Secondary News

As we reach the midpoint of Term 1, it is encouraging to see how intentionally our secondary school community has leaned into the new year. Despite the fast-paced and busy nature of our start, a genuine sense of settledness has established itself within our classrooms and playgrounds.

Our students have displayed a genuine desire to learn, quickly establishing their academic rhythms and engaging with their studies. Beyond the classroom, it has been a joy to witness the intentional building of friendships and the strengthening of connections across our student community. It is encouraging to see our young people settle so well into the college family, demonstrating both a focus on their personal growth and a respectful care for one another. I look forward to partnering with you as we navigate the remainder of this term together.

Entire Secondary (Years 7–12)

Academic Oversight Assessment Calendars

To assist families with planning and time management, our Term 1 Assessment Calendars are now available. These documents provide a comprehensive roadmap of upcoming deadlines and examinations.

• Year 7–10 Assessment Calendar

• Year 11–12 Assessment Calendar

Accessing the New Timetable

Students can view their individual "live" timetable online at any time:

• Website: https://a1.atlantis.education/

• Login: Students must use their school email address to log in.

We encourage everyone to be organised for their lessons by bringing the appropriate uniform and equipment for each day.

Building Community Lunchtime Clubs

Our lunchtime clubs provide a safe, inclusive space for students to pursue interests and build friendships across different year levels. These are held throughout the week:

• Monday, Thursday & Friday: Lunchtime Board Games (Room A1)

• Tuesday: Creative Corner (Room A1)

• Wednesday: Bible Study (Held in our library with Mr Paul Ritchie)

Sport & Culture Surf Life Saving Carnival

Our annual carnival at Middleton Beach is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together. We warmly invite parents and guardians to join us as spectators to cheer on the students as they compete and participate in various beach and water activities.

Safety is our priority for this event. If you hold current Surf Rescue qualifications (such as a Bronze Medallion), please do express your interest in supporting the college as a volunteer official or water safety officer by contacting our carnival coordinator, Mr Stuart Thomas. Your expertise is highly valued, and Stuart would be pleased to discuss how your support might best fit with our safety requirements for the day.

• Date: Friday, 20th March (Week 7)

• Time: 9:45am start for a 2:00pm finish at Middleton Beach.

Junior Secondary (Years 7–9)

Camp Reflections Setting the Foundation

Our Junior Secondary camps have been instrumental in setting the tone for the year. The Year 7 Orientation Camp at Quaranup and the Year 9 Busselton Camp were both overwhelmingly positive experiences. Students returned more settled and confident, having formed stronger connections with their peers and their teachers in a supportive, culture-setting environment.

Academic Environment Year 8 Learning Dynamics

Thank you for entrusting your children to us; it’s a privilege we value deeply. As we progress through the term, we want to share some updates we’ve made to the Year 8 timetable and explain the heart behind them.

Over recent weeks, we’ve taken a close look at how our Year 8 cohort is travelling. To ensure the best experience for every student, we have implemented a strategic restructure of the Year 8 timetable. This decision was made to optimise learning dynamics and provide a better variety of peer interactions across the cohort, ensuring a more vibrant and collaborative academic environment.

Additionally, these adjustments resolve scheduling conflicts so that all Year 8 students can continue to access and enjoy their practical programmes in a more streamlined and effective way. We want to reassure you that your child’s teachers remain the same; the familiar faces and relationships built this year are firmly in place. These decisions were made carefully and prayerfully with each young person in mind.

Students have now received their updated timetables, and our teachers are taking great care to re-establish routines and monitor how students are settling in during this transition. Please do contact us if you have any queries regarding your child's progress; we value the opportunity to walk alongside you and your child through this change.

Staffing News Farewell and Welcome

We would like to acknowledge the significant contribution made by Mr Daniel Pitman to our college community and wish him every blessing. We are pleased to welcome Mr Andrew Allen, who has joined us to teach Mr Pitman’s classes.

Standardised Testing NAPLAN Schedule (Years 7 & 9)

NAPLAN testing officially begins in Week 6. Please ensure devices are charged and students have corded (plug-and-play) headsets.

• Wednesday, 11th March (Period 1): Writing

• Thursday, 12th March (Period 1): Reading

• Friday, 13th March (Period 2): Language Conventions

• Monday, 16th March (Period 2): Catch-up Session

• Tuesday, 17th March (Period 1): Numeracy

  
  

Key Changes Junior Sport Uniform Days

• Year 7.1: Tuesday & Thursday

• Year 7.2 & 7.3: Wednesday & Thursday

• Year 8.1: Monday & Wednesday

• Year 8.2: Monday & Thursday

Senior Secondary (Years 10–12)

Camp Reflections Catalyst and Legacy

The Year 11 Catalyst Camp and Year 12 Legacy Camp were pivotal in setting the academic and leadership "roadmaps" for our seniors. For our Year 11s, the focus was on the transition into the WACE pathway, establishing the rigorous study habits and time-management skills required for senior success.

Our Year 12s used their time at Quaranup to define the "Legacy" they wish to leave behind. This camp served as a powerful reminder of their role as the college's seniors, focusing on the collective identity and positive culture they want to cultivate and leave behind in their final year.

Student Leadership GRIP Conference Recap

Our Year 10-12 student leaders recently attended the GRIP Student Leadership Conference. They represented the college exceptionally well and returned with a renewed sense of purpose. They are now actively looking for practical opportunities to get involved and lead initiatives that will enrich the life of our student community.

Future Pathways University Partnerships

We recently welcomed representatives from several tertiary institutions for a combined university presentation. I was particularly impressed by the conduct of our Year 10, 11, and 12 students during this event.

They were highly engaged, asking insightful questions about enabling courses and early entry pathways, and treated our guest speakers with the utmost respect. These partnerships are a vital part of our senior programme, helping students to visualise their post-school options and understand the various opportunities available to them.

Key Milestone Year 12 Leavers Jackets

We cordially invite family members to attend our upcoming Week 6 Assembly. This is a significant milestone for our Year 12 students as they officially receive their Leavers Jackets. These jackets are more than just a uniform item; they are a symbol of their journey through the college and their status as the leaders and role models of our student body.

In Closing

With a new year brings fresh opportunities for students to grow and develop into the best version of themselves. It is our joy to journey with your family as we guide our young people to grow in Christ, in character, and in confidence.