Secondary News
- Langford Brown
- Nov 10, 2023
- 5 min read
Term 4 is certainly an exciting term. There are so many engaging learning opportunities happening around campus, and we are also busily preparing for 2024. We have had some bittersweet moments, with the farewell to our graduates, and some exciting moments as we welcomed our newest high schoolers with the Year 7 2024 Orientation.
Year 12 Graduation
Our farewell to our Year 12s in Week 2 was definitely a highlight. The final week for Year 12 is Legacy Week, where our Year 12s seek to intentionally invest in their school community by volunteering in primary classrooms, running activities at lunchtimes or assisting staff with various projects. Part of this week was also our Year 12 lunch, where Year 10 students prepare a meal to honour our Year 12s. During this occasion, the graduates read the letters they penned at Leadership Camp earlier in the year. Students reflected on the journey of their final year of school, encouraged one another and contemplated the journey ahead.
The morning of graduation began with a formal assembly, where our Year 12s, Year 11s and staff shared their stories, wisdom and insights. Staff and Year 12s also shared their farewell videos, which are a fun way of expressing the care that we have for our graduates.
Our Year 12s, teachers and parents also enjoyed their graduation dinner, held at the Hilton in Albany. Guests dressed in their finest, posed for photographs and enjoyed a fun evening of games, sharing and amazing food. We were most impressed with such a smooth evening which really honoured our Year 12s and their families.
RAC Roadsmart
Earlier this term, our Year 10 - 12 students joined students from other local schools at the Albany Entertainment Centre for the RAC Roadsmart Road Safety presentation. Students heard from a road trauma survivor, police and paramedics and wellbeing professionals to explore the potential impact of poor decisions on the road. It was a very confronting and informative experience that complemented Mr Thomas’ work on the Keys For Life program.
Athletics - Stuart Thomas
"Last week, our primary and secondary students competed in our Inter-House Athletics Carnival at Albany Little Athletics Club. We were blessed with beautiful weather and a fantastic day of competition, with all of our students displaying tremendous effort and sportsmanship. It was particularly encouraging to see many students trying their hand at events that were outside of their area of expertise, particularly our Year 7s who made the leap from primary to secondary events this year.
A big congratulations to all of our Champion athletes who were announced on the day. They will be presented with their trophies at our next assembly, as will the winning house. The points total for the House Championship is again in the single digits after 3 carnivals, which is a testament to the students' high levels of participation and effort this year.
Lastly, a big thank you to all of the staff who coordinated events and especially to the parents who came out to support the students and volunteered to help run events. These carnivals wouldn't happen without your help."
Year Seven Market Day!
On Thursday, November 23rd during recess and lunch time the year seven students will be
organising a market day to sell the products they have been developing over term four. This
has been part of their Economics unit of study. There will be sweet treats (biscuits,
cupcakes, brownies), bath bombs, lolly/sticker bags, bag tags, jelly cups and cards. Their
prices range from $1.50- $4 each. Our aim is to pay back our lovely parents who have
helped with our start-up costs and create a modest profit . If you could send along some
gold coins with your child on market day to enjoy some one-of-a-kind creations, that would be greatly appreciated.
Heather Jefferies
Year 7 HASS teacher
Year 10 and 11 Futures Camp
We are looking forward to our upcoming Futures Camp. This year, we are staying at Ern Halliday Campgrounds near Hillarys. Students will visit ECU Joondalup, UWA and Curtin Universities, in addition to Sheridan College. It is a great opportunity to focus on adult learning environments and to explore the metropolitan region. Students will also focus on building a vision for their leadership into 2024.
Presentation Night
We are looking forward to our Presentation Night on Friday 1st December at 5:45. This is an important occasion for students and parents to attend as it is a celebration of the learning from the year and an opportunity to present awards and to recognise the achievements of our talented students.
ACC’s Got Talent
We have been so impressed with the development of our music program. We are looking forward to our first annual ACC’s Got Talent concert night on Friday 24th November at 6.30pm. The evening will be a celebration of the musical growth that our Year 6 - 8 students have experienced through taking part in the instrumental and group music instruction. To prepare for this event, students will take part in a day long ‘band day camp’ on Monday 20th November.
Please mark your diaries and get ready for a night of entertainment on 24th November at the Living Water Anglican Church.
Keeping Your Children Safe Online
We are excited to be able to partner with you as parents in your children's journey through school. Here are some resources that can help you build your understanding of some of the risks with some really practical tips for keeping them safe online.
1. Parent Webinar - 5th December - This 30-minute webinar is designed for parents and carers of young people in secondary school. It will focus on the digital skills to protect and support young people’s wellbeing online.
2. Safe browsing video - This video contains some practical tips for how you and your family can more safely browse the internet
3. Generation Next is an Australian organisation focussing on the wellbeing of adolescents. They provide up to date research and training for adults working with and parenting teenagers. They currently have a free 20 minute video available from Brett Lee - not the cricketer! In this video Brett discusses 5 principles/safeguards to assist and empower parents, carers, educators and other professionals charged with the care of children to create a safe, fun and educational online environment for our youth whilst reducing risk and issues.
Brett Lee is the Founder of Internet Safe Education, and the only former detective to take his 20+ years of working in cybercrime to help parents, educators, and the general public understand how to protect themselves and their children online.
He’s worked on some of the most high-profile crimes for the likes of the Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and as a detective in the Australian Police Force. Brett’s experience in cybercrime is unparalleled and has led him to be a sought-after speaker, media commentator, and thought leader in Australia and internationally.