28 November 2014

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

As the year draws to a close, I reflect on a busy and challenging 2014. The building project has been intrusive and noisy and I acknowledge the exemplary outlook which both staff and students have displayed. The building project has necessitated for the first time, our twelves sitting their WACE examinations off site at close by venues. Staff have worked with them on familiarizing the locations to overcome any perceived disadvantage.

The new block at the front of the school is nearing completion and is magnificent. Our Languages and Society and Environment learning areas will be making it their base. The Adjoining Arts area still requires much work and we are hoping it too will be completed in time for the commencement of the 2015 school year.

We are anticipating some excellent results from our Year 12 students in their WACE examinations. Under the leadership of coordinator Chris Kelly, they have been an outstanding year group. Many thanks to the Head Boy and Girl and councillors for their leadership of the school. The Year 12s also initiated an outstating committee which has produced the 2014 Year Book. Thanks are also due to Alex Mellor for her hard work.

We are proud of our recent student achievement in both poetry and philosophy. We were the poetry school of the year and our team gained fourth place in the state wide Philosophon. Again thanks to the staff involved for their support of these students.

Our Board continues to devise innovative approaches to support school activities. A Sponsorship and Fundraising Committee of the Board is meeting with each Head of Learning Area to discuss the Board support best suited. This is an example of working together as a school community to maximize learning outcomes for our students.

We will be having one further newsletter for the year which will focus on an administrative agenda.

Chris Booth

Men at Work
Chris Booth Jim O`Neill Jega Jegathesan

BOARD CHAIR REPORT

As the 2014 school year comes to a close it is time to wish our Year 12 students bon voyage. They are now off into their next phase of their lives which is very exciting. I wish them well and give them this piece of advice carpe diem.

And as that era comes to an end a new one begins for the Year 7s next year, and we welcome them a whole new block which will be completed in early December ready for 2015. I look forward to it.

The interviews for WA Secondary School of the Year Scholarships are under way. Congratulations to the shortlisted recipients.

I would like to thank the members of the Board for all their assistance this year. They all give their time freely and willingly for the betterment of the school and I am very grateful.

I would also like to congratulate and thank the whole Willetton faculty for their excellent efforts this year. The successes of the school could not be achieved without the wonderful work by staff. I know they all go the extra mile for the students, which is one part of what makes Willetton Senior High School a great school. So thank you for your work and dedication. It is appreciated!

Finally, I wish everyone a great Christmas and new year and look forward to seeing you in 2015. Exciting times are ahead.

Lindsay Holland

THE WILLETTON WALL

November 2014 marked the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall which was built in 1961 by communist East Germany to stop East Germans fleeing to the west

The wall divided families, streets and even graveyards. It was heavily fortified and guarded and at least 138 people were killed trying to escape to West Berlin.

Willetton Senior High School has a substantial section of the wall and even a photograph of the standing wall showing from where our section came.

It stands in the administration block as a symbol that dreams can come true and that we have confidence in our ability and role in tearing down the walls of dictatorship, violence and negative ideology.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARDS

It has been a huge couple of months for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Special award ceremonies, meeting Prince Edward, Bronze and Silver camps, Zero to Hero, RYPEN leadership camps have kept our participants busy and on the path to achieving Gold!

I was thrilled to be off to Walpole in the second week of October holidays with a backpack and 15 eager Silver Award students. The hike was amazing, much of it through the bush. We clambered through the scrub amongst the wildflowers which were in full bloom. We climbed Mount Claire and did some very pretty sections of the Bibbulmun Track. We were right back to basics, sleeping in bivvies and cooking on trangias. Seeing the participants grow through the experience was empowering and rewarding and made all the work that goes into running the award worthwhile! On the final morning, the sense of achievement for each participant was evident and they deservedly felt proud of having completed something so far out of their comfort zone.

Our annual Bronze camp to Margaret River took place early in Term 4. 19 students from Years 9 and 10 accompanied Mr Forsyth, Ms Hayes, Miss Davy and Mr Lyra to the south west where they completed a weekend of activities including short hikes, caving and camping. The camp is always a hit and this year was no exception. Thanks to all the staff involved.

A number of Duke of Edinburgh participants have also fulfilled their Adventurous Journey by attending recent camps with Zero to Hero and Rotary. So many opportunities to attend camps, has enabled students to make excellent progress with their awards.

This month, we were privileged to meet Prince Edward who was in Australia to promote the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Mr Booth and I attended a reception for Award Unit Leaders and four of our current Gold participants joined us for a second reception for award participants. I was honoured to receive an award acknowledging my efforts as an Award Coordinator. However, seeing Rachel Foster collect her Gold Award from Prince Edward outdid everything about the morning. Rachel recently turned 17 and powered through her Gold Award completing it in just over a year. She is one of the youngest recipients to achieve Gold and a fantastic role model for younger students completing the award.

Any student aged 14 can join the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Students who are interested should speak to their year coordinator or me. Applications are available in Student Services. I am available to assist and answer questions each Tuesday at recess in D14.

Judy Gauci Award Coordinator

A GREAT DAY

On Friday November 8, Rachel Foster, Jesse Tucek, Kirra Gauci and I, had the pleasure in meeting Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, at Kings Park.

We started the day nervous but excited at Frasers State Reception Centre with other school students from around Perth representing their schools. The four of us continuously repositioned ourselves to be in the view of the cameras and try and get on the news! There were lots of schools there, dressed up smartly for the occasion. Willetton however, was one of the few public schools present.

We were welcomed into the main function room and made ready for the award presentations. Prince Edward made his entrance down the middle aisle and delivered an inspiring speech about pursuing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the life experiences it brings. We also listened to motivational speeches by Shane Stone, chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Australia, and Kerry Sanderson, Governor of Western Australia.

Rachel Foster (Year 11) was one of the nine Gold Award recipients. She was the first invited on stage to be congratulated and presented her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award by the Prince himself.

After the awards and speeches, the arrival of food drew us all outside. Prince Edward joined us and mingled amongst the crowd. We waited for him to make his way around, nervous but eager to meet him. After we had greeted him with Your Royal Highness, he didn’t appear as intimidating as we had anticipated. We immediately became comfortable in his presence, as his manner was casual and sincere. He asked us questions about our experiences and asked us whether the people we had started with had continued the journey too.

All in all it was a great day, in which we all left feeling inspired and lucky to have had such an amazing opportunity. Thanks so much Ms Gauci and Mr Booth who made it all possible.

Bo Davie, Year 10

Rachel Foster getting her Gold Award

SECOND HAND UNIFORM SHOP

The second-hand uniform shop is located temporarily opposite the second-hand bookshop within the canteen area.

We will be open in 2014:

Wednesday 26.11.2014 from 9:30am –11:30am
Friday 28.11.2014 from 9:30am –11:30am
Wednesday 10.12.2014 from 9:30am – 11:30am
Friday 12.12.2014 from 9:30am - 11.30am
Wednesday 17.12.2014 from 9:30am – 11:30am

In 2015:

Wednesday 28.01.2015 from 9:30am –11:30am
Friday 30.01.2015 from 9:30am –11:30am
Wednesday 04.01.2015 from 9:30am –11:30am

We will continue to open every Wednesday from 9:30am- 11:30am for the rest of Term 1.

Please remember to drop off all of your old uniforms to us or at the front office.

All of the profit we make goes to our school.

Most of our items sell for $5.00 with only a couple of exceptions. Please pay with cash.

Thanks everyone, Karen and Serene.

GENEROUS DONATION

Local Top Realty real estate agent, Raymond Chen recently presented the school a cheque for $1000. He explained that the donation was in recognition of the school’s role in enhancing home sales in Willetton.

It seems that our positive reputation in student teaching and learning has flow on effects of which we are unaware.

We thank Mr Chen for his generosity.

The Principal Chris Booth with Mr Raymond Chen of Top Realty

SECONDARY ASSISTANCE FOR CENTRELINK CONCESSION CARD HOLDERS

Secondary Assistance is available for holders of Centrelink Concession Cards, and can be applied to the student’s Voluntary Contributions (Year 7-10) or Charges (Year 11-12).

Applications can be made at the Business Manager’s Office ONLY BETWEEN Monday February 2, 2015 and Thursday April 2, 2015.

The Parent / Guardian concession card, listing the student, must be sighted by a registrar officer when the application is completed and the card holder’s signature will be witnessed.

If a student lives independently, and holds their own card, a letter of confirmation from Centrelink must accompany the application.

Other charges & contributions do not have to be cleared at the time of lodging the application.

The Pat Moylan Memorial Trust was established in 1998 by the Rotary Club of Willetton (Inc) to honour the memory of Past President Pat Moylan and his commitment to the welfare of youth.

Rotary Club of Willetton (Inc)
PO Box 103
Willetton WA 6955
ABN 775 476 56723

The objective of the Trust is to provide financial support through awards and scholarships to youth (up to 21years) in the local community.

The Trustees may approve funds for the following purposes:

• Education
• Alleviation of poverty and
• Works that are for the benefit of people of Western Australia, including representing the State/Australia in self-development and sporting opportunities.

APPLICATIONS:

May be made at any time

• Must be in writing and lodged either electronically to davric1@westnet.com.au or by mail to the above postal address
• Must contain sufficient information and justification for a grant to the proposed recipient(s)
• Trustees will respond within one month of receiving an application
• They will either:
  (a) approve the application as submitted
  (b) approve in modified form
  (c) seek further information or
  (d) decline the application.

ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

Award and scholarship requests between $500 and $1000 are available. However, funds are limited.

CONTACT:

• David Honeychurch - david.honeychurch@icloud.com
• Steve Pusey - stevepsuep@iinet.net.au
• Ric Davies - davric1@westnet.com.au

INTERACT CLUB

Over the past term and a half, the Interact Club has been involved in fundraising for our overseas charity, Compassion. Thank you to everyone who has donated their time, energy and money to our cause, through the various fundraisers we have been running. These included the sale of handmade Father’s Day cards, several very successful bake sales and the Staff Baby Photo competition. Thanks to all for your support, we achieved our target of $1000, plus an extra $65! As a company that seeks to provide basic, tangible gifts, Compassion provides a number of resources for needy communities around the world. The funds Interact Club has raised will go towards purchasing:

• Clean water units
• Vaccinations
• Books for students
• Goats
• Chickens
• Sewing machines
• Community toilet blocks

Thank you again for another great year of Interact. We look forward to more great fundraisers and welcoming new members next year.

Georgina and Genevieve Earl Secretary and Vice-President

Interact Club

NATHAN HARVEY

When did you attend Willetton?

From 1993 and graduated in 1997

Where did you go from there?

Murdoch University and obtained a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Anthropology and Japanese studies.

What are your qualifications and your job?

From university, I taught Japanese at Applecross SHS and Karratha PS and obtained promotion to Program Coordinator of Curriculum at Harvey SHS. I have been the Head of Languages at Willetton since 2009, and Acting Deputy Principal this year. I am a member of the Modern Language Teachers’ Association of WA.

Where to in the future?

I love this school and I am in no hurry to move on. Languages have grown to be an important part of the Willetton curriculum and we are very proud of the enthusiasm and engagement of students here.

Did we help you in choosing the right path?

The staff was always encouraging and supportive and helped me to choose my career pathway – many are still here today!

Nathan Harvey

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

HAYLEY BETTERMANN ( BARTER)

When did you attend Willetton?

1984 - 1988 (and now again 2007 - 2014). This year marks my 30th year of association with WSHS.

Where did you go from there?

To work for a year (in advertising), to Edith Cowan University, some study at Curtin and Murdoch, then out into schools across Perth (where I was a teacher, Head of Department, Year Co-ordinator, Deputy and Relief Teacher) and then back to Willetton SHS.

What are your qualifications and your job?

Bachelor Degree. I am currently second in charge of S&E, teaching History, Geography and S&E.

Where to in the future?

My goal is to become better at what I do, where I do that is anyone’s guess. I’d love to stay here, at least for a bit longer.

Did we help you in choosing the right path?

Without a shadow of a doubt, I was a kid who needed guidance and support. I had a really chequered start to life and school was my only constant. The staff that I met here, were so pivotal that I am convinced that I would not be here without them. They never gave up on me, they insisted that I stayed true to myself and they encouraged me to be the best person that I could be. That’s why I became a teacher, if I could offer anything like that support for even one student; it would make it all worth it. I don’t know what it is about this place, it’s just really special. I am so lucky to have been a student and I’m truly lucky to teach here with some of the best teachers in the country.

HAYLEY BETTERMANN

Were you a former Willetton student? We would love to hear from you to include your bio in this section.

ENGLISH

POETRY CORNER

Thank you to all students who entered the 2014 Willetton Senior High School Poetry Competition. The entries were of a very high standard this year so we decided to award students in two categories: Senior School and Lower school.

The winners of the Senior School section:

First place: Christina Lau for her poem fg(x)
Second Place: Maja Maric for her poem Mermaid Bones
Third Place: Samha Khan for her poem I Used to Paint with Red

The winners of the Lower School section:

First place: Juwairiyah Haque for her poem The City Dwellers
Second Place: Sarah Wong for her poem A helium filled balloon
Third Place: Jasmine Roberts for her poem Bushland Beauty

These poems will be published in the 2014 Poetry Club book and prizes will be presented, along with a copy of the book to the winners. Everyone whose poem is published in the book will also receive a copy. Here is a preview of Willetton students’ magnificent poetry.

Mermaid Bones

She longed for the days when
The sea salt and sand rubbed her skin raw
And glints of gold laced the tips of her hair -
To plunge down the horizonless depths once more
And be engulfed by a familiar blue,
Dancing united like tide and moon.
But time had seeped through her skin
And crept into her skeletal crevices,
Worn away her heartstrings and withered the rest,
The coral red of her cheeks now sallowed.
It was clear to her
that gone were the days of her glistening youth
Replaced, instead, by cumbersome decrepitude
Too weak was her pale shell
All she ever wanted was mermaid bones;
To be born of fine marble
And sculpted into something grand
Made anew with each flick of the wrist
And slight turn of the hand -
To remain unravaged like the Florentinian Neptune
And adorned with polished pearls
So that she’d be able to withstand billowing winds
And time’s eroding sands.

by Maja Maric (Year 12)

The City Dwellers

We live beneath a coppice of cement and
walk along hardened streams of grey.
Colossal skyscrapers line
white clouds of sand. A wind blows,
swirling dust motes like crisp snow
onto the red poppies that envelop
the frosty patches of grass.

Brick giants flash colours, changing by
the minute like a swarm of rainbow gnats,
their auras illuminated in the fading grey.
Sidewalks never empty of floating souls,
the bell tower sings once more
blowing dreams of eternity across
the muddy blue of the Swan.

The eyes of the beast flicker,
the city must never sleep.
Bustling throngs and laughter amid
music we find our breath
alive among our brethren.
We share closeness without words.

Like the tide eats the sandy shore
the metal monsters hold our claim.
A gigantic steel edifice,
a concrete monument of diligence.
Even as the silver reflects upon dew,
the rose petals quiver in dismay.

by Juwairiyah Haque (Year 10)

Certificates, prizes and poetry club books will be presented during our final poetry club celebration for 2014 on Friday November 29 at recess in TD7. All students are welcome.

Health and Physical Education

YEAR 9 ATHLETICS CARNIVAL RESULTS 2014

Champion Boy

Thomas McDonald - Sapphire - 154 points

Runner up

James Miocevich - Sapphire – 119
Joseph Moffat - Ruby - 119

Champion Girl

Mikayla Johns - Ruby - 126

Runner up

Kahawa Randall - Emerald - 107

House Totals

1st Ruby – 4003
2nd Diamond - 3433
3rd Sapphire – 3373
4th Emerald - 3069

Year 9 records broken on the day include:

• Jackson Bennet 400m in 59 seconds – beating the old record by set by Emil Nedved three years ago.
• Alston Yeo 100m in 12 seconds flat – beating the record held by Tharun Vemuru for the last three years.
• Thomas McDonald shot put of 12m beating the long standing record of Eric Chan by more than 1.5m. Thomas also flung the discus an amazing 47m to create a massive new record and beating the six year old record of past student Josh Montgomery by more than 15m.
• Mikayla Johns ran 400m in 66 seconds beating Shenae Tuxfords’ old record by 10 seconds. Mikayla now holds the Year 8 400m record along with Jen Clifford as well as the Year 9 400m record.

Mrs Bogunovich Health and Physical Education teacher

Yr 9 Champions

YEAR LEVEL ATHLETICS CARNIVALS 2014

The year level athletics carnivals for 2014 started in early September with the Year 10 carnival kicking off on September 2. The Year 9 carnival ran on Wednesday September 3 and as our Year 8 students enjoyed their immunization on September 4 we decided their carnival would be more enjoyable if it was run later on September 11. As with every year at Willetton SHS, these carnivals are focused on participation and enjoyment and this year was no different. With the assistance of more than 70 student helpers on each of the days and the total commitment of all the HPE staff, the carnivals ran smoothly and with great enthusiasm. With the addition of some mild and fine weather, we all experienced a fantastic few days of athletic competition.

Results on the day included a number of star performances as well as many records being broken.

YEAR 8 ATHLETICS CARNIVAL RESULTS 2014

The Year 8 Athletics Carnival was held on Thursday September 11 and the whole year group had a fantastic day of fun, participation and athletic achievement.

Mr Brand made the day much more fun for all when he participated in nearly all the events and the photos demonstrate his skill in hurdles.

Some great results on the day included:

Year 8 Champion Boy

Brian Magombedze - 94 points

Runner up Champion Boy

Killian Rawson - 86 points

Year 8 Champion Girl

Ashlee Cronin - 100 points

Year 8 Runner up Champion Girl

Ally Holdcroft - 96 points

Special mention to the following record breakers on the day:

• Chloe Sauzier - Shot put of 9.7m beating the old record of 9.2m
• Aiden McLean - 100m in 12.68s beating the old record of 12.73s
• Killian Rawson - Hurdle record of 14.96s and equaling the current high jump record of 1.5m
• Jordan Farrugia - Triple jump record of 10.33m beating the old record of 10.24.
• Charlie Watt - Equaling the 400m record with a time of 63s

Well done to everyone for a great Athletics season.

Yr 8 Athletics Champions

Year 8 Athletics Carnival

YEAR 10 ATHLETICS CARNIVAL 2014

Boys Individual Champions

Rayhan Siregar Emerald 123 points
Harry Muir Diamond 109 points
Alex Neindorf Diamond 108 points

Girls Individual Champions

Bo Davie Emerald 114 points
Shannon Street Emerald 100 points
Liahna Warren Saphire 100 points

Total House points on the day:

1st - Sapphire – 4698
2nd - Emerald - 3680
3rd - Ruby – 3126
4th - Diamond - 3094

Records broken on the Year 10 carnival this year:

• Kyle Sanders 400m in 60 seconds flat
• Jessica Meacham Shot put of 9.20m

Mrs Bogunovich Health and Physical Education teacher

LANGUAGES

FRENCH – Alliance Francaise Awards

Félicitations !

Years 8 and 9 French students have participated in the Alliance Française poetry competition in July this year. Students were required to learn and recite a French poem. We ran our own Willetton competition and selected the two best students from each class. These students then were invited to participate in the official competition at the Alliance Francaise in Nedlands.

Congratulations to the following students who achieved a HIGH DISTINCTION.

Year 8

Aidan O’Brien, Amy Gries, Sohail Kharrazi

Year 9

Samali Pathirakankanange, Carmel Palan, Maham Hammadi

Year 10 and 11 students sat for the Alliance Francaise written exam which involved listening, reading and writing.

Congratulations to the following students achieved a HIGH DISTINCTION.

Year 10:

Ben Madlener, Jasmine Kaur, Eda Pui, Shiya Huang, Namitha John, Elizabeth Charlton, Wonhae Lee, Bhuveshnath Sumputh, Puvainshwary Perumal, Kiran Ranjit Rajah, Neal Moutia.

Year 11:

Miriam Villan

Congratulations on an outstanding performance!

From the French extension class –

The French Club members have done an amazing work on French regions and their posters were put up in the library. They discovered interesting facts about 22 beautiful regions and found out about French industries, traditions, food and regional languages such as Occitan, Catalan or Breton. Beau travail!

Next goal; the French Middle Age with its knights, fortified castles, inventions, Hundred Years War, Joan of Arc and much more! The way things are going these students are going to become specialists in French culture by the end of the year!

The Year 10 Extension class is not outdone! On the November 26, they will present to the staff and their parents an abbreviated version of The Doctor in Spite of Himself by Molière (1666). It involved hours of rehearsal and relentless work but the result will be amazing!

Practicing hard for the upcoming performance!

Finally, congratulations to Laura Maidment who achieved a very good result in the Year 10 Alliance Française exams – mention bien - even though she only has one hour of French per week. Félicitations Laura!

From Year 10 students going on exchange to France

In Week 7, we will be going to France for eight weeks. We are very excited to visit Toulouse and immerse ourselves in the French culture. We will attend a French high school and spend Christmas with our host families. It will be a very enjoyable experience and we are very lucky to have been selected for this program. We thank Ms Real for making all of this possible. Bonnes vacances!

Raemon Lim & Libby Charlton Year 10

Bonnes vacances!

JAPANESE

During the exchange trip, we experienced many things that we didn't know about; Japanese culture, and live the experiences that we always wanted to try. We were able to live in traditional houses, and quiet neighbourhoods, where you could live in ease. Everyday, we ate delicious Japanese food, and saw various sights that we would not see ever in Australia.

Going to school was a fun experience, and a big contrast from Willetton Senior High School. The school had many facilities and many classes, and all the students were very lively everyday. The school was combined with junior high, and let us converse with students younger as well. After school, there were many club activities that were available to the students. I tried basketball, badminton and tennis, and they were all very fun, as we got to meet new people, and socialize more with other students who were on the trip.

Conversing with our host family wasn’t difficult. If we had problems with understanding each other, there was technology to help us, and after we learned what to say, it helped in making our conversations easier and more enjoyable.

The exchange left us with many great and unforgettable memories. It allowed us to make more friends and bond closer with people we already knew. We also learned more about Japanese culture and learned how to live in a foreign society.

Melvyn Koh

Melvyn with his host family, Juda-san.

MATHEMATICS

Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad (AIMO) 2014

We again celebrate the achievements of our students who participated in the 2014 Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad in September of this year.

Certificates of High Distinction were awarded to students in the top 10% of the overall results, Certificates of Distinction to the next 15% of students and Certificates of Credit to the following 25%.

Congratulations to the following students:

Certificate of High Distinction - Alex Lugovskoy - Year 10
Certificate of Distinction - Shrenik Jobanputra - Year 10
Certificate of Distinction - Christopher Jong - Year 10

Certificate of Credit to:

Jordan Hoffman - Year 8
Christopher Chivers - Year 8
Claudia Goh - Year 8
Sean Chionh - Year 8
Rajah Kiran Ranjit - Year 10
Loron Wong - Year 10
Ranjit Dow - Year 10

Well done to all those students who participated.

Zoe Tay Head of Learning Mathematics

Year 10 Olympiad Winners Shrenik Jobanputra, Alex Lugovskoy, Christopher Jong

Maths Comp Winners Group with Chris Booth

Maths Comp Winners with Teachers Marie Law and Zoe Tay

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS AND ASSESSMENTS FOR SCHOOLS (ICAS) Mathematics

Conducted by Educational Assessment Australia, UNSW Global Pty Limited

The staff of the Mathematics department is again very proud to announce the outstanding results our students achieved in the 2014 ICAS Mathematics Competition. The test was held on Tuesday August 12 and was designed to assess the students’ numeracy skills from basic to more advanced problem solving skills. These skills and understandings are important indicators of success in school and beyond.

Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding achievement:

17 High Distinctions

Year 8

Christopher Chivers
Chaitany Goyal
Dhruv Jobanputra
Leopold Ngu
Roshan Prashant
Shefali Tantry

Year 9

Devika Prasad

Year 10

Shrenik Jobanputra
Alex Lugovskoy
Jing Luo
Kiran Ranjit Rajah
Loron Wong
Jianyu Yang

Year 11

Jacob Baron
Jiahe Li
Ryan Sam
Jeffrey Wong

92 Distinctions

Year 8

Mubashshira Ahmed
John Benedict
Gabriel Boon
Sean Chionh
Ashlee Cronin
Yves Diggle
Karmel Gandahusada
Claudia Goh
Jacob Head
Jordan Hoffman
David Jiang
Gwangmin Jin
Ryley Joynson
Anand Karna
Yasasvi Katragadda
Andrew Lee
Delwyn Lee
Joseph Loveday
Krystal Nguyen
Dhirren Ranjit Rajah
Nancy Shi
Ujvala Vemuru
Kaylee Wong
Hovan Yiak

Year 9

Aashka Bhavsar
Raisa Biswas
Yi Chan Wing
Lalitya Chilaka
Mathieu Chong
Meagan Chong
Tate Hagan
Daniel Hardy
Julian Harrison
Chantelle Hoffmann
Lucy Jiang
Minki Kim
Adalia Kwan
Anne Lee
Xin Ru Lim
Kayla Marklew
Jane Mathews
Thomas McDonald
Jayden Millar
Samuel Oishi-Govindasamy
Hannah Pitts
Deepika Prasad
Dheerej Sathish Kumar
Manal Shaheen
Krishna Sriganth
Andrew Tan
Isabelle Tan
Niklesh Warrier
Wei Mengyang

Year 10

Vishnuram Arumugam
Ebony Bernard
Nicholas Berryman
David Chandran
Ashling Charles
Elizabeth Charlton
James Dow
Jocelyn Foo
Robert Gadeke
Sindhu Gamini
Nikola Golijanin
Kanhav Goyal
Shiya Huang
Christopher Jong
Wei-Cheng Michael Lee
Raemon Lim
Jaycoln Liow
Lenon Lum
Ben Madlener
Wallace Maillot
Dennis Malinton
Emma McLean
Hamza Nabeel
Uma Nair
Puvanish Perumal
Jack Pettersson
Eda Pui
Samuel Seo
Nicholas Sereda
Sandrina Sutoro
Jonathan Tan
Kelsey Way
Brianna West
Lachlan Whyte
Ganesh Young
Ying Zhang

Year 11

Rohit Pillai
William Jin

Year 12

Vishnu Mangalath

Many thanks to the following parents who gave their time to assist in student supervision of this competition.

Mr Steve Savage, Mrs Serena Kwan, Mrs Lai Yong Wan and Mrs Joanne Rich

Marie Law : Competition Coordinator

RESOURCE UNIT

WILLO COOL KIDS ROCK THE GARDEN

Last year saw the commencement of a gardening program for Resource Unit students, which enables them to cover the curriculum in an alternative manner. We were fortunate to receive a grant as part of the Coles Landcare Grants, which enabled us to establish the program together with donations from Bunnings Warehouse and other businesses, who supplied products and substantial discounts. We also used recycled equipment and structures from around the school which otherwise may have been thrown away.

This program has enabled the students to learn various practical skills from garden planning, reticulation layout and construction, planting and harvesting of produce as well as enjoying the fruits of their labours by cooking and consuming the fresh produce. They shared this food with other Resource Unit students from time to time.

This term, the students are taking part in an enterprise which will see them establish a small business including the development of the business name and business plan. They will utilize all the fresh produce and by-products from their garden to sell to staff, students and parents in the lead up to Christmas. So keep an eye out for the Willo Cool Kids Rock the Garden Cool Crops products which will be available for sale from the Resource Unit and from the Staff Room.

SCIENCE

Science & Engineering Investigation Awards 2014

Congratulations to the following students who achieved excellent results in this year’s PICSE (Primary Industry Centre for Science Education) Competition at Curtin University.

CBH Group’s Innovation in Agriculture Award

$500 cash prize: Juwairiyah Haque, Puvanishwary Perumal, Zuha Riaz Year 10
$500 cash prize: Maria Katrina Gomez, Chloe Henderson, Anna Lee, Tharini Ravindran - Year 9

Science Investigation Award

First Place - $300 cash prize: Tamara Berryman, Mackenzie Brown, Hayley Rolfe - Year 9
People’s Choice - $50 cash prize: Kelsey Grant, Madison Ng, Ethan Lee, Shi Mei Li - Year 9

Well done to all the students involved.

Hao Ta Science teacher

YEAR 11 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

Q: What do silkworms and chickens have in common?
A: They both have a life cycle?

Did you know that a life cycle involves the series of changes which occur from the time an organism reproduces to the time its offspring reproduce?

Students observed chickens and silkworms hatching. They measured changes in the chickens’ growth and mass.

They studied the basic needs of animals and how to care for them using ethical practices

STAWA SCIENCE TALENT SEARCH 2014

Congratulations to the following students for achieving outstanding results in the 2014 STAWA Science Talent Search.

First Place – Years 9-10 Research Investigation
Raemon Lim, Sam Seo, Rohit Kannachel, Kiran Ranjit Rajah

Second Place – Years 9-10 Research Investigation
Ebony Bernhard, Alexandra Godage, Jocelyn Foo, Ying Zhang

Third Place – Years 9-10 Research Investigation
Lucy Jiang, Devika Prasad, Wing Yi Chan

Congratulation also to the following students for achieving Merit Awards in various Years 9-10 categories.

Sonia Bouska	Kirtenaa Prem Kumar	Kelsey Grant	Madison Ng
Shreya Shyam	Ethan Lee	Shi Mei Li	Olivia Ko
Carmel Palan	Yi Shien Lew	Natasha Chung	Jacinta Lim
Maham Hammadi	Hanseul Yu	Sherianne Oliveiro	Ashmita Senthil
Adalia Kwan	Ashwin Kaur	Daneesha Gopi	Sara Sum
Aimee Chen	Raisa Biswas	Jeremy Gilchrist	Jack Doyle
Sarah Chan	Joshua Ang	Claire Young	Tamasra Berryman
Natasha Hoffmann	Chantelle Hoffmann	Manal Shaheen	Wenzel
Hayley Rolfe	Mackenzie Brown	Juwairiyah Haque	Puvanishwary Perumal
Jing Yi Yek	Sherman Yeung	Zuha Riaz	Syifa Fazwin
Kankanange Mikayla	Jessica Tan	Katelyn Martin	Samali Pathira Kankanange

Hao Ta Science Teacher

BURRENDAH PRIMARY SCHOOL SCIENCE SHOW

Willetton Science Learning Area has carried out a joint Science show with all the Year 6 and 7s from Burrendah Primary School visiting Willetton Senior High School laboratories and completing practical hands on activities. The Year 6 and 7 students visited WSHS and spent two hours on November 12 and 13 in the labs.

This was followed up by a survey of all participating students and analysis showed that all students really enjoyed the activities and they were really thrilled and fascinated by science demonstrations performed by an experienced and dedicated team of Science teachers Mrs. M. Munshi, Mrs. K. Atkinson, Mrs. K.Davies and Dr. E. Conocono.

The photos show the atmosphere that was present during the Science Show 2014. This joint project was coordinated by high school science teacher, Mr Gurdeep Singh and Mrs Sherryl Crouch, science coordinator at Burrendah Primary School. The aim of this project was to make the Year 7 transition from primary to high school as seamless as possible. The Year 8 and 9 student volunteers were trained by Mr Singh to help the visiting Year 6 and 7 students with their activities. Help provided by these Year 8 and 9 students was greatly appreciated.

SOCIETY AND ENVIRONMENT

BEES DAY EXCURSION 2014

On Friday October 24, eighteen eager Year 10 students took a break from their normal studies to participate in a range of activities offered as a part of Biological and Earth and Environmental Science day. The students who attended will be studying the new course in Earth and Environmental Science in 2015, taught by Ms Joy Fourie.

The day was a great opportunity for students to experience some of the varied fields of study covered in the new Earth and Environmental Science ATAR course, as well participate in practical activities and meet face-to-face with experts currently working in this field.

This year, the venue was the Central Institute of Technology in the Green Skills Building in East Perth and the day involved the Willetton students rotating through a four-session program. The sessions included a lecture from Dr Ian MacLeod on conserving marine wrecks and rock art, followed by a presentation by the geophysics department from Curtin University on Who finds our oil, gas and minerals? which also included information on the pathways to study and gain employment in the associated industries.

The final sessions for the day were more hands-on, the first involved the science of sampling set up by the Department of Fisheries. Students were exposed to a variety of sampling techniques used by fisheries and marine scientists to monitor fragile marine environments for a sustainable future. The Chemcentre ran the last session, where students were expected to solve a crime, using forensic techniques and examining different soil samples to link a perpetrator to the scene of the crime.

All the students from Willetton were outstanding in their positive approach to the activities and their exemplary conduct throughout the day. Mr Miller and Ms Fourie were impressed and presented a number of prizes to students and they are both looking forward to working closely with this group of students in the coming years in the ATAR course of Earth and Environmental Science.

John Maxwell Head of Humanities and Social Sciences

SOCIETY AND ENVIRONMENT

Along with other Year 10 classes, Ms Barratt’s class learned about well-being around the world and how much it can differ from country to country. The differences come from the amount and type of resources people use to meet wants and needs like food, water, clothing and shelter.

Did you know?

Australia’s Happy Planet index is 42, experienced well-being is 7:4 and the average life expectancy is 81 years.

If you lived in Botswana, Africa, the Happy Planet Index is 22:6, experienced well-being is 3:6 and the average life expectancy is 53:2 years.

Did you know?

There are programmes around the world that are supported by the Unilever Company. This company makes soap and toothpaste amongst other things.

In Cambodia, working with Oxfam the programme, Unilever helps to build clean water systems and toilets, provides water filters and promotes hygiene across 71 villages.

Homelessness can be a universal need which sees people living on the streets of a city. To help with this, in Perth, students took up the challenge to make cakes and slices to raise funds to help people in who are homeless and do not have shelter.

On Tuesday September 23, with thanks to Mums and Dads, as well as the clever cooking of students, the tables were groaning with wonderful choices.

After careful counting, a grand total of $350.40 was raised.

The monies raised will be used to purchase street swags which have been designed to provide some practical comfort for homeless people. In Term Four, students will have an opportunity to look at the swags their funds will purchase.

It was a wonderful demonstration of teamwork, enthusiasm and commitment to a cause.

Ruth Barratt Society and Environment teacher

Many hands make light work

Food

Food	Isaac Liew, Maclain Wilson, Rayhan Siregar, Jason Lai, Shane Liow, Jade Dennis

Qurat Sultana, Sabrina Low, Audrey Santoso, Jessica Darling

REMEMBRANCE DAY

On Tuesday, November 11, a number of Year 9 Society & Environment students commemorated Remembrance Day as part of their study of World War I completed earlier in the year. Various stories were told as to the significance of the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. The poem In Flanders Field was also read out. Poppies were made during class and placed them around a poster that told stories of people involved in World War 1. It was poignant way to think back and remember all those people who lost their life during conflicts.

All tutor groups were challenged to a Remembrance Day quiz to see how much students across the school knew about this significant occasion. Questions required students to identify the symbols and the historical events surrounding the day. The winning tutor group was Ms Hale’s Year 9s from a record number of entries.

Li Han Liew, Nic Ky Hew

Supina Sirisena Arachchi, Reshmita Arridhas, Aimee Chen, Natasha William, Briony Muslow-Davies, Kaylee Burnett, Kristina Muru

Remembrance posters in C 03

SOCIETY AND ENVIRONMENT STAR STUDENT

It’s the end of an era for the Society and Environment department as we farewell one of our star students. Joshua Rozells has been a significant feature in our department over the past few years as he has studied almost every subject that we offer in both year 11 and year 12. His experience in Earth Science, Economics, Geography, History and Politics & Law has given him a unique perspective on all subjects as he was able to draw on the skills and content in one subject, to support his learning in another. Josh could always be relied upon to add an extra dimension to class discussions and his ability to explore and critique all areas of History, especially Australian history, is a credit to him.

Josh has also engaged in many extra curricular activities not the least of which was three consecutive years OF involvement in the WA Law Society Mock Trial Competition where he developed skills of advocacy and inspired the younger students, and being selected to attend the National Schools' Constitutional Convention in Canberra. His passionate interest in politics brings a contemporary aspect to every discussion and debate.

Josh is a very dedicated young man with commendable values and a sincere passion for active citizenship. He is the beacon of light for anyone who has a passion for the humanities and is wondering... Is it possible to be successful at school without a maths/science background? Well, clearly the answer is yes, the standard is Josh Rozells, a champion of the Humanities and Social Sciences. This Society and Environment learning area salutes a humanities warrior and we will remember Josh for his commitment and the success he has enjoyed.

PAYING IT FORWARD

Paying it forward came for Ms Barratt’s Year10 class at the beginning of this term when Anne Moroni, Manager of Homelessness Services and Inner City Centre with UnitingCare West visited the school.

Below is part of the speech Qurat Sultana gave when handing over our cheque for use in the purchase of street swags for homeless people living in Perth.

´……As a class we decided to do something and so we held a bake sale to raise money to purchase street swags and also to raise awareness of this issue in our Perth community.

Everyone in our class contributed, whether it was setting up, baking, selling or cleaning up.

Due to the amazing effort from our class we raised $350:40 in half an hour at recess to purchase street swags, thanks to great cooking and selling skills.

To this amount, is added money raised by the Year 11 and 12 Career and Enterprise classes as part of their small business assessment. Students in those classes identified purchase of street swags as something they would like their profits used for.

Mr Maxwell, the Head of Society and Environment has also added another $150 from all Society and Environment students.

Mrs Moroni, today we would like you to accept a cheque for $840 for your organisation, Uniting Centre West, helping homeless people in Perth. "

Ruth Barratt Humanities and Social Sciences teacher

Anne Moroni with Year 10 and 11 students

Year 10 and 11 students with Anne Moroni

TECHNOLOGY AND ENTERPRISE

HOME ECONOMICS

Home Economics has been a very busy area of late. Our lower school foods classes have been learning new skills to prepare and present some amazing dishes in their classes as part of their Assessment Tasks and in their practical sessions.

Materials Design Technology, a new course introduced this year in Year 8, has been very creative making recycled chip packet pencil cases as well as wooden clocks, knitted beanies or scarves and recycled owls.

Our senior school students have also been very busy with the Prepare Produce and Provide project to prepare over 10 000 meals for the homeless, of which the Certificate II Hospitality students prepared over 500 meals that were sent to Food Bank. These students have also been making some fabulous Ginger bread houses and Mini Christmas Puddings to give to family and friends for Christmas.

YEAR 12 BREAKFAST 2014

The Year 11 Certificate II Hospitality students are an amazing group of talented young people. These students arrived at school before 6.00am on Friday October 24 to prepare, serve and clean up breakfast for the 2014 Year 12 students and teachers.

The students prepared a range of food products from chipolata sausages, caramelised onions, sweet and savoury muffins and fruit salads in a cup as well as cutting up sweet and savoury Danishes from Bakers Delight and table rolls for the sausages. Not to mention prepare iced baskets for the yoghurts and juice boxes. No task was too big or small for this energetic group. They did themselves proud!

We were very fortunate to have Mr Smirke and Mr Carmody to come along and help with the BBQ and cook the sausages. Mrs Worthington, Mr Martyr and Mr Kanganas also came along to give their support. As well, our pre-service Teacher, Miss Offermann came along to help out.

Mrs Gibson and Mrs Ialacci would like to sincerely thank our Year 11 Certificate II Hospitality class for their outstanding efforts for the breakfast this year.

THE ARTS

LOWER SCHOOL DANCE SHOWCASE

At the conclusion of each semester dance students are given the opportunity to experience performing to an audience. The Showcase gives our students the chance to perform dance skills learned during the semester and further develop confidence and performance persona.

The dance students in Years 8, 9 and 10 would appreciate and value your attendance and support at the 2014 Showcase. There are two performance showings on the evening.

Date: Thursday December 4, 2014
Venue: School Gymnasium
Time: There are TWO performance shows - 6.00 pm to 6.45 pm and 7.00 pm to 7.45 pm
Tickets: Available from the Registrar’s office a week before the performance
Cost: Gold coin donation when obtaining tickets from the registrar’s office.

See you there

MUSIC NEWS

As you are probably aware, the 2014 Canning Show was held over the weekend of October 31 and November 1. After having to cancel a performance at last year’s show, the Jazz Band and Senior Band was excited to be able to perform November 1.

It was a very warm day and we were very glad to be provided with a sun shelter to play under. Unfortunately, said shelter decided to take flight part-way through one of the Senior Band’s pieces. In true style, the students didn’t miss a beat and Mrs Templar demonstrated her dexterity by catching a pole in one hand whilst conducting with the other! This was the Senior Band’s first outing in a couple of years and they did a brilliant job.

Our Jazz Band had its first performance with vocalist, Kate Little. This was Kate’s debut performance with the Jazz Band and it was wonderful to show this diversity within the music programme. It was also good to be able to perform some new repertoire along with some of our favourite pieces. Special mention must be made of the percussionists who couldn’t fit into the shade, and to Jack Petterssen who played in both bands with a raging cold! That’s Willetton dedication and commitment!

The next event on our musical calendar is the end of year Music Concert to be held in the quadrangle on Thursday, December 11. More information will follow soon but all of the school ensembles will be performing at an afternoon soiree and we are aiming for a picnic atmosphere as the sun disappears. We hope to see you all there!

Brad Oversby Head of The Arts

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

CAREER AND ENTERPRISE

Students of Career and Enterprise have again participated in mock job interviews in 2014, with the support and expertise of our interviewers, Cate Mc Knight and David Templeman, both visitors to Willetton each year. This year approximately 95 interviews took place, each being recorded and then viewed by class teachers to assist students in improving their interview techniques.

Feedback from students included:

Jozette – I began being nervous but once it started I was comfortable with my interview being a rewarding experience
John – I enjoyed the pressure
Brooke – was good practice
Corey – bueno feedback from the interviewer

Career and Enterprise is a course which offers both the opportunity not only to achieve a good grade, but also to apply the skills and knowledge from class to achieve life goals. Student Brooke Stehn has recently been successful in interview at Best and Less Southlands, securing part time work from October. Store Manager, Ms Linda Bentley commented Brooke’s interview had been very strong and she was fitting in with the team particularly well, meeting workplace expectations and ethics. Other successful students include Justine Short and Jozette Jansen van Vuuren, applying resume and portfolio preparation knowledge and skills. The work of personal career management has been taken up by these and other students.

We wish our Career and Enterprise students success in their job hunting over the holiday break.

Students Samantha Williams and Imogen Craigie have completed work experience at Rostrata Primary School under the mentorship of teachers Ms Rebecca Peckitt and Ms Melanie Smith. These students have accumulated necessary hours toward the completion of their Certificate II in Community Services, a course developed and delivered by Mrs Jenni Hood. These students will craft a career pathway with a likely alternative entry to university completing a bridging course.

Whilst visiting our students I renewed friendship with a former student, Doa El-Youssef. Doa completed Career and Enterprise in Year 12 as part of her ATAR studies. She gained entry to Murdoch University. Resume and portfolio work completed as part of her Year 12 course became the foundation for her successful application for an internship at Parkwood Primary School in 2015. She is currently working as a relief Education Assistant at Rostrata Primary School. Another career pathway created in a different way.

Ruth Barratt Teacher in Charge: Career and Enterprise

Ms Melanie Smith, Imogen Craigie, Samantha Williams, Ms Rebecca Peckitt

Doa’ a El-Youssef

Brooke Stehn and
Ms Linda Bentley

YEAR GROUP REPORTS

YEAR 8

As I am writing this last report for the newsletter, I am wondering where the time has gone. It just seemed like yesterday that I was meeting the students at the Year 7 orientation.

I would like to thank and congratulate the students on their first successful year at high school as well as parents and guardians for supporting them through what has been a busy year. From the social events; Big Day Out, the school disco, river cruise and the upcoming Adventure World to the Year 8 immunisations and experiencing the new build around the school, to the Dance performances at the Octagon, drama performances, the forming of the committees (social, fundraising, video & photography), successful fundraising ventures with the Guide Dogs (Sean Miller- The Blindfolded Runner) and Zero to Hero.

But wait there is more, with the presentations and awards, Maths, Languages, English, merit certificates, outstanding merit awards, merit award excursions (the barbecue in Semester 1 and the upcoming reward excursion to see The Hunger Games), recognition awards, the cyber buster theatre performance, the poetry book, chess club and so many more I am sure I have missed.

Thanks must also go to all the Year 8 teachers for supporting the students in their first year of high school.

What to expect in Year 9? More social events, new teachers, new buildings and facilities, the biggest Year 9 council in history, new clubs, the school musical, dance, music and drama performances, drama club, more sporting opportunities, new memories and experiences.

My one piece of advice is for all is to get involved in many different activities around the school. You do not want to look back and have any regrets.

I wish everyone all the best in the festive season. Stay safe, and enjoy the summer break. Happy New Year to all!

Stefan Brand - Year 8 Coordinator

YEAR 9

It has been a busy year and the students are looking forward to their well earned summer break. I encourage them to have a relaxing break before the rigours of Year 10 commence. Next year will see the beginning of a more serious study load and examination process.

It is important for students to have an organised, workable study timetable and work space. Please encourage your child to prepare this if they do not already have a structured study routine and an organised desk /space to work in. Time on social media and gaming should also be monitored. Ultimately, by the student themselves, however I advise parents to keep vigilant about time spent on these notorious time wasters. Ideally computers and phones should not be in rooms when students are supposed to be in bed.

The NAPLAN results were pleasing across the board. Those few students who have not achieved Band 8 in some areas will be given extra opportunities next year to achieve the required standard.

Next year, some students will be given the opportunity to go on work experience placements. Ms Nat Greenham will be discussing this at assembly and advising which students would benefit from gaining experience in the work force. This will be an excellent opportunity for some students who are beginning to realise that higher education is not appealing or the right choice for them.

Many students have started or are looking for part time work which is a first-rate idea for increasing levels of responsibility and commitment, whilst gaining experience and obviously monetary reward. Tax File Number application forms can be obtained in Student Services and are a relatively easier option than trying to apply on line. Please remind students to gain consent from teachers before using their name as a referee on any job application form.

Orientation for the incoming students has taken place and the Year 9 Peer Leaders played a very supportive role in making this day run smoothly ensuring that future students walked away with a positive impression of Willetton SHS. I congratulate them on their efforts and look forward to working with them next year.

I received 29 councillor nominations for next year and thank all of those students for their enthusiasm and desire to represent their Year group next year. I wish them every success when voting starts in a few weeks. The outgoing council have done a great job and I thank them for all their efforts.

The River Cruise was a great success with all students having a fantastic time. Everyone was well behaved and I am sure it will be a recurrent event in coming years. I encourage you to check out the photos. Next on the social agenda is our Adventure World excursion on December 12. All students should have their permission forms. Please encourage them to buy their tickets as soon as possible. It is important that forms indicate accurately if your child is a weak or non-swimmer.

Congratulations to all Year 9 students, who as a whole, have had a very successful year across a variety of areas both in and out of school. It has been a time of physical and emotional growth and I look forward to them returning next year ready to face a new set of challenges.

Colleen Hayes Year 9 Coordinator

Year 9 River Cruise

YEAR 10

Year 10 students have been making the most of their last term as blue shirters. With Year 11 and 12 students on exams or finished for the year they have competently assumed the role of seniors! Year 10 marks the end of compulsory curriculum allowing students more freedom to tailor courses to their interests and future.

Some 2015 courses are being finalised with replies from State Training Providers regarding places in vocational courses. Congratulations to all of our budding tradies and apprentices in your placements through the FLiS and VET programs. Remember 10s, no matter what course you have chosen, being successful in the coming two years will require effort and commitment. There are no easy options!

Over the past four weeks at assembly, we have enjoyed listening to speeches by 28 potential councillors. Some serious and others very entertaining, we have heard it all! Each candidate has also had the pleasure of sitting through an interview with me. I was very impressed with each student’s ability to speak confidently in front of their peers at assembly and the manner in which they conducted themselves at a formal interview. Good luck to all candidates as we approach voting in Week 7.

Year 10 examinations were conducted in Week 6. I know that many students were nervous about sitting these exams and am sure that results will reflect the amount of effort and preparation of each individual. We were very happy to learn that a lot of students were successful in achieving acceptable results in OLNA testing in September. Congratulations to all who succeeded in this round of testing. Special foundation classes will be in place during Years 11 and 12 to assist those of you who still need to achieve OLNA. Keep trying everyone!

During Week 3, 35 Year 10 Peer Leaders did an amazing job looking after our youngest customers at the Year 7 Orientation Day. Whether it was conducting groups around to taster classes, cooking a sausage sizzle lunch, taking photos or looking after parent tours, all members of the Peer Leading team rose to the challenge. On behalf of the school, a huge thanks goes to all of the Peer Leaders.

With end of year looming we are all looking forward to our rewards excursions and socials. We are especially looking forward to a big turnout at our end of year River Cruise on December 3. A reminder to everyone that our cruise will depart from Mends Street Jetty in South Perth at 6.30pm. All students attending should be at the park in front of Mends St Jetty at 6 pm for roll call. A gold coin donation will be collected for our 2015 Relay for Life team. In anticipation of this event, thank you to the staff who will be attending making this night possible for the Year 10s.

Thank you to the 15 Year 10 Councillors who have been working hard behind the scenes on behalf of their peers. Assisting with planning and running of socials, fund raising events, discussing the pros and cons of various ideas and concepts, being spokesmen for their peers, and coordinating the ANZAC ceremony and assemblies. The enthusiasm and dedication of the group has been incredible.

Judy Gauci Year 10 Coordinator

SCHOOL BOARD NEWS

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING

The final School Board meeting for the year will be held on Thursday December 4 at 5.30pm in the school conference room. All are welcome to attend. Please contact the School Board office on 9334 7217 to register your attendance.

The AGM will be held on Monday March 23, 2015, 5.30pm in the staffroom.

DISCOUNTED HOYTS MOVIE TICKETS

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

To ensure sufficient supplies in time for the summer school holidays, please place your order with payment by Monday December 8.

Pricing as follows:

TYPE	PRICING	BOOK OF 10
Child/Senior - unrestricted	$10	$95
Student - unrestricted	$12	$110
Adult - restricted (valid Mon to Thurs)	$10	N/A
Adult - unrestricted	$14	$120
Family Book (6 child/senior + 4 adult)	$115
La Premiere –single pass	$30	N/A
La Premiere – double pass	$58	N/A

Tickets may be purchased from the bookshop on Wednesday mornings during term, or by arrangement with the School Board office. Please contact the School Board office for an order form to be emailed to you.

ATTENTION YEAR 11 AND YEAR 12 STUDENTS

Would you like to sell your textbooks when you have completed your end of year exams? The School Board will accept for sale on your behalf the following items:

• Second hand or new textbooks
• Calculators and class pads
• Study guides
• Dance shoes
• Language dictionaries

Items for sale must be placed in a bag together with the completed bookshop form and dropped off at the school front desk, bookshop or School Board office. Copies of the bookshop form may be obtained from the front office, bookshop or School Board office.

Current Year 10 students are also invited to visit the second hand bookshop to purchase your booklist requirements for 2015. Many of the textbooks are half to two thirds the price of new textbooks. Please note that due to the new WACE requirements for 2015, a limited range of Year 11 books will be available. These include textbooks for Dance, Drama, Media, Economics, English, Engineering, Literature, Modern History, Japanese, Earth & Environmental Science, Food & Nutrition, Politics & Law and Psychology.

The 2015 Year 11 and Year 12 booklists will be available from late November.

No eftpos facilities are available. Payment by cash or cheque. Cheques should be made payable to Willetton Senior High School Council, and include your driver’s licence details on the back.

The bookshop is located next to the canteen.

For further enquiries, please contact the bookshop on 9334 7282 (during trading hours) or Helen Wong on 9334 7217 or email helen.s.wong@education.wa.edu.au

SECOND HAND BOOKSHOP – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The secondhand bookshop would like to welcome any parent interested in volunteering with this great service. Training will be provided and this is a great opportunity to meet a very friendly group of volunteers! To register your interest, please contact the School Board office or pop into the bookshop during trading hours.

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 phone 9334 7217.

The School Board office is located in the Health Centre demountable at the front of the school, nearest the electronic signboard.

WILLO PARENT GROUP NEWS

WILLO PARENT GROUP MEETINGS

The Willo Parent Group meets together for parent information sessions or 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.

KAYAKING EXCURSION November 7, 2014

Friday arrived with a beautiful spring day to greet us, but alas it was not meant to be. Nevertheless, we had nine intrepid mums and dads ready to brave the Canning River on what was threatening to be a wet and overcast day. But, hey we were going to get wet anyway, so with a brave smile on our faces we took off from Riverton Bridge Park and started our journey up the river towards Kent Street Weir and the Canning River Cafe for brunch.

So, off we went, Lesley setting a blistering pace, insisting that she was directionally challenged and that she couldn’t T-bone any one from the front of the pack. A fear Susan and myself clearly didn’t share as we barreled into any one unfortunate enough to venture close. Apparently it was also a concept that hubby Gordon, found baffling…you know there are only four choices-forward, back, or turn left or right, right?

As we followed the river’s twists and turns, the divide between paddler’s skills became apparent. Poor Gail was stuck in the in-between and had to choose between trying to keep up with the breakneck speed (well, compared to some) being set at the front, or risk the erratic weaving and flailing of oars from the back of the pack.

As for navigation, apparently navigations skills were not necessary, and I swear I only got us a little bit lost! Who would have thought that when the River Gods said to stay left you actually had to stay left? Luckily we had some navigation savvy mums and dads to get us back on track, and after much discussion and turning of maps Tanya and Darren with a bit of help from Sharon, our self confessed control freak, finally got us back on course.

It took us a little under the hour (apparently this equated to a very slow pace) to arrive at the cafe, with wet bums all round. Or in Christina’s case, wet almost everything! After a relaxing brunch and a few giggles (from the ladies of course as real men apparently don’t giggle), we jumped back onto our kayaks and set our sights back to home. By this time everyone, with the exception of perhaps Susan and myself, seemed to have mastered the art of paddling and travelling in a straight line. We arrived back at the cars in the early afternoon with a few blisters, sore shoulders, even wetter bums, and a satisfied smile on our faces!

By the amount of let’s do this again, I would say that the day was a great success.

Dawn Grady Willo parent

Willo Parent Group Kayaking

Parents and community members of
Willetton Senior High School
are invited to

Christmas Lunch

Hosted by: Willo Parent Group
When: Friday December 5 2014
Where: Willetton SHS Staff Room
Time: 12 noon to 1.00pm

Wear your Christmas reds or greens and bring a plate of food to share.

If you wish to take part, please also bring a wrapped Secret Santa present up to $5 value.

Please RSVP your attendance to willoparent@gmail.com by December 3 and let us know if you are bringing a sweet or savoury dish

CHRISTMAS LUNCH December 5

The final Willo Parent Group meeting for the year will be the Christmas lunch held on Friday December 5, 12 noon in the staffroom. A special invitation to our 2015 Year 7 and Year 8 parents to join us for a festive meal! More details in the flyer.