27 June 2018

Editor: Jenny LeSouef
Technology: Nola Regan

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

As many of you may be aware our planning for 2019 has begun.

Timetable, and therefore staffing are dependent on student subject choice. Staff recruitment for 2019 has commenced but will not be finalised until the timetable is determined.

In senior school (Year 11 and 12) we are trialling a new computer based system titled SSO; Subject Selection Online. This change in procedure is due to a variety of factors, some of which are the need for transparency, accuracy and equity.

We have always maintained that past achievement is the best predictor of future success when students are choosing their courses, and have recently conducted considerable research into the levels of correlation between Year 10 results and those at the end of Year 11 and 12.

Our SSO computer program then presents them as a prerequisite to enrolment in a subject.

In this way, we hope to avoid the family stress and anxiety which comes from subject choices which can set students up to experience difficulties. We do of course realise that there can be exceptional circumstances and counselling will be available for these students.

We have outstanding teachers who give their all to our students, and have skills and abilities which are worthy of recognition. This year, under the auspices of the School Board and nominated by Heads of Learning Area, we are entering two staff members in the annual WA Education Awards in the category of Beginning Teacher of the Year (teachers who have taught up to three years). We wish Amie Yost (Mathematics) and Erina Araki McKenzie (Japanese) the success they deserve.

Year 10, 11 and 12 examinations are now completed and we now move forward to the next important phase of the examination process to ensure a successful Semester 2. Students will analyse and evaluate their development, strengths and areas needing extra attention, and staff will consider the success of their teaching strategies and progress towards our Business Plan targets.

I wish all students, parents and staff a safe and happy holiday and look forward to the continuation of our 2018 educational journey.

Chris Booth

BOARD CHAIR REPORT

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Come winter, comes our music showcase, this year themed A festival of Ensemble Music. It was fantastic to see our budding musicians along with the ever faithful support of their families. We were kept entertained by our diligent MCs Leo Ngu Year 12 and Agastya Bakshi Year 10 between performances and I did see some performers sneak smiles to their families despite their nerves. I am always amazed at how talented the students are as well as the diversity of talent. Thank you again to the big team behind the performance who made this a very enjoyable evening; our teachers, Cert II, III Music and Creative Industries and Cert II Creative Industries students, and Front of House team (who braved the cold and windy conditions to greet us with a smile).

Recently, an expression of interest was released calling for community representatives to Board positions. This year we had three extremely competitive expressions of interest submitted and we decided that all three individuals would play a very important role in supporting the Board in its functions over the next 12 months. We welcome back Trudi McGlade and extend a welcome to new members and former students Sarah Borg and Shezah Arif. We also thank the outgoing community representative, Kailee Marshall, who has provided three years of service to the Board. Kailee, also a former student was committed to continue to support the Willetton Alumni and was valuable providing her insights as a past student. We wish Kailee all the best in her new endeavours.

You would have all received an email about the Board Levy prize on offer. The Board has been fortunate to be in receipt of these great prizes which are being offered as an incentive to pay the Levy by the end of Term 2 (June 29). We especially thank our donors: a family donation, Uniform Concepts, Collins Booksellers and Chatime. These levies help fund many projects around the school that benefit our students. At our last meeting the Board approved the purchase of waterproof sails to provide sun and rain protection to four outdoor areas around the school for students during their breaks and we look forward to their installation later this year.

June marks a time where our Year 10s are contemplating their senior school subjects. This is an exciting and confusing time for both students and parents. It also involves thinking beyond school life to what students might want to do post-secondary, which can be quite daunting, particularly if they have no idea. Coming from a tertiary background, I like to reassure students (and parents) that there are now so many pathways for further education and employment that the key to success lies with tackling subjects that are enjoyable and most importantly achievable. Life really is just one long learning journey adapting to new experiences, challenges and different people.

This selection process has also highlighted what a wonderful school Willetton is. I and a colleague at work both have children going through this Year 11 subject selection process, hers a prestigious private school. The information and support she has been provided pales in comparison to that which is offered by our Student Services and once again reminds me how fortunate we are to have so many strong educational pathways (ATAR, VET and General) within the school that endeavour to provide every child an opportunity for success.

The end of June marks the midpoint of our year, half way through the academic calendar and a well-earned break for students, teachers and parents (no early morning lunch preparation for two weeks!). I would also like to thank our Board members, both parents and teachers, who volunteer their time not only for each meeting, but also in responding to emails and coordinating matters outside of our usual sessions, with an aim to enhance the educational environment in which our kids learn. On behalf of the School Board, we hope that you all have a relaxing and safe break, and come back rested and ready to tackle the second half of the year.

Dr Paola Chivers Board Chair

All young people are loved and safe, have material basics, are healthy, are learning and participating and have a positive sense of identity and culture.’ ARACY The Nest vision.

HEAD BOY AND HEAD GIRL REPORT

First and for most we would like to congratulate all the Year 12s, 11s and 10s for completing their first set of exams for 2018. It is not easy sitting still for three hours and rambling on about enzymes or hydrogen bonds, but nevertheless we all pulled through in the end. As for the lower school students, they all also had your hardships whether it is the lower school drama showcase that took place on June 11 or the organisation of your various socials.

But now with the Semester 1 exams out the way, we can turn our focus back towards the various projects going on around the school. These include the new school uniform design, the implementation of the food scrap bins as well as the Green Batch plastic recycling bins around the school grounds and let’s not forget redesigning the school’s cultural infographic. All of these projects are making great progress and hopefully we see the end result of them soon enough.

Lastly, before we head off we would like to say that even though doing well in your high school career is important, it is equally important to take care of yourself. We all have different methods of doing so may it range from reading or through exercise, Use these upcoming holidays to work on yourself and come back feeling refreshed and ready for the new term.

Josephine Santoso and Nikita Tcherkashnev

GENERAL

CONGRATULATIONS

SOPHIE DORAN

Sophie Doran Year 12 has been selected to represent Western Australia in the 18s Basketball team to compete in School Sport Australia National Championships in Darwin in August.

KARTIKEYA DASHORA

Congratulations to Kartikeya Dashora for composing a poem called The Koala which was published in Oz Kids in Print, a magazine that showcases the writing of talented primary and secondary school students. This is the second year in a row that Kartikeya has had a poem published in Oz Kids in Print, which is a fantastic effort.

Belinda Rowe English Teacher

INTERACT NEWS

As Semester 1 draws to close, we are thrilled to report that Interact’s efforts for the first half of 2018 have sparked important and positive change for the Australian charity Capes4Kids.

Throughout this semester, Interactors volunteered their time and effort to drive a multitude of fundraising projects, including the Mother’s Day Fundraiser at Southlands, the Hot Cross Bun Stall and Easter Raffle at school, and Multicultural Week. From these fundraisers alone, we have raised in excess of $2000 which will go directly back into the community to provide aid on both a local and international scale.

Currently, the club is in the process of selecting and voting on an international charity that we will support throughout the second half of 2018. The selection involves 10 Interactors who will pitch different charities to the club, which all members will then have an opportunity to vote on. Potential charities include Human Rights Watch, The Hunger Project, Thankyou Company, Plan International and End Polio. We are excited both to discover where our focus for Semester 2 lies, and to begin planning for our fundraising efforts in Term 3.

I would like to give a massive thank you to all Interact members for your ongoing support and dedication to both Interact and the fantastic causes we support. I am glad to report that we currently have over 50 consistent members whose efforts throughout Semester 1 have been outstanding and vital to the club’s successes throughout 2018.

Mihan De Silva Interact Club President.

RYPEN CAMP

Emily Ong, Interact Club member, was sponsored by Willetton Rotary Club to attend a recent weekend leadership camp.

On May 18, I travelled 45 minutes to the Serpentine Baptist Camp for RYPEN (Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment) camp. During this camp, all participants engaged in multiple team-building and self-development games. I was placed with an awesome team, with seven other students and two leaders. I thoroughly enjoyed the team-building games we played on the first night (not mentioned to keep the mysterious spirit of the camp alive) and the tunnels and flying fox on the second day.

I went in knowing two people, and came out with 30 friends and 20 contacts! RYPEN helped me to develop and challenge myself mentally, physically and socially. Other campers were cool, cooperating and encouraging. If I could, I would definitely go again, but you can only go once. I would recommend RYPEN to all students and I hope to attend RYLA in University!

Thank you so much to Willetton Rotary for sponsoring me to attend RYPEN, the camp organisers and leaders, participants and everyone else who was involved with the greatness that RYPEN camp brings.

Emily Ong Year 9

Living Child founder and CEO Sara David told Interact Club of how moneys raised have helped change the lives of women and babies in remote Papua New Guinean villages

MEN’S HEALTH WEEK

The Wellbeing Committee held their second event for the year to celebrate Men’s Health Week. Students and staff combined to create an expo that had stalls in the main quadrangle to promote literature and awareness for Men’s physical health, LGBTQ+ issues, Headspace and Act Belong Commit activities. Guest speakers included a RAC presentation to Year 12s on the issues of alcohol, drugs and driving. The beer goggle activity was illuminating!

Shane McCarthy is a Perth writer, who most notably wrote for Batman, Dead pool and All Hail Megatron. He is the creator of the Transformer character Drift. Shane spoke about the importance of creativity in writing and expressing ideas as a male. He spoke about his own writing journey. All students and staff gave very positive feedback about his talk.

Donna Gardiner Manager Student Services

A tweet posted from Shane McCarthy about the day

GIFTED AND TALENTED

YEAR 8 GIFTED AND TALENTED HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

During Semester 1, Year 8 Gifted and Talented students created models of cities that could survive a range of natural disasters such as cyclones, tsunamis, floods, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Their models incorporated a wide range of city design and technological strategies to reduce the potential impact of tectonic movements and extreme weather events. Some of the students elected to create physical models and others chose to use computer programs to generate their disaster-proof cities.

Ms Chow Teacher HaSS

THE ARTS

THE ARTS NEWS

Term 2 is nearly over and The Arts students and staff are breathing big sighs of relief.

For the whole school this is a term which starts with a jog and by week three, we are all sprinting to remain on the tight and narrow schedule. This term has had lower and senior school performances in every discipline; Dance, Drama, Music, Media and Visual Art.

There have been Year 12, 11 and 10 exams in both practical and written, a Dance festival, Music winter concerts and Drama festivals where parents have been very supportive of their students. Art exhibitions, Media excursions to Channel 9, Drama and Dance shows by professional performers have enriched and created a learning platform for our young minds. The String Ensemble’s performance at the Burrendah Primary School was a wonderful opportunity and positive experience for the Willetton students and the youthful ears of our young audience members.

BIG thanks and loud applause must be given to the teachers who work so hard to give an enriching learning experience to those students who embrace the Arts. Every one of them plays a crucial part in The Arts team and is vital in the turning of this large creative wheel in Willetton High School education. Recognition to specialist music teachers, the external companies and individuals, and the professional contractors who quietly enter our school on a day to day basis makes a difference to our students learning.

THANK YOU for your expertise, time and dedication.

CREATIVE EVENT MAY 16

It was an informative and reflective evening about where education stands presently and what should be encouraged with our students to prepare them for the work force and the 21st century.

Doctor Christine Cunningham, Andrew Porter and Shanii Austin were articulate and passionate speakers who each presented viewpoints sustained by evidence for consideration by the audience made up of parents, students and staff.

Each speaker was passionate about their area of expertise, but the overall consensus was the creative thinking, critical thoughts, collaborative and communication skills that are focused and developed by students participating in the Arts.

Thank you to the three guest speakers whose contributed to the success of the evening and the audience who responded with relevant questions.

Cheryl Venter Head of Learning Area The Arts

Special speakers Dr Christine Cunningham, Andrew Porter and Shanii Austin at the Creativity Event

MUSIC NOTES

It has been a busy end to the term for students in the Music Program, with extra rehearsals, Year 11 and 12 performance exams, and our big Semester 1 concert.

Our concert was a great success, with an almost full house enjoying hearing the fruits of many hours of practise and rehearsal.

Congratulations to the conductors and members of the following ensembles for being part of the night: Senior Concert Band (Mrs Templar), Junior Concert Band (Mr Robbie) Senior and Junior Classical Guitar Ensemble (Mr Bonini) Choir (Mr Huxley) and Percussion Ensemble (Mr Robbie).

Junior String Orchestra, with Mr Tooby conducting, performed last week at Burrendah Primary School, wowing the audience with their dynamic contrast and musicality.

Pip Peake Music Teacher

Junior Classical Guitar Ensemble members enjoy some downtime following their performance at the recent Music Concert

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

YEAR 7 – 9 TOUCH FOOTBALL

On Thursday June 7, a group of Year 7 to 9 boys and girls participated in the annual School Sport Touch Tournament at George Burnett Park in Manning.

The weather was very cold and bleak, however all the students were real troopers and managed to successfully play all their pool games in the rain without issue. Due to a southern metropolitan girls’ team withdrawing from the competition, the Willetton girls’ team was split into two teams to enable them to play more games. Unfortunately, despite a win in their respective pools, neither the girls or the boy’s teams were able to qualify for the semi-finals.

It was a fabulous day, with all the Willetton students displaying great sportsmanship and ball skills out on the field. There was much cheering and support from the sidelines and much fun was had by all. There was some sore legs the next day, and many students would have gone home to a long, hot shower to defrost after the coldest day in Perth for seven years.

Ms Greenham and Ms Fapani Coaches

Junior Boys and Girls Touch Teams

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCE

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR CANBERRA TRIP

Following another successful Humanities Tour to Sydney and Canberra in 2017, Mr Toohey, Ms Hale and Mr Johnson are preparing for the 2018 event. Our students will be undertaking an education tour of the national capital at the end of Term 2. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs that focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy. An exciting addition this year will be the Sydney Jewish Museum.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the costs of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing $240 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon the completion of the excursion.

Pictured below some of this year’s excited attendees!

Marg Hale HaSS Teacher

ECONOMICS CLASS GOES INTO PRODUCTION

During Semester 1, Ms Chow’s Year 12 Economics class put down their books and put on their gloves to apply economic theory to the production of novelty biscuits. The class experimented with a number of specialised labour, capital and managerial techniques in order to improve their multi-factor productivity. Once finished, they all happily ate the product of their labours.

Ms Chow Economics Teacher

Ms Chow’s Year 12 Economics class with their novelty biscuits

SPINNING WHEEL DEMONSTRATION

The Year 9s are studying the Industrial Revolution at the moment and one class was treated last week when Education Assistant, Yvonne Wade brought her spinning wheel to school. She demonstrated to the students how wool was spun prior to the Industrial Revolution in the days of cottage industry. As well as being fascinated by the process of turning wool into yarn occurring right before their eyes, the Year 9s also enjoyed examining samples of different kinds of wool.

Marg Hale HaSS Teacher

LANGUAGES

STUDYING A LANGUAGE - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Each year, students ask important questions about enrolling in Years 11 and 12 Languages courses. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions.

Question

Will studying a Language at Year 11 and 12 level be difficult?

Yes, Year 11 and Year 12 will require motivation and commitment to your studies. You have been practicing the skills for Language learning for at least the last three years, so you know what it’s like. It will take more of your time and the consequences of whether you devote time and effort to studying will be clearly apparent. If you have succeeded in Year 10, then you do have the skill. Getting a high grade will demand persistence, commitment and perseverance. The rewards will be worth it!

Question

Will I be disadvantaged if I do not have a background or am not a native speaker?

No. Native speakers are not allowed to take the second language courses. Willetton students have often scored 100% in their speaking exams.

Question

Are Languages scaled?

Yes, all Courses are scaled – usually up or down approximately 5%. However, scaling is based on the student population and complexity of the examination in each particular year. So this historical data is not relevant to you making a decision in this case.

However, all students entering universities across Australia will receive a 10% bonus on your ATAR.

If you receive a TEA of 274 (based on your top four scaled scores) and you received 70% for your Language, then your TEA will go up to 281. This will move your ATAR up approximately 2 marks i.e. from 88.5 to 90.5.

Question

What advantages will I have over other students if I study a Language?

• You will be eligible to apply for employment overseas and be more likely to succeed.
• You will have an extra ‘edge’ in the market place for employability
• You will have two critical and highly sought after skills on your resume – the ability to speak another language AND understand and engage with another culture. The latter skill has been described as the currency of our future in Australia!
• You will be a member of a better prepared a global economy, building and sustaining international relations

Question

Can I study a Language and still have the pre-requisite to enter Engineering, for example?

Yes. You meet the pre-requisites for Engineering at UWA and Curtin University, if you study:

• Mathematics
• English
• Language (+LOTE bonus)
• Chemistry
• Physics
• One other

Question

Will our teachers help us to succeed?

Yes, you know the teachers. They are part of the best Language team in Western Australia. They have experience, they know you how you learn, they love teaching and are available for conversation classes and support after school hours. Many of the team are WACE examiners and have won awards or been recognised by the profession for their work.

Question

What can I do with a Language post high school?

There are many pathways with a Language: Just to mention a few….

Tertiary Studies

• UWA (European and Asian Languages) towards a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Science, Law Degree, Education Degree

An exciting feature of UWA’s Undergraduate Degrees is the broadening units. At least one of these must be one with a global or cultural focus. Studying a Language (not English) meets the broadening unit requirement.

• Murdoch University – Asian Languages or Asian Studies Degree – combined with
• Law, Business, Media Studies, Education, Tourism, Politics or International Studies (this degree includes one year overseas placement – you really become fluent!)
• Curtin University – Asian Languages – combined with Creative Writing, Journalism, Performance Studies, Web Media & Mass Communication, Education, International Relations
• TAFE – Applied Linguistics – combined with Hospitality and Tourism, Business Management, Recruitment, Fashion and Design
• Travel and get work overseas – teaching, hospitality, tourism
• Part-time work – retailing, hospitality, tourism
• Study abroad
• Work - students with a Language have often been selected into these professions on the basis of their Language skills - nursing, the police force, the army, hairdressing, fashion, design, hospitality, tourism and mining.

A MESSAGE FROM THE EMPLOYERS OF AUSTRALIA

Employer groups and professional associations have repeatedly emphasised the need for graduates to be equipped with broader knowledge and skills to prepare them for a rapidly changing international workplace, a globalised and culturally diverse world.

Nathan Harvey Head of Learning Area Languages

YEAR 6 JAPANESE ACADEMIC EXTENSION PROGRAM

As part of our role as a Lead Language School, we are again offering the opportunity for Year 6 students to join the Japanese Academic Extension Program. The program takes place on campus at Willetton SHS where students can access specialist facilities and the expertise of the Japanese language teachers. This opportunity is only available to students from our partner primary schools.

Our program supports federal goals of increasing the number of students graduating from secondary school with competence in an Asian language.

Classes take place from 8.30-9.30am each Monday. Students are chosen on recommendation by their Year 6 class teacher, based on the following criteria; an above average level of academic achievement, an interest in Japanese language and culture and a good attendance record.

Students who are selected for this program will gain entry to the Japanese language extension program in Year 7 2019 (upon satisfying normal enrolment requirements to WSHS). If they maintain exemplary results in high school, they will remain in the extension pathway in Years 8 and 9. The positive outcome is that they will gain additional intellectual stimulation and have the benefit of an accelerated pathway to excellent results in Year 11 and 12 Japanese. This will give students advanced standing compared to other students.

Mrs Yumi Sales Year 6 Japanese Coordinator

RESCOURE UNIT

YEAR 8 GARDENING AND MEAL PREPARATION

CLASSES

These wonderful students have been busy these past few terms, growing wonderful produce and caring for their garden, then cooking wonderful meals using some of the produce to enjoy sharing the end results together.

The students cleaned out our very messy shed to organise it so it is easier functioning and well laid out.

YEAR 9 GARDENING AND MEAL PREPARATION CLASSES

SCIENCE

A CASE FOR CONSPIRACY

Some lower school Science classes had an opportunity to participate in a forensic incursion presented by Education Interactive. Under the guidance of the presenter, they used different techniques to solve a real crime.

Charissa Haning and Mita Munshi Science Techers

Clues given to solve the murder including blood and DNA clues and materials recovered from the murder scene

Rajandeep Tanday (Year 9) trying out a body bag used in forensic investigations

L to R: Luke Butera, Sean Hutchison, Joel Forbes and Elijah Bassett-Scarfe posing as forensic investigators

Far to near: Yoganavel Kanagarajah, Zane Bartholimeusz, Jet Wong and Xavier Poh using digital technology to solve the crime

SOUND AND AN INSIGHT INTO ONE PARENT’S CAREER AS A NOISE CONSULTANT!

Mrs Smith’s Year 9 Science classes have recently studied sound as a form of energy. Included in this topic was the effect on our hearing of exposure to prolonged loud sounds.

One class was lucky enough to have Cooper Donovan show us some of the sound equipment (expensive!) used in his mother’s acoustics company that monitors noise levels at concerts and other events where loud speakers are in use. Ms Ireland (Cooper’s mother) is a noise consultant having completed a degree in Environmental Engineering specialising in Acoustics.

Cooper presented interesting and informative facts about his mother’s company and demonstrated how the equipment is used to monitor and interpret the noise levels at different events. Her company attends many concerts around Australia monitoring the noise levels.

Cooper Donovan Year 9

One of the acts being monitored at Groovin the Moo held recently in Bunbury

WHY MONITORING NOISE LEVELS IS IMPORTANT TO OUR HEALTH

Young people today enjoy listening to music through headphones and earphones, so they can listen to loud music and not disturb others. Health experts are worried that this can lead to hearing loss at a much younger age than was previously considered normal for age-related hearing loss.

The best advice is if your neighbour sitting next to you can hear the sound and sing along to it, then it is doing you damage said Ms Ireland.

Many thanks to Cooper and Ms Ireland for the presentation. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to find about one of the many different career opportunities available to them.

For students interested in a career in acoustics; visit the Association of Australasian Acoustical Consultants website or the Australian Acoustical Society website below:

Noleen Smith Science Teacher

TECHNOLOGIES

YEAR 10 CREATIVE DESIGNER CLASS

The Year 10 Creative Designer class were on a mission to remind Australia to slip slop slap in the sun. By creating original designs using the Technology Departments awesome tool kit, students were tasked with creating graphics for custom flip flops with a message related to being sunsmart. They then had to heat press their designs onto blank templates ready to wear.

Jayden Feng has come up with this amazing idea to remind us to wear sunscreen

The Design Team

YEAR 9

CHARITY WORK

In Semester 1, the Year 9 Leadership team have had two charity bake sales. The two charities we have supported are Zonta House and The Harry Perkins Institute. Alise Wilton brought female domestic violence to our attention, and she wanted to support Zonta House. Tanaya Kickett wanted to raise money so that The Harry Perkins Institute could do deeper research into finding ways to prevent illnesses.

The first charity that we had a bake sale for was Zonta House. Zonta house’s mission is to improve the lives of women and their families who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing family and domestic violence. We had Ella Kent from Zonta House come into our assembly to talk about how she and her team are helping these women and their families. Thanks to Alise, the leadership team raised $440 for Zonta House.

The Harry Perkins Institute’s mission is to conduct innovative research that translates into lasting health benefits. We had Cate Leedman from The Harry Perkins Institute come into another one of our assemblies to talk about what happens at The Harry Perkins Institute. Thanks to Tanaya, the leadership team managed to raise $296 for The Harry Perkins Institute.

Faith Campbell Year 9 Student Councillor

NAPLAN

NAPLAN was held between Week 3 and Week 4 for Year 7s and Year 9s. This year was the first year doing it online. Students were assigned to a particular room and time according to their surname. How NAPLAN went varied from each student. Some found it hard, some found it easy. Everyone is glad it’s over but we’ll have to wait for the results to come back to actually be happy.

The lightning carnival for the Year 9s was on Wednesday June 20. The sports were basketball, netball, AFL and soccer. A lot of Year 9 students participated in this event.

The Year 9 council has a charity event coming up on the Thursday June 28. We have decided to let kids get back their teachers for all the hard word they make us do. THE REVENGE OF THE STUDENTS!!! During this event, we will pour water on eight lucky teachers’ heads. With each target amount of money raised, we'll add something in. For instance, if we first dump lukewarm water on their heads, and we raise enough to reach a target, we'll then add freezing cold or ice water. All proceeds from the event goes towards Beyond Blue. Beyond Blue is an independent non-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other related mental disorders.

Aleena Shaji Year 9 Councillor

YEAR 10

DUKE OF EDINBURGH BRONZE AWARD

Last year I completed my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. This involved volunteering, participating in sport and learning skills. I volunteered at the local council toy library, which was an incredible experience that helped me gain several life skills. The last challenge to complete the award was the adventurous journey to the Conto’s campground situated near Margaret River, which was perhaps the highlight of my Duke of Ed experience as I was able to take part in activities, such as caving, that I had never done before. I was able to make new friends and meet new people as part of this and had a fantastic time camping and caving for the weekend.

I had a great time completing my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award and the experiences I gained from it were enriching. I highly recommend Duke of Ed to anyone.

Amy Mercer Year 10

Graduating students of 2015, presented by Rachel Foster, youngest ever Gold award recipient and former student

ELEVATE EDUCATION: ACE YOUR EXAMS

In May, over half of all Year 10 students attended Elevate Education’s Ace Your Exams seminar after school. The seminar was held three weeks prior to the commencement of the Year 10 exams, which gave students sufficient time to implement the strategies that were proposed throughout the talk. The program involved a range of tips and suggestions to improve exam preparation and performance, both providing students with new study skills that they could use to pin-point the areas which they struggle with the most, as well as a few exam-room tricks to help relieve stress and manage time effectively during an exam. Towards the end of the seminar, students were also given access to the Elevate Education Student Portal, which has hundreds of resources to help students prepare for their exams and achieve better results.

The seminar was extremely beneficial in terms of improving study habits in the weeks leading up to our first lot of exams, by providing insight into studying more efficiently and studying the right content in the right way. The skills we acquired from this experience will be invaluable as we continue our studies into senior school. I am grateful to have had this opportunity and I thank all of the staff from Elevate Education who took the time to come and present this seminar to the Year 10 students of Willetton. They were very knowledgeable, engaging and entertaining, and the program was extremely motivating and useful to our cohort.

Jack Killoh Year 10

CAREER EXPO 2018, PERTH EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION CENTRE

In May, the Year 10 students travelled to the Perth Convention Centre to the annual careers exhibition. There were many stalls with information from universities, other tertiary education providers and future options for after school life for us to explore. It gave us an opportunity to ask questions of course entry requirements, what courses are on offer and much more.

When we arrived we were given a UWA bag and ushered inside. We were at the Careers Expo for roughly an hour and a half. Whilst there, students had the opportunities to ask questions to the different life choices after school. This gave students the opportunities to further expand their knowledge and help clarify courses they need to pursue in Years 11 and 12 to help give them the best chances to achieve their aspirations for post school.

With exam scores just coming back and course selections looming ahead, this really helped define ideas for students as to whether ATAR was what they needed or maybe something along the lines of a Vocational Education and Training course.

Overall the day was an amazing experience for all, with many opportunities for us to explore life after graduation.

Andrew Liang and Taine Mitchell Year 10

YEAR 11

YEAR 11 COORDINATOR’S REPORT

SEMESTER ONE EXAMS ARE FINISHED!

The results are in, and the Semester 1 reports will be out shortly. The new online system for selecting Year 12 subjects will be live soon with information being provided on how to access the program. All students will be required to select their Year 12 subjects even if they are continuing with the same ones from Year 11.

YEAR 11 DINNER DANCE THURSDAY JUNE 14

It was a brilliant evening at the East Fremantle Sailing Club. 194 Year 11s took to the dance floor and looked absolutely fabulous. It is now less than nine months to our school ball and if the Dinner Dance is anything to go by the ball will be a great success.

SCHOOL BALL AND LEAVERS JACKET PLANNING FOR 2019

The councillors are working hard on the design for the leavers’ jacket and are currently organising the theme for the ball. The first two leavers jacket designs have been modified based on student input and shortly a link will be posted on connect for students to have their say about the new designs.

The school ball themes for students to vote on are Great Gatsby, Arabian Nights and Enchanted Forest. Pictures of what these themes may look like will be posted and students will be able to vote on their preferred theme.

Most information is now placed on Connect so please stay tuned for regular updates and event information.

Wishing all students a great term break and a reminder that they return to school on Tuesday July 17.

Andrea Wheeler Year 11 Coordinator

SCHOOL BOARD NEWS

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS

The next School Board meeting will be held on Wednesday August 1, 2018 in the conference room. A list of Board meetings for this year can be found on the school website, under the School Board information. All are welcome.

SCHOOL BOARD LEVY PRIZES

The School Board levy that you pay goes towards funding many projects around the school to enhance our students’ educational learning. As a bonus for paying your Board levy in full by the end of Term 2 (June 29), you will go into the draw to win one the following prizes:

• $500 Crown gift card to be used towards accommodation and restaurants
• $100 voucher from Uniform Concepts
• $50 voucher from Collins Booksellers
• $50 drink vouchers from Chatime

So don’t forget to make your payment before the end of term.

SCHOOL BOARD COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES

It is with great pleasure that the Board has appointed three community representatives to join the Board for the next 12 months. The calibre of applicants received was very high and we are pleased to have members of the community so keen to contribute to our school. We look forward to working with them and benefiting from their expertise.

WE INTRODUCE:

We would also like to thank Kailee Marshall for her valued contribution in her role as a community representative over the last three years. Kailee has stepped down due to work commitments, and we wish Kailee all the best in her future pursuits.

SCHOOL TOURS

School tours can now be booked through the school website:

ENTERTAINMENT BOOK FUNDRAISER

The 2018/2019 Entertainment Books are now available to purchase through the School Board. For enquiries, please contact Helen Wong on helen.s.wong@education.wa.edu.au or make a purchase at the website below. Books are available for collection immediately (during school term), and digital memberships can also be activated for use immediately.

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

SECOND HAND BOOKSHOP SALE

The bookshop has a large range of textbooks which are no longer on the current booklist, but still make excellent resource material priced from $2.00 each!

These include books for Maths, English, Physics, Chemistry, Human Biology, Economics, Psychology, Politics and Law, Drama and Media. The bookshop is open each Wednesday from 9am to 11.30am during school term. Come and pick up a bargain.

HOW TO CONTACT THE SCHOOL BOARD OFFICE

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

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

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD SUCCEED: CONFESSIONS OF A FORMER WILLO STUDENT

It was an insightful morning for parents, as they heard from former student Marcus Wong on his tips on how to maximise success; thinking beyond the academics and embracing a healthy balance between study and community involvement. Parents also benefited by hearing about a useful app called Cold Turkey, to help stay focussed on tasks when surrounded by endless social media distractions.

COFFEE MORNING – mark this in your diary now