Willetton Senior High School
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120 Pinetree Gully Rd
Willetton WA 6155
Subscribe: https://willettonshs.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email: willetton.shs@education.wa.edu.au
Phone: 08 9334 7200

21 September 2017

Editor: Jenny LeSouef
Technology: Nola Regan

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Best wishes to our Year 12 students who will be sitting their mock ATAR examinations during the school vacation. This signals the end of their secondary education as their remaining time with us will be spent on their examination analysis. VET students may return at the beginning to consolidate their course work. Our graduation ceremony is on Friday November 10, information about ticket sales will be available in the near future.

We are very pleased with our 2017 NAPLAN results shown further in this newsletter. The Mathematics and writing results in particular are outstanding with improvements from Year 7 to 9 exceeding expectations. Thanks to all staff and parents for their input into the wonderful student outcomes. Our Business Plan target for 2017 – 2019 of a 50 point increase in Writing for Year 7 to 9 was surpassed in our first year and we look forward to further data to confirm this trend. The Mathematics improvement score doubled already high expectations.

We are delighted that our Technology teacher, Judy Gauci, is one of the finalists for the WA Secondary Teacher of the Year. We are delighted that she is receiving acknowledgement for her contribution to the students in our school and wish her well for the next step in the award process.

There are copies of the 2016 Yearbook which have been paid for but not collected despite many reminders to both students and parents. If you are one of these families, Yearbooks are available from the liaison office at the back of the administration block. If you have now decided you would like to purchase one, we have a few spare copies as well. They are a wonderful reminder of friends and activities for students.

We are in the midst of recruiting staff for 2018. This is an enormous task as the popularity of the school as a teaching destination means that there are many applicants - we have had excess of 130 applicants for some positions.

I was honoured to receive the 2017 Modern Language Teachers’ Association (MLTA) Principal’s Award for my contribution to languages education in Western Australia. It has been a privilege for me to work with our outstanding Languages Learning Area staff and students.

Chris Booth

GENERAL

INDIGENOUS WEEK

Vondella Berringal-Cox took part in the UN International Day for Indigenous Peoples celebration in August when we had Phil Walley-Stack as a guest performer to come to share his story and music. As part of the Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Vondella shared her story and presented herself, her story and school very well.

The event was funded by the PALS Grant and we hope to hold another larger inclusive event celebrating Indigenous culture next year.

Sirpa Lahti Education Assistant

MY INDIGENOUS WEEK EXPERIENCE

On Wednesday August 9, as part of the Indigenous Week celebrations, I spoke to a packed lecture theatre about my personal journey to Willetton Senior High School. I came to Willetton on a basketball scholarship from a small remote community in the Kimberley, called Moongardie. I had to adjust very quickly to the differences of my new school and environment.

Before I gave my speech, I was very nervous and emotional, as this was my first time speaking in front of an audience. I looked out at the audience and thought, wow, there are a lot of people here! I just focussed on my notes and spoke confidently. My advice to people speaking to a large audience is to just speak clearly and do the best you can.

I hope people enjoyed learning about my life as much as I enjoyed sharing it. Even though I was scared, I was glad to have been given the opportunity to share my experiences with everyone.

Vondella Berringal-Cox Year 10

Many thanks to The Willetton Butcher Southlands for supplying the Science department with high quality offal products for students to dissect to gain a better understanding of how the body works.

Janet White Laboratory Technician

STUDENT PERCEPTIONS OF FEEDBACK PROJECT

Curtin University and Willetton Senior High School are undertaking research to explore how students respond to teacher feedback and how teachers respond to the feedback they receive from students. This project aims to improve our teaching practice and be the best practitioners for your child and their needs at school.

In the coming weeks, each student will receive an information letter explaining this research and how to find out more information about the study. Participation in this research will involve students completing a 15 minute survey in tutor group time, meaning they will not miss subject time. No student will be asked for their name so they cannot be identified. Students do not have to participate. The information letter will include an opt-out consent, which parents will sign, and return to school with their child. We would appreciate your support in this project to become a better school for our 21st Century learners. More information will be provided in the coming weeks.

If you have any concerns and questions contact Chantel Saunders on 0402666031 or 93347200.

ZERO2HERO MENTAL HEALTH FORUM

On the September 7, twelve students from Willetton Senior High School headed to the Perth convention centre to attend In Your Head, a mental health forum ran by the awesome, not for profit organisation zero2hero.

The day consisted of listening to talks from some inspirational people. Other sessions, such as coping with exam stress, mindfulness and meditation and even a wild Beyoncé dance class, we split up for.

Every student took away something new they had learned from the day (which was a lot) and we can now apply it to our everyday lives. Thank you to Mrs Atkinson and Mrs Norris for organising this day for the well-being committee, the School Board who financed the excursion and zero2hero for a great day!

Georgia Barry Year 11

DUKE OF EDINBURGH

Fourteen Silver participants braved the elements and hiked the Bibbulmun Track in the July holidays. By all reports the participants learnt a lot about themselves and their strength of character with temperatures plummeting each night causing ice to form on the outside of the tents. Despite the cool temperatures and rainy periods, the group took in some amazing scenery and enjoyed teamwork and orienteering opportunities. The sense of achievement for all participants was immense and everyone can be proud for getting through the camp. Thanks to Mr Hamish McLean who spent hours organising the trek with the Bibbulmun Track Foundation and to both Mr McLean and Ms Sonya Evans for giving up five days of their July school holidays to lead the camp.

Duke of Ed Camp
VIEW GALLERY
Duke of Ed Camp
Click images to enlarge

Eighteen Bronze participants are preparing to attend the annual Bronze Camp to Margaret River next month. Good luck to all the participants, for many, it will be their first time camping. Another group of students are preparing for the school’s next expedition to Vietnam led by Ms Judy Fapani. This trip will allow participants to complete their Residential Project and either part or all of their Adventurous Journey, depending on their Award level.

Students are reminded to come and seek support as required for their Award in H202 at recess on Tuesdays and Fridays. Alternatively please email me with any questions.

Congratulations to our Duke of Ed participants who have achieved Awards so far this year.

COMPLETED AWARDS 2017 (AS OF 1/9/17)

BRONZE

Year 10

Bianca Stevenson, Brielle McKinley, Brodie Hood, Jade Choong, Jae Brieffies, Lucy McGinn, Taylor Mackenzie, Matthew Lee, Nigel Lee, Gerald Leong

Year 11

Falicia Tay, Yasasvi Katragadda

Year 12

Lashini De Silva, Luke How Son, Akash Manickam Pary, Dheerej Hanuram Sathish Kumar, Henry Wang

SILVER

Year 10

Mihan De Silva, Bianca Stevenson

Year 11

Lachlan Forrest, Ruby Zhang

Year 12

Hayley Rolfe, Kayley Burnett, Sarah Chan, Dheerej Hanuvam Sathish Kumar

GOLD

Year 12

Aashka Bhavsar, Chloe Tucek

2016 Graduates:

Bo Davie, Brianna West

Ms Judy Gauci School Coordinator - The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

PIPE BAND

Our Pipe Band recently participated in an exhibition performance at the Armadale Highland Festival. This is one of the biggest events on the WA Pipe Band Calendar and by mid-afternoon there was quite a large crowd gathered to watch our performance. Our band looked fantastic in their uniforms and sounded great. We played Waltzing Matilda and Scotland the Brave. Our band captain, Shauna Bruce (Year 11) did an excellent job playing a solo for Amazing Grace with the rest of the band joining in for a second and third round. We marched off to resounding applause and cheers from over 1000 spectators. We were pleased to receive compliments and encouragement from onlookers and other pipers, drummers and competition officials. A few band members stayed for the massed band event joining in with around 150 other pipers and drummers to march into the presentation area at the conclusion of the event. Jack Killoh (Year 9) accepted a certificate of acknowledgment for our performance.

Thank you to the band members listed below who were able to participate and to junior members from City of Cockburn Pipe Band who filled in for some of our members who were unable to attend. Also, thanks to the parents who provided transport for their young musicians and supported us at the event. Shauna Bruce (Year 11), Jack Killoh (Year 9), Milaso Amarasingha ((Year 9), Sashini Liyanage (Year 9) David Kuppers (Year 8).

Judy Gauci Bandmaster

Pipe Band at Armadale Highland Festival
VIEW GALLERY
Pipe Band at Armadale Highland Festival
Click images to enlarge

HUMANS OF WILLO

AMELIA ABBOTT

Today we started with the 400m so my knees … got killed. And I haven’t done anything else! I stopped halfway through the track and walked but then everyone told me to keep running and that’s when it broke! Well, it didn’t break. But I’m still very sad because I love sports and I hurt my knee on the 400. The rain wasn’t that bad though, but I left my jumper at home and my knees act up in the cold more often and that’s why I rolled my ankle. That’s why I’ve got tape on my ankle.

My favourite sport? I do horse riding! Is that a sport? And I also do jiu-jitsu. My favourite though is athletics …and horse-riding! I can’t decide. I think sports is important because of the exercise. Some people when they get home go straight to their computers. I mean, I can’t say that I don’t because I do! I go on the computer for hours but I also balance it out on the weekend when I go on runs with my new puppy.

Amelia Abbott

By Andrew Tan Year 12

UNIFORM CONCEPTS – NELLGRAY

3/9 Yampi Way, Willetton WA 6155
Tel: 9270 4669
Email: willetton@uc.nellgray.com.au

Dear Parents/Guardians

Uniform Concepts store is located in Yampi Way, Willetton. They have now introduced an appointment system and layby facilities.

An appointment for a fitting can be made from Monday October 2 to Saturday December 16, to avoid long queues in January. Appointments can be made by logging onto the link below (if you have a QR scanner on your mobile device see the code below). Alternatively, contact the uniform shop on 9270 4669. The most popular times for appointments are after 3pm weekdays and Saturday mornings so they advise you book early to avoid disappointment.

http://www.appts-wttn.acuityscheduling.com

The store is open six days a week.

  • Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays: 9am – 5pm
  • Thursdays: 9am – 6pm
  • Saturdays: 9am – 1pm

UNIFORM CONCEPTS WILLETTON

Will be closed for the first week of the school holidays
from
Monday September 25 and will
Re-open Monday October 2, 2017

GIFTED AND TALENTED

YEAR 9 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Kidney

During class, we have been learning about body systems, and one such system was the excretory. Year 9 Gifted and Talented Program students took part in two dissections during weeks 5 and 6. The first dissection was a sheep kidney, where we were learning about the kidney’s functions. The kidney plays a role in excretion, so we were dissecting it to learn about the different parts. This dissection was fun and helped us to understand more about bodily functions.

Heart

The second dissection was of a sheep’s heart, to see how the heart functions and the anatomy of the heart. We wanted to learn about how sheep hearts work in order to apply it to the way our own heart works. The heart is part of the circulatory system, which is one of the topics we have been studying. This study and experience was new and exciting, and helpful for our studies and to help us learn more about the functions and the way the heart works. Dissecting the heart was interesting and hands-on, although not for the faint of heart.

Natasha Camer-Pesci and Ella Angus Year 9

Biology in action

MATHS TALENT QUEST

The Maths Talent Quest (MTQ) is an annual competition first held in 1967. It is organised by the Student Activities Convenors of The Mathematical Association of Western Australia. The focus of the MTQ is the process of mathematical investigations and it aims to promote interest in mathematics and foster positive attitudes amongst students, teachers and parents. The MTQ allows students to investigate mathematics with the opportunity to have fun exploring mathematics in real-life situations.

This is the first time Willetton has participated in such a competition and we were pleased to be able to submit two entries, one each from Year 10 and Year 11. Both teams have worked under guidance of their teachers over the school term until term 3 week 5.

The Year 11 team was Chris Chivers, Jordan Hoffmann, Andrew Lee and Dhirren Ranjit Rajah. The topic they chose was Consuming Weight. It involved investigating the amount of energy expended per day. This is done by calculating the mass of ice needed to melt to body temperature to expend the same amount of energy the body uses per day.

The Year 10 team was Mutia Daruso, Jordan Liu and Jeevanpreet Singh. They submitted the project Investigating Allelopathy of Maple Leaves. It examines whether the red colour produced by maple leaves plays any part in the allelopathic behaviour of nearby plants.

Each entry is judged against others in their year group with Year 10 and 11 classified as the senior group. We are very proud to announce that our Year 10 team was awarded a Distinction Award with each student receiving a certificate and $25 in total. Congratulations to all the participants.

Special thanks to Dr Leon Harris who helped the Year 10 group while conducting their experiment and gave them support with their investigations. Thank you also to Mrs Karen Gatland and Mr Peter Lee for guiding these students with their mathematical analysis and for organising this competition.

Kerri Kalotay Mathematics Teacher

Mr Colin Marshall with the Distinction winners, Mutia Daruso and Jeevanpreet Singh
Jordan Liu was absent during the presentations

AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION

The Australian Mathematics Competition is an international competition that has been held every year for the past 40 years. This year we had 234 students from the Gifted and Talented program participate, with some outstanding results.

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Samuel Thoo Year 7
Allan Wu from Year 7

Saran Bicknell Year 8
Jonathan Chivers f Y9

Our outstanding students, Saran Bicknell, Jonathan Chivers, Allan Wu and Samuel Thoo

These students have placed in the top 0.3% of participants from their year group in the state and have been awarded a prize. A fantastic achievement!!

Kerri Kalotay Mathematics Teacher

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

SENIOR SCHOOLS TOUCH FOOTBALL

Thank you to all the Year 10, 11 and 12 students who represented Willetton Senior High School on Thursday August 31 in the 2017 SSWA Schools Open Touch Tournament.

The level of Touch played was amazing and all students demonstrated a terrific attitude and great sportsmanship throughout the day.

The tournament at the South Perth Rugby League grounds, started with the senior boys playing in heavy rain with the girls team huddled together under Ms Greenham’s umbrella. Thankfully, the rain cleared for the rest of the day, and both the boys and girls teams managed to put some great scores on the board. The girls in particular had some great wins during the day which enabled them to qualify for the quarter finals later that afternoon. The boy’s journey was a little more difficult in their pool. They were up against some specialist Touch schools but still put in a 100% effort to score some remarkable touchdowns.

The quarter final game for the girls was played against John Tonkin SHS and at full time the scores were unfortunately a draw. This meant that the process of a drop off occurred, where during every minute of play a player drops out the game until one team scores. Unfortunately for Willetton, John Tonkin scored the winning touchdown to progress to the semi final competition the following week.

Overall it was a great day to celebrate the game of Touch and all competitors had a ball.

Natalie Greenham Coach

Back L-R: Alex D’Antoine, Tom Waterhouse, and Charlie Watt
Middle L-R: Harry Heta , Tristan Botha, , Horea Heta, , Tyrone Takiari, Dean Waterhouse and Jamie Baleu
FrontL-R: Thomas Daly and Hasan Rizvi
Absent: Sam Leggett and Dillon Deschasenee

Back L-R: Tiffany Toh, Casey Small, Isabelle Shearer, Tahlia Gibbons, Chloe Sauzier, Tessa Miotti, Lara Scarcella, Shauna Bruce
Front L-R: Merci Tuiavili, Georgia Shearer, Heidi Griffiths, Abbey Hunter

CERTIFICATE II OUTDOOR RECREATION: YEAR 12 SURF CAMP

Our three Year 12 Outdoor Recreation classes have just visited Margaret River for their final camp. They had the opportunity to spend two days surfing at Augusta and Redgate Beach and camped overnight at Conto’s Campground. Below is what one of the classes had to say about their experience (I think they may have also picked up the surf language on their visit):

We caught some gnarly peelers down under in Margs. It was a refreshing getaway with great teachers and students. Cheers to the helpers for a killer week and a memorable final camp. Mr Pretorius’ Year 12 Class

Ms R Clemons HPE Teacher

GIRLS’ SOCCER

After a defeat in the first round by John Curtin, the girls managed to come back with a draw against Safety Bay (0-0). They put in some great team work in their next game and tied with Rossmoyne 3-3. Unfortunately, they lost to Rossmoyne in the second final, but it was a close game. Thanks to all the girls for putting in a huge effort and giving everything a shot. A 3rd in A Division was a great achievement. It was a pleasure coaching this team.

Felicia Tang and Chaela Mincherton Year 11

Junior Girls Soccer Team

2017 YEAR 7 ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

YEAR 7 - Girls

Points

Champion

Holly Morgan

105

Runner Up

Tayah Morgan

102

Third Place

Ella Doyle

89

YEAR 7 - Boys

Champion

Ben Henley

108

Runner Up

Cameron Ayre

99

Third Place

Vivek Menon

92

PLACE GETTERS: YEAR 7 GIRLS

Holly Morgan

1st high Jump, shot put, triple jump: 2nd discus, 80m hurdles, 100m

Tayah Morgan

1st 80m hurdles: 2nd high jump, triple jump

Ella Doyle

1st discus: 3rd 200m, shot put, = high jump

Madison Deuble

2nd 400m, 200m

Anisha Rajandra

1st 400m: 3rd 80m hurdles,

Emily Shearer

1st 100m: 2nd shotput

Alissa Soloshenko

1st long jump: 3rd triple jump

Ashleigh DeCosta

1st 200m

Evie Couglan

2nd long jump

Chloe Macham

3rd long jump

Minyeong Kim/Bianca Harle

=3rd high jump

Kiah Payne

3rd discus

Amy Langoulant

3rd 400m

Lashan Hayden-Nelson

3rd 100m

PLACE GETTERS: YEAR 7 BOYS

Ben Henley

1st 100m: 2nd 200m, triple jump

Cameron Ayre

1st 200m, discus, triple jump: 2nd 400m: =2nd long jump

Vivek Menon

1st 80m hurdles: 3rd 100m, long jump

Thyler Cung

1st 400m, shot put: 3rd 200m

Taeyeon Jeon

2nd 100m: 3rd shot put

Ryan Lau

2nd shot put: 3rd triple jump

Camden McGillvray

=1st high jump

Brandon Taylor

=1st high jump

Rizq Mohd Anuar

3rd discus

Jack Overton

2nd discus

Thuto Ntlotlang

2nd 80m hurdles

Shane Middleton

3rd 80m hurdles

Simbiso Charambira

3rd 400m

2017 RECORD HOLDER: Thyler Cung: 400m 61 seconds

2017 YEAR 8 ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

YEAR 8 - Girls

Points

Champion

Shae Millington

121

Runner Up

Saskia Saville

114

Third Place

Edha Kaur

104

YEAR 8 - Boys

Champion

Hayden Harwood

131

Runner Up

Orion Francis-Roberts

128

Third Place

Daanyaal Parker

123

PLACE GETTERS: YEAR 8 GIRLS

Shae Millington

1st triple jump, =2nd high jump: 3rd long jump, discus

Saskia Saville

1st long jump: 2nd triple jump, 80m hurdles, 400m

Druvinka Fernando

1st high jump, 100m: 3rd 80m hurdles

Denae Civich

1st 80m hurdles: =2nd high jump: 3rd triple jump

Alyssa Wooding

1st discus, shot put

Sophie McPartland

2nd shot put

Jade Steenkamp

3rd shot put

Kah Kei Chann

2nd long jump

Mia Jacobs

2nd discus

Edha Kaur

1st 100m, 400m

Jaydine Lim

3rd 100m

Hollie Tucek

3rd 400m

PLACE GETTERS: YEAR 8 BOYS

Orion Francis-Roberts

1st 100m, 90m hurdles, long jump: 2nd triple jump, shot put: 3rd 400m

Daanyaal Parker

1st shot put: 2nd long jump, =high jump, 90m hurdles

Hayden Harwood

1st discus, 2nd 100m, = high jump: 3rd triple jump

Thomas Musumeci

1st triple jump: =2nd high jump

Callum Ainslie

1st high jump

Noah Boldy

3rd long jump

Simon Bettermann

3rd shot put

David Toluwade

3rd 90m hurdles

Cameron Scott

3rd discus

Kallum Penn

2nd discus, =high jump

Tyler Cooke

3rd 100m

Cormac McGinn

1st 400m

Bailey Inglis

2nd 400m

William Larrington

=2nd high jump

2017 RECORD HOLDERS

Callum Ainslie

High Jump 1.60

Orion Francis Roberts

90m Hurdles 13.90 & 100m 12.20

Cormac McGinn

400m 58.49

Shae Millington

Triple Jump 10.11

Alyssa Wooding

Discus 26.52

2017 YEAR 9 ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

YEAR 9 - Girls

Points

Champion

Brooke Malone

119

Runner Up

Teya Saville

103

Third Place

Caitlyn Shaw

100

YEAR 9 - Boys

Champion

Roosevelt Williams

156

Runner Up

Kyron Eales

128

Third Place

Jett Ng

114

PLACE GETTERS: YEAR 9 GIRLS

Brooke Malone

1st 200m: 2nd 400m: 3rd 100m, shot put, = long jump

Teya Saville

1st 400m, discus: 2nd 100m, 200m: =3rd long jump

Caitlyn Shaw

1st 100m: 2nd triple jump

Tia Morgan

1st long jump, shot put: 3rd triple jump, discus

Esther Chang

3rd 200m

Ifeoma Anyoku

2nd discus, shot put

Antonella Jiggins

3rd 400m

Charli Conchi

1st high jump

Chloe Buchan

2nd high jump

Kayla Perkin

2nd long jump

Elis Caldas

1st triple jump: =3rd long jump

PLACE GETTERS: YEAR 9 BOYS

Roosevelt Williams

1st 100m,200m, long jump, triple jump, shot put, =1st high jump

Kyron Eales

=1st high jump: 2nd 200m

Darcy Garlett

3rd 200m, discus

Jett Ng

=1st high jump: 3rd triple jump

Wesley Francis

2nd discus: 3rd shot put

Tristan Jacques

1st discus: 2nd shot put

Ariff Mazlee

2nd triple jump

Koy Foong Chong

2nd long jump

Eric Bass

3rd long jump

Zac Ellis

1st 400m

Liam Alderson

2nd 400m

Tao (Jamie) Pan

3rd 400m

Mitchell Bell

2nd 100m

Ashwin Vijay

3rd 100m

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCE

A PRACTICAL WEEK FOR YEAR 11 GEOGRAPHY

Our Year 11 Geography students have just finished a busy couple of weeks studying the global bauxite industry, with a research assignment on the mining operations in Guinea- Africa and then a study of the American international corporation- Alcoa, which is operating bauxite mines here in WA.

Early in the week, students participated in a role play titled Becoming a Mega-Rich Mining Magnate. It started students selecting a piece of fruit cake on a plate representing their mining lease. The aim of the activity was then to mine the lease using the mining equipment provided- two toothpicks and a spoon to extract the valuable ores.

Cherries were valued at $1,000,000, sultanas at $100,000 and mix peel at $10,000. Like the real-world, fines were applied to those students who polluted the surrounding hinterland (i.e. crumbs on the table or floor) or for allowing their personal protective equipment (PPE) (in this case their individually made yellow paper hat) to fall off at any time during the mining process.

The one piece of information that students were not told at the beginning of the mining process, was that they would be required to rehabilitate the site after extracting the ores and unsatisfactory compliance of that condition of the lease agreement would result in heavy fines. That was really bad news for both Isaac and Lucy who had demolished their leases with their spoons, the look on their faces after receiving that information was priceless.

After all that, the true mining magnate would emerge victorious over his rivals, king of the mining corporations and now a mega rich individual, the winner was Lachlan Forrest. He mined a staggering 174 sultanas, 58 mixed peel and one cherry (no wonder a piece of fruit cake is so fattening!!) a total value of $18,980,00, after fines. While Lachy would have been more than happy to take home this large sum of money, he went away equally satisfied in the knowledge that his efforts had earned him a 2.5 mark bonus on his next geography assessment.

While the role play was some fun for students, it did highlight the difficulty of rehabilitation and the mining compliances expected in a county like Australia. Armed with that experience, students then went on an excursion on Friday August 25 to see a real mine site in operation at Myara (Pinjarra) to witness the mining processes, technological advancements and rehabilitation processes at the Alcoa bauxite mining and refinery operations.

These experiences were aimed at highlighting the concept of globalisation and the role played by multinational corporations operating globally in the field of mining.

John Maxwell Head of Humanities and Social Sciences
Year 11 and 12 Geography Teacher

Year 11 Geography class at an Alcoa mine rehabilitation site- Pinjarra

Year 11 geography class wearing their
PPE –ready for competition

Lachlan Forrest –
Mega Rich Mining
Magnate

YEAR 11 STUDENTS MEET A REAL ECONOMIST

On Tuesday September 5, the Year 11 Economics classes were lucky enough to have an economist from the Reserve Bank of Australia visit the school. Alex Brown outlined her previous experiences as an economist in the bank’s counterfeit department, forecasting department and her current work monitoring the performance of other economies where she is currently paid to read Donald Trump’s tweets.

Alex explained to students the importance and objectives of monetary policy and how a change in interest rate affects the rest of the economy. The presentation further described current and past economic conditions where students could apply their course knowledge in the context of recent economic performance and make predictions for the future. Students were grateful for the opportunity to see how studying Economics can take them in various career directions and how what has been learnt in class applies to what economists do as part of their day to day work.

David Johnson Economics Teacher

Economist Alex Brown, Ethan Smith, Iris Zhang and Jay Grimston

TWO STATE WINNERS FOR HASS

Australian Geography Competition Jarrad Fong of Year 10 Gifted and Talented Program won the Western Australian division for this year’s competition. Our students were among 70,000 students Australia-wide from a record 743 public and private schools who took part in the 2017. Over 500 students from our school participated in a range of age divisions. While Jarrod was the overall state winner, Jack Bringans was very close behind him and deserves to be congratulated for his efforts. The performance of these students (and their peers) is reflective of exemplary standards achieved by students in our Gifted and Talented program and their commitment to the pursuit of excellence. Geography touches every aspect of our lives and it is important socially, economically, politically and environmentally. By studying this subject young people can learn more about the world and their place within it.

Jacob Weller of Year 10 Gifted and Talented Program is another success story as he was named the state winner of the Australian History Competition. His impressive score of 96% has earned him a medallion and Mr Maxwell has thrown in a book voucher so that he can continue to add to his already impressive understanding of history. Jacob’s photo was added to the Australian History Competition website where he joined the gallery of other state winners. This competition draws on students’ general knowledge of history but also their understanding of using sources, of perspectives and changing attitudes and values. It is one of the most challenging competitions in which we engage and Jacob has not only topped the state but has scored the highest ever score from a Willetton student.

Congratulations Jacob and Jarrod, you can both take great pride in your outstanding achievements and the positive image that this portrays of our school and the Gifted and Talented program.

ELECTION TIME

During Term 3, Year 9 students have been studying Civics and Citizenship, and in particular the election process. To demonstrate the extent of their understanding, Mrs Kloosterman and Mr Johnson’s classes ran a mock election campaign. This required students to work in groups (political parties) to create a campaign that would appeal to their peers. Students created policies, how to vote cards, political posters and campaign videos to attract the hearts and minds of the electorate.

When Election Day came around the votes were tallied using the preferential system and the winning group in the electorate of Kloosterman was the Help WA Party and in the electorate of Johnson the Young Youth Party. Both these parties had the most effective campaign strategies and captured the attention of the electorate.

Giorgia Kloosterman and David Johnson Humanities Teachers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TIUa2hlYp8

LANGUAGES

CLUB VENN

Club Venn is an after-school program that assists students in improving their Japanese knowledge in a friendly and casual environment to extend their listening, reading, writing and speaking skills outside the classroom. Club Venn has been running for three years and was founded by former Japanese language students and lessons are tailored to what the students want to learn. Past students share their experiences on language studies in high school and encourage students to enjoy and pursue learning Japanese language and culture.

If you have any queries, please contact us at clubvenn@gmail.com.

ITALIAN COOKING

Year 9 Learning how to cook Italian food
VIEW GALLERY
Year 9 Learning how to cook Italian food
Click images to enlarge

At the end of term 2, Prof Maio and Prof Palermo let us make tiramisu, and cooked spaghetti carbonara for us in class. Both dishes were delicious and fun to make, and gave the class an insight into Italian food and culture. All throughout the term, we learnt about food and healthy eating, and finally using that knowledge to make the ingredients we labelled in Italian into an actual dish that we got to eat was exciting and helpful. It gave us an opportunity to utilise our knowledge of the Italian language and put it to use. Our classes were very grateful for the experience, and the chance to expand our knowledge of the Italian language and culture.

Ella Angus Year 9

FRENCH EXCHANGE TRIP

Anne and her correspondent from La Réunion

Pictures from our French Trip

On June 22, a group of French students from around WA departed from Perth to travel to Réunion Island; a small Francophone island and also a department of France - situated within the Indian Ocean and located next to Mauritius and Madagascar. Known for its volcanic, rain-forested landscape, as well as for its abundant coral reefs and beautiful picturesque beaches, The students took part in a month-long French exchange program, each student staying with their French correspondent and host family, immersing them completely in the French language and Réunionnais culture.

The trip was a life-changing experience and was truly incredible! The students not only improved their French but also gained confidence, experienced different lifestyles, discovered and learned about the Réunionnais culture, met new people and made many friends. Throughout the trip, the students met up four times, each time coming back with more and more interesting stories about the wonderful island, their experiences within such a different environment, speaking French and sharing memorable moments with their correspondent and host family.

Everyone had a different experience, making the trip to Réunion even more special. A few significant memories during our trips included hiking up Cilaos, one of the three cirques having some of the most beautiful landscapes on the island, visiting the many beautiful beaches down south in Étang-Salé, shopping in the third largest city, Saint-Pierre, and riding the buses to travel to our destinations.

This exchange trip was truly an unforgettable experience; learning about and experiencing an entirely different culture, improving and learning new French, exploring the beautiful sites Réunion has to offer, making new friends, and finally making amazing memories that we will carry with us for the rest of our lives. We are truly grateful to the school for this opportunity and are very glad we have taken it to our advantage. Hopefully, one day in the future we can return to the stunning island!

Ujvala Vemuru and Anne Hughes Year 11

HOW COOL IS IT KNOWING OTHER LANGUAGES IN THE MODERN WORLD?

Knowing a foreign language can help you in many aspects of your life, including travel, family connection, and even mental health. But did you know that you can find some of the coolest jobs just by knowing another language?

While you can benefit from knowing a foreign language with nearly every industry, here are the main highlights from 2016 research:

Media (journalism) and film
Tourism and travel services, including airlines and hotels
Banks and insurance
Local, state and federal government
International non-profit organisations
Publishing companies
Departments of defence and international embassies
Health services
Social services
Immigration services
Primary, high schools, universities and colleges

Here are the 10 Top Language Jobs You Can Get:

  1. Game Translator
  2. Brand Specialist
  3. Community Representative
  4. Flight Attendant / Pilot
  5. Lead Coordinator
  6. Analyst or Associate
  7. Photographer
  8. Fashion Buyer
  9. Recruiter
  10. Foreign Correspondent

Don’t get left behind.

Reference: Set the goal(s) and we will inspire you to pursue a happier existent

http://www.lifehack.org/

Nathan Harvey Head of Languages

RAKUGO WORKSHOP INCURSION

Willetton students participating in a rakugo workshop

Willetton students learning Japanese in Years 9-11 had the great chance to participate in a rakugo workshop. Rakugo literally means fallen words in Japanese and is a kind of verbal entertainment. There is a single person on stage who plays a number of characters. It is a bit like stand up comedy.

Students watched and then practiced a rakugo story and each group selected a representative from their team. Then, winners from each year group were selected to enter the grand final.

The year group winners were:

Year 9

Year 10

Year 11

Mabel Mathew

Duli Jayalath

Chris Chivers

Nathan Prosser

Aaron Wijaya

Clare Wan

Jit Singh

Junjie Siow

Kenny Weixiong

Jack Bringans

Seijin Kim

The winners of the grand final were:

1st Sejin Kim
2nd Aaron Wijaya
3rd Mabel Mathew

YEAR 9 EAL/D STUDENTS AND PARENTS

All students would have now received their Year 9 NAPLAN results. It is important as a family, to have a good look at these results. The results give an indication of how students are progressing.

As a learning area, we are very pleased with the results. All of our students have shown progress.

To achieve the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), all students must demonstrate a standard of literacy and numeracy. Students who achieved Band 8 or above in Year 9 NAPLAN have already met this standard.

Those who have not yet met this standard will sit the Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA) in Year 10. Students undertaking the OLNA will be required to satisfy both the reading and writing components in order to demonstrate the minimum WACE literacy standard.

We will be providing students some support at school. Regular practice of reading and writing at home is essential.

The simple strategies below will help develop stronger literacy skills for EAL/D students:

Read a wide range of books at home for pleasure – to expand vocabulary and for exposure to different text types.

After reading, write a 1 paragraph summary of the text and a 1 paragraph opinion on the text.

Give yourself time limits for this writing and aim to become more efficient.

Reading will also aid with recognizing spelling of unfamiliar words.

Spend less time on laptops and do not rely on grammar and spell check.

Do practice exercises (possibly in workbooks such as Grammar in Use or Excel NAPLAN practice test books)

Watch the news and talk to adults and friends about issues of concern in the media. Develop your own opinions on these issues and give reasons for your opinions.

Aim to do each of these things once a week.

Happy reading and writing.

Nathan Harvey Head of Languages

ZOO EXCURSION

Year 8 French and Italian cohort at the Perth zoo
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Year 8 French and Italian cohort at the Perth zoo
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On Monday September 11, the Year 8 French and Italian students went to the Perth zoo because it was part of our curriculum to learn about animals and how to describe them. The really fun thing I found about this excursion was that we had to collect information about several animals to complete a booklet in French and Italian that was given to us before the excursion.

I really liked the excursion because I saw a lot of animals, observed what they were doing, took some photos and also created a poster in class to describe them in the target language. I also really appreciated how the school gave us the opportunity to learn and have fun. I recommend this excursion to all the future Year 8 students and I would like to thank the organisers, Mrs Sonia Haidri (French) and Mrs Pia Palermo (Italian) as well as all the teachers and parents involved.

Devanarayan Venugopal Year 8 student

MATHS

ICAS

The International Competitions and Assessments for Schools, known as the ICAS competition, was held this term on Tuesday August 15. We had 346 students from Years 7 to 12 participating. The results of this competition will be announced in term 4.

We were fortunate enough to have a parents Steve Savage, Kerry-anne Andrew, Vivian Ngan, Chika Murata and Angela Ooi, donating their time to help with the supervision.

ICAS Testing

AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION

The Australian Mathematics Competition is an international competition held every year for the past 40 years. This year we had 349 students participate, with some outstanding results.

We had 36 students placed in the top 3% of participants in the state in lower school or in the top 5% of participants in the state in senior school. These students attained a very creditable High Distinction.

YEAR 7

Jayden Chang

Dominiqua Moukine

Pershant Prem Kumar

Kevin Chen

Nethmi Nikagoda

Lucas Riddle

Robert Lewis

Ian Pinto

Rory Sanderson

Ee Hong Yap

YEAR 8

Rishabh Chopra

Jasper Liew

Samuel Preece

Xinwei Choot

Haotian Luo

Felix Rego

Ryan Goon

Elliot Marks

Amber Ting

YEAR 9

Jack Killoh

Hang Yi Law

Ashwin Vijay

Dimitrije Komnenovic

Matthew Song

Yifu Zhao

YEAR 10

Jamie Beamsley

William King Hor

Edwin Tho

Sonali Grover

Kelvin Lim

YEAR 11

Mubashshira Ahmed

Jordan Hoffmann

Andrew Lee

Christopher Chivers

Dhruv Jobanputra

Kaylee Wong

The students who achieved the top three scores in their year group were acknowledged by the staff. Congratulations to all these students.

Kerri Kalotay and Peter Lee Mathematics Teacher

CHOOSE MATHS AWARDS

The 2017 Choose Maths Awards is a video based competition organised by Australian Maths Sciences Institute (AMSI) where students are required to produce a five minute videos based on the theme Maths Is Our Future.

Throughout Australia, there are 425 entries with 45 entries from W.A. Willetton SHS has submitted two entries. The Lee Student Productions which was produced by Jordan Hoffmann, Jenna Hung, Lycia Liew and Himal Pandey and π Rate Studios by Chris Chivers, Andrew Lee and Daniel Roach. The teams have been working on these videos since term 1 holidays until the end of term 2 and the finished products were fantastic! They were shown in our last newsletter.

The videos were judged and rated against five criteria: creativity, mathematical accuracy, communication, application and production. We are very proud to announce that one of our team π Rate Studios were among the three WA groups that ranked in the top 30 nationally. This group was awarded a High Commendation Award with each student receiving $100. This is a great accomplishment considering it is our first time entering this national competition. Congratulations to all the participants. View the videos in the Maths section of our previous newsletter by clicking on the following link

http://willettonshs.schoolzineplus.com/newsletter/23412

Peter Lee Mathematics Teacher

AUSTRALIAN INTERMEDIATE MATHEMATICS OLYMPIAD

The Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad (AIMO) is conducted in schools on the same day across Australia each year. It is a problem-solving competition designed for mathematically talented students from Years 7 to 10. The students are given ten high order questions which they work on individually for four hours under test conditions without the use of calculators or electronic devices.

The competition gives talented students an opportunity to be recognised and to participate in activities which will enhance their enjoyment and knowledge of mathematics.

This year we had 21 participants, 12 Year 10s, 5 Year 9s, 2 Year 8s and 2 Year 7s. All the students were given the same set of questions and will be judged against others of their own age group.

Kerri Kalotay Mathematics Teacher

CLASSPAD SEMINARS FOR YEAR ATAR STUDENTS

The Mathematics department organised three Classpad Seminars for our Year 12 ATAR students. Mr Charlie Watson was invited to present to the students his tips on using the Classpad efficiently.

We had 58 students attend the Applications seminar, 24 attend the Specialist seminar and 91 attend the Methods seminar.

Many students were pleased they had attended and gained many new skills on Classpad usage.

The Classpad seminar by Charlie Watson was very informative and interesting. It taught us how to approach exam-like questions very time efficiently and gave us strategies on how to find the answers to questions easily. He also gave us some shortcuts and tips to make the Classpad experience easier.
Jordan Dinardo

The workshop was fantastic where I gained lots of tips on how to use the Classpad on different function. It was worth it and hope he will continue teaching other upper students with skills and different tactics.
Kar Yun Choo

The workshop was definitely worthwhile, I learnt helpful features and how to better understand my Classpad. Charlie Watson was really funny and made the whole thing entertaining and fun.
Madison Ng

The workshop was quite helpful, as I learned how to use functions within the Classpad that I previously didn’t know existed. Most of the information we were given, however, was mostly revision, as we learnt most of the content in class, although, this may have not been the case for all classes.
Sarah Wong

It was a memorable experience as I have learnt valuable lessons inusing Classpad. These lessons will help me greatly in my exams and tests. I strongly recommend this seminar as this will definitely bump up your grades.

Intisar Kazi

Classpad learning in the lecture theatre

Kerri Kalotay and Peter Lee Mathematics Teachers

SCIENCE

SCIENCE CAFÉ REFLECTION

The UWA Science Cafe was a fantastic experience for Year 10 students, with a range of amazing speakers and scientists from around Australia and the world available to discuss a great diversity of topics. The excursion was tailored exactly to our needs - we were able to talk to every scientist from physicists, chemists to immunologists and astrologists, based on our interests, goals and studies.

What was special was that every person at the Cafe had a genuine passion for science, exploration and discovery. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to ponder our scientific questions with some of the best in the industry, and I was truly inspired to hear what they had to say.

Although everyone at the Science Cafe had a diverse, amazing experience, I think we would all agree on one thing - the food was great!

Jae Brieffies Year 10

L to R: Kun Jia Tan and Sheryl Chow

L to R: Rafi Morshed and Albertus Bangun

Safiyya Aljunied and Jae Brieffies

Jae Brieffies and Mutia Adibarumi Daruso

PHYSICS DAY AT MURDOCH UNIVERSITY

Tim Arul Sakayam checking out the fluidity of Non-Newtonian fluid, oobleck. Hitting its surface feels hard, like concrete and immersing hands in it feels like a viscous fluid

Chris Wallace
practising Hazmat safety

Leon Li and Tim Arul Sakayam creating
music with things and pipe

TECHNOLOGIES

YEAR 7 DIGITAL DESIGN

Year 7 - Emily Sanders

Year 7 - Liam Spozetta

Year 7 – Rujula Davesar

Year 8 Creative Designs
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Year 8 Creative Designs
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Year 8 Graphic Designs
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Year 8 Graphic Designs
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Year 9 Graphic Designs
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Year 9 Graphic Designs
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Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts and Graphics
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Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts and Graphics
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VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

BAKE OFF SUCCESS

It was a bake off extravaganza for Year 12 Career and Enterprise students.

Competition between the 23 groups setting up and selling was HOT during 3 weeks this term.

Dee’s Cupcakes: Connor, Kobee, Matthew, Daniella

Come on down and try of our delicious rainbow or chocolate cupcakes. Cupcakes are $2 or 2 for $3.

S.A.T.T: Stuart, Ann, Tayla, Triston

Come on down to Student Services and bring back your childhood with some quality honey joys and brownies. Get in quick as numbers are limited.

PBJ “Ring Toss”: Bailey, Patricia, Jose

All students please come and join us outside C11 for a game of Ring Toss and have some sweet treats. The most points win a prize. Hope to see you there.

Cookie Bites: Kayla, Jess, Zac, Kam

Cookie bites and fruit kebabs are on sale at recess. Bite size cookies $2 for one bag and fruit kebabs $1 each

Totally baked: Mia, Nick, Ethan, Liam

On Wednesday 23 we will be selling a whole lot of baked goods including cupcakes, pretzels, cookies, frit kebabs, chocolate crackles and honey joys. All funds raised will be donated to the Salvation Army.

Freaky Piklets: Jsee, Shawn, Akash

Do you have 50c? Do you like pikelets? Do you like butter, nutella or jam? Come to Student Services on Thursday 24 at recess and lunch for a pikelet feast.

Flex on Them Cakes!! will be outside the English Office during recess and lunch time today selling themed cupcakes for only $2 before they all sell out!

Bake’s Delight: Suresha, Paul, Raymond, Charly

Come over to Student Services to enjoy some cupcakes, brownies and hot chocolate on Thursday 24. Prices range from $1 to $2.

It was all a bit of FUN, stress and problem solving when things didn’t happen as needed or sales were slow.

Credit to all students for the way they put soooooo much energy to their small businesses and to the school community which supported them from staff approving businesses to students and staff making purchases to achieve a profit of $1450.50.

Our Year 12 CAE students have selected the following organisations to receive donations from the total profit:

  • Zero to Hero
  • Cancer Council
  • RSPCA
  • Mission Australia
  • Save the Bears
  • Juvenile Diabetes
  • Starlight Foundation
  • World Vision
  • Beyond Blue
  • Salvation Army
  • Ronald McDonald House
  • Crohn’s and Colitis Australia
  • The Mission Trip by the Faith Community Church

Ruth Barratt Sally Russell Natalie Greenham Year 12 Career and Enterprise teachers

Year 12 Career and Enterprise students hard at work
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Year 12 Career and Enterprise students hard at work
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YEAR 7

Congratulations to the Year 7 cohort who participated in the Athletics Carnival on Tuesday August 29. It was wonderful to see students having fun and eagerly getting involved in all of the events. Even the wet weather did not deter them! The whole day was spent running, throwing and being involved in novelty events. There were also some serious athletes who participated in events and their efforts earned them champion boy and girl. Congratulations on their achievements. It was an outstanding day and I was proud to see everyone getting involved.

Michael Ialacci Year Coordinator

Year 7 Athletics carnival
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Year 7 Athletics carnival
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YEAR 8

We are now three quarters of way through the academic year and on Monday August 7, we came together to celebrate the academic achievements of those students who had gained 7 A grades or higher in Semester 1. Congratulations to all those students.

Year 8 Semester 1 Award Winners

There are many students who may not be seeing their hard work and dedication rewarded in this way. However, as long as students are setting goals, reaching them and reassessing the goals it is important.

The start of semester 2 sees a new incoming councillor group. Many thanks to the wonderful students who put in so much time and effort during semester 1 to help with the smooth running of the assemblies and our social and fundraising efforts.

Semester 1 Year 8 Councillors

Congratulations to Aleena Shaji, Bethan Rosier, Charlotte Gray, Dylan Motsi, Emily Ong, Hareny Puganeswaran, Iuron Ho, Jason Lam, Laura Matos, Meena Muthukrishnan, Oliver Rapanaro, Peyton Longbottom, Rachel Miller, Raya Khan and Suzanne Rodrigues our semester 2 councillors.

On Monday September 11, I had the pleasure of attending the Year 8 Languages Zoo excursion. It was a lovely day and students are to be commended for their exemplary behavior. Thanks to the Languages staff and Year 8 parents who volunteered their time to come along and help out.

Year 8 Languages Zoo Excursion
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Year 8 Languages Zoo Excursion
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Term 4 brings our Semester 2 reward excursion, which will be a river cruise. I know students are already getting very excited about this event. Information will be available early term 4.

ATHLETICS CARNIVAL ARTICLES

The Year 8 Athletics Carnival was Wednesday of week 7. It was similar to the Year 7 one but I was put into a group where a few records were broken. Our team broke the high jump record. We were lucky that the day that our carnival fell on was the dry day while the Year 7 and 9’s carnivals were rained on. The events included the 100 metres, hurdles, long jump, triple jump, high jump, novelty and shot-put. After a long day of fun events we participated in a fun relay. In the end Safire faction won followed by Emerald, Ruby, Diamond.

Corey Rynvis Year 8

On August 30, the Year 8’s went to a sports carnival on the oval. We enjoyed playing a variety of sports. Throughout the day many people managed to scrape together a lot of points for their faction and for themselves and went home supporting a lot of ribbons.

As councillors, some of us were given the privilege to go around and take some pictures using some of the school’s cameras. It was quite fun and a lot of people were soothing sore muscles and sunburned skin. Over all, I do think it was a huge success and people had smiles as they left…well most of them had smiles.

Bethan Rosier Year 8

Year 8 Athletics Carnival
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Year 8 Athletics Carnival
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Miss R Harrington Year Coordinator

ZERO2HERO YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FORUM

On the September 7, 12 students (two each year group) had the opportunity to attend the Zero2Hero forum, to learn and understand more about our emotional health - we listened to the journeys of people who went through part of their life which wasn't emotionally stable, and how they coped with their situation, giving us advice and tips to help us with our high school journey. There were a number of guest speakers, and we also managed to do some pilates, and recreate some Beyoncè moves by three of her backup dancers. Of course, the Year 7s were having a blast busting out their moves, and all of us managed to collect a bunch of free goodies!

Overall it was an exciting day, as a few of us have not been to this forum before.

Trinyce Tong Year 8 Student Well-being Representative

YEAR 9

YEAR 9 SOCIAL

On Wednesday June 23, the Year 9 year group had their school social, organised by the Year 9 councillors and year coordinator. It was at the Willetton Sport and Community Club from 7-9:30pm and everyone who attended had a blast!

The disco was fun and very energetic with great music from the DJs with a range of new and old songs put together, which made it enjoyable for everybody no matter their type of music. Besides all the fun we had dancing, there was also a variety of pizzas, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. With all the fun everybody was having, no one really noticed the sudden beeps that the smoke alarm was giving off, a result of the smoke machines! We all just thought it was a part of the beat so we kept dancing.

Thank you to the teachers and students involved in the set up and organisation to help the night run smoothly.

Elis Caldas Year 9

MAXIMUM RIDE – THE ANGEL EXPERIMENT by JAMES PATTERSON

When someone comes up to you and shows you a book that features:

Kids who have 2% avian DNA
The same kids with strange abilities to breath under water (cool), read minds (awesome), and… err… pass gas (hmm).
Action
Even more action
A rescue mission
And you read it, that’s probably the best decision you have ever made.

Max is in trouble – one of her flock, Angel, has been kidnapped by extremely dangerous, extremely crazy part-wolf people called erasers, and Max will stop at nothing to get her back. Hence the rescue mission. However, Max and her flock are faced with many enemies, including the mad scientists holding Angel captive to run their outrageous experiments. The flock will have to think fast and act even faster in order to save their sister and all escape alive.

Maximum Ride is an incredibly fast moving book filled with action, comedy, chocolate chip cookies, and (you guessed it) even more action. It’s as this book has a layer of superglue on it – it is literally IMPOSSIBLE to put down.

By Jadeyn Feng Year 9 Famished for Fiction Bookclub

MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health is a very part of our everyday lives. If we are not mentally healthy, it touches our daily lives. Some signs of mental illness are feeling anxious or worried, feeling depressed and unhappy, sleep problems and emotional outbursts. Most of these signs occur during school exam times; this can be a very hard, stressful time for students.

If any of these signs relate to you, the best thing to do is to talk about it with close friends, family members or teachers. The most important thing when you are unhappy or depressed is to keep your family close, don’t block them out of your situation, because they are best people to talk to if you have any problems.

Staying positive and keeping a smile on your face can help with all mental health issues. Remember to keep safe and be mentally healthy!

Wesley Francis Year 9 Student Wellbeing Representative

YEAR 10

WORLD’S GREATEST SHAVE FINAL AMOUNT RAISED $4775.59

Our Year 10 fundraiser proved to be a big success as reported in the last newsletter. The final amount raised was $4775.59. Our thanks to all involved. World’s Greatest Shave will remain this year group’s primary fundraiser as we remember staff member Alex Mellor who shaved her head with us in 2016 and sadly passed away in January this year.

Next year Relay For Life!!

Kymba from 94.5fm, Hannah Page Head girl, Brodie Hood Year 10, Agastya Bakshi, Year 9, Araan Kousari Year 10, Andrew Stephen PE teacher, Phil Sherwood Deputy Principal

MERIT BBQ

On Monday August 28 the top 20 merit award winners enjoyed a sausage sizzle lunch to reward them for their fine efforts so far this year. Congratulations to the top merit winners

Callum Rigby

Rachel Soo

Todd Billett

Albertus Bangun

Adam Elyousef

Hudson Parry

Sejin Kim

Araan Kousari

Nandana Binu

Mutia Daruso

Mihan De Silva

Carolin Muru

Grace Kim

Sam Murray

Char Min Ng

Lyndon Tilbee

Ethan Yip

Year 10 top merit award winners enjoy the BBQ
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Year 10 top merit award winners enjoy the BBQ
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ATHLETICS

The school athletics carnivals for Years 7 – 9 took place in late August and about 80 Year 10 students assisted the PE staff to run these events. Congratulations on your efforts and the encouragement given to the younger athletes over the three days of the carnival. Year 10 athletes have been asked to attend training sessions after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays in order to gain selection for the interschool team who compete on Wednesday October, Week 2, Term 4.

Year 10 Athletics Carnival Officials
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Year 10 Athletics Carnival Officials
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RIVER CRUISE

On Thursday September 7, 194 students attended the Year 10 River Cruise. The boat left Elizabeth Quay at 6.45pm and the students socialised, ate pizza and sweated it all off on the dance floor while the Captain James Stirling cruised the balmy waters of the Swan River. The students made the night an outstanding success and it is a credit to our year group that there is never a problem recruiting staff to help out on a Year 10 Social even on a Thursday night after a hard day of teaching.

Many thanks to the 20 staff who attended and also took to the dance floor!

Years 10 River Cruise
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Years 10 River Cruise
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All students have now selected courses for Year 11 and have had the opportunity to choose subjects within their interest area. Upper school, white shirts and greater responsibilities await the Year 10s just around the corner. I wish all Year 10s good luck going into this final term of lower school.

Andrea Wheeler Year Coordinator

YEAR 11

COUNCILLOR FORUM

On September 6, the Year 11 Council held the second Councillor Forum for the year. Councillor Forums allow the councillors from all year groups to come together and discuss school-wide issues and possible solutions. This year’s first forum focused on identifying problems the councils could solve as well as introducing new ideas to benefit the school. As a follow-up, this second forum’s central purpose was to develop concrete plans to implement new ideas and solve existing problems.

For the first hour, the cohort councils discussed their assigned topics with a few of the Year 11 Councillors, as follows:

Year 7: Sports track pants
Year 8: Lack of shade and drink fountains
Year 9: Club open days
Year 10: Under-jumpers as uniform
Year 12: School faction systems

After listening to the opinions and ideas of the councils, each group gave a short presentation outlining the idea or issue and plans for its implementation or resolution. We took questions and comments from the other councillors who did not have the opportunity to express their opinions earlier. The councillor forum is a wonderful demonstration of teamwork across all year groups and with the positive and informed contributions we are confident that we can improve the school experience for students of all year levels.

From this point on we will be working to set our plans into action through follow-up meetings with each council and speaking with both administrative and teaching staff. Some of the plans we discussed will take years to implement, but we thank the councillors for their hard work, bright ideas and willingness to speak up.

There are big things in store for Willetton, please look forward to them!

Year 11 Council

YEAR 12

YEAR 12 COORDINATOR’S REPORT

With only one week to go of formal school life emotions are running high for the Year12 students. I can see the anxiety starting to creep in regarding exams and life beyond school. It can be a daunting and somewhat frightening time and I encourage all students to remain calm and positive and remember that sleep, a balanced diet and exercise all play a major part in keeping the stress levels under control.

It is a time to regard teachers as friends and to rely on their knowledge and experience to help you through. It is a time to be nice to your parents and friends. Remember all the support they have shown you over the years and continue to count on them now. An appreciative thank you may be warranted!

For those who will soon be entering the work force I wish you all the best. It will be a reality check for some and a long awaited freedom for others.

However, please remember that whichever path you choose there is still work to be done. It is important that deadlines are met, tasks are completed, resumes are up to date and applications are finalised. You are about to enter the real world of adult competition and it is essential you are as well prepared as possible. Important information is being distributed and sent home regarding graduation and last day arrangements so please make sure you know exactly what is going on and what the expectations for attendance are.

If students want university letters written they need to ask as soon as possible and provide a little bit of background information to assist in the writing.

Along with all your teachers, I will be here to assist over the coming months and I am wishing you all the best. Keep calm. It is nearly over!

Colleen Hayes Year Coordinator

SCHOOL BOARD NEWS

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR SCHOLARSHIP - YEAR 8 2018

Willetton Senior High School celebrates its position as the inaugural WA Secondary School of the Year by offering a scholarship to a student entering Year 8.

The Willetton school community is committed to maximising the intellectual, creative and social growth of its students. The school works to develop competent, skilled and socially responsible citizens who recognise they are members of a world community, respect the needs of others and have a sense of self-worth and future direction.

We wish to recognise a student who is showing strong leadership skills.

One scholarship will be awarded to a student enrolled in Year 8 at Willetton Senior High School in 2018.

The recipient of the WA Secondary School of the Year Scholarship will receive:

The WA Secondary School of the Year Scholarship 2018 award and certificate
Payment of 2018 Year 8 subject contributions and charges
Payment of school uniforms up to $300
Leadership training opportunities

Interested students should pick up an application form from Mrs Helen Wong in the School Board office.

Applications close 3.00pm Friday October 20, 2017
Late applications will not be considered.

Applications should be returned to:

Mrs Helen Wong
School Board Executive Officer
Willetton Senior High School Board
120 Pinetree Gully Road
Willetton WA 6155

An email confirmation will be sent upon receipt of application.

Short-listed applicants will be contacted by Monday November 13, 2017 with interviews scheduled to take place on Friday November 17, 2017.

The successful applicant will be notified by Friday November 24, 2017.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

A scheduled board meeting was held last night hosted by the Central Queensland University, Williams Street in Perth. After a tour of the CQU campus with Professor Trevor Davison, Associate Vice Chancellor, a presentation from Sandra Emmanuel, Marketing Coordinator and light refreshments it was down to business with discussions centred on reviewing final funding submissions for 2017.

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.

HOW TO CONTACT THE SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE

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

SCHOOL TOURS

Get an insight into Willetton Senior High School with our school tours. Bring your walking shoes and meet some of our dedicated staff and take a first-hand look at our fantastic facilities. Bookings are essential by ringing 9334 7217 or emailing helen.s.wong@education.wa.edu.au.

ENTERTAINMENT BOOK FUNDRAISER

The 2017/2018 Entertainment Books are available to purchase through the School Board. For inquiries, 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!

For a limited time Support our fundraising and you'll be rewarded with 2x BONUS EVENT Cinemas Saver etickets (while stocks last)

http://www.entbook.com.au/904a46

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

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 vibrant and friendly parent volunteers. We will gratefully receive your donation of WSHS uniforms that your child has outgrown, with the sale from all garments being channelled back to funding projects around the school. If you have second hand uniforms to donate, please drop them off at the front office or at the second hand uniform shop on Wednesday mornings.

Thank you.

Trading Hours

Location

Second Hand Bookshop

Wed 9am-11.30am

Undercover area, next to the canteen

Second Hand Uniform Shop

Wed 9.15am-11.15am

In the PAC building

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

Following on from our Coffee Morning with Megan Del Borello, Alumni class of ’97, Director of Gloss Marketing Communications and Behind the Brands, please see the links below that Megan provided

https://www.facebook.com/safety/parents

http://www.footprints.net/

Also in regards to WhatsApp a few of the parents asked how to turn location settings off – this wasn’t in the presentation so this is how you do it,

Go into any chat in WhatsApp

Tap the plus/arrow icon to the left of the tap box
Select “Location”, a pop up will appear asking to access your location setting. Turn this off.

Also they should hide the “Last Seen” setting.
Go to Settings/Account/Privacy/Last seen
Change it to no one

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.