29 May 2020

Editor: Jenny LeSouef
Technology: Nola Regan

Newsletter Articles

GIFTED AND TALENTED

YEAR 7 - USING TECHNOLOGY

Mrs Kalotay’s Year 7 Gifted and Talented students have been learning algebra and linear functions. With many students learning from home at the beginning of this term, much of the in class learning was presented online. The class used Quizizz to answer algebra questions, completed graphing activities on oneNote and explored linear functions on Desmos.

Mathematics with technology

Student’s thoroughly enjoyed the Desmos activity which required them to change a linear equation to position a line on the screen. They then launched a ball which falls onto their line and rolls down to collect all the stars on the screen. If the ball does not collect all the stars, they have to change the equation which will change the position of the line.

Gunata Yau Jin Cheong and Moses Tassell

YEAR 8 HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

During Semester 1, Year 8 Gifted and Talented students studied many of the tectonic and atmospheric forces responsible for the damage and destruction of the environment and loss of lives each year.

During the last couple of weeks of term, while many of the students were at home in isolation, they set about creating models of cities that could withstand 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.

Jenny Chow
Humanities and Social Sciences Teacher

YEAR 8 SCIENCE

In Science, we’ve been identifying plants through dichotomous keys and using the school grounds to spot various species of trees to help learn the structure of the bud, fruit and flower. We’ve also been using cameras and the lightbox in our classroom to take detailed images of assorted plants including the Eucalyptus erythrocorys, meaning well hidden, red helmet representing its red operculum.

Imogen Elson and Madison Evans Year 8

We have also been studying and photographing the different bird species located around our school, including the Phylidonyris novaaeehollandiae more commonly known as the New Holland Honeyeater. These birds are often found living together in noisy groups and enjoy feeding in our native gardens. Also, thanks to the library for purchasing bird books for Mr Hamley, which have tremendously helped our class in our studies.

Sarina Hashemi and Oadira Anam, Year 8

Photograph by Sarina Hashemi

GEL ELECTROPHORESIS IN YEAR 10 SCIENCE

Some tuna fishermen were suspected of catching whales instead of tuna. There is an international law to protect whales so the students’ task was to test the DNA samples (in the form of dyes) provided to identify the type of fish being caught.

M Munshi Science Teacher

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCE

ONLINE PHILOSOPHY

Our Year 12 Philosophy and Ethics students were recently treated to an online university philosophy lecture. Through the medium of WebEx Dr Chris Letherby, a University of Western Australia lecturer and philosopher of mind and cognitive science gave a presentation on The Philosophy of Science focussing on scientific realism vs anti realism.

The class thoroughly enjoyed the sample of what many will experience when they pursue their tertiary studies next year.

Some of their comments ….

It was really engaging and great to have a fresh perspective.

Benjamin Kezic

It was really good fun! Even though he wasn’t in the room, he was really in touch with us.

Louis Kuppers

Dr Letheby gave a beautifully structured and topical presentation on scientific realism and anti-realism. It really resonated.

Ivan Liew

Isobel Stevenson Philosophy and Ethics Teacher

Our philosophising students

WATER CORPORATION SCHOOL TALKS

Last term our Years 7, 8 and 10 HaSS students enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about different aspects of water as a resource during a school visit from the Water Corporation. Ms Megan Brown, former WSHS student and now Support Officer - Customer Education at the Water Corporation, discussed a number of topics that support our Geography courses. The Year 7 students learnt more about Perth’s major water sources and the protection and treatment process of each. The Year 8 students investigated various threats to the sustainability of Perth’s major water sources, and the Year 10s discussed securing our water supply for the future.

Joy Fourie HaSS Teacher

FROM OUR STUDENTS

Year 10 students had the opportunity to attend an informative water talk hosted by the Water Corporation. The talk lasted for about an hour and since water is a non-renewable resource, the talk educated students mainly about the importance of water conservation strategies. We also learned a myriad of new information such as how to save water at our school and home, and also how to secure water for our future usage.

Interactive quizzes in pairs was also part of the talk. The quiz questions were absolutely challenging; however, it was definitely fun to take part in answering the mini quiz. Props such as sedimentary rocks were utilised in order to enhance our understanding regarding the discussed topic. We also gained a lot of knowledge about trivia regarding water consumption in Perth.

At the end of the day, the Water Corporation gifted everyone a mini hourglass. The hourglasses were given to provide the recommended time to take a daily shower and to promote water saving initiatives.

As a conclusion, the Water Talk managed to educate and raise awareness among the students to save water. As a year 10 student of Willetton Senior High School, I hope more interesting and educational talks such as this water conservation talk will be held in the future.

Amani Fakhirah Binti Azlan Year 10

The Water Corporation talk was very educating and interesting. At the end of the session, I learnt a lot about how much water we use on a daily basis and how much water we end up wasting. It was eye-opening and informative and the presenter was very friendly. She used a lot of real-life examples during her speech which helped me understand her points better. It definitely made me think about how much water I was using and made me think about preserving water as it is a very valuable source

Bethany Koh Year 10

The presentation was very informative and useful on how we can use different water sources differently. I enjoyed that we had remotes to put in answers to multi-choice questions; it was very helpful for remembering. It is good to know how ocean water or dirty water can be converted to drinking water too. I remember learning about how the clean water also needs to be converted to drinking water because it still isn't safe to drink the non-drinkable water. Overall, great presentation.

Sofia Rodriguez Boly Year 8

I think the water corporation talk was very helpful and informative. I now know how water gets recycled and the process it goes through. The presenter gave me interesting facts I didn't know about and made the talk fun by the use of clickers which engaged everyone and wasn't boring. I would highly recommend it to others as it showed us the huge amount of water we use every day. Thank You.

Nikita Benjamin Year 8

I think that the Water Corporation Lecture was very well thought out and very well prepared. It was very interesting and I like how we learnt a lot about how we should save water and how it comes from. This teaches us how we should think about what we are doing with the water; are we using it sensibly or are we just wasting water. I thought it was a great experience learning about where water comes from in Australia and that we should save more of it.

Jing-Jing Ng Year 8

I think the water corporation talk was useful and interesting, it made me realise how much water we use collectively during the day. Before this talk I had no idea what an important job the Water Corporation plays in all of our lives. I would definitely recommend this talk to any other schools for their students to become more aware of how unwisely we use our water.

Jacinta Ellis Year 8

I think that the presentation went well as we were in the staff room with large number of people in the room at a time. My family thanks the Water Corp for the timers in the showers. My brother now has 4 minute showers instead of 10 minute showers.

Liam Allsop Year 7

Pressing the buttons to answer the Quiz questions was fun. I liked the shower timer; it is cute and I use it sometimes.

Inabia Kashif Year 7

We learned some new things about how important it is to save water.

Arianna Collier Year 7

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

For handy tips and simple ideas to help you save water in your home and garden, visit the Water Corporation’s Waterwise advice at the link below.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION

In February, Mr Dieter Mendoza from SUEZ came to talk to the Year 10 Entrepreneurship and Innovation class in our new business lounge.

Mr Mendoza informed us about the interesting processes of water desalination, and the levels of filtration that the water goes through before it reaches our homes. He also spoke to us about the Pressure Exchanger, which is a new energy recovery device that has saved desalination companies millions of dollars in electricity and maintenance bills. He also informed us of how the water industry, just like many other industries, also benefits from new innovations like the ERD on a daily basis.

Mr Mendoza ended the presentation with some questions about the desalination process and the different filtration processes, rewarding the students who got questions right with lollies! We thanked him at the end of the presentation with a box of chocolates. It was a fun and enlightening experience, which taught us much about water’s journey from the ocean to our homes.

Krisha Thakar Year 10

Dieter Mendoza presenting to the students

YEAR 7 ONLINE HaSS LEARNING

Hello, my name is Samin Tahniyat, and until Week 3, I had been doing online schooling from home. It was definitely a different experience to our usual school life. But it went ok and was easy to keep up with. The WebEx sessions were great; they were a real help if you were having trouble, it gave you a chance to see your classmates and teacher. Other than a few technical difficulties, which were solved in a matter of minutes, they were accessed without a hitch. All you needed was the invitation and you were there. And the work was great too. Not too much, not too little. It was exactly the amount we would have at school and wasn’t too hard to finish. Overall, learning from home went pretty smoothly and was just like school but at home.

Year 7 WebEx session

HASS DONATES TO ST PAT’S COMMUNITY SUPPORT CENTRE

Homelessness is always tough in winter and clearly even more so this year.

The HaSS teachers put together a huge hamper of food and toiletries for St Pat’s Community Support Centre and the Year 7 Gifted and Talented students donated a massive bag of new socks.

The work of St Pat’s and all agencies supporting homeless and struggling sections of our community has increased dramatically this year with both the health and the economic ramifications of Covid 19. Currently, St Pat’s are trying to raise $160 000 to provide an additional 10 000 meals through Doorstop Dinners. All donations are gratefully received and can be made through their website. https://stpats.com.au/

St Pat's volunteers preparing meals

LANGUAGES

ABOUT LANGUAGES: FROM OUR HEAD GIRL AND BOY

I don’t exactly know what in particular drew me to study French, whether it was just the beautifully poetic language itself, the fascinating culture or the incredibly complex grammar structures (well maybe not that), but I am glad I chose it.

Learning a language can be quite difficult, especially in ATAR. I must admit that I am not amazing at French, but it doesn’t bother me too much since learning a language offers me so much more than just grades. Of course, there is the LOTE 10% bonus ATAR points which can come in handy, but learning a language and continuing it in Year 12 has given me the opportunity to truly experience a new culture, make lifelong friends and travel the world.

Last year I was even lucky enough to take part in the French exchange trip where I was able to explore the south of France with my friends and our French correspondents as well as visit the Louvre, Montmartre and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, improving my French by experiencing the culture firsthand.

I think that learning any language, in general, is really useful and fun. It broadens your horizons, makes you smarter, and may also help you in a future career.

Deidre Godin

I have been studying Italian at Willetton since Year 7 and French since Year 8. I am extremely passionate about studying languages and it has given me so many amazing opportunities throughout the last five and a half years. The decision to take both of these languages in Year 12 was one of the easiest and most rewarding I have ever made - every day I am able to discover something new and interesting about these amazing cultures which only encourages me to keep learning more.

The most fulfilling part of taking Italian and French in Year 12 is the amazing opportunities we have to talk with native speakers, which allows us to gain deeper insights into the language and apply what we have learnt in a practical context that is both challenging and deeply gratifying. I have strong intentions to continue my study of languages throughout my tertiary education and would love to be able to use them in a professional context in the future.

For any students reading this who are currently studying a language, or two, my advice is to never give up. It is certainly very challenging in the beginning and at times it feels like you’re not making much progress, but I promise you that if you continue to put in the effort, it will be worth it in the long run. I truly believe that studying a language is one of the most amazing experiences and it opens up many new horizons that you never even knew existed.

Jack Killoh

YEAR 12 LANGUAGES

Year 12 ATAR students in English as an Additional Language, French, Italian and Japanese have been working hard preparing for their practical and written exams.

In these languages courses, students participate in a 15-minute oral (practical) examination in the form of an interview. Students are asked to speak on a range of topics from the Year 12 syllabus and are expected to use sophisticated grammar and complex sentence structures, as well as use a very high level effective communication skills.

The skills developed in preparing for these oral exams are transferable to other areas. Students learn to use understandings of language and structure in spoken interactions, interact with others for a range of purposes in a variety of contexts and use processes and strategies to enhance spoken interaction. These skills are highly valuable in all professions, future study and personal relationships.

Nathan Harvey Head of Learning Area Languages

Year 12 Language students

YEAR 7 FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF LANGUAGES

If I was in mainstream English class, I would not be able to follow the lesson as I’ve only been in Australia for two years. The good thing about EAL/D is that it is at my level so I can follow the lesson. It also helps me more because we have less students in our class, so I get more help from my teacher.

Chloe Cho

EAL/D has been really good for me because it helps us to understand and we are free to move at our own pace. The assignments are non-pressured which makes the experience more enjoyable.

I have learnt how to move at my own pace and other useful skills which help me in many of my other subjects. My teacher and the other staff are friendly and make it a more pleasant experience.

Charlton Rotich

Learning French has been really fun. I also enjoy feeling smarter than my siblings when I speak French at home because they can’t understand me. Before attending Willetton SHS, I was yet to learn a language. I chose to study French as my language and with only one term completed, I have already learnt a lot.

I now know how to introduce myself, say the alphabet, explain how I’m feeling, count to 100 and describe pets and people fluently.

Ava O’Neill

It has been very exciting to learn French because it has been such a rewarding experience coming home with all this new found knowledge and being able to tell my family about the things I have learnt. It has been quite challenging trying to understand the accents and the nasal sounds that come with learning French but it has been a fun experience so far.

We have learning many things in French already. We have been able to name our family members and describe their physical features as well as being able to say our own age and birthdays. We have also learnt how to say our phone number and we have had some conversations using all of our knowledge.

Ricky Thomson

Italian is a beautiful language and Prof Carroll makes it really fun to learn. From chanting to writing, there’s never a dull moment in our class. So far, we have learnt about family, hair and eye colour, days of the week and months of the year, numbers, birthdays and many other things. I love learning Italian and I think I’ll definitely continue it into future years.

Chloe Swan

So far, I have enjoyed learning Italian for numerous reasons. We have an encouraging teacher who actively engages us in work every class and the resources she uses for teaching are creative and fun. Up until now, our class has learnt greetings, counting numbers to 100, verbs, star signs, naming members of the family and describing physical features of our face in Italian.

Moontaha Zaman

Learning Japanese helps my mind focus and remember things. It has also helps me understand different cultures. Most of all, it is super fun. I have learnt Hiragana, including with ten ten and maru, learnt to count, other basic phrases and humble and polite ways of talking about family members.

Nicola Baker

I had previously learnt Japanese at my primary school, but here my knowledge has really been extended bit by bit. I have been able to experience a lot more and learning has been a lot faster. We have learnt all hiragana, numbers, members of the family, how to ask for someone’s phone number, basic words and self-introduction. This is a lot considering it is only the start of second term. Japanese is a fun subject.

Aarya Pradeep Kumar

I have become more able to understand things when I watch Korean TV. My memory has also become better. I think learning a language makes me smarter. I have learnt Korean consonants and vowels. I have learnt about family and how to write my name in Korean. Learning languages is a great subject in high school.

Tyler Ting

I like the Korean culture and alphabet. I like the different symbols which, in my opinion, ties up the culture with a bright red ribbon. We have learnt the Korean alphabet and what each symbol sounds like, the Korean culture and who made the Korean alphabet, what to say when greeting people and saying goodbye. We have also learnt about our family trees. Korea seems to be a wonderful country with wonderful culture. The language experience has inspired me to visit Korea one day.

Rebecca Simpson

Year 7 Language students

TEN COOL JOBS YOU COULD DO WITH LANGUAGES

Ask anyone what sort of job they think they could do if they spoke a second language and most will answer teacher or translator. However, a recent project undertaken by Euro London has highlighted an interesting array of potential career options.

• Video games tester – Playing video games to test that the games say the right words in the right language when they need to!

• Private jet sales executive – Selling private jets to individuals throughout Asia or Europe.

• International football analyst – Watching and analysing the latest European soccer matches and producing reports on the failures and successes of the team.

• International assignment manager - Working for a large international company to help colleagues relocate from country to country. You organise a place to live, schooling if there are any children involved, removals etc.

• Luxury yacht sales manager – Selling yachts to high profile individuals in Europe or Asia.

• Rock group tour organiser– Organising tours for pop bands around Europe or Asia, organising and booking venues and general diary and transport management.

• Art editor – Editor and designer for large magazines or art traders.

• Journalist – Uncovering the latest scoop on international trends and reporting on the information for fashion, finance or sports magazines.

• Press conference assistant - Interpreting for high profile sports starts during international press conferences.

• Recruitment consultant– Interviewing multilingual job seekers in sectors such as marketing, finance, law, IT.

MATHS

THE AUSTRALIAN MATHEMATICAL OLYMPIAD

The Australian Mathematical Olympiad is designed to challenge the most mathematically gifted students from across Australia. It is an invitational event and forms part of the Mathematics training and selection process for the 2020 International Mathematical Olympiad competitions. Approximately 100 students across Australia and New Zealand are invited to enter.

In February this year, two of our top mathematics students, competed in this prestigious competition. Each student is given four questions to complete in four hours with no breaks and under exam conditions. The following day, they are given four new questions to be solved in another four hours under exam conditions. Many of these questions are mathematical proofs and all students are given the same questions regardless of their age.

We are pleased to announce these two students have each been awarded an honourable mention for their entries into this competition. They have performed exceptionally well and have been outstanding state representatives for our school.

Congratulations to Year 10 students, Thyler Cung and Year 12 student, Hang Yi Law on this outstanding achievement.

YEAR 10 OUTDOOR MATHS

Mr Galbraith’s Year 10 students have been learning trigonometry this term. To reinforce the concept, they decided to make the most of the sunshine and measure the height of the goal posts on the school oval.

The students measured the horizontal distance from where they stood to the base of the goal post with a tape measure and used an inclinometer to measure the angles from where they stood to the top and bottom of the goal post. The class then used this information and their knowledge of trigonometry to calculate the height of the goal post.

Mr Galbraith’s Year 10 students

SCIENCE

YEAR 7 CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH A SQUID

Year 7 students carried out a squid dissection as part of their classification topic in Biology, this term.

The squid is an amazing organism with a lot of adaptations that help it survive.

Interview with a Squid:

1) What is the Phylum you belong to?

Mollusca

2) A garden snail is a Mollusc and it has a shell on its back. Why are you in grouped in that Phylum when you don’t have one?

My shell is internal and it is called a pen.

3) Why do you have an Ink sac?

It is filled with ink and I create a smoke screen with the ink to hide from my predators.

4) What other special features do you have?

I have a syphon. I squirt out water from this to help me go backwards by jet propulsion. I also use this to squirt out the ink.

I also have coloured freckles (chromataphores) to show what mood I am in. I am red when I am angry and am in the mood for passion. I turn white when I am scared.

Gloria Wynhorst Science Teacher

Year 7 Close Encounters with squid

YEAR 9 SCIENCE EXTENSION

L to R: Manal Nasim, Annabelle Turner and Alisha Westle show off their model electric motor. They were the first of their Year 9 class to successfully do so, after 10 minutes of patient balancing and winding of the coil. The rumour that I, as teacher, couldn’t get it to work and therefore left them to sort it out themselves is entirely unfounded. Well done girls for some careful and delicate work.

Dr Leon Harris Science Teacher

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

FLiS FLASHBACKS

Former students reflect on their time in the Flexible Learning in Schools Program (FLiS) and their pathway to the present.

KIRRA GAUCI

Whilst in Year 11 at Willetton in 2014, I initially decided to do ATAR because I knew I wanted to go to University but I had no idea what I wanted to do. I ended failing almost all of my exams and had to completely reassess what I was going to do in Year 12. I did a few career quizzes online to try and find some direction and figured out I wanted to do something where I was helping people.

I ended up joining the FLiS program in Year 12, completing my Certificate II in Community Services with the goal of getting into University and becoming a Social Worker. I went to work experience on Thursdays at a local primary school and TAFE on Fridays. I am still good friends with some of the people that I met at TAFE.

With my Certificate II, I was able to get straight into a six-month Certificate IV Community Services course after I finished school. This then gave me an equivalent ATAR score of 70, after I had completed my written English STAT test. Most University entries require an ATAR score of 70. In 2017, I was accepted into Curtin University to do my Bachelor of Social Work. I completed a semester of the course and decided it wasn’t really for me. After taking some time to weigh up my options, I applied for my Bachelor of Primary Teaching and Inclusive Education at Murdoch University. I am now completing the third year of my degree.

FLiS gave me an opportunity to do really well in Year 12, as I didn’t have the huge stress and pressure of Year 12 ATAR. I really enjoyed my Year 12, I had fun and I was doing well in school at the same time. I don’t feel like I was disadvantaged at all by getting into university through an alternative entry. I believe that going through TAFE helped me prepare for university because I was exposed to the real world. I gained life skills and experiences that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve otherwise.

OLIVIA PANZICH

I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to complete the FLiS program during my final years at Willetton Senior High School, and it became one of the best decisions I have ever made. With my mind originally being very clouded with so many possible career paths and options, the FLiS program gave me the skills I needed to pave myself a path in the right direction and make my career goals seem more within reach.

Having a strong passion for the Fashion Industry, I chose to complete a Certificate IV in Business at the Fremantle Education Centre during Year 12. With hopes to one day be able to sustain and create my own designs in the industry, this certificate gave me the basis of skills I needed to reach this goal. Following on from this Certificate IV, I am now continuing on with my studies, doing a Bachelor of Design with a Major in Fashion Design at Curtin University.

Without the consistent support and recommendations from teachers in the FLiS program, I feel as though I wouldn’t be nearly as confident and capable with achieving my career goals as I am today. FLiS provided me with multiple resources, skills and qualifications that I needed to break away from the stigma that you won’t be as successful if you didn’t choose the ATAR pathway.

FLiS has provided me with some of my fondest and most enjoyable memories of high school; which I believe, is just as important as learning. These skills and memories, I will carry with me and cherish forever.

SCHOOL BOARD

The School Board APM was held on Monday March 23, 2020. The Chair’s Annual Report may be found at the link below.

We welcome this year’s Board Executives:

The next School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday June 16. A list of Board meetings for this year can be found on the school website, under the School Board Information.

We would also like to thank Trudi McGlade for her contribution in her role as a community representative over the past three years. Trudi’s perspective and contribution has been greatly appreciated. We wish Trudi all the best.

BOARD CHAIR REPORT

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the teachers and staff for the sacrifices you have made during this challenging period to ensure our students continue to have the best learning outcomes. I know many of you have had to learn new skills in a very short space of time, so thank you for showing resilience and being role models for our students.

To all the parents, thank you for trusting our Principal and teachers to do what they believe is the best for our children. Education is a collaborative effort between the school and parents, and I am heartened to see all of us working together to provide them with the best possible learning environment.

To all the Willo students, please continue to look after your mental health and physical wellbeing, and also those around you. Importantly, I want to encourage all Year 11 and 12 students who are taking your mid-year exams to remain committed and focused in your exam preparation. Do not be distracted with the current situation but remain single-minded in your pursuit of academic excellence.

On a different note, during Term 1, the Board held its Annual Public Meeting. We thank Paola Chivers, the outgoing Board Chair for her significant contribution to the school over the last six years. She served two years as Vice Chair and the last two years as Chair, actively involved in shaping the constitution for the School Board.

We welcome new parents and staff to the Board, especially new members, David Harwood (parent rep), Hope Jobe and Jordan Newton (staff reps), and welcome back Jodi Collier and Wayne Nurse (parent reps), following their successful re-election to the Board. We also welcome Simran Vijayakumar (new community rep) and Keryn McKinnon and Shezah Arif (returning community reps).

All those who volunteer for the Board do so with a willing attitude to contribute their time and energy and bring together a wide range of expertise for the good of our student body. We appreciate their time and contributions.

Finally, I leave you with a quote from Michael Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players in history with 6 NBA championships, Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.

John Yeo

SCHOOL BOARD COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES

It is with great pleasure that the Board has appointed three community representatives to the Board for the next 12 months. We welcome back Shezah Arif and Keryn McKinnon who have been a great asset to the Board and been re-appointed, and we look forward to working with newly appointed member Simran Vijayakumar. We are fortunate that with the outstanding calibre of our community representatives, we will benefit from their expertise to maximise learning outcomes for the school.

Introducing Simran Vijayakumar

Hello. My name is Simran Vijayakumar and I am currently studying a combined degree in Physics and Nanotechnology and Finance at Murdoch University and work as a Senior PASS Leader at Murdoch as well. I graduated from Willetton Senior High School in 2016 and counted it as one of the most memorable points of my life. I look back fondly at the time I spent as a Student Councillor and Peer Leader, at the clubs I joined and the events I participated in, notably the school ball and the talent shows. I have studied abroad twice and am a part of several notable committees such as the CPA Young Professionals Committee, all of which I enjoy thoroughly and can’t wait to try my hand at the Willetton School Board.

PARTNERSHIPS WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD

Do you have a business and would like to partner with the School Board? The Partnerships arm of the School Board is inviting expressions of interest from suitable businesses or individuals that would like to partner with us, as we work to enhance educational opportunities for our students. Partnerships may take the form of financial donations, prize donations, internship and work experience or mentoring opportunities, within the scope of Department of Education policies and practices. To register your interest, please contact willetton.shs.schoolboard@education.wa.edu.au.

ENTERTAINMENT MEMBERSHIP FUNDRAISER

Entertainment memberships are now 100% digital, which means you can have your savings on you, all year round. New businesses are also added to your membership through the year.

Willo parents and community members are encouraged to support this fundraiser by purchasing your membership at the link below as all profits raised go towards a Student Leadership Development Program initiated by the Board.

Feedback from students who have benefitted from the leadership program include:

• We learnt at the conference that as young leaders, we need to begin making changes in the real world. We need to find solutions to problems and we need to work with others to put these solutions into action
• The motivating speeches and amazing presentations at the conference all impacted the students greatly, causing everyone to come to grips with the long task that we as future leaders have ahead, and learning how to be the leader the world needs
• The leadership program means a lot to me because of the confidence it gave me, inspiring me to take on a variety of leadership roles throughout the year. The leadership activities have subjected me to new experiences which have helped me grow as a leader.

For enquiries about purchasing a membership, please contact Helen Wong helen.s.wong@education.wa.edu.au or 9334 7217.

SUPPORT OUR SCHOOLS (SOS) PROGRAM

We have registered with Gilbert’s Fresh Market, Southlands to be part of the Support Our Schools Program. Please sign up with them in-store and for every purchase you make, 1% of your purchase spend will be donated to the school. It does not cost to sign up, and it’s a great way for you to support the school. Funds raised through this program will go back towards projects around the school that enhance your child’s educational opportunities.

To date, your participation in the SOS program has raised $1176 for the school. Thank you.

SECOND HAND UNIFORM SHOP AND BOOKSHOP

Due to the current COVID19 situation, the second hand uniform shop and bookshop are closed until further notice. For urgent requirements, students may contact the School Board office (located in the Health Centre) for assistance.

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

MEETINGS

The Willo Parent Group meets each term, coming together for parent information sessions or meeting socially over morning tea or lunch. However, as we find ourselves in unfamiliar territory, we are navigating our way by the use of online information sessions to reach parents and caregivers. The Willo Parent Group 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 Willetton.shs.schoolboard@education.wa.edu.au or refer to the school website.

NEW PARENT SEMINARS COMING UP

TEEN TRIPLE P SEMINARS

For our next Willo Parent event, we look forward to commencing the Teen Triple P seminars, to be conducted by school psychologist Nina Mastrantonio.

IS THIS YOU?

Your baby is almost an adult, or at least that’s what he or she thinks. So life at home can be a little strained. Maybe your 13-year-old son grunts instead of speaking to you. Or your 14-year-old daughter wants to go to parties with people you don’t even know. It’s not that you’ve got a wild child. You’d just like to make sure things don’t get out of hand.

The Triple P - Positive Parenting Program knows all parents have different needs, and the seminar is designed to deal with the most common parenting issues we all face, such as how to encourage responsible behavior, improve family relationships, deal with independence or manage problems at school or with friends. The seminars will assist you in positive parenting straight away, to get back on track with your teenager, or be ready for what’s ahead.

TEEN TRIPLE P SEMINARS

It is highly recommended that you attend all three seminars.

Please RSVP your attendance to nina.mastrantonio@education.wa.edu.au by May 30