Sevenoaks Senior College Term 2 Newsletter 2023

RECONCILIATION WEEK

BE A VOICE FOR GENERATIONS

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. This year, our students embarked on various activities, including:

designing and painting “walking together” footprints for the College from large vinyl (kindly donated by Trevor Carpets)

an Excursion to BG&E with a dance and presentation by FTD students for all BG&E Staff

a lunch time jam session with peace/love/reconciliation songs participating in the Walk for Reconciliation at beautiful Kaarta Koomba (Kings Park) with thousands of people to connect to Boodja and celebrate the living Noongar culture.

an excursion to Visagio to participate in an art project with Noongar artist, Linda Lee Loo, and Visagio Staff.

PRIDE MONTH POP-UP

Q-mmunity’s first official event, “Pride Month Pop-Up”, was a huge success! As a group, Q-mmunity decided that it was important to celebrate Pride Month and honour the 1969 Stonewall riots. With celebrations worldwide that include pride parades, parties, workshops, concerts and picnics, Pride Month is a time for each individual to be proud of who they are and the unique offerings they bring to the world.

With two progress pride flags hanging in the school foyer, and a rainbow banner reading “Happy Pride Month,” Q-mmunity members proudly celebrated the diverse identities of our student body. They set up three bright, rainbow-themed stations, and shared the fun with our students and staff, who stunned with their face-paint, temporary tattoos, and polished nails.

Q-mmunity members did a fantastic job running the event! We are excited for future events run by Q-mmunity and acknowledge the power of visibility, connection, and pride.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL DR KAREN READ

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We are always amazed at how quickly each term goes as we work with our students to achieve their goals and engage them with their learning.

As this newsletter highlights, there have been many opportunities for our students including sport, cultural awareness events, career excursions and events to promote social inclusion.

A particular highlight this term has been the student led social and cultural committees. Student voice and action has enabled a range of events to be presented to all students. This has included our Harmony Across Borders committee promoting cultural inclusion; the Q-munnity supporting our LGBQTIA+ students and Pride Month Pop Up; our Anime Thursday lunchtime group analysing the animated cartoons; and, the Student Ball andLeaversJacketcommitteesensuringthatYear12isonetoremember.

Our soccer and volleyball teams have been training hard and achieving a lot of success. Our soccer team came second in the South East Senior Regional Competition. Our volleyball teams won four of the five divisions at a recent tournament and our A Division girls’ teams will now play in the Champion of Champion Secondary Volleyball tournament. Fantastic teamwork and high skill levels have been demonstrated throughout all games inbothsoccerandvolleyball.

This year we have added Charity fundraising sporting events to our calendar. In term one it was futsal (indoor soccer) and this term, volleyball. Students have loved participating in these events with many spectators on the sideline cheering on the student teams. Our staff team has also participated and has shown great skill and courageagainstmanydeterminedstudentteams.Wehaven’twonagameyetbutwewillkeeptrying.

We are continuing to provide every opportunity for our students to findtheirfuture. Students have participated in excursions to raise their awareness of the possibilities as they consider their future pathway. This has includedTAFE,CurtinUniversity,Komatsu,CumminsandWorkplaceLearning.

Reconciliation week was well attended with many activities to engage our students in understanding the history of our Indigenous First Nation’s People. We are lucky to have former AFL footballer Ash McGrath working here with our students. Ash is a former Brisbane Lions player. This year he helped in designing the Brisbane Lions jumper for the Indigenous round – it was an amazing jumper which was worn with pride by the BrisbaneLions.

I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday period whilst I thank all of our staff for the incredible work they do withourstudents,allday,everyday.

I thank our students for their contributions to Sevenoaks – they all make it a great place to be, a proud place to be a part of.

- Dr Karen Read, Principal

STUDENT GUILD

CO-CAPTAINS

Congratulations to Charzie Janovro and JV Franciso on being elected as our 2023 Sevenoaks Senior College Co-Captains! Charzie and JV will be representing the College at various whole school and community events andleadinganumberofStudentGuildactivitiesandfundraisers.

ERN HALLIDAY OVERNIGHT LEADERSHIP CAMP

Our Student Guild recently went on a one night, two day trip to Ern Halliday Recreation Camp in Hillarys. At the camp, our school leaders worked through various activities to test their strength, confidence and fears. The days included a flying fox, abseiling, caving, the big swing, 'minute to win it' andanumberofotherfun,challenginggames.

Year 12 Guild member Ella said her favourite part of the camp was how much she "really loved getting to know everyone" and how members all "connected as a group". A popular theme of the camp was how each student loved bonding with one another. "We went in as strangers, and left knowingeachotherlikelifelongmates".

"It was challenging and life changing, it also grew our bond with others in theGuild,havingfaithineachotherandourselves."

Many students described caving as the most difficult task, and event that requiredthemto"takechargeanduseteamworktosupportoneanother".

Overall, the camp was a positive and exciting experience. From haunted speakerstoMrFlavelltwerking,theGuildCampwasadored.

"Iamhonouredtogrowintoabetterandstrongerleaderwiththeguild"

- WrittenbyourYear11and12StudentGuildmembers

It was so fun to see our new leaders come together at camp. This year's Guild are wonderful young role models for our College.

Ms Bonnie McLeay YR 11 STUDENT SUPPORT COORDINATOR

FOLLOW THE DREAM NEWS

Kaya, and welcome to our section of the newsletter It has been an incredibly busy term for our Follow the Dream students and staff!

SORRY DAY

Every year on the 26th of May, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.

At Sevenoaks, our Follow the Dream program took time to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflected on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. Students had the opportunity to make badges and engage with a display of resources in the College Foyer Our Senior teacher Kayleen Hayward spent time in the classrooms delivering lessons about the Stolen Generation

LANGFORD ABORIGINAL ASSOCIATION

Follow the Dream is proud to continue their partnership with Langford Aboriginal Association (LAA). Through their Moorditj Koolungka Kaadadjiny (MKK) program, our students receive a fortnightly visit from Michelle Cummins, Program Coordinator, and staff. Sessions are based on topics surrounding youth empowerment.

BG&E INCURSION

Our partnership with BG&E continues this year. Staff from BG&E came into Follow the Dream this term to share opportunities in engineering and did the Marshmallow Engineering STEM Challenge with students. In eighteen minutes, teams must build the tallest free-standing structure out of sticks of spaghetti and marshmallows. The activity was designed to develops students' engineering skills and enhance their critical thinking. The activity works on the STEM concepts of design, building, shape, and structure in a fun and hands-on way.

JOBS AND SKILLS PARTNERSHIP

Follow the Dream has established a beneficial partnership with the Jobs and Skills Centre – Thornlie, South Metropolitan TAFE. Karlee Parnham, Senior Client Engagement Officer - Aboriginal Services, has visited students and hosted group and individual sessions to support our students' career pathways. The services are shaped according to the needs of the individual and work with local industries to create connections for Aboriginal clients to local employers.

The School engagement services provide students with career guidance and mentoring as they progress to exit the school system on completion of their studies; and to commence their next journey whether be continuing their education, seeking work or a traineeship or apprenticeship pathway.

TARGET CAROUSEL PARTNERSHIP

Follow the Dream is proud to have secured a wonderful partnership with Target Carousel This term, Store Manager, Daniel Roy-McGregor, and Assistant Store Manager, Rachel Harrison, both visited the College and spoke to Follow the Dream students about their experiences with Target and encouraged students to apply for casual vacancies.

They also have partnered with FTD to build on the Wesfarmers Reconciliation Action Plan, which is based around our five core areas of focus; increasing the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team members working in our business, ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team members access career development and progression to increase representation at all levels of our business; increasing our procurement from, and support for, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses, investing in partnerships with organisations who are focused on improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people; and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures

We are so proud to partner with Target Carousel. Some of the outcomes include:

Presentations at Follow the Dream from Target Staff

Engagement with their Aboriginal Advisor

Job interviews at the College

Successful job placements for our students (Dexter Cross, Tyresse Smith)

Sponsorship for Naidoc 2023

Ongoing cultural/training opportunities

We are very excited to see this partnership grow and look forward to the many opportunities it will provide for out Follow the Dream students.

CLONTARF NEWS clickhere

BRISBANE LIONS INDIGENOUS GUERNSEY DESIGN

Ash McGrath is a retired Indigenous AFL star who played a whopping 214 games for the Brisbane Lions from 2001 - 2014, winning a premiership with the team in 2003. Ash, along with ex teammate and good friend, Des Headland, recently designed the Lion's 2023 Indigenous Guernsey, which is a symbolic representation of their stories.

The right side of the design illustrates Ash and his family. The U shape symbols representing Ash, his brothers, and his parents. His family connections are the Wongi people in Kalgoorlie and the Yamatji people of WA Ash was born in the small town of Northam, home of the Ballading people, and the place where his Football journey began

Since hanging up his own footy boots, he has turned to helping other young indigenous boys as part of the Clontarf Foundation We are privileged to have Ash on site supporting our Indigenous boys 2 days a week and thank him for his contribution to our College community

I really enjoy working at Target because it is a welcoming and culturally safe environment with friendly staff members. I am grateful for this opportunity.

DEXTER CROSS FTD STUDENT

BIG PICTURE ACADEMY NEWS

BENTLEY TAFE EXCURSION

Early this term, Big Picture students visited Bentley TAFE to research courses in Hospitality, Vet Nursing and Animal Studies, and Fashion and Design. We were shown around Piney Lakes Restaurant, where hospitality students learn front of house duties and food preparation. Rob, Head Chef has worked in some of the best hotels in the world and was passionate about Hospitality as a career and the immense rewards that can be had We were also shown around the Patisserie, bakery, and new Cafe that students run themselves. The government is also investing millions of dollars of funding into kitchen facility upgrades so if you are interested in any aspect of hotel and catering careers, Bentley will be the place to be.

We were then given an interesting tour of the Vet training hospital and actually saw a patient in the operating theatre undergoing a procedure

We finished the day with an indepth tour of the Fashion Department, meeting students who were designing and creating clothing from scratch

Bentley is a beautiful campus, very chilled with an excellent canteen and other facilities. The staff are super friendly and helpful and keen to meet all potential students. Looking to the future, it would be a great campus to continue your studies especially if you live close by

FOOD BANK

The Big Picture Academy students were very fortunate to take part in the pilot stages of the new Sustainability and Cooking Program, offered by Foodbank.

The incursion ran over two weeks as students learned strategies to reduce individual waste in landfill, how to eat foods in season, meal planning and budgeting (to reduce waste), mindful eating and food safety skills

The sessions also included hands-on cooking where the students prepared a range of healthy cold and hot food plus sweets. After all the preparation and cooking was complete, the students enjoyed their meal. Some even went back for seconds!

SEXUAL HEALTH QUARTERS (SHQ)

Educators and facilitators from SHQ have been informing and empowering our Big Picture students by promoting positive relationships and healthy well-being this term. During the four weeks, students learned strategies to foster respectful relationships, take care of their sexual health, and practice consent Following the final information session, we headed out to their headquarters in Northbridge to explore the sexual health clinic and speak with health care professionals.

SHQ offers a range of services and is located just a five-minute walk from the Perth Railway Station, or two minutes from the Perth Bus port.

FOYER OXFORD - BOBBY TAYLOR

Bobby is a Year 12 Big Student with a natural talent for art. It was, therefore, no surprise to us when she was asked to get involved with some Aboriginal painting workshops with Foyer Oxford

Before the event, Bobby collaborated with the Volunteer and Projects Facilitator to provide input on what needed to be done and set up. Bobby also created posters and coordinated the purchase of necessary supplies, such as food, drinks, and equipment

During the event, Bobby set up the activity and food, ensuring everyone felt comfortable and included. She provided guidance on different styles of Aboriginal art and symbols and encouraged creativity among participants Additionally, Bobby facilitated conversations and effectively managed the mood of the room.

After the event, Bobby took the responsibility of cleaning up and packing away all the supplies and resources used. Overall, Bobby's active participation and guidance were essential in creating a successful and engaging event. Well done!

THORNLIE TAFE VISIT

Late this term, the Big Picture Academy completed our annual visit to Thornlie TAFE, which is always an interesting morning out. This year was no exception. Several Big Picture students are interested in future career pathways in the trades; specifically painting and decorating, carpentry, cabinet making and automotive

This visit, we were lucky enough to see second and third year students at work in each of these areas. In the near future Thornlie will be offering an Automation qualification, specifically geared towards students who want to work in the Mining Industry, an exciting new opportunity for our future students.

Thanks as always to Shirley Eason for organising our tour and for her insightful commentary. She has also volunteered to come and complete some one to one course counselling in preparation for TAFE applications next term. We are so grateful for Shirley's support.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? LUCIA BENGE

Lucia Graduated from the Sevenoaks Big Picture Academy in 2021, successfully completing her Certificate II General Education for Adults and Certificate II Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways. She was presented with the Top Achiever Award for her excellent effort

During Year 12, Lucia successfully applied for her Certificate III in Community Services (Childcare). She is currently completing her Diploma in Childcare and is working full time in a local childcare centre. She is considering applying to university next to year to train as a Paediatric Nurse. Congratulations Lucia we are so proud of you!

My favourite quote from the day was "choose a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life!"

Mrs Sue Owen ADVISORY TEACHER

INCURSIONS & EXCURSIONS

CURTIN UNIREADY - CAMPUS TOUR

As part of our Curtin UniReady Enabling Program, students visited Curtin University’s Bentley campus this term. This was a valuable opportunity for students to familiarise themselves with the university and its facilities. The day included tours of the campus and library, question/answer and information sessions, as well as interactive activitieswithagroupofcurrentuniversitystudents.

A highlight from the day was the race around the campus. During this activity, UniReady students familiarised themselves with the grounds by finding mystery locations to answer quiz questions and take creativephotosoftheirteam.

All students also participated in two Faculty activities of their choice. These included: Business and Law; Science and Engineering; Humanities; and, Health Sciences. These activities encouraged studentstoexplorethelearningandcareerpathwaysavailable.

The Curtin UniReady Enabling Program is available to Year 12 students only and more information about the Program is available in our CourseSelectionHandbook.

ATAR ENGLISH AND LITERATURE CONFERENCE

Year 12 ATAR English students attended the English and Literature Conference at Curtin University, attending several lectures and getting a feel for being a university student. Schools from across the state attend this excellent and informative conference, and it was fantastic toseeourstudentsengagedwithhigh-levelATAREnglishcontent.

Q-MMUNITY HEADSPACE INCURSION

In partnership with Headspace, Q-mmunity members engaged in a workshop to design a peer support group in the City of Canning. Our students had an abundance of amazing ideas to share, and their voices will be reflected in the creation of an inclusive and safe peer support group. We are excited to see the fruition of these ideas later this year, and to continue working alongside Headspace to support our diversestudentbody.

KOMATSU AND CUMMINS TOUR

This term, Trade Training students were welcomed to tour the facilities of two members of our TEC Consortium, Komatsu Australia and Cummins South Pacific. Students were shown the vast operations of both companies, including Dump Trucks with a capacity of over 350,000kgs and 3000kw engine powered Excavators. Both companies commented on the excellent standard of questions and interest shown in the operations and planning required to run such large companies. Student’s also had an opportunity to chat to some of the current apprenticesandgetanideaoftheopportunitiesavailable.

WORKPLACE LEARNING - HALL AND PRIOR VISIT

This term, three students from the Certificate II in Health Support Services took the opportunity to complete Core Training with Hall & Prior at the beautiful Karingal Green facility. This induction training is a prerequisite for the students commencingtheirworkplacementsinagedcareandafabulousexperience.

Congratulations Charnee, Troi and Ngawang. A very special thank you to Nadeneforaccompanyingthegroup.

IN THE CLASSROOM

HOSPITALITY - CHEF AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Our Year 11 Certificate II Hospitality students were lucky enough to hang out with, and learn from, Chef Ally this term for a potato croquette demonstration and tasting as part of the HGT Chef Ambassador Program. Students heard all about Ally's journey in the hospitality industry and the opportunities it presents for living and working abroad. Students asked some great questions and made somedeliciousfood.Welldone!

CAREER & ENTERPRISE - TOWER BUILDING

Mr Armstrong's Year 11 Careers class took part in a fun and interactive tower buildingchallengethisterm.

The marshmallow and straw activity is a very popular game used in many classrooms around the world to teach children about teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. In this activity, students are divided intoteamsandaregivenaspecificnumberofstrawsandmarshmallows.

The goal of the game is to see which team can build the tallest structure using only the straws and marshmallows provided. The students need to work collaboratively to come up with a design for their structure, and then they have to build it using the supplies provided. The team that builds the tallest, freestandingtowerattheendofaspecifictimelimitisthewinner.

This activity is a great way to help students develop their social and cognitive skills, as well as their hand-eye coordination and motor skills. It can also be a funandexcitingwaytoengagestudentsandgetthemexcitedaboutlearning.

Congratulationsto Raizen,Emily,HalimoandJaerowhowerethewinners!

EAL/D ENGLISH - YARNING CIRCLES

This term in Ms Christie and Ms Wallis' Year 12 General EAL/D classes, students were required to complete an oral assessment task related to storytelling across cultures. As part of their learning, we were very lucky to have had Ms Hayward visit our classes, to impart her rich cultural knowledge with us. This was done in the form of a yarning circle, in which Ms Hayward taught us about its history and structure, as well as about the importance of oral story telling in Aboriginal cultures. Everyone - teachers and students alike - was enriched by this cultural learning, making for an engaging and enjoyable task

SPORT

SCHOOL SPORT WA SENIOR VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

We entered this tournament with 5 teams (3 boys & 2 girls) and walked away with 4 championship titles All teams had been training after school and during breaks for the majority of term 2 and it paid off. Our teams had a fantastic day, all experiencing success and several teams undefeated.

Team 1 (Girls) – A Division Champions. The girls nominated as B Division but ended up taking out the whole competition They only dropped one set the entire day and played 7 games plus finals. A fantastic team performance and great individual efforts from Dawt Tha Hniang and Jasmine Agullo.

Team 2 (Girls) – C Division Champions. The girls had a fantastic day, undefeated and straight sets champions All girls played very well and their sportsmanship was wonderful. Fantastic serving from Deza Siman and Dana Diaz played very consistently throughout the day.

Team 1 (Boys) – B Division Champions. A fantastic group of students who deserved the win at this tournament All the boys played extremely well and undefeated. The only negative was a severe ankle injury to Jamal Fontana who, amazingly, still managed to play out the day and support his team.

Team 2 (Boys) – 3rd Place. Another fantastic effort from this team in a very competitive pool, however it only took the loss of one set the entire day to cost them a place in the finals. The team deserved a chance at the championship but unfortunately it was not to be All players had a great day and they supported each other very well.

Team 3 (Boys) – C Division Champions Another undefeated team These boys played very well all day and did not drop a set. The support and encouragement was fantastic to watch and a special mention to Guarav Sharma who played very consistently all tournament.

INTERSCHOOL SOCCER

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The 2023 Sevenoaks boys' interschool soccer team have had a busy and exciting term. They competed in the SSWA Southeast Regional Pennant competition against Belmont City College, Mazenod College and Al- Ameen College.

The team have played all three schools both at home and away, resulting in four wins and two losses, one against Mazenod in the first round and one against Belmont in the last.

This resulted in the team finishing 2nd on the ladder, missing out on the title of regional champions by 1 point.

Well done to all the students involved, the quality of skill and sportsmanship in this team is some of the best we have had in a long time. Special thanks to Coach McLeay and to all the students who stayed back after school to cheer on their friends. It made all the difference. We'll get 'em next year!

VOLLEYBALL CHARITY FUNDRAISER

Due to the success of last term's charity futsal tournament, SSC has decided to make our sporting fundraiser a termly event! With help from Co-Captain JV, Ms McLeay and Mr Middleton organised a round-robin style volleyball tournament for staff and students late this term. Six student teams and one staff team, comprising of Ms McLeay, Ms Davies, Ms Wallis, Mr Flavell, Mrs Burrell and Ms Waly, competed in front of friends and colleagues to raise money for Save the Children.

The competition ran over three days, with the grand final taking place on the second last day of term. The two grand final teams, CCC and YBC battled it out during lunchtime in front of roughly 100 onlookers, before YBC took out the 2023 charity volleyball champions title. Congratulations to the finalists and a huge thank you to every single person involved. Thanks to you, we were able to raiseover$200forthisincrediblyworthycause.Welldone!

The Student Services team ran a 'pop-in' event in week 9 of this term. This was an opportunity for students to see first hand the different support people here at Sevenoaks in a fun and relaxed way.

Students were able to walk through the Student Services area whilst engaging in some fun activities. They were given a “Student Services Passport” that, once completed, led them to Toastie Town where they received a yummy, hot toasted sandwich!

The activities students participated in were designed to help the team understand what students know about Student Services and identify areas the team can work on improving

Students who completed all three activities went in the draw for some prizes which were drawn that Friday. Congratulations to our lucky winners were:

1st Prize - Irmuun-Oyu Barsbaatar

2nd Prize - Nyeemah Gonzalez-Tammen

3rd Prize - Jaison Stock

STUDENT SERVICES POP-IN UNIFORM

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.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND CHARGES INCENTIVE - WIN $250!

We are excited to be offering our Contributions and Charges Incentive again for 2023! Simply pay your contributions and charges in full or enter into a payment plan by 3pm on September 1st, 2023, and you will go into the draw to win a $250 Coles Myer Giftcard! 1 entry per student. Payment can be made in person at the Front Office, or over the phone by calling 08 6235 7200.

TRADE TRAINING NEWS

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Year 12 student Ibrahim Rifai (pictured right) is building a chopper push bike for his final Year 12 project. He has constructed a whole wheel from scratch, starting with a recycled steel car rim. He has removed the existing centre, drilled and fitted spokes, and made a wider centre hub from a recycled mountain bike. He intends to use an old dragracingslick(tyre)onhiswheelonceit’scompleted.

Ibby has successfully undertaken work placement with Cummins this year and will be applying for an apprenticeship with them on completion of his schooling to work towards his goal of becoming a heavy diesel mechanic.

Year 12 student, Alana Mann (pictured right) has designed a fire pit using the Solidworks autocad program and has cut the body of her fire pit out on the CNC Plasma Cutter in the workshop. She then used the TIG welder to join the two halves together and is now fitting a fire grate underneath using some recycled steel mesh from an old gate. Next will be legs to keep it off the ground and perhapsagrillforsomesausagesoverthetop.

Alana loves trucks, and her dream is to become an automotive electrician on large moving equipment. She is excitedtomoveintotheworkforceinthisareanextyear.

SENIOR