Sevenoaks Senior College Term 1 2024 Newsletter

NEWSLETTER

HARMONY DAY

CELEBRATING OUR CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Harmony Day is always one of the most anticipated events on the Sevenoaks annual calendar. This year we are proud to have over 50 nationalities represented across our student and staff cohort.

Harmony Day was originally an Australian celebration but is now marked worldwide. Whether you want to be better friends with your neighbours or stand in the shoes of another, Harmony Day brings people together to celebrate diversity and multiculturalism.

Highlights of the day included: our international flag display; traditional African drummers and their inclusive workshop and performance on stage; Arty Umbrellas (the display lives on in our library); Westoz wildlife and their Australian animal collection that included a beautiful koala, lizards and three snakes; Henna tattooing; giant games; facepainting and more!

Many students dressed in their stunning national costumes showcasing their heritage and culture There were many colourful performances, including dances by the Deadly Sista Girlz, and performances by the music class.

As usual we celebrated with food from many different cultures and a ton of different flavours A big thank you to the hospitality students and staff for this year’s delicious dishes!

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

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DR KAREN READ

Hello everyone and welcome to our first newsletter for 2024. In particular, a special welcome to our new students and their families who come to us from local areas, from across the metropolitan area and from overseas.

At Sevenoaks, we have a remarkable sense of cultural inclusion and social acceptance. Students’ enthusiasm and participation in the full range of term one events and activities which Sevenoaks offers has been worthy of celebrating our unique culture. When you read through this newsletter you will learn more about Sevenoaks and seeing what our community looks like in action. A place of great opportunity and a place where students can connect and belong

Whilst students have enjoyed many great events, they have also been working hard on their choice of courses as they progress along their pathway to their future destination. Many students have already explored their future pathways through visits to a wide range of training organisations and businesses to see what is possible.

It has been encouraging to see how students have quickly engaged in their learning and how they have been keen to make the most of every opportunity given to them.

- Dr Karen Read, Principal

Our newly established partnership with the Australian Medical Association has been a great success with over 100 students enrolled: 46 students are now studying a Certificate II in Community Health and Wellbeing; a further 33 students are enrolled in the Certificate III in Allied Health Assistant whilst another 24 are doing a Certificate IV in Nursing Preparation. These certificates will enable great opportunities to a career pathway in healthwhichisalsomuchneededinthecommunity.

We welcomed new staff and at the end of this term, we also farewelled two long serving staff members who will be missed by the College staff and students. Rob Pitts was a founding staff member and leaves Sevenoaks after 23 years of service, with a total of 40 years service to the Department of Education. Rob has had a great influence on the outcomes for students in the technology area. Rob has always put students first and we can onlywishhimahappyandrelaxingretirement.

Jennifer Smith has been with us for 18 years as an Education Assistant with the Big Picture/Canning Skills programs. Jen has been an amazing support to all of the students who have gone through these programs, offering support and care, ensuring that each and everyone of them had a safe space and a sense of belonging.

Enjoyreadingournewsletter.

2024 STUDENT GUILD

CONGRATULATIONS NOMINEES

Congratulations to the following students who have been elected to this year's Student Guild: Jed Samson, Putu Ayu Baker, Aprile Narrier, Alina Hussain, Azriel Fae Gepte and Salma Bunyarat Kulyaphatanophat who make up our Year 12 group; along with Liliesha Kavanagh, Karri Marshall, Charise Calzado, Marcus Bennell, Kim Ballesteros, Shubham Bhatt and MarissaRodzreewhoarethisyear'sYear11representatives.

These are the students who have been voted by their peers and teachers to represent the entire student body as Guild members in 2024, a truly fantasticachievement.Welldone!

Thisyear,ourGuildwill: beleadersamongtheirpeers be the voice for their peers and help make decisions about what goes onhereatSevenoaks enjoy leadership team building activities such as the Guild camp and GRIPLeadershipconference fundraiseforworthycauses planeventssuch asSevenoaksGotTalent

A huge thank you to the Electoral Commission for providing the voting polls and completing the official vote count for this year's Guild election. It is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn the voting process before turning 18 and becoming active and informed members of our democratic nation. Thanks to all students and staff who listened to our nomineescampaign speechesandvotedontheday.Weappreciateyou!

Our 2024 Co-Captains will be announced early next term. Well done to the studentswhocompleted thewrittenapplicationandinterviewprocess.

Welcome to the Student Guild for 2024. We welcome back four students from last year as well as nine new members. Thank you for stepping up as student leaders in 2024!

Ms Felicity Ivison STUDENT SERVICES COORDINATOR

FOLLOW THE DREAM & DSG

Welcome Follow the Dream and Deadly Sistas community to 2024! As we step into this new year, we know it will be filled with endless opportunities, boundless creativity, and remarkable achievements.

Let's make 2024 our best year yet! Dream Big, Class of 2024

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY - SSC EVENT

Follow the Dream has always celebrated International Women’s day and this year our students presented on the themes of: ‘Count Her In: Invest in Women Accelerate Progress’

Our Follow the Dream Community Elder, Jacqui Eades was our guest speaker and encouraged the girls to keep the fire burning between themselves and their mothers and grandmothers as they are the holders of the wisdom and culture

A huge thank you to the team who made it all possible. A beautiful morning filled with speeches, dances, displays, food and meaningful conversations. Students invited women who were important and inspirational in their life to come along Thank you to all who attended

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY - RWA SUNDOWNER

As part of International Women’s Day, Dr Hansen nominated Aprile Narrier to speak at an event hosted by Christine Ross Consulting celebrating the Voices of Aboriginal Women in partnership with Reconciliation Australia.

Aprile represented the “youth voice” and inspired everyone with her speech on resilience and strength in adversity. She received a standing ovation and did her College and community proud.

Congratulations Aprile, you are a star.

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY - DOE BREAKFAST

The celebration of Women culminated in Follow the Dream girls attending the Department of Education WA Women of Achievement Awards at The Westin Perth Students were accompanied by Dr Read and Dr Hansen together with Kim Farmer and Cherokee Ugle.

North Lake Senior Campus’s Fremantle Fast Track Program Coordinator Dr Antionette Morris won this prestigious award.

The students were treated to a sumptuous breakfast and enjoyed listening to and meeting keynote speaker Jelena Dokic.

Students were fortunate to also meet DOE WA Deputy Director, Jim Bell, Director General, Lisa Rodgers, Deputy Director General, Melesha Sands and Early Childhood Education Minister, Siobhan Winton.

VALENTINE’S DAY

February saw us celebrating Valentine’s Day During Advocacy, Dr Hansen presented a session on Love Languages and students had the opportunity to do a quiz This helps participants to understand themselves, communicate effectively, strengthen relationships, resolve conflicts, and promote personal growth. A super fun and engaging activity which students thoroughly enjoyed The snacks were yummy too!

HARMONY DAY

February was also the month of Sevenoaks Senior College’s Harmony Day celebrations. Together with our DSG program, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students performed songs and dances, and made Aboriginal foods for tasting. Our students also put up a colorful display which showcased Aboriginal history and culture

Congratulations to our MC for the event, Aprile Narrier.

KEYS 4 LIFE

Congratulations to Bella, Harley and Malik, who all passed their Keys 4 Life test at an excursion to the Champion Centre this term! Keys4Life is a predriver education program that allows students over 15 years of age to learn about safe driving and sit their Learner’s Permit Theory Test. This is a huge achievement, well done students!

STUDENT GUILD

Congratulations Aprile Narrier on your nomination to the Year 12 Student Guild! We are beyond proud of you and can’t wait to witness you grow and continue to develop your leadership skills. You are a natural born leader and a wonderful role model for your peers You spoke beautifully during your campaign speech and we wish you the best of luck with your CoCaptain nomination!

BG&E VISIT

Anthony Wood, Director WA, and Barry Jones, Senior Consultant – People & Culture, visited the College this term to formalise plans for 2024 We are pleased to announce that BG&E will continue to support our First Nations students through scholarships, cultural consultancy, incursions and excursions, work experience, and provide the end of year prize for the Top Aboriginal student. Thank you BG&E for these incredible opportunities and support for our students!

WELCOME, ETHAN!

Sevenoaks welcomes Ethan Hurriduth as an Education Assistant. Ethan is studying Physical Education teaching at Murdoch University and is focusing on providing culturally responsive education and support to Indigenous students. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by First Nations youth, Ethan is committed to fostering a nurturing and empowering learning environment. Welcome on board Ethan! clickhere clickhere

BIG PICTURE ACADEMY NEWS

AVIATION HERITAGE MUSEUM OF WA

Big Picture Academy students visited the aviation museum in Bullcreek and were treated to a personalised guided tour around the many exhibits there. The museum is created and maintained by the RAAFA Association of Western Australia. It houses military and civilian aircraft, aircraft replicas and aircraft engines

The venue continues to grow each year and this time around we were able to view the British Tornado GR4 fighter jet that is now housed here. The plane was still on active service in 2019 and was then transported to WA, donated to the museum by the RAF The jet is the latest in a long line of acquisitions that spans the history of aviation.

Our students saw biplanes, early jet engines, a World War II Lancaster bomber and learned about the beginnings of the Australian Flying Corps. The museum commemorates services to WA with activities and displays focusing on the achievements and sacrifices of Air Force personnel in war and peace.

Our students were able to sit in the cockpits of decommissioned planes and we were all invited into the Clubhouse for lunch. The museum is well worth a visit if you have a few hours to spare

CARLISLE TAFE

This term we attended Carlisle TAFE to visit the state of the art automotive workshops. If you are interested in panel beating, spray painting or mechanical repairs, this is definitely the place to be.

Carlisle TAFE offers a purpose built facility for refrigeration and air-conditioning and automotive refinishing, so it’s not just about cars! The lecturers specialise in supermarket refrigeration systems, cool rooms and split air conditioners, amongst other things.

Here you can develop skills in interpreting diagrams, repairing electrical circuits and creating safe working practices and environmental awareness You can also get ahead of the game studying hybrid and electric vehicles. As an apprentice you will work full time and study for your qualification while you get paid

We saw all types of light vehicles including high powered motor cycles. Here you can train in the Certificate III Motor Cycle Mechanical Technology or Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawnmowers). Qualifications are available up to Certificate IV level and we were interested to learn that there are multiple access points to career positions in the mine sites.

The staff were great and answered all our questions and the campus is fantastic. We would recommend everyone to make an appointment and take the tour

SCULPTURES BY THE SEA

Sculptures by the Sea, is staged on the beautiful and iconic Cottesloe Beach. This year there were 71 artists from 14 countries participating in the 20th exhibition and it remains one of Australia’s largest free public events.

Students from the Big Picture Academy joined the crowds to enjoy this event on a beautiful autumnal day. As always there was something for everyone, ranging from the abstract to the kinetic, and the figurative to the environmental. A fun day out for both students and staff!

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY - CUMMINS TOUR

As part of the celebration of International Women’s Day, 20 students from Sevenoaks joined students from the Clontarf Academy, as well as our Principal, Dr Karen Read, for a tour of the Cummins facilities in Forrestfield.

This event was all about strengthening these ties but with a particular focus on apprenticeships for women in engineering design and manufacturing, truck engine and filtration repairs and electrical power generation products Our excursion coincided with the visit of several American bosses who also happened to be female and took time out of their busy schedule to talk to our students about their career pathways and roles within the organisation.

Bonnie Fetch is the Vice President of Distribution Business, where she leads approximately 16,000 employees worldwide. In this role, she oversees the sales, service and support for Cummins’ locations and dealers in more than 190 countries and territories. She spoke of humble beginnings and dealing with prejudice and obstacles on her rise to the top of this profession and left us with the message that you will achieve your dreams if you work hard enough

We were also invited to participate in a smoking ceremony along with all the Cummins employees followed by a steak BBQ. All in all this was an excellent insight into the world of corporate big business and i know that several students have been inspired to look further into careers in the trade area

AQWA EXCURSION

The Big Picture Academy had a whale of a time at our AQWA excursion this term! If you have an interest in marine biology, the oceans, or you simply just care about the creatures who live on our coastline, then AQWA is a place you must visit.

Students loved that AQWA is dedicated to supporting projects that promote a better understanding of marine life which encourages a healthier interaction between us and the sea AQWA is about rescue, rehabilitation and release, whether that is an injured turtle or damaged coral reef.

Students were informed about the numerous job opportunities here, including hospitality, repairs and maintenance, to divemaster and ocean guide. Students and staff were inspired to get involved and many are considering joining their active volunteer program and plan to support them by visiting again! clickhere

BACK ON THE RACK

GRAND OPENING

In week 7 of this term, we held the grand opening event for the Back on the Rack OpShop, a student led initiative supported by the City of Canning throughtheirYouthGrant,andourwonderfulyouthworker,Michelle.

Students have been involved in all aspects of this project from the inception of the idea, to implementation, and finally the long awaited opening. This included marketing, promotion, surveying the target audience, furnishing, planning and signage. Students are also responsibleforstaffing,collectionofdonations,andpricing.

The Back on the Rack committee have been meeting multiple times a week since mid 2023 in their break times, before/after school and even in theschoolholidaystoensurethespacewasreadyforopeningday.

A huge thank you to the Mayor Patrick Hall from the City of Canning who came along to officially open the space, as well as our other VIP guests whotook timeoutoftheirbusyscheduletosupportus.

It is our hope that this shop will bring some much needed reprieve for our families and wider community, while providing our students with a wonderfullearningopportunityandexperience.Videocomingsoon!

IN THE CLASSROOM

ART - CHINESE NEW YEAR PAPERCUT COMPETITION

This term, Ms Wilton's Year 12 General Art students completed some beautiful paper cut artwork in celebration of Chinese New Year The art pieces were displayed outside the Art Studio where students and staff got to vote for their favourite Congratulations Yishan Huang (1st, artwork pictured left), Namkha Pradhan (2nd) and Geogia Jones (3rd).

ART - FOOD FOCUS & LANDSCAPES

The Year 11 Art students have been focussing on food this term. They have explored various media and ground to create some fabulous artworks. Ms Wilton has been so impressed with the new Year 11 students andisthoroughlyenjoyingwatchingthemdeveloptheirskills.

The Year 12 Art students have been exploring media through various landscape and environment studies and continue to be wonderful role models fortheYear11's.

SEVENOAKS HEALTH CLINIC

Our Certificate II Community Health and Wellbeing students have been very busy in the Sevenoaks Health Training Clinic. Students have been learning about infection prevention and control, and the correct procedures for donning and doffing PPE. The students were fabulous and diligentinfollowingtheprotocols.Welldone!

IN THE CLASSROOM CONTINUED

HISTORY WITH MR LUXTON-LAWRENCE

Well done to our Year 11 and 12 History students who produced some outstanding work for their project to connect with the past by becoming journalists (and make historyexciting)thisterm.Herearesomeofthestandouts.

I was truly blown away by the quality of work!

Mr Luxton-Lawrence HISTORY TEACHER

SPORT

INTERSCHOOL FUTSAL

Early this term we participated in the Secondary Interschool Futsal Tournament at Kingsway Indoor Stadium. We had three teams competingtwo boys teams and one girls team, made up of a range of both Year 11 and Year 12 students. The tournament consisted of teams from a range of schools across the metro area

The boys teams played on Monday the 19th February with the Teal team having three wins and one loss across the day, narrowly missing out on the semi finals. The Navy Team were undefeated all day up until the last game against Shenton College, again narrowly missing out on the semi finals

Special mention to students Adrian Cooper and Dennis Liankar who were stand-outs in the Navy team, both scoring six goals across the day Ahmad Ismail also scored six goals for the Teal team, while Thang Kee Kintha demonstrated fantastic leadership throughout the day for Teal

The girls team played on Tuesday the 20th February, with only five playersno substitutes! The girls won three out of five games, only losing to the two soccer specialist teams. They showed fantastic sportsmanship and persistance all day Reem Rifai in particular stepped up and scored six goals for us on the day.

We are incredibly proud of all the students involved, who battled some extreme heat and managed to push through and achieve some fantastic results. Thanks to our sponsor, Grill’d Carousel, our “player of the day” award winners received a free burger for their awesome efforts! We can't wait to see how they go in the outdoor competition next term! Huge thanks to our coach, Ms Mcleay, for making it possible for our students to compete in these interschool tournaments. Well done everyone!

INTERSCHOOL BADMINTON

A fun day of friendly competition at Kingsway Stadium for the annual Badminton WA Upper School tournament. Sevenoaks was represented by two pairs of boys and girls who all experienced some success on the day.

There was some very exciting matches particularly one of Hong Zhi and Van’s in which the boys came back from being behind 26 to 15 to level the match at sudden death 29 all. Unfortunately they lost 30-29. Also congratulations to Frankie and Alfredo for progressing to the quarter finals. Our girls pairs also had some great games and several wins Well done!

Girls Pair 1 - Putu Ayu Baker & Cydney Leen

Girls Pair 2 - Alina Hussain & Emily Dutton

Boys Pair 1 - Frankie Lwin & Alfredo Caneda

Boys Pair 2 - Hong Zhi Toh & Van Bual King

Also, a huge thanks to Coach Middleton for his fabulous leadership.

HOUSEKEEPING

VALENTINES DAY FUNDRAISER

Valentine'satSevenoakswasalittleextrasweetthisyear!

Huge thanks to Year 12 student guild member, Putu, for arranging such an adorable fundraiser; delivering roses, cards and chocolates to students in class! All profits weredonatedtotheDogs’RefugeHome.

Our incredible youth workers also took our breath away by making free heart shapedpancakesatlunch!Thankyousomuchforallthatyoudo.

YEAR 12 BALL

Our Year 12 Sevenoaks Senior College Ball is only a few months away and the countdown is now officially on! The 2024 College Ball will be held in Week 1, Term 3, on Friday 19 July. This day will also be a pupil free day, so students will have the opportunity to utilise the whole day to prepare for the event, which will be held at the Grand River Ballroom at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Perth's CBD.

This year's theme is Winter Wonderland. Please remember that you are NOT required to dress to the theme if you do not wish.

A huge thank you to our Ball Committee who have been working tirelessly on posters, the music playlist, table favours, awards, decorations and more behind the scenes. We are so excited for you to see their hard work come together! Make sure you get your permission form signed ASAP. Tickets will be on sale early in Term 2 and payment plans will be available

UNIFORM

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A reminder that your outermost top must be school uniform. Please ensure you have purchased the school hoodie in time for winter! To purchase, please click the 'Order Uniform' button on the Sevenoaks Senior College website homepage or visit the Nell Gray website.

NEW CLUBS @ SEVENOAKS

This term we were lucky enough to have two brand new clubs start up at SSC: Dance club on Fridays and Art Club on Wednesdays! These join our long list of other extra-curriculars on offer, including: Ball Committee, Harmony Across Borders, Anime Club, Q-mmunity, Back on the Rack Committee and more!

AWARDS

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This term we congratulated our Semester 2, 2023 award winners with their well deserved certificates during Advocacy. Achievement Awards were presented to students who received the top mark in each subject or Certificate course, and Endeavour awards were presented to students with outstanding work ethic and/ormostoverallimprovement.

Special mention to Max, Anouk, Helena, Christine and Yishan who received four or more awards each! Huge congrats to Max who also received a scholarship fromtheCityofGosnellsearlythisterm,presentedbyMayorTerresaLynes.

WELCOME, AMA!

2024 has seen an exciting development in our College’s Health and Community Services space with the cementingofarelationshipwiththeAMA(AustralianMedicalAssociation).

We welcome staff from the AMA Training Services into our College, who will deliver the Certificate II in CommunityHealth andWellbeing,aswellastheCertificateIIIinAlliedHealthAssistant.

This relationship will see our students gain fabulous industry support and training, as well as access to a range of placement opportunities. Together with the AMA, our College has created an amazing training clinic that will allow our students to undertake practical training in a simulated industry environment, ensuring that theyarewellpreparedforcareersintheCommunityandHealthsectors.

Pictured above are our Year 12 Certificate III Allied Health Assistant students as they received their very smart looking AMAshirts. clickhere

IN THE MEDIA SSC MAKES HEADLINES