Ngaala kaaditj Noongar moort keyen kaadak nidjar boodak. We acknowledge Noongar people as the original custodians of this land.
The Yule Brook College community respectfully acknowledges the Whadjuk people who are the traditional custodians of this land where we come together. We acknowledge the contributions of the Noongar people, all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Aboriginal people to the education of the children and other people in this community.
About the Artwork
The artwork above was created by 12.1 Advisory student Lakiesha Hansen, under the mentorship of our AEIO and talented artist Tammy Hayden.
Principal’s Message
Stephen Jones
What a momentous year 2023 is for Yule Brook College with our first ever year twelve graduates who I want to share some thoughts with. I still have my year books from my school, and I cherish the memories of my time there. I hope that this book will serve you just as well over the years as you look back at your time with us and some enjoyable memories of the last six years.
I would like to thank all the advisory teachers who have helped shape the wonderful young adults you have become, and it has been a privilege for all the staff, me included, to have been part of your journey to graduation. Never underestimate the importance of the persistence and determination you have shown to achieve graduation this year. Many of the students you started school with have moved away from school to pursue other paths, but you have remained focused on you education and this is your time to shine.
It is widely accepted that education is the one true pathway to success for any child and the fact that you have persisted to graduate from Yule Brook College will make your next steps easier as you continue into adulthood with the pathway you have planned for yourself. You are well prepared for the world and its challenges, and you have all the experiences and evidence necessary to take on whatever opportunities come your way.
You now serve as a beacon of what is possible for our younger students as they start to plan their own path into post school life, and you have shown the possibilities are endless. However, beacons mark a point on a journey, they are not the destination and what you have achieved so far should inspire each one of you to do better and be better now and into the future.
We have shared some major events over the year including swimming and athletics carnivals, excursions to expos, career days and a myriad of advisory outings that have all contributed to a sense of community that most students have enjoyed. Spend some time looking through this book and remember all the good times that you have had over the years. Once again congratulations to our first ever graduating class, the class of 2023, we hope to hear wonderful things from you soon.
Stephen Jones
Associate Principal’s Message
Ben Marks
It has been a privilege travelling this journey alongside the group as you embark on your next challenge in life. Whilst you have completed your schooling, this is only a small part of what is come next, and I have the utmost confidence that all of you will continue to follow your passions and achieve many of life goals you have set out during your senior schooling experience. It has been an honour to work alongside your dedicated Advisors and learning area teachers as your Team Leader since the beginning of year 9 in 2020. I would like to thank Mrs Tassone for stepping up to the position and setting you all up to achieve fantastic things in 2023.
The Big Picture Learning design has allowed you to find your true passions, strengths, and interests. It has allowed you to learn in the adult world and experiment with things you may or may not want to pursue. You have had the opportunity to create great relationships and memories with your Advisory teachers over the years as well as build strong friendships by shared interest. This is evident in the firm goals most of you have set for 2024 and beyond. Few high school students have this clarity when leaving school, you are lucky.
The first year 12 graduates of Yule Brook College will hold a special place for me. Beginning at the school in 2006 (the year most of you were born), I have been part of the introduction of Big Picture and have worked hard for many years alongside other staff in the school to make senior school a reality, which was finally achieved in 2021. There are many people you should thank for allowing you to be in this position, but you should all be especially appreciative of having Mrs Saunders as you Principal throughout your journey and Mr Jones for taking over in your final year.
Some advice from me: Always continue to be true to yourself and your passions and interests and trust the advice of adults who have your best interest at heart. Persevere when times get tough and always display empathy and compassion for others. Most importantly, look after your physical and mental health and I would be thrilled to see you in the near and distant future to help you in any way or to celebrate your successes in the adult world.
Congratulations, and this is definitely not a goodbye, but a “catch ya later”.
Ben Marks
Senior School Team Leader’s Message
Helena Tassone
It was a privilege to walk beside you all as you completed your senior schooling. Having taught many of you since year 7, and others who’ve joined since, I’m proud to have watched you all grow into the amazing young adults that you are. This year, I’m thankful we didn’t have the disruption of prior years due to COVID. Masks, social distancing, sanitiser, lockdown, pandemic, postponed, cancelled, on-line learning, learning from home and teams meetings were a ‘new normal’ that you have lived through. Who would have thought that your schooling journey would have been disrupted as a result of a global pandemic!
Most of Monday Morning Pick Me Up’s centred on grit, hard work and developing positive and strong personal qualities. I can attest to the resilience and adaptability you have shown when navigating life’s challenges many of you have faced. You always rose to the challenge, taking ownership, growing in strength and determination. As a cohesive group, you show genuine care and concern for each other and staff. You are a welcoming cohort and embrace the diversity among your peers. I know your Advisory teachers and I are enormously proud of your achievements and your personal growth.
Our staff have provided quality education through the International Big Picture Learning Credential (IBPLC). Our goal was to encourage you to achieve excellence and to provide access to viable post school pathways. 2023 is a particularly exciting year as it is our first year with year 12 students completing the IBPLC. I would particularly like to acknowledge the incredible work of our Advisors : Ms Kamel (12.1), Mrs Pray (12.2), Mr Honda (11.1) and Ms Van Wyk (11.2). It has been a privilege to work alongside these talented, hardworking and caring Advisory Teachers. Their dedication is inspirational.
This has been a busy year with lots of leaving to learn activities, incursions and other activities at school. I was particularly proud of your work planting over 800 trees and plants in the community. Others to note this year included financial literacy workshops, book week, the career expo, Perth Zoo, AQWA, Caversham Wildlife Park, Mini Golf, basketball tournaments, volleyball tournaments and who can forget the Rebound WA disability awareness and team building day. Many of you have worked with mentors on your senior projects, had internships or shadow days, or were completing courses of study at TAFE or other RTOs, completing pre-apprenticeships and school-based traineeship. An important part of your Big Picture schooling, learning from expert mentors in the community.
I would particularly like to thank Akshaya and Russell, head girl and head boy in year 12 for being outstanding role models for others and for their exemplary leadership, including presentations to the school board.
As we say goodbye to the graduating class of 2023, we know that these students walk away as young adults armed with the tools to help them manoeuvre through whatever life throws at them. I hope that they look back on 2023 with fond memories and can look forward with courageous confidence at what lies ahead. We thank you for your contribution to the college community during your time at YBC. Remember, you are always welcome to pop in and visit to let us know how you are travelling; you will always be part of the YBC family. Class of 2023, you are capable of amazing things! I join with the rest of the college community to wish you the very best for your future.
Mrs Helena Tassone
Chaplain’s Message
Kim Scaddan
I want to start out by saying, Congratulations. This is a huge milestone in your life, as well as the life of the Yule Brook community. I feel so privileged to have been part of this journey with you over the last few years. In my time as Chaplain at Yule Brook College, I’ve witnessed many events in your lives and have made some observations.
I see RESILIENCE. I see many of you working so very hard to reach your goals, despite setbacks and challenges. I see the way you continue to move forward in pursuit of your goals.
I see PASSION. I have witnessed your willingness to reflect and try different things that interest you to identify the source of what makes you happy and then following different paths to make that passion a reality.
I see STRENGTH. Through many challenges, you continue to work, grow, and move forward. You have demonstrated honesty and integrity in your conversations with me about your challenges.
I see INDEPENDENCE. You all have your own learning pathways. None of you are the same in how you’re progressing through your years here at YBC. You’ve all been given the opportunity to show your independence in following and pursuing your individual plan for your education.
One of my favorite authors is Max Lucado. He writes in a way that he paints a picture with his words so clearly that it always makes sense to me. In his book, “Unshakable Hope”, he writes this illustration: “Two people set out to build their houses. The first went to RPF Home Supply: Regrets, Pain, and Fear. He ordered lumber that was rotted by guilt, nails that were rusty from pain, and cement that was watered down with anxiety. Since his home was constructed with RPF supplies, every day was consumed with regret, pain and fear. The second builder chose a different supplier. She secured her supplies from Hope Incorporated. Rather than choose regret, pain and fear, she found ample promises of grace, protection and security. She made the deliberate, conscious decision to build a life from the storehouse of hope. Which of the two builders was wiser? Which of the two was happier?” - Max Lucado-Unshakable Hope.
As you leave Yule Brook College, I have no doubt that you will have challenges as well as successes. There will be things that come easily to you and things that you will have to work hard for. When you hit those difficult times, I’d encourage you to not lose hope. Build on the skills that you’ve had the opportunity to grow while you’ve been here: resilience, finding your passion, strength and independence. As I finish, I want to say how very proud I am to say that I’ve been able to get to know you and walk with you. My prayer for you is that you will make a decision to live your life with Hope.
All my best wishes.
Chaplain Kim
12.1 Advisory Teacher Message
Nadeen Kamel
You made it. Through all the ups and downs, smiles and frowns, you made it!
Give yourselves the credit; your persistence, resilience, and work ethic have got you where you are today. I say it often; I am so proud of you and your achievements.
The balance and culture we have developed as an Advisory is deeply cherished and will be sorely missed. From heated debates as to whether dolphins should be at zoos or aquariums, dogs having Medicare Cards, the occasional Comedy Central Roasts, to the general witty sass (which I would like to emphasize again that I have no idea where you got that from), will be among the many fond memories we have shared together as a team.
I feel really lucky to have had the opportunity to be with the same Advisory since Year 7 in 2018 all the way to 2023 in Year 12. Not many teachers outside of Big Picture schools get to see their students grow and develop into the best versions of themselves over such a time span. Some of you may not have been at Yule Brook from the start and joined us along the journey; but despite that you hit the ground running, embracing what Big Picture has to offer and how it can best work for you.
Our last couple of weeks together have been lovely as we got to wind down the hectically busy year with some time together to reflect and ultimately, have some well-deserved fun by leaving the school to learn more about our shared interests and passions for animals. Perth Zoo, AQWA, Caversham Wildlife Park... you get the trend here.
The same way you arrived at Yule Brook College hitting the ground running with a readiness to face new challenges head on, I hope you approach your next life chapter with the same eagerness, confidence, and drive. I have absolutely no doubts that you will reach whatever goals and plans you set for yourself.
I hope to stay in touch as your Big Picture journey doesn’t stop here. It will be a lifelong learning journey as you now have the skills to continue developing, working on your passions and interests, and applying them in your future pathways.
Love you all and wishing you all the best,
-N Dawg
Graduating Class of 2023
12.2 Advisory Teacher Message
Kirstyn Pray
I’ll start off by saying that I am incredibly proud of you all. For some of you, I have been with you for three years now, others, just this year, but I am really happy to have known you all and to have been your teacher. I know it hasn’t always been easy, but I am proud of how you’ve all made it through in the end, and I am so excited for where you’ll end up. It’s hard to believe that it’s been three years with this class. Three years! That’s how long we’ve been at this - brainstorming crazy project ideas, sorting through the “I-have-no-ideawhat-I’m-doing” moments, and celebrating the epic wins. I mean, who would’ve thought we’d get through everything? (Me, I knew – I’ve always had faith in you).
Not all of you are heading to uni, and that’s cool. Some of you are jumping straight into the workforce (you brave souls) and others are diving into TAFE and continuing your pathways. No matter the path, remember the core of our Big Picture philosophy: Follow your passion, keep learning, and, above all, be awesome human beings.
I’m genuinely proud of every single one of you. We’ve prepped you to be functional adults (I hope) and good people (I’m sure). You’ve all got your unique strengths, quirks, and epic senses of humour. Don’t ever lose that!
Going forward, remember the most crucial lessons we learned weren’t from textbooks, but from each other. The support, the banter, the all-nighters, your projects and challenges – they’ve shaped you in ways you might not yet realise.
I’m going to miss our class. But, I’m also stoked to see where each of you will be a few years down the line. (And if any of you strike it rich or famous, remember your favourite teacher, okay?)
Go out there and make some noise. And remember, no matter where you’re headed, always try your best, and never stop being you.
Love you all and I am forever proud of you! Cheers, Ms. Kirstyn
Graduating Class of 2023
Student Councilors’ Message
First Last
“Life has its own ups and downs, but we just have to overcome and deal with it because not every day is going to be good or bad”. I believe we all relate to this topic in some way or the other. I joined Yule Brook College knowing absolutely nothing about the Big Picture Curriculum. In fact, the main reason I joined this school was because Yule Brook college was near to my house. My first day was bad because I didn’t have a clue what was going on, in terms of studies. However, little did I know I would talk to one of the members of parliament.Little did I know I would be invited for the youth forum 2023 with Matt Keogh. Little did I know I would become the student councillor of Yule Brook College. Little did I know I would become a university student at the Central Queensland University.
Many of you may think that I’m bragging about my achievements. But no. This was all because of this curriculum; I wouldn’t have been able to do accomplish these achievements without the help of this curriculum. Then comes my advisory teacher, Ms. Kirstyn Pray. She taught me multiple things on how this curriculum is organized and how the credential works. She was not only a teacher but also a therapist to listen to all my problems. She was always there beside me at my hardest times.
I thank other teachers too from the bottom of my heart, for supporting me, helping me reach my intention and goals. Failures in life happens and it must occur only then we will be overcome those fears and obstacles. A special thanks to Ms. Kamel and Ms. Tassone for assisting and guiding me throughout year 11 and year 12. A huge thank you to Mr. Mark, Ms. Courcha, Mr. Moncrieff, Mr. Michael, Mr. Meredith, Mr. Jones, Ms. Chiz, Ms. Carr, Mr. Simonson, Mr. Chester, Mr. Mean, Ms. Champion, Mr. Pho, Mr. Peterson, Ms. Canny, Mr. Radice, Ms. Kirkman and many others too. I would like to thank my friends Hannah, Lucas, Jennifer, Anferny, Matthew, Jamie, Caleb, Russell, Charlotte who encouraged and motivated throughout my year 12 journey. Indeed, I had so much fun talking and spending time with each and every one of you. I also thank my parents and my brother for supporting me.
It’s been a huge roller coaster of emotions this year and I will definitely miss this school, the playgrounds, the kids, the teachers, the office people, the programs, the assemblies and much more. Once again, I’m extremely thankful and grateful to all the people who’ve believed in me until now.
Wishing everyone the best, First Last
Student Councilors’ Message
First Last
My Big Picture journey here at Yule Brook College has been excellent throughout my years of high school, I’ve been able to obtain knowledge from mentors and professionals that relate to my passion and interests. And walk further into the real-world education Yule Brook College has been educating.
I’ve been able to meet new and genuine friends along the way who are also growing up with me and achieving goals that’ll create a bridge to their future. I’ve been taught by educators that are always willing to help me and other students to light up a brighter future.
Being a year 12 student councillor is an honour, to be able to create and leave a positive impact for the school on my last year of high school. I’d like to see it as an example that you’re able to accomplish heaps of achievements in just 12 months. And I’m proud to have lead movements and assist the student council before I wave my hand goodbye.
As for the rest of the year 12s, I’m thankful to be able to make memories and grow over the past few years. I pray for every one of you, I hope that you will be able to achieve your goals and live your lives to the fullest.
