugopal
WA Secondary School of the Year Scholarship Recipients

We also congratulate the following students who were shortlisted as finalists for this scholarship – Harry Hall, Peyton Longbottom, Rachel Miller, Emily Ong, and Jean Tan. Continue to make the most of the opportunities offered to you at school.

World Teachers’ Day

With the support of the parent community and Interact Club, the School Board recognised the work of teachers and staff by hosting a special morning tea on October 28 to coincide with World Teachers’ Day. Staff were treated to an array of delicious multicultural foods including a secret family recipe Dutch cookies, curry puffs, bean curd sushi, samosas, spring rolls, lamingtons, chocolate brownies, assorted cakes and chicken wings. The Interact Club students made cards, each acknowledging or thanking the teachers for the significant impact they make on their education.

A special thank you to Tanya Picen, Tina Mahesvaran, Rohini Bakshi, Sharon Madlener, Sam Phipps and Lyn Hilton who helped to set up the special event.

Second-Hand Bookshop

Year 11 and 12 students wishing to sell their textbooks may bring in their books to the second-hand bookshop during trading hours or drop them off at the School Board office. Please ensure the required bookshop form is completed before dropping books off. Forms are available from the front office, School Board office, and bookshop or may be downloaded from the school website, under the School Board tab.

We have a large range of Year 11 and Year 12 syllabus textbooks and study guides which make excellent resource material at greatly discounted prices. We also stock a range of second hand supplies including dance shoes, scientific and graphic calculators, class pads, Math-O-Matts, language dictionaries and lower school resource material.

Current Year 10 and Year 11 students are invited to visit the second hand bookshop to purchase your Year 11 and Year 12 booklist requirements for 2017. Many of the textbooks are half to two thirds the price of new textbooks.

For further information, please contact the bookshop on 9334 7282 during opening hours.

The second hand bookshop and uniform shop are open on additional days and are listed below. Please note that credit card and eftpos facilities are not available. Payment by cash or cheque only. Cheques should be made payable to Willetton Senior High School Council, and include your driver’s licence details on the back.

The bookshop is open every Wednesday 9.00am to 11.30am during the school term.

School Board Thank You

We acknowledge and thank the wonderful parents who have volunteered their time to help the school with various projects this year – much could not have been achieved without your wonderful support. Special thanks go to the members of the Willo Parent Group, the bookshop and the second-hand uniform shop volunteers. Your faithful contribution to the school is recognised and very much appreciated.

Second-hand Bookshop and Uniform Shop Volunteers

L-R standing: Rohini Bakshi, Sabrina De Silva, Andrea Goh, Karen Plumridge, Daniel Staer
L-R seated: Steve Savage, Sasha Pearce, Chit Lim

Willo Parent Group Committee

L-R Tina Mahesvaran, Helen Wong, Rohini Bakshi, Tanya Picen

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 9334 7217 during term, or email helen.s.wong@education.wa.edu.au

The School Board would like to wish all members of our school community a very special Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. We look forward to working together with you again in 2017.

WILLO PARENT GROUP NEWS

WILLO PARENT GROUP CHRISTMAS DINNER

What a great way to finish the year by celebrating with a Christmas dinner at The Burrendah on November 21. Thank you to Rohini for organising the fun, relaxing event!

Our mailing address is:
Willetton Community Garden
Glenmoy Avenue
Willetton, Western Australia 6155