ST JAMES’ ANGLICAN SCHOOL
CLASS OF 2021 - ESTABLISHING YEAR 12 TRADITIONS When St James’ Anglican School was established in 2015, they were always looking forward to the year when their first cohort of Year 12s would walk through the gates. This is the year. The Class of 2021 are 23 close knit students, who are now creating the traditions of the future. Being the foundation Year 12s, they are enjoying many firsts, including electing their School Captains, donning their leavers’ jackets, creating their very own Leavers’ Hub and attending the Year 12 rite of passage, their School Ball. School Principal, Mr Adrian Pree, chose to acknowledge the 12s as the student leaders of the School, and provide them with an opportunity to step up. He offered them the privilege of leaving the school grounds at lunchtime to visit the local shopping centre. While less than a minute’s walk across the road, the level of trust was vast. Mr Pree introduced the 12s to the local shopkeepers, setting clear expectations of their behaviour and the students have respected and honoured the trust placed in them.
A key part of the Year 12 program has been a focus on transition to life beyond school. In Term 1 the students have had the opportunity to meet individuality with ASC Chair and educational expert, Mrs Lynne Thomson. Under the tutelage of Mrs Thomson, who has a wealth of experience in facilitating students through their options and pathways, the students have been setting goals and planning for their futures. Mr Pree said, “The students are very fortunate to have one of the foremost educators in Western Australia share her wisdom with them, at such a crucial time of their decision-making for their career pathways”. As the year progresses the Year 12 program will continue to evolve with fresh experiences and new milestones for the Class of 2021.
Their mature approach has extended to the leadership of the school, as they build connections across the younger years. This term the Year 12s hosted a sausage sizzle lunch for the Year 7s in their Leavers Hub. This was aimed at breaking down barriers while creating an inspiring vision of what it means to be a ‘big kid’ at St James. ASC News 17
