17 August 2017

Editor: Jenny LeSouef
Technology: Nola Regan

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

I was fortunate to be amongst the 20 WA school principals to be selected to attend a leadership course at Harvard University, Boston USA during the recent school holidays. This enabled the best professional learning I have ever experienced. I was deeply engaged by the world class presenters and have returned with concepts which I will be putting into practice here at Willetton to improve our already successful student outcomes.

One of our most important issues is in the maintenance of our Willetton culture. Our students have a very special relationship with their teachers and a pride in their school. We must work to maintain and even improve the social and emotional as well as academic environment so that all students can achieve maximum learning outcomes.

Our full school drama productions are important in the development of the culture. They involve a wide cross section of students in the many facets of the production. The recent performances of Cinderella Enchanted are testament to this. Students and teachers across the school all played their part under the leadership of Stefan Brand, Cheryl Venter, Jenny Templar and Claire Talbot. The culminating performances were excellent and the supper catered by our VET students delicious. Well done to all involved.

Our award assemblies for semester one achievements were held last week and our award winners are listed further in this newsletter. Assemblies were well supported by parents. Congratulations to all of our students who gave of their best.

Many thanks to our Board who instituted a fellowship grant for staff professional growth to support enhancement of student learning. The Languages Learning Area was the recipient of the inaugural grant and they attended a conference in Queensland over the last vacation. Languages are a dynamic group and I am certain they will make full use of the knowledge gained.

We are now on to the downhill run for our Year 12 students. This is the last term of their secondary education. Families often bear the brunt of the stress of this busy period and support is always available through Student Services and of course classroom teachers. Please take advantage of the services available.

Chris Booth

BOARD CHAIR REPORT

I had the pleasure of being tantalized by the wonderful musical performances of our talented music students late in term two. The students are to be congratulated on their fine performances. We are privileged to have such a diverse range of talented musicians and of course their music teachers – I am not sure who has more fun performing! We were also teased about the upcoming Cinderella musical by the ugly sisters squabbling on stage and then breaking into song with support from the orchestra.

Our ugly sister teaser was just the start of an amazing performance for Cinderella Enchanted. The whole school approach to this performance was on fine show at opening night which was a wonderful. Such opportunities are important, not only for the students performing, but also everyone working behind the scenes to make it a truly magical night – such as lighting, sound, art, hospitality, Front of House and even the Maths and Technology Departments. I do believe a maths teacher helped with costumes and Technology produced 3-D printing items for the production.

Willetton Senior High School continues to strive to nurture all students in their pursuits. We have students with outstanding sporting prowess. The boys basketball team won the State Schools Championship and our girls reached the grand final.

I also had the pleasure of congratulating many of the top academic students at the Academic Awards Ceremony on August 7. While we celebrate these amazing achievements, we also recognise the many individual achievements and personal goals that students have worked hard to achieve throughout first semester with the support of our school’s dedicated teachers, loving parents and the broader Willo community.

The School Board continues to work with the School Executive to foster a learning environment which inspires and empowers students to strive for personal achievement. At our last Board meeting we heard about the benefits which resulted from the Languages Staff Fellowship award, demonstrating that Willetton Senior High School is a leader in language education. We also welcome our current Japanese Exchange group who are with us until the August 16. The Partnerships Committee continue to work with teachers to establish connections with our community in the form of sponsorship, scholarships and partnerships to value add to our children’s education. Special thanks to OfficeMax who have supported the school’s Book Club. The developing garden initiative has taken a life of its own, and looks to bring new Indigenous and Japanese garden spaces for our students.

Willetton Senior High School prides itself in nurturing our children into balanced, competent, skilled and socially responsible Australian citizens with a world perspective. If our student’s endeavours and achievements are anything to go by, then the future will be bright.

Dr Paolo Chivers Acting Board Chair

HUMANS OF WILLO

JAE BRIEFFIES

To me, a community is a group of people who have a common purpose or identity. We can apply this to school, as we’re all here to learn…and to grow. I have a great community within the Gifted and Talented program. They’re all really fantastic people! They can be irritating sometimes but I feel quite close to all of them. But in the same way, I’m eager to move up to senior school and actually get out to the wider community instead of having the same subjects with the same fifty people for the last three years. Communities are all we have around us to provide us with a support network. They help you belong somewhere and that kind of mutual acceptance with everyone is really good.

Just recently, I was lucky to be part of the Cinderella Enchanted musical and I really enjoyed it. To be honest, the rehearsals were a massive pain but it all came together in the end and it was really magical to see it becoming something real. I felt like it really helped me grow closer to the people I was in the show with. They were such amazing people and I loved hanging out with them.

By Andrew Tan Year 12

GENERAL

CONGRATULATIONS……..

THE GREAT COCKATOO CHALLENGE

The students in Darren Hamley’s Year 8 Gifted and Talented Science class designed an expedition for him to undertake during his long service leave, which was to photograph every breed of cockatoo in Australia. This involved a journey of over 15000 kms.

Darren travelled through all states other than Northern Territory and Tasmania and he located all but one of the breeds, due to impassable roads from flooding in Queensland.

We are delighted that Australian Geographic has picked up the story as have the Department of Education who have placed it on their Facebook page.

Well done to Darren Hamley and his Year 8 Gifted and Talented class.

ROBYN TRAVERS

Congratulations to HaSS teacher Robyn Travers who has successfully completed a demanding Assessor Training Program. The program was developed on behalf of the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) and involved 70 hours of face to face and on line course work over a seven week period.

Robyn is now qualified as an Australia wide external assessor to conduct school visits and write formal evaluative reports on the teachers she visits. Her achievement of this qualification is of great value to her peers and our school.

2017 AUSTRALIAN GEOGRAPHY COMPETITION

In Term 2, HaSS students from Year 8 and Gifted and Talented Program students from Years 7 -10 classes challenged their geographical skills and knowledge in the annual Australian Geography Competition.

Our students were among 70 000 Australia wide from a record 743 state and private schools who took part in the 2017 Australian Geography Competition, which has been running for 25 years. Willetton Senior High was once again well represented in the competition with a record number of 500 students taking part. The competition was very challenging and required the completion of a test which involved skill based and general knowledge in the form of multiple-choice questions. Students’ knowledge of developing countries, environmental issues, geopolitics, maps, current events and physical terrains were tested.

The table below indicates the number of our students who earned the higher certificates. This table reflects our best overall performance in the competition over our 10 year involvement.

The following ten students are to be commended on their fine results, achieving a certificate of HIGH DISTINCTION and finishing in the top 1% in Australia. This was a record number of students from our school to be recognised for this achievement in the 10 years that we have participated in the competition.

Allan Wu Year 7 with a score of 25/30 and Shauwen Ng Year 7 with a score of 25/30
Jonty Calderbank Year 8 with a score of 27/30
Amy Mercer Year 9 with a score of 38/40 and Will Ho Year 9GT with a score of 36/40
Lucky Daniswara Year 9 with a score of 34/40 & Hang Yi Law Year 9 with a score of 34/40
Aaron Teng Year 9 with a score of 34/40
Jarrod Fong Year 10 with a score of 37/40 & Jack Bringans Year10 with a score of 35/40

Special congratulations to

Jonty Calderbank equal first in Western Australia for Year 8
Amy Mercer equal first in Western Australia for Year 9
Jarrod Fong first in Western Australia for Year 10

All 98 students who achieved High Distinctions were in the top 6% in the Australia in their year group. While this performance is reflective of our students’ ability and their thirst for learning it also acknowledges the high standard of skills taught in the HaSS learning area.

Geography continues to struggle to attract students in senior school. Hopefully these continued good results encourage more students to consider Geography in their senior school selections, as we have an obvious aptitude towards this subject matter.

John Maxwell: Head of Humanities and Social Sciences Learning Area

WELL DONE NATHAN HARVEY

Last week Head of Languages, Nathan Harvey was invited as guest speaker to the Office of Multicultural Interests by the Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Paul Papalia. He spoke about intercultural understanding and the importance of language capability in achieving this goal.

The event incorporated the announcement of the launch of grants for community languages programs and was attended by community languages teachers and representatives from around the state.

WORKING AS AN INTERN IN THE LAB OF A NOBEL PRIZE WINNER

I was recently privileged to be selected to intern for 10 days at the Marshall Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Training (The Marshall Centre) at the University of Western Australia. This centre is named after Professor Barry Marshall, who received a Nobel Prize for the discovery that the bacterium helicobacter pylori causes stomach ulcers. This led to more effective treatments for this troublesome and widespread condition. The centre continues to be at the forefront in research into gastro-intestinal disorders. In addition, the gene sequencing of helicobacter pylori has led to major new discoveries about the different physiological-racial origins of the human species. More Research is being done in this important area. It was a privilege for me to be selected to participate in the internship.

During my internship, I was placed in the care of one of the researchers. He showed me around the centre and introduced me to the range of research concepts and techniques. I was given the opportunity to conduct some simple research procedures.

I was taught how to make a bacterial culture medium consisting of agar gel. Then I learnt how to impregnate the culture medium (agar gel) with a sample of active helicobacter pylori in order to grow the sample to a testable size. My next step was to undertake the extraction of DNA from the sample using a complex chemical-mechanical procedure. This then enabled me to splice out the marker-section of the DNA and produce multiple copies. The spliced DNA sample was then ready to have its genes sequenced. The successful sequencing of the genes is an essential part of Profession Marshall’s research.

I found that major medical-scientific work of world significance had been pioneered in our own city of Perth and that this research was ongoing. I was deeply impressed at finding out what an important role research can play in making human life better for all and seeing how one, well-motivated human being can bring benefits to all others.

Himal Pandey Year 11

SEMESTER 1 - AWARD WINNERS

YEAR 11

THE ARTS

ENGLISH

HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES

LANGUAGES & EAL/D

MATHEMATICS

SCIENCE

TECHNOLOGIES

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING

YEAR 12

THE ARTS

ENGLISH

HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES

LANGUAGES & EAL/D

MATHEMATICS

SCIENCE

TECHNOLOGIES

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING

ROTARY YOUTH PROGRAM OF ENRICHMENT (RYPEN) SEPTEMBER CAMP 2017

Applications are now open for the RYPEN camp, to be held from September 15-17, 2017 at the Serpentine Camping Centre in Jarrahdale.

The camp is open to students aged between 14 to 17 years of age, and 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 for a weekend of fun

Cost of attending the camp is $300, but participants only pay $50, thanks to the generous sponsorship of $250 per student offered by the Rotary Club of Willetton.

This is a fantastic opportunity, with past participants full of praise of their experience.

The application form must be returned with $50 payment to the School Board office by Monday September 4 for processing. There is a limit of 10 students to be sponsored by Rotary Club of Willetton, so applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. If making payment by cheque, please make this payable to Rotary Club of Willetton.

Information and application forms are available from Mrs Wong

ROTARY FOUR WAY SPEECH CONTEST - a public speaking contest for Year 10 students initially in the Willetton Rotary District 9455

Speeches should be of 5-6 minutes duration, on a topic of the contestants’ choice and throughout incorporate the Rotary Four Way Test (truth, fairness, goodwill and better friendships beneficial to all). Heats will be held sequentially at club, group, zone, district and state levels.

Further information can be obtained from Simon Cubitt, Youth Director simon.cubitt@bigpond.com

AASQA AWARD

In July, three of our students were awarded certificates of recognition at the first Autism Academy for Software Quality Assurance (AASQA) awards presentation ceremony at Curtin University. This event was attended by Her Excellency the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC, Governor of Western Australia.

The certificates were presented to Song Yi Loo and Sam Bateman for being the pioneering students at the AASQA coding club, the CoderDojo. Year 12 student, Liam Picen was recognised for his outstanding achievement in passing the International Software Testing Qualifications Board (ISTQB) Examination which he sat in March this year. Liam is believed to be one of the youngest ever to obtain this ISTQB Certification.

Well done, Liam, Song Yi and Sam.

(L-R) Michael New (Bankwest intern) and Liam Picen (Willetton SHS student), the Governor of Western Australia, Dr Marita Falkmer (Deputy Director, AASQA) and Prof Jim Ellis (Chair, Advisory Board of AASQA)

MANY THANKS OFFICE MAX

We acknowledge and thank OfficeMax for their generous support of our Year 9 Famished for Fiction Book Club.

The club provides an environment where students can freely talk about their love of books, the characters and often the off spin movies. As the popularity and membership of the Book Club has grown so has number of books that the students need. The Club was finding it increasingly difficult to access the books they wanted in sufficient numbers. Rather than ask parents to keep reaching into their pockets or divert limited school funds OfficeMax has come to the rescue.

After raising our problem with OfficeMax’s Client Executive Fiona Ritzou they did not hesitate in asking for a list of the books the students required, and contacted their publishers and suppliers to see what could be done. In less than two months OfficeMax provided the Book Club with over 60 novels worth over $1000. This generous support from one of our important community and business partners will make a tremendous difference to the students.

Our Book Club has now split into two and each is on a long journey of writing and producing a book. The Year 9s are now also in the process of forming a Year 7 Book Club which they will support.

Lauren Howson and Fiona Rutzou from OfficeMax with Jayden Feng, Mabel Mathew, Sashini Liyanage

CINDERELLA ENCHANTED

Thank you to our wonderful students, parents and the staff who all contributed to the success of the school musical production. Over 800 people attended whose support and encouraging claps will be long remembered by the cast, orchestra and back stage crew.

There were 90 students involved during the performances as orchestra, cast, back stage, technical and catering.

The productions success is due the people who volunteer their time, driven by a passion and strong belief in the value of The Arts. Many hours of rehearsing, refining and reviewing contributed to creating a visually stimulating learning classroom for the students involved.

The staging of the production started in January 2016, with the reading of many scripts followed by obtaining copy rights for music and scripts. Conversations and negotiations transpired to obtain suitable dates for the performances in 2017. Auditions took place, during lunch, recess and after school. Rehearsals commenced in term 3, culminating in a successful and fun camp. The students all embraced the experience and developed in a deeper understanding and respect for the theatre environment.

Thank you to the fabulous teachers who participated from the start to the final curtain, Stef Brand, Jenni Templar, Clare Talbot, Pip Peake, Sue Jones, Judy Gauci, Ina Boxshall.

Our awesome parents : Sam Phipps, Kate Strle and Karen Plumridge were involved in the costuming, but also back stage with hair, make up, sewing and costume changes. They were so organised and created calmness backstage for both students and staff.

Thank you to Belinda Morrissy and Art classes for the Ballroom masks which added to the elaborate and rich costumes of the medieval era. Stef Thompson and her arts class for the oversized garden vegetables, which turned miraculously into a carriage. Debra U’chong for sewing costumes and Trish Hatch for lovingly making Cinderella’s ball gown.

Paul Hogg and Matt Lord for assisting in the set build and Alistair Swanson for the many hours freely given to advise and assist in setting the stage and lights to create the illusion for the audience.

Catering staff Brad Curran and Kristen Gibson- delicious canapés.

To the ex-students who made the masks and assisted each night in makeup and hair- THANK YOU- so appreciate your contributions to our present students.

Now we can rest – enjoy the extra weekly hours- you all deserve them.

Thank you all

Bravo
Cheryl Venter Head of Arts

Cinderella Enchanted

YEARBOOK COVER 2017 – APARNA PRAMOD KUMAR

Initially, for me, Graphic Design was just a fun subject I did in Year 8, but now, it has become much more. Not only does it provide me with a way to escape from the pressure of ATAR, and continue with something I’ve been familiar with since year 8, it has also become something of a passion. With five ATAR subjects, four hours of graphic design a week often seems too little, and hence, the opportunity to design this year’s Yearbook cover, offered me somewhat of a reprieve from my routine workload.

Thank you to Ms Gauci who trusted me with this task and everyone else who made it possible. To have this opportunity during my final year at Willetton Senior High School is a great honour, as it provides me with a chance to give something back to the school, to say thank you, and good-bye.

Aparna Pramod Kumar Year 12

Aparna with her design cleverly hidden so that it will be a surprise when the Yearbook is published

INTERACT NEWS

From the President

As winter sets in, the Interact Club are organising themselves at 7:15, making tasty hot chocolates for charity. A fantastic initiative that follows other exciting fundraising activities, such as a holiday workshop making candles, soaps and spice mixes for a Father's Day fundraiser with a stall both at Southlands and on campus! It is no surprise these students have been so proactive, as training from the Equipped 4 Success Leadership Program has helped guide each individual towards fulfilling Interact's goals for this term.

Cups for a Cause

A week of early morning starts selling hot chocolate helped Interact Club members to raise much-needed funds for Living Child’s infant and maternal health program in Papua New Guinea, one of the club’s two focus charities for this semester.

Cups for a cause: Isaac and Gabriel Rapanaro supported Interact Club’s Hot Choc fundraiser

In-principle support: Principal Mr Chris Booth enjoys a hot chocolate with Interact Club members Kelvin Poulraj, Mihan Desilva, Shashank Gupta, Jennifer John Britto, Jacqueline Luong, Min-En Seet, Arushi Vishwakarma, Luke How Son

You can be involved!

You don’t have to be an Interact Club member to help out! Interact Club is collecting items that will provide help and hope for PNG mothers and bubs.

The school community is invited to donate any of the following items to the box in Student Services: new cloth nappies, baby singlets, cakes of soap, a new baby wrap, a top for mothers. Items collected will be taken to PNG and will really help.

Check out Living Child’s work if you’d like to know more:

Jasmine Beck Interact President

Bigger picture: Interact Club has over 55 members who meet each Thursday at recess in F13. Our main aim is to help others and we always welcome new members

Team work: Interact’s executive team enjoys enabling the club’s fundraising ideas. Back row (l-r): Jae Brieffies- secretary, Shashank Gupta- publicity , Mihan Desilva- secretary. Front row: Threesena Jimson- publicity, Hannah Page- vice president, Jasmine Beck- president , Luke How Son- treasurer, Jennifer John Britto- treasurer

Production line: Interact members had a workshop making gifts to sell at the Father’s Day stall at Southlands on Saturday August 26. Pictured are Shashank Gupta, Angela Ahearn, Jay Brieffies and Veronica Pui

GIFTED AND TALENTED

YEAR 9 HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

During our last history depth study, the Year 9 HASS classes learnt about World War I and building our own model trenches.

Using a variety of materials such as styrofoam and cardboard, we created our own trenches in order to gain a deeper understanding about trench warfare during World War I. Throughout the Great War, trenches were used as a war tactic by both sides along the Eastern and Western fronts. The war broke out in June 1914, and by the end of that year, both sides had built trenches from Belgium through to Switzerland. There was an estimated 40 233km of trenches built and life for the soldiers was extremely difficult.

By creating these trenches in class, it improved our understanding of how difficult living conditions were during World War I. Our trenches had dirt thrown over the top, broken duckboards and limited or no space for sleeping, eating or caring for the wounded. The trenches caused a stalemate of fighting which lasted for nearly three and half years, and looking at the trenches we built, it would have been a horrible way to live.

Amy Mercer Year 9

YEAR 9 GIFTED AND TALENTED

During Term 2 the Year 9 Gifted and Talented students worked on their group long term projects. This is a time that they work in small groups on ideas and investigations which are completely driven by themselves. On the completion of these projects some are selected to be entered in to the STAWA Science Talent Search.

One of the entrants this year involved the construction of a hovercraft, with the help of the Design and Technology department. As it is an engineering project rather than an investigation, a video has to be submitted along with the report.

We wish all the entrants the best of luck for all their hard work and dedication during this process.

Mrs Atkinson Science Teacher

Check out the Year 9 Hovercraft video

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT SUMMIT

What a day! From engaging with a panel of delegates about Development in Africa, to constructing our own ideas on how we can improve and empower the amazing continent, we joined fifty students from schools all around Perth to enjoy a day at the annual United Nations Youth Development Summit.

As Youth Delegates, we not only built upon our leadership skills and team dynamics but we explored the world of politics and economics in Africa, with a keen focus on prioritising peace, sustainable development and empowerment for those African countries.

The dedication displayed by the UN Youth Leaders was amazing, and the workshops they facilitated were thoroughly engaging, enjoyable and useful. The day was a perfect balance of passion and purpose, and the insight we captured opened doors that will inspire us for many years to come.

Mihan De Silva Year 10

BLACK COCKATOO NESTING BOXES

In term one, students from the Year 8 Gifted and Talented Science class constructed five nesting boxes designed to attract both Carnaby’s and Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoos. The boxes, all fitted with surveillance cameras have so far attracted five different species of birds, Carnaby’s Cockatoo, Forest Red-tailed Black cockatoo, Galah, Little Corella and an Australian Wood Duck.

A pair of Pink and Grey Galahs have taken up residence in one of the boxes and have laid four eggs which we expect will hatch in mid-August. Students have been able to collect mountains of data on the behaviour of the birds.

Darren Hamley Gifted and Talented Education Coordinator

A pair of Pink and Grey Galahs nesting in a box constructed by students from the year 8 gifted and talented class

An inquisitive female Carnaby’s cockatoo

THE ARTS

YEAR 12 ATAR VISUAL ARTS

This year we have another amazing group of students completing the Year 12 ATAR course. They have all completed outstanding artworks for their semester 1 projects, and are busily finishing off their second and final artwork. I think you will agree that the level of skill shown in these works is quite outstanding.

We have also had a few award winners, in both the Atwell Youth Awards and the Canning Arts Award.

THE ATWELL YOUTH ART AWARDS

This is an annual event held at the Atwell Gallery in Alfred Cove. The exhibition is open to all Schools, both public and private.

This year we entered five Year 12 paintings by Sarah Wong, Jade Rycroft, Cindi Toh, Aashka Bhavsar and Sinya Zheng, and a group of nine Year 10 Sculptures by David Byles, Zahra Haddadpour, Araan Kousari, Ruoling Li, Jie-Ru Lim, Susan Si, Sarah Singho, Melanie Tan and Eeting Yap.

Sarah Wong won the major Year 12 award and Jade Rycroft won a Highly Commended award for Year 12.

Sarah Wong - Poh Poh Takes the City

Jade Roycroft - Water of Life

The group of Year 10s won the Theme award, titled Once Upon A Time. The judges couldn’t single out one sculpture, so they awarded the prize to the whole group.

Congratulations to all students involved. We were very proud of their achievements.

CANNING ARTS AWARD

This is an annual art competition which encourages both youth and adults to submit work. There were 148 entries submitted. Jade Rycroft entered her painting Water of Life and won first prize, which was the City of Canning Acquisition Award. The council bought her painting for $3000.

Congratulations Jade!

ENGLISH

POETRY EXCELLENCE IN YEAR 7

This year, students in Year 7 studied various poetry forms and wrote original poems. They used a range of poetic devices and forms and had fun exploring what language could do.

Kartikeya Dashora, who wrote an excellent poem using onomatopoeia about a beast. He entered the poem into the Oz Kids in Print competition and won a poetry award! The result: his work was published in the magazine and illustrated too! See the result below. Kartikeya was formally presented to the whole staff to celebrate his achievements and received several merit points for his academic excellence, initiative and conscientious attitude towards his studies. Well done, Karti!

Miss McCauley English Teacher

Kartikeya with his published poem - The Beast

WITCHES AND WIZARDS BEWITCH WILLETTON

In true Year 7 tradition, Harry Potter has started to enchant the 120 students from Miss Leal and Miss McCauley's classes. The students from the four classes have started reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone as a class novel, all the time competing for the inaugural Miss McCauley Hogwarts House Cup — points for which can be earned for participating, caring, helpful and respectful behaviour.

Since the start of the term, the students have been sorted —by the sorting hat no less — into the four houses: Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin and Hufflepuff. They have met the dreadful Dursleys, heard the dulcet tones of Hagrid and met the loathsome Snape. Going forward, the students can look forward to creating Quidditch rules brochures, investigating stereotypes, investigating the effect of the novel on popular culture and — everyone's favourite — writing an essay, all before the final house cup ceremony, where dressing up is compulsory!

The feedback so far, has been wonderful. Angelica Han said that anyone who hadn’t read or seen Harry Potter was missing out on life and 9 ¾ of pop culture which was supported by Emily Shearer who said that the class rated the book 9 ¾. Puns aside, the students have enjoyed reading quite a stunning novel (Tanush Embari) and seeing the difference between the book and the movie. It’s really interesting and I’m really enjoying it (Shimmy Razzaq) because there are lots of things I missed when I first read it (Ewan Bradley). But the best recommendation came from Jasmin Lam who said that before I used to think Harry Potter was boring, but now I’ve started reading it, it’s really good!

Keep up the great work Year 7s!

Miss McCauley and Miss Leal English Teachers

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

SENIOR BASKETBALL FINALS

On the August 27, the State Champion Schools Basketball Grand Finals were played at the Bendat Basketball Centre. After 14 weeks of preliminary and minor finals, we were again good enough to have both of our girls and boys teams in the final, with the boys playing Woodvale SHS and the girls playing Kennedy Baptist.

The boys played first, setting the tone for the match right from the outset. Tough defence and superior ball movement allowed them to take an early lead which they were able to maintain for the whole match. The boys ran out comfortable 79 to 53 winners. Match MVP went to Luke Jackson.

The girls were next to play and this proved to be a much tougher assignment. Although the effort was there, the girls struggled to put the ball in the hole and were well down at half time. After an inspiring half time talk the girls got back into the match and upped the pressure on the opposition. Unfortunately they could not sustain the tempo and went down by 8 points after some incredible shooting from Kennedy.

A special mention to Mr Kearsley, Ms Smith and Mr Forsyth for the tireless hours they put into coaching us over the year. A big thank you to Mr McLean for his support as well.

By Kahlia Morgan & Bodie Frost-Kelemete Year 12

BOYS TEAM - GOLD MEDALISTS

GIRLS TEAM - SILVER MEDALISTS

NEW ZEALAND SKI TRIP 2017

The ski trip this year was quite the experience. With optimal weather conditions and five quality days of skiing and snowboarding, some great memories were made. Some of the highlights of the trip were the snow ball fights, the rafting on the river, the luge, dinner and Maori cultural dance at the top of the mountain in Queenstown.

Over the course of the trip many friendships were made and we experienced different sides of people we never knew existed. As majority of the group had never seen snow, the first time on the slopes was an exciting adventure for all. Over the course of five days, people were able to overcome the challenges they faced. By the end of the week both skiers and snowboarders were confidently taking on the more advanced slopes.

Some of our favourite memories were Sienna’s hair malfunctions, Chloe’s mysterious disappearance, Brian’s obsession with soda, the girls’ busking skills and the boys’ Maori haka. Overall, the trip was one of the best experiences of our lives and an international adventure we will never forget.

Special thanks to Mr Kearsley for his massive dedication to organising the trip and to Ms Clemons (Ursula) for making it the trip of a lifetime.

Alexandra Holdcroft and Sienna Rowson Year 11 Students

JUNIOR TOUCH CARNIVAL – THURSDAY JUNE 8

Willetton fielded four teams (two boys and two girls) in this year’s WA Schools Cup Touch Carnival held at Manning Park – the largest number of teams for Willetton since entering the competition five years ago.

In the spirit of our school, all competitors played their hardest, with many successes on the field. Of particular mention were Mia Schleicher scoring five tries in one game, and Jai Ong’s speedy wing manoeuvres.

One of the girls’ teams made it to the semi-finals, only losing to Lakelands 4-2, who were the eventual winners of the carnival. Congratulations also to their coach, Tesssa Miotti, a Year 12 student who also has been part of every Touch team since joining the school in Year 8.

Each team played a minimum of six games on the day. With over 30 teams competing, Willetton Senior High performed superbly considering this is a sport with which many of the students are unfamiliar. It is also daunting playing against teams who are exceptionally drilled and part of school excellence programs.

Well done to all the players – we look forward to more carnivals in the coming years.

Thanks to the coaches – Ms Greenham, Ms Andrews, Tessa Miotti and Ms Fapani.

Judy Fapani HPE Teacher

JUNIOR BOYS TOUCH TEAM 2017

JUNIOR GIRLS TOUCH TEAM 2017

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCE

HUMANITIES TOUR CANBERRA

On June 28, twenty two Willetton Senior High School students and three teachers flew off to Sydney for the annual Humanities Tour. After spending a night seeing the sights of Sydney, such as the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Bondi Beach, we travelled to the nation’s capital. During our stay in Canberra we visited many attractions, along with places that are significant to Australia’s extensive history, such as the War Memorial, Parliament House and the High Court.

Following eight memorable days of setting off alarms, complaining about the cold and annoying all three teachers accompanying us, it was finally time to fly back to Perth with many unforgettable memories. The photos and statements from students show that they found the trip both educational and enjoyable. We would highly recommend 2018 Humanities students take advantage of this great opportunity.

Getting to play in the snow and toboggan was something we were all so grateful to the teachers for giving us! The whole group made the most of it and had so much fun. Georgia Barry

The trip was unforgettable and a once in a lifetime experience filled with many memories, especially setting off an alarm in Parliament House, something I will never forget. Connor Davis

Sophie Walker Year 11

LIVING HISTORY HaSS: CATAPULT COMPETITION

With the school’s focus on mindfulness and relieving stress, the Year 8 HaSS team decided to engage in the catapult competition to give our classes the chance to bring some of their understandings about medieval history alive. Our goal was to promote team work, creativity, lateral thinking, healthy competition and a greater understanding of the past. However, we also wanted to give our hard working Year 8s a break from a busy term, to allow teachers to get to know our students better and above all, we just wanted to have some fun and make some positive memories together.

Those involved in the catapult competition have done themselves proud. After almost two weeks of fervent activity, the medieval master builders have constructed a myriad of designs that exceeded expectations. With just 30 popsticks, six rubber bands, some restored hand drills, a few pairs of scissors, some mini saws and lashings of hot glue, the students set about figuring out how to best launch a dice to take pride of place on the winners’ podium.

The final showdown in the Year 8 Championships has resulted in Leo Cho (Ms Bettermann’s class) taking home the winner’s trophy for group A with an impressive new Willetton record of 21.8 metres and Nathan Goveas, Harry Hall and Aaron James (Ms Chow’s class) who managed to launch the dice 14.85 metres for group B.

We would also like to congratulate the following students for their outstanding catapults winning the class competitions.

NOTRE DAME ECONOMICS SYMPOSIUM

Students from the Year 11 Economics course were given the opportunity to attend a symposium at Notre Dame University on June 20. The theme of the day centred on how economists should work with a cool head and a warm heart referenced to a quote from revered economist Alfred Marshall.

Students were able to experience a day in the life of university student - navigating the campus, attending lectures and hanging out in the courtyard in beautiful sunshine as shown in the pictures below.

Presenters included members of staff from the Economics faculty and Notre Dame alumni, all of whom painted a positive picture of the university and opportunities such as scholarships and international internships on offer to Notre Dame University students. By attending this excursion, students gained a deeper understanding of the applications of the Year 11 course and the opportunities that exist in the field of economics.

David Johnson Economics Teacher

The Economics Group

LANGUAGES

2017 AFMLTA INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGES CONFERENCE

LANGUAGES – KEYS FOR GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

During the last school holiday, five teachers from our Languages Learning Area attended the 21st AFMLTA International Languages Conference, which was held on the beautiful Gold Coast. The conference offered a two-day exploration of current issues and new trends in languages education. This professional learning experience was possible because of the very generous support of the Willetton Senior High School Board’s inaugural fellowship.

The school delegates were Mr Nathan Harvey (HOLA, Japanese teacher), Mrs Pia Palermo (Italian teacher), Ms Stella Sung (Korean teacher), Mrs Bianca Petale (Italian teacher) and Mr Matthieu Heimel (French teacher).

During the conference, we gave several presentations showcasing the factors which have helped to build up a successful Languages program at Willetton SHS. The topics were: assessment, making global links through language assistants as well as advocacy and promotion of Willetton SHS.

It was a well-organised and busy event, where we learned much from other presenters and developed our network. In fact, we were approached by Professor John Hajek from the University of Melbourne, who wants to do some research on our school and find out the secret to being such a successful languages school. We made it count!

Languages – the key to global connections.

Mr Nathan Harvey Head of Languages

INFORMATION ABOUT THE LANGUAGES LEARNING AREA

MULTICULTURAL WEEK: A DAY AT WILLO

Click above to watch the video ‘Multicultural Week: a day at Willo’

We are a multicultural site. Our students and their families come from all over the world and the Languages Learning Area is instrumental in promoting and enacting social cohesion. The video Multicultural Week: A Day at Willo has been filmed and edited by Mr Matthieu Heimel, teacher of French. It tells the story of a day at Willetton, from sunrise to sunset, during the Multicultural Week. Due to his knowledge, skills and passion in this area, I entrust the information management and multimedia responsibilities of our learning area to Mr Heimel.

One of Mr Heimel’s favorite quotes is it takes a village to raise a child and through this video, he highlights the importance of our school community and the role that every single person at Willetton plays in the development of our students. The work that goes into the final product that is every lesson or event, often goes unnoticed.

A Day at Willo highlights the quality of the Languages Learning Area here. It also provides information for future parents and students who would like to know more about what happens at Willetton.

It provides parents and students the opportunity to:

• See which languages are taught at our school, and some of the teachers
• Briefly look at the Modern Languages department and the use of technology in the classrooms
• Understand more about our school culture and community

Charlemagne said to have another language is to possess a second soul. As always, we encourage everyone to do their best with language learning at Willetton and to share our Languages website link with your families and friends overseas, as well as the community of Willetton.

Mr Nathan Harvey Head of Languages

FRENCH CULTURAL ACTIVITIES: MAKING CRÊPES!

Year 7 and Year 8 students enjoying their last lesson of the term during a cultural activity with Mr Heimel, French teacher

On Wednesday June 28, our class made some crêpes. I found this activity quite fun and relaxing as it felt like a reward for all the work that we had done in class. This class activity allowed students to relax and have fun on the last day of the semester.

This fun activity allowed students to co-operate and improve skills. We had to learn how to make them and share them equally with each other. This activity was a good lesson on how to cooperate with each other and use teamwork to get the job done. Overall, I found this a very enjoyable.

Rashini Weerasekera Year 8

In French today, we made some crêpes and they were super yummy! I learnt a lot this term and to end it with something fun was great! They smelled really good and the nutella was a great addition. To work as a group was fun and it made the whole experience better. Thanks Mr Heimel.

Peyton Longbottom Year 8

FRENCH CORRESPONDENTS AT WILLETTON

During the April school holidays some of the Willetton French students went to France on an exchange program and stayed with a family. In late Term 2 the French exchange students came to Australia. They spent their stay here with their host families and came to Willetton Senior High School as part of their experience. The Willetton students in French had immense fun talking to them and learning about French culture. We were able to practise our French while they practised their English! They taught us some of the games that they play in France and we also did a role play activity in groups. Hopefully, they enjoyed their time in Australia as much as we enjoyed having them!

Bianca Stevenson Year 10

Here is what the French correspondents said about their excursion to Caversham Wildlife Park:

On June 21, we all went to Caversham Wildlife Park to see different types of wild and typical animals that we don’t have in France.

Firstly, we went to watch a farm show where one among us learned how to use a whip. Then, the farmer showed us how to move a group of sheep from one side of the park to the other with a dog and we had an opportunity to milk a cow. After that, a guide showed us many animals such as local birds, wombats and snakes. Moreover, we took some photos of kangaroos and had lunch. Finally, we went for a small tour of the park and it was time to go back to school.

We had a great time and took wonderful pictures.

The French correspondents from Le Caousou SHS, Toulouse, France.

FEEDBACK FROM A YEAR 7 FRENCH STUDENT

I learnt many new words in this semester and I’ve learnt to speak basics of French. Before I took the first French class I didn’t know any French words or phrases at all but now I can speak French a bit and know more about the culture.

The best part of French was meeting the French exchange students and bouncing languages off each other and learning new words while teaching our language too. I also really enjoyed eating crepes at the end of the semester.

Thanks for this semester Madame Haidri

Gwendelyn Genevieve Letitia Chee Kim Ling Year 7 student

YEAR 10 KOREAN COOKING ACTIVITY

Korean cooking session

This semester we ended our Korean course with a cooking session.

We made RABOKKI (라볶기)!

We came to class early in the morning to prepare the ingredients.

We cut the vegetables and Tteok-bokki (떡볶기). After that we put water in the pot to boil.

It was quite funny because we couldn’t figure out how much water to pour.

So some groups had too much water and some groups had too little.

We made our chili paste and placed all the ingredients in to cook with the ramen.

In the end all of our cooking turned okay and tasty (맛있어요).

However our Korean teachers’ cooking was definitely better than ours so we stole their food.

Erin, Meng, Sarah, Joey, Elly and Serena Year 10

FEEDBACK FROM A YEAR 7 STUDENT of KOREAN

This semester, I learnt about lots of different Korean cultures and also some of the basic greetings and letters.

It made it easier to learn when I memorised all the letters like consonants and vowels.

I also know some vowels that sound similar.

The best part of the Korean class is when we have the multicultural week we wear the han-bok and of course the class party.

I found it challenging when I can’t figure out the difference between some of the vowels.

My goal for next semester is to get better at everything.

Sze Wei Year 7

ASSISTENTI LINGUISTICI - BENVENUTI FLAVIA E LETIZIA!

(L to R): Flavia, Prof Palermo and Letizia

Hello everyone!

I’m Flavia, one of the two Italian language assistants at Willetton School during Term 3.

I am from Catania in Sicily, although I’ve been living in Milan since 2012.Ten days ago I arrived in Perth and I started my new working experience.

I really enjoy Willetton SHS because I can feel positive vibes and passion for teaching from the both teachers and students. In my opinion, being a school assistant teacher in Australia is a great way to explore the teaching profession which is really different from Italy. In addition, it is a great opportunity to gain insights about the Australian culture and as well as improving my English.

I really like to immerse myself into this new culture by conversing with my host family and fellow teachers about Australian lifestyles.

I hope to spread my enthusiasm and my huge passion for Italy also to my students, and make them fall in love with the Italian language!

I am endlessly thankful and grateful for this chance.

Flavia Italian Assistenti

Dear all,

Less than one month ago I was in Germany working as a shop assistant and if someone had told me I would work in Australia, I wouldn’t have believed it. When I received the confirmation that I had been selected for the project as Italian assistant teacher at Willetton High School, it was a very big surprise for me and all my family. It was like a dream that came true!

For Italian people, Australia is considered a fantastic place to do a working experience. Many Italians would like to do it, but they aren’t brave enough to leave Italy!

Since I arrived at school I have been welcomed and immediately accepted by everyone. What I love in the languages department is the group of teachers who come from different countries of the world and that encourage me being more open minded and curious.

I’m feeling very well and I have found a very positive and warm atmosphere in this school. I applied for this experience because I would like to improve my English skills and learn how to be a good teacher. Therefore, what’s the best place to learn and improve a language? A school, of course; I will be an assistant teacher but also a student.

I’m very happy and curious to work with foreign students, to help them during Italian lessons and to bring them the Italian culture during classes. I would also tell my life experience as a foreign languages student.

It will be absolutely a positive, enjoyable and fascinating experience both for my working future and for my life because it will give me the possibility to grow up living in a very different country on the other side of the world. I’m sure I will come back to Italy personally enriched with an unforgettable experience that all my friends will envy.

Letizia Italian Assistenti

LANGUAGES AS A LIFE CHANGER...

(L to R): Madeline Edmett and her Italian sister, Viola

The earliest memory I have of a language other than my own was when I was a small child listening to my mother telling me stories about the world. At the time it was nothing more than what it meant to be a princess, the origins of the food we ate for dinner, her travels in her youth. Yet from that I developed this fascination with history, exploration, travel, and in that of course, languages.

It was in my third year of primary school where I had my first experience with learning languages.

Learning Italian was not simply a subject for me, it was my inspiration for learning. Italian has continued from then to be one of the dreams on which I based so many of my life goals, irrevocably a part of my life as I continued to study Italian all throughout my years at high school.

Italian has impacted my life in ways such as the way I think about grammar in English or how a culture goes so naturally within a language, yet the way in which Italian has impacted me the most is how I decided my future as I did so thinking only how I can continue my study of languages. This then led me to completing my dream I’ve had since I was a child, going to Italy.

Although it may be a common one, my favourite quote of language learning is the limits of my language are the limits of my world from Ludwig Wittgenstein. I believe it to resonate with me as not only do I truly understand what this means from my exchange in Italy but it is also an inspiration for me to continue to learn and develop my language ability as it means that no matter where I go I would have the ability to connect and communicate with different people from all around the world, particularly in Italian because I do wish to one day return to Italy.

Italian has given me many great new chances for me in schooling and further on from that it has now led me to deciding to continue my studies of language into university, where I truly hope that I am able to learn many more things from this beautiful language.

Madeline Edmett Year 12

OKONOMIYAKI – JAPANESE COOKING

(L to R): Ms. Nomoto making okonomiyaki with her students

On June 27, the Year 8 Japanese class lead by Ms. Nomoto, made okonomiyaki. Okonomiyaki is otherwise known as the Japanese pancake. It consists of pork, cabbage, spring onion, flour and egg. Once it is fried and finished, some bonito flakes (dried and smoked tuna) and okonomiyaki sauce really finishes it off well. All the class collaborated and had a fantastic time getting their hands dirty and having fun. It was an amazing experience and it helped students to learn more about the Japanese culture.

Jordan Sayers Year 8

LUNCH TIME EALD CLUB

Lunch time sessions are run to provide EALD students additional support in the following areas;

• reinforcing grammar, reading and writing skills
• understanding the language and literacy of subjects such as Science and HASS including strategies that will assist them to listen and take notes, identify main ideas or key points

While the program caters to students referred by EALD teachers, it is open to students who need a place to complete their homework or to clarify doubts. We have a lot of fun eating, learning and working together.

Sessions run on Mondays (Upper School) and Thursdays (Lower School)

Ms Anthony Samy EALD Teacher

CHE BELLA GIORNATA

Burrendah primary school student enjoying Ms Lucia Masetti’s speech before watching an Italian movie

Recently, Italian staff from Willetton SHS and Burrendah PS collaborated to provide an incursion for Year 6 Burrendah students. Signora Dolzadelli and our assistant Lucia organized an Italian afternoon tea and screening of the film Che bella giornata.

Checco, an uneducated but self-satisfied fellow from Milan, who has always dreamed of becoming a police officer, fails his entrance exam for the third time. It must be said that at the oral examination Checco said that the reason why he wanted to join the police was benefits in kind and cronyism. But the young man has connections and he soon finds himself a security agent at the Milan Cathedral.

The very funny film was enjoyed by the Year 6 students and they loved coming to the big school and being in the lecture theatre.

Mr Nathan Harvey Head of Languages

MATHS

AMC

The Mathematics Department held the 40th anniversary of the Australian Maths Competition on Thursday July 27. The competition is one of the world’s largest school-based mathematics competitions with more than 14 million entries since 1978 when it was known as the Westpac Competition. Every year our students compete against students from more than 30 countries, all attempting the same problems. This year was no exception with a total of 349 students representing Willetton in their year groups. The competition ran smoothly on the day thanks to our dedicated maths staff. We would also like to thank the following parents for generously giving their time and assistance on the day: Serene Huang, Sanjida Kazi, Chika Murata, Kerry-anne Andrew, Marie Yeo and Angela Ooi.

ICAS

The next competition on our agenda is the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools, known as the ICAS competition. This is being held on Tuesday August 15 with 346 students from Years 7 to 12 participating.

The Year 7 Gifted and Talented students have been enjoying the challenging problems from some ICAS papers from previous years.

Year 7 Gifted and Talented students working on previous ICAS papers

CHOOSE MATHS AWARD – MATHS IS OUR FUTURE

Mr Lee’s Year 11 students have been working hard to submit their entries in the Choose Maths Awards. Two teams worked together during their holidays and after school at the end of last term to produce some fantastic work. Below are the links to their submissions.

LEE STUDENT PRODUCTION – Jordan Hoffmann, Himal Pandey, Jenna Hung, Lycia Liew

π RATE STUDIOS – Andrew Lee, Chris Chivers, Daniel Roach

Congratulations to these students who are representing Willetton with some great entries.

YEAR 8 CLASSES

Mrs Yost’s and Mr McLean’s Year 8 classes have been learning about congruent triangles in Maths.

To help them remember the reasons for congruency, they have learnt a song they found on Youtube, the Congruent Triangle Reasons song.

SCIENCE

YEAR 11 BIOLOGY NEARER TO NATURE EXCURSION

On Friday July 28, the Year 11 Biology students went to the Nearer to Nature Discovery Centre in the Perth hills. We learned about human impacts that are causing changes in our environment and conservation techniques to minimize the impacts.

Although it was raining, everybody got involved with the hands on activities as we took on the role of field biologists. We carried out measurements to monitor an endangered species population.

Carrying out field studies in the Jarrah forest environment allowed us to understand how valuable the conservation work is and what native species we are losing.

The highlight of the trip was the wild animal encounter where we met a variety of endangered species including two western grey joeys, one red joey, a euro joey, red tailed black kangaroo, echidna and brush tail possum.

Overall, the trip enriched our practical knowledge of biology, and gave us an insight to work of biologists and our native environment.

Divya Raj and Alicia Sanders Year 11

HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE FORUM 2017

Are you one of the following:

• A student considering choosing Human or Biological Sciences, Health Studies, Psychology in Year 11/12?
• A student with an interest in pursuing a career in science, medicine, nursing, health sciences?
• A student with leadership potential and an interest in community work?

Then this may interest you:

Huntington’s WA would like to invite four Year 10, 11 or 12 students to be accompanied by a science teacher from Willetton SHS (Mrs Wynhorst) to a fully interactive day exploring the realities of Huntington’s Disease.

STUDENTS – work with a scientist!

• Young scientists from Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research will guide you through the diagnostic tests used in the diagnosis of Huntington’s Disease.
• Hear from members of the Huntington’s Disease community members
• Consider the ethical issues raised by a panel of experts
• Engage in peer group ethical discussions

VENUE: Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, 6 Verdun St Nedlands
DATE: Friday September 1, 2017
TIME: 9.15 - 2.30pm
COST: FREE (morning tea and lunch provided)

Please send your expression of interest to Gloria.Wynhorst@education.wa.edu.au before Friday August 25.

Four students will be randomly chosen from this register.

TECHNOLOGIES

Year 11 and 12 Certificate 2 in Visual Arts, Graphic Designs

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

MALAYSIAN DIGNITARIES VISIT TO SEE VET PROGRAMS

It was a great pleasure for Willetton Senior High School to be selected to showcase WA Vocational Education and Training VET in Schools programs to the Malaysian Deputy Director of Education Mr Tajudin Ministry of Education Malaysia; Mr Hassan Tajudin, Officer, Marine Science Technology and Mr Hadi Mustaffa, Consulate-General of Malaysia, Perth.

Also attending this occasion were Ms Janet Connor, Principal Consultant, Statewide Services; and Mr Martin Clery, Assistant Executive Director, Statewide Services.

Mr Tajudin and his contingent were most impressed with the quality of VET programs offered at Willetton. Programs showcased included: Certificate II Dance (teacher: Cheryl Venter), Certificate II in Creative Industries (teacher: Clare Talbot), Certificate II in Music (teachers Clare Talbot and Jenni Templar), Certificate III in Fitness (teacher Lauren Andrews), and Certificate II in Hospitality (teacher: Brad Curran). Our visitors were able to talk to students during their vocational classes and saw demonstrations of our many fantastic VET programs. Some of Year 12 VET students met with the Deputy Director General to detail their programs. Well done to George Whitebrook, Andreea Ioan and Xiaoying Chen!

Staff and students were able to talk with our visitors and show them the high calibre of their skills, and the amazing physical resources of our school that enables VET programs to be delivered to such a high standard. There were many highlights during the tour. For example, our Certificate II Hospitality students and their teachers Kristen Gibson and Brad Curran put on an amazing morning tea that was enjoyed by all. Perhaps one of the most memorable moments was when the Malaysian Deputy Director General tried out some the moves and exercises our Certificate III Fitness student were demonstrating!

Thanks to all those who participated!

Sue Holland Head of VET Learning Area

Our Malaysian visiting Dignitaries

Mr Tajudin with Danelle Stipp

FINDING THE PATHWAY TO A BRIGHT FUTURE

Year 12 Career and Enterprise students, as part of their assessment programme, completed an Individual Pathway Plan which required students to reflect on class and assessment work, identify of their strengths, areas for development and how these linked with the personal requirements of different careers.

Focus also included the role of developing and maintaining a network to assist in managing a career. Hard yards were put in to research the education and training requirements for two different possible career directions as well as entry requirements, costs, location and length of courses. It is always good to have a backup plan.

Marketing and goal setting completed the task which rounded out much of what students will be using as they make a successful transition from Willetton SHS in 2018.

To support our students, Course Counsellors from Murdoch and Curtin Universities were invited to be part of the normal working class sessions. Following introductions and general information, students were then able to informally seek further information, specific to their needs.

It was pleasing to see how our students recognised an opportunity to empower themselves in gaining as much information as possible. The informal groups within a class situation allowed for sharing of ideas and follow up questions with details shared.

As this generation is one which will be faced with the greatest and ongoing change in the workplace, including needing to change jobs, with jobs lost to automation or globalisation, up skilling and reskilling. Gaining entry to different education and training alternatives will be a lifetime skill to know about and develop.

From Murdoch University our visitors were:

• Josh Kain, a former Willetton student who graduated from Willetton in 2013 is currently completing a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Business (Commerce).He has secured a paralegal position with Jones Day and has represented Murdoch University in international moot court competitions in London, Melbourne and Canberra.

• Samantha Cobb is the Future Students Officer. She has a Bachelor of Marketing and Public Relations and has undertaken a student exchange to the European Business School in Germany. Her work has also included work in public relations in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore.

From Curtin University our visitor was:

• Julie Langmead has qualifications of a Bachelor of Psychology with additionally a Bachelor of Education and Graduate Certificate in Career Development. Julie sees her main role is to enable students to decided what they would like to study at university in order to enhance their career opportunities. She particularly enjoys helping students to enable them to pursue their passions by giving them the tools to make the right choices.

Feedback from students was positive:

• Elisha - They helped us to gain a broad understanding of university life, courses, good advice about which path may help me to be successful throughout uni.
• Jess – very informative and was very clear to understand the different options
• Jose – they gave great advice and assistance with our pathway plans
• Shania – they explained how the uni course units and workloads worked
• Feodora – they were very helpful
• Ryan – they knew what they were talking about and were helpful
• Han, Georgia, Chloe – it was very interesting and information and I liked having the books .. but better and easier
• Matt – really helpful and had some great advice
• Hannah – talked about what was financially better

All part of the journey, making connections, decisions …. and always moving forward.

Ruth Barratt Career and Enterprise

Julie Langmead presenting

Samantha Cobb and Josh Kain

JULY WORK EXPERIENCES – FINDING A CAREER DIRECTION……

Learning and education often is not restricted to the weeks of a school term as experienced by some students who explored the world of work during the July school holidays. The opportunities, created generously by employers, allow students to confirm career directions, to consider alternative directions and begin to plan school programmes and future education and training as well as extending work networks.

Natasha William worked at the Canning Vale Early Learning Centre, engaging with her young charges, was excited about her work and confirmed this IS her direction for the future. She was valued by both staff and children at the centre.

Joel Menna spread his work over two weeks at Swiftflow Pty Ltd and Wizard Solutions. He may have settled on future study in IT to create a career pathway. Each placement for Joel provided work opportunities in different contexts, was hands on, working in a team environment, on the road and an eye opener is different ways.

Coco Li worked at the Adventist Residential Care as part of her Certificate II in Community Services requirements. Working with residents whose average age is around 80 is different! Coco was praised for the way in which she participated so fully with the residents: making snow men with sand, hand massaging, assisting with walk outings, helping with craft activities and exercise sessions. Her work also lifted the spirits of residents who would welcome her back.

Liam Picen and Mitchell Hughes worked at Rerisk in IT. Liam’s thoughts on the week: I was tasked with Level 2 Testing, which involved large amounts of bug testing of the desktop side of Rerisk, as well as some testing of the mobile app. I followed an Excel spreadsheet which had a list of things I needed to do and how to do them. The testing involved using the desktop system in specific ways to find any bugs that may have existed and check that it worked properly. When I found a bug (and I did find one major bug and some smaller ones that all needed fixing), I had to make a note in the spreadsheet. I learnt about working in a small team environment where everybody shared in the duties – even the washing up after lunch. It was a great experience, and I enjoyed it a lot.

Mitchell’s thoughts: I designed five diagrams using Photoshop and Illustrator for use in an app being developed for the mining and construction industry. To ensure the work on this project could continue seamlessly when I returned to Willetton, I trained a co-worker in Illustrator. In my work at Rerisk it was important to use time in a structured manner and work out goals for completion of parts of the project work. This enabled me to work efficiently and productively. I enjoyed my time working at Rerisk.

Ruth Barratt Career and Enterprise Work Placement Teacher

SCHOOL BOARD

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

A list of Board meetings for this year can be found on the school website, under the School Board information. Please notify the Board office on 9334 7217 if you wish to attend. All are welcome.

SCHOOL TOURS

The next school tour will take place at 9.00am on Tuesday August 22. Bookings are essential as places are limited. Please book on 9334 7217.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOK FUNDRAISER

The 2017/2018 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 at the following link. 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 movie tickets are no longer sold through the School Board. Thank you to all members of the school community who supported this program in the past.

SECOND HAND BOOKSHOP – SALE!!

The bookshop has a large range of textbooks, study guides and trial exam papers which are no longer on the booklist, but make excellent resources. Resources start from $2.00 and include subjects in Mathematics, Specialist Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Human Biology, Politics & Law, Psychology, Modern History and Economics.

SECOND HAND UNIFORM SHOP

The second hand uniform shop is serviced by a dedicated team of energetic and friendly parent volunteers. We will gratefully receive your donation of uniforms that your child has outgrown, with the sale from all garments being channelled back to funding projects around the school. We are currently low on stocks of the sports jacket and girls’ shorts (small sizes). If you have these to donate, please drop them off at the front office or at the second hand uniform shop on Wednesday mornings. Thank you.

HOW TO CONTACT THE SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE

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

WILLO PARENT GROUP

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

COFFEE MORNING – UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL MEDIA

It was lovely to welcome back to the school Megan Del Borello, Alumni class of ’97. Megan is the Director of Gloss Marketing Communications and Behind the Brands, and her presentation gave parents a great insight into social media and valuable tips on how to protect one’s privacy (such as switching off your location setting).

COFFEE MORNING – SEPTEMBER 15

The next coffee morning will be held at 9am on Friday September 15. Our guest speaker is lawyer Mr Daniel McDonald from the (MHLC), presenting on:

• Mental Health Law Centre role and stakeholders
• Mental Health Law Centre different streams of work
• Their interaction with - client type communication, strategies, allowances
• Their structure - lawyers, PLT volunteer paralegals and student volunteer paralegals;
• Case studies on their work

Please RSVP your attendance to willoparent@gmail.com by Wednesday September 13.

Gold coin donation for tea/coffee. Please bring a plate of morning tea to share.

PARENT E-NEWS (WILLO NEWS)

If you are new to the school and 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.